Hello... This is my first post on Acurazine - I am in the market for a new car in this price range and for the most part was dead set on buying a relatively strip/base model 3-series until I saw how much bang for the buck Acura offers in the TL. Not to mention the gorgeous interior!

So like normal I started researching as much as possible, preparing for the worst since problems are usually what compells people to write about their car. So far it seems like I need to look for three things before buying:

1) The dash fade issue -- Its the interior I love most about the TL, so it would be a damn same if I cant keep it looking like new.

2) 6MT - 3rd gear engagement trouble, and possibly having to work with Acura on this one since the only solution seems to be "unapproved" fluids

3) Low RPM buzz/drone/vibration phenomenon, which I would have to experience for myself

I found some pictures of used Acura TL's on ebay that have what I think is the "faded dash" issue. If I could upload them, then you guys could confirm or comment?

Thanks... Enjoying the forum! -Stephen

 

You probably are not going to run into any problems using the "unapproved" fluid.

As for the dash fade issue, in the problems and fixes subforum its been addressed at length and the results are mixed, depending on the person. I use the cleaner from the factory and the dash stays looking brand new. It used to have the 'fade,' took it in, they gave me the cleaner stuff. I use it once every few months without a problem.

 

Here's a link to the picture:

Acura TL Dash Pic

Pic is not great, but I can see some vertical lines and some smudges. Is this the "fade issue" ?

I've tried searching the forum, and there is a ton of talk about it but no pictures...



edit: Thanks for the quick reply! With so many people using the GM Syncromesh fluid with success, I'd definitely give it a shot. I do know that usually, smoother mechanics means better lubrication -- I cant see how it could do anyting to diminish the life of the transmission if it is indeed allowing it to operate more smoothly.

 

Took it in where? To the dealer? They gave you or you bought the cleaner? Without a problem, does this mean the fade went away?

 

That's not dashfade (well, actually I cannot tell by that angle)

However, this is.

 

I didnt even bring it to the attention of my dealer, the car was actually there for some other warranty work. They put the honda cleaner on the dash and it looked 10x better. I then bought a bottle of it, works well. I guess the 'fade' went away, the dash looks brand new.

 

I read the Acura service bulletin on the issue... It says:

"Keep in mind, though, if you clean the dashboard before all that material [compatibilizer material] has migrated, you may need to clean it again and reapply the protectant."

What I take this to mean is, the chemical will cause the dashboard to appear faded until all of it has passed through... eventually there will be no more of this chemical in the dashboard and frequent treatment will no longer be necessary (perhaps not at all) ??

Maybe its' best to let the dashboard "breathe" without applying any products which might seal it in, and then treat it at that time? Maybe treating the dash at the first signs of discoloration might prolong the problem?

 

That dash looks like it needs a bit of dusting. I have my TL over almost 2yrs and no sign of fading. Looks just like new. Other members I know don't have any issues with dash fading. I think in every new car make will have some sort of cliche in them but that would probably be 1-5 in every 100 cars. Plus it depends in where you live. If you live in Las Vegas say for example where the temperature hits over 100 degrees...anything would start to fade after the masssive heat!!!

 

No fade on my '05. Granted its garaged and almost never in the sun.

 

Welcome.

The TL really does offer much value for the price.

1) The interior is nice. No gaudy chrome rings around the gauges like Nissans. Nice clean lines. I agree with the other replies about the dash fade being different for many folks. Mine is fine. I use Formula 303 on it every 6-8 weeks.

2) The 3rd gear thing. I had it and then just drained and refilled with Honda MTF and it got much better. I did it right in my garage and didn't even bother with the dealer. In the cold the first shift might need a little extra time to engage but once it is warmed it is fine. Some are now talking about mixing the GM FM and Honda MTF in a 50/50 mix. I guess the viscosity of the GM is less than the Honda. Others simply swear by the GM. Changing the MTF is so easy I might just continue to dump/refill with the Honda MTF annually.

3) Low RPM buzz/drone/vibration phenomenon - I think it is only an AT issue, not MT (others please correct me). Also, don't confuse vibration with "flat spotting". I live close to the highway and until the tires warm up the car vibrates badly right around 65MPH. After 2 miles at speed it is all gone. I think it is worst with the EL42s like on my 05. I don't think the 06 cars use those. Also, if you drive further before getting to a highway or don't drive on the highway you may never notice it.

Almost a year after getting my TL I still love it. I just commented today to someone how the MT still makes me smile every time I drive the car.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

Man, just put some "Aerospace Protectant" by the company called 303 Products on that awesome dash of yours, and it will be like new. No luster, no gloss.

I use it on my TL about once every 2 years. (actually, I've only used it once so far, and it's been almost two years, I think I will use it again this summer).

I highly recommend the "Aerospace Protectant". You can get it at any Ace Hardware store. It is not cheap, but worth every penny. The surface looks just a bit "wet" right after you apply the protectant, but it dries and becomes completely invisible and non-glossy within 24 hours. Follow the directions on the bottle.

