Thursday, November 29, 2012

5 Year Old Acura Sport Concept Revealed

This mysterious Acura was built by Honda's Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, the sporty NSX-looking coupe was never intended to be seen outside the opaque walls of that high-security building. It was built as "an internal advanced design concept" FIVE years ago!



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Honda and Acura Lead ALG’s Residual Value Rankings

ALG  is a provider of residual value and other analyses to the automotive industry. Its Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles in each segment that are forecast to retain the highest percentage of manufacturer’s suggested retail price after three years.

Honda was No. 1 in the Mainstream brand rankings, followed by Hyundai and Scion. Acura topped all Premium brands, with Infiniti coming in second and Audi third. Lexus, last year’s highest-ranked Premium brand, dropped to fourth.




Monday, November 12, 2012

[Acura Style] Driven By Design

This article is taken from Acura's Fall/Winter 2012 Style magazine, page 49.

Jon Ikeda, chief designer and senior manager of the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California, is a busy man - in charge of everything from new Acura production models to such advanced visions as the NSX Concept, Acura Style caught up with him at the Design Studio to discuss the RLX Concept on display just a few feet away.

What was the overall design philosophy for the RLX Concept?
A little more serious, a little more formal. We really wanted to establish that it's a flagship. You'll see striking, undulating lines. A good stance. A more spacious interior. And on certain versions, you're going to see hardware directly tied in the NSX supercar. So you know the performance is there.

What exterior and interior features are you most excited about?
In proportion from the outside, it's grown up a little bit. And the interior is downright gorgeous. Even more luxury than we've had before. We also really love the new Jewel Eye headlight technology ... a little thinner, simpler, but very high tech.

What is the most difficult aspect of designing the RLX?
We really wanted to create something that does justice to all the RLX's new technology. But just when you've drawn that nugget of gold, some new regulation will come in that requires us to change the shape by 10 millimeters - 10 millimeters, are you kidding me!? That's a lot! So we're always trying to find that right balance.

It's been a big year for Acura. What's next?
The brand itself is maturing. Don't think for a second that just because we're coming out with all these cars that we're done. We're continuing to push. It's exciting. By the time the RLX comes out, we'll already be well ahead on the next new models. There are things behind this door right now that take Acura on to the next level. But of course, I can't show you!


Friday, November 9, 2012

Re-factoring Site Labels

I know I have been away for a bit, but I'm back and I'm working on re-factoring the labels of this site. Labels that just used to say TL, TSX, MDX, and etc are now being prefixed with [Acura] so the result would be [Acura] TL, [Acura] TSX, and etc... this is for better grouping in the site panel. Anyway, it's a work in progress so if the labels are confusing right now, hang in there until I'm done. ;)

[Update@13Nov2012] As I'm making these labels changes, I realize that it's going to break the internal label links that I had in the old posts. If you end up on an empty label page, please check the side panel to see if you can find and updated label.

[Safety Recall] Fuse Box May Cause a No-Start or Stalling Condition



Safety Recall: Fuse Box May Cause a No-Start or Stalling Condition

Applies To: 2005 Acura TL
From VIN 19UUA65..5A012670 thru 19UUA65..5A013543
From VIN 19UUA66..5A012008 thru 19UUA66..5A015591

BACKGROUND
A loose terminal in the under-dash fuse/relay box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start. In the worst case, if the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.

CLIENT NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign. An example of the client notification is at the end of this service bulletin.
Not all vehicles within the VIN ranges are affected. To verify vehicle eligibility, check at least one of these items:
• The client has a notification letter.
• The vehicle is shown on your campaign responsibility report.
• The vehicle is shown as eligible on aniN VIN status inquiry.
In addition to the bulleted verification items, check for a punch mark above the first character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means the vehicle has already been repaired.
Most vehicles affected by this campaign are in your new vehicle inventory. According to federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are repaired. To see if a vehicle is affected by this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the under-dash fuse/relay box.

