Hi Mr. Davis,

I have a 2001 Acura MDX with 110K. Everything is fine with the vehicle, but it rides somewhat rougher than I think it should. Small bumps on relatively smooth roads don’t cause any problem, but when the road is rough, the ride becomes very rough. Of course this is somewhat normal, but rather than just getting jostled a bit, there is a huge racket at times. I can feel strong vibrations in the steering wheel and in the car body. It just feels loose, and sounds loud.

I know the struts and shocks are good, as they were replaced at 75K, and I had a mechanic check them when I had new tires installed recently. The tires are also excellent Grand Touring tires. I had initially hoped this would solve the problem, but it hasn’t. I have checked the end-links myself as well as I could, as well as other suspension components and there doesn’t seem to be anything horribly out of place.

Is this just a worn suspension after all the miles? What can I do to improve the ride? I am considering having all the bushings replaced, but this may require total control arm replacement on both sides, and could cost me more than I would like. What about the steering wheel vibration? Can it be that the steering column is loose and needs tightening.

Again, the vehicle handles turn-ins very nicely, does not bounce or lean excessively. It’s just very uncomfortable on rough roads.

What do you think?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Kagan

Hello Kagan,

Have you been able to get a mechanic to drive this vehicle with you on rough road so they can experience the same thing you are experiencing? I would really try to get that to happen. Since you said the ride is just fine on smooth road and on turns…..I can only assume that everything in the front end of the vehicle is tight, but if you have not had the front end aligned lately I would suggest you do that. That will also give the front suspension parts and bushings an inspection during the alignment process.

I still kinda think you have an issue with the tires. Most of the time when my customers complain of these types of problems it is due to tire noise/problems. If it has been more than 10,000 miles since you had the tires balanced and rotated I would do that and see if it changes anything. Shaking/vibration in the steering wheel is usually due to a front tire that is out of balance.

Keep me posted as to what you find out will ya?

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Hey Austin

Long time…no talk. We’re talking car problems in the office and of course, I’m listening to these engineers tell each other what they think the problem is, but the one who has the problem, keeps spending money getting everything fixed…but still hears the same problem.

1992 Acura (not sure of the model), left front wheel, makes squeaking noise when he hits a bump or dip in the pavement. He said they told him it wasn’t a strut or a shock. Could it be a bushing?

Sue

Howdy Sue,

You come up with the strangest stuff dont you. Hummmmm, I would really need to look at this car and listen to the noise myself to really determine what is going on, but I would try to rule out a few things first. Could it be a loose fan belt by chance?

You said a squeal, not a squeek….a squeek would lead me to think of a rubber bushing, strut or strut mounting bushing that has worn out or is missing causing a rattle or squeek noise to occur when he hits a bump.

You did not say anything about a noise when he brakes….so it might not have anything to do with the brakes???? I would check the belts, then have a front end alignment mechanic check the underside of the vehicle for wear.

I would also pull the two front tires off and look at the brakes, just to make sure you rule them out…..and dont get focused on one side of the vehicle, sounds are hard to locate and can easily travel from one side of the vehicle to the other.

Take care, and keep me posted will ya?

Austin Davis

Hi Austin!

I have an 2006 Acura TL with 31k miles.

I have an A12 maintenance minder, which i guess is for 30k miles.
A couple of questions.

It says replace air cleaner element and dust and pollen filter (for maint minder 2).
I went to a shop, told them to replace those, and they changed the “cabin air filter”. Is that the same thing?

They tried to sell me 30k service package, which included trans fluid flush, radiation flush, system tune-up, but i declined all those. They also indicated air filter change, which i declined as well.

But, when should the engine air filter be changed? I was running through the list of service items in the owner’s manual but i haven’t seen when to do this.

Thanks!!!!

Hi there,

Thanks for your email and for checking your insurance rate, hope you were able to beat your current rate.

The dust and pollen filter….to the best of my knowledge should be the same as the interior A/C cabin air filter. I would probably assume that your engine air filter is due for a change at this mileage interval, most of my customers would be. You can buy the filter yourself at the local auto parts store and install it yourself….or I bet the guy at the auto parts store would install it for you free of charge.

What should be considered for a 30K check out? Great question….there are a few things I would look at and might recommend you consider if you were at my shop.

1. Rotate and balance the tires
2. Inspect the brakes – should be free if you rotate the tires since the tires are already removed from the vehicle
3. Change/inspect air filter
4. Service transmission fluid and filter…although your vehicle should just require draining the old transmission fluid out and installing new fluid which any fast lube place can do for you if you don’t want to hassle with the dealership for this.
5. Inspect and clean battery cables
6. Depending on the wear and tear on your tires I would also recommend a front end alignment. Living in Houston just about any car on the pot holed roads here could use a front end alignment every 30K or so. You can be “out of alignment” and not have any symptoms like steering wheel pulling or vibration or shaking, so a good rule of thumb (my thumb) is to just get an alignment every so often just to stay on top of things and get the most mileage out of your tires.

