2017 Acura rdx
#1
2017 Acura rdx
Hi,
I just signed the paperwork for the brand new 2017 rdx yesterday. I haven't yet taken delivery of the vehicle, will be in few days once I get check from bank. I was going through the TSB list and I see couple of them applies to my car's vin too. Does it mean the dealer is supposed to fix this before giving me delivery of the vehicle? Should I talk to them about this? Or do I need to take it to service after taking delivery.
Thanks
I just signed the paperwork for the brand new 2017 rdx yesterday. I haven't yet taken delivery of the vehicle, will be in few days once I get check from bank. I was going through the TSB list and I see couple of them applies to my car's vin too. Does it mean the dealer is supposed to fix this before giving me delivery of the vehicle? Should I talk to them about this? Or do I need to take it to service after taking delivery.
Thanks
#3
It is important to understand that TSBs are not the same as recalls.
Recalls are normally items related to safety concerns. For example suspension bolts that may break and cause a loss of control, or the power window switch might overheat and cause a fire. Every vehicle that may be affected by recall MUST be repaired.
TSBs, or Technical Service Bulletins are simply a set of instructions to make it easier for a mechanic to repair frequently occurring problems.
So for example, let's say many RDXs developed a vibration at 50MPH. The mechanic might change a dozen different components before he discovers the actual cause of the vibration. When this happens many times across the entire continent, it gets expensive for Acura. So to avoid this, Acura issues a TSB so that when mechanics come across the same problem in the future, they know how to fix it on their first attempt.
Based on this information, you can see that it is not mandatory that a TSB should be performed. A TSB is only a guide to repair common problems. If you don't have the problem, then you don't need the repair. For example my infotainment system was displaying random characters which is described under one of the TSBs, so I got a replacement unit. They will not be giving you a replacement stereo the day you pick up your new RDX, just because there is a TSB, unless your original one is defective.
So to answer your question, the RDX dealership is not going to perform all the repairs that the TSBs address unless you actually have the problem, and it will take you a period of time to discover if you do have any of the problems. You probably know the old saying "don't fix it if it ain't broke".
Recalls are normally items related to safety concerns. For example suspension bolts that may break and cause a loss of control, or the power window switch might overheat and cause a fire. Every vehicle that may be affected by recall MUST be repaired.
TSBs, or Technical Service Bulletins are simply a set of instructions to make it easier for a mechanic to repair frequently occurring problems.
So for example, let's say many RDXs developed a vibration at 50MPH. The mechanic might change a dozen different components before he discovers the actual cause of the vibration. When this happens many times across the entire continent, it gets expensive for Acura. So to avoid this, Acura issues a TSB so that when mechanics come across the same problem in the future, they know how to fix it on their first attempt.
Based on this information, you can see that it is not mandatory that a TSB should be performed. A TSB is only a guide to repair common problems. If you don't have the problem, then you don't need the repair. For example my infotainment system was displaying random characters which is described under one of the TSBs, so I got a replacement unit. They will not be giving you a replacement stereo the day you pick up your new RDX, just because there is a TSB, unless your original one is defective.
So to answer your question, the RDX dealership is not going to perform all the repairs that the TSBs address unless you actually have the problem, and it will take you a period of time to discover if you do have any of the problems. You probably know the old saying "don't fix it if it ain't broke".
#4
Hey Steve,
Something unplanned has come up, I need to leave at 3 today. I will put it as unplanned floating.
Thanks
Something unplanned has come up, I need to leave at 3 today. I will put it as unplanned floating.
Thanks
It is important to understand that TSBs are not the same as recalls.
Recalls are normally items related to safety concerns. For example suspension bolts that may break and cause a loss of control, or the power window switch might overheat and cause a fire. Every vehicle that may be affected by recall MUST be repaired.
TSBs, or Technical Service Bulletins are simply a set of instructions to make it easier for a mechanic to repair frequently occurring problems.
Great. I appreciate your lengthy response and it makes sense. I will take the delivery without it and see how it rides and keep those issues in mind if i notice it.
Thanks
So for example, let's say many RDXs developed a vibration at 50MPH. The mechanic might change a dozen different components before he discovers the actual cause of the vibration. When this happens many times across the entire continent, it gets expensive for Acura. So to avoid this, Acura issues a TSB so that when mechanics come across the same problem in the future, they know how to fix it on their first attempt.
