I just hit almost 17000 miles and my oil change notice came up. The dealer told me that they recommend a 15000 mile service which did things like:
Changed air filter, cabin filter, wipers, oil, fuel cleaner, and the VTM rear differential oil. They charge almost $400 for this, which sounds high.

Sounds like this is something that doesn't really all need to be done right away, and that I should stick to what the car computer tells me based on my driving habits. I already had my tires rotated around 10,000 or so.

Should I just do the oil, or is it recommended to do any of those other things?

 

Way too much money for this service IMHO. If you want to keep it simple just get the oil change done and then go buy both filters and DIY.

 

Sounds high to me too, especially since I can do the air filters, and don't need new wipers.

Won't the car's MID computer tell me once the rear differential oil requires changing?

 

In your manual you have what every maintanance has to be done. So just check that.

 

I never really follow the MID. Just inspect the wipers, air filter, cabin filter, etc. to see the condition of those items.

 

The manual didn't mention anything about the VTM rear differential oil.

Anyone do the VTM oil at 15K?

 

Sorry if I seem confused, but VTM oil on a TL (3rd gen)?

 

Yes, that's what they said.

 

I'd definitely stick with the MID. The Honda dealer where I take my wife's CR-V and my Civic tries some of the same stuff. The last time I went there the service advisor gave me this last of their "recommended" services. It had a lot more stuff than listed at service intervals in the owner's manual and it was pricey. Even at the old Acura dealer i used to use... if you went in and asked for a B1 service, they'd try to add more stuff in there. I just tell them to give me only the stuff Honda/Acura calls for in the manual.

 

I am just waiting to replace the whole rear differential at 30K

 

the book doesnt go far enough and the dealer goes too far

Use the book as a guide and if you drive it hard do the maitenence early!
cabin and engine air filters are total DIY
wipers- get some good replacement units like bosch or rainx and be impressed- DIY
Ck tire pressures-free

Add 1 can of seafoam to 1/2 tank of gas and you just did a fuel injection service!- 10$ DIY
I was a private shop and dealer tech back in the day
there are things they know need replacement that are not in the book- based on real life
There are other things that dont need as much attention but should get a visual at least

with ethanol added gas these days its a good idea to stay on a fuel cleaning program- DIY, not the 100$ shop service