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Acura CL

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What is this discussion about? Acura CL, Coupe

Messages Page 178 of 197

#1769 of 1965 Automotive Recalls & Technical Service Bulletins for 2001 Acura CL by excl2005

Feb 24, 2004 (7:00 pm)

I've ultimately decided to either buy the 2001 Acura CL TYPE-S or the 2003 Honda Accord EX V6, Coupe or the 2003 Toyota Camry Solara SLE V6, coupe.
 
To be honest, I absolutely love the Acura but as the more research I do on this model the more I'm leaning away from it. Actually, I'm avoiding it like the plague!
 
To all of the 2001 Acura CL TYPE-S owners out there, I want your honest opinions on whether this has applied to your vehicle?
_________________________________________________
 
Automotive Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for 2001 Acura CL TYPE S V6-3210cc 3.2L SOHC (VTEC) PGM-FI.
 
Provided by ALLDATA
 
Bulletins for 2001 Acura CL TYPE S V6-3210cc 3.2L SOHC (VTEC) PGM-FI
 
General Recalls
 
     TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
 
1. 02-027 AUG 03 Campaign - Automatic Transmission Warranty Extension
 
2. 03-017 MAY 03 Campaign - PCM/Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement
 
Service Bulletins
 
     TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
 
1. 03-015 AUG 03 Audio System - Remote Controls Don't Work Properly
 
2. 98-005 JUL 03 Drivetrain - Revised CV Joint Boot Band/Installation
 
3. 00-037 JUN 03 Brakes - Brake Rotor Refinishing Guidelines
 
4. 97-040 MAY 03 Keyless Entry - Description/Identification/Programming
 
5. 01-017 MAY 03 Brakes - Pedal/Steering Wheel Vibrate When Braking
 
6. 00-019 APR 03 Antitheft System -Type 2 System Operation/Programming
 
7. 03-010 MAR 03 Engine Controls/Emissions - DTC's & Monitors
 
8. 03-006 MAR 03 Engine Controls - Idle Speed Inspection
 
9. 03-003 FEB 03 Interior - Power Seat Rail Synchronization Update
 
10. 03-001 JAN 03 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC P1457 (EVAP) Set
 
11. 03-002 JAN 03 A/T - MIL ON/No Upshifts/Downshifts/Slipping
 
12. 02-020 AUG 02 Air Bag System - Occupant Position Sensor Initialization
 
13. 02-015 JUL 02 Air Bag System - SRS Lamp ON/DTC's Set
 
14. 02-012 MAY 02 Clutch Master Cylinder - Fluid Leakage
 
15. 02-006 MAR 02 Front Seat Back Panel - Loose/Detached
 
16. 02-005 FEB 02 Emissions - EVAP System Testing and Diagnostics
 
17. 96-025 DEC 01 Navigation System - Component Exchange Program
 
18. 99-041 NOV 01 Navigation System/A/C - Operation/Testing
 
19. 01-041 OCT 01 Engine - Oil Leaks
 
20. 01-031 SEP 01 Lighting - Road Lamp Bulbs Burned Out
 
21. 99-051 AUG 01 Exhaust - Muffler Paint Peeling
 
22. 00-037 AUG 01 Brake Disc - Refinishing Guidelines
 
23. 01-004 JUL 01 Wipers - Smear or Streak the Windshield
 
24. 00-009 DEC 00 New Models - Feature Information
 
25. 00-032 NOV 00 Moonroof - Squeaks from Moonroof Seal
 
26. 00-025 AUG 00 Body - Windshield Molding Deformed
 
27. 99-041 FEB 00 TQI OF THE DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM
 
28. 92036 NOV 92 Vehicle Fails State Inspection Emissions Test
 
If I didn't know any better, I would have thought this was either a Ford, GM, or Dodge car.
 
I guess another question is whether a pre-owned certified Acura CL 3.2 will address all of these issues.
 
Right now, I'm extremely disappointed with Acura's supposed quality craftsmanship.
 
~Darren~

#1770 of 1965 I have had... by bodble2

Feb 25, 2004 (5:02 pm)

the tranny warranty extension (no problem so far with tranny); the moonroof rattle; and streaky wipers. That's all.
 
