service Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Guide

Chargin
g Syste m Indicato r

This indicator should come on when the ignition switch is ON (II), and goout after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the charging system has stopped
charging the battery. Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, climate control,
rear defogger, cruise control, etc.
Try not to use other electrically- operated controls such as the power
windows. Keep the engine running and take extra care not to stall it.
Starting the engine will discharge
the battery rapidly. By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

CHARGIN
G SYSTE M INDICATO R

Brak
e Syste m Indicato r

The Brake System Indicator comes on when you turn the ignition ON (II). If the parking brake is not set, it
goes off after you start the engine. If
the parking brake is set, it goes off
when you fully release the parking brake with the engine running. If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 228). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake

pads.

However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal
go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. You should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 292.)
If you must drive the car a short distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator come on with this
indicator, have the car inspected by
your dealer immediately.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
*U.S
. indicato r show n
BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATOR *

Emergenc
y Towin g

If your car needs to be towed, call a
professional towing service or, if you
belong to one, an organization that
provides roadside assistance. Never
tow your car behind another vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.

There are three popular types of professional towing equipment:
Flat-bed Equipment — The operator
loads your car on the back of a truck.

Thi s is th e bes t wa y to transpor t

you r Acura .
Wheel-Lift Equipment — The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. Thi s i s

a n acceptabl e wa y to to w you r

Acura .
Sling-type Equipment — The tow

truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the car off the ground. Your car's suspensionand body can be seriously damaged.
Thi s metho d o f towin g is
unacceptable .
If your Acura cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lift equipment with the front
wheels off the ground. If, due to damage, your car must be towed
with the front wheels on the ground, do the following. Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start theengine, your car must be transportedwith the front wheels off the ground.

With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the car no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep thespeed below 35 mph (55 km/h).
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
NOTIC
E

DO
T Tir e Qualit y Gradin g (U.S . Cars )
The tires on your car meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All
tires are also graded for treadwear,
traction, and temperature perform- ance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards.
The following explains these
gradings.

Unifor m Tir e Qualit y Gradin g

Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and the
maximum section width. For
example:

Treadwea r 20 0

Tractio n A A

Temperatur e A
Treadwea
r

The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one
half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Tractio
n

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability tostop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions onspecified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based onstraight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.

Technical Informatio n

Oxygenate
d Fuel s

Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines

are collectively referred to as

oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air

standards, some areas of the United

States and Canada use oxygenated

fuels to help reduce emissions.

If you use an oxygenated fuel, be

sure it is unleaded and meets the

minimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try

to confirm the fuel's contents. Some
states/provinces require this
information to be posted on the

pump.
The following are the U.S. EPA and
Canadian CGSB approved
percentages of oxygenates:
ETHANO L (ethyl or grain alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be
marketed under the name "Gasohol."
MTB E (Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether)
You may use gasoline containing up to 15 percent MTBE by volume.
METHANO L (methyl or wood

alcohol)

Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel that contains methanol.Methanol can corrode metal parts in
the fuel system, and also damage
plastic and rubber components. Thisdamage would not be covered by
your warranties. If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance
problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates
given above are not covered under
warranty.
Technical Informatio n

Custome
r Relation s Informatio n
Acura dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that yourdealership does not solve to yoursatisfaction, please discuss it with
the dealership's management. The
Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way. If you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership's
management, contact the Acura Customer Relations Office.
U.S. Owners:
Acura Automobile DivisionClient Services Office
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
or telephone: (800) 382-2238
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin

Islands:
Vortex Motor Corp.Bella International P.O. Box 190816

San Juan, PR 00919-0816
(787) 250-4327
Canadian Owners:
Refer to the Canadian Zone Office
Map on the next page. When you call or write, please give
us this information: Vehicle Identification Number
(see page 296 ) Name and address of the dealer
who services your car Date of purchase
Mileage on your car
Your name, address, and tele- phone number A detailed description of the
problem Name of the dealer who sold the
car to you
Warrant y an d Custome r Relation s

Authorize
d Manual s

These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1-800-782-4356
Servic
e Manual :
This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.

Electrica l Troubleshootin g Manual :
This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
Bod y Repai r Manual :
This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.

Inde
x

Accessories and Modifications.... 174 Accessories................................. 174
Additional Safety Precautions.. 175Modifications............................. 175
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 80
Accessory Power Socket.............. 114
Adding Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 226

Brake Fluid................................. 227

Differential Oil........................... 227

Engine Coolant........................... 219

Engine Oil................................... 215

Power Steering Fluid................. 228
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 225
Additional Information About Your Airbags............................ 48
Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
Airbag Service.............................. 48
Additional Information About Your Front Airbags................. 43
How the SRS Indicator Works... 45
How Your Front Airbags

Work.......................................... 43

SRS Components......................... 43
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 40
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners................................ 41
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40
Additional Information About
Your Side Airbags.................... 46
How The Side Airbag Indicator Light Works............................. 47
How Your Side Airbags Work.... 46
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 216
Adjustments Head Restraints........................... 95
Mirrors.......................................... 98

