Acura RL 1996-2004 Drivetrain Specifications
Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the drivetrain system of the 1996-2004 Acura RL. Includes engine, transmission, differential, driveshaft, and AWD system details.
Drivetrain Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the drivetrain specifications for the 1996-2004 Acura RL. It includes detailed information about the engine, transmission, drivetrain system, suspension, and brakes. Use the search functionality to quickly find specific details, and navigate through the sections to explore each component thoroughly. Refer to the quick reference section for key specifications at a glance.
How to Use
To search for specific drivetrain information, use keywords like 'engine type,' 'transmission gears,' or 'drivetrain layout' in the search bar. This will help you quickly locate the relevant section or subsection.
Navigate through the document by exploring the major sections listed in the table of contents. Each section is divided into subsections that provide detailed technical points. Use the quick reference section for a concise overview of key specifications.
Key Specifications
Engine Displacement
3.5L
Horsepower
210 HP @ 5200 rpm
Torque
224 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Transmission
4-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Fuel Capacity
17.2 gallons
Available Specifications
Engine
The engine is the heart of the drivetrain, responsible for generating power and torque. This section details the specifications of the engine used in the 1996-2004 Acura RL.
Engine
The engine is the heart of the drivetrain, responsible for generating power and torque. This section details the specifications of the engine used in the 1996-2004 Acura RL.
Engine Type and Displacement
- 3.5L V6 engine
- Single overhead camshaft (SOHC)
- 24 valves
- VTEC variable valve timing
- Aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads
Performance Specifications
- 210 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
- 224 lb-ft of torque @ 2800 rpm
- Redline at 5500 rpm
- Fuel injection system: Multi-point fuel injection
- Recommended fuel: Premium unleaded gasoline
Transmission
The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. This section outlines the specifications of the transmission system.
Transmission
The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. This section outlines the specifications of the transmission system.
Transmission Type and Gears
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Electronically controlled with overdrive
- Torque converter with lock-up clutch
- Front-wheel drive (FWD) layout
- Gear ratios: 2.541, 1.533, 1.0, 0.689
Drivetrain System
The drivetrain system includes components that transmit power from the engine to the wheels. This section provides details about the drivetrain layout and additional components.
Drivetrain System
The drivetrain system includes components that transmit power from the engine to the wheels. This section provides details about the drivetrain layout and additional components.
Drivetrain Layout
- Front-wheel drive (FWD)
- Power is sent to the front wheels through the transmission and driveshaft
- No limited-slip differential
- Stabilizer bars for improved handling
- Power steering: Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion
Suspension
The suspension system ensures a smooth ride and stable handling. This section details the front and rear suspension components.
Suspension
The suspension system ensures a smooth ride and stable handling. This section details the front and rear suspension components.
Front Suspension
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Coil springs with stabilizer bar
- Gas-filled shock absorbers
- Anti-dive geometry for improved braking stability
Rear Suspension
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Coil springs with stabilizer bar
- Gas-filled shock absorbers
- Anti-lift geometry for improved acceleration stability
Brakes
The braking system is crucial for safe and controlled deceleration. This section provides specifications for the front and rear brakes.
Brakes
The braking system is crucial for safe and controlled deceleration. This section provides specifications for the front and rear brakes.
Brake System
- Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes
- Front brakes: 11.8-inch ventilated discs
- Rear brakes: 10.2-inch solid discs
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
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Component Specifications
Overview
- Type
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Configuration
- Transverse engine layout
- Platform
- Acura RL (KA9)
- Material
- Aluminum alloy engine block and cylinder head
- Location
- Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Dimensions
- Engine Block Length
- 21.1 in (536 mm)
- Engine Block Width
- 19.3 in (490 mm)
- Engine Block Height
- 24.8 in (630 mm)
- Transmission Length
- 30.7 in (780 mm)
- Transmission Width
- 18.1 in (460 mm)
- Transmission Height
- 10.2 in (260 mm)
- Front Driveshaft Length
- 42.9 in (1090 mm)
- Rear Driveshaft Length
- 39.4 in (1000 mm)
Materials
- Engine Block
- Aluminum alloy with cast iron sleeves
- Cylinder Head
- Aluminum alloy with double overhead camshafts
- Transmission Case
- Die-cast aluminum alloy
- Driveshaft
- High-strength steel with CV joints
- Cv Joints
- Rubber boots with grease packing
Features
- Engine Features
-
- 3.5L V6 (C35A) engine
- Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
- Multi-point fuel injection system
- Dual-stage intake manifold
- Direct ignition system
- Transmission Features
-
- 4-speed automatic transmission (ATF)
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with adaptive shift control
- Torque converter with lock-up clutch
- Overdrive gear for improved fuel efficiency
- Manual shift mode (available in later models)
- Drivetrain Features
-
- Helical limited-slip differential
- Constant Velocity (CV) joints with boot seals
- Stabilizer bars for improved handling
- Power rack-and-pinion steering
- Speed-sensitive power steering
- Driveshaft Features
-
- High-strength steel construction
- Durable rubber CV boots
- Grease-packed CV joints
- Balanced driveshaft for reduced vibration
- Suspension Features
-
- Independent front double-wishbone suspension
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Stabilizer bars front and rear
- Gas-pressurized shock absorbers
- Progressive-rate coil springs
- Braking Features
-
- Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
- Ventilated front brake rotors
- Solid rear brake rotors
Safety Features
- Electronic Stability Control
-
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Electronic Differential (for improved traction)
- Braking Systems
-
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Structural integrity
-
- Reinforced front subframe
- High-strength steel driveshaft components
- Crash-worthy body structure
Comfort Features
- Smooth Operation
-
- VTEC engine for smooth power delivery
- Adaptive automatic transmission
- Helical limited-slip differential for smooth acceleration
- Noise Reduction
-
- Engine mounts with vibration dampening
- Transmission mounts with noise insulation
- CV joint boots for reduced drivetrain noise
- Drivetrain Comfort
-
- Speed-sensitive power steering
- Progressive-rate coil springs for smooth ride
- Gas-pressurized shock absorbers
- Ergonomic Design
-
- Power-assisted steering with tilt adjustment
- Cruise control system
- Manual shift mode for driver control
- Advanced Technology
-
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for drivetrain management
- Real-time traction control system
- Adaptive shift control for improved fuel efficiency
Accessories
- Transmission Accessories
-
- Transmission fluid pan gasket
- Transmission filter kit
- Transmission cooler lines
- ATF dipstick
- Driveshaft Accessories
-
- CV joint replacement kit
- Driveshaft center bearing
- Driveshaft mounting hardware
- CV boot repair kit
- Differential Accessories
-
- Differential fluid change kit
- Differential gasket set
- Differential mounting hardware
- Differential breather kit
Maintenance
- Service interval
-
- Oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
- Tire rotation every 5,000 miles
- Brake inspection every 15,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change every 30,000 miles
- CV joint inspection every 30,000 miles
- Differential fluid change every 60,000 miles
- Maintenance Notes
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for optimal drivetrain performance and longevity.
