Buying a Type S, but Dealership is trying to diagnose electrical problem first.
09-09-2015, 10:50 AM
#1
Buying a Type S, but Dealership is trying to diagnose electrical problem first.
Hi everyone,
I have been lurking on AcuraZine for about a week now after looking to purcahse a 07 TL Type S. There is an abundance of good information on here and I hope to be a strong contributor to this great forum.
The dealership that has the TL is a bit out of my way so we have been communication through emails and phone call.
They sent me over the carfax and everything looks good, no red flags reported. The vehicle was owned in Arizona and El Paso TX.
Friday, just before I was going to drive over and check the car out in person, the sales manager called me and said the car is having some electrical problems
Needless to say I was super bummed.
When I asked what kind of problem he stated that "with the car on, if any door or the trunk opens, the gauge cluster and lights shut off. The cluster needles also wont read when driving."
He has since taken the car over to a local Acura Dealership to have them diagnose the problem. I am waiting to hear back.
Electrical problems are the worse since they can affect so many aspects of the vehicle. My friend who is a technician told me it may have been a flood car and the water likely damaged the electrical system.
The car is priced fairly, not too high and not a screaming great deal either. The dealership that has the TL for sale is a very small, privately owned, with maybe 15-20 cars on their lot.
Has anyone else experienced electrical issue this with the 3rd gen TL's? Should I pass on this car? Any advice you can give me I would very much appreciate.
Best, Matt
I have been lurking on AcuraZine for about a week now after looking to purcahse a 07 TL Type S. There is an abundance of good information on here and I hope to be a strong contributor to this great forum.
The dealership that has the TL is a bit out of my way so we have been communication through emails and phone call.
They sent me over the carfax and everything looks good, no red flags reported. The vehicle was owned in Arizona and El Paso TX.
Friday, just before I was going to drive over and check the car out in person, the sales manager called me and said the car is having some electrical problems
Needless to say I was super bummed.When I asked what kind of problem he stated that "with the car on, if any door or the trunk opens, the gauge cluster and lights shut off. The cluster needles also wont read when driving."
He has since taken the car over to a local Acura Dealership to have them diagnose the problem. I am waiting to hear back.
Electrical problems are the worse since they can affect so many aspects of the vehicle. My friend who is a technician told me it may have been a flood car and the water likely damaged the electrical system.
The car is priced fairly, not too high and not a screaming great deal either. The dealership that has the TL for sale is a very small, privately owned, with maybe 15-20 cars on their lot.
Has anyone else experienced electrical issue this with the 3rd gen TL's? Should I pass on this car? Any advice you can give me I would very much appreciate.
Best, Matt
09-09-2015, 10:56 AM
#2
06 Anthracite TL
Pass and find another one, otherwise, it might be an ownership lifetime of additional electrical gremlins, even if they figure out this one.
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Acura-OC (09-09-2015)
09-09-2015, 11:11 AM
#4
Suzuka Master
The TL is a good car but even in 6MT isn't worth going through the headache of hoping they've correctly diagnosed the electrical problems correctly. It shouldn't even be a question, pass and move on.
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EvilVirus (09-12-2015)
09-09-2015, 11:13 AM
#5
I'm just actually fortunate that the dealership was upfront about the electrical problem. They could of easily lied about it.
Last edited by Steven Bell; 09-09-2015 at 09:32 PM. Reason: Merge Posts
09-09-2015, 11:25 AM
#6
the dealership WILL lie to you about what the issue was/wasnt. At the very least, ask for the paperwork showing what was repaired and if there were any other issues.
if I were you, i would call the acura dealer, and see if you can ask about what the issue was/is if and when its repaired. its a long shot as they may not tell you, but its worth a try.
if I were you, i would call the acura dealer, and see if you can ask about what the issue was/is if and when its repaired. its a long shot as they may not tell you, but its worth a try.
09-09-2015, 11:36 AM
#7
the dealership WILL lie to you about what the issue was/wasnt. At the very least, ask for the paperwork showing what was repaired and if there were any other issues.
if I were you, i would call the acura dealer, and see if you can ask about what the issue was/is if and when its repaired. its a long shot as they may not tell you, but its worth a try.
if I were you, i would call the acura dealer, and see if you can ask about what the issue was/is if and when its repaired. its a long shot as they may not tell you, but its worth a try.
Are electrical issues common in the 3rd Gen TL's?
