2000 Acura 3.5RL Preventive Maintenance & Service Schedule

Key Takeaways

• The 2000 Acura RL uses a timing belt, NOT a chain. The 3.5L C35A V6 is an interference engine – if the timing belt breaks, the pistons will strike the valves, causing catastrophic engine damage requiring complete engine replacement.
• Canadian owners MUST follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule. U.S. owners should follow the Severe schedule if regular driving includes short trips (under 5 miles; under 10 miles in freezing temperatures), hot weather (over 90°F), stop-and-go traffic, towing, mountain driving, or dusty/salted roads .
• Premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is required for optimal performance and to prevent engine knock.
• The 2000 RL is now over 20 years old. Time-based maintenance intervals (every 2, 3, 5, and 7 years) are just as critical as mileage-based service, regardless of odometer reading.
• The 4-speed automatic transmission requires regular fluid service using genuine Honda ATF. Under severe conditions (which apply to most drivers), Acura recommends transmission fluid replacement every 30,000 miles .

Engine & Drivetrain Overview

The 2000 Acura 3.5RL (chassis code KA9) is powered by the C35A 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC V6 engine with VTEC technology.

> Note: Some sources rate the 2000 RL at 210 hp, while others state 225 hp. This reflects different market specifications; for maintenance purposes, the engine is identical.

Critical Warning: The C35A engine uses a rubber timing belt, not a metal timing chain. This is an interference engine – if the timing belt breaks while running, the pistons will strike the open valves, resulting in bent valves, damaged pistons, and typically requiring complete engine replacement. Timing belt replacement on schedule is not optional .

Selecting the Correct Maintenance Schedule

The 2000 Acura RL owner's manual provides two maintenance paths: Normal Conditions and Severe Conditions .

Severe Driving Conditions (Use This Schedule If Any Apply)

Select the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule if you regularly drive under any ONE of the following conditions :

> Canadian owners MUST follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule .

Maintenance Service Options

Your authorized Acura dealer knows your car best and can provide competent, efficient service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the Maintenance Record .

Recommendation: Use Genuine Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done. These are manufactured to the same high-quality standards as the original components .

Factory Maintenance Schedule

The following schedule is sourced from the 2000 Acura RL Owner's Manual. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first .

Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule

Use this schedule if your driving does NOT regularly include the severe conditions listed above.

Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule

Under severe driving conditions, many service intervals are shortened:

Owner Maintenance Checks (Perform Monthly)

The following items should be checked at the specified intervals. If you are unsure of how to perform any check, consult your owner's manual :

Engine Oil Change Schedule

Factory Requirements

Engine Oil Specifications:

• Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 premium-grade detergent oil
• Certification: API Certified (starburst symbol)
• Capacity (service fill with filter): 4.6 US quarts (4.6 liters)
• Capacity (dry fill total): 5.3 US quarts (5.0 liters)

Owner Guidance:

• Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop .
• The oil filter should be replaced at every oil change.
• Your Acura does not require any oil additives.
• If most of your driving is on short trips or in stop-and-go traffic (severe conditions), reduce the oil change interval to 3,750 miles or 6 months.

Timing Belt – The Most Critical Service

The C35A V6 engine requires timing belt replacement on a strict schedule. This is the single most important maintenance item for the 2000 Acura RL.

Why Timing Belt Replacement Is Critical

The C35A engine is an interference engine. This means the pistons occupy the same space as the valves at certain points in the combustion cycle. If the timing belt breaks, the pistons will strike the open valves. The result is bent valves, damaged pistons, and typically requires complete engine replacement.

> For the 2000 RL (now over 20 years old): Even if your RL has very low mileage, the age of the rubber timing belt means it is likely brittle and weakened. If you do not have documented proof that the belt was replaced in the last 7 years, replace it now .

Owner Guidance for Timing Belt Service (The "Full Job")

When replacing the timing belt, replace these components at the same time due to overlapping labor :

• Timing belt itself
• Balancer belt
• Timing belt tensioner
• Water pump (driven by the timing belt; replacing it together saves labor)
• Camshaft and crankshaft seals (prevent future oil leaks; replace every 200,000 miles or 12 years)
• Drive belts (serpentine belt must be removed anyway)
• Engine coolant (requires draining to replace the water pump)

Automatic Transmission Service

The 2000 Acura RL is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT). Regular fluid service is essential for longevity.

Owner Guidance:

• Use only genuine Honda/Acura ATF if possible. These transmissions can be sensitive to non-spec fluid.
• A single drain-and-fill replaces only about 3 quarts of the total capacity. For a more complete fluid exchange, perform multiple drain-and-fill cycles with short drives in between (the "3X method").
• Do not overfill the transmission – follow the dipstick marks carefully .
• If you don't have a record of the last transmission fluid change, do one now.
• Check the fluid level monthly as part of your owner maintenance routine .

