timnguyen9

I'm starting to feel pretty frustrated by what us TL owners are having to go through to get the tire vibration issue resolved. Some people have been rather fortunate to have their dealers step up to the plate with the customer satisfaction that is expected of Honda's luxury brand name. It does seem that the majority of owners with the EL42s have either given up and decided to live with the existing tire, continue to work this issue with their dealer, or decided to use out of pocket money to buy another set of tires that is fitting of this vehicle.

For the people that have given up resolving with the dealer, where can I find or can someone provide the Bridgestone/Firestone CS number that will put us in touch with one of the local dealers to look at these poblematic tires?

need4spd

Consumer Affairs - U.S. Retail Operations

Consumer Affairs Dept.
P. O. Box 7988
Chicago, IL 60680-9534
800-367-3872
Fax 800-760-7859
Email: firestone_consumer_affairs@faneuil.com

This works for bridgestone too, they are one in the same.

timnguyen9

thanks

roadman

They will tell you to call Engineering at 800-847-3272.

So what I have been told so far is that there is a newer model of the EL-42 produced. The manufacture date is stamped on the tire. It is the last 3 numbers and they stand for the week and the year. For example 123 means that the tire was made on the 12th week of 2003, 024 means 2nd week of 2004 and so on. No word on what week the good ones started being produced.

Now, what does this all mean, who knows, I am waiting for a call back.

Ron A

Actually, it is 4 numbers. 4803 means the 48th week of 2003,0604 means the 6th week of 2004, and is actually the beginning date of the new tires. There is also a code on the tire, PVC is the old version of the EL-42, TU2 is the new version of the EL-42.

So, if you have a tire with the TU2 code, and a date code of 0604 or later, then you have the new version of the EL-42. It is the same tire, but the tread compound is supposed to have been reformulated to help eliminate or lessen the flatspotting,

rets

Not 4-digit numbers? Mine is 0904 instead of 094...

http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?p=733484
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77034

KeithL

They sent me to a Firestone store and then to a district manager who swapped my tires for LS-Z. My guess is they knew nothing when I called almost a month ago and are catching on. One way to do it is just go to a Firestone store, it needs to be a Corporate store not a franchise. They should know how to deal with OEM tires and if they don't then ask for contact info on the district manager as he as the power to get you tires. My process took a little over a week. From what I can tell most Firestone stores (in my area) use just standard spin balance, take the car to a place that has the Hunter 9700 GSP (www.gsp9700.com) and get the tires balanced right, you'll love it then.

roadman

Thanks, you know more than the corporate dealer they told me to call. When I get a chance I will check out my tires myself.

dheel

Here is a link to find the Bridgestone District Manager in your area. --
http://www.mastercare-usa.com/servic...store_main.jsp

I contacted my District Manager directly, bypassing the BS toll-free line in Chicago. Told him my problem and he set me up an appt. with my local BS company store. Results- the recompounded EL42's (btw, BS said there is no change in these tires from original tires) had low spots in them. They said they were going to replace them, I then suggested the LS-Z's, (which are suppose to and hopefully will be a better tire) They ordered the new tires which are suppose to be installed this week. Some say the LS-Z's still flat spot a little in cold but not as bad as the EL42's and goes away after a few miles. My main concern is the vibration's felt at all other times when driving. The Pilots seem to be the best choice not to flatspot. But at least I will get rid of the EL42's with hopefully a tire that is better without spending any of my money!