fuel Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Manual

2000 RL Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through\
this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.h\
elminc.com.
Contents

Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ........................................................................\
................................................................. i
A Few Words About Safety........................................................................\
........................................ .ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance........................................................................\
............................................ .2
Driver and Passenger Safety ........................................................................\
..................................... .5
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restr\
aint System.
Instruments and Controls........................................................................\
........................................ .51
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering colu\
mn controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ........................................................................\
..................... .119
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other c\
onvenience features.
Before Driving........................................................................\
..........................................................165
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ........................................................................\
..................................................................... .177
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, pl\
us towing a trailer.
Maintenance........................................................................\
.............................................................201
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care........................................................................\
..................................................... .261
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your\
vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected........................................................................\
..............................269
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, a nd how to handle them.
Technical Information........................................................................\
............................................ .295
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................309
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact \
us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)........................................................................\
..............................315
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index........................................................................\
........................................................................\
...... I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Instrument
s an d Control s

This section gives information about the controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations............................ 52
Indicator Lights................................ 53
Gauges.............................................. 58
Speedometer................................ 58

Tachometer.................................. 58
Odometer...................................... 59

Trip Meter/Outside Temperature Indicator............ 59
Temperature Gauge.................... 60 Fuel Gauge................................... 60
Maintenance Required Indicator.................................... 61
Controls Near the Steering Wheel........................................ 62

Headlights.................................... 63

Automatic Lighting..................... 64
Daytime Running Lights............. 65

Instrument Panel Brightness..... 66

Turn Signals................................. 66

Fog Lights.................................... 67 Windshield Wipers...................... 68
Windshield Washers................... 70

Hazard Warning........................... 70

Rear Window Defogger.............. 71
Steering Wheel Adjustments..... 71
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 73 Cruise Control.............................. 73
Remote Audio Controls .............. 76
Keys and Locks................................ 77 Keys............................................... 77
Immobilizer System..................... 78
Ignition Switch............................. 80
Power Door Locks....................... 81
Remote Transmitter.................... 82
Childproof Door Locks............... 85

Trunk............................................86
Glove Box..................................... 87

HomeLink Universal Transmitter......... 88
Customer Assistance.................. 88

Important Safety Precautions.... 88

Training the Transmitter............ 89
Training With a Rolling Code System....................................... 91
Erasing Codes.............................. 92

Seat Adjustments............................. 93
Driver's Seat Adjustments.......... 93
Driver's Lumbar Support............ 95

Front Passenger's Seat

Adjustments............................. 95

Head Restraints........................... 95

Armrest............................................. 96
Mirrors.............................................. 98

Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 98

Driving Position Memory

System......................................... 100

Seat Heaters................................... 102

Ski Sleeve........................................ 103

Power Windows............................. 105

Moonroof........................................ 106

Parking Brake................................ 108

Digital Clock................................... 108
Sunglasses Holder......................... 110
Beverage Holder............................111

Console Compartment.................. 112

Coin Box......................................... 112
Sun Visor......................................... 113
Vanity Mirror................................. 113
Accessory Power Socket.............. 114 Cigarette Lighter........................... 115

Ashtrays.......................................... 116
Ceiling Lights................................. 117
Courtesy Lights............................. 118

Instrument s an d Control s

Indicato
r Light s
Doo r an d Brak e Lam p Monito r
The appropriate light comes on in this display if the trunk or any dooris not closed tightly. If a brake light
does not work, the BRAK E LAM P
indicator comes on when you push
the brake pedal with the ignition switch ON (II).
A burned out brake light is a hazard when drivers behind you cannot tell
you are braking. Have your brakelights repaired right away.
All the lights in the monitor display come on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). Tur
n Signa l an d
Hazar d Warnin g
Indicator s
The left or right turn signal light blinks when you signal a lane changeor turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see page 248). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
When you turn on the Hazard
Warning switch, both turn signal lights blink. All turn signals on the outside of the vehicle should flash.
Low Fue l Indicato r
This light comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon. Hig
h Bea m Indicato r
This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 63 for
information on the headlight

controls.

On Canadian models, this indicator
conies on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 65).
"Daytim e Runnin g
Lights " Indicato r

Canadian models only

This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II) with
the headlight switch off and the
parking brake set. It should go off if
you turn on the headlights or release the parking brake. If it comes on atany other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may also be a problem with the high

beam headlights.

Instrument s an d Control s
D R L

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

Key
s an d Lock s

Remote Transmitter

Your car also comes with two remote transmitters; see page 82 for an explanation of the operation.

