ACURA MDX . ORG
www.acuramdx.org ACURA MDX . ORG Archive > General > Problems
 
Rear view Mirror Leak and Explosion!!! - Click HERE for Original Thread
Advertisement
srlim123
Rear View Mirror Leak and Explosion!!!!!!

Hey just came across this web site-- its awsome for MDX owners.

Anyway, for the past couple months, I noticed a line form on my rear view mirror of my 2001 MDX. On closer inspection, I realized it was a thin layer of fluid in the galss of my rear view mirror.

I looked all over the web to see if anybody else had this problem. I came across another acura fourm for TL owners.

They mentioned that some of their mirrors exploded in extreme temperatures and spewed a caustic fluid that caused damage to the interior plastic and leather.

There even was an MDX owner on the fourm who mentioned that fluid was leaking from his r/v mirror.

Just wanted to warn everyone...I sent an e-mail to the manufacturer of the mirror to try to get a replacement...as was done by the TL owners with good results.

Just wanted to warn every one. I will keep you updated.
Warzau
IIRC some MDX owners bypassed Acura altogether and contacted the manufaturer of the RVM and got a replacement.
srlim123
quote:
Originally posted by Warzau
IIRC some MDX owners bypassed Acura altogether and contacted the manufaturer of the RVM and got a replacement.



I didn't find that anybody else had this problem on this site. Has any other 2001 MDX owner had this happen. Especially ones living in hot climates?

What have you guys done to fix this problem?
mdxky
I have the same problem for my 01 MDX and found the TL owners website doing a search. I am going to email and see if I can get a replacement. Meanwhile I am going to remove the mirror , don't want it to leak. Anyone know how to do it?
I live in KY and I think it happened on a hot day (95deg), but the mdx was in texas for 4 years in 100+ and nothing happened.

mat
Advertisement
rvehock
Here is the thread that you may want to follow:

http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/show...61&page=1&pp=25

For a replacement you need to call Heath Flanery at 616-786-7000 and ask him to replace your mirror. Heath works for Magna Donnelly, the manufacturer of the MDX/TL auto-dimming rearview mirrors. Below is a somewhat disturbing problem with the earlier auto-dimming review mirrors produced by Magna Donnelly:

Exploding Mirror - Chronic Sore Throat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOLLOWING THE EXPLOSION OF YOUR MIRRORS, HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED A CHRONIC SORE THROAT, MIGRAINES and INTESTINAL PROBLEMS? At first, I thought it purely coincidental, however, since this incident I've had a chronic sore throat, migraines and intestinal problems. I've visited numerous doctors and one has finally diagnosed me with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - also referred to as MCS - is known as a Chemical Injury. In broad terms, it means an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to a chemical or pollutant. THE CHEMICALS INSIDE OF MAGNA'S MIRRORS ARE HIGHLY TOXIC WHEN INHALED -- particularly inside of a hot car with the windows up.

My rearview mirror exploded last November, spraying a black liquid substance all over the interior of my Acura TL (the tan leather seats, carpet and center console). It even eroded/burnt a hole through my center console.

Magna replaced my mirror free of charge, no questions asked. An auto repairman at my Acura dealership stated in my service repair report that these mirrors contain mercury. Although, they attempted to clean car thoroughly, he advised me to trade it in as soon as possible. He said that the chemical most likely leaked between my center console onto the floor board and could not be removed.

Upon receiving this information from my dealership, I requested the list of chemicals used inside of these mirrors from Magna Donnelly (the manufacturer of these mirrors). Magna would not share this information with me, stating it's proprietary information and the chemicals (there are 7-8 of them) are patented.

A week later, I received a call on my cell phone from the Magna's Vice President, Neall Lynam, assuring me that the chemicals used in Magna's mirrors are not toxic. (I later discovered that he had lied to me.) I also asked him why a recall hadn't been issued on these mirrors, and he stated that he felt it was not necessary. Not necessary?

I continued to remain ill for no apparent reason. I no longer believe that my illness and the exposure to theses chemicals was purely coincidental.

I hired an attorney to subpoena the list of chemicals from Magna. To my (and my attorney's) surprise, all of the chemicals used in their mirrors are highly toxic. One of the main symptoms, upon being exposed to these chemicals, is a chronic sore throat and interstinal problems.

I signed a disclaimer with Magna, therefore, I'm unable to disclose this information. However, I can assure you that if you've been exposed to them (particularly, for a long period of time), then there's a probability that you (or any of your passengers) may also become ill.

