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Acura RL Repair and Maintenance

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Acura RL Questions and Answers

raytchan, 2006 Acura RL, Bell, CA

During a regular maintence service for B16. The mechanic found oil leak under the engine block. He told me he has seen the same problem from other customers who own the same model. The car has 45,5...

maloneypi, 2000 Acura RL, Estero, FL

Occassionaly I experience a noise from under the hood while driving usally after makeing a turn. Someone told me it was a normal recharge of the ABS system. Is this correct?

rww, 1996 Acura RL, Plano, TX

My Bose stereo was working GREAT!!!!! Then I had to have my battery changed and now the stereo does not work at all!!!When I turn it on it just comes back with code.What does anyone suggest I do???

tinprapha, 1997 Acura RL, Kent, OH

ABS light comes on for awhile and off for awhile. When the ABS light is off, when the blake is applied,there seem to be a grinding noise before the car is coming to a stop.

mariomms, 2005 Acura RL, East Meadow, NY

my sunroof switch doesn't work automatically, the dealer had reset it once before i need to reset it don't really want to go to dealer. Thank You

ausetthegreat, 2000 Acura RL, Baltimore, MD

My 00 Acura RL (172k) is having an electrical problem. The 1st this I noticed (which is minor) was when using a cassette to connect my Ipod in the car, the increase volume on the steering wheel wou...

chelmick, 1997 Acura RL, San Diego, CA

When I started my car the check engine light was blinking then went away. After going only about a block, it smelled like something was burning. Then smoke started coming from the base of the steer...

jvc57, 2000 Acura RL, Staten Island, NY

Noticed all yellow ABS/ VSA/ Traction control lights came on at same time and sometimes all shut off all at once/ any ideas? thanks Joe

tomgug, 1996 Acura RL, Millville, MA

my car is really great a solid running car, but when I don't drive it for a day or so it won't start, the cd player doesn't work and the engine light does not work. Could all of these problems be ...

hotelwala, 1998 Acura RL, Indianapolis, IN

Yesterday my car wouldn't start, thought it was just the battery, today went and got a new battery, car still wouldn't start it would just make a clicking noise. The car will start if you jump it, ...

davieteacher, 1999 Acura RL, Florence, SC

Why the Clutch on the compressor will not engage to check. It will not click on after pressing A/C button. Think it's electrical

Sarah369, 2000 Acura RL, Saint Clair Shores, MI

It is a 2000 1.6 EL. Have replaced the fuel cap, spark plugs & wires, hooked up to diagnostics, said everything was fine (timing, relay etc). What could be the problem?

breana, 1996 Acura RL, Newport News, VA

the differential has been replaced. transmission is grinding. wanted to know if the gears can be bought and replaced in the transmission.

hruehl, 1997 Acura RL, 3.5L V6, Jacksonville, FL

I had some transmission work done over a year ago on my car (replacing some of the seals). When I got my car back, the navigation is not working properly. (see subject line). Any idea how this can ...

batman01, 1998 Acura RL, 3.5L V6, Columbus, OH

i had a core pack replaced..it was damanaged along with the spark plug. car ran find after replacement..then it just stopped. will not turn over

burly, 1996 Acura RL, 3.5L V6, Wirtz, VA

Just replaced the fuel injection relay, car starts and runs fine, but now I'm getting the SRS light in dash. Checked 10 amp fuse replaced with new fuse, still have SRS light on. Any suggestions

MWO, 1997 Acura RL, 3.5L V6, Hacienda Heights, CA

I have 'Check Engine Light' on (OBD Code P0740) about a year, my car is running OK, except slightly low fuel economy (19 Miles/Gallon). My questions are: 1)Could it be just Solenoid problem or bad...

save, 1997 Acura RL, 3.5L V6, Kansas City, KS

why is acur rl 97 rl Floor Shift stuck in drive won't move.

fleetdc, 2004 Acura RL, 3.5L V6, Inwood, WV

I have no power to the radio, Garage door opener and internal dome lights. The fuse that powers the radio looks good not sure why all of these components have no power ? What could I search for in ...

deb053, 2000 Acura RL, Willard, MO

How do I reset the maint req light after changing oil on 2000 acura rl?