A couple of side-notes: On a couple of occasions, I have encountered the e-brake light on the dash coming on and off intermittently. However, according to the dealer, there was no fluid leak nor any other brake malfunction. The last time it happened they replaced the master cylinder sensor and all is well.
 
Also, regarding the audio system, sometimes when I try to turn the volume down via the dash knob, the volume would go up rather than down. Usually this would happen if I give the knob a quick twist. If I turn it slowly it doesn't happen. I didn't bring it to the attention of the dealer since I don't think it's a big deal. I usually use the steering wheel volume control anyway.
 
I think those are all TSB's that Darren listed. I think TSB's are issued quite regularly by all manufacturers, so I'm sure if having a lot of TSB's is any indication of significant problems.

#1771 of 1965 Those problems... by rick27513

Feb 27, 2004 (1:31 pm)

I have to say, I've had some of those problems listed, including...
- Pedal/Steering Wheel Vibrate When Braking (Acura turned the rotors at 25k)
- Squeaks from Moonroof Seal (Acura applied fix)
- Wipers - Smear or Streak the Windshield (no fix)
...and of course the Transmission Warranty Extension, but no failures so far.
 
And I've experienced a 'jumping' or bouncing in the power windows, for which Acura replaced the window regulator mechanisms. None of the other items you listed have happened on my '01. On all problems I've had, my Acura dealer's service has been fantastic to deal with.
 
I also have to tell you, I have 46k miles on this car and still just love the way it drives. It runs and drives as tight as it did when new. I am disappointed over the problems I read about on this model, but have yet to experience enough to sway my opinion. I think it's fair to say the 01 CL-s is not best at reliability from your choices, but it does offer much better performance than the Honda or Toyota. Do you weigh performance or reliability higher?
 
Like bodble2, I believe TSBs are not necessarily indication of serious quality problems. Being in a tech-service business myself, I know TSBs can also be communications for unusual or difficult to diagnose problems... making them a sign of effective service departments.

#1772 of 1965 by bodble2

Feb 27, 2004 (4:52 pm)

rick27513 knew what I meant despite my typo!! (I meant to say "I'm NOT sure if having a lot of TSB's is any indication of significant problems")

#1773 of 1965 brakes by 95gt

Mar 01, 2004 (12:39 pm)

My only problem has been the brakes. The stupid shimmy at speeds that needs the brakes resurfaced. Does not come up alot(first at 30k and again now at 50k). Rest of the car is as solid as the day I got it. Not a rattle hiccup or anything. This is a great car. This is definetly not a car to "avoid like the plague". I will take my little brake shimmy, as it has no affect on the brakes stopping performance, and be happy as i pass those accord and solara drivers

#1774 of 1965 Question... by dark8

Mar 02, 2004 (1:48 pm)

I just test drove a '01 3.2CL Type-S and i am in love with this car i can afford only about $19000 for the car... But after reading about all these tranny problems im kinda holdin back now. I am also lookin at '02 Maxima SE as a secondary instead of the Acura but i really want the Acura over the maxima...
 
Anyone know if there are more bad trannys then there are good ones? Like is it every 3.2CL Type-S tranny's are bad... or is like one out of every 2 or what i am tryin to get at is what are the odds of gettin a bad one anyone know?
 
Also another quick question... Does anyone know what year they started to make the 3.2CLS in that nice Blue color?

#1775 of 1965 by bodble2

Mar 02, 2004 (7:26 pm)

I think there are definitely more good trannies than bad ones. There are only supposed to be about 2% bad trannies. My tranny hasn't failed, nor has it shown any of the typical symptoms so far. However, having said that, I never liked the way the CL auto shifts. One, I don't think it puts the power to the wheels that smoothly. Secondly I think it has a tendency to go into econo mode too easily. In other words, under light throttle, it will upshift early and stay in a higher gear. While this may be good for fuel economy, around town often it seems the engine will lug a bit. You take your foot off the throttle, the revs will drop. (There are time when I'd be cruising at about 35 - 40 mph and the revs will be down to barely over 1K). Then you dip back into the throttle, you get the sensation that the engine will lug for a second or so until the tranny "wakes up" and downshifts. And often slight hiccups will be part of the process. If you're getting on and off the throttle repeatedly, (ie. squirting through holes in traffic) the powertrain behavious is downright unpleasant. This car drives best on the open road or when driven hard. If you're tiptoeing in traffic, the powertrain seems a bit lackadaisical rather than "coiled" for action. Either than or the torque converter is locking up too early and too often.
 
