Eugene Y

Hello folks, a couple of days ago, an A14 service reminder popped up on my 2013 RDX screen. I know it means major timing belt, water pump and spark plugs service, and I fully understand the importance of staying on top of these services.

However, here’s a bit of background, I’m the second owner of this car. The first owner did the “4” service at a local Acura dealer at 111200km (around 70k miles) in 2019, which I have obtained a hard copy service history to proof, with all details. The car is now only at 160000km (100k miles), didn’t drive much during the pandemic, and I’ve done 3 oil changes with one transmission fluid change during the last 25k miles. I just don’t see it needs another timing belt.

so I’m just wondering, could it be that the car has reached the magical 100k mile mark, so the “4” just has to pop up for the sake of it, or there could be a legit reason that the car indeed does need it?

I appreciate all your help, thanks

Eugene Y

Mileage is in Km and price in CAD, as I’m in Ontario.

Alex Medeiros

Usually you are supposed to replace the timing belt around every 7 years/105,000 miles (168,000 km), whichever comes first. I would just ignore the service reminder and reset it during your next oil change. That light is probably programmed to come on at that mileage.

Eugene Y

That’s what I thought, it just has to show because it’s 100k miles, even though the timing service was done just 30k miles ago. It’s interesting to know that the onboard computer would do this.

altair47

Reset it and forget it.

Tech

All I can say is I replaced my original timing belt and belt tensioner on my Honda CR-V at 190,896 kms or 118,617 miles and the original belt was just fine and way past the "severe" replacement time/distance. No cracks even when I flipped it over and squeezed it while looking at the cogged side. Ambient temperature ranges from -30C to +30C.

sixonemale

My wife had an SC430 and we had the same experience when changing out the timing belt, it looked brand new. Generally speaking, it's not the belt that breaks on its own, it's usually caused by seized rotating part or pulley, hence the reason they sell timing belt kits.

thoiboi

yeah it sounds like they didn't reset the 4 when they did it. it's 7 years/105K typically speaking for the timing belt. if you've already done it, you can just ignore the MM and just keep an eye out on mileage/time.

Kelsen

Yes, that's an important reminder from Thoiboi; if you reset it, you will need to remember to do it when it *is* needed. Once you reset it after that, you can forget about it until it notifies you again, a long way down the road.



RFT!!!
Dave Kelsen
--
Attila the Nun, a simple girl pledged to a life of violence.

dtownfb

Something I've seen mechanics do is put the date and mileage of the timing belt change under the hood on the engine cover. Another way to remind you and/or your mechanic when to change the timing belt again. Also it's a good selling point if you decided to sell or trade in you RDX. If someone does the timing belt and water pump, it's a good indicator that they did the other maintenance.

Good luck.

Eugene Y

Booked an appointment at my local Honda dealer for an oil change, I’m ready for the strange look from the service advisor, they must be thinking this guy cheaped out on timing service.

I’ll remind myself to do the 4 service when the car hits around quarter million kms, if I still had it by then.

Thank you, folks