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the black friday someone got best doe
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Need help with DVD navigation unit part number
Hey guys, I been having issues with my GPS navigation unit, my navi intermittently restarts randomly, I called alpine service center to get a repair quote, but I don't have the part number since it's been way to cold to remove the unit, they need the part number before they can give me a quote, does any of u know the part number to the dvd unit in the trunk for a 2006 acura tl Mt? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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FS/WTT: ATLP 2.5" Mid-pipes
$300
Looking to sell my ATLP 2.5" Mid-pipes. Its made from 439 Stainless with mandrel bends. It's 2.5" to 2.25" inches from the Y to mufflers.
All one needs to make it the complete cat-back is mufflers, gaskets and 2 bolts/nuts to connect the mid-pipes.
I'm not sure what it would cost to ship so currently trying to keep it local but open to offers.
Also looking for stock size lightweight crank pulley if anyone has one :wish:
Pipes on Right.
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Looking to sell my ATLP 2.5" Mid-pipes. Its made from 439 Stainless with mandrel bends. It's 2.5" to 2.25" inches from the Y to mufflers.
All one needs to make it the complete cat-back is mufflers, gaskets and 2 bolts/nuts to connect the mid-pipes.
I'm not sure what it would cost to ship so currently trying to keep it local but open to offers.
Also looking for stock size lightweight crank pulley if anyone has one :wish:
Pipes on Right.
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Those Canadian Cameras
Quote:
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360-Degree Perspective Acuras surround view camera system is designed to assist drivers during critical and precise maneuvers in snug parking situations. Using four separate cameras, views from behind, directly in front of, and both left and right of the vehicle can be displayed on the navigation screen. The system can also use all four cameras to seamlessly create a composite bird's eye view, reducing blind spots. In addition, dynamic on-screen guidelines help the driver see their projected path relative to the lines demarking parking spaces or other objects, allowing them to maneuver with greater confidence. |
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Alternator change - tips and tricks
So yesterday AM, my car didn't start. I had noticed a faint whining noise from the engine compartment for the few days prior. Also, my airbag light was flickering on/off, particularly at low rpm.
Boosted the car and checked voltage -- 11.70vdc --> bad alternator.
Picked up a remanufactured AC Delco the same day and got to work swapping it in the same evening.
I've read many threads here and elsewhere saying that the alternator is a real pain to change, and to expect 2-3 hours of time or more. PITA lower mounting bolts, etc etc etc...
Well, maybe I was just real lucky, but I found this R&R to be real straightforward and simple and am sharing some tips to make your life easier should you ever be faced with this repair.
(Sorry, no pictures)
I've bolded the steps I found worked easier for me than most accounts from others online.
Steps:
1. Disconnect battery + and - cables. (Don't forget to have your radio code handy for later...)
2. Remove radiator overflow reservoir (2 10mm bolts). Just tuck it out of the way - no need to spill any antifreeze.
3. Remove radiator fan - passenger side (2 10mm bolts, 2 electrical clips)
4. Lift up on the power steering reservoir and tuck it closer to the headlight / washer fluid neck. (no bolts/clips)
5. Use the special Honda tensioner pulley tool, or a double-wrench method to remove tension on the drive/accessory belt, and remove the belt from the power steering pump pulley.
6. Use a 3/8" drive, 12mm deep socket and remove the lower mounting bolts. I've heard of people using u-joints, swivel sockets, or 1/2" drive with extensions... there's no need as the standard 3/8" drive, 12mm deep socket gives the perfect length without being too 'fat' to fit between the AC lines.
7. Use the same 3/8" drive, 12mm deep socket to partially remove the upper mounting bolt. This one is LONG but only threaded about 3/4 of an inch. Careful - don't remove it fully at this time.
8. Use a 1/4" drive, 10mm socket to remove the B+ terminal on the alternator, now that the alternator is slightly clear of the intake manifold. Don't try using a wrench on this as it's a real soft nut and you'll round it off. Wait to remove this until this exact step!
