brake fluid Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Manual

Maintenanc
e

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 315 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Acura

dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 202
Important Safety Precautions.. 203
Maintenance Schedule.................. 204
Required Maintenance Record.... 211
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 213
Fluid Locations............................... 214

Engine Oil....................................... 215 Adding Oil................................... 215
Recommended Oil..................... 215
Synthetic Oil............................... 216

Additives..................................... 216 Changing the Oil and Filter...... 217
Cooling System.............................. 219 Adding Engine Coolant............. 219Replacing Engine Coolant........ 221
Windshield Washers..................... 225
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 226

Differential Oil............................... 227
Brake Fluid..................................... 227
Brake System............................. 228
Power Steering............................... 228
Hood Latch..................................... 229
Air Cleaner Element...................... 229 Spark Plugs..................................... 231 Replacement............................... 231
Specifications............................. 234 Battery............................................ 234
Wiper Blades.................................. 237
Air Conditioning System............... 239
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 240
Drive Belts...................................... 240
Timing Belt..................................... 241 Tires................................................ 241 Inflation....................................... 241
Inspection................................... 243
Maintenance............................... 244
Tire Rotation.............................. 244
Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 245
Wheels and Tires....................... 246
Winter Driving........................... 246
Snow Tires.............................. 247
Tire Chains............................. 247
Lights.............................................. 248 Replacing Bulbs......................... 250
Storing Your Car............................ 259

Maintenance

Owne
r Maintenanc e Check s
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 169.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 170.

Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 225 . Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
226.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 22 8 . Tires —
Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
241.
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights monthly. See

page 248.

Maintenance

Differentia
l Oil , Brak e Flui dCheck the oil in the differential with
the car sitting level. Remove the oil
filler plug and check that the oil level is up to the edge of the hole.
If it is not, slowly add oil until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler plug and tighten it securely. Use a SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90
viscosity hypoid gear oil, API service classified GL4 or GL5 only, in the
differential.

Viscosity

SAE 90: above 0°F( —18°C)
SAE 80W-90: below 0°F (— 18°C)
The differential oil should be drained and refilled with new oil according to
the time and distance recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.

Brak e Flui d

Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.

CONTINUED

Maintenanc e
Correc
t
leve l

Differentia
l Oi l

FILLER PLU G
DRAI
N PLU G

Brak
e Fluid , Powe r Steerin g

Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3 brake fluid. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluidcan cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking system and can cause extensive

damage.
Brak
e Syste m
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads. Powe
r Steerin g
You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoirmonthly. Check the level when the
engine is cold. Look at the side of
the reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Maintenanc e
MA
X MI
N LOWE
R
LEVE L
UPPE
R
LEVE L

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 *

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

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

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

Inde
x

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

Servic
e Informatio n Summar y

Gasoline :

Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or

higher.

Fue l Tan k Capacity :
18.0 US gal (68 l ,15.0 Imp gal)
Recommende d Engin e Oil :
API Service SJ "Energy Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30
viscosity (see page 215).
Oil change capacity (including

filter):

4.9 US qt (4.6 l , 4.0 Imp qt)
Automati c Transmissio n Fluid :
Honda Premium Formula
Automatic Transmission Fluid
preferred, or a DEXRON ®
III ATF

as a temporary replacement (see page 226). Powe
r Steerin g Fluid :
Genuine Honda Power Steering
Fluid preferred, or another brand
of power steering fluid as a

temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page 228).

Brak e Fluid :
Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid
preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page 227). Tir
e Pressur e (measure d cold) :
Front/Rear:

29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm2)

Spar e Tir e Pressure :

60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2)