| Zoomer |
I have just finished my first wash since repairs to my weeping mirrors were made at Park Acura in Akron. I can happily say that there is at least a 90% improvement over the dribbles of yore :p
I washed the black beauty and went for a short drive down the interstate and returned home to find an absolute minimal and acceptable amount of water that had leaked from what once was the firehose spray that covered the sides of my MDX after previous baths. Park Acura had my vehicle overnight, so the process was, I assume, very involved. The service manager told me the tech working on the problem was in touch with the engineers in California throughout the whole process. I urge all of you with this problem to contact your dealer to get the fix, so that you too may enjoy years of drip-free driving!;) |
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| New MDXer |
Zoomer:
Does this mean that there is a TSB out on this? What did your Service department do? What is their phone number so I can have my service department call them to fully understand what to do?
Thanks |
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| Zoomer |
| No TSB out yet, as far as I know. Park Acura's number is 330.644.1300. What they did was create a new channel within the mirror housing to flush the water out much faster rather than doing something to prevent the water from actually entering the housing. I only hope your dealer is as professional as mine. They are a superb organization. Although I have an Acura dealer less than 5 minutes from my house, I drive an hour to Park for my service. My local dealer, Boardman Acura, acted more like horse theives when I originally went to inquire about purchasing an MDX. However, to their credit, Park Acura has told me that the service department at Boardman Acura is much more professional than those on the sales floor. But for the time being, I'll be taking that enjoyable drive in my MDX to Akron for service. Hell, I just like DRIVING it!!!:cool: |
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| octavian |
Zoomer, you will be a hero if this works.....I copied your post and will present to my dealer when I get it serviced.
Thanks for the info! |
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| Zoomer |
Glad to be of some help, Octavian! I hope all of my fellow MDXers can get the fix for those weepers........:)
Zoomer |
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| Zoomer |
HEY, Octavian, I just noticed your purchase date - same as mine!
Small world.
Zoomer |
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| octavian |
Zoom, ya wouldn't think it had ANYTHING to do with the fact that it was the end of month, now do you? Apparently, allocations are determined by # of actual deliveries in a given month, and my dealer was pulling out all the stops to make sure I had mine by the end of August.
If yours is like mine (and it is except for interior color), the guys and gals in Canada did a good job building MDX's that day.
Except for the prototypical wind noise and slight weeping and slightly misaligned glovebox, zero problems! Knock on my fake wood instrument panel. :D |
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| Zoomer |
Octavian,
I know all about that end of month syndrome! My sales rep was in a panic too. Even offered to deliver it to me if I would just come down and seal the deal if it didn't arrive before the 31st. I told him I would, since they had all been so nice, but I (and THEY) lucked out when it finally arrived late in the day on the 30th. The dealers DO indeed get allocations based on what they move in a given month.
I see quite a few of you have that misaligned glove box, but those guys and gals in Canada must have had their heads on straight when they were putting in my glovebox as it is just fine!:)
Let us all know how your weeping problem gets resolved and remember, if your dealer is not up to task, Park Acura in Akron are the 'CAN DO' folks and it will always make a nice road trip! :D
Zoomer |
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| groverahoward |
| Did they charge you for this? If not, I'll drive from California to get this problem fixed. (i know it's not cost effective but I love driving the MDX and it would be a good excuse I could give my wife!) |
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| Zoomer |
Absolutely NO charge for this 'goodwill' repair! Not that I would have ever expected to be charged for it - hell, this is no minor boo-boo, it's a design flaw!! :eek:
Zoomer |
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| texrb |
Zoomer - thanks for posting the info on the mirror fix. I haven't taken delivery yet, but expect to have the problem. Also - I see we have twins! I also had the dealer add several assessories at a huge discount. Once I take delivery I will change my sig (again!)
Thanks again |
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| Zoomer |
You never know, you may luck out and get a non-weeping version. In any case, you are gonna love your MDX! I drove an ML320 for two years until August, which I thought was one fine SUV. Boy, was I mistaken. The MDX is a far superior vehicle in all aspects! Good Luck with your new black beauty! :D
Zoomer |
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| MHarnois |
Zoomer,
Thank you for sharing. After I printed and showed your story to my dealer, they talked to Acura Tech and will be receiving instructions to do this fix on my car this week. They are telling me that this is most likely only a temporary fix. Something better is coming, possibly a new mirror design. |
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| Zoomer |
MH,
Glad to be of some assistance! Actually, I washed mine again on Saturday and took a little extra time to dry the mirror housing and I didn't get ANY dribble whatsoever after driving it! :)
So, this fix looks to be more than temporary, at least for me!