Spark Plug Replacement

Owner guidance: The factory spark plugs are long-life platinum units. Replacement at 105,000 miles aligns with the timing belt service schedule, making it efficient to perform both services together. If you notice rough idle, misfires, or decreased fuel economy, have the plugs inspected regardless of mileage.

Coolant Service

Owner guidance:

• The 2000 RL uses the blue Honda Type 2 coolant. Using non-specified coolant can cause corrosion of aluminum engine components.
• For a 2000 model that has not had a documented coolant change, schedule a flush and refill regardless of mileage – the corrosion inhibitors degrade over time.
• Check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank every time you fill the fuel tank .
• Do not add straight antifreeze or water; use a pre-mixed 50/50 coolant or mix with distilled water only.

Brake Fluid Replacement

Why this matters: Brake fluid is hygroscopic – it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point (which can cause brake fade under hard braking) and promotes internal corrosion of the brake system (calipers, master cylinder, ABS modulator).

Owner guidance:

• A complete system flush (draining old fluid from the bleeder screw at each caliper) is required. Topping off the reservoir is NOT sufficient.
• Check the brake fluid level monthly .
• DOT 5 fluid (silicone-based) is not compatible with your RL's braking system.

Drive Belts

Owner guidance: The 2000 RL uses a serpentine drive belt that powers the alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor. Most owners replace the drive belt during the timing belt service (every 105,000 miles) because labor costs are shared.

Inspect belts for cracking, fraying, glazing (shiny, hardened surface), or squealing noises on startup – any of these signs indicate the belt should be replaced immediately.

Air Filters

Owner guidance: Both filters are inexpensive and can be replaced without special tools. The cabin air filter is typically located behind the glove box; replacing it annually improves interior air quality and HVAC performance.

Maintenance Required Indicator – Reset Procedure

The Maintenance Required indicator light on the instrument panel is a service reminder system. When you approach a maintenance interval, the light blinks on startup. When you hit the interval, it comes on steady.

Reset Procedure :

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Press and hold the Select/Reset button on the instrument panel.
3. While holding the button, turn the ignition switch to ON (II) (do not start the engine).
4. Continue holding the button for approximately 10 seconds until the indicator resets and turns off.

Your Acura dealer will reset this indicator after completing scheduled maintenance. If maintenance is done by someone other than an Acura dealer, reset it yourself using this procedure .

High-Mileage & Long-Term Ownership Considerations (100k+ Miles)

For a 2000 Acura 3.5RL that has surpassed 100,000 miles or is now over 20 years old, consider these additional factors:

> Age is a major factor for the 2000 RL. This vehicle is now over 20 years old. Time-based maintenance is just as critical as mileage-based service. Rubber components – including the timing belt, coolant hoses, and suspension bushings – degrade from heat cycling and ozone exposure, even if the car is driven infrequently.

Common Issues to Monitor

• Main relay failure: A well-known issue on older Hondas/Acuras; symptoms include no-start conditions (engine cranks but won't fire). Replacement is inexpensive and can be done in minutes.
• Cooling system: Overheating can be caused by low coolant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, a clogged radiator, or a failing water pump.
• Transmission slipping: Low fluid levels, worn-out fluid, or internal wear can cause this. Check fluid level and condition first.
• Battery/charging issues: Dimming headlights or electrical problems may indicate a failing alternator.
• Check engine light: Ensure the gas cap is tightly secured first. If the light remains on, use an OBD-II scanner to read error codes .

Long-Term Ownership Summary

• The timing belt is not negotiable. If you are unsure whether the belt has been replaced, schedule the service immediately. A broken belt will destroy the engine. Replacement interval: 105,000 miles or 7 years .
• Use Acura-specified fluids. The 2000 RL requires specific fluids for the transmission (Honda ATF), power steering (Honda PS fluid – never ATF), and coolant (Honda Type 2 blue).
• Premium fuel is required. Acura requires 91-octane premium fuel for the C35A engine. Using regular fuel may cause engine knock and reduced performance.
• Follow the Severe Conditions schedule for most real-world driving. The Normal schedule assumes ideal conditions that few drivers experience .
• The 2000 RL has a 105,000-mile major service interval that includes timing belt replacement, spark plugs, valve clearance inspection, and coolant replacement.
• Maintain your own records. Keep a detailed log of all services (date, mileage, work performed, parts used). This is essential for tracking maintenance history, especially for critical items like the timing belt, given the age of the vehicle. Keep all receipts as proof of completion .
• Factory materials are available. The official 2000 Acura RL Owner's Manual (part number 31SZ3640) is still available from Helm Inc. for $50.00 .