| thodgdon |
I was curious if any of you have had experience with or heard of any NEW fixes for the malfunctioning steering wheel radio controls issue (other than the 03-015 TSB posted elsewhere).
From my searches on this topic, it seems that the majority of people either had their dealers dimple the bearing so deep that they had to replace the steering column, or it wasn't dimpled deep enough to correct the problem. Let's disregard the fact that this fix is a completely absurd band-aid fix for a $40K vehicle...
I am hesitant to take it in for this because I am afraid of what else they will screw up in the process. I did the first oil change myself and havent rolled the dice with any of the Phoenix-area Acura Service Departments yet...
Those of you who had the 03-015 TSB performed, did it permanently fix the problem?
Thanks,
T |
|
|
| jurincie |
| I haven't had a chance to get it back in to the dealer. They dimpled it first and then replaced the steering column a few months later. It worked ok for a few months and then the problems started again. It is interesting though that the longer I wait to take it in, the worse it is getting. They only work properly about 50% of the time now. |
|
|
| Jim03MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by jurincie
It is interesting though that the longer I wait to take it in, the worse it is getting. They only work properly about 50% of the time now.
Unfortunately you're not alone. This happened rarely when we first got our '03 but my wife told me a couple days ago that it is occurring more often now. I'm going to take it to the dealer in a few weeks and I'll report back. |
|
|
| BlueStreak |
| You're in good company. Mine too stopped working right 3rd day after the repair. You're right....poor design. |
|
|
| mdx99 |
| They first dimple it and worked for a few weeks. The second time, they decided to replace the steerling column, still working for 2 months now.... keeping my fingers crossed! |
|
|
| ayanomich |
| Had mine repaired (don't know if they dimpled it or not) in January 04, fix lasted till a few weeks ago. Now waiting for the steering column replacement.....We love our 03 X, but this will be the 3rd or 4th time we are in for some kind of warranty work since we bought it last September. Man, I love being a luxury car owner or is it "near luxury"? |
|
|
| crmsnidol |
I've replied to the poster in PM but I'll comment here too.
Mine was taken in a couple of months ago for the fix and hasn't been a problem since. The Acura guy said they were also doing something with the "grounding points" and though I don't know what that was, it didn't seem the same as the dimpling fix. I'm sure my dealer doesn't now a better fix than what was sugegsted in the TSB so I guess time will tell.
Everytime I change volume on the wheel I still have that "I wonder if the CD will come on now" feeling in my stomach. So far, so good. |
|
|
| thodgdon |
Hmmm. Thanks for the replies.
I am seeing a pattern here. For most people, it appears that the dealer first does the dimpling procedure, which fixes the problem for a short time (from a few days to a few weeks). Then the owner takes the vehicle back and the dealer installs a new steering column, which for "most" people has solved the problem permanently.
Since the new steering column appears to solve the problem, I wonder if the new column is a different design that does not use the bearing as the grounding point...
If that's the case, it sure would be nice if they could skip the dimpling procedure and go straight to the column replacement. |
|
|
| rerodgers |
I had mine fixed last week. I think they told me that they replaced the switch on the steering wheel. I don't know for sure because I when I picked up the car I was in a hurry and they told me they would mail me the receipt. It was free because it was under warranty.
It seems to have fixed the problem, at least for now. I will let you know what the receipt says about the fix. |
|
|
| thodgdon |
The service bulletin (see attached) lists a procedure where they carefully dimple the copper shield over the steering column ball bearing. If they do it right, it appears to fix the problem. Dimple it too little and the problem comes back. Dimple it too much and they have to replace the whole steering column.
You might have tried this already, but knowing that the problem is caused by poor grounding through the column, while you are parked, try either pushing the steering wheel towards the front or pulling it away from the front. You'll find that it temporarily fixes the radio controls problem.
For example, if the controls are not working and I push the wheel with both hands towards the front of the car while using the radio controls, they will work properly. I'm going to wait until the first service that I can't do myself before having this SB accomplished. |
|
|
| BisonMDX |
Does anyone know if this is happening in their '04's? I have an '04 and it just started happening! The service bulletin says it is under warranty for '01-'03 MDX's. I'm guessing '04 would be covered as well?
On a side note...I'm 250 miles from an Acura dealer. Do you think a Honda dealer could fix this type of thing (under warranty)? Thanks for any advice and/or opinions. |
|
|
| andreseng |
Originally posted by BisonMDX
Does anyone know if this is happening in their '04's?
Yes. I had it happen on mine.
I'm guessing '04 would be covered as well?
Yes. Mine was fully covered, twice. Second time was the charm.
Do you think a Honda dealer could fix this type of thing (under warranty)?
Definitely not. Your warranty will not be honored by a Honda dealer. |
|
|
| BisonMDX |
| Thanks for the info. I was hoping for a little Honda help on a few things. I guess a road-trip is in order. |
|
|
| RealWing |
| I just had the latest TSB done on my '03 MDX. It is 05-047 with a revision date of Dec 23, 2005. It adds a new grounding terminal. So far no problems. |
|
|
|
