Outside Air Temperature Gauge Reads Inaccurately

SYMPTOM
In certain temperature ranges, the outside air temperature gauge reads several degrees (more thanthree) higher than expected. Occasionally, the outside temperature gauge displays three dashes after longcranks (when the engine is hot) and the temperature gauge then resets on the next ignition sequence.
NOTE: If the ambient temperature exceeds 115 °F, thegauge displays three dashes. This is normal.

PROBABLE CAUSE
The gauge control module logic is faulty.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the gauge control module/combination meter assembly.

PARTS INFORMATION
Gauge Control Module:
A/T - P/N 78100-SEP-305
M/T - P/N 78100-SEP-307

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 734101
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: P/N 78100-SEP-A01
Defect Code: 03214
Symptom Code: 03279
Template ID: 05-025A (A/T)
05-025B (M/T)
Skill Level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Using the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS), retrieve the odometer value.
• Refer to page 22-267 of the 2004 - 05 TL Service Manual, or
• Online, enter keyword ODO, and select Rewriting the ODO Data on a New Gauge
Control Module from the list.
2. Tilt the steering column down.
3. Remove the instrument panel.
• Gently pull along the top edge to release the upper clips.
• Carefully pull along the instrument panel lower edge to release the lower clips and hooks.
NOTE: Make sure not to scratch the dashboard and related components.
4. Disconnect the dash lights brightness controller connector and the SELECT/RESET switch connector.
5. Place a protective cloth over the upper column cover, and remove the gauge control module/combination meter assembly attachment screws.
6. Disconnect the connectors, and remove the gauge control module.
7. Install the new gauge control module in the reverse order of removal.
8. Follow the instructions on the HDS display to write the original odometer value to the new gauge control module.
NOTE: After completing the procedure, clear any DTCs that may have set during the gauge control module meter replacement.

BACKGROUND
On some 2006 TLs, the bolts on the right (passenger’s side) front impact sensor were not properly torqued. If the bolts loosen or fall out, the sensor may fail to properly detect a crash, possibly resulting in delayed or non-deployment of the passenger's airbag.

CLIENT NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign. An example of the client notification is at the end of this service bulletin. Only about 80 vehicles within the VIN range are affected. Before beginning work, verify vehicle eligibility by checking at least one of these items:
• The client has a notification letter.
• The vehicle is shown on your campaign
responsibility report.
• The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN status inquiry. In addition to these verification items, check for a punch mark above the first character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means the bolts on the right front impact sensor have already been retightened. Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new vehicle inventory. According to federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are repaired. To see if a vehicle is affected by this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Retighten the right (passenger’s side) front impact sensor bolts to the correct torque.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation Number: 7520A4
Flat Rate Time: 0.6 hours
Failed Part: P/N 77930-SEP-A12
Defect Code: 5FT00
Symptom Code: Q000
Template ID: 05-043A
Skill Level: Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. To keep the front airbags from deploying, turn the ignition switch off, remove the key, and wait at least 3 minutes.
2. Remove the front bumper. Refer to page 20-124 of the 2004–06 TL Service Manual.
3. Disconnect the 2P connector from the right (passenger’s side) front impact sensor.
4. Using a Torx T30 bit, loosen the sensor’s two Torx bolts to see if they are cross-threaded.
5. Hold the sensor tight against its bracket while you torque the Torx bolts to 9.8 N.m (7.2 lb-ft).
6. Reconnect the sensor’s 2P connector.
7. Reinstall the front bumper.
8. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and watch the SRS indicator.
• If the indicator comes on for about 6 seconds and then goes off, go to step 9.
• If the indicator comes on but doesn’t go off, troubleshoot the SRS for other possible problems, then go to step 9.
9. Center-punch a completion mark above the first character of the engine compartment VIN.

Example of Customer Letter

November 2005
Safety Recall: Loose Front Airbag Impact Sensor

Dear TL Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice?
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2006 TLs. The bolts on the right front impact sensor were not properly torqued. If the bolts loosen or fall out, the sensor may fail to properly detect a crash, possibly resulting in delayed or non-deployment of the passenger’s airbag.

What should you do?
Call any authorized Acura dealer, and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. The dealer will properly tighten the bolts on the right front impact sensor, free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle for half a day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling.

Who to contact if you experience problems.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Acura dealer, you may write to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Services
Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590

You can also call the toll-free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 [TTY (800) 424-9153], or go to www.safercar.gov.

What to do if you feel this notice is in error.
Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2006 TL involved in this campaign. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records.


Lessor Information.
Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within 10 days.

If you have questions.
If you have any questions about this notice, or need assistance with locating an Acura dealer, please call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238.
We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may cause you.

Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Automobile Division
Example of Customer Letter

November 4, 2005

Dear Service Manager:

Honda Motor Co., LTD is announcing a safety recall campaign for a limited number of 2006 TLs.

The bolts on the right (passenger’s side) front impact sensor were not properly torqued. If the bolts loosen or fall out, the sensor may fail to properly detect a crash, possibly resulting in delayed or nondeployment of the passenger’s airbag.

Repair Strategy
The repair is to check and retighten the Torx bolts on the right (passenger’s side) front impact sensor. For repair, VIN, and warranty information, refer to Service
Bulletin 05-043, Safety Recall: Right Front Impact Sensor is Loose.

Client Notification
Notifications to owners of affected vehicles will be mailed the week of November 7.

Only about 80 vehicles within the VIN range are affected. Before beginning work on a vehicle, verify its eligibility by checking at least one of these items:
• The client has a notification letter.
• The vehicle is shown on your campaign responsibility report.
• The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN status inquiry.

Some vehicles affected by this recall may be in your new vehicle inventory. According to federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are repaired. To see if a vehicle is affected by this recall, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it.

Parts Information
No parts are needed for this campaign.

Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Automobile Division