ibeplato

Hi All, I have an '04 that I purchased new in April of 2004. It has about 58k trouble-free miles on it at present.

Should I change the timing belt even though i'm way under the normal mileage? Is there a way of inspecting it and determining if it needs to be changed? Other than normal maintenance (fluids/brakes/filters), I haven't done anything else to the vehicle. Is there anything else I should think about replacing (spark plugs?).

Thanks in advance.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Why? its suppose to be done at the 105k why do it at 58k, I dont think the T-belt will go that soon..

shit my TL I was at 120k and the T-belt still wasn't changed.

Bearcat94

I changed mine on my '02 at 66k miles. It had 6 1/2 years on it. At that time I was told (and it may be in the OM) that the interval was 105k miles OR 6-years.

For the 3G TL I don't know without looking it up if the timing belt is listed as only a mileage interval or not. But, if it were me, I'd definetly think about getting changed in the 6 to 7 year range, regardless of mileage.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

O yea Bearcat is right it was like 105 or 7 years which ever came first.

Majofo

Change it.

ez12a

There is no time interval, only a mileage interval. Dealers, however, will say that it's recommended to have it changed at 7 years.

I'm at 60k here.

rksokol

I got my timing belt changed at about 57k miles. The belt was split length-wise about two-thirds of the way around.

Majofo

That's your drive belt.. I think it's impossible for the timing belt to split lengthwise.

It's time or miles. Going past 7 years is the same as driving past 105k miles.

swoosh

iTrader: (5)

Replace spark plugs
Replace 3rd and 4th tranny pressure switches
Replace both air filters (I think you have done this)
Flush out tranny/brake/ps/coolant fluids (I think you have done this too)

I would also get the timing belt done....its 105K miles or 7 years...

105K miles or 7 years....i got my tbelt done at 133K miles....its a risk and i wudnt recommend anyone taking it....

I concur

lucnex

iTrader: (3)

well ....gonna have to do this next year then....my 05 is only at 46K

swoosh

iTrader: (5)

7 years....so you got another year to save up for it LMAO !!!

what i did is, got all the stuff online (coolant/belts/tensioner/spark plugs/water pump) ~$300-400

installed the plugs myself and took everything else to the dealer...they charged me $500 labor...everything done in $800-900 ....their initial quote was $1600....

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

Wow....46K miles is one year for me.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

OP - something to consider. What is your style of driving? My guess is that you are not doing a ton of highway. Mostly stop and go around town? That puts a lot more strain on your engine.

The TL has an interference engine. So if the belt goes you are basically screwed. If you have the cash I would replace it. Stuff breakdown over time as well as mileage.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

There is no time limit on the timimg belt and why would one change all these items at 60,000 miles. Waste of money.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

If I had 7 years on the car I would do most of those. I would also have 300K miles on the car but that's not the point.

The pressure switches I would only do if they are faulty or if I am experiencing issues. The timing belt I would change if I had the money.

As for the plugs I would consider my driving habits and in all honesty, they are not that expensive to replace.

Filter and coolant I would do. Brake fluid and ps is debatable unless there is an issue.

I'm sure his goal is to get another 7 years.

jonboy10

Everyone above me saying change it is right. You also have to consider where your TL has been. If you live in a real hot, humid, and salty place (FL for example). Definitely do it soon. Just remember that the belt is not made of stainless steel, it doesnt last forever.

What I said may sound dumb, but get it done for one main reason...
PEACE OF MIND!!!

There is nothin like a happy TL in harmony with a happy TL enthusiast.


oh and you should call around to local dealers, get prices, and make the closest one price match. The dealer closest to me quoted some ridiculous 1200 dollars. I found a dealer in SC that had a special for 600 bucks.

50 percent off?? I think yes. Here is the link... its old now but you get the idea...

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/%24585-105k-service-%40-acura-greensboro-nc-787669/

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Better read the FSM before offering advice, and also do some research on plugs.
Changing plugs will make no difference in mileage or performance regardless of driving habits, and we aren’t speaking of a dead miss, only maintenance.
Brake fluid is to be changed every 3 years and if there becomes a problem with the caliper piston(s), it’s then too late.


How about reading the FSM maintenance schedule:

B4 Service-Replace timing belt. Note: If the vehicle is regularly driven in very high temperature over 110F, or low temperatures under -20F replace every 60,000 miles.

Now if you’re in a state that is regularly over 110F and/or under -20F the majority of the time, change it at 60,000 miles, but still no TIME limit.

Just don't know where all these iterpretations come from.........Maybe the Forum. Now, if someone has some hard evidence let's see it!

Majofo

Owner's manual explicitly states 105k or 7 years, whichever comes first in normal / regular driving conditions.

aw1

Hamilton Honda has a TB Special for $549.98. It includes/replace: timing belt, water pump, drive belts and coolant.

swoosh

iTrader: (5)

i am a person who believes in "precaution is better than cure"....

Apparently the timing belt does have a 7year/105K miles service...if he has 7 years I would do it....

Pressure switches I would do since he has an 04 which are highly susceptible to tranny failures. I would do a $60 switch changes and $150 tranny fluid flush to prolly save me $3000 in a tranny....

PS fluid has a 60K change interval and since the OP is nearing that figure I put that in....

Coolant since the OP is doing water pump, its a smart idea to flush it out

Spark plugs, we know how fouled the OEM plugs get....not knowing the driving conditions/habits/etc the OP is in i suggested this as another preventive maintenance...

Brake Fluid has a 60K interval.