9. Remove the green plug from alternator, and tuck the wires for this plug and the B+ terminal off to the side.
10. Fully remove the 12mm upper mounting bolt - careful, as the alternator will drop if you're not holding it!
11. Rotate the alternator 90 degrees so the pulley is facing down. You can then work it between the IM and the radiator - remember, that fan is removed so there's plenty of room!
12. (Optional): I have UR aluminum pulleys, so I swapped my pulley to the new alternator
13. Swap the metal bracket from old alternator to new one - this is the receptacle for the wire harness clip. 8mm socket.
14. Install in the reverse order of removal. Key notes are to secure the upper bolt only loosely FIRST, then attach the B+ ring terminal, then feed the 2 lower mounting bolts in and torque down snug, then re-attach the green plug to new alternator. Then torque the upper bolt snug.
It took me about an hour to do everything, but add a half hour because I was a bit of a moron and somehow used my ratchet/socket to relieve pressure on the tensioner pulley and it got completely jammed between the pulley and the side motor mount! DOH.
Compared to changing the starter, the alternator was an absolute piece of cake!
I hope this is useful to you guys and gals here!
Boosted the car and checked voltage -- 11.70vdc --> bad alternator.
Picked up a remanufactured AC Delco the same day and got to work swapping it in the same evening.
I've read many threads here and elsewhere saying that the alternator is a real pain to change, and to expect 2-3 hours of time or more. PITA lower mounting bolts, etc etc etc...
Well, maybe I was just real lucky, but I found this R&R to be real straightforward and simple and am sharing some tips to make your life easier should you ever be faced with this repair.
(Sorry, no pictures)
I've bolded the steps I found worked easier for me than most accounts from others online.
Steps:
1. Disconnect battery + and - cables. (Don't forget to have your radio code handy for later...)
2. Remove radiator overflow reservoir (2 10mm bolts). Just tuck it out of the way - no need to spill any antifreeze.
3. Remove radiator fan - passenger side (2 10mm bolts, 2 electrical clips)
4. Lift up on the power steering reservoir and tuck it closer to the headlight / washer fluid neck. (no bolts/clips)
5. Use the special Honda tensioner pulley tool, or a double-wrench method to remove tension on the drive/accessory belt, and remove the belt from the power steering pump pulley.
6. Use a 3/8" drive, 12mm deep socket and remove the lower mounting bolts. I've heard of people using u-joints, swivel sockets, or 1/2" drive with extensions... there's no need as the standard 3/8" drive, 12mm deep socket gives the perfect length without being too 'fat' to fit between the AC lines.
7. Use the same 3/8" drive, 12mm deep socket to partially remove the upper mounting bolt. This one is LONG but only threaded about 3/4 of an inch. Careful - don't remove it fully at this time.
8. Use a 1/4" drive, 10mm socket to remove the B+ terminal on the alternator, now that the alternator is slightly clear of the intake manifold. Don't try using a wrench on this as it's a real soft nut and you'll round it off. Wait to remove this until this exact step!
9. Remove the green plug from alternator, and tuck the wires for this plug and the B+ terminal off to the side.
10. Fully remove the 12mm upper mounting bolt - careful, as the alternator will drop if you're not holding it!
11. Rotate the alternator 90 degrees so the pulley is facing down. You can then work it between the IM and the radiator - remember, that fan is removed so there's plenty of room!
12. (Optional): I have UR aluminum pulleys, so I swapped my pulley to the new alternator
13. Swap the metal bracket from old alternator to new one - this is the receptacle for the wire harness clip. 8mm socket.
14. Install in the reverse order of removal. Key notes are to secure the upper bolt only loosely FIRST, then attach the B+ ring terminal, then feed the 2 lower mounting bolts in and torque down snug, then re-attach the green plug to new alternator. Then torque the upper bolt snug.
It took me about an hour to do everything, but add a half hour because I was a bit of a moron and somehow used my ratchet/socket to relieve pressure on the tensioner pulley and it got completely jammed between the pulley and the side motor mount! DOH.
Compared to changing the starter, the alternator was an absolute piece of cake!
I hope this is useful to you guys and gals here!
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Passenger seating too low?