My attorney is filing suit against Magna Donnelly for personal damages to my car and injuries suffered as a result of their carelessness to issue a recall on their rearview mirrors. If you (or anyone you know) has experienced any type of illness as a result of being exposed to these chemicals, please respond to this posting. Perhaps, a class action law suit should be in order.
Sinecure
We have two threads (at least) on this subject here.

This Thread is one of them.

Does anyone know if Magna Donnelly is doing anything about this for us these days? It sounds sufficiently dangerous as to warrant me wanting to take care of it. I've been living with it for a while now, but now I'm more concerned. It does get hot where I live sometimes.

I just left a voice mail for Heath Flannery at Magna Donnely as indicated in the post above. He's out today, but I'll post the results of my inquiry as soon as I hear back.
abcheng
So if the rearview mirror is currently leaking, I can send them an email for a replacement mirror correct?
mwdelta
Actually, my mirror failed this summer when I had to leave my MDX outside in extreme heat (100+). It now has various bubbles visible in the mirror. I would be delighted to get a replacement if anyone has done this successfully...
Advertisement
rvehock
I just got an email from Magna Donnelly that a new rearview mirror is being sent via FedEx for my wifes 2000 3.2 TL. If anyone has a defective mirror they should contact Keith Flanery at 616-786-7495 and get a replacement. I called last week so it took almost a week for them to get back to me. A girl named Dani called me and had me fill out a document attached to an email with my VIN and other information. I sent the attachment back to her and within 2 hours I had my shippment notice from FedEX. My mirror will be to my house this Friday and I will need to send back my old mirror when I replace it. Dani said that the return label and packaging will also be included with the replacement mirror.
Sinecure
My replacement came and I put it on. I posted a semi how-to with pics HERE
wmquan
My MDX's mirror has a bad leak so about half of it has the fluid.

Called up our Acura dealer and it is covered under the extended warranty. I figured I'd let them go ahead and get the part, and have their techs install it.

Hopefully the replacement units correct this issue. Glad the part manufacturer seems to be standing behind their product.
need4spd
Does anyone have the mailing address for Magna Donnelly?
Advertisement
rvehock
3575 128th Ave
Holland, MI 49424
XUSN
Just wanted to keep this issue fresh. My 01 MDX rear view mirror leaked but it was contained within the mirror, giving it that yin yang appearance. Magna Donnelly did the pro bono replacement and I installed it today (14 Aug 2007). So for those wondering, the company is still doing the replacement program pro bono. Dani Andriacchi did a wonderful job for me.
gandioncoet
i have the same symptoms and i have a 11 month old baby yeah let sue those S.O.B.S.
krammer
Several months ago, I noticed that my mirror has started to not auto-dim all the way and not recover to a non-dim status. Now the thing is really blurry with strange patterns and is dripping. I have actually been getting headaches lately, but blamed them on my new PC monitor. I wonder if this is to blame. I will contact Magna Donnelly and let you know how things turn out.
Advertisement
Kevin999
quote:
Originally posted by XUSN
Just wanted to keep this issue fresh. My 01 MDX rear view mirror leaked but it was contained within the mirror, giving it that yin yang appearance. Magna Donnelly did the pro bono replacement and I installed it today (14 Aug 2007). So for those wondering, the company is still doing the replacement program pro bono. Dani Andriacchi did a wonderful job for me.


Yes, they are still helping customers. However, I contacted them a few weeks ago and they had me fill out the form, but the mirror is out of stock. They said theyd send me one as soon as they are available. Its been about a month now. they seem very accomadating but im still waiting for the mirror.
krammer
I can't get Magna Donnelly to return my calls. Does anyone have updated contact information for someone there?
cmjcrj700pilot
How do you get the old mirror off? I am hesitant to use too much muscle.
Kevin999
quote:
Originally posted by krammer
I can't get Magna Donnelly to return my calls. Does anyone have updated contact information for someone there?


They sent me a return info form, sent it in several months ago but have not heard a thing since. Sent a follow up email couple of months ago but still heard nothing.
Advertisement
dj-mdx2
quote:
Originally posted by cmjcrj700pilot
How do you get the old mirror off? I am hesitant to use too much muscle.


Sinecure and others posted some pics and tips in this thread and he also referenced it earlier. You just have to apply steady downward pressure.
HAJ
quote:
Originally posted by Sinecure
We have two threads (at least) on this subject here.