Learning Key

You should also receive a small case containing a learning key. It is used
by the Acura dealer to code replace- ment keys to your car's Immobilizer
System. It must not be used in your
car's ignition switch. Store the learn-
ing key with the key number plate in a safe place. If you attempt to use the learning
key to start your car's engine, it may cause a malfunction in the system
that makes your master and valet
keys unusable. If this happens, you should contact your Acura dealer.
If you need a new key made, take the
key number plate, the learning key, and all other keys that came with
your car to your Acura dealer. Immobilize
r Syste m
The Immobilizer System protects your car from theft. A properly- coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch for the engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine's fuel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.

Instrument s an d Control s

Climat
e Control System

Semi-automati c Operatio n
You can manually select various functions of the Climate Control system when it is in FULL AUTO.
All other features remain auto- matically controlled. Making any
manual selection causes the word
FULL to go out.
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button Press the A/C button to operate the
air conditioning. Each time you press
the A/C button, the display shows
the mode: A/C ECON, A/C OFF, or
A/C ON.
When you turn the A/C off, the sys-

tem cannot regulate the inside tem-
perature if you set the dial below theoutside temperature. With the A/C
on, use the temperature control dial
to adjust the temperature of the air
flow to a comfortable setting.
TEMPERATUR
E
CONTRO L DIA L
AI
R CONDITIONIN G
BUTTO N

RECIRCULATE D AI R

With the A/C in economy mode, you
will see A/C ECON in the system's display. Use this mode to get better
fuel economy.
In this mode, you may feel a slight re-

duction in cooling efficiency. If you

want more cooling, select A/C ON or FULL AUTO.
CONTINUED
Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s

FRES
H AI R

Climat
e Control System

Semi-automati c Operatio n
You can manually select various functions of the Climate Control system when it is in FULL AUTO.
All other features remain auto- matically controlled. Making any
manual selection causes the word
FULL to go out.
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button Press the A/C button to operate the
air conditioning. Each time you press
the A/C button, the display shows
the mode: A/C ECON, A/C OFF, or
A/C ON.
When you turn the A/C off, the sys-

tem cannot regulate the inside tem-
perature if you set the dial below the outside temperature. With the A/C
on, use the temperature control dial
to adjust the temperature of the air
flow to a comfortable setting. AI
R CONDITIONIN G
BUTTO N
TEMPERATUR
E
CONTRO L DIA L
RECIRCULATIO N BUTTO N

With the A/C in economy mode, you
will see A/C ECON in the system's display. Use this mode to get better
fuel economy.
In this mode, you may feel a slight re-
duction in cooling efficiency. If you

want more cooling, select A/C ON or FULL AUTO.
Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s

Before
Driving
Before you begin driving your Acura,
you should know what gasoline to use, and how to check the levels of
important fluids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the information in this section first. Break-in Period.............................. 166
Gasoline.......................................... 166
Service Station Procedures .......... 167 Filling the Fuel Tank................. 167Opening the Hood..................... 168
Oil Check................................ 169
Engine Coolant Check.......... 170
Fuel Economy................................ 171 Car Condition............................. 171
Driving Habits............................ 171
Accessories and Modifications.... 172 Carrying Cargo.............................. 174

Before Drivin g

Break-i
n Period , Gasolin e

Break-i n Perio d
Help assure your car's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid

acceleration.

Avoid hard braking. New brakesneed to be broken-in by moderate
use for the first 200 miles (300

km).

You should follow these same re- commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.

Gasolin e

Your Acura is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with apump octane number of 91 or higher.
If you are unable to find premium
unleaded gasoline, you may substi-
tute an unleaded regular gasoline.
The engine will compensate for the lower octane, but you may notice aslight decrease in power as a result.
We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car's emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution. In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emissions control system performance may deteriorate andthe Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on. If this happens, contact your
authorized Acura dealer for service.

Befor e Drivin g

Servic
e Statio n Procedure s

Fillin g th e Fuel Tank
1. Because the fuel fill cap is on the
driver's side of the car, park with
that side closest to the service
station pumps.

2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling

on the handle to the left of the
driver's seat.

FUE L FIL L CA P 3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.

You may hear a hissing sound as
pressure inside the tank escapes.
Place the cap in the holder on the
fuel fill door.

4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel

nozzle automatically clicks off. Do
not try to "top off" the tank, leave
some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.

Your car has an on-board refueling
vapor recovery system to help
keep fuel vapors from going into
the atmosphere. If the fuel pump
keeps clicking off even though thetank is not full, there may be a
problem with this system. Consult
your dealer.

CONTINUED

Befor e Drivin g

Pul
l
Gasoline is highly flammable

and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured

when handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keep

heat, sparks, and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors.

Wipe up spills immediately.