I have the 2.4 tlx tech and the passenger seating doesn't seem to have a setting for height adjustment. Several people have rode in my car and complained about how low the seats sit. Is this just model specific? I also sat in the passenger seat whild I let a friend drive me and I was uncomfortable. Am I missing the ht adjustment setting or something? I could have sworn my 13 TSX passenger seating did have a height adjustment setting!
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tl troubles
I have an 04 tl, my tail lights, signal, and headlights went out. Every fuse is good, went to auto zone and they couldn't get a reading when it was connected to the tester, combo light switch is good. Can anyone help me
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08 TL loud idle
Good Morning,
Long time Honda/Acura owner, just got a 2008 TL with 90k on it.
It should be due for 90k service soon, but wondering what it might be.
I have access to some good Honda mechanics, but not until next week.
Any help would be great. Thanks.
Long time Honda/Acura owner, just got a 2008 TL with 90k on it.
- At idle it makes a loud sucking sound, as if it had an intake, which it does not. Its definitely coming from the passenger side.
- No foam in the PS reservoir, no change turning the wheel.
- Its not the injectors (I can hear those too).
- Increases louder with RPM
- No CEL
It should be due for 90k service soon, but wondering what it might be.
I have access to some good Honda mechanics, but not until next week.
Any help would be great. Thanks.
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howmany Catalytic converter does a tl have?
i have a 08 types and my cats went out ...was wondering how many does it have and ...can i run some cats of a 05 tl?...
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96 TL 3.2 smoke from rear of block.
I have an oil leak originating from the rear of my engine block. Haven't yet identified what specifically is leaking. Will install new valve cover gaskets together with spark plug gaskets and any other gaskets provided in kit. Since I can't physically view where the leak is coming, what's the likelihood I have something else leaking besides? And what? What ought I look for upon removing valve covers? I still don't know how far back I can see.
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WTB: 07-08 TL-S Engine
My girlfriends motor blew up a couple weeks ago on her 08 TL-S. I've been searching locally and on the web for a used motor but haven't come across anything worthwhile. I'm willing to drive if the price is right.
I've found an online salvage car auction but buying an entire car is my last resort.
If anyone has any sites(for motors) they can recommend, that would be great too.
Thanks crew!
I've found an online salvage car auction but buying an entire car is my last resort.
If anyone has any sites(for motors) they can recommend, that would be great too.
Thanks crew!
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Was Shea Labeouf was raped by a woman? I think not...
Shia LaBeouf: I was raped
Shia LaBeouf: the #Interview | Dazed
No screams? No cries for help? Didn't knock a bitch out?
If this is even REMOTELY true, it gives a whole new meaning to what it means to be a whimp...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by the Transformer Failure Boy himself
One woman who came with her boyfriend, who was outside the door when this happened, whipped my legs for ten minutes and then stripped my clothing and proceeded to rape me. ...There were hundreds of people in line when she walked out with disheveled hair and smudged lipstick. It was no good, not just for me but her man as well. On top of that my girl (actress Mia Goth) was in line to see me, because it was Valentine's Day and I was living in the gallery for the duration of the event -- we were separated for five days, no communication. So it really hurt her as well, as I guess the news of it traveled through the line. When she came in she asked for an explanation, and I couldn't speak, so we both sat with this unexplained trauma silently. It was painful.
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No screams? No cries for help? Didn't knock a bitch out?
If this is even REMOTELY true, it gives a whole new meaning to what it means to be a whimp...
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New to Acura
Hey all! Figured i would finally sign up to this site as ive been on here lurking for months.
Anyways about 3 weeks ago i took delivery of a 04 acura tl base in redondo red pearl! still super excited about this car! looks, power, value. Actually this is the first car thats not a tuner car. haha owned hondas, mazda, and subarus before.
Anyways, im just introducing myself. so far ive replaced some burnt out bulbs with LEDs (more on the way). replaced the center channel speaker. next up is replacing the blubs(lens at another time) with osrams and fog lights.
also, anyone from the PNW? based out of portland and dont know anyone with these cars.
