4G SH-AWD TL questions
 

I just recently traded my 3G base TL in for a 4G SH-AWD TL with tech package and have a couple of questions.

• When I have my phone connected to the HFL the incoming calls ring through the speakers while listening to XM radio but I don't hear any of the notifications, text, emails, etc. Is there anyway to be able to hear those?
• I have the HID headlights which are a nice whiteish color but my fog lights are a milky off white, almost yellowish, are there any replacement LED or other fog lights that would be closer to the color of the HIDs?
• Occasionally, not every time, when I start the car when it's been off for a while (overnight, during the day while i'm at work) I get a popping or gurgling sound coming from what I assume is the front left of the car. It does it whether idling or moving so I assume it is not suspension related. it only last for about 5 minutes and then goes away, any idea what this could be?

Thanks for any responses.

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• When I have my phone connected to the HFL the incoming calls ring through the speakers while listening to XM radio but I don't hear any of the notifications, text, emails, etc. Is there anyway to be able to hear those?

Not that I've figured out unless you have the stereo set to Bluetooth connection with the phone only. That is, setting it to Bluetooth audio via the phone, like you would if you were playing music off the phone or something. In that case, every noise that the phone would make also comes through the speakers. But that's obviously not very convenient if you want to listen to XM or something else.

• I have the HID headlights which are a nice whiteish color but my fog lights are a milky off white, almost yellowish, are there any replacement LED or other fog lights that would be closer to the color of the HIDs?

Yes. This is one of the first upgrades I did. I wasn't impressed by the performance of the stock fogs. If you have the 2012-2014, Morimoto offers an excellent LED foglight set that is a huge step up from OEM: Acura (Round): XB LED - Fog Lights from Morimoto HID
They're not cheap. I found a set on eBay for about half price where the wiring had been hacked up by someone attempting to install them but obviously didn't know what they were doing. They're plug and play for 2012-2014.

If you have the 2009-2011 then you may have to look at other options. I'm not aware of an aftermarket set for those years. That was before the mid-model refresh and had a different style bumper. You can probably upgrade the bulbs but as far as I'm aware, there aren't aftermarket options for a full replacement.

• Occasionally, not every time, when I start the car when it's been off for a while (overnight, during the day while i'm at work) I get a popping or gurgling sound coming from what I assume is the front left of the car. It does it whether idling or moving so I assume it is not suspension related. it only last for about 5 minutes and then goes away, any idea what this could be?

This is likely the transmission fluid filter. It's a common issue. The fix is to replace the transmission fluid filter and do a drain/refill of the transmission fluid. If you're comfortable doing it yourself, the filter is only about $25 and DW-1 fluid isn't too expensive. I can post links if you'd like. If you want to take it to the dealer they can do it, but it may cost upwards of $200 or so unless you're still under warranty. I believe it may be covered under a TSB so it might be worth taking it in to see if they'll do it for free.

WOW thanks for the quick thorough responses. I was already thinking about doing a transmission fluid change since it seems a little sluggish in first gear. Quick googling looks like the trans filter is in the pan, so messy but not bad.

What year is your TL? If you have a 2009-2011 then the filter is very difficult to access without disassembling the transmission. You may want to have the dealer check it out for good measure.

2012

Ah. In that case, your transmission fluid filter is connected to a mount on the subframe. A fluid line comes off the transmission to the ATF cooler then from there to the filter, then from the filter back into the transmission. Much more convenient that taking anything apart on the transmission. It's really as easy as removing the rubber hose lines from the filter and putting them back on a new filter.

Getting to it is a bit of a pain though. You'll have to remove part of the intake as well as the battery and battery tray. The battery tray is a bit of a pain because there are bolts holding it to the chassis that you can't really see. You have to reach down around it to feel for them. Once the tray is removed, removal of the filter is rather easy. You'll want to have an oil pan under the filter since you'll get some ATF that spills out. Then once you replace the filter, add a bit more fluid back to the transmission to make up for the fluid that's spilled and retained in the filter.

The filter PN is 25430-PLR-003. You can find it on most Acura OEM parts websites or even places like eBay and Amazon. It shouldn't run more than about $30: https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/...0-plr-003.html
Or better yet, use a Magnafine filter which I believe are superior. I've torn apart an OEM one along with a used Magnafine and found the Magnafine to be a bit better IMO. You'll want one with a 3/8" fitting.

You can go the https://www.theretrofitsource.com/h1...ct_restrict=12 or the Acura (Round): XB LED - Fog Lights from Morimoto HID The 2stroke is bit brighter but not as focused as XB
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/he...-equipped/2013
These are the XB with the Lamix Yellow film -they are very white normally. I was slowly aiming them.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...9d39e47247.jpg

I was not expecting lights to be this expensive, but oh well. Am I correct in thinking that the low beams are HID and the high beams are not? If so that doesn't make sense to me but driving at night it seems when i turn the high beams on the lights get a more yellow color?

Yes the low beams are HID and the high beams care not. The high beams are the regular ugly yellow color. You could replace them too for a whiter version but they are one bulb shared with the daytime running lights with 2 different outputs. So they are hard to find a reliable replacement.

Thing about the fog lights is that these guys are recommending you buy the most expensive option for replacing them. You can literally go onto amazon and get replacement LED fog bulbs for 30-50 dollars. I think I spent 35 on mine and they are really bright, working great for 2 years now.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3e35f4d61c.jpg

I really like those, do you happen to have a link? I just don't like the mismatched colors. I could have sworn my 3G had HID low and high beams?

Yes, the 3G TL has bi-xenon headlights. So both low and high beams are HID in one projector. A cover in the projector housing moves up/back when high beams are selected to expose more light. I have no idea why the 4G didn't use the same system :(

That's a bummer and a strange "upgrade"

For the DRL and High Beams - I used very bright and white. Plus my DRL are about 100 pct brighter.
probably have a h11 version. Try the

are you using switchbacks on the turn signals on the bumper?

These are the fog lights I bought:


And yes im using switchbacks for my turn signals:

WTF!? LOL...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...acbc221afe.png

Thats some impressive downspout work...lol

thank you!

Good info on the trans. This is my fist automatic in over 30 years so I'll get that checked out.

In the same boat with the fogs...Still deciding if I want to put the Osram CBI in for the headlights and get the XB LED fogs or just buy replacement bulbs for the fogs.