This Thread is one of them.

Does anyone know if Magna Donnelly is doing anything about this for us these days? It sounds sufficiently dangerous as to warrant me wanting to take care of it. I've been living with it for a while now, but now I'm more concerned. It does get hot where I live sometimes.



Just curious... is this auto-dimming Magna mirror on all MDX models/years or are they only on specific years?
cmjcrj700pilot
Well I cracked my windshield trying to get the xxxx thing off. Fabulous. Now I have a defective mirror and a broken windshield to go along with it. Maybe when I get the windshield replaced I can explain how I am the village idiot and ask if they can change the mirror:mad:
Kevin999
quote:
Originally posted by cmjcrj700pilot
Well I cracked my windshield trying to get the xxxx thing off. Fabulous. Now I have a defective mirror and a broken windshield to go along with it. Maybe when I get the windshield replaced I can explain how I am the village idiot and ask if they can change the mirror:mad:


cmjcrj700pilot: really sorry to hear about that.

I was just wondering: did you buy the new mirror or did Donnelly send you a replacement? I ask since its been about 4 months and I still havent heard from them.
Advertisement
cmjcrj700pilot
I e-mailed them just like all the posts said and I got no response so I actually purchased a replacement mirror on E-Bay. It is a genuine OEM part so it is probably from the same defective batch as the one in my X but I can't take the non dimming mirror with all the night driving I do.
cyking
quote:
Originally posted by cmjcrj700pilot
Well I cracked my windshield trying to get the xxxx thing off. Fabulous. Now I have a defective mirror and a broken windshield to go along with it. Maybe when I get the windshield replaced I can explain how I am the village idiot and ask if they can change the mirror:mad:



My mirror would not budge. I also just cracked my windshield. We can't be the only ones.
cmjcrj700pilot
After cracking my windshield, I humbly went to the dealer and had them put my new mirror on my cracked windshield. Guess what, they felt sorry for me. No charge for the install.
Guess that is the first time a dealer has ever worked for free.

:2:
rachelle
I called Magna Donnelly this morning (April 21, 2008) on my 2001 MDX rearview mirror. Their policy is that they will not do replacements or anything else any more. In my case, they said the car was out of warranty. Regardless, they don't do any rearview mirror replacements. I asked if they would sell me one at wholesale, and they said they do not/cannot sell to the public.

I called Acura, but not making much headway.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Advertisement
cmjcrj700pilot
I bought my replacement off of E-Bay. It came and was an OEM replacement. Much cheaper than the dealer. Of course, you must consider the broken windshield..
amargols
These auto-dimming rearview mirrors are in EVERY acura since at least 2001 (my car is a 2001 Acura). These mirrors are dangerous and should have been recalled!!!
Please, everyone, post a complaint on the government's recall website:


Visit
recall.gov
and file a complaint!
midnightMDX
Did you have an issue with yours?
teamTMS
CRAP! After the recent warm weather in NYC, my '01 MDX rearview mirror is doing the same thing, it probably is leaking. The spot started out as just the top edge of the mirror, now it is about 30% of the mirror. Annoying.

Anyone know how much to get it replaced? Or even a DIY job. My extended warranty just ran out in March 2008. Damn it.

Thanks.
Advertisement
abs
quote:
Originally posted by teamTMS
CRAP! After the recent warm weather in NYC, my '01 MDX rearview mirror is doing the same thing, it probably is leaking. The spot started out as just the top edge of the mirror, now it is about 30% of the mirror. Annoying.

Anyone know how much to get it replaced? Or even a DIY job. My extended warranty just ran out in March 2008. Damn it.

Thanks.



TMS-

I was afflicted as well, and I think it was the blazing heat we had last weekend that put the mirror over the top. My leak started at the top and actually changed shape depending on its mood.

Thanks to this forum, I learned all about it - so thank you to all who have posted on it thus far. I've had my '01 MDX since '03 and never even knew about this site!

I replaced it today, got the mirror for $90 + tax, and the instructions from the Acura parts dept. Took me about 25 minutes, and I was being real real careful. It's not difficult, you just have to take your time to avoid damaging the windshield.

If you need any further info, let me know. Thanks to the mods and all who make websites such as these possible - they are truly invaluable.

Powered by: Search Engine Indexer and vBulletin v2.2.9
Copyright © 2000 - 2002, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited
Copyright 2000 Acuramdx.org. All Rights Reserved.