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So true...I've read enough of the horror stories here on AZ that I know that it's only a matter of time before this little crack turns into the grand canyon. I'm definitely not looking forward to this summer for what it's going to do the dash...
When it gets hot, they'll close up.. soon as you hit the AC.. grand canyon.
I am an owner of a 3G TL (2005 AT w/Navi) and also a service technician at an Acura Dealership here in San Diego,CA. Regardless of what you use to prevent the dash crack, I am sorry to say, it is inevitable. There is a known problem with the dashboards on 04-06 3G TLs only. They have fixed the issue with the 07-08 models, but will not replace or recall the 04-06. You might get lucky and recieve a "goodwill" discount but the average price to have it replaced is around $1800. The last time I checked, there is a pending class action lawsuit against Acura for this matter but I have not reseached it recently. My suggestion to you fellow 3G owners with cracks is to simply purchase a coverley to hide the imperfections. I am currently waiting for my tax return to purchase one for myself. Coverlay Mfg| Dash Cover Coverlay 30-408LL-DBL
Do you have proof that this issue has been fixed in the 07-08 models? The reason I ask is that I am looking to buy an 08.
The dashboard wasn't updated in material for 07-08. Same applies for the type-s. It also uses the same dashboard. It's a defect from factory. 90% of the time the cracks appear in the same 2 locations and spread. It can happen anywhere on the dashboard. Over time the material can no longer expand and contract. Over time, it will form a crack at a weak spot. Doesn't matter where you live as all 3rd gen TL's dashboards can fail. You can help the dashboard from cracking, but ultimately it's up to time to tell. The heat was believed to be the 1st issue, but as time went on a lot more dashboards cracked in the Winter (As did mine). This also adds to the fact that the dashboard is put through a tremendous amount of stress from hot to cold, cold to hot. It can no longer meet these demands and it fails. Lastly, a crack dashboard will not cause an airbag light to go on and will not cause the passenger side airbag to properly deploy.
no need. with the amount of force the airbag deploys with, it'll shred the film. It's not like the TL has a cut out in the dash for the passenger airbag... it just tears right through the dash.
Now that I've seen the whole "put a hole at the end of the crack" method, I may do that to prevent the growth of the crack.
It helps that it's in a hard-to-see place (on the intersection of the instrument cluster scoop with the rest of the dash), so the holes won't really be visible anyway.
I just honestly don't want to spend a fortune on replacing my dash. No way is some cosmetic defect from the factory going to prevent me from driving my TL until its engine dies or it's in an accident...
I am an owner of a 3G TL (2005 AT w/Navi) and also a service technician at an Acura Dealership here in San Diego,CA. Regardless of what you use to prevent the dash crack, I am sorry to say, it is inevitable. There is a known problem with the dashboards on 04-06 3G TLs only. They have fixed the issue with the 07-08 models, but will not replace or recall the 04-06. You might get lucky and recieve a "goodwill" discount but the average price to have it replaced is around $1800. The last time I checked, there is a pending class action lawsuit against Acura for this matter but I have not reseached it recently. My suggestion to you fellow 3G owners with cracks is to simply purchase a coverley to hide the imperfections. I am currently waiting for my tax return to purchase one for myself. Coverlay Mfg| Dash Cover Coverlay 30-408LL-DBL
Thanks for the info!!! I have a 2005 that I have owned since new and my dash cracked a couple of weeks ago. Not sure what recourse I have, but can't believe what I am reading that Acura knows about the problem as is doing nothing!!! Really disappointing to say the least!!!
Two questions...
1. Can you post a picture of your installed coverlay?
2. How does the coverlay affect the air bag deployment. I definately do not want to block the airbag for a cosmetic fix!!!!
I recently purchased this ABS plastic. I clamps on there, but for extra hold I also have it held down with automotive grade 3M tape. I am a person that loves to roll with their windows down and it was super embarassing to see my dash. Texas heat beat it up bad too.
It does have the passenger side airbag window as well so it can deploy properly. (I didn't tape that down)
