The RL is my wife's car so some of this information is second hand. Car operated normally the last day it was driven prior to the long holiday in the US; wife goes to start it this morning and it starts "slow." In addition the oil icon is flashing so she shut it off and came and told me thankfully. I go check it out, the dipstick reads normal levels (oil looked very clean even though its due for a change.) I turn the switch into accessory mode and hear a strange whine, when I try to start the car I get nothing. The dash lights blink and the starter doesn't engage so this sounds like a battery or starter issue but the oil pressure light has me spooked.

Ideas? I'll have to get some help later today pushing the car out of the garage so I can try jumpstarting.

 

weak batteries do strange things with the electronics.

jump start or even test the battery with a multimeter.

 

Battery. /thread

 

The flashing oil pressure light was throwing me but then again I didn't personally see it so I'm taking my wife's word for it. I do know when battery issues pop up, so do all kinds of electrical ones.

My plan is to buy a replacement battery and put it in myself, reading online the factory battery is somewhat a unique size? What battery and where should I buy it?

 

We can't believe any diagnostic error codes in the RL until the battery has been ruled out. I believe her that the light came on; I just don't believe it's an issue yet.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/i-005-signs-dying-battery-863206/

 

Yeah I know squirrelly things can happen with a bad battery, after all this is the original one so it's time. My local Acura service adviser agrees, it's most likely the culprit and he's looking into the possibility of having a driver bring me a OEM Acura one. I would have to pay for it of course but it's not much more than a Duracraft battery and I *know* it will fit.

I'll report back in tonight after I get everything situated.

 

If you are looking at replacing the battery with a better one than you currently have buy an AGM battery.
I would take a look at Auto Zone Duralast Platinum AGM and around $155. The best AGM battery for the is a Sear Diehard Platinum AGM (they are relabeled Odyssey batteries) but are around $210. Advance Auto just started carrying AGM batteries I think there around $175-220 You can use coupon code: HUGE50 to save $50 off a >$175 purchase at Advance Auto. Must buy online and pick up in store.

 

Stick with genuine Acura or Honda battery only. I had issues with a Duralast battery because the top was not completely flat. The positive terminal could not be fully tightened down.

 

Please read the thread linked above to get a feel for available batteries and their prices.

 

My Acura dealer is going to come pick it up tomorrow, (jump it/replace battery) and take in for service and give me a loaner. It's due for its A6 service plus the Master-Cylinder recall so it works out. Their quoted price on the service isn't too bad. Surprisingly their battery prices were the same as the Duralast.

 

Acura dealer came through with a new battery, sure enough that was the problem. The side of the old battery had a slight bulge on it so before installing the new one, both me and the dealer driver were sure that was the issue. Installed the new one and she fired up.....Dealer even sent a loaner RLX.

 

Haha, it's a shame the RLX is making such a dismal impression, they are being treated to loaner status.

 

I do like the step up in the interior and the added power is nice but it feels less sporty than my RL. Granted I haven't driven it much but that's my initial take-a-way. Plus it's just a tad *too* big IMO.

 

Dealer informed me there was a slight odor coming out of the HVAC, they tracked it down to the Alternator. They recommend replacing it even though it checks out, the quoted price seems high ($350) for the alternator. Does this sound plausible, strange it would act up around the same time as the battery.

 

The alternator smells, but it works fine? Something else stinks here.

The RLX may feel less sporty because it is FWD. Your comment that it is too big is actually a great complement to Acura because they only added two inches to the existing RL's length.

 

Dealer told me there was smoke coming from the alternator and that it's a "matter of time." The smoke was the culprit for the smell but I swear this didn't happen until the battery problems.

 

I would have them show you if you haven't replaced it yet. If it started to lock up enough to cause smoke, your drive belt should be making some serious noise.

 

I approved the replacement of the alternator, the problem was the bearings inside so no "locking up" just the unit was self-destructing. I've had something similar to this before on an an Nissan but the Acura part was quite a bit more; still they brought the old part back and showed me where the issue was. This is the wife's car so I don't want to risk it stranding her and is was evident there was a problem.

I also has the A6 service done with tire-rotation, break check, etc.