[vip9]

Well, not "thingS", just 1 thing. Still enough to make me upset.

Some "thingy" fell out from under the passenger-side dashboard and ... right into the glove compartment!!! It's round, about 3 or 4" in diameter, 1/2" thick, has a black wire running from it and back under the dash. It has a 2-sided tape on 1 side, which, apparently, lost its sticking abilities. It also has a few duct-tape pieces, and there is also duct-tape inside behind the dash as far as I could see/feel.

After the initial "shock" went away, I turned on my analytic abilities and deduced that it can be one of several things:

1. LoJack part (trasmitter or antenna or whatever - I never actually saw LoJack parts before) Obviously, encouraging to know that my $500 did buy something after all. Though, quite stupid to place it where it was - very easy to find.

2. As suggested by Service Rep (read my comments below), it may be a Navi antenna - doubt it - I do not have Navi.

3. Anybody's guess...

I managed to get to the dealership at 5:03 PM on Monday to find out that techs leave at 5 sharp. A Service Rep walked to my car to take a look, but #2 from above was his best guess.

He did assure me though that if I managed to get there before 5 pm on any other day, a tech would look at it and fix it w/o an appointment. He also said that in his opinion, the car is "safe to drive" - I did not dispute that

Anyway, quite a long post for such a "minor" problem. Any ideas on what that might be? (I doubt I'd be able to make it by 5pm to the dealer any time soon)

Also, this thing may be a culprit behind some rattling behind the dash on the passenger side (if this is indeed an Acura part, not a "random and secret" place for LoJack). Several people reported hearing rattles in the past.

 

[ardvarkus]

vip- we're dying to hear what the mystery part could be...

I guess #1 based on the universal high quality level of virtually all auto electronics installations. (except those done by owners not concerned with install time)

Ard

 

[teamTMS]

vip- we're dying to hear what the mystery part could be...

I guess #1 based on the universal high quality level of virtually all auto electronics installations. (except those done by owners not concerned with install time)

Ard

I totally agree with you. I'm curious what that piece is.
My guess will be #1 also.

 

[ardvarkus]

Huh.. where's vip?? This was his last post - not like him to be this silent...

 

[vip9]

I am here!

Ard, I am here. Nothing new to report - did not have a chance to visit my dealer yet. maybe today - I have a half-a-day before holidays. Hopefully, they don't
Will keep you posted.

 

[ardvarkus]

A 'friend' on another board I frequent just escaped death the other night- high speed mishap, rolled 5 times, of course totalled, but he is alive.

Has me a bit edgey I suppose- we see these posts and talk, and take the contact almost for granted- but forget that there are complete lives behind each.

Drive safe folks

A

 

[vip9]

Well, that "thing" is "FIXED" , but I my satisfaction with Acura of Brooklyn service, which was low to begin with, went into negative territory, I think.

I stopped by around 3:30 yesterday and a NEW service advisor ran to my car, looked at the "thingy", said he had no idea and would ask a tech. Well, 3 minutes and 2 techs later, he (the service advisor) just stuck this thing back under the dash using the same!!! 2-sided sticking tape, tucked the wire under there as well, and told me that none of the techs knew what it was, so "it must be LoJack" or something else which is NOT an original part of the car. "If it falls off again, just use a crazy glue"

That pretty much covers this incident.
I am thinking of shooting an email to LoJack to see if they have an idea.

Meanwhile, I just pray for another Acura dealership to conveniently open in my general neighborhood.

 

[ardvarkus]

Of course it begs the question:

Who installed the LoJack?

Good luck- heck, you don't need that lojack thang anyhows. (At least, lets hope you never do!)

Ard

PS Acura service- underwhelming? What a surprise...

 

[frostyra]

The electrical manual has a lot of photos, but nothing in that location that looks as you described it. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[vip9]

As expected, it fell out again. No surprise here, just p*ssed off.

I'll take a pic and post here later.

 

[vip9]

It is all but certain that the "piece in question" is LoJack. I have a tech come over later today. On the phone, "LoJack supervisor" sounded genuinely upset that this happened and I saw what the piece looks like. Puhleeze, what is it - a state secret?

Hopefully he will re-hide it, not only "stick it back" ala AoB service dept.

 

[ardvarkus]

what is it - a state secret?

Might be! do you think the lojack system will work if the thief just opens the glove box, feels around for an antenna, and snips it off before he drives away?



Ard

 

[vip9]

L J antenna indeed.

Took him like 30", but he thouroghly re-hid this thing.

With many apologies from both the tech and his supervisor over the phone...

Oh, gee, will AoB techs ever apologize?

 

[ardvarkus]

I'll have to add that to my "To Do when ripping off cars with LoJack" list...

While on the subject of dealers- I just got back from the Furd dealer- new AC compressor (under warranty) for my 2001 F250. What a meat market. Makes Acura look like a class act.

Ard

 

[dakster]

Funny... Not a great place to hide the LJ... They used to hide the transmitter in the seats of Honda;s. Not a great idea since that is a commonly stripped out part. Always gets found and thrown out on the road.

Two important things. First, at least you know they actually INSTALLED the loJack in the vehicle. Second, you know Acura didn't use duct tape to install any parts in the car.

Is lojack a ******* company?

 

[ifeldman]

Did the LJ tech put back the piece with duct tape, or did he use a more permanent technique?

 

[donsev]

Did the LJ tech put back the piece with duct tape, or did he use a more permanent technique?

Well, if the tech did his job, vip9 *shouldn't* be able to answer that question

 

[vip9]

Well, guys, I do know where the antenna is hidden now. Probably I could trace the wire to the transmitter.

No duct tape was used - the guy used more permanent means

However, duct tape and 2-sided tape seem to be a part of "standard" installation.

Both the tech and his supervisor were apologetic, professional and pleasant to deal with.

You can torture me now but I will NOT disclose where that antenna is hidden

I do NOT think that transmittier is hidden in the seats, though.

 

[remery]

Gee Vip9,
You should change the title of this soap-operetic thread to "As the Lojack Falls." Since your rig, buy you own admission, made a noise like "M&Ms in a coffee mug", why do you need a Lojack to find your vehicle? You could distinquish that noise anywhere in Brooklyn!

 

[vip9]

Remery, what a huge pleasure it is to see that you did not lose your sarcastically sick sense of humor! Where have you been all this time - did not see you in a while.