Anyways about 3 weeks ago i took delivery of a 04 acura tl base in redondo red pearl! still super excited about this car! looks, power, value. Actually this is the first car thats not a tuner car. haha owned hondas, mazda, and subarus before.
Anyways, im just introducing myself. so far ive replaced some burnt out bulbs with LEDs (more on the way). replaced the center channel speaker. next up is replacing the blubs(lens at another time) with osrams and fog lights.
also, anyone from the PNW? based out of portland and dont know anyone with these cars.
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Movie: Pan
Synopsis:
Offering a new take on the origin of the classic characters created by J.M. Barrie, the action adventure follows the story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destinyto become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.
Starring:
Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, Adeel Akhtar, Levi Miller
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RLX / TLX Comparison
Finally getting some time to put this post together. First, some disclaimers:
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So to get started, I was recently put into a 2015 TLX V-6 Tech loaner while my RLX is being worked on for it's 30k maintenance, suspension research/TSB, and additional inspections to ensure the car is to spec after my recent accident.
While I have test driven the TLX twice before (one a V-6 Tech, and the other a V-6 Advanced), this is the first time I've had real extended seat time with the car, and as a result, IMO, has allowed me to really get a sense for how the TLX compares to the RLX. I've been in my RLX now since July of 2013 and have a great sense for just about every aspect of the car, having put 28k+ miles on it within the first 16 months between being a daily commuter and a number of short and long-distance road trips. With the TLX, I've already logged closed to 350-400 miles on it since last Thursday and have had the opportunity to drive under much of the same conditions in which I drive my RLX today.
I've grouped my notes/thoughts into three main categories:
This is by no means a complete and thorough comparison of the two vehicles, nor has it been conducted in any way as such to provide hard empirical data, metrics, etc. I consider it as nothing more than just a natural expression of the things that I, as a consumer, noticed were the most evident differences in the cars without having to put too much thought into it. Just making mental notes as I drove the TLX over the last 7-8 days. Whether they were for better or for worse, it's just stuff that stood out the most to me.
Exterior / Interior:
I'll start first with the exterior in saying that there is not really much to compare here. The RLX and TLX both share some similar design elements/language, and if you are a fan of the current design direction Acura has been going, then you'll like the TLX. I am a fan and as such, think the design team did a great job with the TLX. If there was anything I could change, it would be a) Rim options (already beaten to death by others), and B) doing something about the rear end. Something I've noticed is that both cars seem to have this upwards lift as you get towards the rear that makes them look a little bulkier than what would otherwise be a really sleek slender design. I think if they could carry out the same athletic and streamlined look of the front of the vehicles all the way to the back, the cars would start to add just the right amount of "sex appear" to help address the common mind-set of the new designs having a "safe" look-n-feel to it.
As for the interior, the TLX is very well built inside, solid, tight, super quiet. Not a single rattle, buzz, vibration, etc even when hitting pretty bad road conditions (including nasty pot holes). This is an area where they clearly did a better job in the TLX than they did in the RLX. However, there is the trade-off of materials and design language that aren't up to the same quality as you get in the RLX. This is where the RLX is by far the leader, and rightfully so. While the TLX interior is well put together, it lacks some of the "sex" and "sizzle" that I'd expect in a luxury sedan. It carries more of a feeling of practicality and less on the finer details that make the RLX interior really stand out. The elements it shares with the RLX are on par (e.g. dash-board elements, electronic shifter, steering wheel components, Info/Nav System), but the actual dash-board design and side-door elements leave more to be desired, feeling more like an American made Ford or Chevy, and less of a Japanese or European luxury sedan. This is again where the RLX comes through really strong.
All that said, one area that the TLX executed on very well and should be improved on in the RLX are the door handles and door open/close mechanisms. The door handles on the RLX is an area that has always annoyed me. They feel plastic, light and cheap, whereas the TLX handles feel much more solid, sturdy, and carry confidence. I need to double-check, but I believe it has to do with the TLX handle having multiple layers of metal or some other construction material that gives it the added sturdiness that lacks in the RLX handles. Whereas the RLX handle just feels hollow and empty, thus it feeling cheap. The door-closing mechanism and sealing on the TLX is also better, where it has a far more confident and solid feeling when securing the door closed. Something else they should improve on the RLX for it's class.