Based on this information, you can see that it is not mandatory that a TSB should be performed. A TSB is only a guide to repair common problems. If you don't have the problem, then you don't need the repair. For example my infotainment system was displaying random characters which is described under one of the TSBs, so I got a replacement unit. They will not be giving you a replacement stereo the day you pick up your new RDX, just because there is a TSB, unless your original one is defective.
So to answer your question, the RDX dealership is not going to perform all the repairs that the TSBs address unless you actually have the problem, and it will take you a period of time to discover if you do have any of the problems. You probably know the old saying "don't fix it if it ain't broke".
Recalls are normally items related to safety concerns. For example suspension bolts that may break and cause a loss of control, or the power window switch might overheat and cause a fire. Every vehicle that may be affected by recall MUST be repaired.
TSBs, or Technical Service Bulletins are simply a set of instructions to make it easier for a mechanic to repair frequently occurring problems.
Great. I appreciate your lengthy response and it makes sense. I will take the delivery without it and see how it rides and keep those issues in mind if i notice it.
Thanks
So for example, let's say many RDXs developed a vibration at 50MPH. The mechanic might change a dozen different components before he discovers the actual cause of the vibration. When this happens many times across the entire continent, it gets expensive for Acura. So to avoid this, Acura issues a TSB so that when mechanics come across the same problem in the future, they know how to fix it on their first attempt.
Based on this information, you can see that it is not mandatory that a TSB should be performed. A TSB is only a guide to repair common problems. If you don't have the problem, then you don't need the repair. For example my infotainment system was displaying random characters which is described under one of the TSBs, so I got a replacement unit. They will not be giving you a replacement stereo the day you pick up your new RDX, just because there is a TSB, unless your original one is defective.
So to answer your question, the RDX dealership is not going to perform all the repairs that the TSBs address unless you actually have the problem, and it will take you a period of time to discover if you do have any of the problems. You probably know the old saying "don't fix it if it ain't broke".
#6
I forgot to mention another misconception about TSB's.
Let's say (as an example) that there is a TSB to repair an engine that burns oil. Hopefully the majority of owners will never experience the problem and never need the repair. However some people will not experience the problem until after the warranty expires. These people will then insist that the repair be made for free because there is a TSB issued regarding the problem.
Once again the point to remember is that the TSB is just a procedure on how to repair the problem. Once the warranty has expired, the procedure in the TSB may still be followed, but if the warranty has expired, you the owner are still responsible for the cost. In fact you better hope that the TSB is followed and that your not paying the mechanic to change a dozen parts before he stumbles across the correct part.
Let's say (as an example) that there is a TSB to repair an engine that burns oil. Hopefully the majority of owners will never experience the problem and never need the repair. However some people will not experience the problem until after the warranty expires. These people will then insist that the repair be made for free because there is a TSB issued regarding the problem.
Once again the point to remember is that the TSB is just a procedure on how to repair the problem. Once the warranty has expired, the procedure in the TSB may still be followed, but if the warranty has expired, you the owner are still responsible for the cost. In fact you better hope that the TSB is followed and that your not paying the mechanic to change a dozen parts before he stumbles across the correct part.
#7
ok great. About the gas you can use, sales person saying u can use 87 grade. Does premium increase gas mileage significantly? he said might increase may be 1 or 2 miles max. not worth in his opinion to use premium gas
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#8
It's your choice. You also lose performance with regular. Personally I would go for premium.
#9
Hey Kevin, its Steve. No problem but haven't you been leaving early quite a bit lately? And Sharon in HR is curiously doing the same, and people are talking!
#10
#12
I also recommend you run premium, not 87...I think the engine is largely designed for optimum operation on 91, and when you run 87, the engine management system may have to do things like retard the timing to prevent knock...lower octane fuel gives you a faster flame front during combustion...or so I understand. My old Murano used to knock a bit during stop and go driving (when touching the gas) but never did with premium. (which is recommended by Nissan for that car)
#13
I also recommend you run premium, not 87...I think the engine is largely designed for optimum operation on 91, and when you run 87, the engine management system may have to do things like retard the timing to prevent knock...lower octane fuel gives you a faster flame front during combustion...or so I understand. My old Murano used to knock a bit during stop and go driving (when touching the gas) but never did with premium. (which is recommended by Nissan for that car)
#14
My .02 comes from a 20+ year Honda/Acura Shop Foreman, who is an acquintance of mine . He said that the 3.5 in the RDX is not one of Honda's EarthDreams engines, like the 3.5 in the Ridgeline, Pilot, or the MDX. He said IF it was the EarthDream engine, then 87 would be OK....since it is not, and is tuned differently, he said he would only put 91Octane in it as performance degradation is noticeable. I trust him, so all we are putting in our RDX is premium top-tier.
