Best products from r/Acura

• Check out AcuraZine too. Browsing through the forums and you should be able to find everything you need, or at least get a start in the right direction

• What are you looking to do to enhance your car? Performance? Bolt-ons are pretty easy. Update the exhaust, lower the center of gravity on coilovers/lowering spring, get better tires, etc.

• Ebay is ok for some things, but if you want reliability without a doubt, you should look for things on sites like HeelToe and EndlessRPM

• You can buff the oxidation out of the light with something like a restoration kit. You could replace the whole headlight too, but that could be a bit pricy 😄

Wtf I totally forgot all about those lights. Thanks for this I’m definitely installing a set!

Also: you’re a seemingly fastidious Ac cleaner. Looks nice & love the accent lights

Edit: Just acquired a nice set of Acura valve stem covers. Difficult to judge from an online pic but looks like they will match my paint pretty well &
This set in white might interest you!

I imagine you mean the check engine light codes? I haven't used it on a TL, but I used something like this before on another Acura:
https://www.amazon.com/Foseal-Bluetooth-Scanner-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B00T5G53ZM

I imagine something like this would work the same, and doesn't require a phone or other device to pair it with:
https://www.amazon.com/Oxgord-Scanner-Engine-Diagnostics-Direct/dp/B011Q18D14

So those should be able to tell you the specific codes needing attention as well as an option to clear them if you want. Of course, clearing doesn't do you any good if you don't do anything about the issues, it can very well come back. But once you have the specific codes, look them up online and see if you can pinpoint the possible issue and get it fixed. At the very least, you can know how serious it is.

For sure. It plugs into the cigarette lighter, it was super easy to install. I'll make a YouTube video on it

Here's the dash cam I have. Only supports up to 32GB Micro SD. Cheap and works great!

Dash Cam, Byakov Dash Camera: 1080P Full HD Car Driving Recorder Camera with 170° ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PW4G3HP/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_6T3WCbQ6PXSVC

Assuming that by "Bluetooth FM transmitters," you mean you wanted to stream music from your phone over your car speakers... this is what you should have gotten.

That handy device is the version for YOUR car, I have the same type but different plugs for my 2006 TL and it plugs into the XM transmitter in the trunk. Very easy install, easy to pair with my phone, and it allows "XM1" to be my phone's audio. The audio from my phone (Amazon Music, Google Maps, Waze, etc) all sound crystal clear and my steering wheel controls even work to change songs.

Expensive lesson, but yeah I suggest switching it back and sell what you initially bought.

The people over at /r/autodetailing will be the first to tell you not to use any Armor All products. Overall just very low quality products and damage, rather than preserve your vehicle. They dry out the dash and cause cracking.

Meguiars makes great automotive detailing products. Their Supreme Shine Protectant is significantly better than Armor All's and will not damage your dash. Spray it onto a Microfiber towel or cloth and apply to your dash. If you are looking for something less glossy and greasy, their Natural Shine Protectant is great too.

Avoid buying the wipe type products as they just aren't worth the money.

If you want to thoroughly clean your interior like a professional, try products like 303 Aerospace protectant and Einszett cockpit premium. These are products used by pros and many detailing enthusiasts at /r/autodetailing and in the detailing world.

Wiping with just a damp cloth will not do, as the sun will eventually crack up your dash; its only a matter of time. The protectant will preserve your dash for as long as possible and it wicks up dust while leaving a glossy, or matte finish.

This is the one i bought and used, took about an hour for each headlight, you will need an electric drill and a roll of painters tape.
Pro Tip: Put lots of tape around each headlight at least 3 layers thick (because you WILL hit it with the sandpaper)

https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Headlight-Restoration-System/dp/B001AIZ5HY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1484940876&sr=8-3&keywords=3m+headlight+restoration+kit

I was skeptical before i tried doing this, but it actually worked really really well. Best of Luck.

I used Chemical Guys Arsenal Kit with a 2 bucket wash. The foam blaster is a bit runny but it's fun and did pretty good coverage. Had to work quickly to prevent the suds from drying on the car.

Convert most lights to LED (but don't cheap out). LED tail lights, brake lights, license plate lights, and fog lights especially make all the difference for a more premium look. Halogens just don't belong on the TSX. I got red Philips Vision LEDs in 7440 and 7443 for the tails and high mounted brake light. Vision LED 194 for the license plate lights. X-treme Vision LED for fog lights. As you can see, I stuck with Philips whenever I could.

If you're interested in upgrading your DRL/highbeam, since Philips doesn't make the bulb for those, I got these from HIKARI and they are perfect (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LCE1AY2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1). No dash errors and it has functional low-power DRL and high-power high beam modes. High beam has awesome distance and brightness. They were a direct swap with no additional labor than replacing the bulbs. And they look very good!

It's super simple actually. I would recommend looking at a video or two and see how its done. here the stuff I used for mine if you're interested in at least looking it up. It's nice to be able to do it yourself and save on crazy install fees.

