maintenance schedule
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
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maintenance schedule
This feels like a dumb new member question, but, is there an overall maintenance schedule to reference? The maintenance reminders are nice but I'd still like to have an overview of what to anticipate at different mileage milestones. Also, having bought my RL used I'd like to review what should have been done up to now.
I've searched AZ, Acura, Google, etc. Maybe my thinking is outdated, and maybe I should trust the software??? How do you manage routine maintenance?
I've searched AZ, Acura, Google, etc. Maybe my thinking is outdated, and maybe I should trust the software??? How do you manage routine maintenance?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 107
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From: Orange County, CA
It really all depends. But the manual should state what needs to be done. I bought a certified 09 RL myself and not knowing the car's history, I decided to change all the fluids and do a check up myself. Fluids include ATF, Transfer Case, and the rear diff. I know the oil is clean because it was still new. Check air filter, brake fluid quantity and quality, and power steering reservoir level.
I wouldn't want to rely on the MID myself, I guess I'm old fashioned. But ~20k intervals for the power train stuff. Unless MID says earlier. Other than that, just do checks every month.
I wouldn't want to rely on the MID myself, I guess I'm old fashioned. But ~20k intervals for the power train stuff. Unless MID says earlier. Other than that, just do checks every month.
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Yes, "I wouldn't want to rely on the MID myself, I guess I'm old fashioned" is my point. While I very much appreciate 007's high level advice to RTFM, something I would never have thought of myself before posting a question but have made note of, my copy of the 2006 FM does not answer my question. For example, TFM states "the timing belt should be replaced at intervals shown on the maintenance minder."
Perhaps the MM more acurately calculates needs based upon my driving habits and other metrics than an old fashioned chart based only on mileage. But that was always understood with charts; that they provide minimum/general guidance only.
Continuing with the timing belt, I would expect to replace it at +/- 100k, but maybe Acura engineers have something else in mind, and I would be interested to see an overview of all of the major items in one document.
I have little doubt that such a document exists, and I may be at fault for not being able to locate TF thing myself. I don't think it should be difficult to find but I have yet to find it. Thus my post. Thanks.
Perhaps the MM more acurately calculates needs based upon my driving habits and other metrics than an old fashioned chart based only on mileage. But that was always understood with charts; that they provide minimum/general guidance only.
Continuing with the timing belt, I would expect to replace it at +/- 100k, but maybe Acura engineers have something else in mind, and I would be interested to see an overview of all of the major items in one document.
I have little doubt that such a document exists, and I may be at fault for not being able to locate TF thing myself. I don't think it should be difficult to find but I have yet to find it. Thus my post. Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Austin, TX
The timing belt is either 95k or 110k, I don't remember exactly, or 7 years. My suggestion should cover the fluids and filters. It states 60k mi for the first tranny flush and transfer case, and 30k after (I think the 60k is sort of long). The rear diff is 30k, the oil is 7k, the air and cabin filters are 24k. These are all off hand, so I may not have remembered correctly. Had you come in here saying, "the manual does not state the timing belt interval", you would have got a different response from me, but I enjoyed reading your FR so I don't regret my sarcasm.
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FUnderstood! Although it took me a while to figure out what an FR is; I did not realize I sent one.
I do appreciate your comments 007 - sarcastic and otherwise - and they seem perfectly logical - I'm just surprised that I can't find it from Acura.
Does it really matter? If I change a filter at 24 and they recommend 30 and so forth. In most if not all cases it probably will not be critical. I realize that I need to be smart about my own car. But I've been surprised before including not having to change CVT fluid on my old Murano until 120k unless it tested out bad earlier (never did). I would never have estimated that on a Nissan.
I did find a maintenance calculator on the Canadian Acura owner's site that comes close using km.
For whatever it is worth I've asked a couple of dealer mechanics. None of them rely solely on the MM for their own Acuras (TLs of course). One explained the MM is designed for 7,500 mile cycles; oil every 7,500, oil filter every 15,000, air filter 30, and so forth. But when I asked for a compleete list including less regular items like trans fluid, timing belt, etc. they were not able to produce one.
I thought that maybe the MM used advanced calcs to make custom recommendations, but aside from oil life they tell me no, it is simply milage based. For their customers that don't drive much the MM might not call for an oil change for 18 months, which of course they don't advise.
Thanks for your input. If I find anything new I'll post it.
And not to piss off my new friend from Austin, but GO CARDS tonight!