Other than that, it's a very comfortable car to drive in, seats feel great, and the driving is also great, more to come on that in a minute.
Technology / Features
So I'll keep this one short in stating that:
Driving Experience
Other than the interior, this is by far where the biggest differences come into play. While things like P-AWS are similar and give the car similar handling characteristics, there are three main things that really make the TLX a different (and IMO, better) driving experience than the RLX. Those are 1) IDS, 2) 9-speed DCT, 3) steering and handling and....wait for it....wait or it....4) the suspension.
Yes, the car is smaller and lighter, and as such already makes the car much more responsive and just flat out more fun to drive. Not only is it extremely quick and sporty, it handles everything with 100% confidence. Or at least everything that my humble car driving self can throw at it. Unlike my first taste of IDS in the 2014 MDX, in the TLX it seems to really transform the car from being a nice smooth cruiser, to a high-revving racer ready to take any quick and unexpected turns you throw at it. Sport+ mode takes it further by further increasing the responsiveness of the DCT and throttle characteristics of the engine. The throttle becomes extremely responsive and even P-AWS seems to really shine through stronger with the lighter and smaller chassis. I don't know if there are any active changes being made to P-AWS when you switch into Sport+ mode, but it feels as such, maybe tolerances are raised or other operating parameters are being modified on the fly? The car also recovers with much more grace and confidence whether it's super tight turns or quick shifts/changes in shifting, speed, or steering. And that even goes to say while just being in "Normal" mode.
The 9-speed DCT seems to operate really well and I like having the additional gears. They seem to give you more room to work with in variable RPM's and overall control of the speed of the vehicle. There are some occasions where it's slow to response, but in most cases it's pretty quick to shift and respond as you tell it to. I think it has more to do with the timing. On occasion it seems like it gets confused if I happen to make a manual shift change right at or slightly before it's about to make a change itself. In those occasions a push of the paddle ends in nothing happening. I have to tap it again for it to respond.
And the steering and overall handling is incredible. Again, the lighter and smaller chassis just giving you soo much more control over every nuance and aspect of how the car is moving, it's attitude, and it's stance. It seems to have a tighter turning radius, less "play" in the steering when turning, so you get far more reaction, response, and control when taking a turn, resulting in far more confidence when getting into a turn AND being aggressive on the throttle.
And that leaves us to the good ol suspension....:(
I honestly don't know how to write this last paragraph without going into a huge tirade. But all I can say is Acura really F'd up the suspension in the RLX P-AWS. After being in this loaner TLX now for over a week and driving the EXACT same routes I take too and from work, and knowing EVERY SINGLE bump, pot hole, etc. etc. to avoid when driving my RLX, I wonder how I do it. The TLX takes everything with absolute 100% confidence and recovers with not a single after-shock, rock, rattle, bobbing, bounce, etc. What was once a constant battle to avoid anything sub par on the road and having to pay constant attention to the road conditions has now just turned into a "driving" with no worries.
The TLX suspension has a very solid and confident "thud" with an immediate recover when hitting a bump or even large pot-holds. "thud" and recover. 1, 2, that's it. And that's if I even feel anything at all going right over areas with no disruption at all, whereas in my RLX it's a disaster. And don't think that the TLX is all super spongy, it has a really solid feel to the suspension. It hugs the road when you need it to, but instantly soaks up anything and everything without a single question. On the other hand the RLX hits anything extremely hard, loud, and with a physical shock in the steering wheel like the car is going to break or some serious damage is being done to the vehicle. You feel everything in the chassis of the car and you hear it. You don't get a muted "thud". You get loud "CLANK" "KLUNK"....as if the car was being slammed hard. It really is that bad, and that's why I'm at the point where I really don't like driving the car downtown at all. I'm constantly having to bob and weave and slow down and speed up and bob and weave again just to avoid feeling like the car is going to break, it's pathetic. It just feels like the car doesn't even have shocks at times. I just don't get it. I really don't. And it really upsets me because if the RLX handled the road half as good as the TLX does, it would make the driving experience just that much more enjoyable. As long as you keep the RLX on solid roads or highways, it drives and feels amazing, but seriously, Acura needs to figure this out. A $60k luxury sedan should not drive this like. Period. No excuses. I don't care what anyone has to say. The car has a serious defective design issue with the suspension and it needs to be resolved. And I'm at the point where if this is something that remains the same come 2016 when I turn in my lease and look at the MMC, I will be walking to another brand if they don't address this. I really like the TLX, but it doesn't carry the same level of sophistication and luxury that I want in a car, that the RLX does carry. But I also cannot deal with this suspension issue again.