Pioneer AVH-2300NEX Multimedia DVD Receiver

Metra 70-1730 Receiver Wiring Harness

Metra 40-HD10 Antenna Adapter

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW Steering Wheel Control Adapter

APPS2Car Parking Brake Bypass

Duttek USB 3.0 Flush Mount Cable

I bought the Mother’s kit and use it once a year. Someone in here said polishing only lasts about 6 months and they are basically right so I do it in late spring generally and it’s good until the end of summer.

The Mothers kit is nice, it has a pad for polishing with a bottle of polish liquid, also some various sanding pads if it’s really bad. I tried doing the sanding one year but honestly just the pad did just as good a job.

Mothers 37251 37251 NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit

Make sure you cover everything around the area because even if you are careful polish will fly off and leave little drips here and there

The 2014 ILX uses a 7443 bulb for the reverse lights. I do have a preferred brand but sadly his site is down and I have not had contact with him recently.

My second preferred brand would be good ol Philips.

Id suggest these
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-7443-Intense-Vision-light/dp/B00P2D3W0A

They are LED so they are an upgrade over a regular bulb. Made by philips so should have a warranty and great quality. Make sure you go with socket 7443 and make sure you choose red. White could make your brake light appear pinkish.

Also here is a DIY I wrote up for changing the rear bulbs in an ILX of the same/similar model as yours.

https://acurazine.com/forums/ilx-performance-parts-modifications-425/diy-ilx-g1-brake-light-swap-afspec-edition-944989/

If the carbon film ends up looking like a bit too much you could get some satin film or some glossy black film, both are 1' x 5' which should be plenty to do all of the door trim pieces. You could also plastidip it and try different finishes with that, it is easily removable. But, I would only try that after I had made the surface nice and flat, which it may already be but I can't judge that from the photos. Good luck!

Don't know about the RDX, but the armrest compartment in the TL has both a 12V and the AUX port, so I leave it plugged into a 12V USB Charger like this one all the time.

The Miccus automatically switches on when it receives power and pairs with the last device used. Similarly, it shuts off when the charger loses power. It is essentially perfect for this application.

edit: PS - it also does not interfere with HFL and at least on Android the music pauses when I take or place a call. Again, perfect for the application (no I don't work for them).

I have a 2019 RDX, and I just installed my dash cam 2 weeks ago - it's been working super well.

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I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/TOGUARD-Backup-Camera-Streaming-Waterproof/dp/B07PFPJ2DJ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=dash+cam+mirror&qid=1556734448&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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A larger rearview mirror is amazing, and having it sort of blend in, with everything I already have in the car is way better looking than a strange black box in the middle of the windshield.

Hey there, I bought this several months ago but haven't got it installed yet.

USA SPEC BT45-ACU Bluetooth Phone, Music & AUX Input Kit for Select 2005-2009 Acura Models https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NUDEIWA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9pe7Ab46K0T9N

Edit: you'll want to configure it in a manner that the USB is accessible. I am probably going to have mine installed behind one of the tray areas under the cassette player.

Edit 2: mine has Nav and this is compatible. Also, google and call local car audio places: they too have products. Just tell them your year, make, and model. Good luck man.

Look into one of these for permanent :) it just plugs into where the CD goes (in the back of it, tuck it away somewhere). Crystal clear quality that can’t be beat:

USA SPEC BT45-ACU Bluetooth Phone, Music & AUX Input Kit for Select 2005-2009 Acura Models https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NUDEIWA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p-sBCbAQRN4VJ

The best approach with respect to grounding is to first measure the voltage drop at each ground point with a DMM; excessive voltage drop will cause issues like this.

Many OBD scan tools or apps that do live data can monitor vehicle voltage in real time. Alternatively, consider a cigarette-lighter volt meter for troubleshooting like this:

https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3721-Battery-Charging-Monitor/dp/B000EVWDU0

It’s very common for alternators to fail by first getting flaky with respect to voltage output.

The main battery to chassis ground is a common fault, as is the alternator connection. It’s not good enough that connections look clean and tight, you need to unbolt, sand chassis to bare metal, add dielectric grease, rebolt and slop grease on top.

Has car been in crash or flood or had stereo/alarm/remote start or other wiring hacks done? Any time a vehicle has electrical faults look for any shoddy work.

Sure thing!

Caution: I'm an idiot and got a little overzealous when I first started. Though I placed tape on the paint around the headlights, I pressed a little too hard at one point and the sandpaper went through the tape and scuffed up my paint just a little. Be gentle and careful and you'll be fine. Use multiple layers of tape too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AIZ5HY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This 3M kit is positively reviewed overall. You just need a power drill to use the attachment. If you are doing it with the headlights still in car, make sure you use painters tape to cover any painted surfaces around the edges of the headlights to avoid accidental damage during the sanding process.

This is what I’m getting for Christmas, I hear nothing but good things about it. And it allows you to use the steering wheel controls in addition to displaying the song title on the Nav screen and the display that the AC settings and time are on. You just loose XM1 after hooking it up. Which for me is no big deal since I use Apple Music instead of XM anyway.


This is what I have no and it works great. I’m only getting the new one because I had an aftermarket head unit in my accord and I missing having steering wheel controls.


Edit: Correct Link for Nav