Zoomer |
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| Rodzir |
| I created a new channel in my mirror this weekend. It seems to relieve most of the problem. I drilled a 1/8" hole in the bottom of the mirror as close to the inside wall as possible. Suprise!! The water runs out of the bottom of the mirror insted of blowing down the side of the car. Then I looked at my corvette, thunderbird and my dads Honda and what did I find you ask. A 1/8" hole in the bottom of the mirror the get the water out. One of the main problems is that the drain hole is between the bracket and the housing and with such a small hole and gap the water doesn't want to come out. |
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| Zoomer |
I admire your ingenuity and tinkering, but I for one would not like to be making any repairs to a vehicle with less than a 1000 miles on it. If I am going to make some permanent changes to any part of my MDX, I would rather have certified Acura service doing the work. If a fix were needed after a fix I personally had done, I would rather see the money coming out of Acura's till, rather than my wallet! Besides, the ball is in their corner - why bother with home fixes? Additionally, while they were working on my weepers, I was out zooming around in an '02 CL Type S loaner! Can't beat that for a good time! :D
Zoomer |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by Rodzir
I created a new channel in my mirror this weekend. It seems to relieve most of the problem. I drilled a 1/8" hole in the bottom of the mirror as close to the inside wall as possible. Suprise!! The water runs out of the bottom of the mirror insted of blowing down the side of the car. Then I looked at my corvette, thunderbird and my dads Honda and what did I find you ask. A 1/8" hole in the bottom of the mirror the get the water out. One of the main problems is that the drain hole is between the bracket and the housing and with such a small hole and gap the water doesn't want to come out.
Gotta pic? How does it differ from the existing one that Rail pointed out (below)?
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| Zoomer |
Hello to the Worm! (and thanks again for your help, B!)
The pictures from Rail represent a different area of the mirror for my former weeping problem. :confused:
My drips originated from the housing not arount the mirror itself, but where it is attached to the door. Would this be another fix for additional seepage? :confused: :confused:
I really didn't have any problems from this section of the mirror assembly. :confused: :confused: :confused:
Is is just me, or are others out there........:confused:
Zoomer |
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| TheWorm |
In Rail's original disassembly and inspection, he determined that the water entry (and seepage) was both from the mirror assembly and from the triangular mount on the A-pillar.
DMor and I spent a few days eyeballing and tinkering as well. The primary culprit, IMO, is the porous gasket behind the mount, which retains the water.
I was wondering where Rodzir did his self-fix (it sounds like the mirror itself rather than the mount on the pillar) which I would think could be be a partial fix...but doesn't solve the retention issue. |
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| groverahoward |
:cool: I just had Downey Acura (CA) work on my poor weeping mirrors. I gave them the contact info from the Ohio Acura dealer. After talking with them, Downey called the Acura Technical Support line and found that Acura is now recommending a new procedure. It was faxed to them today in Service Bulletin #01-032.
They cut a 5-mm deep channel from the outside edge to the inner cavity of the gasket, being careful not to cut a hole through the gasket.
It is a fairly involved procedure that takes a couple of hours--but, damn, it seems to work! They washed my MDX and then I drove home on the freeway and, glory be, there were no drips!!!
This is soooo great to have the problem solved!!! (knock on wood!) |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by groverahoward
:cool: I just had Downey Acura (CA) work on my poor weeping mirrors. I gave them the contact info from the Ohio Acura dealer. After talking with them, Downey called the Acura Technical Support line and found that Acura is now recommending a new procedure. It was faxed to them today in Service Bulletin #01-032.
They cut a 5-mm deep channel from the outside edge to the inner cavity of the gasket, being careful not to cut a hole through the gasket.
It is a fairly involved procedure that takes a couple of hours--but, damn, it seems to work! They washed my MDX and then I drove home on the freeway and, glory be, there were no drips!!!
