I got my TL-S earlier this year and just recently noticed some marks on the front dash near the passenger airbag.

Has anyone else seen this? Is it an "expected" problem or can I get it fixed?






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Airbag?

 

Wow, that looks like shit. I'd be demanding a dash replacement.

 

maybe it's a sign from above!

 

i have the same thing on my dash, i thought it was normal?

 

It's the airbag. The finish on the dash is thinner there to allow the bag to burst through in an emergency. Treat the dash with some Aerospace 303 and the marks will be much less visible.

 

its from the airbag. you could use 303 on the dash and it should take care of it

 

Jinx!!!!!

 

It is normal, so you need to use a solution to moisturize/protect the cover, and the outline will disappear. I use Turtle Wax F21 frequently. Other swear by, I believe, 303.

 

lol i cant beleive we wrote the samething at the same time.

 

haha..thanks guys. Ya I assumed it was something to do with the airbag. The pattern is perfect and obviously in the right spot. I just found it amazing that this was 'normal'.

Would 303 or Turtle Wax F21 protect the dash for the long term? I did notice that it seems faded. I wipe it down with my chamois after I clean my car, but it still seems faded slightly.

 

if it is faded in sections i heard if you have warm damp towel and wipe the dash before you use 303 or some solution that it will evenly distribute it.

 

Its a big issue with the 3G TL's...hit search for dash fade and a ton of stuff will come up. I'm having the same problem too but thankfully not as bad as that. :/

 

omg i got the same thing there too! dealer said it was from those portable dvd players..good thing i made them clean that up with w/e they use and it disappear!

 

It's actually outgassing of the vinyl-- you need to clean the dash with a cleaner (Honda cleaner works well, I've heard, and I think it was pretty cheap), THEN apply a protectant like 303 Aerospace, which is available at boat/marine stores and some auto parts stores.

IIRC, there was a TSB on the "dash fade" or "ashy dash" as well as a number of threads here; just check the 3G Garage for more info.

 

It might be aliens marking your car for a later pick-up.





Sorry.........

 

it's the outline of the airbag's deployment cutout. All 3Gs have this problem, including my own. Reduce the time your dash spends under the sun (invest in one of those covers that fit under your windshield) and spray/protect with Aerospace 303 once every so often.

 

Mine doesn't have it but then again I regularly clean it w/ Vinylx (Lexol product) so I am just probably hiding it really well.

 

Lot of good advice. I'll add my anyhow.

First, clean the dash (regularly. Every couple of weeks at least). Use Woolite and water at about 1:5 or 1:10.

Then use a quality vinyl and rubber protectant. Aerospace 303, Megiuars Gold Class, etc. Put it on a little heavy, even, but heavy and let it sit for a while. They vinyl on the dash needs absorb some of the protectant. That will allow the vinyl to expand some. Now you can you a clean cloth to wipe down any excess to a moderate or matte finish.

You might need to do this over a few weeks to get rid of your airbag outline, but once it's gone, it's just regular up keep.

 

wow thanks a lot everyone for all the replies....sorry if this is a regular repost. I was too eager to show my pics that I didn't think to search first.

I will definitely use some sort of cleaner and I guess it will force me to clean my car even if the weather forecast shows rain

 

I can just barely see it on mine.... I have been soaking the dash pad in 303 every couple of weeks since I heard about the dash issue - thankfully it hasn't gotten any worse.

 

Clean your car