check engine Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2000, Model line: RL, Model: Acura RL 2000Pages: 330, PDF Size: 4.53 MB
Page 284 of 330
I
f You r Engin e Overheat s
4. If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you continue driving (see Emergenc y
Towin g on page 292).
7. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page170). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
8. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator.
9. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes off. 10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90° F/32° C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plai
n water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
refilled with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
11. Put the radiator cap back
on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back t
o the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See Emergenc y
Towin g o
n page 29
2.)
12. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back
on
tightly.
Takin g Car e
o
f th e Unexpecte d
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Page 285 of 330
Lo
w Oi l Pressur e Indicato r
This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go outafter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible
. I
n either case, you should
take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the car stopped.
1.
Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level
(see page
169). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly connected, a
n engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page
215). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs tob
e repaired before you can
continue driving. (See Emergenc y
Towin g o
n page 29
2.)
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f th e Unexpecte d
NOTIC
E
LO W OI L PRESSUR E INDICATO R
Page 287 of 330
Malfunctio
n Indicato r Lam p
This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine's emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel no difference in your car's performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your car to put out excessive emissions.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing
fuel
fill cap. Check
the cap
and tighte
n it until it clicks several
times. Replace the fuel fill cap if
it is
missing. Tightening
the cap will
not
make the
indicator turn off
immediately; it takes three
driving
trips
.
If
the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have
the car
checked by
the dealer as
soon as
possible.
Drive
moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and driving at high speed.
You should also have
the dealer
inspect you
r car if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even
though it
may tur
n off as you continue driving.
If you keep driving with the
malfunction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car's emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car's warranties.
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MALFUNCTIO
N INDICATO R LAM P
NOTIC
E
Page 288 of 330
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.
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*U.S
. indicato r show n
BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATOR *
Page 321 of 330
Inde
x
Automatic Speed Control................ 73
Automatic Transmission............... 180
Capacity, Fluid........................... 298
Checking Fluid Level................ 226
Shifting........................................ 180
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 180
Shift Lever Positions................. 180
Shift Lock Release..................... 183
Battery
Charging System
Indicator............................ 54, 283
Jump Starting............................. 278
Maintenance............................... 234
Specifications............................. 299
Before Driving............................... 165
Belts, Seat..................................... 8, 40
Beverage Holder............................ 111
Body Repair.................................... 267
Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 186
Break-in, New Linings .............. 166
Fluid............................................ 227
Light, Burned-out...................... 254 Parking........................................ 108
System Indicator.................. 54, 285
Wear Indicators......................... 185
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 186System Indicator.................. 56, 187
Braking System.............................
. 185
Break-in, New Car......................... 166
Brightness Control, Instruments... 66
Brights, Headlights......................... 63
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 254
Brake Lights............................... 254
Ceiling Lights............................. 257
Courtesy Lights......................... 257
Fog Lights.................................. 251 Front Side Marker Lights......... 253
Headlights.................................. 250
High-mount Brake Light.......... 255
License Plate Lights.................. 256
Specifications............................. 299
Trunk Light................................ 258
Turn Signal Lights..................... 253
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 250
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 278
Cancel Button................................... 75
Capacities Chart............................. 298
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Carrying, Cargo............................. 174
Cassette Player
Care............................................. 154
Operation........................... 139, 151
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer................. 142, 155, 157
Ceiling Lights................................. 117
Certification Label......................... 296
Chains............................................. 247
Change Oil
How to......................................... 217
When to....................................... 206
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 271
Changing Engine Coolant............. 221
Charging System Indicator.... 54, 283
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 226
Battery Condition...................... 234
Brake Fluid................................. 227
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Differential Oil........................... 227
Drive Belts.................................. 240
Engine Coolant........................... 170
Engine Oil................................... 169
Fuses........................................... 288 Power Steering Fluid................. 228
Checklist, Before Driving............. 178
Childproof Door Locks................... 85
Cigarette Lighter........................... 115