Acura RL Car Reviews (6)

1998 Acura RL, DavidsRL, Smyrna, TN, February 04, 2010 10:00

I have a 1998 3.5 RL with 294,000 miles on it. Original everything and have replaced one oxygen sensor. What a car but showing it's age now.

1996 Acura RL, cman, Lebanon, MO, October 11, 2009 21:20

We have driven our 96 RL 142,000 mi. And Love the car but we have had to repair the transmission 3 times. Because of something shearing in the differential area which I understand was a recall issue in the past. Shame that it can't be more dependable ! Can't decide to replace the tranny with a used one and try again ?

2002 Acura RL, 02 RL, Austin, TX, April 18, 2009 09:51

Original owner of 2002 RL - and am totally pleased with this car during 8 years of ownership. It has been virtually trouble-free, requiring only minimal repairs along with regular maintenence. 2002 Aura RL has classic styling, beautiful and comfortable interior, fantasit Bose stereo, handles great for a large sedan, and engine / transmission are strong and very reliable. I would highly recommend this car to anyone considering purchase. I plan on keeping this car for another 8 years and have every reason to beleive the next 80K miles will be trouble-free also.

1999 Acura RL, dudley, Meridian, ID, April 13, 2009 09:07

I bought this car used with about 108,000 miles. Very good ride, very quiet and solid feeling. The brakes are amazing - don't follow this car too close if it needs to stop - wow! It has only had to have the needed services and we took a 3000 mile trip and all works great and it burns absolutly no oil or has any leaks. Not bad for a 10 year old car.

1996 Acura RL, tomgug, Millville, MA, April 12, 2009 14:21

i love driving my car but it has an electrical problem where it kills the battery after a couple of days of not driving it. The brakes chatter or vibrate when they are applied to stop the vehicle.

1998 Acura RL, BigDecker, Texas City, TX, October 08, 2008 22:02

Great car, I've put 167,000 miles on it and have never had any problems except EGR valves. Love this car, Acura RL's are rock solid cars.

Acura RL Problems

Exhaust & Emissions The Check Engine Light may illuminate due to failure of the exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve), or restricted passages in the engine related to the EGR system.
Drive Train Acura extended the warranty due to numerous issues with the automatic transmission. Problems with the automatic transmission may make the car undrivable and can result in costly repairs. 
Electrical & Lights The electrical relay that supplies electrical power to the fuel pump may fail, causing the engine to stall or fail to start.

Acura RL Recalls and TSBs

Acura RL Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Campaign Number: 06V270000
Dates Manufactured: 05/2005 to 07/2006
Number of Vehicles Affected: 1,190,000
Model Years Affected: 2006
Date Owner Notified: 08/2006

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.

Consequence Summary: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.

Corrective Summary: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Campaign Number: 03V239000
Dates Manufactured: 08/1999 to 09/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 814
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 07/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE INTERNAL CORROSION, RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Consequence Summary: THE CORROSION COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE A COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY, RESERVOIR, AND BRAKE FLUID. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT
Campaign Number: 02V119000
Dates Manufactured: 02/2000 to 03/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 25,765
Model Years Affected: 2000, 2001, 2002
Date Owner Notified: 05/2002

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, OIL WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT RUST. THIS OIL CAN LEAK INTO THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH AND CONTAMINATE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.

Consequence Summary: EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL CLEAN ANY EXCESS OIL FROM THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THE STOP SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Campaign Number: 99V227000
Dates Manufactured: 04/1995 to 06/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 96,518
Model Years Affected: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Date Owner Notified: 08/1999

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.

Consequence Summary: THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE PARK POSITION WOULD NOT LOCK THE WHEELS, AND A PARKED VEHICLE COULD MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Engine: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Campaign Number: 07V097000
Dates Manufactured: 04/2005 to 06/2005
Number of Vehicles Affected: 166,561
Model Years Affected: 2005
Date Owner Notified: 04/2007

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A COIL WIRE INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.