Alright, time to crash. Hope you guys enjoy the read, here's a few pics of the loaner :)
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
- The sole purpose of this thread is to provide nothing more than a detailed comparison between the RLX and TLX from a consumer point of view.
- I am not a car expert, car magazine writer/editor, car mechanic, etc. etc. nor do I work for any car companies. I am an architect/engineer/product developer with 20-years in the datacenter, infrastructure, and cloud computing industry who happens to like hi-tech luxury cars.
- I have been a loyal Honda/Acura customer since my very first 83 Honda Accord that I bought used back in 1992. The only car I ever owned outside of the brand was a 93 Nissan 240SX, which was a great car, but was totaled in an accident back in 2005, after which I jumped into my old trusty 89 Integra before getting my 06 TL and now my 14 RLX. I have every desire to stay loyal to the brand and hope to continue to seeing the company make significant investments and strategic changes to strengthen the brand further than it has before.
- Please go back and read 1-3 carefully before posting to this thread.
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So to get started, I was recently put into a 2015 TLX V-6 Tech loaner while my RLX is being worked on for it's 30k maintenance, suspension research/TSB, and additional inspections to ensure the car is to spec after my recent accident.
While I have test driven the TLX twice before (one a V-6 Tech, and the other a V-6 Advanced), this is the first time I've had real extended seat time with the car, and as a result, IMO, has allowed me to really get a sense for how the TLX compares to the RLX. I've been in my RLX now since July of 2013 and have a great sense for just about every aspect of the car, having put 28k+ miles on it within the first 16 months between being a daily commuter and a number of short and long-distance road trips. With the TLX, I've already logged closed to 350-400 miles on it since last Thursday and have had the opportunity to drive under much of the same conditions in which I drive my RLX today.
I've grouped my notes/thoughts into three main categories:
- Interior/Exterior
- Technology / Features
- Driving Experience
This is by no means a complete and thorough comparison of the two vehicles, nor has it been conducted in any way as such to provide hard empirical data, metrics, etc. I consider it as nothing more than just a natural expression of the things that I, as a consumer, noticed were the most evident differences in the cars without having to put too much thought into it. Just making mental notes as I drove the TLX over the last 7-8 days. Whether they were for better or for worse, it's just stuff that stood out the most to me.
Exterior / Interior:
I'll start first with the exterior in saying that there is not really much to compare here. The RLX and TLX both share some similar design elements/language, and if you are a fan of the current design direction Acura has been going, then you'll like the TLX. I am a fan and as such, think the design team did a great job with the TLX. If there was anything I could change, it would be a) Rim options (already beaten to death by others), and B) doing something about the rear end. Something I've noticed is that both cars seem to have this upwards lift as you get towards the rear that makes them look a little bulkier than what would otherwise be a really sleek slender design. I think if they could carry out the same athletic and streamlined look of the front of the vehicles all the way to the back, the cars would start to add just the right amount of "sex appear" to help address the common mind-set of the new designs having a "safe" look-n-feel to it.
As for the interior, the TLX is very well built inside, solid, tight, super quiet. Not a single rattle, buzz, vibration, etc even when hitting pretty bad road conditions (including nasty pot holes). This is an area where they clearly did a better job in the TLX than they did in the RLX. However, there is the trade-off of materials and design language that aren't up to the same quality as you get in the RLX. This is where the RLX is by far the leader, and rightfully so. While the TLX interior is well put together, it lacks some of the "sex" and "sizzle" that I'd expect in a luxury sedan. It carries more of a feeling of practicality and less on the finer details that make the RLX interior really stand out. The elements it shares with the RLX are on par (e.g. dash-board elements, electronic shifter, steering wheel components, Info/Nav System), but the actual dash-board design and side-door elements leave more to be desired, feeling more like an American made Ford or Chevy, and less of a Japanese or European luxury sedan. This is again where the RLX comes through really strong.
