Got my replacement HFL unit today. Since Acura has totally ignored the fact that these thing are junk from the factory and wont last, has anyone taken precautions or special modifications when installing their new ones to prevent a premature death of the new unit? Is this only a problem in hotter climates or do they fail everywhere? Thinking of drilling very small holes in the trim piece for more ventilation and maybe some of that insulating foil tape against the roof to help with heat against the unit.

 

Got everything modified and installed, reprogrammed my phone and everything A O K. Pics of mods below...

 

holes are hardly noticeable from regular seated position...

 

I just replaced mine as well, but I did not attempt to cool the area. I wonder if the "wrapping" will help keep heat out, or hold it in. Anyway, I'll be OK if I can get at least another 5 years of use out of it.

 

I am pretty sure that most of the heat comes from being close to the roof. By shielding it on the roof side and making the holes on the side toward the interior, I figured it would be a big help. Also, I don't like the AC blowing in my face, so I always point my vents straight up, and that may help too. I just know that I don't want to pay $200 every 3 years to replace one. It gets hot here in Texas.