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09-09-2015, 12:00 PM
#9
The only known and fairly common one i would say is the parasitic HFL drain. If the bluetooth handsfree link unit goes bad, it will continuously draw power from the battery and drain it. The simplest fix is unplugging the HFL unit (if you can live without it) or replacing it.
09-09-2015, 12:26 PM
#10
This car only has 60K miles.
That's why I'm finding it so hard to give up on.
Just spoke to the sales manager again and he said they should have the car back by Friday. He ended up taking it to a local non- Acura service shop.
That's why I'm finding it so hard to give up on.
Just spoke to the sales manager again and he said they should have the car back by Friday. He ended up taking it to a local non- Acura service shop.
09-09-2015, 12:54 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Buying a Type S but Dealership is trying to diagnose electrical problem first.
Just like a crazy ex,
Run away, don't look back.
Run away, don't look back.
09-09-2015, 12:56 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Pass.
Maybe consider expanding your search?
Maybe consider expanding your search?
09-09-2015, 01:53 PM
#15
Pro
Like everyone else said, pass on it! I know you probably are tempted to go with it anyway and have some emotions with it, but electrical stuff can be a huge mess. You will find another one, they do come up. I looked for mine for over a year and found an awesome one!
09-09-2015, 01:59 PM
#16
Team Owner
This whole scenario smells of dog poop. Mileage isn't everything when it comes to these cars, other than giving an owner the feeling of satisfaction with a low number.
Beyond that, there really isn't much difference between a 60k Type S and a 120k Type S, assuming both have been maintained.
Last edited by Steven Bell; 09-09-2015 at 09:32 PM. Reason: Merge Posts
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kocyk123 (09-09-2015)
09-09-2015, 02:04 PM
#17
HEED THE RED WARNING FLAGS!
you even said it..."uhhh maybe it's a flood vehicle"
the ECU sits on the floor of the center console towards the passenger side.
it doesnt take much water to creep up to the ECU.
it's like you see your gf cheating but you ignore it.
Dont ignore it...if it aint the battery, pass this car up.
Last edited by Steven Bell; 09-09-2015 at 09:33 PM. Reason: Merge Posts
09-09-2015, 02:08 PM
#18
Team Owner
It's not the battery 
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justnspace (09-09-2015)
09-09-2015, 02:13 PM
#19
Thank you for all the words of wisdom.
I am tempted to call the shop that the car is currently at to see what they are finding is the issue.
However I don't want to undermine the dealership by doing this.
I am tempted to call the shop that the car is currently at to see what they are finding is the issue.
However I don't want to undermine the dealership by doing this.
09-09-2015, 02:15 PM
#20
Registered Bunny
Undermine the dealership all you want. You're the possible client (although highly not advised here as you can see), the dealership doesn't care about you, only your money.
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Randy Quang (12-05-2020)
09-09-2015, 02:17 PM
#21
Team Owner
A dealership will do anything to undermine you.
There's no such thing as friends when it comes to business, or money, for that matter.
You can be cordial, polite and respectful, but trusting their word on anything is a big mistake. Where I'm from, the law is "buyer beware" when it comes to purchasing a car. The onus is on you to do your homework, not trust somebody else.
There's no such thing as friends when it comes to business, or money, for that matter.
You can be cordial, polite and respectful, but trusting their word on anything is a big mistake. Where I'm from, the law is "buyer beware" when it comes to purchasing a car. The onus is on you to do your homework, not trust somebody else.
Last edited by TacoBello; 09-09-2015 at 02:19 PM.
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Randy Quang (12-05-2020)
09-09-2015, 02:29 PM
#22
Registered Bunny
A dealership will do anything to undermine you.
There's no such thing as friends when it comes to business, or money, for that matter.
You can be cordial, polite and respectful, but trusting their word on anything is a big mistake. Where I'm from, the law is "buyer beware" when it comes to purchasing a car. The onus is on you to do your homework, not trust somebody else.
There's no such thing as friends when it comes to business, or money, for that matter.
You can be cordial, polite and respectful, but trusting their word on anything is a big mistake. Where I'm from, the law is "buyer beware" when it comes to purchasing a car. The onus is on you to do your homework, not trust somebody else.
09-09-2015, 02:43 PM
#23
Three Wheelin'
I didnt finish reading your thread but it sounds like water has gotten into the MICU either through a clogged drain, windshield adhesive is separating or some other means of water getting into it.