PARTS INFORMATION
Under-Dash Fuse/Relay Box: P/N 38200-SEP-A03

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

OP#
Description
FRT
Template ID
7471A0
Replace fuse box
0.4
05-013A
7417A0 A
Replace fuse box
Add for vehicles with navigation 
0.4 
0.2
05-013B

Failed Part: P/N 38200-SEP-A02
Defect Code: 5DS00
Symptom Code: P7400
Skill Level: Repair Technician 


REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Replace the under-dash fuse/relay box:
NOTE: Do not use pliers to remove the relays.
• Refer to page 22-73 of the 2004–05 TL Service Manual, or
2. If the vehicle has a factory-installed navigation system, do the navigation system setup. Refer to Navigation System Setup at PDI in service bulletin 03-013, TL and TSX: TQI of the DVD Navigation System With Voice Recognition.
3. Center-punch a completion mark above the first character of the engine compartment VIN.



Example of Client Letter

April 2005

Safety Recall: Engine Does Not Start or Stalls While Driving

Dear TL Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice?
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2005 model year TLs. A loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start. In the worst case, if the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.

What should you do?
Call any authorized Acura dealer, and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. The dealer will replace the main fuse box. This work will be done free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle for half a day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling.

Who to contact if you experience problems.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Acura dealer, you may write to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Acura Client Services

Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590

Or call the toll-free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

What to do if you feel this notice is in error.
Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2005 TL involved in this campaign. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records.

If you already paid to have the main fuse box replaced, please call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238 for assistance.

Lessor Information.

Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within 10 days.

If you have any questions about this notice or need assistance with locating an Acura dealer, please call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238.

We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may cause you.

Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Automobile Division 

[TSB B05-010] MDX Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Comes on


Technical Service Bulletin B 05-010

MDX: MIL Comes On With DTC P2195 or P2197

Applies To: 2003–04 MDX - ALL
(2003 Acura MDX, 2004 Acura MDX)

SYMPTOM
The MIL is on, and DTC P2195 (rear air fuel ratio sensor signal stuck lean) or P2197 (front air fuel ratio sensor signal stuck lean) is set.

PROBABLE CAUSE
The PCM software incorrectly interprets sensor inputs, causing the codes to set.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the PCM software.

Take your car to the dealer if you have this problem.

[TSB B05-008] No Sound From the Audio System


Technical Service Bulletin B 05-008

No Sound From the Audio System

Applies To: 2005 Acura RL – From VIN JH4KB16..5C000001 thru JH4KB16..5C005948

PROBLEM
There is no sound from the audio system in any mode.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the stereo amplifier.

PARTS INFORMATION
Stereo Amplifier: P/N 39186-SJA-A01 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.

Operation Number: 0101B3
Flat Rate Time: 0.5 hour
Failed Part: P/N 39186-SJA-A01

Defect Code: 03217
Symptom Code: 03257
Skill Level: Repair Technician 


Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

DIAGNOSIS
Remove the No. 2 (30A) fuse from the passenger’s under-dash fuse/relay box, and wait 1 minute. Reinstall the fuse, and recheck the audio system for normal operation.
• If there is still no sound from the audio system, this service bulletin does not apply; continue with normal troubleshooting.
• If there is sound from the audio system, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
Replace the stereo amplifier:
• Refer to page 23-70 in the 2005 RL Service Manual.

[TSB B12-038] Vibration in Gear or Knock Noise on Acceleration


Technical Service Bulletin B 12-038:

Vibration in Gear or Knock Noise on Acceleration

Applies To: 2005–11 RL – ALL
 (2005 Acura RL, 2006 Acura RL, 2007 Acura RL, 2008 Acura RL, 2009 Acura RL, 2010 Acura RL, 2011 Acura RL)

SYMPTOM
There is a vibration when putting the transmission in gear or a knocking noise when accelerating.

PROBABLE CAUSE
The rubber on the engine mounts has deteriorated from high underhood engine temperatures.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the front, the side, or both the engine mounts.

PARTS INFORMATION
Front Engine Mount: P/N 50830-SJA-305
Front Mount Flange Nut, (2 required): P/N 94050-12080
Front Engine Flange Bolt, (10 x 20 mm), (4 required): P/N 90163-S5A-000
Front Engine Flange Bolt, (10 x 35 mm): P/N 90163-SDA-A01
Side Engine Mount: P/N 50820-SJA-305
Side Mount Flange Bolt, (12 x 45 mm): P/N 90161-SDA-A01
2005–07 Side Mount Flange Bolt (10 x 60 mm), (2 required): P/N 90127-S73-000
2008–11 Side Mount Flange Bolt (10 x 60 mm), (2 required): P/N 90168-TA1-A00

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.

OP#DescriptionFRT
112102Replace the front engine mount in REPAIR PROCEDURE A.1.2
112101Replace the side engine mount in REPAIR PROCEDURE B.0.3
1121F4Replace the front and side engine mounts in both repair procedures.1.5

Failed Part: P/N 50830-SJA-E01
Defect Code: 01102
Symptom Code: 03220
Skill Level: Repair Technician


DIAGNOSIS
1. Stand to the side of the vehicle’s engine compartment, and watch the top of the front engine mount.
2. Have an assistant shift the transmission into D. With the assistant’s foot firmly on the brake pedal, have him quickly press the accelerator pedal and release it.
3. Look for contact or listen for a knock between the top of the front engine mount and the bottom of the front engine mount stop.


4. Visually inspect the side engine mount for tearing or signs of leakage.
• If the front engine mount makes contact or knocks, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE A.
• If the side engine mount is torn or leaking, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B.
• If both front and side engine mounts are damaged, do both REPAIR PROCEDURE A and B.



REPAIR PROCEDURE A
1. Disconnect the washer tubes. Remove the clips, then remove the right upper fender trim.



2. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
3. Remove the splash shield.
• Remove the clips that secure the front inner fender and the splash shield to the body.
• From under the front bumper, remove the bolts and the clips.
• From under the body, remove the bolts and the clips.
• Release the hooks of the


4. Remove the harness connectors, the ground cable, and the harness clamps.



5. Loosen the A/C condenser fan shroud mounting bolts.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Remove the air intake duct cover and the coolant reservoir.

8. Disconnect the RFC connectors and the A/C condenser fan motor connector, then remove the harness clamps.


9. Remove the RFC unit from the radiator fan shroud.
10. Remove the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly, then remove the radiator fan shroud assembly. NOTE: Pull up the radiator, then move the radiator fan shroud assembly toward the right side of the vehicle to allow enough space to lift it up and away from the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly.


11. Remove the front engine mount stop, and disconnect the vacuum hose.



12. Remove the front engine mount flange bolt.
13. Lift and support the engine with a jack and a block of wood under the engine/transmission.
14. Remove the front engine mount from the subframe.



15. Remove the front engine mount insulator, then disconnect the vacuum hose.
16. Remove the front engine mount insulator, then disconnect the vacuum hose.
17. Reconnect the vacuum hose, and install the engine mount insulator to the front engine mount.
18. Install the new front engine mount to the front subframe, then torque the new bolts to 54 N.m (40lb-ft).
19. Remove the jack and the wood block.
20. Tighten the new front engine mount flange bolt to 54 N.m (40 lb-ft), then install the front engine mount stop and tighten the new nuts to 64 N.m (47 lb-ft).
21. Reconnect the vacuum hose.
22. Reinstall the radiator fan shroud assembly and tighten the bolts to 7.0 N.m (5.2 lb-ft).
23. Reinstall the A/C condenser fan shroud assembly.
24. Reinstall the RFC unit.
25. Reconnect the RFC connectors and the A/C condenser fan motor connector, then install the clamps.
26. Reinstall the coolant reservoir, and the air intake duct cover.
27. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
28. Tighten the A/C condenser fan shroud mounting bolts to 7.0 N.m (5.2 lb-ft).
29. Reinstall the harness connectors, the ground cable, and the harness clamps.
30. Reinstall the splash shield.
31. Lower the vehicle.
32. Reinstall the right side fender trim.


REPAIR PROCEDURE B
1. Lift and support the engine with a jack and a block of wood under the engine oil pan.
2. Remove the ground cable, then remove the upper half of the side engine mount bracket.



3. Remove the side engine mount.

4. Reinstall the new side engine mount and tighten the bolts to 54 N.m (40 lb-ft).
5. Install the upper half of the side engine mount bracket, and tighten the two new vertical mounting bolts to 54 N.m (40 lb-ft).

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