Acura
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2005 Acura RL oil type, capacity & maintenance
3.5L J35A8 V6 (3.7L J37A3 2009+) · FWD/AWD
All listed trims share these maintenance parts.
Your oil change shopping list
Everything for one DIY oil changeParts & fluids for the 2005 RL, by area of the car
Each part shows when it's due and who should do it: DIY · EasyDIY · ModerateMechanicDealer or specialist
EngineOil, filters, plugs and belts7 items
Engine oilSAE 5W-20SH-AWD with filter. Look for API SM/SN on the label. Checked for 2005–2012 models with the 3.5L J35A8 V6 (3.7L J37A3 2009+).
WhenEvery 7,500 mi
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Oil filterMatch by VINThe filter changed between engines in these years. Use the store's fit check with your VIN to get the right one.
WhenEvery oil change
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Drain plug washerHonda 94109-14000Aluminum crush washer, single use.
WhenEvery oil change
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Engine air filterFits 2005 RLUsually a 5-minute job: unclip the airbox lid and swap the panel. Replace sooner on dusty roads.
WhenEvery 30,000 mi
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Spark plugsFits 2005 RLOn many V6, V8 and flat engines the rear plugs sit under the intake, so it's a shop job.
WhenAbout every 100,000 mi
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Serpentine (drive) beltFits 2005 Acura RLCheck for cracks, glazing or missing chunks. Replace the tensioner if it's noisy.
WhenInspect at 60,000 mi; replace if cracked or squealing (typically 90,000–100,000 mi)
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Timing belt kitBelt, tensioner & water pumpIf this belt breaks, the engine can be badly damaged. Replace it on time, and do the water pump at the same time.
WhenEvery 105,000 mi
MechanicBuy on Amazon
BrakesPads, shoes, rotors and fluid3 items
Brake padsFront & rear sets, fits 2005 Acura RLReplace when pads are down to about 3 mm, or if you hear squealing or grinding.
WhenInspect at every tire rotation; typically 30,000–70,000 mi
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Brake rotorsFront & rear, fits 2005 Acura RLVibration in the pedal when braking usually means warped rotors.
WhenReplace with pads if below minimum thickness or warped
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Brake fluidDOT 3Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which lowers its boiling point. A shop flush takes about 30 minutes.
WhenEvery 3 years, regardless of miles
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Cooling systemCoolant and hoses2 items
Engine coolantHonda Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed)Never mix coolant types. Top up only with the same type, and only when the engine is cold.
WhenFirst at 10 yrs or 120,000 mi, then every 5 yrs or 60,000 mi
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Radiator & heater hosesFits 2005 Acura RLSqueeze them when the engine is cold. Spongy or cracked hoses should be replaced.
WhenInspect every 30,000 mi; replace if soft, swollen or leaking
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Transmission & drivetrainFluids for the gearbox and axles2 items
Transmission fluidHonda ATF DW-1 (CVT: Honda HCF-2)Many newer transmissions have no dipstick. A shop drain-and-fill is the safe route.
WhenWhen the Maintenance Minder shows code 3
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Differential & transfer case fluidGear oil per your manualAWD and 4x4 systems have their own fluids that are often forgotten.
WhenInspect every 30,000 mi; change every 30,000–60,000 mi if you tow or go off-road
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Heating & A/CWhat you breathe inside1 item
Cabin air filterFits 2005 RLUsually behind the glovebox. A charcoal filter also cuts odors.
WhenEvery 20,000 mi
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Electrical & lightingBattery and bulbs2 items
BatteryGroup size per your car, fits 2005 Acura RLMost parts stores test and install batteries for free.
WhenTest yearly after 3 years; most last 3–5 years
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Headlight & brake light bulbsFits 2005 Acura RLCheck bulb sizes in your manual. LED headlights are usually a full-assembly repair.
WhenWhen one burns out (replace in pairs)
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Steering, suspension & tiresRide, handling and tire life3 items
Tire rotationFront-to-rear swapMost tire shops rotate for free if you bought the tires there.
WhenEvery 7,500 mi
DIY · Moderate
Wheel alignment4-wheel alignmentIf the steering wheel is off-center or the car pulls, get it aligned.
WhenCheck yearly, or after hitting a big pothole
Mechanic
Shocks & strutsFits 2005 Acura RLBouncing, nose-diving under braking or uneven tire wear are the signs.
WhenInspect at 50,000 mi; typically replaced at 75,000–100,000 mi
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Wipers & washerSee clearly2 items
Wiper bladesDriver & passenger, fits 2005 Acura RLReplace when they streak, chatter or skip.
WhenEvery 6–12 months
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Washer fluidAll-season or de-icerUse de-icer fluid in winter where it freezes.
WhenTop up as needed
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Owner's manual for the 2005 Acura RL
Amazon fit lists aren't always perfect. Your owner's manual has the exact fluids, capacities and part specs for your car, so check it before you buy.
Free official Acura owner's manual →From Acura's owner site. Pick your year and model, or enter your VIN.Printed owner's manual on Amazon →Original and reprint manuals for the 2005 Acura RL.Factory manuals from Helm Inc. →Helm publishes the official owner's and service manuals for GM, Ford and Honda/Acura.
Every 7,500 miles: what's due
Pick your mileage to see what comes due at that service.
7,500 miles 2 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
15,000 miles 2 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
22,500 miles 3 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
- Cabin air filterUsually behind the glovebox · every 20,000 miShop part →
30,000 miles 3 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
- Engine air filterAirbox under the hood · every 30,000 miShop part →
37,500 miles 2 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
45,000 miles 3 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
- Cabin air filterUsually behind the glovebox · every 20,000 miShop part →
52,500 miles 2 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
60,000 miles 4 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
- Cabin air filterUsually behind the glovebox · every 20,000 miShop part →
- Engine air filterAirbox under the hood · every 30,000 miShop part →
67,500 miles 2 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
75,000 miles 2 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
82,500 miles 3 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
- Cabin air filterUsually behind the glovebox · every 20,000 miShop part →
90,000 miles 3 items
- Oil & oil filter changePlus a new drain plug gasket or washer · every 7,500 miShop part →
- Rotate & inspect tiresMaintenance Minder code 1 · every 7,500 mi
- Engine air filterAirbox under the hood · every 30,000 miShop part →
Other years: 2004 RL · 2006 RL · All RL years
Oil grade and capacity are checked against published lubricant application data where marked verified; part numbers and intervals follow Acura's maintenance schedule. Severe use (towing, short trips, dusty roads) shortens some intervals. Confirm the part number against your VIN at checkout. Read the full disclaimer
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