I made a very generic maintenance list myself on my other site, this is the 30K schedule I would use along with your owners manual list.

30,000 Maintenance Schedule

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Austin,

I’m having a transmission problem with my 1993 Acura Vigor. It’s a rather rare car, and not many people know how to work on them, which leaves me working on it myself 90% of the time.

I purchased the car with a transmission problem, the car would go into reverse 10% of the time, and later on, would lose 4th gear. The car is an automatic 4spd transmission. The problem turned out to be a broken shift fork on the Servo Body. I did the work myself, and own the Factory Service Manual for this model car.

After replacing the shift fork, flushing the transmission with Honda ATF to the proper levels, and replacing several O-Rings within the Lower Main Valve Body and Servo Body, the transmission was shifting great. It’s always shifted great, with exception to the Reverse gear.

A few weeks have passed now, and I’ve been experiencing some “chatter” when selecting the Reverse gear. It’s a heavy vibration coming from the transmission, almost like a knocking/impact feeling. It’ll “knock” about 2-3 times and go into gear, almost as if it wasn’t getting enough pressure to push the gear in fully. My understanding is that the gear should be allowed to engage first, then the clutch provides power to the gears. Almost seems like the clutch is engaging before the gear is seated properly. These are just my assumptions.

I belong to a car club, the AcuraVigorClub.com We’re a great friendly and knowledgeable group, ranging from the average Joe, to a rocket scientist(yes, really). We all share a common interest, and that’s the Love for this rare sporty luxury sedan called the Acura Vigor. Unfortunately, we don’t have anyone with the expertise in transmissions.

I’ve called many a places, to only get the same result, “bring it in and we’ll take a look at it” which means having someone that doesn’t know these cars, cracking open my baby, and end up spending tons of $ on just Honda ATF alone. Let’s not even talk about the cost of suckering you into doing the work there(diagnostic fees).

I really hope that I can do the work myself, because I share the same belief of not taking short-cuts. I would like to thank you for providing us with the information that you have on your website. I look forward to your helpful advice.

Shawn

Hey there Shawn,

I printed out your email and showed it to my top mechanic and faxed it to my local transmission shop to see if they could help. I hate to say it, but you got us all baffled as well. The transmission place said……lets take a look at it, and that means run some computer scans to see if anything shows up in your computer memory then start removing the transmission and look inside.

But you already know the drill. I really don’t have anything to even suggest to you, except go to the transmission shop and hopefully find someone there that is honest and willing to work with you.

The car is kinda old, so I would really not be too shocked if they wanted to overhaul it. I wonder what kind of transmission is in that vehicle and if another model would work. You might be able to find a used one if they are interchangeable???? And if you want to take a chance at a used transmission?

You might want to post this on my online forum board to see if one of the guys can help you. It’s free and people all over the world visit it CAR QUESTIONS FORUM

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Reader follow up

Austin,

First and foremost, I appreciate your prompt reply and the effort that you have went through for my problem.

The transmission doesn’t have anything in the memory as far as trouble codes, I know how to pull them and decode them if there were to be any. I wish I knew what to look for, because I’ve been in there before, dropped the pan and the whole bit. Are there any simple tests that a DIYer can perform to see if it’s a major problem that requires a replacement, or is it something as simple as replacing a solenoid? How effective is the pressure test using gauges to test each gear?

The transmission in there is for a 5 cylinder inline engine, made by Honda for about 7 years. It’s runs in the Acura Vigor for 3 years from 1992-1994, and then in the Acura TL 2.5 from 1995-1998. There are replacements out there, rather cheap at that. But I’m really one that prefers to find the problem, then start replacing as necessary. I’d really like to be able to repair this problem, without pulling the tranny.

There are others in similar situations as I on my car club, and if I’m able to repair the problem without pulling the tranny, then it would pave the way for everyone else to do this in their garage. This is what our club is all about, helping one another with information to keep our rides on the roads, and not in the junk yards due to costly repair bills.

I’ll give the forums a shot. Thank you very much for your time. If you should come across new development in my problem, please let me know.

Thank you,

Shawn

Summary
2008 Acura TSX is a sports sedan that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New for 2008 Acura TSX?
There are no major changes to 2008 Acura TSX.

Introduction
2008 Acura TSX proves to be a perfect blend of high-tech features, attractive styling, driving dynamics, and refinement at modest costs.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Acura TSX is available in four trims ranging from 6-Spd MT to 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System. Options include voice-activated touch screen navigation system, sunroof, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery with heated front buckets, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Acura TSX offers standard 205hp 2.4-liter I4 engine with either five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive or six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. It delivers 19 to 20-mpg in city and 28-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2008 Acura TSX are attractive with modern technological features and straightforward controls. Interiors are spacious with sufficient cargo space.

Safety Features
Standard safety features of 2008 Acura TSX include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and side airbags for front passengers.

Driving Impressions
Quick steering, excellent handling, and sufficient body roll offer comfortable ride, although brakes are unimpressive.