This is soooo great to have the problem solved!!! (knock on wood!)
Thanks for that update...I shot Tim a note to see if he can grab it -- I'll PDF and post it if he can! |
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| nwaring |
| I have had the mirror problem ever since the first wash. I have finally determined that the gush of water from the driver’s side doesn’t occur until I take the car through a high-speed curve to the right. All summer on short to long trips I wondered why sometimes the spray wouldn't come out until well into the trip. I have now determined this to be case 100% of the time. This makes me believe that the water is in the triangular mount on the A-pillar. This may also explain why some people say they don’t have the problem. I know this doesn’t help fix anything but until I put 2 and 2 together it drove me nuts on why I would see it quickly or well into a trip. |
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| TheWorm |
nwaring,
Yes, that's part of the overall "weeping mirror" problem, which DMor termed "water whip". The first part is the drip-drip-drip down the door panel, and the second is the spray action you described, which manifests at higher speeds and often on right-hand turns. |
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| TheWorm |
The official Acura Weeping Mirror TSB is available. Click here for the download thread in the TSB forum.
Disclaimer: this is a PDF of a scan of a fax of a fax. That's 4-times loss-of-clarity from the original. We'll get a better resolution one posted as soon as it's available. Squinting helps and you'll get the idea.
Essentially, the TSB involves cutting a slot in the triangular mirror mount (A-pillar) and associated grommet (behind the mount) so water doesn't accumulate/get trapped. Unfortunately, not a DIY as it requires removing the door panels to get at the bolts to remove the mirrors from the A-pillars.
Thanks to Tim for providing the TSB and to all in this thread for identifying it! And to admin for posting it online :) |
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| DMor |
I dunno about pulling off my chariots door panels! I rather weep on the outside than be crying on the inside from door panel rattles.
Anyway...my caulk and tape thing works well enough for me. Key is to keep the water from getting to the aborbent gasket in the first place. If they're gonna do a TSB...why not replace that stupid gasket? They're obviously thinking from INSIDE the box...ugh. |
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| TheWorm |
I would think the door panels are relatively low-risk for the rattle gremlins (certainly less-so than for the dash!).
But you're right...they ought to be replacing the grommet with something non-porous, too. I'm going to get this one done, though, since I'm tired of smelling like vinegar to get the hard water stains off, and am also tired of 3M'ing the etched paint. As I've said before: worse on black.
Hopefully this will be an interim TSB (like MHarnois heard) - with the next one replacing the housing or the grommet altogether. |
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| Zoomer |
Obviously for all of you out there not willing to open up factory seals, the surgeon would be, ta da, Dr. AcuraTech! Pass the headache on to those qualified to deal with it AND any unforeseeable consequences (i.e. resultant rattles or other squeakables). It's really a no brainer. Preserve your chariot's integrity and let your Acura service tech handle the problem. Service after the sale is part of the reason we buy Acura.
This isn't your father's Oldsmobile!!
I couldn't be happier to see Acura has finally admitted it's little indiscretion with a verified TSB. Take advantage of it. Let THEM do the work!
WEEP NO MORE!:D
Zoomer |
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| 7plus |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
The official Acura Weeping Mirror TSB is available. . .Thanks to Tim for providing the TSB and to all in this thread for identifying it! And to admin for posting it online :)
Posting these TSBs are for our information, right? Any Technical Service Bulletins should be performed by the dealer, right EVERYONE?! |
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| Zoomer |
RIGHT ON, 7plus!! ;)
Zoomer |
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| DMor |
| I'm not planning on pulling my OWN door panels. My concern is the Acura service dept. pulling my door panels. Sorry if that wasn't clear...but where there's a fix...there's sometimes a rattle. :) And yes I know you can keep returning for endless fixes, if necessary. |
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| Zoomer |
You are right Dmor, I, for one, did indeed think you were talking about pulling your own door panels. :confused:
However, with all due respect, if you are worried about your Acura service dept. doing the repairs, it's time to look for another dealer. If you should ever have to keep returning for endless fixes for a problem, the "problem" is with your service department.
For the rest of you readers out there, though I am an Acura newbie, I have had contact with six people in my area who drive Acuras which were purchased and are serviced from Park Acura, although the dealership is an hour plus drive from our homes. None of them would go to our local dealer which is 5-10 minutes away. Why? Park's integrity and pride in their product and their attitude. Let's not kid ourselves. We drive these vehicles because we want the best bang for our buck.
