The main code ‘B’ in the service Acura B12 refers to replacing the engine oil, changing the filter, tire rotation, front/tire brake inspection, parking brake adjustments, etc. Subcodes 1 and 2 mean tire rotation, checking the driver belt replacing the dust/pollen and air filters.
Your Acura maintenance minder shows the code B12. Now you’re confused about what it actually means and how to proceed with the maintenance procedure.
So, what’s the Acura B12 service actually mean? How to proceed with the service?
Now, let’s jump into the detailed discussion of the Aura B12 service.
What Does the Acura B12 Service Mean?
Acura B12 service is a maintenance procedure for your Acura. It should be performed once a year or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. The code B12 refers to the specific services required during maintenance. (2)
Acura has a built-in dynamic maintenance minder in their cars to remind you when maintenance is required. It detects the car’s performance using dynamic sensors, unlike any other maintenance reminder system. Let’s check what the code B12 means.
What Does the Acura B12 Code Mean?
Please refer to the table below for a complete list of Acura codes and their meanings.
| Acura Maintenance Code | What Does It Mean? |
| B – Main Code | Check and replace the engine oilChanging the filterCheck tires for rotationInspection of the front and rear brakesAdjust the parking brake/handbrakeOther inspections |
| 1 – Sub Code | Tire Rotation |
| 2 – Sub Code | Filter replacement for dust and pollenCheck the drive belt and replace if needed.Air filters need to be replaced.Need to change the air cleaner element needs |
In this case, you must schedule maintenance as soon as you see one of these service codes on your Acura. Now, let’s explore the B12 maintenance in detail.
What’s Included In the Acura B12 Service?
As you’ve seen in the table above, the Acura B12 code contains a lot of inspections. Okay, let’s move on to the maintenance process as follows. (3)
Replacing Engine Oil and Engine Oil Filter
The first step in your Acura B12 maintenance is replacing the engine oil and filter. The engine oil is essential to cool down the engine by preventing friction between the engine parts. And the oil filter helps to remove the oil impurities.
Accura recommends using Genuine Acura motor oil or premium grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API certification seal on the container. Oil of this type will be the correct viscosity for your Acura’s next oil change, keeping your engine running smoothly.
Accura also allows using synthetic oils but with a warning. Make sure the oil has the Starburst certification symbol on the container. Furthermore, they recommend using the Mobile 1 synthetic oil for the best performance among the other synthetic oils.
The engine oil becomes less effective in cooling down the engine and lubricating the parts over time. Also, the filter has to be replaced periodically since it gets clogged with dirt, which reduces oil flow. Replacing these parts will keep the engine healthy.
Summary:
Replace the engine oil and engine oil filter.
Replacing Dust/Pollen/Air Filter
Over time, your car’s air filter gets clogged with dirt/pollen/dust and other impurities. So, it’s ideally recommended to perform maintenance at least every 12000-15000 miles.
Pro tip:
Check the owner’s handbook of your car to know when to replace the air filter.
Inspecting the Fluid Levels
Next important thing to check is the fluid level and the condition of the fluids if needed. Start by checking your car’s six essential fluids: engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
If any of these fluid levels are low and in bad condition, consider changing them immediately. Bad fluid often makes unusual noises and bad odors. So, ensure your mechanic checks all the fluids and changes them if needed.
Summary:
Inspect all the fluid levels and change the fluids if needed.
Setting Tire Pressure and Rotating
Another important thing is adjusting the required tire pressure. For smooth handling and maneuverability of your vehicle, tire pressure is crucial. If your tire pressure is as low as 20 psi, it will strain the car’s suspension.
It will also decrease fuel economy and braking performance. So, set the tire pressure to factory specs, which means recommended tire pressure by the manufacturer. You can find this information in the owner’s handbook that comes with your Acura.
The next important maintenance is rotating the tires. Now you might be wondering what rotating tires mean. Rotating tires means to either replace front tires with rear tires and vice versa or to change left side tires with right side ones.
