Hi everyone,

I just picked up my 09 TL-SH w/tech package two days ago with 40k miles (Grigio metallic, haven't taken any pics yet, but she's all stock). It was previously Acura CPO so I called Acura and they confirmed the warranty would come with it, so I have some powertrain peace of mind.

I come from a 2007 Infiniti G35S sedan which drove like a dream, but couldn't stay out of the shop, so I got rid of it once the warranty ended. So far I really like the Acura, it's much different than the G, but still very good for what I was wanting.

I have it taken to a local Acura dealership to do an inspection and they came back with a long list of service recommendations, including engine oil system flush, coolant flush, and replacing the rear differential fluid, brake fluid, coolant flush, auto tranny flush, fuel/air induction service, and replacing air filter and filter element. Seems like quite a bit, but I'm not overly familiar with my car yet (maintenance minder is not recommending anything yet...). They say it's due based on the age and mileage that it's at.

So just wanted to say hi, and also get some feedback on the items listed above. I've searched here and read that some people recommend against the engine oil system flush, and many of the fluids may not be needed so early, so not sure what I should do. I assume since it was certified a year ago that it was relatively well kept, and it has just about all service records showing regular service and oil changes, but as far as I can tell, no other fluids replaced. Any thoughts?

And looking forward to learning more from y'all!

 

Hey BSG!
welcome aboard!

the first thing I do with used vehicles is change the fluid.
They are all Drain and fills.
no need to "flush" anything.

drain oil, fill back up with new.
drain atf, fill back up with new.
drain brake fluid, fill back up with new.
drain diff fluid, fill back up with new.

with 40k miles she's still a baby!
you could probably run the coolant till 90-105k miles.

Remember, dealerships will try to upsell you on some items.
if the air filter is dirty and clogged, have it replaced. if its clean, you dont have to replace it. a dirty air filter will not harm MPG.

 

BSG1,


Congrats and welcome, enjoy your new acquisition.

 

Welcome to the board!

 

Welcome and enjoy.

Recommendations:
Eng Oil: New Filter, drain and fill.
Rear Diff: Drain and fill.
Tranny: Drain and fill.
Eng Air Filter: Replace
Cabin Air Filter: Replace

Wouldn't hurt to do:
Eng Coolant: drain and fill.
Front transfer case: drain and fill

 

This is very incorrect. A dirty air filter can hurt your MPG ratings by 10-20%.

A clean air filter results in improved gas mileage, better acceleration, increased engine life, lower emissions and overall improved engine performance. Not only does an air filter clean the air entering the engine but it also prevents debris from entering the engine and causing damage.

Symptoms of a dirty air filter vary but will often times include a noticeable decrease in gas mileage. Other symptoms are potential ignition problems cause by fouled spark plugs. A dirty air filter prevents the necessary volume of clean air from reaching the engine which affects the emission control systems of the car, reducing air flow and causing a too rich air-fuel mixture which can foul the spark plugs. Fouled spark plugs can create an engine miss, rough idle and even starting problems. In addition, a too rich fuel mixture increases engine deposits which may even cause the Service Engine Soon light to come on.

 

Also, if the car was purchased at an Acura dealership with CPO added, chances are the standard maintenance that is required for the car to even leave the dealership upon pick up is an oil change with filter, 50% pads and tires, and cabin filter.

 

Thanks everyone! It was previously CPO about a year ago, not when I bought it. So there may be some fluids that need to be done since then. I'm taking it to another Acura dealership tomorrow and they said they'll inspect all the fluids for no charge and let me know which ones are needed.

Also looks like the leather in the SH models are prone to getting cracked/flaky...so hopefully a good application of Leatherique will help with that.

I knew everything there was to know about my Infiniti but seem so clueless with this car (other than what I researched before buying it). But part of the fun is learning!

 

Just one thing to watch out for is the drive shafts (AKA Prop Shaft) on these TL's a lot of people have had whines coming from the front of the car.

Just a warning if it ever happens

 

nope.


yes, in the olden days with carbureted engine's, a dirty air filter does indeed affect gas mileage.

However, in the computer controlled world, a dirty air filter will not hurt MPG.

all the things you mentioned are controlled by the ECU.
the ECU will always keep A/F ratio at a constant.

 

Jason, you should check out this study from our federal government

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/...02_26_2009.pdf

 

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your purchase!

 

Good luck with your TL and welcome..

 

Congrats on your purchase, Enjoy the ride.

 

welcome buddy!

 

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to Acurazine.

 

Thanks again for the welcome everyone! I went to another Acura dealership that quoted me a lower cost to do all the fluids. After inspecting it for an hour, they come back and tell me it doesn't need anything. Not even an oil change. It's bizarre how one place gives me a laundry list of items that total $800 and another says it's good to go. They said the maintenance minder will tell me most of the items it needs, other than brake fluid and one other fluid (can't recall which...) but they checked those and all the colors look good.

So, I had them install the OEM splashguards and called it a day. I have the window tinting scheduled for next week and I might look into 19" wheels/tires since my OEM 18's are going to need new tires in about a year anyway. I've gotten most of my performance modding out of the way on previous cars, so hopefully I don't get the bug again with this one.

 

glad you didnt get hosed with unnecessary service

 

Welcome BSG-enjoy your new ride.