'04 Base Amp vs '07-'08 Amp differences?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 10:42 AM
  #1  
Sutitan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 91
From: Denver, CO
'04 Base Amp vs '07-'08 Amp differences?

I was curious if anyone knew if there was a difference between and 04 amp and the newer, 07-08 Amps. My car has quite a bit of static which I believe is coming from the Amp. Ive read a few threads of people with the same issue that remedied it by changing the amp. But I dont want to buy another 04 amp that would be more likely to fail due to age. Id rather try put one in from a newer TL that might have a few more potential years before failing. I feel like the issue is just luck of the draw, but id like to wager that a newer amp would last longer than an older one

Any input/advice is appreciated. If you have a working amp that you'd like to sell, or let me use to test to confirm that it is the issue, id definitely be interested.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 12:16 PM
  #2  
geekybiker's Avatar
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 120
From: Chicagoland
Easy enough to check the part numbers and see if they changed. Just use oemacuraparts or similar.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2012 | 12:25 PM
  #3  
Sutitan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 91
From: Denver, CO
2004 : 39186-SEP-A01
2005 : 39186-SEP-A01
2006 : 39186-SEP-A01
2007 : 39186-SEP-A11
2008 : 39186-SEP-A11

So different model numbers, but something as simple as an amp, I dont feel like they could/would change much. I guess next step is tracking down wiring diagrams.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2012 | 09:06 AM
  #4  
rolan04tl's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Puerto Rico
Hello Sutitan,

Did you manage to find the difference between the 04-06 amp and the 07-08? They look the same on diagrams. I wonder if you can swap them. My amp on my 04 is dead. If anyone knows where i can get a working used 05-06 amp please let me know.

Regards,

Rolan
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2012 | 09:11 AM
  #5  
Predatorbird's Avatar
Bird is the Word
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 975
From: Florida
Originally Posted by rolan04tl
Hello Sutitan,

Did you manage to find the difference between the 04-06 amp and the 07-08? They look the same on diagrams. I wonder if you can swap them. My amp on my 04 is dead. If anyone knows where i can get a working used 05-06 amp please let me know.

Regards,

Rolan
Post a WTB in the black market or check with Ack. Friend of mine recently posted an ad on here and he ended up buying a used amp from Ack.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2012 | 10:07 AM
  #6  
Sutitan's Avatar
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 91
From: Denver, CO
Originally Posted by rolan04tl
Hello Sutitan,

Did you manage to find the difference between the 04-06 amp and the 07-08? They look the same on diagrams. I wonder if you can swap them. My amp on my 04 is dead. If anyone knows where i can get a working used 05-06 amp please let me know.

Regards,

Rolan
All I ever found out was that the wiring was identical (besides a few wire colors).

04-06 TL Amp wiring diagram (pin config)
http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/2...pg223942lx.jpg

07-08 TL Amp wiring diagram (pin config)
https://i.imgur.com/yKOnV.jpg?1

One thing that I am unsure of is the similarity of the speakers (resistance values). It would be unfortunate to swap amps and find out that the swapped 2ohms for 4ohm speakers or vice versa.

I haven't gone as far as going out and buying a 07-08 Amp and trying it. I dont have any friends with newer TL's, but if anyone in south florida is willing to let me use their amp for a minute or two, id be willing to test it.

At the moment, I was just looking at an aftermarket amp to drive the stock speakers. I would prefer the OEM amp if I could get a newer one for cheap.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2012 | 12:42 PM
  #7  
pohljm's Avatar
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,071
Likes: 596
From: San Diego, CA
just look at this as an opportunity to upgrade to a decent amp!
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2012 | 08:51 PM
  #8  
Superunknown's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 446
Likes: 153
From: Upstate NY
Originally Posted by rolan04tl
If anyone knows where i can get a working used 05-06 amp please let me know.
Aside from the forum, check ebay, junk yards. A working amp pulled from a totaled '05 or newer should run around $100. Try the following query on ebay:
Code:
acura tl (05, 06, 07, 08) amp -alternator
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2013 | 03:44 PM
  #9  
rolan04tl's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Puerto Rico
had the ssame problem described for a bad 2004 amp. static at low volume and low volume output / no sound from left channel.

replaced my amp today with a 2008's oem amp and got my sound back. have not been able to test it thoroughly but my volume is higher at 20 than it was at 40 with the bad amp and I can tell im getting sound from all speakers!! happy camper to say the least

thanks to AckTL05 for the amp and quick response.

good luck everyone!

