I have an 04 TL, and the armrest felt tray does NOT have an OEM groove in it for an ipod cable pass thru allowing me to close the armrest without interference. Anyone have any ideas on the best way or best tool for me to use to cut a groove into the felt tray?

Thanks for the help.

 

You can use a dremel for precise cutting...

But, you may also order this part from a dealer, and just replace it...

Good luck.

 

Dremel with a wider wheel bit than the one used for cutting should work. If you want a better look though I agree with Tekno.. you can probably order just that tray insert from an 07 and up (dunno if prior years have that groove, but mine does).

 

That was my next question. What year did Acura start making that groove in the tray? I already found the part, it's ~30.00.

Second question: How to replace the tryay?

 

My 2007 TL-S definitely has it. It shouldn't be hard to pull out, but I've never looked at it. I'd imagine there are a few screws... I'll peep it on the way out of work today.

 

it had to of been on 07 when they added the AUX port, cuz my 06 does not have it. but depending on the size of the cord, it may be possible to run it out the drivers side, right where the slot is between the top try and the bottom section. there is a gap there so you can have the cell phone cord actually run out of the top compartment and still have the lid closed. the only problem with this is that it is hard the adjust the cord to line up properly because it is kinda far back so you have to torque your hand all funny to do it, and its hard to look down there while driving. if i can find a pic of what i am speaking of i will...


ok, so the pic really isnt the correct angle, but i have two power cords running out the center console and down the side, but if you were to make a right(which would run the cord towards the front of the car) there actually is a gap between the padded arm rest and the rest of the console which would allow you to route the cord to wherever, as long as it could reach. this what i did when i had to recharge my cell, i would just run it out the side and keep the phone in the cup holder.

 

Actually, the '06 does have a groove. Here are a couple of pictures of mine:

 

ok, so i have to leave work, but this is what i meant. dont mind my awesome MS Paint work.

the blue box indicated a notch in the armrest that allows it to shut without smashing the cord, and the red shows the route of the ipod cord.

its a start for now till you figure else what to do.

good luck and let us know what you end up doing

 

really, what the F$%&, i am on my way out, if i find this i am going to be pissed

 

I've got the USA Spec cable so it's the same size as ttribe's cable. I was actually trying to find that pic to help better explain myself. I knew I had seen it on this forum before!

I'm thinking of just taking a razor blade and cutting my own groove on my 04 TL tray. Currently I have the ipod cable coming out of the center console and I don't like this setup anymore.

 

blkaspec, late models 2006 have this option

But I hope you have it...

I use my cell charger thru it.

08 TLS

 

OK, since you said you are using a blade, I'm assuming you don't care how it looks as long as it is functional...

Use the blade, cut out a small half-a-circle, I would then find a rubber tube same diameter, cut it also half-a-circle, and crazy glue that sucker in...Thus making a legit looking passage.

Remember, the cord will he pulled an yanked, you don't want the tray to break apart.

Just my

 

Haven't found any info on how to remove that tray and replace it. I doubt it's that hard. I'm not super DIY guy but I did install the USA Spec adapter on my own so I think I can handle this.

 

^ Just look at it, see where the bolts are, see what's holding it down...

I'm sure the moment you will see the replacement piece, you will say DUH

 

I see what you're saying. Not a bad way to go. Thanks for the feedback.

I'm willing to sacrifice cosmetics for a quick, easy functional solution. That being said, if I can figure out how to remove and replace the tray, I'll buy the replacement part. (As long as I know what year to buy. Looks like '07 and later to be on the safe side.)

 

I just looked and it's like maybe 4 screws that hold that thing on. There may be some other more complicated clips and such holding it on but it looks pretty straightforward to take it off.

 

LOL I just found out about that groove thing, and the hole that allows you to plug something in that cigarette lighter in the console and run the wire up the other day.

 

Can you link to the part? I cut a groove in mine, but I'd like it to be factory.

 

Start here.
http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...catdisplay.jsp

You just need to select what year TL you want the parts for. The tray is considered a part of the "Rear Console". For an '07, it's Illustration #14 under "Rear Console".

From what we've talked about so far, it's 07's and later. And possibly late model '06's.

'07 Rear console:

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal

 

Yea the late model 06 TL have it because I found out while my buddy was doing my major install on my car audio that I have wiring that is laid out like the 07. Then I was told around June and July honda/acura starts to put little things on there late year models that you would find on there next year models, on there assemble line.

 

my 04 has it....

 

Nope...no slot

if i remember correctly, i believe mine was like the 100th or so car made in 06, so i am an unlucky one

 

The felt tray looks like a piece of cake to take off and replace. I'm going to try cutting a groove. If it looks crappy or I do a poor job, I'll just order the replacement part for an '07.

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

haha that sucks. How can you tell that your car was the 100th? I wonder what number mine is. Is it in the VIN or something?

 

yup, look at the thread in the 3G garage, deciphering the VIN

 

yeah, i think thats why i say that. i remember checking the VIN after i bought it and i believe it has like every option listed, as well as the year and the production # on there. i know there is a thread somewhere that tells you how to read it.

 

Cool!
I guess i guess mine was the 65xxx made
and my moms 08 Accord Coupe V6 is 15xxx made...