brake Acura RL 2000 3.5 Service Manual

Jum
p Startin g
If your car's battery has run down,
you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
You cannot start your Acura bypushing or pulling it. To jump start your car, follow these
directions closely:
1. Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery
(see page 234). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting to jump start with a frozen
battery can cause it to rupture.

2. Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: climate control, stereo
system, lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.

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A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
NOTICE

I
f You r Engin e Overheat s

The pointer of your car's tempera- ture gauge should stay in the mid-range under most conditions. It may
go higher if you are driving up a long steep hill on a very hot day. If it
climbs to the red mark, you should
determine the reason.

Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine. Your car can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a

mechanical problem. The only

indication may be the temperature

gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming from under the hood.

In either case, you should take

immediate action.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn off the climate control and all
other accessories. Turn on the
hazard warning indicators.
2. If you see steam
and/or spray
coming from under the hood, turn
of

f the engine.
3. I

f you do not see steam
or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill
on a
hot day with the A/C running, for
example), the engine should start
to cool down
almost immediately.
If it does, wait
until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down
to the mid-
point then continue driving.
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NOTIC
E

Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.

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 *

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).
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NOTIC
E

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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

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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

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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

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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