Acura delivers! And if your service department doesn't, don't tolerate it. Contact Customer Relations or move on to a dealer that does take it's pride personally. ;)
Zoomer |
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| AtlantaMDX |
| So has anyone had the procedure on the new bulletin performed by their dealer yet? Just curious to hear the out come. |
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| Zoomer |
Actually Atlanta, from what I understand with talks to my service manager, I was one of the first to to receive the 'non' TSB repairs to the weeping mirror problem. And IMHO, the fix is just that!:)
That is all I can offer.
IT WORKS! :D
Zoomer |
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| groverahoward |
Yes, I had the repair done according to the TSB at Downey Acura in California. Took a while but it worked like a charm.
However, a funny thing happened last night. I forgot to park the MDX in the garage and a heavy fog came in during the night. Later the next day there was a couple of drips on the drivers' side that looked a lot like the old weeping trails. The odd thing is that I haven't gotten the drips after a car wash since the repair was done. |
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| Zoomer |
I would have to think that this is a gravity problem. Moisture condenses around external parts of vehicles that protrude from the main body of a large object, such as,.......an MDX!:p
When the moisture collects on your mirrors, and the only way down is along your door, you would definitely get those phantom tell tale drips that would mimic the weeping mirror syndrome.
Fear not, this is surely just an aberration and not a problem. :)
Zoomer |
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| Zoomer |
Hi again fellow (and fellowesses?) MDX'ers! Anyone out there had the TSB done at your dealer? We would all be interested in your results! :)
Zoomer |
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| MHarnois |
| Mine is scheduled for Monday. |
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| texrb |
Mine is scheduled for Tuesday 10/30. I did notice the "weeping" after I washed off the bugs from my trip & drove it later. FWIW the servicewriter said all MDXs he has seen have this problem, but the Chevy Tahoes are worse (he owns one).
He hadn't seen the TSB, but took a look at it and immediately had the parts dept order the kit & said I would be given a loaner since it called for 2 hours to fix.
I'll post the results next week |
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| groverahoward |
| My TSB repair was done two weeks ago and it did take a couple of hours but the results are well worth it. The process fixed 98% of the weeping. |
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| MHarnois |
Texrb,
I have never been offered a loaner before. Under what conditions should you expect to be offered a loaner? Is that an Acura policy or is it up to the dealer? |
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| groverahoward |
| Most Acura dealers will offer you a loaner if the work takes longer than a few hours, especially if they're doing something that is related to a TSB. I think they bill Acura in that case. |
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| texrb |
MHarnois,
The dealer has a policy (I thought it was Acura) that if a repair is longer than 2 hours they give you a loaner. Maybe they do it at this dealer because the Lexus dealer down the street (where I bought my RX) has the same policy. Lexus says it is a policy in all their dealers - I thought it was with Acura too. |
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| octavian |
Ha! Policy, shmolicy. Don't accept that at face value.
If you impress on the dealer the inconvenience you will be experiencing (especially for a warranty repair) and can plan ahead (can't just drop in an demand a loaner) most dealers should be able to accommodate you.
I have had loners from Lexus dealers for just an oil change.
And keep in mind, if the dealer SAYS it will take 1 hour and 59 minutes, so no loaner, what happens if something comes up and it takes 3 hours? That has happened to me....boy, I wished for a loaner.
When it doubt, take a loan! |
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| texrb |
Good point Octavian -always ask for a loaner if you don't want to wait. Also make an appointment to increase your chance for a loaner.
I haven't had the need for a loaner from Lexus - 2 oil changes took 20 minutes incl car wash. No warrranty repairs have been needed. |
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| TheWorm |
Ours is going in on Weds for weeping mirrors. I had to ask for a loaner, but am gettin' one. I hope it's better than that stripped Tercel (with crank windows and AM-only radio) I got last time! This is 2-for-2 getting a loaner for Acura (1st time was the 3750 change) although I do ask for them...@ the Lexus dealer they usually ask me whether I want an ES or RX when I'm making my appt...(wonder whether they've got any of those new IS300s as loaners now).