Thanks...

i know you are going by the maintenance minder in he owners manual...when i was at the dealership, they gave me another booklet which had the interval of all the services with time lines...I made an excel sheet using that with my driving habits/conditions/miles a year and I have been updating that spreadsheet since....Let me try to locate that booklet, scan it and put it on here....

Bearcat94

Need to be specific here.

I know the 2G TL-S OM specifically says 105k miles OR 7-years, whichever comes first.

BUT my 3G TL-S OM does NOT. It only gives the MID code and NO time OR mileage limit; not even in the notes or fine print.


So, my question to you is: What year(s) 3G TL Owners Manual specifies a time and/or mileage interval?

ez12a

This.

MyAcura.com's warranty section on our car also says in fine print "3.2-Liter V-6 Engine No scheduled tune-ups required for 105,000 miles***"



no time limit given.

Bearcat94

Mine is different (I assume all '07/'08's, but not sure):


My question, though, still remains. Majofo say the Owners Manual specifically says 105k miles or 7-years. I'm wondering what year(s) that applies to.

I'm wondering if there are diffences in the maint schedule for differnt years. Maybe it's one thing for '04 - '06 and another for '07/'08. ??

owblue

I have an 04 with 83000 miles. I too had the same question. My manual does not state anything about years, only 4 on the MID. I was at the dealership this weekend and was told specifically to wait for the MID to give the 4 sub code, so that's what I will be doing.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I'll give you the brake fluid.

As for the plugs, are you saying that replacing plugs will have no effect on mileage and performance? Are you also of the opinion that excessive stop and go driving or a lot of heavy idling will not degrade plugs faster?

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

????????????????????????????????


All 3G TL's have the same instructions, 4- service and no time limit.
Certainly would like to see where the manual explicitly states 105k or 7 years.

No, there is no time limit. I posted the FSM, so if there is a time limit let’s see the documentation.

Another assumption. Millions of Honda/Acura surviving without new switches or early trans fluid change, but I really don't want to go there.

No, we don’t know of and I’ve never heard of the OE plus getting fouled as they will last well over 100k miles with no loss of power or fuel mileage and once again driving conditions don’t enter into the equation.


There is no mileage on the brake fluid as it’s every 3 years.

Yup, why would anyone believe a dealer’s made up schedule??? It’s just another scare tactic to make more money off unsuspecting customers.

Our 2008 knock around car called for an oil/filter change, air filter along with a fuel tank filter at the 30k mile interval, maybe $37 out of my pocket, but the dealer’s service listed in the waiting room for the 30k mile service was $570 that contained a list of non essential services/parts. Just throwing money down the drain, but the dealers love ‘em.

Enough said, so just do the services that make you feel good.

swoosh

iTrader: (5)

That was an acura booklet

but yeah you very well could be right....i would go with my maintenance schedule and you can go with your/Acura OM....i know I might be shelling out $300 (tops) per year more but i guess its worth it....my car still drives like it used to 4 years back....

Am sorry for my misinterpretation in the thread....i was not trying to share/give wrong information, just what I do to my car.....

ibeplato

thanks for the all responses. I will be shopping around for quotes on a TB replacement, having just bought a new Ody I need the TL to last at least another 5 years (until the Ody is paid off!)

jonboy10

My plugs were at 108K. Im glad I changed them.

93SHOcar

I am in almost the same situation as you: 04 TL 6M with 54K. I called Acura Customer Care and all I could get from them was "Follow the MID". Checked with multiple dealerships and Surprise, Surprise: they all recommended the TB service due to time. I have decided to go ahead and have the TB service done. May be a waste of money but I am just not convinced you can ignore the time factor on a TB. For me, it is worth the peace of mind. I will have my independent mechanic that does all the work on my S8 take care of the TL. The closest Acura dealer wanted more than $1K so it is worth shopping around. Good luck!

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Won't the MID tell you when its time?

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

This is the point of the thread and yes, the MID will tell you when it's time, @ 105k, whether this mileage is obtained in 2 years or 10 years.


What's wrong with the plugs that makes you glad you changed them???????

lucnex

iTrader: (3)

Those plugs do not look bad at all....

piggydog

the mid has no way of telling you the condition of the timing belt. I'd like to hear from mechanics who've worked with low mileage hondas with lots of life. Have they seen one crack from the years and not the miles?

aw1

Emailed Hamilton Honda and one of their techs said to change out at 105k or 7 years.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

So what does that indicate? Are we supposed to take his word as law? Ask him why corporate and the MID only indicate mileage, not time, and see what his answer might be. I'm sure he'll dream something up.

aw1

Indicates nothing to me since I dont trust any stealerships! I guess we all should do what you think is right for your car. If you want to do the TB service at 7 years, go for it. If you want to wait it out to 105k, then do that.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a plan to me.

Bearcat94

One of our vendors (Tim aka AcuraPartsGuy, iirc) was running a special on parts for the TB service including the water pump for, again iirc, $299.

If that's still going, it's a great deal. Basically parts at wholesale cost and no shop mark up. Just pay labor for the install.


(edit: heres the link to the group buy https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/timing-belt-special-still-going-strong-%40-%24299-shipped-819990/. And it's Kaleb aka wholesalepartsguy; sorry about that.)



My : It can't be a bad thing to change the TB at ~7-years. It may not be completely, 100% necessary, but it won't hurt anything. I also believe that parts age with time alone and this is a preventative step just to be on the safe side.

A LOT of people on this forum (myself included) say, "Follow the MID!", but then selectively deviate from that. AT pressure switches are a great example - there is NO service interval listed for those.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I agree that parts age over time, and I also think that most manufacturers assume that drivers average 12000-15000 miles a year and the mileage intervals are set up with that in mind. For someone driving as little as the OP I think it is something that needs to be considered.