Inspecting the Brakes/Brake Hoses
Brakes are one of the crucial parts of any vehicle; you should always conduct routine inspections. The mechanic will check the brake mechanism, the pads, discs, and calipers for any kind of damage or corrosion.
Also, the brake hose and brake lines should be checked for any kind of visible damage and cracks. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that no brake fluid is leaking out.
Summary:
Inspect the brake hoses for damages and replace them if needed.
Adjusting the Parking Brake
The mechanic will inspect the parking brake to ensure whether the parking brake is adjusted correctly or not. A parking brake is also called a handbrake and mostly works on hydraulic presses. A parking brake is applied after parking the car and is not used or helped to park the car. Purpose of hand break is to keep the vehicle tires locked when it is parked, specially when it is parked on an inclined surface.
Acura B12 is about checking the hydraulic fluid pressure of the parking brake and inspecting or testing the parking brake. Adjusting is something done when a braking system is not working properly.
Summary:
Adjust the parking brake according to the manufacturer’s default.
Inspecting Suspension Components
Next, the car mechanic will inspect the suspension components for any kind of damage. Over time the suspension-mounting bolts can be loosened, so it’s important to ensure they’re firmly attached. Always try to make a routine schedule to check the suspensions.
Summary:
Inspect all the components of the suspension, primarily the mounting bolts.
Inspecting the Exhaust Pipe and Muffler
The next important step is checking your vehicle’s exhaust system to check whether it’s in good condition. The inspection includes checking the exhaust pipes for any holes, cracks, or other damage.
Summary:
Ensure the exhaust is properly adjusted and there’s no visible damage. Also, ensure no strange sounds are coming out of it.
Inspecting the Power Steering System
The car’s steering system includes several major components. These are the steering box, center link, pitman arm, idle arm, and tie rods. The mechanic will check the components thoroughly and replace them if any of them are damaged.
Summary:
Check the power steering components for damage and replace them if necessary.
Inspecting the Drive Belts
The next inspection is checking the drive belts to ensure they’re properly functioning. Over time the belts may be worn out, frayed, or need replacement.
Summary:
Ensure the drive belts are working properly.
Lubing All Hinges and Latches
Next, the mechanic will lubricate all the hinges and latches of the vehicle’s doors to ensure they are working smoothly. If the latches are clogged in the dirt, they can make unusual sounds while locking/unlocking. Also, the door can end up getting jammed.
The same goes for the radiator and the radiator fan motor. The radiator fan can make unusual sounds if clogged with dirt. You should also clean the radiator properly if it has rust. In the worst cases, radiator fan motors must be replaced.
Summary:
Keep all hinges and latches lubricated and clean. Additionally, clean the radiator and radiator fan periodically to ensure proper operation.
Inspecting the Air Conditioning System
The next important thing is to inspect all the components of the car’s air conditioner. There are five major parts of a car’s air conditioning system. These are the compressor, condenser, receiver/dryer, thermal expansion valve, and evaporator.
The mechanic will go through all the components one by one to ensure they are working as expected. If any of the parts need replacement, consider replacing them.
Summary:
Inspect the air conditioning system of the vehicle and its components. Replace the damaged ones and repair the defective ones.
Testing the Battery Connections
Battery is a crucial part of any vehicle; it helps to start the engine. And the auxiliary battery of the car provides power to the electrical equipment of the car. So, the mechanic will check the battery for any visible cracks or damages.
He will also ensure no fluid leaks from the battery, and the terminals are corrosion free. Corrosion prevents smoother electron flow from the battery to the equipment causing charging problems and other power-related issues.
Summary:
Check the battery conditions for leaks, visible damage, and corrosion.
Inspecting Hose Clamps and Cooling System
Next, the mechanic will inspect all the hose clamps of the car and cooling system for damages and leaks. The car’s cooling system includes a radiator hose, coolant hose, heater hose, and thermostat.
Summary: If any of the components are damaged, consider replacing the parts. Also, ensure that all the hoses are tightly attached to the engine.
Inspecting Exterior Lights and Electrical Accessories
Lastly, the mechanic will inspect all the accessories to ensure all the lights and electrical accessories are working correctly. These include the headlights, the taillights, the horn, the alarm system, and the car’s music system.
Summary:
Inspect the lighting and electrical equipment of the car for issues.
How To Reset the Service Light of Acura B12?
The method of resetting the service light on the Acura B12 service is mentioned in the owner’s handbook. Acura MDX, TL, and RL all three have a similar method of resetting the service light. The steps are given below.
- Locate the reset button following the instruction manual of the car. Now, Insert the key and turn the ignition button ‘on’, but don’t start the car engine.
- If the oil light is not displaying, repeatedly press the reset button until getting a blank screen.
- Then press and hold the reset button for at least 10-30 seconds to begin the reset procedure.
- When the reset signal shows up on the screen, select “reset” using the up and down button from the display. Press the button to reset, and you are done.
Now, turn on your car engine; if the reset has been done successfully, the display won’t pop up this time.
How Long Can You Drive With the B12 Notice?
Many people ask about how long the Acura can be driven after the B12 service message comes up. Honestly, there’s no exact answer to this.
It depends on the condition of the car. You should immediately perform the maintenance if there are any physical damages or leaks. However, If there are no serious issues with the engine sensors, you can drive the car another 50-100 miles.
Summary:
You can drive the car for another 1000 miles if there’s no serious issue.
What’s the Cost of Acura B12 Service?
The Acura B2 service consists of a complete pack of maintenance starting at $225.95 at my crown acura. It is required when you drive the vehicle for 15000 miles. You can go to the Acura service center, Honda dealership, or any other dealer point to schedule the service.
Is There Any Alternative to Acura B12 Service?
There are many alternatives to Acura B12 services available to choose from. The two alternative dealer services that I personally like are Main Street Autoworks and The Snider’s Car Care Pro. Let’s discuss these two in detail.
Main Street Autoworks
The Main Street Autoworks offer exclusive Honda and Acura auto repair services. They are located in Monroe, Washington, and all your automotive needs are addressed by professionals. They offer auto repair facilities and packages to meet your needs.
They provide services like A/C & heating repair, A/C charging, engine work, diagnosis, comprehensive auto repair, scheduled maintenance, tune-ups, etc. Here are the contact details given below. You can consult with them anytime to schedule an appointment.
- Address: 914 W Main St. Monroe, WA 98272.
- Phone: (360) 794-7480.
- Hours: Monday – Friday
- Time: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Holidays: Saturday, Sunday.
- Payment Methods: Visa, MasterCard, Cash, Check.
Snider’s Car Care
Another alternative to Acura B12 is Snider’s Car Care. They offer all kinds of service facilities for your Acura. They have trained technicians for proper and quality maintenance of your beloved ride. Their contact details are given below.
- Address: 962 W Houghton Ave West Branch, MI 48661.
- Phone: 989-345-3936.
- Hours: Monday – Friday
- Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Holidays: Saturday, Sunday.
- Payment Methods: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Check, Debit/ATM.
Summary:
Main Street Autoworks and Snider’s Car Care Pro are the two best alternatives for Acura servicing.
FAQ
What is the B13 service for Acura TLX?
Acura B13, service maintenance code primarily means. You should change the oil and oil filter, tire rotation, front/back brakes, parking brake adjustment, transmission fluid flush, and other general inspections.
What is an A13 Service Acura?
The ‘A’ in the code refers to replacing the engine oil. The 1 and 3 code means tire rotation, replacement transmission, and the transmission fluid for optimal performance.
Conclusion
That was all about the Acura B12 service maintenance. One pro tip I would like to give you, try not to delay the maintenance if the B12 reminder appears. A delay in service maintenance may lead to unexpected damages and reduce the car’s lifespan.
