2013 TL Elite with vibration - new member seeking advice
 

Hi guys,

New member here. I’ve been reading you all on this forum for 2 years now and using the search engine so I haven’t had the need to ask for advice until today.

So here goes : I have a 2013 TL Elite package with roughly 75k km on it. Bought it used at 35k km and certified (7 years warranty) at my Acura dealer back in February 2017.

So far, I have had all the issues mentioned on this site :

• Driveshaft replaced as I was hearing a noise and feeling a vibration (covered on warranty -> was happy I paid the extra 1000$ for the warranty as this alone was 1500$)
• ATF fitler was replaced (covered on warranty)
• Sunroof auto-reverse (not covered)
• Knocking rear suspension : had it checked but, since it’s not covered, my shocks are still good enough
• Driver and passenger windows going all the way down when I hit the up button : no covered so I will grease up the tracks or live with it.
• Hood props not holding anymore : not covered, I will live with it for now
• It’s been consuming oil a bit but I have seen worse (so far) and I got the extended warranty letter from Acura
• For now, torque converter seems ok but … since I got all the issues … I am expecting the worse.

Here’s my biggest concern :

Since day 1, I have had this vibration that I can feel under my seat, gas pedal and steering wheel at 100-105km/h+. I have this same vibration with the 19’’ OEM wheels with Goodyear RSA, 18’’ mags with Toyo Observe Garti KX winter tires and same 18’’ mags with Dunlop Winter Maxx tires. Had the RSA’s and Dunlop road force balanced at the dealer. I discussed this with 3 different tech at the service counter and they were all pointing at the tires (3 sets, 2 different sizes and models, same issue … come on !!).

Summer, winter, doesn’t make a difference. If I put the car in neutral at 115km/h, it does the same but I’d say a tad less but the difference is quite unnoticeable at this point. 100 to 140km/h, same vibration.

A colleague of mine has a 2012 TL Tech and, it’s been doing the same since he bought it new (now at 230k km). He’s been on a hunt for answers since then. Tested with many tires (road force and regular balance), had the driveshaft machined by a specialized shop, changed many many parts, …. He is now suspecting the the driveshaft bearing support that is installed right under the driver’s seat. He thinks they all do that but many people juste don’t realize it.

I have read a lot on the forum and all of these seem to be unanswered/unresolved :

https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...-60mph-970674/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...-issue-801816/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...-speed-790738/
https://acurazine.com/forums/fourth-...estion-835918/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-t...estion-911276/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...ration-938698/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...-maybe-936852/
https://acurazine.com/forums/fourth-...sh-awd-916554/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p.../#post15166991
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-t...75-mph-914738/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...ristic-959617/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...-85mph-803271/

I love the TL but I am undecided now if I am going to keep it. I’m mad because I bought this car to keep it for 10+ years.

Looking at the IS350 but I really hate the fact that it’s hard to get all the options the TL has …

Any advice ? Anyone managed to solve this mystery ?

Thanks in advance

I don't have much input other than it likely being related to the AWD system since the folks that have posted with problems have had SH-AWD models. Some don't mention which model they have but I can't find any that specifically indicate that they have FWD and have the problem.

So having said that, I'd guess that the problem is somehow related to the driveshaft or rear differential components. There was one individual that reported a bit of vibration on a FWD model which went away when he replaced the passenger side half-shaft.

I don't recall how to do it - but I wonder if you might try disabling the SH-AWD system (I believe it was by pulling a fuse) then seeing if the problem persists. I don't know enough about the system to know if the driveshaft would continue to spin with an SH-AWD error. Either way, it might be a good experiment to see if you can narrow down the problem to the SH-AWD system.

Good luck figuring it out :scratch:

Oh wow now that you mention it my driver window goes all the way down sometimes when I hit the up button too. I assumed I was doing something wrong lol.

Also for the hood supports mine wouldn't hold the hood up either so I got $30 replacements from ebay and replaced them myself, very easy and they are working great.

I don't have anything to add on your specific issue but when you say the driveshaft was replaced do you mean the propeller shaft?

Something must be out of the ordinary on yours because mine feels great with no noticeable vibration at 100-160 km/h.

Yes I meant the propeller shaft ! What yeat is yours ?

2012 sh-awd tech

Sounds like another route indeed. I want to take it to the dealer and let them troubleshoot it but, their rate is 135$/h and I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot for no solution. Especially since they tell me that TL's don't usually shake ...