i have an '04 tl 45k. i never use the auto feature but usually set to the "lo" temp and adjust the fan speed accordingly during the summer weather. ive noticed that when the fan speed is above 3, the compressor is usually runnning non-stop, but when on lower speeds, it kicks on and off. if im at a light or idling with the fan speed at 1, and the compressor kicks on it really makes the whole car shake a bit, just to the point were u can say to yourself, there goes the compressor again. is this normal to feel this? its been going on a for a long time, maybe even since i got the car with 25k on it, but it never really bothered me.

one more thing. when shifting to reverse, i hear a loud metal on metal sound. like a clunk that occurs all the time when shifting to reverse. is this another normal acura sound? thanks guys

 

my 06 makes the noise when i put it in reverse.

 

My TL does the same noise when I shift to reverse, and also I can feel the slight vibration when the compressor turns on. Also when the radiator fan turns on.

 

I wouldn't call either of those problems "normal"

 

My '05 5A doesn't have either issue. No loud weird noises when shifting, and no shake from the A/C compressor activating. I can tell that the TL's compressor turns on from the sound if I have the windows down, but don't notice much vibration at all. I did notice A/C compressor vibration from pre-2004 cars I have or had, though.

 

i have an 06 auto and havent really noticed any of those. Only vibration i have notice is when you first start the car when trying to warm up. When its in the normal idle range its vibrating just a tad, but then goes away.

 

My 06 TL vibrates noticeably when the AC kicks in. It bugs me. I think I will take it in.

 

My 05 does this too. Drives me crazy! Let us know if you take in your car and what the dealer says/does.

 

I have an 05 with ~4k miles on it, when you force the A/C compressor clutch to engage by cranking the fan speed up, turning the temp to the lowest setting and pressing the "AC" button on the console, the car sounds like a 50hz subwoofer rumble throughout the cabin for about 2 seconds. This happens rarely for me currently as the compressor rarely turns on because it is winter time, however during the summer i can see this getting extremely annoying with the A/C cycling on and off.

I assume this a similar problem you guys have, any follow ups from trips to the dealer?

 

I've taken it in a couple of times and been told that it is normal. I'm pretty sure its not. I don't mind the sound, but the vibration is annoying.

My theory is it might be related to the motor mounts. Apparently there are 2 motor mounts on the TL that are designed to minimize vibration at idle. Could be a problem with those but I'm not sure. Any opinions?

 

i'm also guessing the compressor might be placing a heavier load on the engine than the engine management is expecting which causes the car to vibrate at a frequency your car resonates to. (if you look at your tach you'll notice the RPM goes up by about 50 to compensate for the compressor). Maybe its a simple software fix if they up the RPM just ever so slightly it may cure the vibration? (I don't notice this while driving at all. usually the tach is around ~ 1000 - 3000 rpm while moving or driving)

just an idea.

 

Anybody take in their car for the idle/compressor vibration? What did the dealer say?

 

FYI, I noticed the samething in a 2007 TL (auto) loaner, you can definitely hear the compressor kick on. Normal I guess?

 

I wouldnt mind it if I could just hear it, but on my car I can feel the whole car vibrate.

 

That doesn't sound normal, does the car shake when your engine is around 1000 rpm and the compressor kicks on? also whats the temperature outside when it does shake? Does this happen after 15 minutes of driving? I noticed on colder days like below 35, it is more pronounced.

 

It only vibrates at idle when the car is warm (around 700rpms). It doesn't really matter how long I've been driving for it can still happen and the outside temp doesn't make a huge difference.

I just got my car back from the dealer today and they said that it was a resonance issue and that nothing can be done about it.