I do appreciate your comments 007 - sarcastic and otherwise - and they seem perfectly logical - I'm just surprised that I can't find it from Acura.
Does it really matter? If I change a filter at 24 and they recommend 30 and so forth. In most if not all cases it probably will not be critical. I realize that I need to be smart about my own car. But I've been surprised before including not having to change CVT fluid on my old Murano until 120k unless it tested out bad earlier (never did). I would never have estimated that on a Nissan.
I did find a maintenance calculator on the Canadian Acura owner's site that comes close using km.
For whatever it is worth I've asked a couple of dealer mechanics. None of them rely solely on the MM for their own Acuras (TLs of course). One explained the MM is designed for 7,500 mile cycles; oil every 7,500, oil filter every 15,000, air filter 30, and so forth. But when I asked for a compleete list including less regular items like trans fluid, timing belt, etc. they were not able to produce one.
I thought that maybe the MM used advanced calcs to make custom recommendations, but aside from oil life they tell me no, it is simply milage based. For their customers that don't drive much the MM might not call for an oil change for 18 months, which of course they don't advise.
Thanks for your input. If I find anything new I'll post it.
And not to piss off my new friend from Austin, but GO CARDS tonight!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 126
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From: San Antonio, TX
I've done the same search as the OP and wound up here. Would be nice to know what is recommended for trans fluid change, spark plugs, etc. I also bought used, no glove box manual. I have printed most of the (giant) manual from the internet but I must have missed the page of recommended maintenance.
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From: Austin, TX
Around page 400 is the maintenance minder section. There is a copy of the manual in the garage in PDF form.
The tranny is 60k and 30k after, the spark plugs are part of the 105k timing belt service.
The tranny is 60k and 30k after, the spark plugs are part of the 105k timing belt service.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: San Antonio, TX
thanks good friend, I'll hunt down the manual
the only "garage" I've found on this site so far looks to be pictures of cars...
I know there's another based on threads I've read so I'll keep at it
the only "garage" I've found on this site so far looks to be pictures of cars...
I know there's another based on threads I've read so I'll keep at it
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From: Austin, TX
It's the second thread in the main forum. https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/garage-helpful-2g-rl-info-789209/
It's not as obvious as it should be.
It's not as obvious as it should be.
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Senior Moderator
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From: Austin, TX
Let's clarify "flush". You should never use a machine to clean out a Honda transmission. You should only ever remove the drain plug on a level surface and let the fluid drain.
The manual does not state anything about a 3x3 drain and fill. I suppose that came from a service bulletin to dealers at some point. The tranny holds ~8 qts, and when you drain, you only get out ~3. A 3x3 will replace ~6.6 qts of old fluid with new fluid if the car is run through all gears and the torque converter is locked in 5th between each fill and drain. This is the cheapest, safest, effective way replace the majority of tranny fluid in one go.
However, you have to remove/move the splash guard to access the trans drain plug which is a major PITA. If you have access to a lift, you can run the car on the lift through all gears, only touch the splash guard once, and do it all very quickly. If you are DIY, it is a major pain to do correctly. With that in mind, I suggest changing the trans fluid every 15k. Doing it every 15k once will result in more new fluid at 45k than a 3x3 every 45k. It essentially gives a more consistent amount of new fluid over a single 3x3.
Cliffs:
Never "flush" a Honda transmission.
Having it done at the dealer = single 3x3 with all gears and TC engaged between fills.
DIY = once every other oil change (~15k).
The manual does not state anything about a 3x3 drain and fill. I suppose that came from a service bulletin to dealers at some point. The tranny holds ~8 qts, and when you drain, you only get out ~3. A 3x3 will replace ~6.6 qts of old fluid with new fluid if the car is run through all gears and the torque converter is locked in 5th between each fill and drain. This is the cheapest, safest, effective way replace the majority of tranny fluid in one go.
However, you have to remove/move the splash guard to access the trans drain plug which is a major PITA. If you have access to a lift, you can run the car on the lift through all gears, only touch the splash guard once, and do it all very quickly. If you are DIY, it is a major pain to do correctly. With that in mind, I suggest changing the trans fluid every 15k. Doing it every 15k once will result in more new fluid at 45k than a 3x3 every 45k. It essentially gives a more consistent amount of new fluid over a single 3x3.
Cliffs:
Never "flush" a Honda transmission.
Having it done at the dealer = single 3x3 with all gears and TC engaged between fills.
DIY = once every other oil change (~15k).
Last edited by oo7spy; Jan 29, 2014 at 10:11 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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Let's clarify "flush". You should never use a machine to clean out a Honda transmission. You should only ever remove the drain plug on a level surface and let the fluid drain.
The manual does not state anything about a 3x3 drain and fill. I suppose that came from a service bulletin to dealers at some point. The tranny holds ~8 qts, and when you drain, you only get out ~3. A 3x3 will replace ~6.6 qts of old fluid with new fluid if the car is run through all gears and the torque converter is locked in 5th between each fill and drain. This is the cheapest, safest, effective way replace the majority of tranny fluid in one go.
However, you have to remove/move the splash guard to access the trans drain plug which is a major PITA. If you have access to a lift, you can run the car on the lift through all gears, only touch the splash guard once, and do it all very quickly. If you are DIY, it is a major pain to do correctly. With that in mind, I suggest changing the trans fluid every 15k. Doing it every 15k once will result in more new fluid at 45k than a 3x3 every 45k. It essentially gives a more consistent amount of new fluid over a single 3x3.
Cliffs: Having it done at the dealer = single 3x3 with all gears and TC engaged between fills.
DIY = once every other oil change (~15k).
The manual does not state anything about a 3x3 drain and fill. I suppose that came from a service bulletin to dealers at some point. The tranny holds ~8 qts, and when you drain, you only get out ~3. A 3x3 will replace ~6.6 qts of old fluid with new fluid if the car is run through all gears and the torque converter is locked in 5th between each fill and drain. This is the cheapest, safest, effective way replace the majority of tranny fluid in one go.
However, you have to remove/move the splash guard to access the trans drain plug which is a major PITA. If you have access to a lift, you can run the car on the lift through all gears, only touch the splash guard once, and do it all very quickly. If you are DIY, it is a major pain to do correctly. With that in mind, I suggest changing the trans fluid every 15k. Doing it every 15k once will result in more new fluid at 45k than a 3x3 every 45k. It essentially gives a more consistent amount of new fluid over a single 3x3.
Cliffs: Having it done at the dealer = single 3x3 with all gears and TC engaged between fills.
DIY = once every other oil change (~15k).
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From: Austin, TX
Transfer case 80W-90 hypoid gear oil. How many miles? Check the engine air filter too. (Do that yourself b/c the dealer will always say it needs to be replaced.) Also, make sure they get both chambers of the diff and use DPSF or Dual Pump II fluid.
Anyone with a lift can do the 3x3 correctly, but I would talk to the service manager and make sure he is on board with the proper technique (running the car through all gears on a lift).
Anyone with a lift can do the 3x3 correctly, but I would talk to the service manager and make sure he is on board with the proper technique (running the car through all gears on a lift).
Advanced
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Transfer case 80W-90 hypoid gear oil. How many miles? Check the engine air filter too. (Do that yourself b/c the dealer will always say it needs to be replaced.) Also, make sure they get both chambers of the diff and use DPSF or Dual Pump II fluid.
Anyone with a lift can do the 3x3 correctly, but I would talk to the service manager and make sure he is on board with the proper technique (running the car through all gears on a lift).
Anyone with a lift can do the 3x3 correctly, but I would talk to the service manager and make sure he is on board with the proper technique (running the car through all gears on a lift).
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
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Does it look like this?
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/maintenance-schedule-question-858733/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/maintenance-schedule-question-858733/
Instructor
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Posts: 226
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Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 31,897
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From: Austin, TX
The dealer may only perform the specific services you request. They are two separate services, but they are combined in the maintenance requirements.
Originally Posted by RL Owners Manual, pg. 396
3. Replace transmission and transfer fluid
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From: Austin, TX
While we are here...
Originally Posted by RL Owners Manual, Maintenance Minder
A.Replace engine oil
B.Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
1.Rotate tires
2.Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
3.Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures.
This requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles
(100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
4.Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under
20°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 mile (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada)
Inspect valve clearance
5.Replace engine coolant
6.Replace rear differential fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Notes:Independent of the maintenance messages in the Multi-Information
Display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
B.Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
1.Rotate tires
2.Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
3.Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures.
This requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles
(100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
4.Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under
20°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 mile (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada)
Inspect valve clearance
5.Replace engine coolant
6.Replace rear differential fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Notes:Independent of the maintenance messages in the Multi-Information
Display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
Last edited by oo7spy; Jan 30, 2014 at 03:33 PM.
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Two chambers, two different fluids, two costs.
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