I believe in a thread once-upon-a-time someone said that loaners from Acura are, indeed, dealer-determined rather than a corporate mandate.
I think it's fair to ask for/expect a loaner if the car is gonna be in for more than a couple of hours. My old Heep dealer had no loaner program -- and you usually had to wait >45 minutes for their "shuttle" to dump you off @ the BART station; I'm not sure whether that was better or worse than my old BMW dealer, who had non-BMW loaners for rent even when I was there for what TheWife called my "scheduled $750 dropoff". |
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| SweetnSas |
I'm very interested with your comments because I too have a GG however, I don't have weeping mirrors. So are you saying that you did, but now it's fixed?
I washed my car a week ago and for a while, water continued to drip down the side, but after I dried it thoroughly, I didn't have a problem.
What I noticed did not seem unusual or excessive. |
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| MHarnois |
I went in yesterday to get the mirrors fixed. It turns out that they could not do it for the following reason:
Earlier this year, the dealer attempted to fix the same problem by sealing the pad behind the mirror. This was an earlier attempt from Acura to fix the drip. Because of the work done, the TSB could not be applied.
They are now ordering new mirrors to start from scratch. |
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| Zoomer |
Too bad about that previous "fix"! :mad: I'm sure that was a lot of agro for you. But, with all new mirrors you should be all set to go once the REAL fix is done! Just make sure you make the appointment with specifications for a loaner ahead of time just like the previous postees have done. My dealer had no qualms about giving me something worthwhile to drive while they had my MDX. :)
Zoomer |
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| 24Blacker11 |
| I had Acura of Newport do "the fix" this week. Finally NO MORE LEAKS! Total procedure took just over 1 hour. Awesome service and thanks Acura for fixing the problem the origional owners have had to deal with for over a year now. |
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| remery |
Guys,
My dealer in Countryside, IL soon to be Westmont, IL offers free Acura, not Tercel, loaners. First time I had a 1997 CL, next time a 1997 TL. Both were in fine condition and it was sort of interesting driving other Acura products since I have nevered owned one or driven one before the MDX. My dealer also has Saturday service hours which is extremely nice. I plan to take mine in for the drover seat harness replacement and the weeping mirror fix a week from this upcoming Saturday. Since they always wash the car, I will get immediate feedback on whether the TSB fix works. |
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| DBirch |
I had the TSB work performed yesterday (allegedly). As is the dealer's practice, they washed the car before they returned it to me. I was there as it started to be washed, and was dismayed to see it being washed with a brush, and dried with a dirty shami. Had to bite my tongue.
Anyway, on the way home, after driving about 5-6 miles straight, I encountered a 50 mph corner, and sure enough, water began to spray down the side of the car from the eft mirror. What the he#@&*.... It was a full "spray" down the side of the car, just as before. All over our now semi-clean Black MDX. Rats!
When I turned right, the same thing occured, but less spray.
We also had a problem before with the mirrors dripping after a wash/rain, thus staining the paint with a long drip down the side of the car, under the mirror.
Question: Does this TSB only fix the weeping, i.e., the dripping straight down the side of the car, or is it supposed to also prevent the spraying down the side of the car, usually during a corner?
Dean |
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| Zoomer |
A DIRTY SHAMI? Hell, no WONDER you're upset! That's worse than an Afganistan drying your vehicle!!:eek:
But in all seriousness, you should not have had a spray or leak, standing still OR banking into a 50 MPH curve (WHOA!). :rolleyes:
The fix proscribed by Acura appears to have addressed a correction to all of these errors. I for one do not have these problems.
Anyone else out there?
BTW, DBirch, if your dealer is using a 'brush' :eek: , to wash your MDX, you need to have a little heart to heart with the service manager! And tell him to deport those damn dirty SHAMI's!!!!
Zoomer |
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| DBirch |
Hey Zoomer, it really pained me to watch the X being mistreated like that. Especially given that is black, and will show scratches easily. Is this how other dealers treat out Xs?
Now I am beginning to doubt they even did the TSB. How could they given the results.
Last night, my wife points out the new white drip down both sides of the X, just like before, but perhaps worse, if that is possible. This stinks. not only does it still spray down the side, like before, it still drips that white junk at a stand still, which has begun to etch the clear coat.