Pros
Exclusive technological features in interiors, powerful engines, sharp handling

Cons
Average braking, poor torque

Summary
2008 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan or luxury sedan that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2008 Acura TL?
Additions include more standard safety features, powerful engines with higher torque, and exquisite finesse.

Introduction
2008 Acura TL proves to be an exclusive sedan with aerodynamic exterior, powerful engines, and high fuel economy.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Acura TL is available in six trims ranging from 5-Spd AT to Type-S 5-Spd AT w/ Performance Tires. Options include tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, DTS and CD six-disc changer, remote keyless entry, and navigation system with voice recognition.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Acura TL offers standard 286hp 3.5-liter V6 engine or 258hp 3.2-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 17 to 18-mpg in city and 26-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2008 Acura TL include two-tone leather upholstery with contrast stitching and optional wood trims. Front seats should be supportive. Controls are simple and easy to use. Interiors are spacious.

Safety Features
Safety features include front-seat side airbags, traction control, and front-rear side-curtain airbags.

Driving Impressions
Precise handling, powerful engines, solid chassis, and accurate steering offer comfortable and stable ride.

Pros
High fuel economy, excellent performance

Cons
Suspension insufficient to absorb bumps

Summary
2008 Acura RL is a luxury sedan that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2008 Acura RL?
Additions include many new packages offering numerous options within them like navigation system, run-flat tires, and mitigating braking system.

Introduction
2008 Acura RL proves to be a competent and high-performance car, although does not sport any flashy features or high-speed.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Acura RL is available in three trims ranging from Sedan to CMBS/PAX Package. Options include rearview camera, navigation system with real-time traffic, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, leather seating, power and heated front seats, and satellite radio.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Acura RL offers standard 290hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 16-mpg in city and 24-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors are spacious and luxurious with dramatic designs, many controls, and numerous technological features. Legroom is sufficient while cargo space is average.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control system, front seat side airbags, and optional CMBS system to alert driver of dangers.

Driving Impressions
Excellent handling and multilink rear suspension assure smooth ride, although steering is not too precise.

Pros
Systematic integration of numerous technologies, excellent handling

Cons
Average steering, modest engines

Summary
2008 Acura RDX is a luxury sports utility that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

What is New in 2008 Acura RDX?
Few changes include standard Bluetooth connectivity, memory positioning for driver seat, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Introduction
2008 Acura RDX proves to be a typical SUV with independent suspension, numerous upgrades, exclusive interior features, and excellent handling, albeit expensive.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Acura RDX is available in two trims of 5-Spd AT and 5-Spd AT w/ Technology Package. Options include rearview camera, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, and auxiliary input jack.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Acura RDX offers standard 240hp 2.3-liter I4 turbo engine with five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. It delivers 17-mpg in city and 22-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors include leather seating with metallic accents, center storage compartment, colored gauges, and symmetrical dash design. Rear seats neither recline nor slide. Cargo space is insufficient and rear seats are uncomfortable.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include antilock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, stability control, traction control, head-protecting side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and active front head restraints.

Driving Impressions
Firm suspension and powerful engines with high torque offer firm ride, though not comfortable.

Pros
Powerful engines, responsive handling

Cons
Poor fuel economy, rear seats do not recline, uncomfortable ride

Summary
2008 Acura MDX is a luxury sports utility that can seat seven passengers.

What is New in 2008 Acura MDX?
Additions include a more powerful engine, better handling dynamics, and improved quality of materials for interiors.

Introduction
2008 Acura MDX proves to be a comfortable, versatile, and stylish SUV available at modest prices.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2008 Acura MDX is available in five trims ranging from Base to Sport Package w/ Rear DVD System. Options include rear-seat DVD entertainment system, voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic reporting, Bluetooth phone connectivity, satellite radio, sunroof, leather seating, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and active damping suspension.

Powertrains and Performance
2008 Acura MDX offers standard 300hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 15-mpg in city and 20-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors offer most modern technological features. Quality of materials is enhanced with more wood trims. Split folding seats offer sufficient cargo space. Rear seats are cramped.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment.

Driving Impressions
Swift acceleration, smooth transmission, and precise steering offer quiet and comfortable ride.

Pros
Superb styling, spacious, and excellent performance

Cons
Heavy vehicle, seats not supportive enough

Hi there,

I am impressed you can dump the clutch, most guys can’t do that!

If you are sure the clutch neutral safety switch is working, I would test to see if you have power going to your starter motor. From what you said, I would assume you are not getting power to your starter and the ignition switch would be the first place I would start testing next.

Don’t jump to conclusions with this though……you could still have a bad starter motor (there could be something wrong with the solenoid or the bendix part of the starter) so just because you can jump across the starter and it works…….does not really tell you that the starter is OK, just says that the actual windings parts of the motor are good.

Sometimes you can lightly bang on the side of the starter with a block of wood or rubber hammer AS someone holds down the ignition key in the start position. If it starts, you need a new starter motor or have yours overhauled.

Blessings,

Austin Davis