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    • Maintenance
      • Maintenance Pricing
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      • Complete Engine Rebuild
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  • Home
  • Is This High Mileage?
  • Used Car Inventory
    • 2013 Acura MDX w/ TECH
    • 2010 Acura RDX FWD
    • 2007 Honda CRV
    • 2006 Acura TSX - Manual
    • 2005 Acura MDX Touring
    • 2004 Honda Pilot EX
  • Maintenance
    • Maintenance Pricing
    • Engine Oil Change
    • Transmission Maintenance
    • Power Steering System
    • Differential Fluid
    • Timing Belt Replacement
    • Brake Pad Replacement
  • Repair
    • Complete Engine Rebuild
    • Major Engine Repair
    • Timing Chain Issues
    • Engine Noise / Knocking
    • Electrical Issues
  • Towing
  • Service Loaner Cars

If using the Maintenance Minder for routine maintenance

The Maintenance Minder

Later models of Honda and Acura vehicles utilize a Maintenance Minder. The Maintenance Minder uses a combination of letters and numbers that serve as coding for various maintenance items that are needed at certain mileage increments - based on the mileage driven since the last time the Maintenance Minder was reset. These coded driver notifications are triggered at certain odometer readings and are normally displayed on the instrument panel along with the icon of a wench, illuminated.  

Maintenance Minder Coding

Above, a photo of the Maintenance Minder messages / codes for the various service items that may be displayed as service-due on the instrument panel, in a series of letters and numbers. Examples of some maintenance codes displayed may include:   "A1", "B1", "B123". At Accurate Automotive, the only real problem we have observed with owners relying on the Maintenance Minder is associated with the lack of regularity in changing the engine oil and filter. We highly recommend a maximum of 5,000 miles between oil changes. If using the Maintenance Minder in association with the onboard Oil Life Indicator; the oil is not changed often enough if the oil is allowed to remain in the engine until "15% oil life remaining". If a Honda or Acura vehicle owner trusts this recommendation of running the oil until '15% oil life remaining' then the frequency of engine oil changes on their vehicle is approximately 8,000 miles driven between oil changes. These 8000-mile oil change intervals WILL RESULT in a shortened service-life of your Honda and Acura engines.  If using the 15% oil life remaining prompt to change the engine oil; the vehicle owner should also anticipate excessive oil consumption, premature / excessive wear on camshaft lobes, oil-fouling of spark plugs causing misfire codes - sometimes with the necessity of towing and pre-mature failure of the catalytic converter (s) - in the form of "catalyst insufficient" diagnostic trouble codes when their 'check engine light' comes on. Bottomline: Change the engine oil regularly and do not exceed 5000 miles between oil changes. Oil changes are very cheap compared to replacement engines or having to replace a vehicle because of engine issues that were completely avoidable with more frequent oil changes.

Service Maintenace Package Applications

These Abbreviated Service Packages are detailed, further down on this page - please scroll down

5,000 Mile Service Procedure

$97

This includes the first engine oil and filter change, after a major service. 

5,000 Mile Service Procedure

$97

This includes the second engine oil and filter change, after a major service procedure.

15,000 Mile Major Service Procedure

$460

This major service procedure comes up at intervals such as 15,000 / 45,000 / 75,000 / 105,000 / 135,000 / 165,000 / 195,000


Service Maintenace Package Applications

These Abbreviated Service Packages are detailed, further down on this page - please scroll down

5,000 Mile Service Procedure

$97

This includes the first engine oil and filter change, after a major service.

5,000 Mile Service Procedure

$97

This includes the second engine oil and filter change, after a major service.

30,000 Mile Major Service Procedure

$460

This major service procedure comes up at intervals such as 30,000 / 60,000 / 90,000 / 120,000 / 150,000 / 180,000 / 210,000

Scroll Down to See Specific Details of the Service Procedures

Maintenance Procedures and Pricing

5,000 Mile Service Procedure - $97.00

Regularly scheduled engine oil changes are the foundation of preventive maintenance, which, along with several key checks, ensure the safe and reliable functioning of your Honda and Acura vehicles. The 5,000 Mile Service Procedure includes the following:

Engine Oil and Filter Change

 Replace the engine oil and filter with Idemitsu brand fully synthetic engine oil of the correct viscosity as specified by American Honda, a FULL brand oil filter, and a brass 'one-time-use' crush washer on the drain plug. The crush washer should be replaced with a new one each time the engine oil is drained to prevent premature failure of the drain plug threads in the aluminum oil pan. 

Tires Inspected

A The inspection includes verifying the correct size and speed rating of the tires, evaluating premature tread wear, and ascertaining the tires' age. It also encompasses adjusting the tire air pressures to align with the manufacturer's recommended inflation levels. For the majority of Honda and Acura vehicles, this information is usually found on a label inside the driver's door jamb, detailing the tire size, speed rating, and recommended inflation pressures. 

