Acura J37 3.7L V6: Engine Codes, Specs, ECUs & Oil-Consumption Issues
Honda / Acura · Engine Information
J37 · 3.7L VTEC V6
Acura’s largest J-series V6 uses port injection and VTEC to deliver up to 305 hp. The MDX, RL, TL SH-AWD and ZDX have distinct codes and calibrations; oil-consumption history deserves particular attention.
Engine design
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,664 cc |
| Bore × stroke | 90 × 96 mm |
| Construction | Aluminum block and head |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 24 valves; VTEC; timing belt |
| Compression | Early MDX: 11.0:1; later listed examples: 11.2:1 |
| Fuel | Port injection; premium fuel specified |
Codes & factory output
| Engine / version | hp | lb-ft |
|---|---|---|
| J37A1 · MDX 2007–2009 | 300 | 275 |
| J37A1 · MDX 2010–2013 | 300 | 270 |
| J37A2 · RL | 300 | 271 |
| J37A4 · TL SH-AWD | 305 | 273 |
| J37A5 · ZDX | 300 | 270 |
U.S. & Canadian applications
| Model | Model years | Engine code | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2007–2013 | J37A1 | 5AT / 6AT by year |
| Acura RL | 2009–2012 | J37A2 | 5AT / 6AT by year |
| Acura TL SH-AWD | 2009–2014 | J37A4 | 5AT / 6AT; 6MT on selected years |
| Acura ZDX | 2010–2013 | J37A5 | 6AT |
Engine controllers
| Application / PCM family | Controller / hardware | Identification details |
|---|---|---|
| MDX · 37820-RYE | Acura PGM-FI PCM family | 2007–2009 A51–A63; 2010–2011 A71–A85; 2012–2013 B21–B33 |
| TL 3.7 · 37820-RK2 | Acura PGM-FI PCM family | MT A01–A13; AT A71–A96 |
| RL / ZDX | Application-specific Acura PCM | Check complete label and calibration |
The documented part families identify applications; they do not establish one common MCU or flash capacity for every J37. Match the transmission, emissions version and full suffix.
Common issues & maintenance
- Excessive oil consumptionAcura documented carbon-restricted oil-control rings on certain 2010–2013 MDX, 2011–2012 RL, 2009–2014 TL SH-AWD and 2010–2013 ZDX vehicles. Oil-consumption testing determines the repair.
- Belt & tensioner serviceConfirm scheduled replacement history, inspect for coolant leaks and abnormal tensioner noise, and use the exact model’s maintenance requirements.
- Leaks & misfiresTrack oil level and inspect covers, seals, plugs and valve clearance. A warning light or oil use needs diagnosis rather than a blanket family assumption.
Check the dipstick regularly and keep records if oil consumption increases. The historical warranty extension is not automatic current coverage; confirm the vehicle’s eligibility and follow the correct service schedule.
References
| Topic | Source |
|---|---|
| Original MDX design | Acura 2007 MDX engineering |
| Revised MDX | Acura 2010 MDX introduction |
| TL specifications | Acura 2010 TL overview |
| RL specifications | Acura 2011 RL overview |
| MDX controller table | KTuner MDX |
| TL controller table | KTuner TL |
| Oil-consumption diagnosis | Acura bulletin 19-006 |
