Burning Oil - Oil Consumption Test - Dealer Suggestion
#41
I had this issue when I purchased my 2009 TSX manual. I didn't expect a newer car to consume oil, but my Acura did. It consumed a quart every 3k miles. I called the dealer and they told me I had to do a software update to fix the problem. I did the tsb engine reflash that Acura came out to fix the problem and it hasn't consumed oil since.
Only problem I have, is that with the software update, it made my car noticeably slower on the lower rpm range between 1k to 3.5k. I first noticed this the first fifteen minutes of driving my car back home when the dealer returned it to me from installing the update. I was perplexed by the fact that I had to give it more gas to accelerate the way it did prior to the update. It still has the same kick at higher rpms, but I hate having to accelerate at higher rpms to get the same amount of torque that it had prior to the reflash. Called the dealer back to let them know that I wasn't happy with the change in power, but the service manager said that it shouldn't be noticeable. I asked if they can reflash it to the prior software and they said no.
Long story short, this is the one thing I wish I did not do to my tsx. I don't mind adding a quart of oil to keep the power I had before. I was used to adding oil all the time in my prior bmw's. One of the major reasons I bought my Acura, was for the amount of power it had. Now it feels sluggish and I'm quit irritated by this.
Have any other fellow tsx members done this update to their 6mt, and notice a difference in power?
Only problem I have, is that with the software update, it made my car noticeably slower on the lower rpm range between 1k to 3.5k. I first noticed this the first fifteen minutes of driving my car back home when the dealer returned it to me from installing the update. I was perplexed by the fact that I had to give it more gas to accelerate the way it did prior to the update. It still has the same kick at higher rpms, but I hate having to accelerate at higher rpms to get the same amount of torque that it had prior to the reflash. Called the dealer back to let them know that I wasn't happy with the change in power, but the service manager said that it shouldn't be noticeable. I asked if they can reflash it to the prior software and they said no.
Long story short, this is the one thing I wish I did not do to my tsx. I don't mind adding a quart of oil to keep the power I had before. I was used to adding oil all the time in my prior bmw's. One of the major reasons I bought my Acura, was for the amount of power it had. Now it feels sluggish and I'm quit irritated by this.
Have any other fellow tsx members done this update to their 6mt, and notice a difference in power?
#42
Azine Jabroni
This is the first I have heard about the TSX consuming oil. Mine is fine. My A4, on the other hand, needed a quart every 2k miles. That's a really common thing among the 2.0Ts, though.
#44
I don't believe that anyone really knows the extent of the problem (if there is one). We've had a few oil burners reported here, though mainly Canadian cars. Plus, who really knows how common (or uncommon) the phenomenon (excess oil usage) is in all cars? I mean no one ever advertises it. There have to be a few, of every brand and model, right? All I know is that if it was a big problem, the lamestream media would be all over it, and . . . having (and had) two TSX's with very high mileage, and virtually no oil useage, I'm suspect about it really being much of an issue. And just because there's a TSB on it (very different from a recall), that doesn't mean that it's a widespread thing.
#45
Just spoke with a service advisor here in Gainesville, he said piston rings wouldn't have been covered under warranty, anyway. He said that falls under the "wear and tear" category. Also suggested just getting a new short block as replacing the rings would be labor intensive, or just trading in the car, which I have thought about, the new tlx with SH-AWD caught my eye, though I haven't heard that it will have a manual transmission yet. However, my car was purchased in Sanford, FL and I believe I purchased the extended warranty down there. So I will be making a call down there as I tried to have them take a look at this issue at the start of this year.
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09RLAcuraBurnsOilBadly (03-18-2014)
#47
Azine Jabroni
I don't believe that anyone really knows the extent of the problem (if there is one). We've had a few oil burners reported here, though mainly Canadian cars. Plus, who really knows how common (or uncommon) the phenomenon (excess oil usage) is in all cars? I mean no one ever advertises it. There have to be a few, of every brand and model, right? All I know is that if it was a big problem, the lamestream media would be all over it, and . . . having (and had) two TSX's with very high mileage, and virtually no oil useage, I'm suspect about it really being much of an issue. And just because there's a TSB on it (very different from a recall), that doesn't mean that it's a widespread thing.
#48
Wow this thread really came alive. Just wanted to give an update.. The dealer called me back and will be taking the car in for repairs next week, it will be covered under warranty. I will keep you updated with the fixes they perform and the results after.
Thanks again !
Thanks again !
#49
09 RL Burns a quort of oil every 1000 miles
2009 Acura RD has been burning oil since less than 50 K miles.
Oil light coming on around turns even though oil service was 70% or better.
At first they just topped oil level off (maybe service tech didn't fill completely), then began checking oil light (oil light problem happens all the time), then began offering to change oil in between service intervals (not sure why but we will change it and see). This over months.
At 70 K miles I was fed up and began to complain to service manager.
Complaints to service manager resulted in "do oil consumption test" even though they were only ones to service oil and could see levels and mileage and verified issue.