Warranty
- Basic Warranty
- Miles: 36,000 milesYears: 3 yearsCoverage: Bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Powertrain Warranty
- Miles: 70,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: Engine, transmission, drivetrain components
- Corrosion Warranty
- Miles: 70,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: Perforation of body panels
- Emissions Warranty
- Miles: 98,000 milesYears: 8 yearsCoverage: Emissions-related components
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Acura division)
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Casting engine block and cylinder head
- Machining transmission components
- Assembly of drivetrain components
- Testing drivetrain system for performance and reliability
- Quality control inspection before installation
- Quality Control
- inspection: Rigorous inspection of all drivetrain componentsTesting: Performance and durability testingCertification: Compliance with industry standards
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recycling of materials during production
- Energy-efficient manufacturing processes
- Emissions reduction in production facilities
- Production Metrics
- Annual Production: Over 100,000 unitsAssembly Line Speed: 1 vehicle every 60 secondsQuality Rating: High reliability and durability scores
Service Information for drivetrain Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Engine oil and filter change
- Tire rotation
- Brake inspection
- Transmission fluid level check
- Driveshaft and CV joint inspection
Essential maintenance tasks for smooth drivetrain operation
- Transmission fluid change
- Differential fluid change
- CV joint boot inspection
- Driveshaft balancing check
- Brake pad replacement (if needed)
More extensive maintenance to ensure drivetrain longevity
- Engine coolant replacement
- Spark plug replacement
- Timing belt inspection
- Driveshaft center bearing replacement
- Differential mount replacement (if needed)
Critical maintenance tasks to prevent drivetrain failure
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of drivetrain does the 1996-2004 Acura RL use?
What type of drivetrain does the 1996-2004 Acura RL use?
The 1996-2004 Acura RL features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. It is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine (C35A) paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (MPOA) for the 1996-1998 models and a 5-speed automatic transmission (M5HA) for the 1999-2004 models.
Q2 What is the torque specification for the drivetrain components?
What is the torque specification for the drivetrain components?
The torque specification for the front axle hub nut is 181 lb-ft (245 Nm). The driveshaft-to-differential bolts should be torqued to 33 lb-ft (45 Nm). Always refer to the service manual for specific torque values for other drivetrain components.
Q3 How often should the transmission fluid be replaced?
How often should the transmission fluid be replaced?
Acura recommends replacing the automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 24 months, whichever comes first. Use only Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 or equivalent fluid for optimal performance.
Q4 What is the gear ratio for the differential?
What is the gear ratio for the differential?
The final drive gear ratio for the 1996-2004 Acura RL is 4.266:1. This ratio is consistent across all model years and trims.
Q5 Can the Acura RL be converted to all-wheel drive (AWD)?
Can the Acura RL be converted to all-wheel drive (AWD)?
No, the Acura RL was not designed to support an all-wheel-drive configuration. Converting it to AWD would require extensive modifications that are not recommended due to structural, mechanical, and warranty implications.
Q6 What are the signs of a failing driveshaft?
What are the signs of a failing driveshaft?
Common signs of a failing driveshaft include vibrations during acceleration, clunking noises when shifting gears, and difficulty turning. If these symptoms occur, inspect the driveshaft, CV joints, and related components immediately.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
Acura RL Drivetrain Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial service manual for the 1996-2004 Acura RL drivetrain, including detailed repair procedures, torque specifications, and maintenance schedules.
Transmission Fluid Replacement Guide
Coming SoonStep-by-step guide for replacing the automatic transmission fluid in the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including fluid type recommendations and safety precautions.
Driveshaft Inspection and Repair
Coming SoonComprehensive guide to inspecting and repairing the driveshaft and CV joints in the Acura RL, including common failure points and replacement procedures.
Torque Specifications for Drivetrain Components
Coming SoonDetailed list of torque specifications for all drivetrain components in the 1996-2004 Acura RL, ensuring proper assembly and safety.
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Technical Information
- All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
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