Some claim to notice no difference in 87 and 91. That might be true; however, it is a personal choice in how you decide to take care of your vehicle. I go with the recommendation I got and am comfortable with it. The cost, realistically, is minimal. I don't disagree with what some say about 87 being OK....I just choose to go a different route.
As always, YMMV.
JMHO.
Some claim to notice no difference in 87 and 91. That might be true; however, it is a personal choice in how you decide to take care of your vehicle. I go with the recommendation I got and am comfortable with it. The cost, realistically, is minimal. I don't disagree with what some say about 87 being OK....I just choose to go a different route.
As always, YMMV.
JMHO.
#15
My .02 comes from a 20+ year Honda/Acura Shop Foreman, who is an acquintance of mine . He said that the 3.5 in the RDX is not one of Honda's EarthDreams engines, like the 3.5 in the Ridgeline, Pilot, or the MDX. He said IF it was the EarthDream engine, then 87 would be OK....since it is not, and is tuned differently, he said he would only put 91Octane in it as performance degradation is noticeable. I trust him, so all we are putting in our RDX is premium top-tier.
Some claim to notice no difference in 87 and 91. That might be true; however, it is a personal choice in how you decide to take care of your vehicle. I go with the recommendation I got and am comfortable with it. The cost, realistically, is minimal. I don't disagree with what some say about 87 being OK....I just choose to go a different route.
As always, YMMV.
JMHO.
Some claim to notice no difference in 87 and 91. That might be true; however, it is a personal choice in how you decide to take care of your vehicle. I go with the recommendation I got and am comfortable with it. The cost, realistically, is minimal. I don't disagree with what some say about 87 being OK....I just choose to go a different route.
As always, YMMV.
JMHO.
There is absolutely no logic to this. If you told me the earth dreams motor required 91 I would understand as it is more advanced and better able to adapt/benefit from the higher octane.
#16
chickdr, its possible you are assuming that the more advanced engine should be the one that would get the 91. I don't personally think how advanced an engine is should matter with regard to preferred octane. The only difference between the 2 fuels is that the hi octane is more compressible without detonation, so in a higher compression (possibly higher HP) engine, the use of higher octane may be required or recommended.
#17
chickdr, its possible you are assuming that the more advanced engine should be the one that would get the 91. I don't personally think how advanced an engine is should matter with regard to preferred octane. The only difference between the 2 fuels is that the hi octane is more compressible without detonation, so in a higher compression (possibly higher HP) engine, the use of higher octane may be required or recommended.
Last edited by chickdr; 12-05-2016 at 05:46 PM.
#18
Well you do bring up an interesting point in general. My first question would be, Does the Accord engine have the same HP, torque, and valve timing specs? And are the engine codes the same? If so, you could be onto something.
#20
sorry I didnt see your last edit...i understand your skepticism on this.....
#21
I don't understand either. Why can't they put the Accord engine into RDX? It seems the engines are different based on the hp and emission tier
RDXEngine3.5-litre, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6Horsepower279 hp @ 6200 rpmTorque252 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm Displacement3471 cc Bore and stroke89 x 93 mmCompression ratio 10.5:1EmissionsTier 2 Bin 5 Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) systemVariable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)Recommended fuelPremium unleadedHorsepower and torque calculations reflect SAE net, Rev. 08/04, SAE J1349 procedures.
Accord
3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6
Engine horsepower @ rpm 278 @ 6200
Engine torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) 252 @ 4900
Displacement (cc) 3471
Emissions rating Tier 3 Bin 125
Bore and stroke (mm) 89 x 93
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)
Variable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)
Recommended fuel Regular
RDXEngine3.5-litre, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6Horsepower279 hp @ 6200 rpmTorque252 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm Displacement3471 cc Bore and stroke89 x 93 mmCompression ratio 10.5:1EmissionsTier 2 Bin 5 Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) systemVariable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)Recommended fuelPremium unleadedHorsepower and torque calculations reflect SAE net, Rev. 08/04, SAE J1349 procedures.