The thing about it is that I feel I have a good relationship with the service manager, so I would hate to think I was given a wall job (i.e., leave the car against the wall and do nothing to it. Give it back to you with a smile), but who knows.
I am going to have to call back and ask what else they can do.
Dean:( |
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| tdnone |
Hi Dean,
Can you inquire them to ensure that they apply the new TSB, not the old one which is proven not working. Also, I found that the dripping from the dealer contains more white stuff, perhaps due to their heavy soap usage and not enough rinsing. Too bad that it is still occuring after the TSB fix, whihc is supposed to drain the water more quickly and efficiently (not necessarily effectively, I believe) so as to "minimize" dripping and whipping. No water in the housing, no dripping and whipping. |
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| octavian |
| tdnone....do you know which one is the old tsb and which one is the new tsb? |
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| DBirch |
tdnone
I have a copy of the new TSB, and the service manager pulled out his copy when I dropped off the car. I compared the two and the number was the same. He even put the TSB number on the service order.
So you think the white stuff is soap? That would make some sense, since they probably slathered it and then didn't rinse it well.
This stinks, especially after hearing all of the glowing reports about this TSB.
Dean |
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| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by octavian
tdnone....do you know which one is the old tsb and which one is the new tsb?
Octavian,
The old TSB deals with the preventing water to get to the rubber gasket. This does not work. The new one calls for the cutting of a small channel in order to allow more effective drainage of water entering the mirror housing.
Don't know why it does not work for DBirch :confused: :confused: It seems to work for some other members but ??? |
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| TheWorm |
Folks,
There's only one official TSB, and that's the online one posted in the Problems-->TSB section that cuts the channel for drainage. Any other attempts (caulking, etc) to block water entry were dealer-specific. BTW, a more legible version should be posted shortly in downloadable/printable PDF format (rather than the current JPG).
My TSB was done on Weds. I washed the MDX yesterday afternoon. The pax mirror doesn't drip or whip anymore. The driver's mirror drips less, but still drips -- we're about 26 hours later now. It also whips.
I'm just back from the garage, where in frustration I removed the driver's mirror myself to find out whasup. What a friggin' hackjob (I was expecting something neat and tidy like pictured in the TSB)! The cut in the molding didn't line up with the cut in the grommet. It looks like it was done with a butter knife rather than a dremel and x-acto. Anyway, I re-cut the grommet so the channels lined up. Will report back after the next bath this weekend.
FWIW, I do not recommend trying this yourself. Major pain. |
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| MHarnois |
| As I posted earlier, my mirrors could not be fixed because of previous work. They ordered new mirrors and I went back today to get the fix. They opened-up the mirror box and it had the wrong color mirrors inside !!!!!!! |
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| octavian |
| Worm, bummer! I was all set to go the TSB in about 3 weeks, but now I am not so sure. Did a manual car wash today at 11am.....parked in my garage. Weeping until about 7pm. No crying, mind you, just weeping. Then it stopped. No weeping. I may just suck it up and forgo the TSB. It is nothing I can't live with. But I hate knowing there is a fix and someone hacks it up....then I will be even MORE upset. What do you think? |
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| TheWorm |
MHarnois -- bummer; hope they get the right parts next time!
Octavian -- I think I'd give it a shot anyway. The hack isn't visible from the exterior; it was just oh-so-evident on the inside when I pulled the mirror off.
I still think the "worst case" is that the tech screws it up (cuts too deep, etc; or, in my case, rips it with his teeth instead of a tool meant for the job) and you have a do-over.
If my own re-fix doesn't work, I'm asking for a new gasket and re-do in a couple of months, when I'm in for the 7500 service. |
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| octavian |
| Roger, worm, i will let everyknow how it works out.... |
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| MHarnois |
| Worm, I'm not sure that you can obtain just the gaskets. My dealer tried to use the gaskets from the wrong color mirrors they received but the gaskets are not designed to be removed from the mirror. |
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| texrb |
I had the mirror fix done Tuesday and saw no dripping on the driver's side but it appeared to be increased on the passenger's side. I wiped off the passenger's door and there was no more dripping from that point. I would be quite pleased if this is the worst of it. They did keep the MDX for about 8 hours to do the job - no big deal to me since I had a loaner.
