What Are Acura Maintenance Minder Codes & What Do They Mean?

A close-up of a vehicle's dashboard lights showing a wrench and an oil can and the words Oil Change Required.
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Acura Maintenance Minder Codes at a Glance

  • The Acura Maintenance Minder is a tool that appears on the driver information center.
  • The letters A and B refer to engine oil, the engine filter, and recommended inspections.
  • If you see numbers one through seven, prepare for more specific replacement and repair items.
  • A combination of these letters and numbers, as well as the vehicle, can point to the exact recommended service required.
  • You can have your Acura maintenance minder reset at an official service center, such as Muller's Woodfield Acura.

What Do Acura Maintenance Minder Codes Mean?

Acura maintenance codes are designed to clearly show what your car needs at specific milestones. These combinations of letters and one or more numbers guide you or your mechanic on the recommended work every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. But what do the codes mean, and what do individual combinations represent? Knowing what A1 represents, for example, can save you time and help you understand what upcoming costs go toward.

At Muller's Woodfield Acura, we're determined to simplify your driving experience with a team that cares deeply about your Acura model. See the maintenance items below and read through our FAQ for more information.

Acura Service Codes List

Letter Codes
A Replace engine oil
B
  • Replace engine oil and oil filter
  • Check expiration date for tire repair bottle
  • Inspect:
    • Front and rear brakes
    • Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
    • Suspension components
    • Driveshaft boots
    • Brake hoses and lines
    • Fluid levels
    • Fluid condition
    • Exhaust system
    • Fuel lines and connections

Number Codes
1 Rotate tires
2
  • Replace air cleaner element
  • Replace dust and pollen filter
  • Inspect drive belt
3
  • Replace transmission fluid
  • Replace transfer fluid (if equipped)
4
  • Replace spark plugs
  • Inspect valve clearance
  • Inspect water pump (if equipped)
  • Replace timing belt (if equipped)
5 Replace engine coolant
6 Replace rear differential fluid (if equipped)
7 Replace brake fluid

Why does my Acura show a letter and several numbers, such as B123?

If letters and numbers appear on the screen above your steering wheel, your vehicle is recommending maintenance items. The letter (A or B) indicates whether your model should undergo an oil change (A) or an oil change, filter change, and a detailed inspection of most primary components (B). The numbers refer to specific components that need attention, including the brakes, transmission fluid, engine coolant, spark plugs, or transfer fluid. If you'd like to temporarily ignore the message and focus on other vehicle metrics, you can roll the right selector wheel to switch to another display.

A close-up shot of an Acura dashboard with the maintenance light showing Maintenance Due Soon A1.

Does Every Acura Use the Same Maintenance Minder Codes?

While every Acura uses the same base maintenance codes, not all models have the same code options. For instance, if your model is equipped with AWD, a 3 means it's time to replace the transmission and transfer fluid. In addition, only models with a rear differential can get a 6. A and B are universal, though some models may need more attention to the suspension or driveshaft. For what your model's specific codes represent, please refer to your owner's manual or contact our Acura service department.

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What Does Acura A1 Service Mean?

The A1 code is one of the simplest and most common Acura Maintenance Minder combinations. It means you need to replace your engine oil and rotate your tires. You can visit our Acura tire center for a tire rotation and find a fantastic deal on oil change service with our service department. You can expect a code like this every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.

A low angle image of an Acura Service Technician rolling a tire along a shop floor while a customer walks alongside.

What Does Acura B1 Service Mean?

B1 service is slightly more complex than A1. We still recommend rotating your tires, or you can get custom replacements from our genuine Acura parts inventory. Next, your engine needs an oil and oil filter replacement, and a mechanic should carefully inspect most elements of your Acura, from the brakes to the suspension and fluid systems.

A close-up shot of an Acura Service Technician tightening the lugs on an Acura vehicle's wheels with a torque wrench.

What Does Acura A12 Service Mean?

Acura A12 service starts with an engine oil change and is followed by a tire rotation. From there, a mechanic will check your transmission fluid and transfer fluid, depending on whether your model has an all-wheel drivetrain. If you're unsure what your specific Acura car or SUV will require, please contact our team.

A close-up shot of an Acura Service Technician pouring oil into the engine of an Acura vehicle.

What Does Acura B12 Service Mean?

If your driver information screen shows you need B12 service, it's time for engine oil and filter replacement, along with a detailed inspection of your components. It's also time for a tire rotation and a transmission fluid check. If your model is equipped with AWD, this is also the time to check your transfer fluid.

What Does Acura B16 Service Mean?

Acura B16 service starts with your engine, where the oil and filter are replaced. It continues with a tire rotation and a detailed inspection of your vehicle's components to ensure everything's in tip-top shape. Finally, your mechanic will replace your rear differential fluid. You can only receive the B16 message if your model has rear differential fluid, which most models only have when equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

What Does Acura B17 Service Mean?

Similar to A17, when the Maintenance Minder shows B17 service, it means your engine will be filled with new oil and have the filters replaced, your tires will be rotated, a comprehensive inspection will be performed, and your brake fluid will be swapped out. If more work is required, our service bay is more than capable of performing brake repair and replacement.

What Does 15% Oil Life Mean on an Acura?

If your driver information display shows 15% oil life, it means you have a relatively low amount of oil in the tank. This can be due to normal use, lower-quality oil from driving in dusty environments, or potential leaks. In any case, visit a service center to get new oil. If you want it done fast, try Acura accelerated service and see how quickly licensed mechanics can restore your engine to peak performance.

Can I Keep Driving When My Acura Says “Maintenance Due Soon”?

If your Acura Maintenance Minder says "Maintenance Due Soon," you can keep driving, but try to schedule service sooner rather than later. This warning means you're within about 1,000 miles of your next expected appointment, which can sneak up on you quickly, but it can also mean you're nearing the 200-mile warning. We recommend making an appointment with an official technician, like those at Muller's Woodfield Acura.

What Is the Difference Between Maintenance Due Soon and Maintenance Due Now on an Acura?

"Maintenance Due Soon" means you're around 1,000 miles away from your next expected maintenance appointment. "Maintenance Due Now" means you have reached your next maintenance milestone and should call for an appointment as soon as possible, preferably within the next 250 miles, to avoid permanent damage to your Acura car or SUV.

Resolve Your Acura Maintenance Codes at Muller's Woodfield Acura

Whenever you get any of these warnings on your Acura Maintenance Minder, having a trustworthy place to go can take a lot of stress out of your upcoming appointment. Our maintenance department has cutting-edge features, factory-built parts, and a team of experienced technicians who can handle most tasks – from oil changes to car battery service.