After 3 or 4 tests over many months they contacted Acura who they claim said this is NORMAL??
Was told any further diagnostics are at my expense.
I quote from E mail from Dealer below:
"Here is the information that you requested, according to tech line, they say that a quart to a quart and half every 1000 miles is acceptable, and to continue with more diagnostics would be at owners expense. Our case number with Acura Tech Line XXXXXXX, tech at Acura-Melvin K."
Oil light coming on around turns even though oil service was 70% or better.
At first they just topped oil level off (maybe service tech didn't fill completely), then began checking oil light (oil light problem happens all the time), then began offering to change oil in between service intervals (not sure why but we will change it and see). This over months.
At 70 K miles I was fed up and began to complain to service manager.
Complaints to service manager resulted in "do oil consumption test" even though they were only ones to service oil and could see levels and mileage and verified issue.
After 3 or 4 tests over many months they contacted Acura who they claim said this is NORMAL??
Was told any further diagnostics are at my expense.
I quote from E mail from Dealer below:
"Here is the information that you requested, according to tech line, they say that a quart to a quart and half every 1000 miles is acceptable, and to continue with more diagnostics would be at owners expense. Our case number with Acura Tech Line XXXXXXX, tech at Acura-Melvin K."
#51
i got the same thing, I said great thats the same as my 1974 Volvo got. All car companies play these games.
#52
I have a '12 6MT, coming up on 18K miles. I seem to use about a quart every 3-4K miles. I drive the car pretty gently typically. I don't even bother taking it in because I know that until I'm over a quart per 1k miles, they'll tell me I'm within the acceptable range.
I've noticed though that when I pull into my garage after driving, my car kind of smells like oil. I don't see anything under the hood, and there's no puddle under my car or anything. Anyone know what that might mean?
I'm in US, not Canada, I mention it because Simba mentioned a Canadian trend.
I've noticed though that when I pull into my garage after driving, my car kind of smells like oil. I don't see anything under the hood, and there's no puddle under my car or anything. Anyone know what that might mean?
I'm in US, not Canada, I mention it because Simba mentioned a Canadian trend.
#53
After a couple of oil consumption tests, they did something about it. My car hit the low oil mark after driving around 4k-5k worth of miles.
So around my 3rd oil consumption test. If you do them, make sure they don't change the oil between tests.
#54
Help
I'm also having the same issue. I have 09 TSX 6MT with 99,000 miles and I've been noticing that I get "Low Oil" indicator light instantly coming up when I make sharp turns, sudden braking, or going up hill. It starts at about 60-70% oil life. The indicator light comes up more frequently as I put more mileage after the oil change which probably means the oil is getting lower and lower.
I've also noticed a rattling noise during cold start up recently. I thought I got this taken care of when the dealer replaced the VTC actuator (TSB 10-024). It's only been about a year since I got this replaced. Can the low oil be associated with this rattling noise at cold start up?
I've also noticed a rattling noise during cold start up recently. I thought I got this taken care of when the dealer replaced the VTC actuator (TSB 10-024). It's only been about a year since I got this replaced. Can the low oil be associated with this rattling noise at cold start up?
#55
Instructor
I could have written this word for word except mine started at 75k miles. They have given me the boot about fixing under warranty, and suggested I trade car in. Can you tell me what ever happened with your situation? I'm having the exact issue and trying to figure out what to do. It's good to hear I'm not the only one. This has had me upset because I am a stickler about maintenance and can't believe this is a problem. I now have 100k miles and need to solve my problem. How did you handle this eventually. Did you ever find warranty information? I would really appreciate your response!
#56
I could have written this word for word except mine started at 75k miles. They have given me the boot about fixing under warranty, and suggested I trade car in. Can you tell me what ever happened with your situation? I'm having the exact issue and trying to figure out what to do. It's good to hear I'm not the only one. This has had me upset because I am a stickler about maintenance and can't believe this is a problem. I now have 100k miles and need to solve my problem. How did you handle this eventually. Did you ever find warranty information? I would really appreciate your response!
1. Get a new car
2. Spend $2000 - $3000 for the dealer to do oil consumption test and replace the piston rings in accordance with TSB 13-006: 2009–10 TSX (Sticking Rings Resulting in Unusually High Engine Oil Consumption).
3. Keep adding oil (my least favorite option since I don't even do my own oil change).
The dealer strongly refused to fix this under good will so I decided to write a detailed complaint letter to Acura Clients Service. I specifically pointed out the all issues I had with my car and asked them if they can assist with fixing the oil consumption issue. I also told them me and my family are all Acura owners and were expecting a reliable car but were dissapointed with all the issues on the 2009 TSX. Few months letter, a rep from Acura Clients called me and apologized and said they were willing to help. They asked me to perform the oil consumption test by the dealer as a confirmation. I immediately scheduled an appointment with the dealer and left the car for about 2 days. The dealer confirmed that the car had oil consumption issue and they forwarded the report to Acura Clients Service. Acura Clients Service called me back few days later and apologized and offered to pay for all of the service (including parts)!!! Obviously, I got the TSB 13-006 done without paying a dime! I left my car at the dealer for about 3 weeks but luckily, the dealer gave me a loaner's car (TSX Wagon) during that period.
