coolant temperature Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2000, Model line: RL, Model: Acura RL 2000Pages: 330, PDF Size: 4.53 MB
Page 63 of 330
Gauge
s
Outside Temperature Indicator
This indicator displays the outside temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.
models, and in Centigrade inCanadian models.
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper. Therefore, the
temperature reading can be affected
by heat reflection from the road sur-
face, engine heat, and the exhaust
from the surrounding traffic. This can cause the temperature reading
not to be correct when your speed is
under 19 mph (30 km/h).
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near freezing (32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
forming on the road surface. Temperatur
e Gaug e
This shows the temperature of the engine's coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill driving, the pointer may rise to near
the upper white mark. If it reaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 280 for
instructions and precautions on checking the engine's cooling
system.
Fue
l Gaug e
This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads.
The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off theignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
reading after you turn the ignitionswitch back ON (II).
Instrument s an d Control s
Page 224 of 330
Coolin
g Syste m
Replacin g Engin e Coolan t
The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to the time and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use Genuine Honda Antifreeze/Coolant.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the car. Unless
you have the tools and knowledge,
you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic.
1. Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the heater temperature controldial to maximum heat (climate
control to 90°F/32°C). Turn off
the ignition. Open the hood. Make
sure the engine and radiator are
cool to the touch.
2. Remove the radiator cap.
DRAI
N PLU G
3. Loosen the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator. Thecoolant will come out through the
hole in the splash cover.
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e
Page 283 of 330
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.
Takin g Car e
o
f th e Unexpecte d
NOTIC
E
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
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 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 323 of 330
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
Page 324 of 330
Inde
x
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 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