Consequence Summary: IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Recall Notes: HONDA RECALL NO. Q37 AND Q38.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Suspension & Steering: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Campaign Number: 07V551000
Dates Manufactured: 03/2004 to 05/2007
Number of Vehicles Affected: 43,200
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006, 2007
Date Owner Notified: 12/2007

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID.

Consequence Summary: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-382-2238.

Recall Notes: HONDA RECALL NO. Q65.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Campaign Number: 99V069000
Dates Manufactured: 12/1995 to 02/1998
Number of Vehicles Affected: 124,875
Model Years Affected: 1996, 1997, 1998
Date Owner Notified: 05/1999

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Consequence Summary: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 17, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA 1-800-382-2238.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Acura RL Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Service Bulletin Number: 08-026
NHTSA Number: 10025524
Model Years Affected: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Date of Bulletin: 08/2008

Bulletin Summary: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL ACURA VEHICLES.

Body, Interior & Misc.: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Service Bulletin Number: 12012004
NHTSA Number: 10018330
Model Years Affected: 2005
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: DON'T OVERHEAT RL DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS. ACURA SERVICENEWS.

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Service Bulletin Number: 7041
NHTSA Number: 10023971
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006, 2007
Date of Bulletin: 02/2008

Bulletin Summary: BRAKE PEDAL IS LOW AND FEELS SOFT.

Drive Train: TIRES:VALVE
Service Bulletin Number: 11102005
NHTSA Number: 10018441
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: THE TIRE VALVE CAPS ON VEHICLE WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) ARE MADE OF ALUMINUM AND CAN CORRODE AND BECOME DIFFICULT TO REMOVE.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 12012004
NHTSA Number: 10018329
Model Years Affected: 2005
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: HDS SOFTWARE BUG CAUSES BOGUS VSA DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 98. ACURA SERVICENEWS.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 06-008
NHTSA Number: 10024561
Model Years Affected: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Date of Bulletin: 04/2008

Bulletin Summary: WARRANTY EXTENSION: OPDS UNIT OR OPDS SENSOR TRIGGERS SRS DTC'S 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. CSC WAS RECEIVED.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 1205
NHTSA Number: 10018866
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006
Date of Bulletin: 01/2006

Bulletin Summary: SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 81-64.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 12012004
NHTSA Number: 10018331
Model Years Affected: 2005
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: KEYLESS REMOTE DOESN'T RECALL CLIENT SETTINGS. ACURA SERVICENEWS.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 12012004
NHTSA Number: 10018333
Model Years Affected: 2005
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: HOW TO DELETE STORED ACURALINK MESSAGES. ACURA SERVICENEWS.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 1105
NHTSA Number: 10018322
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET INOPERATIVE.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 12012004
NHTSA Number: 10018334
Model Years Affected: 2005
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: GOT VSA DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 68? ADJUST THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SWITCH. ACURA SERVICENEWS.

Electrical & Lights: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Service Bulletin Number: 6050
NHTSA Number: 10021971
Model Years Affected: 2002, 2005, 2006
Date of Bulletin: 06/2007

Bulletin Summary: WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. AFFECTS 2002 THROUGH 2006 ACURA MODELS. UPDATED 8/15/08.

Electrical & Lights: VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
Service Bulletin Number: 7009
NHTSA Number: 10021481
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006, 2007
Date of Bulletin: 05/2007

Bulletin Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER DOESN'T CLEAN SNOW OR SLUSH FROM THE WINDSHIELD.

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Service Bulletin Number: 1105
NHTSA Number: 10018317
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: ENGINE CRANKS, BUT WON'T START OR STARTS THEN STALLS.

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Service Bulletin Number: 1006
NHTSA Number: 10021177
Model Years Affected: 2005, 2006, 2007
Date of Bulletin: 03/2007

Bulletin Summary: TROUBLE SHOOTING B-CAN AND F-CAN DTC'S.

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Most Common Acura Repair Estimates

$805 - $1186