Now, my car is at 140,000 miles and no sign of any oil consumption. Maybe it'll come back in the future but my car is running like new. I think it also helps if you use oil with higher viscosity.
As for the rattling noise, I got the VTC actuator replaced twice. It occasionally makes the noise again at cold startup during winter or on humid day but not as extreme as it used to. I learned to just live with it.
Hope this all helps!
Last edited by BlackTSX6MT; 08-20-2014 at 09:28 AM.
#57
I'm at 73K now and noticing the oil light coming on quite often in corners with not much time between oil change and the light coming on, I've started to document now. My approach to getting this fixed under warranty is that I was told of a software programming issue that can cause deposits on the oil control rings, I believe I had approximately 30,000 miles or so on the car when this notice came out and I had the software updated per the recall.. So In my head, that should extend the 70K drivetrain warranty by 30K... since I had already done the damage that the recall was supposed to fix. (2010 6-speed here) Then there is a TSB specifically for oil consumption which seems to me Acura knows of the situation. Let's hope my dealer will do it's best to push this through because the problem is definitely starting to become worse. I do have the extended acura care warranty but there is a specific not covered section that states, any repair to increase compression or reduce oil/fuel consumption is NOT covered. Should be interesting.
#58
Update on a quart of oil every 1000 miles is normal BS
Update on my 2009 RL and the "one quart per 1000 miles of oil consumption is NORMAL"
After getting fed up with the dealers excuses that lasted since I brought the problem up at 40,000 miles, I got a compression test done.
The dealer found low compression in cylinder 6 - did a bore inspection, and then said they couldn't find anything but if I was willing to pay they would pull the head.
I told them YES - they pulled the head and found ring failure, metal and scoring inside the cylinder.
I had their engine guaranteed for life warrantee. They went to Acura, accused me of using regular gas instead of premium, accused me of not having all my service work done at their dealer (disproved after they checked all their records) and accused me of letting the oil level get low. Then told me they would install a new short block and all I had to do was pay $2500...Acura and the dealer warrantee would cover the rest.
Since the problem was getting worse, I agreed to have the work done, and so far no issues.
I am going to write Acura to tell them of my displeasure in having to pay anything for this repair that first started while the car was under warranty. We will see how far I get...
If you have this problem document it and fight it out.
A quart of oil every 1000 miles is NOT normal.
Good Luck!
After getting fed up with the dealers excuses that lasted since I brought the problem up at 40,000 miles, I got a compression test done.
The dealer found low compression in cylinder 6 - did a bore inspection, and then said they couldn't find anything but if I was willing to pay they would pull the head.
I told them YES - they pulled the head and found ring failure, metal and scoring inside the cylinder.
I had their engine guaranteed for life warrantee. They went to Acura, accused me of using regular gas instead of premium, accused me of not having all my service work done at their dealer (disproved after they checked all their records) and accused me of letting the oil level get low. Then told me they would install a new short block and all I had to do was pay $2500...Acura and the dealer warrantee would cover the rest.
Since the problem was getting worse, I agreed to have the work done, and so far no issues.
I am going to write Acura to tell them of my displeasure in having to pay anything for this repair that first started while the car was under warranty. We will see how far I get...
If you have this problem document it and fight it out.
A quart of oil every 1000 miles is NOT normal.
Good Luck!
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xtcnrice (09-16-2014)
#59
Mine is using a quart every 500 miles and the dealer is giving the run around, I've owned Acuras for 20 years, I meticulously maintain them, premium gas, sythentic oil, premium filter and they still blamed me. It turns out there's a TSB on this whole thing (TSB-006) but I can't find out if anyone has successfully got the dealer to cover the repairs.
#60
Racer
Mine is using a quart every 500 miles and the dealer is giving the run around, I've owned Acuras for 20 years, I meticulously maintain them, premium gas, sythentic oil, premium filter and they still blamed me. It turns out there's a TSB on this whole thing (TSB-006) but I can't find out if anyone has successfully got the dealer to cover the repairs.
#61
My 2011 TSX hit 72k miles the other day and I've gone through the oil consumption test. When I first started noticing something with the oil, it was when I took a sharp turn and the "check oil level" warning showed up in the MID display, but only for half a second. After that, every time I took a sharp turn the warning would show up. So I took it in to the dealership, and they checked the oil level, and the guy said "ok, you have NO oil left." Which freaked me out a lot. So they filled up the oil and told me to come back after a thousand miles. I had to do this 3 times, so after all that, they said that my consumption was normal. None of it made any sense to me, because my either my oil disappeared the first time, or someone forgot to add oil to my car after an oil change.
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