Service and repair manuals for 17 model years of the Acura RL, 1996 to 2012. Each manual is matched to one exact year — the specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Acura published for that year's engine and trim, not values carried across the whole production run.
Engines across the range: 3.5L V6 — 212 cu in, SOHC · 3.7L V6 — 224 cu in, SOHC.
Federal safety record, all years: 55 recalls, 522 owner complaints and 991 technical service bulletins are logged for the RL. Refreshed 2026-08-21.
01 / Model yearsChoose your RL year
| Year | Price | Recalls | Engines | Trims | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $29.99 | 4 | 3.7L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2011 | $29.99 | 4 | 3.7L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2010 | $29.99 | 5 | 3.7L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2009 | $29.99 | 5 | 3.7L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2008 | $29.99 | 5 | 3.5L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door · Elite Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2007 | $29.99 | 6 | 3.5L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2006 | $29.99 | 6 | 3.5L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2005 | $29.99 | 7 | 3.5L V6 | Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2004 | $29.99 | — | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door | select |
| 2003 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2002 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2001 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 2000 | $29.99 | 3 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 1999 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 1998 | $29.99 | 1 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · SE Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 1997 | $29.99 | 2 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
| 1996 | $29.99 | 3 | 3.5L V6 | Premium Sedan 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door | details → |
02 / InsideSample pages
From the 2012 RL manual.
03 / ContentsWhat the manual covers
- Quick Lookups 614
- Engine Performance 769
- Accessories & Equipment 1,428
- General Information 1,499
- Body & Frame 412
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 122
- Brakes 249
- Maintenance 39
- Restraints 216
- Drivelines & Axles 139
- Steering 86
- Electrical 3,148
- Suspension 148
- Engine Mechanical 261
- Transmission 266
- Front 329
- Rear 245
04 / Other yearsOther RL years
2004 Acura RL · $29.99 select →
Engines: 3.5L V6 — 212 cu in, SOHC. Trims: Premium Sedan 4-Door.
No recalls on federal record for the 2004 RL. 16 complaints · 29 TSBs.
05 / OwnershipOwn it — don't rent it
| Option | What you pay | After a year |
|---|---|---|
| eManualStore RL manual | $29.99 once | Still yours |
| Per-vehicle online subscription | from $29 / year, renewing | Pay again or lose access |
| Library membership services | $33 / month, capped | $396 spent, nothing kept |
| Professional shop databases | $499–$2,388 / year | Renew or lose access |
Competitor figures as published on their sites, August 2026.
FAQQuestions about the RL manual
Which RL years does this manual cover?
Every year from 1996 to 2012 — 17 separate manuals, one per model year. Pick your year in the selector; the manual you receive is matched to that exact year, engine and trim.
Is this the OEM Acura RL manual or an aftermarket guide?
The OEM version. It carries the procedures, specifications, torque values and wiring diagrams Acura published for the RL, organized by system — not a condensed aftermarket summary.
Does it include RL wiring diagrams?
Yes. Full wiring diagrams are part of every RL manual, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostic information.
Does the manual cover RL recalls?
55 recalls are on federal record across the 1996–2012 RL, listed by year below. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind the systems involved; the recall repairs themselves are performed free by Acura dealers.
Why do some RL years cost more?
Every RL year is $29.99.
Is this a subscription?
No. One payment, and the manual is yours to keep — unlike per-vehicle subscriptions that renew every year.
How do I get the manual after purchase?
It is a digital manual — nothing ships. Access details arrive by email right after checkout, and you can use it on any device.
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By year: 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 2003 · 2002 · 2001