Acura recalls 273,000 TLs

Honda Motor Co. issued two separate recalls for its Acura TL sedan to address potential fires under the hood and fix problems with the windshield wiper motor.

Honda is recalling 273,000 2004-2008 TLs because prolonged high temperatures underneath the engine hood could cause the power steering hose to deteriorate, causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid. The fluid could leak onto a hot catalytic converter and lead to smoke and a possible fire. Acura spokesman said there had been no fires or injuries reported. Dealers will install a new heat-resistant power steering hose free of charge.

In the second action, Honda is recalling 129,600 TLs from the 2004-05 model year to address a potential failure of the circuit breaker inside the windshield wiper motor. If the circuit breaker fails, it could prevent the wiper from working and increase the likelihood of a crash. There also have been no reports of crashes or injuries tied to the windshield wiper issue. Dealers will inspect the windshield wiper motor and replace the motor if they find signs of corrosion.



[Source] Detroit News

[TSB] Acura TL Moans When Engine Is Cold

Acura TL Power Steering Moans or Whines

TSB: 07-060

Applies To: 2004-07 Acura TL (ALL)

SYMPTOM
A moan or whine is heard when turning the steering wheel when the engine is cold. There may be air bubbles or foam in the power steering reservoir. The noise usually goes away when the engine warms up.

PROBABLE CAUSE
Air enters the power steering pump through the inlet joint O-ring.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the O-ring on the power steering pump inlet joint.

PARTS INFORMATION
O-ring: P/N 91345-RDA-A01

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Acura Power Steering Fluid: P/N 08206-9002 (One container repairs about 12 vehicles.)

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 5121B5
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: P/N 91345-PAA-A01
Defect Code: 07408
Symptom Code: 04201
Template ID: 07-060A
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.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the right side engine compartment cover (7 clips and 1 bolt).

2. Remove the bolt holding the inlet joint to the power steering pump housing.

3. Place a shop towel under the pump inlet.

4. Twist the inlet joint back and forth until it is loose, then carefully disconnect the joint and point the hose upward to minimize fluid loss.

5. Remove the inlet joint O-ring.


6. Apply power steering fluid to a new O-ring, and install it on the inlet joint.

7. Install the inlet joint, and torque its bolt to 11 N.m (8 lb-ft).

8. Top off the power steering fluid, if needed. Start the engine, and let it idle. Confirm that the noise is gone and that the system is operating properly.

9. Install the right side engine compartment cover.

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Safety Recall: 2005-08 Acura RL Power Steering Feed Hose Leak

AFFECTED VEHICLE:
2005 - 2008 Acura RL



BACKGROUND:
Unexpectedly high heat deterioration and bending stress can cause the power steering feed hose to crack, resulting in a leak. A leak from the feed hose can drip P/S fluid onto drivetrain components and the catalytic converter below, causing a burning odor and possibly smoke. The low fluid level resulting from the leak may also cause the power steering pump to whine.

CLIENT NOTIFICATION:
All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign the week of December 17, 2007.

Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be 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. In addition, check for a punch mark above the fifth character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means the power steering feed hose kit was already installed at the port, and the vehicle is ready to be sold or leased.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Install a power steering feed hose kit.



PARTS INFORMATION:
Power Steering Feed Hose Kit (Contains P/S feed hose, hose bracket, pressure switch O-ring, and extra trim clips):
P/N 06535-SJA-A01

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Acura Precision Crafted Power Steering Fluid (Each vehicle may require up to three 12 oz. bottles):
P/N 08206-9002A

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION:
Operation Number: 5121D3
Flat Rate Time: 1.3 hours
Failed Part: 06535-SJA-A01
Defect Code: 5LR00
Symptom Code: Q6500
Template ID: 07-061A
Skill Level: Repair Technician

ACURA'S LETTER TO SERVICE MANAGERS


Click here for a complete PDF on the issue.


SIDE NOTE RELATED TO ACURA TL'S:
Although, it's not a full on recall, there has been some reported problems with the 2004 Acura TL having a power steering problem. The symptom is the vehicle makes a horrible noise during cold starts. My cousin had to take his almost out of warranty 2004 Acura TL automatic in to the dealer so they can replace the power steering pump (under warranty). Someone on the Acurazine.com forum noted to make sure that the power steering hose also gets replaced when having this service done.

[UPDATE] This Acura TL issue is now officially a technical service bulletin (TSB).