Will Acura Offer Replacement Vents in Black?
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Will Acura Offer Replacement Vents in Black?
Wondering whether Acura will offer replacement outboard vents in black to help deal with all of the window reflection complaints? Normally I'd guess not but they really seem to be in-tune with the issues and complaints with this car and its early enough in the run they should be able to re-spec the vents and update their purchase orders. I think if the outboard vents were black there would still be enough metallic trim in the car to carry the theme and look good, might even look better...
#4
I don't know. I mean everyone is different, and I personally saw it right away, and also got over it right away. In my ILX I can see a reflection of my vent on the window as well, though admittedly it is black so it is less noticeable. But I test drove a 2.4 and a V6 for a few hours each over two days and I did not feel that it was distracting or interfering with the use of the mirror at all.
Annoying sure, what an oversight. I just don't think Acura is going to do anything about it because it doesn't seem to hinder safety.
Annoying sure, what an oversight. I just don't think Acura is going to do anything about it because it doesn't seem to hinder safety.
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CheeseyPoofs McNut (09-23-2014)
#6
Tbh I only notice it when I look for it, just a glance in my mirror in traffic and I don't see it. It's not exactly a sore thumb I'd take a swap if they offered it, but I don't foresee myself doing any DIY on it.
#7
I still think the funhouse side mirror trips me up more than this reflection does. I've gotten used to the reflection (for the most part).
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justnspace (09-23-2014)
#10
My wife has a '14 RDX with black interior and black vents and at times you still get a pretty noticeable reflection in the window. It's just natural - glass is reflective...no way to completely avoid it. Almost every car will have this to some extent.
#11
Instructor
Wondering whether Acura will offer replacement outboard vents in black to help deal with all of the window reflection complaints? Normally I'd guess not but they really seem to be in-tune with the issues and complaints with this car and its early enough in the run they should be able to re-spec the vents and update their purchase orders. I think if the outboard vents were black there would still be enough metallic trim in the car to carry the theme and look good, might even look better...
#12
Pro
If i remember correctly, in one of the one-pack videos, it was stated that the black vents would be offered as an "accessory". i.e., not a warranty item. you can purchase and install, or even better, negotiate it in the deal when purchasing the car.
#14
I recall someone on the forum recieved the black replacement vents for their newly purchased TLX early on. They posted before and after pictures as well. Sorry, I can't remember the post topic name.
I thought the AC vent reflection, the 'fun house mirror' and the electronic gear selector would be my biggest adjustments. However, I adapted to those pretty quickly. Surprisingly, my biggest hurdle has been the size of the car! LOL I'm a 5'3" petite gal and the TLX feels so much more spacious, wider and taller than my 2005 TL.
I thought the AC vent reflection, the 'fun house mirror' and the electronic gear selector would be my biggest adjustments. However, I adapted to those pretty quickly. Surprisingly, my biggest hurdle has been the size of the car! LOL I'm a 5'3" petite gal and the TLX feels so much more spacious, wider and taller than my 2005 TL.
#15
Three Wheelin'
The car must feel like a very spacious cavern to a petite sized person. It seem big for me and I an 5' 11". I am yet to be distracted by the "fun house mirror" and I have to remind myself about the AC vent reflection as it not an issue. The electronic gear selector was one of the selling features for me, and there is a bit of a learning curve, but I am not too old to learn new things, e.g., engine is in drive, pressing the brake and start/stop turns off the engine, puts in P but leaves the car in Accessory power mode.
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mogriff1 (12-03-2014)
#17
Burning Brakes
#18
I agree, tint the windows first before thinking of replacing the bents if you were going to do it anyways. Hey Steve, post some pics of the reflection on a sunny day will ya?
#19
Burning Brakes
I don't deny that the image is there, but I think it is reduced.
#21
Burning Brakes
Window Closed
Window Open
Last edited by tlxsteve; 12-04-2014 at 09:44 PM.
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baelim (12-04-2014)
#22
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Acura Service News Article-December 2014
B14120C
Dashboard Side Vent Reflection in Door Glass
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SN/B14120C.PDF
http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/AH/B14120C/enu/B14120C.PDF
B14120C
Dashboard Side Vent Reflection in Door Glass
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SN/B14120C.PDF
http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/AH/B14120C/enu/B14120C.PDF
#24
Drifting
I wonder how they would look being different from the two center vents?
#27
Instructor
I also would like to know approximately how much these black replacement vents cost, but more importantly I would like to know if they are easy to install myself. I am a bit hesistant to have someone "rush" the installation and not do a perfect job, which may result in dashboard squeaks and rattles if the black replacements are not easy to install. I welcome the thoughts of those who had this done. Maybe someone has the Acura instruction sheet link to illustrate the installation process? Thank you.
#28
Three Wheelin'
Likely a job that can be performed by someone skilled in taking apart the interior fittings and has the right tools. I would not be surprised by a $50-100 charge for parts and another $100-150 for labour.
#29
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It looks like they should just pry out. Use a plastic trim tool to avoid damage.
Dashboard Vent Removal and Installation
http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...untry=1&lang=0
Dashboard Vent Removal and Installation
http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...untry=1&lang=0
Last edited by EE4Life; 12-07-2014 at 09:58 AM.
#30
#31
I had the same reflection problem. I contacted Acura customer support about 4 months ago reporting the problem. I suggested it was a safety issue as the reflection was very distracting. To my surprise, shortly after Christmas I received a call from American Honda advising Acura would replace the silver trimmed vents with black trimmed vents in the same color as the dash. The vents were replaced as a "warranty" fix. I was not charged for either the vent bezels or the installation. If you inquire at the dealer, or call Acura Customer Service I am sure you will get the same result. The new vents look great, and no distracting reflection.
#32
Drifting
Pics?
#34
Instructor
I had the same reflection problem. I contacted Acura customer support about 4 months ago reporting the problem. I suggested it was a safety issue as the reflection was very distracting. To my surprise, shortly after Christmas I received a call from American Honda advising Acura would replace the silver trimmed vents with black trimmed vents in the same color as the dash. The vents were replaced as a "warranty" fix. I was not charged for either the vent bezels or the installation. If you inquire at the dealer, or call Acura Customer Service I am sure you will get the same result. The new vents look great, and no distracting reflection.
Mods -- any chance you can merge the four threads to prevent this going forward?
#37
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Stew4HD (02-03-2015)
#40
Burning Brakes
I'd love them to offer all the metallic accents in black (if you have a black interior) - the metallic trim makes it seem somehow déclassé (IMHO). Like someone who would attend a funeral in a track suit and a gold chain picked the decor.
Last edited by boe_d; 02-04-2015 at 09:40 AM.