I have an 05 TL, 6-spd, she just hit 90k. I'm about to make a drive from maryland to texas with two kids in the car, and the way the dealer was talking, if I dont get it fixed now, I'm screwed. I bought the car less than a year ago and I don't think I can find out if it had been replaced before. I'd like to get it replaced just for the piece of mind, but I don't have the $950 the dealership is asking for. If there is anyone in the Frederick, MD area that knows of any good specials going on for this maintenance, or is a fairly good mechanic, please help me out. There's even an on post shop here at Ft. Detrick that has every tool you'd need. I'd prefer to get it done in a shop, however, the cheapest I found was $750 and that was in a little hole in the wall shop with teenagers working on cars...they are NOT touching my TL.
(nothing against teens, but just from the look of the place I'd rather not spend my money there)
Thanks for any help!

 

Oh yea, I have an extended warranty on my car that covers everything...however when the dealership called, the warranty basically covers it if it's broken, they won't cover the timing belt just for maintenance. However, if the timing belt brakes, then messes up my engine, they won't cover that either because I didn't take care of the maintenance...wtf?

 

The timing belt is to be serviced when the MID alert appears, usually around 105,000 miles, so if the belt breaks before then and you are under the warranty they should pick up the cost of said repair.

Ask the dealer why he is stating the replacement is to be made at 90,000 miles and if they reply it's because of the years, tell him to look at the Acura service schedule, as the MID will indicate #4 timing belt , plugs, etc. No years for the 3G.

There is nothing indicating a specific year, only mileage, however, if the car is driven regularly in temps over 110 degrees F, or in very low temps under -20 degrees F, the belt needs to be replaced at 60,000 miles, but don't believe this would be a problem in the US, let alone in the state of Maryland.

Some dealers are a PIA.

 

Sorry for jumping in, I am new and trying to get familiar with the abbreviations, among other stuff...What does MID alert means? Thanks a lot.

 

MID=Multi Information Display
It will alert you at certain service intervals.

The little screen where your mileage/temp(outside)/trip Odometer, etc....

 

As usual, this is a case of the dealership telling you your car is going to explode without their input, and is completely wrong. The MID will generally tell you to get the timing belt service done ~ 105,000 miles unless as indicated, the car is under the severe service schedule, which I'm sure yours is not. My old 00 TL, now owned by my brother, had the TB changed near 140,000 miles, and it was still in very good condition. Take your trip and don't worry. There's a lot of safety margin built into these parts. I'm in no way telling you to wait til 140k to change the belt, but apparently, your dealer knows more than the manufacturer which we both know is complete BS. Drive on and don't worry.

When you're ready to get the TB done, come up to NJ, and go to Hamilton Honda as many have and I will when the time comes. Changing parts before they're due is a waste of cash.