wheel Acura RL 2000 3.5 Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2000, Model line: RL, Model: Acura RL 2000Pages: 330, PDF Size: 4.53 MB
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.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
*U.S
. indicato r show n
BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATOR *
Page 295 of 330
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
Page 296 of 330
Emergenc
y Towin g
If you decide to tow your car with all
four wheels on the ground, make sure you use a properly-designed and
attached tow bar. Prepare the car for
towing as described above, and leave the ignition switch in Accessory (I)so the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power socket are turned off so they do not
run down the battery.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
freely before you begin towing. Trying to lift or tow your car by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the car's weight.
Taking Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
NOTIC
E
NOTIC E
Page 303 of 330
Vehicl
e Stabilit y Assis t (VSA ) Syste m
The Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA) monitors the car's actions
during straight-line acceleration and
cornering behavior. It reduces
engine power and applies selective
braking if it senses any loss of
traction.
Controllin g Tractio n Durin g
Straight-lin e Acceleratio n
If one drive wheel is turning faster
than the other, or both drive wheels
are turning faster than the non- driven wheels, VSA senses
wheelspin. It reduces engine power and applies braking at the wheels as
necessary to increase traction.
To do this, VSA monitors the pulse frequencies from the wheel speed sensors. It also uses information
from the steering wheel angle sensor
and the lateral acceleration sensor to determine if the car is accelerating in
a straight line or if it is cornering.
VSA can then calculate how much wheelspin, if any, to allow. It signals
the ECU to reduce fuel flow andretard ignition timing. This reduces
available engine power. The ECU
will also apply braking at the wheels as necessary. When wheelspin has
been controlled, braking and engine
control return to normal.
Controllin g Tractio n Durin g
Cornerin g
VSA monitors steering input and the car's expected response to that input.
VSA's yaw rate sensor measures the car's actual cornering behavior. If VSA determines that the car is
turning more or less than expected,
the system reduces engine power
and applies braking at the
appropriate wheel to try and
maintain adequate traction during
cornering.
VSA uses the same wheel speed sensor assemblies as the ABS.
Additional sensors measure steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration, and
yaw rate.
The control unit monitors the VSA circuitry while driving. If it senses a
problem, it turns off the system and illuminates the VSA System
Indicator on the instrument panel.
Technica l Informatio n
Page 305 of 330
DO
T Tir e Qualit y Gradin g (U.S . Cars )
Temperatur e
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlledconditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading eitherseparately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
Technica l Informatio n
Page 320 of 330
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
Page 322 of 330
Inde
x
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 326 of 330
Inde
x
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
Page 328 of 330
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
Page 329 of 330
Inde
x
Underside, Cleaning...................... 266
Unexpected, Taking Care
of the........................................... 269
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 301
Unleaded Gasoline......................... 166
Upholstery Cleaning...................... 264
Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 218
Vanity Mirror................................. 113
Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 175
Vehicle Dimensions....................... 298
Vehicle Identification Number..... 296
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System..................................... 189
Technical Description............... 300
VSA System Indicator........ 56, 190
VSA Activation Indicator... 56, 189
VSA Off Switch.......................... 190
Vehicle Storage.............................. 259
Ventilation...................................... 120
VIN.................................................. 296
Vinyl Cleaning................................ 264 Warning Beepers
Headlights on............................... 63
Key in Ignition.............................. 80
Seat Belts................................ 40, 54
WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii
Warning Labels, Location of.......... 50
Warranty Coverages*................... 312
Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level......... 225Operation...................................... 70
Washing.......................................... 262
Waxing and Polishing................... 263
Wheels
Adjusting the Steering................ 71
Alignment and Balance............. 244
Cleaning Aluminum Alloys....... 263
Compact Spare........................... 270
Wrench....................................... 272
Windows Cleaning...................................... 265
Operating the Power................. 105
Rear, Defogger............................
71
Windshield Cleaning....................................... .
68
Defroster............................ 126,
131
Wipers, Windshiel
d
Changing Blades........................ 237
Operation...................................... 68
Wood Trim..................................... 265
Worn Tires..................................... 243
Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 292
* U.S. and Canada only
Viscosity, Oil................................... 216