My First A1 Service
 

2019 Advanced model purchased in June 2018 was showing A1 service due at 7,100 miles. Had a free first service coupon so I brought it to the selling dealer today. Also asked the service writer to take a look at some other issues, which were airbag sensor light does not go off on passengers side occasionally, transmission shifting is irregular in the first 3 gears and an occasional clunk at highway speeds when resuming speed while on cruise control, infotainment issues that have been made worse with the 2 updates that have been sent out and squeaky brakes in cold wet weather. With regard to the transmission shifting issues I made reference to the alleged software update, which has been mentioned on this site.

First thing I noticed was that the posted price for an oil and filter change with 0W-20 oil was priced at $30, with 5W-20 the price was $40 and all 2019 RDX's were $89. I asked the service manager why the significant price increase for RDX's and was told that due to the high performance of this engine Acura/Honda recommends a special performance package be added to the 0W-20 full synthetic oil to insure that the engine and turbo are fully protected. If you are doing your own oil changes you might want to check with your dealer to see if they are recommending an additive package and what it is. I find nothing on the invoice showing this additive package but there a lot of codes and since there was no charge they are all coded as N/C. I'm tempted to check with another dealer in the area about this. Makes my prepaid 8 oil change and tire rotations for $275 an even better deal than I thought at time of purchase.

Transmission software update does not show as available for my VIN. The service manager and I looked for ANY dealer updates through the dealers WIFI network and the car came back as up to date. He suggested that I drive in Sport mode for the next 4 weeks, using premium gas, which I already do, and see if the 1-2-3 shifting issues get better or are resolved. His feeling is that by driving in Comfort mode the shift points are not suited to my more aggressive driving style. If I don't see or feel a difference bring it back in but there are NO software updates for my VIN at this time and no error codes stored. He could have a point here as everything is slower and more relaxed in Comfort mode.

Air Bag light issue could not be duplicated and my complaint was the first that he's had. Take a picture next time and come in as soon as possible with it so he can pass it on to Acura if there is not an error code stored..

Infotainment system will be getting another update by mid-March. Many complaints about this and about the first 2 update's making things worse. No information on Android Auto.

Nah, I had my A-1 service last month at 7,300 miles.
Just the standard 0W20, filter, and gasket. No additives.

The engine controller and transmission controller work together to "feather" the shifts. The programming assumes a predictable response of the engine, so anything that alters that response could conceivably degrade shift quality.

Having said that, unless the gas is especially bad, I kinda doubt this is a major effect.

I think the dealer is blowing smoke at you about Acura recommending some special additive to the oil, and then charging $50 bucks more for it. Owner's manual calls for 0W-20 (mine does not say anything about any kind of additive) and I think if you put in a good brand of synthetic at that viscosity, you will be fine.

How much is everyone paying for A1 and B1 services so I have an idea of what to expect?

I'd march right back in and show them page 535 of the Owner's Manual that states:

"Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact, they may adversely affect the engine performance and durability."

Regarding the passenger's airbag light, can you clarify what is happening? Some owners are reporting issues where the "passenger airbag OFF" light stays on even when a person weighing more than 65 lbs. is sitting in the seat. So far, Honda is denying there is a problem.

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...switch-974904/

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...f0f65128cf.png

I received a call today from an employee at the dealership where I had the service performed asking if they could do anything better, we're all my concerns and questions answered and if I was completely satisfied. So I asked her about the $50 price difference between all other Accra models and the 2019 RDX. I mentioned that the service writer said it was for an additive package because it's a high performance turbo engine but I couldn't see anything on the invoice showing that anything but oil, filter and a washer were used. She said that she would take this up with the service manager who would call me back for sure with the answer. We no callback and honestly I don't expect one. It seems to me they are just taking advantage of new RDX owners. Very poor fist impression of this dealers service department.

if he does call back...make mention of Zrogers post regarding the manual stating NOT to add any additives!! The Acura dealership here in Laurel MD charges $50 for full synthetic chg

Oil additives? Hahahaha!

I'm going to get my oil change in about an hour. Thanks for bringing this up!