Now, here's the kicker. If I had to do it all over, I would probably pick the Max over the CL-S. A large part of this is due to the fact I found out a 2-door car is a pain in the ass for my daily commute. But also because I don't find the CL-S that satisfying overall (for my needs). When you hammer it the power and acceleration is great, but as a daily commuter, it is not all that poised or composed, for lack of a better term. And to top it off the fit and finish is second-rate, and the car is proned to random squeaks and rattles.

#1776 of 1965 Well... by dark8

Mar 02, 2004 (8:57 pm)

I test drove it a bit and it seemed very nice and i am a 20year old male... So i am looking for something sporty but yet still luxury.
 
If u dont mind answering what are some of the reasons that you would like to get the Maxima over the CLS? I love how the CLS has everything i need as far as options. And the Maxima is going to be hard to find because of all the specific options i would want.
 
My last car was a '91 Mustang GT 5.0. It was an all out sports car and now i am lookin for something that isnt all out sports car something in the middle and the CLS i think is perfect. But i also have my eye on '02 Maxima Se which is kinda on the same level as the CLS except it is a lil more less a sports car then the CLS.
 
Having a Mustang as my previous car got me used to the 2 doors. I dont really mind 2 door car cause i am already used to having to deal with it and its not that a big of deal to me but i only usually have more then 1 other passanger in my car probably about 2 days a week which is nothing so i dont mind 2 door.
 
The only thing that is holding me back is this tranny problem. If this wasnt such a big issue (at least it seams that way) then i would buy the car ASAP.
 
Also i dont know much at all about the SS but like u said about the weavin through traffic wouldnt it be better if you were usin the SS cause u said that it doesnt keep up so wouldnt it be better to use the SS and downshift from there and upshift and so on?? just a question cause im not familiar with it
 
If this is true that only 2% of all CLS have "bad" trannys then my chances are pretty good that i will get a good one... At least i hope...

#1777 of 1965 TRANNY NOT A BIG ISSUE by 95gt

Mar 03, 2004 (6:31 am)

Dark8 the 2% is correct. The only reason you hear so much about it is because those are the people that complain. This issue was a very small issue that involved bad parts from a manufacturer. Acura has extended warranties for 7 years/100k for the tranny. 98% of cars do not have a tranny problem. I too went from a mustang 5.0 and with the exception that i wish i had waited for the manual that came out in 02 there is no comparison. The acura is pretty much as fast as my mustang was, gets way better mileage, is quiter, smoother, inside is about 1000x nicer, and is far more reliable.
 
Yes the ss would be better for someone that finds themselves weaving in and out a lot. The ss mode works very well and, obviously, will not let the engine upshift for economy.
 
Get the car and enjoy.

#1778 of 1965 dark by bodble2

Mar 03, 2004 (12:02 pm)

Well, one of the reasons I would pick the Max over the CL would not apply to you since you are a young person and would likely only drive your girlfriend around most of the time whereas I have 2 kids that ride with me everyday. Now, if you have more than 1 girlfriend, then it's a different story
 
But seriously, I find the Max almost on a par with the CL in terms of luxury, feature content and power. The 4-speed auto on the Max is a negative but not really a huge factor given the torque of the engine. I had a '95 Max and I've always found the VQ to be slightly smoother and more refined than the Honda/Acura V6. The Max has a somewhat offbeat front and rear end styling but the overall shape is very masculine.
 
As gt95 said, the tranny issue on the CL only affects about 2%, and the extended warranty should alleviate most concerns about that. The Max is also not without issues. That generation Max had problems with O2 sensors. And I've also read quite a few people reporting problems with ignition coils. So there you go. You probably won't regret either choice. But I fully understand your view on the 2-door issue. When I was your age, I wouldn't have looked sideway at a 4-door sedan.

Messages Page 178 of 197

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