Vehicle database
Acura RL
KL1 / Second generation / KB1 / 2000-2003 / Sedan
North America / Japan / select global marketsNorth America (primary), also Japan and select global markets with variationsNorth America / JapanCoverage: expanded
Year and trim selector
Choose the exact year and trim to see engine, oil and service details.
2000 Acura RL J35A1 (KL1)
KL1 / J35A1 / 3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve VTEC engine
GoldOpen details
Oil type: 5W-30 API SJ or higherOil capacity: 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) including filter change; service-fill recommendedRelated: J35A, KL1
2002 Acura RL J32A1 (KA9)
KA9 / J32A1 / 3.2L V6 SOHC VTEC engine
GoldOpen details
Oil type: SAE 5W-30, API service classification SJ or higherOil capacity: 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) including filter, service fillRelated: J32A2 (2005 upgrade), J32A4 (Japanese market)
2003 Acura RL J32A1 (KB1)
KB1 / J32A1 / 3.2L V6 SOHC 24-valve VTEC engine
GoldOpen details
Oil type: SAE 5W-30, API SM or higherOil capacity: 4.5 US quarts (including filter) - service-fill capacityRelated: P0300, P0420, P0171, P0455
Engine codes by year
| Year | Trim | Engine codes | Displacement | Fuel system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | technical-profile | J35A1 | 3471 cc | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2002 | technical-profile | J32A1 | 3.2 liters (3179 cc) | Multi-point fuel injection |
| 2003 | technical-profile | J32A1 | 3169 cc | Multi-point fuel injection |
Oil capacity by engine
| Year | Engine codes | Oil type | Oil capacity | Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | J35A1 | 5W-30 API SJ or higher | 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) including filter change; service-fill recommended | Honda ATF-Z1 or DW-1 |
| 2002 | J32A1 | SAE 5W-30, API service classification SJ or higher | 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) including filter, service fill | Honda ATF-Z1 or DW-1 |
| 2003 | J32A1 | SAE 5W-30, API SM or higher | 4.5 US quarts (including filter) - service-fill capacity | Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent |
Technical specifications
- Engines: J35A1, J32A1
- Transmissions: Not offered, 4-speed automatic electronically controlled, Honda ATF-Z1 or DW-1, Not available, 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, Not available for this model year, 5-speed automatic with manual mode, Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent
- Tire sizes: 215/60R16, P225/55R16 (standard), 225/50R17
- Bolt pattern: Verify by exact trim and wheel package
- Wheel torque: Verify by VIN and wheel package
- Battery: Verify by engine, market and equipment package
Fluids and service data
- Engine oil: 5W-30 API SJ or higher / SAE 5W-30, API service classification SJ or higher / SAE 5W-30, API SM or higher
- Transmission fluid: Honda ATF-Z1 or DW-1 / Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent
- Coolant: 9.8 liters / Approximately 8.7 liters / 9.5 liters
- Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 / DOT 3 or higher
Known problems
- Timing belt replacement critical at 105,000 miles
- Transmission solenoid wear can cause shifting issues
- Timing belt replacement required every 105,000 miles
- Power window motor failures
- Suspension bushings wear
- Timing belt replacement required at 105,000 miles
- Potential VTEC actuator issues after high mileage