Peace,

Rolan
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2013 | 03:59 PM
  #10  
JTS97Z28's Avatar
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 949
From: Plainfield, IL
Sweet^. Well since were on the subject, I know this would be a longer shot than going from an 04-06 amp to an 07-08 amp, but I wonder what the similarities are between the 3G OEM amp and the 4G OEM amp. Reason I ask is because the 09+ TL tech package with the higher end audio system sounds VERY good. I would LOVE to get a little better sound and even add the newer sub as well. The 09+ TL also uses a 8" sub on the rear deck and I think it only costs like 89 bucks new from acura parts. Would probably be a direct drop in, now if I only new if the amp would work.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 11:10 PM
  #11  
Gator04TL's Avatar
7th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by rolan04tl
had the ssame problem described for a bad 2004 amp. static at low volume and low volume output / no sound from left channel.

replaced my amp today with a 2008's oem amp and got my sound back. have not been able to test it thoroughly but my volume is higher at 20 than it was at 40 with the bad amp and I can tell im getting sound from all speakers!! happy camper to say the least

thanks to AckTL05 for the amp and quick response.

good luck everyone!

Peace,

Rolan
Is that amp from the 08 still working out for you? Trying to decide whether or not to get one. I'm having the same freakin' problem... buzzing and low vol even when it's at max. So annoying.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2013 | 09:39 AM
  #12  
350's Avatar
350
My first ricer
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 257
From: Willow Grove, PA
Originally Posted by JTS97Z28
Sweet^. Well since were on the subject, I know this would be a longer shot than going from an 04-06 amp to an 07-08 amp, but I wonder what the similarities are between the 3G OEM amp and the 4G OEM amp. Reason I ask is because the 09+ TL tech package with the higher end audio system sounds VERY good. I would LOVE to get a little better sound and even add the newer sub as well. The 09+ TL also uses a 8" sub on the rear deck and I think it only costs like 89 bucks new from acura parts. Would probably be a direct drop in, now if I only new if the amp would work.
I'm also curious about this, as I think the wattage is a little higher too.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2013 | 02:44 PM
  #13  
rolan04tl's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Puerto Rico
Originally Posted by Gator04TL
Is that amp from the 08 still working out for you? Trying to decide whether or not to get one. I'm having the same freakin' problem... buzzing and low vol even when it's at max. So annoying.
Yes. Its working fine. Go for it, you wont regret it. Good luck.

Rolan
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2013 | 03:30 PM
  #14  
Gator04TL's Avatar
7th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
^^ thanks man, ordering today. you rock.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2013 | 05:20 PM
  #15  
Gator04TL's Avatar
7th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
UPDATE:

Just installed the 08 amp. Worked like a charm. No buzz, volume is back to normal, everything is good!

If you haven't already done it, do it!

I found my amp off a wrecked 08 TL in CA. Shipped was 110 bucks. Way better the the 350+ from the OEM Acura/Honda sites.

Here is the website: http://www.ahparts.com/index.shtml

I think they still have one from an 07 if anybody wants it.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2014 | 11:49 PM
  #16  
RaiderJuan's Avatar
7th Gear
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
I know this thread is over a year old but thanks for the 411 guys!!!

I was able to find an amp on eBay for 100 bucks. It took weeks of waiting because there weren't any out there but I finally found one.

The amp I got was off a salvaged 07 TL, installed it into my 06 and it worked!! Just like you guys said!!

I've had it in my car for 5 days now and no problems.

So glad I was able to find this thread.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2014 | 01:47 PM
  #17  
mle724's Avatar
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Mobile, Alabama
Originally Posted by RaiderJuan
I know this thread is over a year old but thanks for the 411 guys!!!

I was able to find an amp on eBay for 100 bucks. It took weeks of waiting because there weren't any out there but I finally found one.

The amp I got was off a salvaged 07 TL, installed it into my 06 and it worked!! Just like you guys said!!

I've had it in my car for 5 days now and no problems.

So glad I was able to find this thread.
Just checking to see if it's still working well for you. My '04 TL amp is following suit. Time to replace.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2014 | 10:58 PM
  #18  
RaiderJuan's Avatar
7th Gear
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
Originally Posted by mle724
Just checking to see if it's still working well for you. My '04 TL amp is following suit. Time to replace.
Yeah, I've had it since April and it's still working great!

Go for it... find one and it will work!
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2014 | 12:49 AM
  #19  
mle724's Avatar
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Mobile, Alabama
Originally Posted by RaiderJuan
Yeah, I've had it since April and it's still working great!

Go for it... find one and it will work!
Update...
Purchased a used one from AckTL05 for $85. Installed it this morning, working great.
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2015 | 05:29 AM
  #20  
Coles226's Avatar
1st Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Just wanted to thank everyone for posting. I have an 04 TL and had the radio whine for YEARS. No shop I asked could tell me what it was without a diagnostic and I was just too cheap to pay so dealt with it since the system was fine otherwise and I became used to the whine. A few weeks back, max volume got cut down by about 1/4, no bass, etc. That's when I found this thread, bought an 07 amp (39186-SEP-A11) and all is awesome! Amazing how much you appreciate a properly working audio system. Thanks again!!!
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2015 | 04:00 PM
  #21  
chefboyardee's Avatar
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 59
From: Bay Area
Hey guys- glad to hear that you're getting your systems fixed up. I wanted to propose a DIY option as well since this seems to be happening to a LOT of the 04 TL stereo amps.