All that said, one area that the TLX executed on very well and should be improved on in the RLX are the door handles and door open/close mechanisms. The door handles on the RLX is an area that has always annoyed me. They feel plastic, light and cheap, whereas the TLX handles feel much more solid, sturdy, and carry confidence. I need to double-check, but I believe it has to do with the TLX handle having multiple layers of metal or some other construction material that gives it the added sturdiness that lacks in the RLX handles. Whereas the RLX handle just feels hollow and empty, thus it feeling cheap. The door-closing mechanism and sealing on the TLX is also better, where it has a far more confident and solid feeling when securing the door closed. Something else they should improve on the RLX for it's class.
Other than that, it's a very comfortable car to drive in, seats feel great, and the driving is also great, more to come on that in a minute.
Technology / Features
So I'll keep this one short in stating that:
- All of the current tech features work pretty much the same. LKAS, CMBS, FCW, BSIS, etc. etc. Nothing new here.
- Infotainment/NAV system definitely has some improvements to it that the RLX should have. Most noticeable are the far more responsive and faster capacitive touch-screen, and the overall faster processing and responsiveness of the UI itself. After having some real time using the TLX system, the RLX system is an embarrassment for what you pay. Just like the suspension issue, Acura really needs to address this. I know I'm likely more sensitive to this than most of the current RLX owners as I am a true techy at heart and these types of things are very important for me. But if Acura wants to continue to carry the image of being a technology leader with the features they provide in their vehicles, then this is the type of stuff they simply can't let slide, especially with generation after generation of drivers becoming more and more tech savvy.
Driving Experience
Other than the interior, this is by far where the biggest differences come into play. While things like P-AWS are similar and give the car similar handling characteristics, there are three main things that really make the TLX a different (and IMO, better) driving experience than the RLX. Those are 1) IDS, 2) 9-speed DCT, 3) steering and handling and....wait for it....wait or it....4) the suspension.
Yes, the car is smaller and lighter, and as such already makes the car much more responsive and just flat out more fun to drive. Not only is it extremely quick and sporty, it handles everything with 100% confidence. Or at least everything that my humble car driving self can throw at it. Unlike my first taste of IDS in the 2014 MDX, in the TLX it seems to really transform the car from being a nice smooth cruiser, to a high-revving racer ready to take any quick and unexpected turns you throw at it. Sport+ mode takes it further by further increasing the responsiveness of the DCT and throttle characteristics of the engine. The throttle becomes extremely responsive and even P-AWS seems to really shine through stronger with the lighter and smaller chassis. I don't know if there are any active changes being made to P-AWS when you switch into Sport+ mode, but it feels as such, maybe tolerances are raised or other operating parameters are being modified on the fly? The car also recovers with much more grace and confidence whether it's super tight turns or quick shifts/changes in shifting, speed, or steering. And that even goes to say while just being in "Normal" mode.
The 9-speed DCT seems to operate really well and I like having the additional gears. They seem to give you more room to work with in variable RPM's and overall control of the speed of the vehicle. There are some occasions where it's slow to response, but in most cases it's pretty quick to shift and respond as you tell it to. I think it has more to do with the timing. On occasion it seems like it gets confused if I happen to make a manual shift change right at or slightly before it's about to make a change itself. In those occasions a push of the paddle ends in nothing happening. I have to tap it again for it to respond.
And the steering and overall handling is incredible. Again, the lighter and smaller chassis just giving you soo much more control over every nuance and aspect of how the car is moving, it's attitude, and it's stance. It seems to have a tighter turning radius, less "play" in the steering when turning, so you get far more reaction, response, and control when taking a turn, resulting in far more confidence when getting into a turn AND being aggressive on the throttle.