Accord
3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6
Engine horsepower @ rpm 278 @ 6200
Engine torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) 252 @ 4900
Displacement (cc) 3471
Emissions rating Tier 3 Bin 125
Bore and stroke (mm) 89 x 93
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)
Variable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)
Recommended fuel Regular
#22
If you get a chance please ask the shop foreman why it would be the exact same engine in the Accord V6 requires 87 while the RDX is said to require 91.....
There is absolutely no logic to this. If you told me the earth dreams motor required 91 I would understand as it is more advanced and better able to adapt/benefit from the higher octane.
There is absolutely no logic to this. If you told me the earth dreams motor required 91 I would understand as it is more advanced and better able to adapt/benefit from the higher octane.
I know he is pretty knowledgeable about Honda/Acura products, so maybe he can tell me if there is any difference between the Accord V6 and the RDX V6....Now you have me interested.
To be honest, I always figured it was an EarthDream motor in our RDX, even though the engine cover doesn't say it, like it does on my Ridgeline. He said the EarthDream is an evolutionary step up from the regular 3.5, with a much cleaner burn and less emissions...
#23
He's in Phoenix. I will ask him next time I see him. I understand your issue, fully. Note, though, that premium is only 'recommended', not required. His comment is the engine is tuned for best performance with hi test. Interesting in Kareshi's post that the emissions is different between the two; however, I have no idea what causes that difference????
I know he is pretty knowledgeable about Honda/Acura products, so maybe he can tell me if there is any difference between the Accord V6 and the RDX V6....Now you have me interested.
To be honest, I always figured it was an EarthDream motor in our RDX, even though the engine cover doesn't say it, like it does on my Ridgeline. He said the EarthDream is an evolutionary step up from the regular 3.5, with a much cleaner burn and less emissions...
I know he is pretty knowledgeable about Honda/Acura products, so maybe he can tell me if there is any difference between the Accord V6 and the RDX V6....Now you have me interested.
To be honest, I always figured it was an EarthDream motor in our RDX, even though the engine cover doesn't say it, like it does on my Ridgeline. He said the EarthDream is an evolutionary step up from the regular 3.5, with a much cleaner burn and less emissions...
#24
While I don't see wikipedia as a reliable source of info, the engine codes for the accord and RDX are identical. My one question though, is does the Accord V6 also shut off cylinders? If the answer is yes, then I don't understand why they want premium. If the answer is no, then I think that is the key as to why the RDX recommends premium and the Accord does not.
The Accord has the same cylinder deactivation as well.... They talk about it in this C&D review of the '16 Accord V6: 2016 Honda Accord V-6 Sedan Test ? Review ? Car and Driver
Last edited by chickdr; 12-06-2016 at 07:22 AM.
#25
I don't understand either. Why can't they put the Accord engine into RDX? It seems the engines are different based on the hp and emission tier
RDXEngine3.5-litre, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6Horsepower279 hp @ 6200 rpmTorque252 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm Displacement3471 cc Bore and stroke89 x 93 mmCompression ratio 10.5:1EmissionsTier 2 Bin 5 Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) systemVariable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)Recommended fuelPremium unleadedHorsepower and torque calculations reflect SAE net, Rev. 08/04, SAE J1349 procedures.
Accord
3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6
Engine horsepower @ rpm 278 @ 6200
Engine torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) 252 @ 4900
Displacement (cc) 3471
Emissions rating Tier 3 Bin 125
Bore and stroke (mm) 89 x 93
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)
Variable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)
Recommended fuel Regular
RDXEngine3.5-litre, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V6Horsepower279 hp @ 6200 rpmTorque252 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm Displacement3471 cc Bore and stroke89 x 93 mmCompression ratio 10.5:1EmissionsTier 2 Bin 5 Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) systemVariable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)Recommended fuelPremium unleadedHorsepower and torque calculations reflect SAE net, Rev. 08/04, SAE J1349 procedures.
Accord
3.5-litre, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6
Engine horsepower @ rpm 278 @ 6200
Engine torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) 252 @ 4900
Displacement (cc) 3471
Emissions rating Tier 3 Bin 125
Bore and stroke (mm) 89 x 93
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Multi-Point Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI®)
Variable Cylinder Management® (VCM®)
Recommended fuel Regular
Does anyone know if these engines have variable valve timing?
