Acura TL (2009–2014) Factory Radio Identification & Installation Guide
How to Identify Your OEM Head Unit & Install Your New Android Screen
Introduction
One of the biggest reasons Acura TL owners order the wrong Android screen is assuming that every 2009–2014 TL uses the same factory radio unit. In automotive electronics engineering terms, while the outer dash panels appear almost identical, the underlying CANbus topology, signal routing, and harness pinouts vary significantly across trim levels and production cycles.
Acura equipped the 4th Generation TL with distinct head unit revisions, differential audio output stages (Standard Analog vs. ELS Surround Sound), and revised bus communication protocols. Identifying your exact original radio configuration before ordering is the only foolproof way to ensure plug-and-play installation without wire splicing or dark screen issues.
Is Your TL Base or Technology Package?
The primary distinction lies between the non-navigation Base trim and the factory navigation-equipped Technology Package.
Base Trim (Non-Navi)
- Small, recessed upper dot-matrix/red info display
- No factory map or GPS navigation functions
- Standard 276-Watt 8-speaker audio setup
- Centered physical volume knob layout
Technology Package
- Deep-set 8-inch high-resolution color screen
- 440-Watt ELS Surround Sound system branding
- Factory HDD/DVD navigation drive module
- Multi-directional Interface Dial (joystick) below HVAC controls
Identify Your Production Model Year
Acura updated the internal electronics bus and hard drive architectures midway through the 4th Gen lifecycle during the 2012 facelift revision.
2009–2011 Models (Pre-Facelift)
Factory HDD system uses 13 GB storage allocation for media caching with earlier generation CAN bus indexing protocols.
2012–2014 Models (Facelift)
Updated HDD unit with 60 GB storage, higher bus speed communication, and revised HandsFreeLink Bluetooth transceiver modules.
Check the OEM Head Unit Part Number
If you are unsure of your trim level, locate the manufacturer part number on the sticker attached to the top or back of the factory head unit chassis.
| OEM Part Number | Mapped Trim Level Link |
|---|---|
| 39100-TK4-A000 | Base Trim |
| 39100-TK4-A340-M1 | Technology Package |
Inspect the Rear Connectors (36-Pin vs. 32-Pin)
Inspect the harness plugs at the rear of the head unit assembly. Navigation units feature distinct multi-pin blocks—some revisions utilize a 36-pin main plug, while others utilize a 32-pin connector block.
Rear connector harness blocks for 2009–2011 Acura TL plug-and-play interfaces.
Rear connector harness blocks for 2012–2014 Acura TL plug-and-play interfaces.
Note: These connector types are not physically interchangeable. Forcing a 32-pin plug into a 36-pin socket will bend terminal pins and damage the CAN decoder board.
What Information Should You Send Us Before Ordering?
If you want 100% verification, take photos of the following and send them to our support team:
- Exact vehicle model year and engine type (FWD or SH-AWD)
- Clear photo of your full center dashboard console (powered on)
- Photo of the OEM radio sticker showing the part number (if removed)
- Photo of the rear wire plugs connected to the factory head unit
Installation Overview & Step-by-Step Guide
Upgrading the infotainment unit in a 4th Gen Acura TL (2009–2014) is a straightforward DIY project requiring basic hand tools (plastic trim removal tool, 8mm/10mm socket wrench, and a Phillips screwdriver).
Phase 1: Harness & Back Panel Reference
Familiarize yourself with the main unit back ports and the provided wiring components before beginning assembly.
- A: RCA Jack Input/Output
- B: Standby / Spare Slot
- C: CANbus Box Plug
- D & E: Dual USB Extension Cables (USB1 & USB2)
- F: Rearview Camera Video Input
- G: Main Power Harness Socket
- H: 4G LTE Antenna Port
- I: GPS Antenna Port
- J: 5G Wi-Fi Antenna Port
Phase 2: Removing the Factory Dashboard & Display
1. Trim Removal
Use a plastic trim removal tool to unclip the side dash accent trim strips, starting from the center console near the gear shifter and moving upward.
2. Unclip Side Panels
Gently pry open the side dashboard panels next to the glovebox and central control area to gain access to the mounting hardware.
3. Loose Retaining Screws
Locate and remove the 8mm retaining screws holding the factory head unit chassis and side trim assemblies in place.
4. Remove Air Vents & Unplug Harnesses
Carefully pull out the upper AC vent assembly, disconnecting the OEM hazard light connector and rear harness plugs behind it.
5. Remove Display Mounting Screws
Unscrew the upper mounting bolts inside the dashboard top cavity holding the factory top screen housing.
6. Extract OEM Head Unit & Original Display
Slide out the OEM CD chassis and upper screen module completely. Unplug all remaining factory wiring harnesses.
Phase 3: Wiring Connections & System Setup
-
AUX Extension Connection: Plug the AUX patch cable directly into the factory armrest AUX input to ensure audio signals pass from the Android system to your car’s original amplifier.
-
CD Transfer Cable: Interconnect the main power harness and CD transfer harness at the original display connection point.
-
Power Plug Junction: Locate the power plug from the OEM upper display cavity and bridge it using the main power interface connector block. Wrap all exposed connectors with the included anti-rattle foam padding.
-
Button Control Wiring: Plug the OEM key adapter into the lower button console harness to retain physical panel operations.
-
Screen Base Installation: Secure the screen mounting base firmly using the original dash screws.
-
CRITICAL STEP - Screen Ribbon Cable: Connect the flexible display ribbon cable ONLY when vehicle power is OFF. Latch the connector lock firmly and apply black insulation tape over the junction for secure positioning.
-
Ribbon Cable Tape Protection: Apply a strip of black automotive insulation tape across the ribbon cable socket latch and surrounding plastic housing. This prevents heat expansion or road vibration from loosening the connection over time.
⚠️ Audio Output Notice: After powering on the system, switch your OEM radio mode to "AUX" using the physical center console button. Audio from Android apps, CarPlay, and navigation will only transmit when AUX mode is active.