I've posted a howto HERE that describes how to replace the capacitors that are failing and causing the noise/buzzing/no volume issue. If you're handy with a soldering iron, this can be fixed for less than $20!
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2019 | 05:25 AM
  #22  
Acura_2004's Avatar
Intermediate
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 5
From: California
This blog totally solved my problem!

I too had the 04 bad amp...buzzing radio, tinny sounding radio, no power in the base sounds. Read this blog, and figured it was the amp. So I looked up the part number, and considered buying a new amp, but the price was approximately $500 from an online dealer. So I figured roll the dice, take a chance, and buy a used amp off of eBay.

The part number for 04-06 TL is: 39186-SEP-A01, while the part number for the 07-08 TL is: 39186-SEP-A11. I strongly believe that the 39186-SEP-A01 in our 04-06 TL is a defective part, prone to failure. So I bought the 39186-SEP-A11, which is the part for the 07-08 TL. I figure that part has been improved, with the failure prone part fixed. Even if I was wrong about that, I figure that I am getting a newer part, with presumably a bit more life left in it. I can tell you that the 39186-SEP-A11 from the 07-08 TL will fit perfectly in our 04-06 TL. So anyone our there considering replacing your amp, buy the 39186-SEP-A11 from the 07-08 TL. Stay away from the 39186-SEP-A01 from the 04-06 TL.

So I bought the 39186-SEP-A11 off of eBay, $75 delivered. In other parts of this blog, there are tutorials on fixing the bad capacitors of the existing amp, but that wasn't for me.

I installed it myself. Looking at the videos on how to remove your amp, the biggest issue was accessing that 3rd screw at the top of the amp. The video even states, that accessing the 3rd screw at the top of the amp, is the most difficult part of the job. It took a while, but it is do-able. And I am not even that handy. I originally asked my trusted mechanic to do it for me, but he declined because it was not in his area of expertise. I could have gone to a local auto radio shop, but I did not know of any that I could trust. Plus I figure that they would have charged me at least $100 labor. So, total cost to fix this buzzing radio: $75 (and my own labor).

Now I have a buzz free radio, and kicking base when I want it !!!
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2019 | 05:06 PM
  #23  
Joecop67's Avatar
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 684
Likes: 84
From: Columbus, Ohio
Originally Posted by Acura_2004
This blog totally solved my problem!

I too had the 04 bad amp...buzzing radio, tinny sounding radio, no power in the base sounds. Read this blog, and figured it was the amp. So I looked up the part number, and considered buying a new amp, but the price was approximately $500 from an online dealer. So I figured roll the dice, take a chance, and buy a used amp off of eBay.

The part number for 04-06 TL is: 39186-SEP-A01, while the part number for the 07-08 TL is: 39186-SEP-A11. I strongly believe that the 39186-SEP-A01 in our 04-06 TL is a defective part, prone to failure. So I bought the 39186-SEP-A11, which is the part for the 07-08 TL. I figure that part has been improved, with the failure prone part fixed. Even if I was wrong about that, I figure that I am getting a newer part, with presumably a bit more life left in it. I can tell you that the 39186-SEP-A11 from the 07-08 TL will fit perfectly in our 04-06 TL. So anyone our there considering replacing your amp, buy the 39186-SEP-A11 from the 07-08 TL. Stay away from the 39186-SEP-A01 from the 04-06 TL.

So I bought the 39186-SEP-A11 off of eBay, $75 delivered. In other parts of this blog, there are tutorials on fixing the bad capacitors of the existing amp, but that wasn't for me.

I installed it myself. Looking at the videos on how to remove your amp, the biggest issue was accessing that 3rd screw at the top of the amp. The video even states, that accessing the 3rd screw at the top of the amp, is the most difficult part of the job. It took a while, but it is do-able. And I am not even that handy. I originally asked my trusted mechanic to do it for me, but he declined because it was not in his area of expertise. I could have gone to a local auto radio shop, but I did not know of any that I could trust. Plus I figure that they would have charged me at least $100 labor. So, total cost to fix this buzzing radio: $75 (and my own labor).

Now I have a buzz free radio, and kicking base when I want it !!!
Where is your old one? I replaced the capacitors on mine, wasn’t that difficult.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AndrewS
Audio, Video, Electronics & Navigation
19
Mar 14, 2024 06:59 PM
Puma Jim
2G RDX Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
20
Oct 20, 2016 11:59 AM
gatrhumpy
Non-Automotive & Motorcycle Sales
19
Dec 31, 2015 04:22 PM
joflewbyu2
5G TLX (2015-2020)
139
Oct 8, 2015 11:16 AM
eastcoastguy
3G TL (2004-2008)
1
Sep 23, 2015 06:29 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:24 AM.