Also, I tend to think that even if the engines are identical, I bet they download different fuel mapping and ignition timing matrices into the engine ECU at the factory since the RDX is a heavier more truck-like vehicle than the Accord, so there is probably a difference in programming making more low-end torque available on the RDX . I find the RDX already quite jumpy off a standing start with just a little movement of the accelerator, I bet if they used the same mapping in the Accord, it would be unpleasant to drive. The opening of the throttle body plate is electronically controlled in the RDX, there is no cable between the pedal and throttle body, so the response of the throttle plate opening is (and is most likely) controlled by programming. The point of all this is that nowadays, programming the engine management system controls a helluva lot more than it used to.
Now I am willing to consider running 89...but not so sure I am willing to run 87.
Last edited by Skidoor; 12-06-2016 at 08:24 AM.
#30
I am interested in this premium vs. regular fuel topic. Consumer Reports (Why You Might Not Actually Need Premium Gas - Consumer Reports ) and AAA ( U.S. Drivers Waste $2.1 Billion Annually on Premium Gasoline | AAA NewsRoom) both say that premium fuel is a waste of money if the owner's manual only ' recommends ' premium. They both recommend Top Tier detergent Fuels (Home | Top Tier Gas) to help keep the engine clean.
I have been running regular Exxon and Shell in my '17 RDX. I can't tell the difference. The mileage looks the same. Saving about 40 cents per gallon.
I have been running regular Exxon and Shell in my '17 RDX. I can't tell the difference. The mileage looks the same. Saving about 40 cents per gallon.
#31
it's been beaten to death already and there is no conclusion. Do what you'd like in your own car.
https://www.google.com/search?q=regu...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Here's the first page of Google results from our site alone:
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-...remium-859183/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...ar-gas-950688/
https://acurazine.com/forums/acura-i...please-870434/
https://acurazine.com/forums/first-g...ar-gas-657730/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-p...um-gas-820356/
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...m-fuel-942196/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-p...-times-886987/
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...r-fuel-504813/
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...r-fuel-504813/
#33
#34
I am interested in this premium vs. regular fuel topic. Consumer Reports (Why You Might Not Actually Need Premium Gas - Consumer Reports ) and AAA ( U.S. Drivers Waste $2.1 Billion Annually on Premium Gasoline AAA NewsRoom) both say that premium fuel is a waste of money if the owner's manual only ' recommends ' premium. They both recommend Top Tier detergent Fuels (Home Top Tier Gas) to help keep the engine clean.
I have been running regular Exxon and Shell in my '17 RDX. I can't tell the difference. The mileage looks the same. Saving about 40 cents per gallon.
I have been running regular Exxon and Shell in my '17 RDX. I can't tell the difference. The mileage looks the same. Saving about 40 cents per gallon.
"AAA cautions drivers that premium gasoline is higher octane, not higher quality, and urges drivers to follow the owner’s manual recommendations for their vehicle’s fuel."
"To protect vehicle investments, AAA urges drivers to use the appropriate gasoline as determined by their car’s manufacturer --- "
#35
it's been beaten to death already and there is no conclusion. Do what you'd like in your own car.
https://www.google.com/search?q=regu...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Here's the first page of Google results from our site alone:
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-...remium-859183/
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-p...ar-gas-950688/
https://acurazine.com/forums/acura-i...please-870434/
https://acurazine.com/forums/first-g...ar-gas-657730/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-p...um-gas-820356/
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...m-fuel-942196/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-p...-times-886987/
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...r-fuel-504813/
https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...r-fuel-504813/
#36
well just because I spent extra $$ on the vehicle itself doesn't mean I'm OK with spending extra money just to operate it for the next 10 years..unless running regular fuel means a blown head gasket in 8 years time
#37
#38
#39
Oh yes- using 87 octane in an engine that requires 87 in the Honda version will certainly ruin the motor.....
The argument about buying a "premium car" doesn't hold water in light of the engine in the V6 Accord. Nobody has come up with a justification yet other than that it says it in the manual. I wouldn't call it "cheaping out" when there is no reason to be spending .40 gallon more.
The argument about buying a "premium car" doesn't hold water in light of the engine in the V6 Accord. Nobody has come up with a justification yet other than that it says it in the manual. I wouldn't call it "cheaping out" when there is no reason to be spending .40 gallon more.