Seats.............................................. 93

Steering Wheel............................ 71

Airbag (SRS).......................... 9, 43, 46

Air Cleaner Element...................... 229
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 240
Air Conditioning System............... 120
Maintenance............................... 239
Usage.................................. 122, 127
Air Outlet
s (Vents)........................ 120
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 242
Alarm, Anti-theft............................ 162
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 303
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 263
Antifreeze....................................... 219
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator Light..................... 56, 187
Operation.................................... 18
6
Anti-theft, Audio System............... 162
Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock............................................... 80

Anti-theft System........................... 163

Appearance Care........................... 261

Armrest............................................. 96

Ashtrays.......................................... 116 Audio Controls, Remote................ 161

Audio System................................. 134
Automatic Climate Control System......................................... 120
Automatic Lighting.......................... 64
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners.................................... 41
CONTINUED

Inde
x

Safety Belts......................................... 8
Safety Defects, Reporting*.......... 313
Safety Features.................................. 7
Airbags............................................ 9
Door Locks................................... 10
Head Restraints........................... 10

Seat Belts........................................ 8

Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10

Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50

Safety Messages................................ ii
Seat Belt, Additional Information............................... 40
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners................................ 41
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40
Seat Belts...................................... 8, 40
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 18
Child Seat Anchor Plate.............. 39
Cleaning...................................... 264
Maintenance................................. 42
Reminder Light and
Beeper................................. 40, 54
Replacement................................. 42

System Components.................... 40

Tether Anchorage Points........... 39 Use During Pregnancy................ 18
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 15

Seat Heaters................................... 102

Seat Position Memory................... 100

Seats, Adjusting the.........................
93

Security Alar
m System ................. 163
Serial Number................................ 296

Service Intervals............................ 206

Service Manual*............................ 315

Service Station Procedures .......... 167
Setting the Clock........................... 108
Shifting the Automatic
Transmission.............................. 180

Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 180 Shift Lock Release......................... 183

Side Airbags..................................... 46

How The Side Airbag Indicator
Light Works............................. 47

How Your Side Airbags Work.... 46
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in.......................... 253

Signaling Turns................................ 66

Ski Sleeve........................................ 103
Snow Tires...................................... 247

Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 262
Sound System................................. 134
Spare Tire Inflating....................................... 270
Specifications............................. 299
Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 231
Specifications Charts..................... 298
Speed Control................................... 73
Speedometer.................................... 58Spotlights........................................ 117
SRS, Additional Information..... 43, 46 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners................................ 41
How the SRS Indicator Works... 45
How Your Airbags Work...... 43, 46
SRS Components......................... 43

SRS Service................................... 48

SRS Indicator.............................. 45, 55

START (Ignition Key Position)..... 80

Starting the Engine........................ 179

In Cold Weather at High
Altitude................................... 179
With a Dead Battery ................. 278

Steam Coming from Engine......... 280

Inde
x

Steering Wheel
Adjustments................................. 71

Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 80
Position Memory....................... 100

Stereo Sound System.................... 134

Storing Your Car............................ 259
Sun Visor......................................... 113

Sunglasses Holder......................... 110

Supplemental Restraint
System............................. 9
,
43, 4
6

Service Precautions..................... 48

Servicing....................................... 48

SRS Indicator.......................... 45, 55

System Components.................... 43

Tensioners, Seat Belts................ 41
Synthetic Oil................................... 216
Tachometer...................................... 58
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 254
Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 269
Tape Player ........................... 139, 154
Technical Descriptions
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 301
Driving in Foreign Countries... 304 Emissions Control Systems...... 305
Oxygenated Fuels...................... 303
Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 307
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System..................................... 300
Temperature Gauge........................ 60
Tensioners, Seat Belts .................... 41
Tether Anchorage Points............... 39
Theft Deterrent System................ 163
Theft Protection............................. 162
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 307
Time, Setting the........................... 108
Timing Belt..................................... 241
Tire Chains..................................... 247
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 271
Tires................................................ 241 Air Pressure............................... 242Balancing.................................... 244
Checking Wear.......................... 243
Compact Spare........................... 270
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 301
Inflation....................................... 241
Inspection................................... 243
Maintenance............................... 244
Replacing.................................... 245
Rotating....................................... 244

Snow............................................ 247

Specifications............................. 299

Tools, Tire Changing.................... 271

Torn Seat Belts................................ 42

Towing

A Trailer...................................... 194
By Emergency Wrecker........... 292

Transmission
Checkin g
Fluid Level,

Automatic............................... 226

Fluid Selection............................ 226

Identification Number............... 297

Shifting the Automatic.............. 180

Treadwear...................................... 301

Trip Meter........................................ 59

Trunk................................................. 86

Opening the.................................. 86

Open Monitor Light.................... 57

Turn Signals..................................... 66

CONTINUED