Acura Maintenance Minder
The system counts down oil life based on engine operating conditions (both normal and severe). If the engine runs at higher temperatures and rpm, or at low temperatures during short trips, the oil life will deplete faster than an engine running under more normal conditions.
Depending on the oil life percentage, the system shows three different messages when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Here's what you could see:
When the oil life reaches 15%, you'll also see a two-part maintenance item code. This code tells you what items need servicing when you have the engine oil replaced. The first part of the code is the main code. It's either A or B, never both. See below for details.
The second part of the code is the sub-code. It's numbered 1 thru 5 in vehicles without 4WD, and 1 thru 6 in vehicles with 4WD. These sub-codes can show up in any combination. Here's what they mean:
- Oil Life Message What to Do
- 15% SERVICE
- DUE SOON - Plan to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance
- 5% SERVICE
- DUE NOW - Take your vehicle in now for scheduled maintenance
- 0% SERVICE
- PAST DUE (Mileage past due is also shown) Service is overdue. Take your vehicle in now for scheduled maintenance
- Main Code What It Means
- A Replace just the engine oil.
- B Replace the engine oil and the oil filter, rotate the tires, inspect the front and rear brakes, check the parking brake adjustment, and inspect several other items listed in the O/M.
- Sub-code What It Means
- 1 Rotate the tires.
- 2 Replace the air cleaner element, check the drive belt, and replace the dust and pollen filter.
- 3 Replace the transmission fluid and transfer fluid (if equipped).
- 4 Replace the spark plugs, replace the timing belt (if equipped), inspect the water pump, and inspect valve clearance.
- 5 Replace the engine coolant.
- 6 Replace the rear differential fluid (if equipped).
Thanks to B. Borkey of Piazza Acura, Westchester, PA, for this overview.