2006 Acura RL Service Manual

The 2006 Acura RL Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the 2006 Acura RL luxury sedan. This manual covers the 3.5L V6 J35A8 engine with VTEC, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, vehicle stability assist, navigation system, and premium audio system. Below are key sections for maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair instructions.

1. General Information 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Mechanical 4. Engine Performance 5. Transmission 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Brakes 8. Electrical Systems 9. Body & Interior 10. Technical Specifications 11. Troubleshooting

General Information

Vehicle identification, manual organization, safety precautions, and service procedures overview.

Component	Description
VIN Location	Driver's side dashboard visible through windshield
Engine Code	J35A8
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drive System	Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brake System	4-wheel disc with ABS and VSA
Safety Systems	Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags
Audio System	Premium 10-speaker with DVD-Audio
Navigation	Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic climate control

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals and procedures for optimal vehicle performance.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Replace every 60,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles

WARNING! Always use genuine Acura parts and fluids. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine Mechanical

3.5L V6 J35A8 engine with VTEC system specifications and service procedures.

Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
Bore x Stroke: 89.0 mm × 93.0 mm (3.50 in × 3.66 in)
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 256 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
Valve Train: SOHC VTEC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts with filter

Engine Performance

Engine management system, fuel system, ignition system, and emission controls.

PGM-FI System: Electronic fuel injection with sequential multi-port fuel injection. Ignition System: Direct ignition system with individual coil packs. Emission Controls: Three-way catalytic converter, heated oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control system, positive crankcase ventilation.

Diagnostic trouble codes accessible through OBD-II connector under driver's side dashboard.

Transmission

5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift operation and SH-AWD system.

Fluid capacity: 3.1 quarts (drain and refill)
Fluid type: Acura ATF-Z1 or equivalent
Shift solenoid testing procedures
Transfer assembly service for SH-AWD system
Transmission control module programming

Tip: Check transmission fluid with engine running at operating temperature.

Suspension & Steering

Front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension with variable power steering.

Component	Specification
Front Suspension	Double-wishbone with coil springs
Rear Suspension	Multi-link with coil springs
Steering Type	Variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Steering Ratio	Variable 12.7:1 to 16.5:1
Turning Circle	38.1 feet
Stabilizer Bars	Front and rear
Shock Absorbers	Gas-pressurized

Brakes

4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

Front Brakes: 12.6-inch ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: 13.1-inch ventilated discs
Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4
Pad Replacement: Front: 0.39 inches minimum thickness
Rotor Specifications: Front: 1.10 inches minimum thickness
ABS Operation: 4-channel, 4-sensor system
VSA System: Integrated with traction control and stability control

Electrical Systems

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, and accessory systems.

Battery: 12V, 70Ah located in trunk
Alternator: 150A output
Starter: 1.4 kW reduction type
Fuse boxes: Under-hood and driver's side dashboard
Lighting: HID headlights with auto-leveling
Power distribution: Multiple relay boxes throughout vehicle

CAUTION! Disconnect battery before performing electrical work to prevent damage to control modules.

Body & Interior

Body structure, interior components, glass, and trim service procedures.

Body construction: Unit-body with front and rear crumple zones. Interior features: Leather upholstery, power seats with memory, power windows and locks, moonroof operation, climate control system service, navigation system diagnostics, audio system troubleshooting.

Technical Specifications

Complete vehicle specifications and capacities.

Specification	Value
Overall Length	193.6 inches
Overall Width	72.7 inches
Overall Height	56.7 inches
Wheelbase	110.2 inches
Curb Weight	3,968 lbs
Fuel Capacity	18.0 gallons
Tire Size	235/50R17 96V
Tire Pressure	32 psi (front and rear)
Towing Capacity	Not recommended

Troubleshooting

Common issues and diagnostic procedures for the 2006 Acura RL.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine cranks but won't start	Fuel pump, ignition, security system	Check fuel pressure, spark, immobilizer system
Transmission shifts harshly	Fluid level, solenoid, pressure	Check fluid level and condition, test shift solenoids
SH-AWD warning light	Transfer assembly, sensors	Diagnose with HDS scanner, check rear differential
Navigation system malfunction	GPS antenna, disc, unit	Check GPS signal, update map disc, reset system
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors, pad deposits	Measure rotor runout, resurface or replace rotors
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Load test battery and alternator, check ground connections

Diagnostic Tools: Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) required for advanced diagnostics.

Service Information: Contact Acura dealer or visit techinfo.honda.com for latest service bulletins.