And that leaves us to the good ol suspension....:(
I honestly don't know how to write this last paragraph without going into a huge tirade. But all I can say is Acura really F'd up the suspension in the RLX P-AWS. After being in this loaner TLX now for over a week and driving the EXACT same routes I take too and from work, and knowing EVERY SINGLE bump, pot hole, etc. etc. to avoid when driving my RLX, I wonder how I do it. The TLX takes everything with absolute 100% confidence and recovers with not a single after-shock, rock, rattle, bobbing, bounce, etc. What was once a constant battle to avoid anything sub par on the road and having to pay constant attention to the road conditions has now just turned into a "driving" with no worries.
The TLX suspension has a very solid and confident "thud" with an immediate recover when hitting a bump or even large pot-holds. "thud" and recover. 1, 2, that's it. And that's if I even feel anything at all going right over areas with no disruption at all, whereas in my RLX it's a disaster. And don't think that the TLX is all super spongy, it has a really solid feel to the suspension. It hugs the road when you need it to, but instantly soaks up anything and everything without a single question. On the other hand the RLX hits anything extremely hard, loud, and with a physical shock in the steering wheel like the car is going to break or some serious damage is being done to the vehicle. You feel everything in the chassis of the car and you hear it. You don't get a muted "thud". You get loud "CLANK" "KLUNK"....as if the car was being slammed hard. It really is that bad, and that's why I'm at the point where I really don't like driving the car downtown at all. I'm constantly having to bob and weave and slow down and speed up and bob and weave again just to avoid feeling like the car is going to break, it's pathetic. It just feels like the car doesn't even have shocks at times. I just don't get it. I really don't. And it really upsets me because if the RLX handled the road half as good as the TLX does, it would make the driving experience just that much more enjoyable. As long as you keep the RLX on solid roads or highways, it drives and feels amazing, but seriously, Acura needs to figure this out. A $60k luxury sedan should not drive this like. Period. No excuses. I don't care what anyone has to say. The car has a serious defective design issue with the suspension and it needs to be resolved. And I'm at the point where if this is something that remains the same come 2016 when I turn in my lease and look at the MMC, I will be walking to another brand if they don't address this. I really like the TLX, but it doesn't carry the same level of sophistication and luxury that I want in a car, that the RLX does carry. But I also cannot deal with this suspension issue again.
Alright, time to crash. Hope you guys enjoy the read, here's a few pics of the loaner :)
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2012 SH-AWD Hard Shifting and Lagging
I have a 2012 SH-AWD and this has been bothering me for months now. I'm not sure if it's normal but the shifting on my car seems a little harder than normal, especially when driving slowly, or on the lower gears. I can feel every single little shift, and sometimes just feels like it goes in and out of a particular gear. Also, sometimes it just feels like the car is on the wrong gear. From what I remember, the car should have some of the smoothest shifting of any car, or am I imagining things?
I've been reading about torque converter issues, would this be one of them. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
I've been reading about torque converter issues, would this be one of them. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
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Which car to buy?
I was an owner of a 2003 Acura TL type S until a man pulled out in front of my recently, however his insurance paid $7,000 for my car. Now I'm left with choosing what car would be best for me. I liked my car, but I'm considering upgrading to a 2004. Are there any major problems or differences with either year (2003, 2004) that I should know about? Also should I consider a Honda accord for maintenance purposes?
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2004 Problems Common Mechanical Issues
I'm thinking about buying a 2004 TL, are there any problems that are common for this year? Also how much of a difference is there between the Type S model and the base?
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Post up your HUD pictures.
The idea for the thread came to me as I took this picture yesterday. Sure, there are only six of us on the forum who have a HUD, but what the heck, we have to start somewhere.
On Community College St. at E. 22nd, looking west at downtown Cleveland. Taken with iPhone6+, resized for forum consumption.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
On Community College St. at E. 22nd, looking west at downtown Cleveland. Taken with iPhone6+, resized for forum consumption.
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Cargo net, trunk liner, floor mats
Can one add a cargo net to the TLX or does it come with one? Is a trunk liner an option and does the TLX have all weather mats or the traditional carpet type?
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