Battery Inspection

 The inspection includes checking the battery terminals for acid buildup and cleaning them if needed. It also involves checking the water level in each cell, if reasonably accessible. Finally, we perform the actual load test on the battery based on the manufacturer's specified cold cranking amps (CCA). Our goal is to achieve a test result that reads "good battery" when the loads are applied by the tester, while monitoring the voltage drop during the load test. 

Check All Exterior Lights

 In the latest models of Honda and Acura vehicles, there is no alert for the driver when a tail lamp, brake lamp, side marker light, or turn signal light fails. A comprehensive walk-around inspection is required to ensure these lights are functioning correctly. Furthermore, the inspection includes checking the headlamps for high and low beam operation, as well as verifying the daytime running lights (DRL) are operational. 

Increments of 15,000 Mile Service Procedures and Pricing

15,000 Mile Service Procedure - $460.00

Preventative maintenance is advised at intervals of every 15,000 miles, for instance, at 15,000, 45,000, 75,000, 105,000, and 135,000 miles. The stated prices are for Honda and Acura vehicles without push-button-type gear selectors. Vehicles requiring Honda Type 3.1 fluid will incur an extra fee of $135.00, reflecting the fluid's higher price and the drain plug's mandatory replacement.

Engine Oil and Filter Change

 Replace the engine oil and filter with Idemitsu brand fully synthetic engine oil of the correct viscosity as specified by American Honda, a FULL brand oil filter, and a brass 'one-time-use' crush washer on the drain plug. The crush washer should be replaced with a new one each time the engine oil is drained to prevent premature failure of the drain plug threads in the aluminum oil pan. 

Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

 Maintaining Honda and Acura transmissions is straightforward, primarily requiring regular fluid changes. It's essential to drain and refill with the correct Genuine Honda fluid. Frequent fluid replacement is crucial for the longevity and durability of these transmissions. It's advisable to perform automatic transmission fluid changes every 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. 

Engine and Cabin Air Filter Inspection

 During the inspection, both the engine air filter and the cabin air filter(s) will be removed for examination. Additionally, the air intake tube, situated between the engine air filter housing and the engine throttle body, will be checked for any cracks in the bellows, a detail frequently missed in inspections. Should filter replacements be necessary, only the cost of the new filter(s) will be added to the service charge. 

Brake Fluid Change

This procedure involves using a vacuum pump to extract the old brake fluid from the brake master cylinder and then refilling it with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Brake fluid tends to heat up and absorb moisture, leading to a 'muddy' residue in the bottom of the master cylinder. Removing this old fluid and residue is crucial for preventing issues with the master cylinder and the ABS modulator. It's a straightforward process that yields significant benefits. 

Brake Inspection

The inspection involves removing all four wheels to examine the inboard and outboard brake pads for uniform wear at all four brake calipers. Factors contributing to uneven wear on brake pads include sticking brake caliper pistons and slide pins, particularly on the rear axle. Issues with rear brake calipers often stem from sticking caliper pins, a problem typically caused by moisture and road grime.  

Tires Inspected

The inspection includes verifying the correct size and speed rating of the tires, evaluating premature tread wear, and ascertaining the tires' age. It also encompasses adjusting the tire air pressures to align with the manufacturer's recommended inflation levels. For the majority of Honda and Acura vehicles, this information is usually found on a label inside the driver's door jamb, detailing the tire size, speed rating, and recommended inflation pressures.  

Rotation and Balancing of Tires

During the brake inspection, with all four tires removed, the customer has the option to rotate the tires at no extra charge, provided the tires are deemed safe. Should the customer choose to have the tires 'Road-Force' balanced, they will receive a print-out showing the results before and after balancing. The service of balancing the tires while they are off the vehicle will incur an additional fee of $62.50. 

Battery Inspection

The inspection includes checking the battery terminals for acid buildup and cleaning them if needed. It also involves checking the water level in each cell, if reasonably accessible. Finally, we perform the actual load test on the battery based on the manufacturer's specified cold cranking amps (CCA). Our goal is to achieve a test result that reads "good battery" when the loads are applied by the tester, while monitoring the voltage drop during the load test. 

Check All Exterior Lights

In the latest models of Honda and Acura vehicles, there is no alert for the driver when a tail lamp, brake lamp, side marker light, or turn signal light fails. A comprehensive walk-around inspection is required to ensure these lights are functioning correctly. Furthermore, the inspection includes checking the headlamps for high and low beam operation, as well as verifying the daytime running lights (DRL) are operational. 