Worm - I am not going to take the mirror apart to look at the "cut job" on the gasket. It it still leaks - I'll just have them re-do it.
I am going to wash the car today (just returned from another DFW - Houston trip) I think my bpg (bugs per gallon) are higher than the mpg:p
Anyway - will post again if I notice additional "weeping" after the wash. |
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| rannyk |
Called the dealer where I purchased my MDX,Cerritos Acura and inquired about the weeping mirror fix. I told them I would tie it in with my service, I have 7000 on the MDX. I was advised to bring it in and it would take all day.
When I asked about a loaner, they said they didn't do that. They did say they would drive me to a mall so I could watch a movie.
No mention of free popcorn. I passed on his offer and said I would check elsewhere. I wanted to take it there because I had had a good sales experience. Cerritos is at least 20 miles from my house.
Checked out Thomas Acura, 7 miles from the house. They said, bring it in, it would take 5 hours and I could have a loaner. No offer of a movie!
Picked it up yesterday and it has not leaked at all today and they washed it. Can't wait for it to get a little dirty so I can wash it and test the fix.
I can not imagine anyone being worried about having the fix done. This weeping problem has been a real pain. |
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| Rail |
Worm
Which side did they screw up -- I have a spare mirror (driver's side) which I used for my testing -- I could probably get the gasket off that for you if you need it.
Regards.
Rail |
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| TheWorm |
Rail -- Thanks for the offer...I'm all set. Besides, I didn't remove the entire door panel, and therefore couldn't remove the wiring harness to swap gaskets. Instead, I used a Craftsman Robogrip to loosen the bolt behind the panel, and took it out by hand (shredded my thumb a bit; disclaimer & warning to those thinking about this: there's a high risk of dropping it into the door, too, but I figured it was going back to the dealer for a re-do anyway) then did the work.
I'm pleased to report I'm now weep and whip free. Tips for those whose fix didn't work:
- You should be able to see the cut in the bottom of the A-pillar mount (black plastic piece), but you'll have to shine a flashlight to see it. It must be a smooth cut, or the ragged edges will not allow the water to easily flow out like it's s'posed to. Mine wasn't, so I filed it smooth. Do not try to fix this with the mirror mounted! You will scratch the paint!.
- The channel in the grommet must line up with the cut in the plastic housing. Otherwise, the water still collects/pools. I re-cut the channel so it lined up properly.
Should be incredibly evident to your service department. But since Acura is giving away 1.7 hours of reimbursement per car, I'm guessing the dealers might be trying to shave some time off that so they can pocket the difference. Either that, or you've had the misfortune of being "first".
Good luck everyone! |
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| texrb |
Washed the MDX Saturday 11/3/01 and then drove it 4 miles to get gas making several turns both left & right. Speed was up to 45 mph.
When I returned home the driver's side hade very little spray just under the window, but the passenger's side dripped down from the plastic housing. I wiped it off and noticed water still pooled in there. I waited 30 minutes and wiped the water off again. I then went to bed.
This morning there is a white streak down the side under the passenger side mirror where the water continued to drip during the night. The MDX is parked inside my garage.
The bad thing about this is - it didn't do this on the passenger side before I took it in to get fixed - it "whipped" the water - not dripped it from the passenger side & the driver's side dripped, but didn't whip! Now it's reversed and much worse on the passenger side.
I have an appointment Tuesday to get the A/C fixed (see my other post) - so I am going to have them fix the mirrors again.
BTW, when they did the fix on the mirrors the first time, they put a deep scratch on the driver's side mirror - about 1/32". I didn't notice it until 2 days later and they did fix the scratch last week and said they would buff it next trip in. I can't tell it was ever there - so I am quite pleased they did the fix 2 days later & didn't question it was their fault.
Pics to follow...... |
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| texrb |
| Driver's side looking good:) |
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| texrb |
| passenger side mess:( |
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| texrb |
| another look at passenger side after "fix" |
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| Ronsully |
Worm,
Do you have any instructions to remove the mirror. I need to remove my mirror in order to have it repainted (wife installed scratch). Any help would be appreciated. I will be getting the Helminc manual for X-mas but, would like the mirror repainted ASAP. Thanks |
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| texrb |
Worm,
Thanks for printing out your fix. Since the 2nd try fixing didn't work (actually they didn't do anything but take the mirror off & then put it back on), I talked to the service rep and told him there was a fix posted (yours) and I would get him a copy.
