2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1)

YD1 / SUV / North America / Europe / Asia (market variations exist)

J37A1J35Z5Exact year/trim recordSilver

Engine identity

Engine code

J37A1, J35Z5

Engine summary

3.7 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J37A1) in North America; 3.5 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J35Z5) in some other markets

Displacement

3.7 L (3668 cc) / 3.5 L (3471 cc) depending on market

Power

300 hp @ 6200 rpm (3.7L J37A1 North America); approx. 280 hp (3.5L J35Z5 in other markets)

Torque

275 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (3.7L J37A1 North America), varies for 3.5L

Fuel system

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Timing drive

Timing belt (chain for certain markets/models, verify per market)

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 full synthetic

Oil capacity

5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) service fill with oil filter change

Coolant

9.9 liters

Fluid

Honda ATF-Z1 (or Acura equivalent)

Differential fluid

OEM recommended limited-slip differential fluid (varies by drivetrain)

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Not available in 2012 MDX

Automatic transmission

6-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped spark plugs, replace every 105,000 miles

Service interval

Oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 12 months; other intervals vary per market

Tire sizes

245/60R18, 245/50R20 (optional)

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

Common and chronic problems

Timing belt wear and replacement recommended at 105,000 miles
Transmission fluid change recommended to avoid shift issues

First checks

Verify timing belt condition and replacement history
Check transmission fluid level and condition

Before replacing parts

Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.

Important notes

Engine and exact transmission specs vary by regional market; North America uses 3.7L V6 J37A1 while some other markets may have 3.5L J35Z5.
Oil capacity and service intervals may slightly differ on AWD and hybrid variants.

Common codes

Source and verification notes

Acura 2012 MDX Owner's Manual and service guide
Verified technical specifications from NHTSA and global Honda/Acura technical databases

Compatible tools

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) use? 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) is listed here with engine code J37A1, J35Z5; engine summary: 3.7 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J37A1) in North America; 3.5 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J35Z5) in some other markets.
What oil and capacity does the 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) use? 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) is listed with SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 full synthetic and oil capacity 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) service fill with oil filter change. Confirm market and engine option before service.
What are common 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) problems? Highlighted checks for 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1): Timing belt wear and replacement recommended at 105,000 miles, Transmission fluid change recommended to avoid shift issues.

Engine identity

Engine code

J37A1, J35Z5

Engine summary

3.7 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J37A1) in North America; 3.5 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J35Z5) in some other markets

Displacement

3.7 L (3668 cc) / 3.5 L (3471 cc) depending on market

Power

300 hp @ 6200 rpm (3.7L J37A1 North America); approx. 280 hp (3.5L J35Z5 in other markets)

Torque

275 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (3.7L J37A1 North America), varies for 3.5L

Fuel system

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Timing drive

Timing belt (chain for certain markets/models, verify per market)

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Not available in 2012 MDX

Automatic transmission

6-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped spark plugs, replace every 105,000 miles

Service interval

Oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 12 months; other intervals vary per market

Tire sizes

245/60R18, 245/50R20 (optional)

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) use? 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) is listed here with engine code J37A1, J35Z5; engine summary: 3.7 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J37A1) in North America; 3.5 L V6 VTEC SOHC (J35Z5) in some other markets.

What oil and capacity does the 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) use? 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) is listed with SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 full synthetic and oil capacity 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) service fill with oil filter change. Confirm market and engine option before service.

What are common 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1) problems? Highlighted checks for 2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1): Timing belt wear and replacement recommended at 105,000 miles, Transmission fluid change recommended to avoid shift issues.

2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes

Scanning Engine...

2012 Acura MDX J37A1/J35Z5 (YD1)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes