What are Acura service codes?
Acura service codes are part of the Maintenance Minder system that indicates what maintenance your vehicle requires. They appear as alphanumeric codes (for example A1 or B2) on the dashboard, service receipts, and in the owner’s manual, and they map to specific maintenance tasks. The exact meanings vary by model year and region, so consult your manual or a dealer for your vehicle’s precise code set.
What Acura service codes are
Service codes are the shorthand Acura/Honda uses to communicate upcoming or completed maintenance items. They help owners and technicians keep track of tasks aligned with the official maintenance schedule. The codes are generated by the car’s onboard computer based on mileage, time, and driving conditions, and they can be updated or reset by a service technician after work is performed.
Code structure: letters and numbers
Most Acura Maintenance Minder codes combine a letter with a number. The letter typically designates a broad maintenance category, while the number points to a specific task or sub-item within that category. The exact task associated with each code is defined in your model year’s maintenance schedule found in the manual or on Acura’s official materials.
- The letters generally group related maintenance items (for example, a group focused on routine servicing versus more involved inspections).
- The numbers indicate individual tasks or sub-items within that group, and can correspond to items such as oil service, filter replacement, or inspections.
- The precise mapping between codes and tasks is model-year dependent and can vary by region.
In short, the alphanumeric codes are a compact way to signal what service the vehicle requires and what tasks should be performed during a visit.
Common tasks you might see tied to Acura service codes
Note: tasks vary by model year and trim. The following are examples of the types of services that maintenance minder codes often encompass.
- Engine oil and filter changes
- Tire rotation and inspection
- Engine air filter replacement
- Cabin air filter replacement
- Brake system inspection and fluid level checks
- Multi-point vehicle inspection (brakes, tires, suspension, steering, lights)
- Coolant/antifreeze level check or replacement
- Brake fluid replacement or flush
- Transmission fluid check or replacement (where applicable)
- Spark plug replacement (for applicable engines)
- Battery and charging system check
These items illustrate the kinds of maintenance tasks that codes may reference, but the exact list for your car will depend on your model year and vehicle configuration.
How to read and decode for your vehicle
To determine the precise meaning of your Acura codes, use these steps geared to model-year specifics and regional availability.
- Consult the owner’s manual section on Maintenance Minder or service codes for your exact model year.
- Check the dash display, maintenance minder notification card, or service invoice for the code (e.g., A1, B2) shown for your vehicle.
- Ask your Acura dealer or service advisor to map the code to the exact tasks for your VIN, as codes can shift between generations.
- If you have digital access, search Acura’s official maintenance resources or the My Acura app for your vehicle’s code dictionary.
- Keep a record of codes after service to monitor when the next maintenance is due and which tasks were completed.
Following these steps will help you understand exactly what your car needs and ensure your maintenance aligns with Acura’s recommended schedule.
Summary
Acura service codes are a streamlined way to communicate maintenance needs through the Maintenance Minder system. They combine letters and numbers to designate broad categories and specific tasks, with exact meanings varying by model year and region. By consulting the owner’s manual, checking with a dealer, or using Acura’s official resources, you can accurately interpret codes like A1 or B2 and know which services to perform at each visit. Keeping track of these codes helps maintain vehicle performance, safety, and resale value.
What is Acura A1 and B1 service?
What is the difference between A1 and B1 service? Well, A1 services offer drivers codes for a regular or synthetic oil change, tire pressure check or tire rotation, and battery check or replacement. Compared to the A1 services mentioned above, Acura B1 services include the following: Engine oil change.
What is the difference between A and B service on an Acura?
The two main codes both involve replacing the engine oil, but with an "A", you only need to get oil replaced. If the code begins with a "B", you will need to get a more involved service that extends through multiple systems in your Acura.
What is the service code B 1 2 on Acura?
1: The service number sub-code 1 means that a tire rotation is needed in addition to the main B service. 2: Sub-code 2 means you need to replace the air cleaner element, dust and pollen filter, and the drive belt has to be inspected in addition to the main B service.
What is the service B code on a Acura?
The Acura B1 maintenance code signals time for major service (B) including oil and filter change, comprehensive multi-point inspection of brakes, fluids, suspension, and belts, plus tire rotation (1).