Cleaner, Air.................................... 229
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..................... 263
Carpeting.................................... 264
Exterior....................................... 262
Fabric.......................................... 264
Interior........................................ 264
Leather........................................ 264
Seat Belts.................................... 264
Vinyl............................................ 264
Windows..................................... 265
Wood Trim................................. 265
Climate Control System................ 120
Clock, Setting the.......................... 108
Code, Audio System...................... 162
CO in the Exhaust......................... 305
Coin Box......................................... 112 Cold Weather, Starting in............. 179
Compact Spare............................... 270
Console Compartment.................. 112
Consumer Information*................ 310
Controls, Instruments and.............. 51
Coolant
Adding......................................... 219
Checking..................................... 170
Proper Solution.......................... 219
Replacing.................................... 221
Temperature Gauge.................... 60
Corrosion Protection..................... 266
Courtesy Lights............................. 118 Crankcase Emissions Control System......................................... 305
Cruise Control Operation............... 73
Customer Relations Office........... 310
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard.................................... 2, 52
Daytime Running Lights................. 65
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 278
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 313
Defogger, Rear Window................. 71
Defrosting the Windows....... 126, 131
DEXRON
®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 226
Differential Oil ............................... 227
Dimensions..................................... 298
Dimming the Headlights................ 63
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission........... 226
Engine Oil................................... 169
Directional Signals........................... 66
Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 292
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 185
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 218
Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 81
Lockout Prevention..................... 82
Monitor Light............................... 57
Power Door Locks....................... 81
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 301
Drive Belts...................................... 240
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5
CONTINUED
Page 323 of 330
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Driving............................................ 177
Economy..................................... 171
In Bad Weather.......................... 192
In Foreign Countries................. 304
Driving Position Memory
System......................................... 100
Economy, Fuel............................... 171
Emergencies on the Road............. 269
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 278
Brake System Indicator............ 285
Changing a Flat Tire................. 271
Charging System Indicator...... 283
Checking the Fuses................... 288
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 282
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 284
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 286
Overheated Engine................... 280
Emergency Brake.......................... 108
Emergency Flashers....................... 70
Emergency Towing....................... 292
Emissions Controls........................ 305
Engine
Belts............................................. 240
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 60
Malfunction IndicatorLamp................................. 55, 284
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 54, 282
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 215
Overheating................................ 280
Specifications............................. 299
Speed Limiter............................. 182
Engine Speed Limiter.................... 182
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 303
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 305
Exhaust Fumes................................ 49
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System......................................... 306
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 18
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 262
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 264
Fan, Interior........................... 124, 129
Features, Comfort and
Convenience............................... 119
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 167
Filters
Air Cleaner................................. 229
Air Conditioning........................ 240
Oil................................................ 217
First Gear, Shifting........................ 182
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 70
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 271
Fluids
Automatic Transmission........... 226
Brake........................................... 227
Differential................................. 227
Power Steering........................... 228
Windshield Washer................... 225
FM Stereo Radio
Reception............................ 135, 145
Fog Lights......................................... 67
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 304
Four-way Flashers........................... 70
Front Airbags............................... 9, 43
Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker................. 292
Fuel.................................................. 166
Fill Door and Cap....................... 167
Gauge............................................ 60
Octane Requirement................. 166
Oxygenated................................ 303
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Reserve Indicator......................... 57
Tank, Filling the......................... 167
Fuel Mileage, Improving............... 171
Fuses, Checking the...................... 288
Gasohol........................................... 303
Gasoline.......................................... 166
Fuel Reserv
e Indicator................ 57
Gauge............................................
60
Octane Requirement................
. 166
Tank, Fillin
g the......................... 167
Gas Statio
n Procedures................. 167
Gauges..............................................
58
Engine Coolan
t Temperature .... 60
Fuel................................................