I printed your post about the tips for those where the fix didn't work and I am taking it to the dealer Friday 11/9. I hope they can fix it this time. They have been very pleasant, but did tell me that Acura doesn't guarantee a fix using this TSB. Translation........they were not going to get paid for a re-do. So let's hope the 3rd time is the charm. |
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| TheWorm |
texrb -- Good Luck. A couple of additional notes:
- It should be easy to see the "new" channel between the inner pocket of the grommet (which retains the water) and the bottom of it (where the water exits; and lined up w/the mount itself when re-assembled) to "visualize" how this fix works. The water must flow easily from the grommet out the bottom of the mount. It must be aligned and it can't be too big (if it's too big, the water will get directed into the front/back of the mount and won't drain). A little too big is OK, but not a lot.
- torque the top bolts first, and the bottom bolt (behind the door panel) last. dunno if this made any difference; my rationale was that tighter-on-top and looser-on-bottom was preferable if the order-of-torqing made any difference.
I have a better-resolution printable PDF than the JPGs posted in the TSB forum. Click Here to get it. Right click to save to your hard drive rather than view online w/Acrobat Reader.
Ronsully -- Did u get the instructions? Pls advise if not and shoot me your email addy. |
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| wamiller |
I had my mirrors done last week at Mac Churchhill in Fort Worth. Just got around to washing it this week. Thankfully, I have not seen any weeping since the wash and when I drove it I didn't get a shower on the side either. So far I am a happy camper!
Thanks to all of you for pushing this issue until Acura fixed it. I was regretting choosing black because of this problem. Now if Acura could come up for a fix that eliminates dust my world would be perfect :)
Wade |
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| Zoomer |
Congrats on your fix, Wade! Glad to hear the mirror problem is gone. As for the dust problem, your prayers have been answered. Acura has issued a TSB (Totally Sanitary Bag) for this issue. You drive your MDX into the bag, park it and leave it in the garage. They guarantee NO MORE DUST! :p
[I]Zoom |
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| texrb |
Passenger side was re-done (3rd time) today and the dealer assigned their top tech to do it. I talked to the tech & he said the cut was not smooth and too deep. He smoothed it out & then applied silicon. He asked me to wait a couple days before I washed it to let the silicon dry completely. The tech that did the first 2 tries wasn't given a 3rd chance to "fix" it.
I will post results after I wash it Sunday- let's hope this fixed it.
FWIW - the dealer was very accommodating & couldn't have been more pleasant trying to get this fixed. I am the "guina pig" for this at the dealer since no one else has been in to have the mirrors fixed. It there are any other MDXers out there that use David McDavid in Plano - I'll let you know if it's worth your time to get the mirrors fixed - so far they got one of 2 right and hopefully the other one is fine.
Thanks again to TheWorm for his very detailed and helpful post. The tech & service writer said that his post clearly explained what caused the problem from the first attempt. |
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| DMor |
quote:
Originally posted by wamiller
Now if Acura could come up for a fix that eliminates dust my world would be perfect :)
Wade
Acura can't help you there...but THESE guys can! :)
http://www.carcapsule.com/ |
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| remery |
Hey DMor,
What's with the Cheshire Cat Avatar. Thought small dogs and sheep were your gig!;) |
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| AtlantaMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by remery
Hey DMor,
What's with the Cheshire Cat Avatar. Thought small dogs and sheep were your gig!;)
Oh! I was trying to figure out what that was! |
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| texrb |
3rd time was the charm :) I Washed the mirror today and I am now free of drips!! There are a couple of drops of spray - but no big deal.
A big THANK YOU to TheWorm for his excellent post - I am positive it wouldn't have been fixed without using his post as a guide. :D :D :D
Oh - I am sure all will be happy I discovered the "spell check" & now use it before all my posts:) |
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| octavian |
| texrb....my eyes (not my mirrors) are weeping this time with tears of happiness that you got it fixed.....i will try in about 3-4 weeks when i bring mine in for an oil change....hope mine turns out as well as yours.....sniff! sniff! |
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