rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

Anybody know how to remove the rearview mirror? I removed the 2 plastic covers on it but saw no real way to remove it. I saw something like a metal tab on the inside and pushed but it did nothing. I didn't want to use excessive force and crack the windshield.

I tried to at least open the rearview mirror. There are no exposed screws so it looks as though it needs to be pryed open. It wasn't doing much and all I ended up doing was marring the plastic up. I heard something almost crack so I stopped. I didn't want to damage anything else by using force so I thought I'd rather ask to be safe.

If you are asking why I am trying to open up the mirror it's for 2 reasons: 1) I want to see if I can change that green LED in there and 2) I wanted to see the feasability of installing a built-in concealed V1 display in there.

Nofear6370

I was looking for a thread on how to do the same. My mirror leaked all this grayish black liquid last night and it ate away at the metal shift plate. Seeing various things that it is covered under a TSB but not sure.

01tl4tl

the 01 cl would be same problem in mirror as gen2 TL- the dimmer stops working and then brown spots appear in the mirror edge or a large bubble at the top of the viewing area- then actuall HAZMAT fluid leaks out!!!!
The maker was pro bono replacing them for a long time- till last year they stopped, acura was supposed to be in negotioation as to who would pay for this $140 mirror
and nothing has been heard about it

Assuming gen3 TL same mirror, maybe the new style the replacements are same -with supposed non hazardous innards-
there is no taking it apart to fiddle with the led or mount anything else in there- assume its still hazmat stuff

When a ziner complained to the NTSB, they asked for pics and documentation from any who had explosion of mirror
Its like someone threw a bucket of hot tar in the car- all over the seats and dash when it explodes! And you if you happen to be in the way

See your acura dealer and ask the service MANAGER and Parts Manager whats the latest policy on the mirror replacement

Most glass shops charge 20 bucks to do the R&R for you

There is a gen2 TL thread in DIY section on mirror replacement- remove the plastic covers- the clip inside it a lock tab- push down gently with dental pick type tool or tiny screwdriver- work GENTLY and then mirror should push down towards dash- do not wiggle or force or you will crack the windshield- $350-$450
Disclaimer- try at own risk- I told you to go to the glass shop!

01tl4tl

TSB are Technical Service Bulletins that acura distribute within its repair dept network to solve odd problems.
TSB wont address this issue- acura tech cant fix it-
That 06 should get a freebie- get to the dealer ASAP

other cars should ask for GOODWILL Warranty coverage, since the maker is not replying to emails and request these days

see gen2 TL thread- Rearview Mirror Exploded for all the details

Nofear6370

Thanks for all the info, I read through tons of posts and was trying to figure out what to do. I am going to a honda/acura specialist place here tomorrow. They will charge 190 for parts and labor, just moved to the area so dont really trust the glass shops just yet. I would order it online but dont want to risk it leaking more while I wait a week for the part. Also the shifter plate costs like 7 bucks so they will throw that in as well. Hopefully it does not happen again...

Nofear6370

Forgot to mention that the Acura dealer would not help in anyway (ie discounts etc), since I have not had my car serviced there. I just moved out to AZ so not sure how they expect me to be having my servicing done with them.

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

I read somewhere on the forum that they use a solid plate in the newer mirrors and no more of that fluid. Seems to have happened quite a bit. Fight the dealer on it even if you are out of warranty because this is a known problem. They should have really had a TSB on it.

Now back to my question; anybody know how to open the mirror? Or at least take it off the windshield?

OffTopik

This happened to some one else on this forum and i remember reading a that the liquid inside the mirror is dangerous and can make you very sick. Be carefull around that stuff.

01tl4tl

read the gen2 TL , DIY on rear miror removal

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

Thanks, I did search and found the 2G thread about rearview mirror removal before. I was thinking it would be different for us but now I just realized they have the same mirror as us. I gotta find that thread again. Damn search function isn't working!

01tl4tl

here is the main DIY section- its in there
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/d-i-y-mod-section-601528/

Nofear6370

I just spoke to the repair shop and they were able to change the rearview mirror but the metallic silver bezel over the shifter is part of a bigger part that costs 80 plus bucks. They ordered two face plates but I guess that was not the right part. I dont want to spend 150 bucks (parts and labor) to replace a larger part just cause I need to change the plate on top. Any ideas on what to do?

Nofear6370

Update : I called Acura Care and they seemed to be sorry and understand the issue. I have a case and they asked me to send in the receipts for the repair work, also told me to go ahead and get the face plate for the shifter replaced and they will work on some type of reimbursement. I will keep you guys posted. The shop is going to do the faceplate first thing in the AM.

Nofear6370

Just an update - Acura customer care ending up reimbursing me for both the parts and I just had to pay for labor. Not too bad...

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

That flimsy plastic shifter plate costs that much? Sad. You shouldn't have had to pay for labor man, you could just snap and pop it in yourself with no tools in 3 seconds.

jweinberg

The rearview mirror in my 2005 TL developed the bubble and I've been reading a bunch of posts to find out what's wrong. The mirror hasn't leaked yet but I'm looking to replace it before it does. I have read about the new type of mirror that uses the solid material for dimming. Does anybody know of a place that sells that kind? I found a couple of places that sell replacements but none were explicit about whether the replacements contain liquid or not.
Even better would be a plain old non-auto-dimming mirror. Does anyone have a model number for one that will fit the bracket in the 3rd gen?