So I bought my 2005 Acura TL at around 110,000 miles from a privately owned dealership out here in Connecticut. At the time I wasn't aware that there is a 105,000 mile service in which the timing belt and other components are replaced. I guess my question is how I can verify the timing belt was done - WITHOUT - having to remove the timing cover. I'm not really trying to turn this into a bigger job than it has to be, but knowing that these are interference engines has me a little nervous.


Any help would be appreciated. I know it's a vague question but I figured maybe someone can assist me.

 

Short of finding who did it an when (like a dealer record with your VIN on it) then unfortunately no. Even if you did remove the timing cover it's unlikely that you could definitively tell if it was or wasn't done as the parts can still look pretty new after many years.

There are other threads about this for your reading pleasure
https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tl-1996-1998-101/how-know-if-timing-belt-changed-640386/ (Earlier gen but still same topic).
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14448572

 

Unfortunately, without paperwork to verify the work, there's really no way to tell. However, if you want to check the belt condition, here's the procedure (which looks pretty easy):

https://acurazine.com/forums/attachm...6&d=1338677925

If the drive belt hasn't been changed (it'll generally appear somewhat browned when old), it's less likely the TB work was done (since the drive belt is part of the service), although this doesn't conclusively prove the TB was or wasn't done.

EDIT: I would assume if the prior owner sold the car to a private dealership at 110K, it's unlikely the TB service was done (I wouldn't put that kind of money into the car then sell it, but that's just me).

The job can be done by a Honda dealership for substantially less (like $600 or so), so if you can find a Honda dealership near you that will do the work, get it done, then don't worry about it for the next 105K miles.

 

I wish I would have gone with a Honda dealership rather then have the Acura dealership do my timing belt work.

+1 for finding a Honda shop if you want to save some $$.

 

OP, if you can't find any records and you want peace of mind, PM Azine member ECRD. He's in Jersey and claims he can do a TB job in 35 minutes. If you go, video tape it for us.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...postcount=1171