09-09-2015, 03:03 PM
#24
That makes sense. Although if the TL has the original windshield I would hope that its not leaking from there. It would be a pain in the ass to find a water leak.
09-09-2015, 03:23 PM
#26
Many people have had issues with the MICU on here. Not sure if all the issues with MICU failure were caused by one specific thing.
If the dealership were to find that was the issue and replace it, wouldn't that end up being a positive thing?
As of now, we dont know what problem the car has. I will definitely reply with an update as soon as I hear something.
09-09-2015, 03:50 PM
#28
09-09-2015, 04:07 PM
#29
-------Tim-------
^I think everyone here is trying to save you some future headaches!
See what they (dealer) say, or call the shop it's at now, to see what they say. Then, report back, so that members who have experienced possible similiar issues can comment.
Or just keep Lookin'!
See what they (dealer) say, or call the shop it's at now, to see what they say. Then, report back, so that members who have experienced possible similiar issues can comment.
Or just keep Lookin'!
09-09-2015, 04:29 PM
#30
Will do, and I do appreciate everyone's input.
09-09-2015, 06:09 PM
#31
Advanced
RUN FOREST RUN! Look I'm going to be completely honest with you, I'd rather buy a 100k+ mileage TL than a low mileage one with electrical headaches like this one you speak of. 100-150k miles on a TL is nothing, it will last much longer than that if the car was previously maintained and you as the future owner do the same to continue keeping it running strong. These Honda engines can go on for years and miles if the person does keep up with maintenance. There's a good possibility that all you'll ever need to do is the routine stuff and nothing major repairs. Point is, don't stay so static on one car unless you know for a fact its the perfect gem of all time. There's plenty of more TL's out there ready to be sold so just keep your eyes peeled. Buying this "electrical problem" TL might be the best investment you've ever made or be the biggest bust you made. Pick your poison but good chances are it's a bust. Just my 2 cents.
09-09-2015, 09:05 PM
#32
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
isn't the MICU easy to replace? i remember reading it is built into the fuse box, find a used one for 200 and you're on your way?
definitely not something you want to hear when purchasing a car, though.
keep looking around
definitely not something you want to hear when purchasing a car, though.
keep looking around
One problem will just lead to another.
09-09-2015, 09:34 PM
#35
Team Owner
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Join Date: Jan 2008
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I think it's unanimous.
09-09-2015, 09:56 PM
#36
Senior Moderator
Hit the nail on the head. Bad MICU/Multiplex unit. Windshield was probably replaced poorly and water got behind the dash into the multiplex unit.
09-09-2015, 10:06 PM
#37
As far as I know it has the original windshield. Is there a way I can verify this? Would the oem windshield have any Acura markings?
09-09-2015, 11:33 PM
#38
Senior Moderator
Any other brand such as PGW is aftermarket, same if it's missing HONDA or ACURA above AP TECH.
Even with a factory windshield, if you leave the sunroof or a window open, same issue. Once you mess up the multiplex unit you have to check the others to make sure they aren't shorted out either.
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brandnewcolony (09-10-2015)
09-10-2015, 07:47 AM
#39
OEM windshield or any dealer replacement will have ACURA or HONDA written on the driver side lower corner and will be from a company called AP TECH.
Any other brand such as PGW is aftermarket, same if it's missing HONDA or ACURA above AP TECH.
Even with a factory windshield, if you leave the sunroof or a window open, same issue. Once you mess up the multiplex unit you have to check the others to make sure they aren't shorted out either.
Any other brand such as PGW is aftermarket, same if it's missing HONDA or ACURA above AP TECH.
Even with a factory windshield, if you leave the sunroof or a window open, same issue. Once you mess up the multiplex unit you have to check the others to make sure they aren't shorted out either.
So the MICU is below the dash attached to the fuse box and the PCM is under the radio correct?
09-10-2015, 09:32 AM
#40
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
you are correct
there are a few people who had electricity problems and replacing the MICU solved it
here's just an example, there are many more threads out there
https://acurazine.com/forums/problem...orking-803054/
not trying to say the MICU is your problem, as I'm not certain.
only letting you know about the MICU since some people here mentioned about it
there are a few people who had electricity problems and replacing the MICU solved it
here's just an example, there are many more threads out there
https://acurazine.com/forums/problem...orking-803054/
not trying to say the MICU is your problem, as I'm not certain.
only letting you know about the MICU since some people here mentioned about it
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brandnewcolony (09-10-2015)