4-Wheel Alignment Inspection

Proper alignment of all four wheels is essential, not only to prevent premature tire wear but also to enhance fuel economy. A vehicle that is out of alignment faces increased resistance to forward movement, thus consuming more fuel to travel the same distance as a properly aligned vehicle. During this service procedure, the alignment will be inspected, and any minor adjustments to the toe angles will be made, provided they are minor, and the adjustment points are not seized. 

Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid

Using non-Honda or worn-out wiper blades can impair visibility and damage windshields. Accurate Automotive advises exclusively using authentic Honda wiper blades and inserts. Should the customer choose to install new Honda blades or inserts during the inspection, they will only be charged for the parts; there will be no installation fee. Additionally, the washer reservoir will be topped up with up to half a gallon of commercial-grade washer solvent. 

Discounted Labor Rate

Our standard labor rate is $150 per hour. However, with our maintenance service procedures, we offer a discounted labor rate of $125 per hour. This reduced rate also applies to any additional services required. For instance, the normal labor charge for installing a serpentine belt is $150 for one hour of work. But if the belt installation occurs during another service, the labor cost is only $125 for the hour, reflecting the discounted service package rate.


Additional recommendations for four-cylinder Honda and Acura vehicles:

At the 105,000-mile service interval, it is recommended to address three additional items for Honda and Acura vehicles with a 4-cylinder engine. Prices shown below are based on the discounted labor rate, when performed during a 15,000- or 30,000-mile major service procedure.

Engine Coolant Change

$89

American Honda advises that the first coolant replacement should occur at the 10-year mark, followed by subsequent changes every five years, utilizing the authentic Honda Type 2 engine coolant. It is essential to replace the engine coolant to avert corrosion in the cooling system's passages, including the heater core. Over time, the rust and corrosion inhibitors in the engine coolant degrade and become less effective. 

Serpentine Drive Belt Replacement

$190

The majority of 4-cylinder Honda and Acura vehicles use a timing chain rather than a timing belt, so the only belt requiring replacement is the serpentine drive belt. It is recommended to replace this belt every 10 years or at the 105,000-mile service interval. During replacement, our technicians also inspect the belt tensioner pulley bearings to ensure they operate smoothly and properly. The price posted is based the discounted labor of $125 plus an average $65 cost of the drive belt. 

Spark Plug Replacement

$175

Currently, iridium-tipped spark plugs are in use, resulting in negligible electrode wear. It is advised to replace spark plugs at 105,000 miles or every 10 years to prevent corrosion. The spark plug, made of steel, and the aluminum cylinder head are prone to corrosive reactions. Failure to remove or replace the spark plugs approximately every decade may lead to them seizing in the cylinder head. The price posted is for most 4-cylinder Honda / Acura vehicles and NGK brand spark plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement

$370

In some applications, such as the Honda and Acura 4-cylinder turbo-charged engines; additional steps are required to access the spark plugs. The price posted is for some 4-cylinder Honda / Acura engine application, installation of replacement NGK brand spark plugs that currently have an average cost allowance of $30.00, each. 

Additional recommendation for six-cylinder Honda and Acura vehicles:

Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with a V6 engine feature a timing belt. For Honda, this encompasses the Pilot, Odyssey, Accord V6, Ridgeline, and many Crosstour models. Acura models with this specification include the 2013-2018 RDX, MDX, TL, CL, RL, ZDX, NSX, and a few, rare TSX units. It is advised to replace the timing belt every 105,000 miles or every seven years, whichever comes first.

V6 Timing Belt Replacement

$1590

 The procedure encompasses the replacement of the timing belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, accessory drive belts, and the addition of fresh Honda Type 2 engine coolant. Genuine Honda parts will be used if they are available.  

V6 Timing Belt Replacement during a Major Service Procedure

$1450

When performing a 15,000-Mile Major Service or a 30,000-Mile Major Service, the timing belt replacement will be conducted at a discounted labor rate of $125 per hour, rather than the standard $150 per hour. The posted price is applicable to most models using genuine Honda replacement parts when available, excluding the Acura NSX.

Increments of 30,000 Mile Service Procedures and Pricing

30,000 Mile Service Procedure - $460.00

Preventative maintenance is advised at intervals of every 30,000 miles, for instance, at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000, 150,000 and 180,000 miles. The stated prices are for Honda and Acura vehicles without push-button-type gear selectors. Vehicles requiring Honda Type 3.1 fluid will incur an extra fee of $135.00, reflecting the fluid's higher price and the drain plug's mandatory replacement.

Engine Oil and Filter Change

Replace the engine oil and filter with Idemitsu brand fully synthetic engine oil of the correct viscosity as specified by American Honda, a FULL brand oil filter, and a brass 'one-time-use' crush washer on the drain plug. The crush washer should be replaced with a new one each time the engine oil is drained to prevent premature failure of the drain plug threads in the aluminum oil pan. 

Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

Maintaining Honda and Acura transmissions is straightforward, primarily requiring regular fluid changes. It's essential to drain and refill with the correct Genuine Honda fluid. Frequent fluid replacement is crucial for the longevity and durability of these transmissions. It's advisable to perform automatic transmission fluid changes every 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.  

Engine and Cabin Air Filter Inspection

During the inspection, both the engine air filter and the cabin air filter(s) will be removed for examination. Additionally, the air intake tube, situated between the engine air filter housing and the engine throttle body, will be checked for any cracks in the bellows, a detail frequently missed in inspections. Should filter replacements be necessary, only the cost of the new filter(s) will be added to the service charge.  

Brake Fluid Change

This procedure involves using a vacuum pump to extract the old brake fluid from the brake master cylinder and then refilling it with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Brake fluid tends to heat up and absorb moisture, leading to a 'muddy' residue in the bottom of the master cylinder. Removing this old fluid and residue is crucial for preventing issues with the master cylinder and the ABS modulator. It's a straightforward process that yields significant benefits. 

Brake Inspection

The inspection involves removing all four wheels to examine the inboard and outboard brake pads for uniform wear at all four brake calipers. Factors contributing to uneven wear on brake pads include sticking brake caliper pistons and slide pins, particularly on the rear axle. Issues with rear brake calipers often stem from sticking caliper pins, a problem typically caused by moisture and road grime.   

Tires Inspected

The inspection includes verifying the correct size and speed rating of the tires, evaluating premature tread wear, and ascertaining the tires' age. It also encompasses adjusting the tire air pressures to align with the manufacturer's recommended inflation levels. For the majority of Honda and Acura vehicles, this information is usually found on a label inside the driver's door jamb, detailing the tire size, speed rating, and recommended inflation pressures.    

Rotation and Balancing of Tires

During the brake inspection, with all four tires removed, the customer has the option to rotate the tires at no extra charge, provided the tires are deemed safe. Should the customer choose to have the tires 'Road-Force' balanced, they will receive a print-out showing the results before and after balancing. The service of balancing the tires while they are off the vehicle will incur an additional fee of $62.50.   

Battery Inspection

The inspection includes checking the battery terminals for acid buildup and cleaning them if needed. It also involves checking the water level in each cell, if reasonably accessible. Finally, we perform the actual load test on the battery based on the manufacturer's specified cold cranking amps (CCA). Our goal is to achieve a test result that reads "good battery" when the loads are applied by the tester, while monitoring the voltage drop during the load test.     

Check All Exterior Lights

In the latest models of Honda and Acura vehicles, there is no alert for the driver when a tail lamp, brake lamp, side marker light, or turn signal light fails. A comprehensive walk-around inspection is required to ensure these lights are functioning correctly. Furthermore, the inspection includes checking the headlamps for high and low beam operation, as well as verifying the daytime running lights (DRL) are operational.     

4-Wheel Alignment Inspection

Proper alignment of all four wheels is essential, not only to prevent premature tire wear but also to enhance fuel economy. A vehicle that is out of alignment faces increased resistance to forward movement, thus consuming more fuel to travel the same distance as a properly aligned vehicle. During this service procedure, the alignment will be inspected, and any minor adjustments to the toe angles will be made, provided they are minor, and the adjustment points are not seized.     

Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid

Using non-Honda or worn-out wiper blades can impair visibility and damage windshields. Accurate Automotive advises exclusively using authentic Honda wiper blades and inserts. Should the customer choose to install new Honda blades or inserts during the inspection, they will only be charged for the parts; there will be no installation fee. Additionally, the washer reservoir will be topped up with up to half a gallon of commercial-grade washer solvent.    

Discounted Labor Rate

Our standard labor rate is $150 per hour. However, with our maintenance service procedures, we offer a discounted labor rate of $125 per hour. This reduced rate also applies to any additional services required. For instance, the normal labor charge for installing a serpentine belt is $150 for one hour of work. But if the belt installation occurs during another service, the labor cost is only $125 for the hour, reflecting the discounted service package rate.   


Additional recommendation for Honda and Acura AWD vehicles at 30,000 miles:

Prices shown below are based on a discounted package rate, if performed during a major service procedure.

Rear Differential Fluid Only

$100

On some Honda and Acura AWD vehicles, the front differential is part of the transmission, and the front differential fluid is changed when the transmission is serviced. This varies from year to year. For Honda and Acura AWD vehicles only requiring a rear differential fluid change, consumers should budget an additional $100 for the replacement of the fluid during the 30,000-mile service procedure. 

Front and Rear Differential Fluid Replacement

$165

For Honda and Acura AWD vehicles that have a front differential that is separate from the transmission; these front differentials require 75W90 gear oil with the GL-5 additive. To replace the differential fluid in both front and rear differentials, during a 30,000-mile service procedure; consumers should budget an additional $165.00

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