2011 Acura RL Preventive Maintenance & Service Schedule

The 2011 Acura RL is the penultimate year of the second-generation (KA9) RL. It is powered by a 3.7L V6 (J37A1) engine producing 300 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, featuring Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The vehicle uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and is equipped with the Maintenance Minder system.

> CRITICAL ENGINE DESIGN: The 3.7L V6 uses a timing belt, NOT a chain. This is an interference engine – if the belt breaks, the pistons will strike the valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. Replacement is mandatory, not optional.

Key Takeaways

• The 2011 RL uses the Maintenance Minder system, NOT fixed odometer intervals. The vehicle's computer monitors driving conditions and displays alphanumeric codes (A, B, 1-6) when specific services are due. There is no traditional "every 30,000-mile" service schedule.
• The 3.7L V6 uses a timing belt, NOT a chain. The J37A1 is an interference engine. The timing belt must be replaced according to the Maintenance Minder (Code 4). If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F/43°C), very low temperatures (under -20°F/-29°C), or tow a trailer, replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles (100,000 km).
• The SH-AWD system requires rear differential fluid changes (Code 6). Driving in mountainous areas at very low speeds or trailer towing increases mechanical stress on the fluid. Under these conditions, Acura requires differential fluid changes at 7,500 miles, then every 15,000 miles.
• For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles).
• Brake fluid replacement is strictly time‑sensitive. Independent of the Maintenance Minder, replace brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage.
• Service at a dealer is NOT mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be performed by any qualified service facility or skilled person. Keep all receipts as proof of completion.

Engine & Powertrain Specifications

The 2011 Acura RL is the second year of the second-generation facelift.

Timing Belt vs. Chain: The J37A1 engine uses a timing belt. The water pump is driven by the timing belt and should be replaced at the same time. Do not let anyone tell you this engine has a timing chain.

Maintenance Minder Codes

The Maintenance Minder communicates service needs through alphanumeric codes displayed on the multi-information display. A code consists of a main item (A or B) optionally followed by sub‑item numbers (1 through 6).

Main Item Codes (A, B)

Sub‑Item Codes (1-6)

Independent Maintenance Requirements (Outside the Minder)

The following requirements apply independently of the Maintenance Minder system:

Example Code Combinations

Understanding the Maintenance Minder System

The 2011 Acura RL does not have a traditional fixed‑mileage maintenance schedule. Instead, Acura employs a Maintenance Minder system that monitors vehicle operating conditions and calculates when service is required.

How the System Works

When the engine oil life reaches 15%, the system message indicator comes on and the Maintenance Minder screen appears on the multi-information display each time you set the power mode to ON.

How to Check Maintenance Minder

To display Maintenance Minder information:

1. Set the ignition to the ON (II) position (do not start the engine)
2. Navigate through the multi-information display using the INFO (▲/▼) buttons on the steering wheel
3. The oil life percentage and due maintenance codes will display

Resetting the Maintenance Minder Display

After performing the required maintenance service, the Maintenance Minder display must be reset.

Reset Procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position
2. Press the Select/Reset button repeatedly until the engine oil life is displayed
3. Press and hold the Select/Reset button for about 10 seconds until the oil life reset mode appears
4. Select "Reset" using the INFO (▲/▼) button, then press Select/Reset to confirm
5. The oil life display returns to 100%

Service at Independent Shops

Important: Acura explicitly states that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be performed by any qualified service facility or skilled person. Keep all receipts as proof of completion.

> *"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."* — 2011 Acura RL Owner's Manual

Engine Oil Change Guidance

Factory Requirements

How to Check Oil Level

1. Park on level ground and wait at least 3 minutes after engine shutdown
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe completely clean
3. Reinsert fully, then remove again
4. Oil level should be between the upper and lower marks

Owner Guidance

• Acura Genuine Motor Oil is recommended, though any synthetic oil of the same viscosity grade is acceptable
• Your Acura does not require any oil additives
• Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop
• VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) may cause slight oil consumption – monitor levels between changes

Timing Belt – The Most Critical Service

The J37A1 V6 engine requires timing belt replacement on a strict schedule. This is the single most important maintenance item for the 2011 RL.

Severe Condition Timing Belt Replacement

The owner's manual explicitly requires replacement every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) if any of these conditions apply:

The Age Factor – Important for 2011 RL Owners

The 2011 RL is now over 12 years old. The owner's manual states the timing belt should be replaced "according to the Maintenance Minder" and timing belts are rubber components that degrade over time. As noted in enthusiast discussions: *"The timing belt is either 95k or 110k, I don't remember exactly, or 7 years"*.

If your 2011 RL has never had the timing belt replaced, it is significantly overdue by age regardless of mileage.

Dealer Cost Expectation

Community experience indicates dealer pricing for timing belt service at approximately 105,000 miles is around $1,700 including timing belt, water pump, tensioner, spark plugs, valve adjustment, and coolant. Independent shops will be considerably cheaper.

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

When replacing the timing belt, replace these components simultaneously due to overlapping labor:

• Timing belt itself
• Timing belt tensioner
• Water pump (driven by the timing belt)
• Drive belts (accessory/serpentine belt)
• Engine coolant (requires draining to replace water pump)
• Spark plugs (Code 4 includes spark plug replacement)
• Valve clearance inspection (adjust only if noisy)

Brake Fluid Replacement

Why it's critical: Brake fluid is hygroscopic – it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point (causing potential brake fade under hard braking) and promotes internal corrosion of the brake system.

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.

