Acura Repair & Service in Kinnelon, NJ

RSW Auto Repair has worked on Acura since 2008. These cars reward correct maintenance and punish shortcuts in two specific places: the timing belt on the V6, which is an interference design, and transmission fluid, which has to be the Honda specification rather than a universal substitute. We use factory level diagnostic tools to read Acura specific codes and service the SH-AWD system properly. We hold manufacturer level computer licenses across Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Ford, GM, Jaguar and Land Rover, which means we can code and program essentially anything, and we repair any European car.

We handle the full Acura range, from the Integra and ILX through the TLX, RDX and MDX. We are RepairPal certified at both locations, and we fit OEM quality parts. Warranty options are available up to 3 Year / 36,000 Mile on qualifying repairs. Our labor rates run 20 to 40 percent below dealership pricing on most work.

Part of our European auto repair specialization, and a full service shop for every other make. Alongside BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, we handle auto repair across Kinnelon and Morris County.

• J-Series Timing Belt and Water Pump

  On the V6 cars this is the appointment that matters. The belt is an interference design, so a failure bends valves. We replace belt, tensioner and water pump as one job, because the pump is behind the belt and doing them separately means paying the same access labor twice.

• VTC Actuator Rattle on Cold Start

  A brief grinding rattle on start up from a worn variable timing control actuator. It is a known item, it is not the timing belt, and it is worth identifying correctly so nobody quotes the larger job.

• Transmission Fluid Service

  Honda and Acura automatics want their own fluid specification and they want it changed. Using a universal fluid or skipping the service is the most common cause of the shudder and flare people describe on higher mileage cars.

• Torque Converter Judder

  On several earlier automatics a shudder under light acceleration comes from the torque converter clutch. Fresh correct fluid resolves a proportion of these, which is worth trying before anyone quotes a transmission.

• SH-AWD Rear Differential Service

  The rear differential in the all wheel drive system takes its own fluid and it is very often never changed. Neglected units get noisy and lose the ability to distribute torque, which is the whole point of the system.

• Motor Mounts

  The hydraulic front mount collapses and produces vibration at idle and a clunk on gear engagement. Frequently misread as a transmission problem.

• Power Steering Hose and Pump Leaks

  The high pressure hose is a known leak point on the older cars, and the fluid lands on the belt. Small part, avoidable consequences.

• Air Conditioning Condenser

  Condensers are exposed and fail from road debris and corrosion. We test for the leak rather than recharging repeatedly, which just puts refrigerant into the atmosphere and money into nothing.

Honda specification transmission fluid is not optional on these cars. See our Transmission Repair page for more.

Two Acura services are worth booking rather than waiting for. The J-series timing belt between 90,000 and 105,000 miles is not optional on an interference engine, and the water pump goes in at the same time because it sits behind the belt. Transmission fluid at 30,000 to 40,000 miles using the correct Honda specification is the second, and it prevents most of the shift complaints we see on higher mileage cars.

• Labor Rate: Typically 20 to 40 percent lower than Acura dealership hourly rates on most repairs.
• Parts: Genuine Acura and Honda parts or equivalent quality alternatives. Same components at lower cost.
• Warranty: Options available up to 3 Year / 36,000 Mile on qualifying repairs, versus a dealer standard of 1 Year / 12,000 Mile on repair work.
• Scheduling: No franchise service department backlog. Most routine Acura services and diagnostics available same day or next day.
• Transparency: Written estimate before work starts. We recommend what your Acura actually needs, not what generates the most revenue.

Questions about your specific Acura model or year? Call (862) 895-6200.