Acura TL (2009–2014) Factory Radio Identification Guide
How to Identify Your OEM Head Unit Before Ordering an 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
Factory dash layout difference: Base trim dot-matrix display vs. Technology Package color screen.
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 2009–2014 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