> *"Independent of the maintenance messages in the Multi-Information Display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years."* — 2011 Acura RL Owner's Manual

Transmission & Transfer Case Service

The 2011 RL AWD requires both transmission fluid and transfer case fluid to be replaced. This is part of a Code 3 service.

Severe Condition Note

> *"Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission and transfer temperatures. This requires transmission and transfer fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)."* — 2011 Acura RL Owner's Manual

The "Flush" Warning – Critical

Never use a power flush machine on a Honda/Acura transmission. As experienced owners note: *"You should never use a machine to clean out a Honda transmission. You should only ever remove the drain plug on a level surface and let the fluid drain"*.

Owner Guidance for Transmission Service

The proper method for a complete fluid exchange is the drain and refill method (or the "3x method" – drain, fill, drive through all gears, repeat three times). This is the dealer-recommended procedure and does not use a power flush machine.

Transmission Fluid Capacities

SH-AWD Rear Differential Service

The SH-AWD system has a rear differential with clutches that require specific fluid and regular maintenance. This is critical for AWD models only. The Maintenance Minder will display Code 6 when this service is due.

Severe Condition Requirement – Important Note

> *"Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)."* — 2011 Acura RL Owner's Manual

Fluid Warning: Use only Acura AWD DPSF (Dual Pump System Fluid). Do not use standard gear oil or VTM‑4 fluid – these will damage the SH‑AWD clutches.

Community-Recommended Interval

Some owners prefer a more proactive maintenance schedule: *"The tranny is 60k and 30k after, the spark plugs are part of the 105k timing belt service. The rear diff is 30k"*.

Engine Coolant Service

Owner Guidance: Do not use generic green coolant. Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant is specifically formulated for aluminum engine components. If the coolant appears dark or contaminated, replace it sooner regardless of the Maintenance Minder.

At 105,000 miles, one owner reported their dealer quoted $60 for coolant replacement as part of the major service.

Spark Plug Replacement & Valve Clearance

Owner Guidance: Replace spark plugs during the timing belt service – the labor overlaps significantly. Use only OEM‑specified plugs. The J37A1 engine uses mechanical lifters (not hydraulic). While the manual states "adjust only if noisy", many Acura specialists recommend checking clearances at major service intervals regardless of noise.

Also required: Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).

Community Cost Expectation

At 105,000 miles, dealer pricing for spark plugs was included in the timing belt service. Valve adjustment, if needed, was quoted at approximately $300 additional.

Drive Belt & 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.

Power Steering Fluid

Warning: A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check the fluid level frequently, and have the system inspected as soon as possible.

Pump Damage Warning: Turning the steering wheel to full left or right lock and holding it there can damage the power steering pump.

Monthly & Pre‑Drive Checks

As outlined in the 2011 RL Owner's Manual, perform these checks regularly:

Daily inspections should be performed before long-distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when refueling.

Severe Driving Conditions Summary

The following severe condition requirements are explicitly stated in the 2011 RL Owner's Manual:

At-a-Glance Maintenance Schedule

Since the RL uses the Maintenance Minder system, always follow your vehicle's displayed codes. The table below shows reference intervals based on the 2011 Owner's Manual and community experience:

105,000-Mile Major Service Reference

Based on community experience, the 105,000-mile service typically includes:

• Timing belt replacement
• Water pump replacement
• Timing belt tensioner replacement
• Spark plugs replacement
• Valve adjustment (if noisy)
• Accessory drive belt replacement
• Engine coolant replacement
• Oil change

Dealer cost for this service is approximately $1,700. Independent Acura specialists are typically considerably cheaper.

Long‑Term Ownership Summary for 2011 RL

• The timing belt is not negotiable – and the 2011 RL has a timing belt, not a chain. The J37A1 engine will self‑destruct if the belt breaks. Replace when Code 4 appears (105,000 miles or 7-10 years, whichever comes first). If you drive in severe conditions (extreme temperatures or towing), replace every 60,000 miles. The water pump and tensioner should always be replaced at the same time.
• Brake fluid must be replaced every 3 years regardless of mileage — track this independently. For a 2011 RL, this should have been done at 3‑year intervals (2014, 2017, 2020, 2023). If missed, it is overdue.
• AWD means additional maintenance costs. Your RL has rear differential fluid changes (Code 6) and transfer case fluid changes (Code 3). If you live in mountainous areas or tow, follow the 7,500/15,000-mile severe schedule for differential fluid.
• For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles).
• Check your fluid levels monthly. The Owner's Manual requires checking brake fluid level and tire pressure monthly.
• You can service your RL at independent shops without voiding the warranty. Acura states that dealer service is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Keep all receipts as proof of completion.
• Use Acura‑specified or approved fluids:
• Engine oil: SAE 5W‑20 synthetic
• Transmission + transfer case: Honda ATF DW-1
• Rear differential: Acura AWD DPSF only
• Coolant: Honda Type 2 blue only
• Brake fluid: Honda DOT 3 only
• Power steering: Acura Power Steering Fluid
• Never "flush" a Honda transmission. Only use the drain and fill method (or 3x drain and fill).
• Keep maintenance records. Save all receipts, especially for timing belt service. These records add value if you sell the vehicle. The Maintenance Journal should be filled out by the person performing the work.
• The official 2011 Acura RL Owner's Manual (Part #31SJA660) is available from Helm Inc. for $50.00. The 2011-2012 RL Service Manual (Part #61SJA07) is available for $100.00. Free PDF versions are available online through resources like ManualsDir. If there is a discrepancy between this guide and your vehicle's display, follow the vehicle.