60
Maintenance Require
d
Indicator.................................... 61
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) ........................................ 195
Gearshift Lever Positions .............180
Glass Cleaning............................... 265
Glove Box......................................... 87
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ........................................ 195
Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 250
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 70
Headlights
Automatic Lighting..................... 64
Daytime Running Lights............. 65
High Beam Indicator................... 57
High Beams, Turning on............ 63
Lights On Indicator..................... 55
Low Beams, Turning on............. 63
Reminder Chime.......................... 63
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 250
Turning on.................................... 63
Head Restraints............................... 95
Heating and Cooling...................... 120
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 179
High-Low Beam Switch .................. 63
High-mount Brake Light............... 255
HomeLink Universal
Transmitter.................................. 88
Hood Latch..................................... 229
Hood, Opening the ........................ 168
Horn................................................... 62
Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 219
Hydroplaning.................................. 193 Identification Number, Vehicle.... 296
If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 292
Ignition
Keys............................................... 77
Switch............................................ 80
Timing Control System............. 306
Immobilizer System......................... 78
Important Safety Precautions .......... 6
Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel.............................................. 53
Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 241
Inside Mirror.................................... 98
Inspection, Tire.............................. 243
Instrument Panel............................. 53
Instrument Panel Brightness......... 66
Interior Cleaning............................ 264
Introduction......................................... i
CONTINUED
Page 325 of 330
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x
Jacking up the Car......................... 272
Jack, Tire........................................ 272
Jump Starting................................. 278
Keys................................................... 77
Label, Certification........................ 296
Lane Change, Signaling.................. 66
Lap/Shoulder Belt........................... 40
Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 49
Learning Key.................................... 78
Leather, Cleaning.......................... 264
Lights On Indicator......................... 55Lighter, Cigarette.......................... 115
Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 250
Ceiling......................................... 117
Courtesy...................................... 118
Indicator........................................ 53
Parking.......................................... 63 Turn Signal................................... 66Load Limit...................................... 175
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 80
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column........ 80
Childproof Door........................... 85
Fuel Fill Door............................. 167
Glove Box.....................................
87
Power Door.................................. 81
Trunk............................................ 86
Trunk Pass-through Cover......... 97
Low Coolant Level......................... 170
Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 57
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 54, 282
Lubricant Specifications
Chart........................................... 298
Luggage.......................................... 174
Maintenance................................... 201
Owner Maintenance Checks.... 213
Record.................................. 211- 212
Required Indicator....................... 61
Safety........................................... 202
Schedule.............................. 206- 210
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .. 55, 284
Memory, Driving Position............ 100
Meters, Gauges................................ 58
Methanol in Gasoline.................... 303
Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 98
Moonroof........................................ 106
Closing Manually....................... 286
Operation.................................... 106
Neutral Gear Position.................... 181 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 166
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i
Numbers, Identification................ 296
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 166Odometer.......................................... 59
Odometer, Trip................................ 59
Oil
Change, How to......................... 217
Change, When to....................... 206
Checking Engine....................... 169
Pressure Indicator............... 54, 282
Page 326 of 330
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Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart....................................... 216
ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 80
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery..................................... 305
Opening the Hood......................... 168
Opening the Trunk.......................... 86
Operation in Foreign Countries... 304
Outside Mirrors............................... 98
Outside Temperature Indicator..... 59
Overheating, Engine..................... 280
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 213
Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 303
Paint Touch-up............................... 263
Panel Brightness Control............... 66
Park Gear Position......................... 181
Parking............................................ 184
Parking Brake................................ 108
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator.................. 54, 285
Parking Lights.................................. 63
Parking Over Things that Burn... 307
PGM-FI System.............................. 306
Polishing and Waxing................... 263
Power
Door Locks................................... 81
Mirrors.......................................... 98
Seat Controls...............................
. 93
Steering....................................... 228
Steering Wheel............................ 71
Windows..................................... 105
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 18
Protecting Adults............................. 12
Additional Safety Precautions.... 19
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 18
Protecting Children......................... 20
Protecting Infants........................ 28
Protecting Larger Children........ 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 32
Using Child Seats withTethers...................................... 39
Radiator Overheating.................... 280
Radio/Cassette Sound System .... 134
Rear End Towing........................... 292
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 254
Rear Seat Armrest........................... 97
Rear Ventilation............................. 132
Rear View Mirror............................. 98
Rear Window Defogger.................. 71
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 94
Reminder Lights.............................. 53
Remote Transmitter........................ 82
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 229
Air Conditioning Filter.............. 240 Engine Coolant........................... 221
Engine Oil and Filter................. 217
Fuses........................................... 288
Light Bulbs................................. 250
Schedule..................................... 204
Spark Plugs................................. 231
Tires............................................ 24
5
Wiper Blades.............................. 237
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash............................................. 42
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 170
Reverse Gear Position................... 181
Rotation, Tire................................. 244
CONTINUED