"Aerospace Protectant" by 303 Products

 

No fade here. Apply Meguiars NXT Tech about once every quarter. Didnt apply first time until after I read something on here, but never have seen fade whatsoever.

 

I've had my car for only a few months and haven't experienced this issue...nor had I experienced this issue with my previous black dashes in my 2004 Accord or my 2002 Civic.

From the moment I get the car I put protectant on the dash and do it at least on a monthly basis and NEVER had that problem. I found that my new cars were dehydrated because the protectant immediately absorbed into the dash and elsewhere.

My dash in the TL looks awesome and very black.

 

2005 6MT, 10,000 miles, zero issues other then the (once and a while) 3rd gear problems that I fixed by using the GM mtf.

The 6MT cars seem to have no problems with any vibrations or noises, our 6MT seems to be real quiet and smooth, and very fast!

The stock tires EL42 suck in the wet, but unfortunetly ours are wearing very well.

Brett

 

I accidentally put scuff marks on my 06 TL's dash (the matte rubberized part on top). I did this while trying to dust it with a MF cloth!!!!!

So, if I use the 303 product, will it seal in these scuff marks, or eliminate them? I've tried other products, gently buffing with another wet MF cloth, and the marks are still there when it dries. Help!!!

 

I'm also a HUGE fan of the Aerospace 303 product. It eliminated any "dash fade" problems I had and my car sits outside quite frequently.

As for it curing "scuff marks", it all depends on your definition of scuff marks. It's well worth the price and if the 303 helps with the scuff marks, then great! If not, I'm not sure what would help you but I've never heard of anyone scuffing their dash/interior with a microfiber cloth only.

 

Definite scuff marks....long and thin. The edge of the mf cloth made them when I pressed too hard to dust. I'll try the 303. Thanks!

 

I took my car into the dealer today, and they got the scuff marks out. The service guy is going to a car cleaning specialist this week and wants to check with him about the 303 products. Then he's going to call me and recommend it or whatever else they recommend.

I couldn't find either Lexol or the 303 product at the two places I went to buy them (Ace Hardware and an auto parts store).

So, scuffs are gone and I learned my lesson.

BTW, I found this on the 303 web site:

"The plastic dashboard window on my car is milky and dull - is there a way to fix this?

We have had a few consumers with this same type of problem. 303 itself will not dull or make plastic milky. What has happen usually is someone used a type of window cleaner on the plastic witch contained alcohols or ammonia, like Windex. When these types of products are used it degrades the plastics - and if 303 Protectant is applied after, the problem becomes even more apparent.

How to solve your problem.
Using a fine rubbing compound remove the carefully polish out the milky look of the plastic. The last and most important step is once you successfully removed the cloudiness or milky look with the rubbing compound be sure to apply 303 Aerospace Protectant and polish dry."


Thought it might help.

 

Had the same problem. Go to the dealership parts department and by a can of "Vynle/leather protectant by Honda." Specifically designed by Honda/Acura to address this problem. Apply with sponge and leave it alone. I only had to apply a little every six months or so. Problem solved and the can is only 5 bucks. Don't use anything else. Good Luck.

 

i've heard of the 303 stuff, but cant seem to find it anywhere!

I have an 06 blk/blk and my dash is always fading and the airbag is showing. I use some lexol.. it shines like new... it usually takes about 2 - 3 months before it starts to fade again. Its strange, but a very small inconvience.


the driveline vibration... well..... the car does come with a kick-ass 5.1 surrond sound system maybe you'll never have to hear it!

 

go to any boating store, like where they sell marine maps and stuff of the nature, this is used to protect the leahter and vinyl on boats from the sun.

 

I just ordered some online the other day and received it in the mail. Here's a link: http://superiorcarcare.net/303produc...FSjWJAodRTPlLQ

Good luck.

 

http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=protectant

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=303+aerospace

the company's site lists places that sell it. it's not a product you will find in walmart.

 

Any RV / Camper places sell the 303 stuff. I used it on my 06 and the dash is perfect.

 

Mild cleaner + 303 works great. I get a dust outline where the airbag sits on the passenger side... just wipe off the dust every few weeks. No big deal

3rd gear MT issues- none so far

Drivetrain vibration- none

Pops- squeaks etc... more than I would like-mostly when the season changes - for a few weeks then silent again... still a fine car.

 

I've had my 2006 TL since last April when I first started posting here. I have used the Meguires pop-up wet cloths now for 8 months, and they are great! About once a week I use a microfiber dusting "thing"....got it at Linens 'n Things, and it has a "poodle-cut" micorfiber cover in a triangular shape. Pointy end is great for getting into all the crevices on the console. Dust everything, and then use several Meguires to wipe down all but the metal parts, including the leather. Every so often I used the Meguires Leather pop-up wet cloths and do a reconditioning on the seats.

For the dash: I go over it several times with the wipes. Start with it, then do the rest of the interior, then the dash again, then again after it dries.

My car looks brand new. All of the above takes about 15 minutes, and you wipe and walk away. Target and WalMart carry the Meguires pop-ups.

 

I follow a simliar rountine using Meguires wet cloths...my interior looks great!