key Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Manual

Protectin
g Childre nDo not leave children alone in your

vehicle. Leaving children without

adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces,
and can be very hazardous. For
example, infants and small
children left in a vehicle on a hot
day can die from heatstroke. And
children left alone with the key in
the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly
injuring themselves or others. Genera
l Guideline s fo r Usin g
Chil d Seat s
The following pages give general guidelines for selecting and installingchild seats for infants and small
children.
Selecting a Child Seat
To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three
requirements:

1. The child seat should meet safety
standards. The child seat should
meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213)
or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). Look
for the manufacturer's statement of compliance on the box and seat.
2. The child seat should be of the

proper type and size to fit the child.

Infants: Children up to about one
year old should be restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat. Onlya rear-facing seat provides the
proper support to protect an infant's
head, neck, and back. See page 28 for additional information on
protecting infants.
Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y

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

Light s O n Indicato r
On cars with automatic lighting (see
page 64)
This indicator reminds you that the exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the or position. If you turn the
ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I)
or LOCK (0) without turning off the
light switch, this indicator will
remain on. A reminder chime will also sound when you open the driver's

door.

This indicator will also come on when the light switch is in AUTO and the lights turn on automatically.
Cruise Contro l Indicato r
This lights when you set the cruise
control. See page 73 for information
on operating the cruise control.
Immobilize
r Syste m
Indicato r
This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly-coded ignition key. If it is not a properly-coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page 78).
This indicator also blinks several times when you turn the ignitionswitch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Malfunctio n Indicato r
Lam p

See page 284.
Supplementa
l Restrain t

Syste m Indicato r

This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your front airbags. This light will also alert you to a potential problem
with your side airbags, passenger's side airbag automatic cutoff system
or automatic seat belt tensioners.
For complete information, see page
45.

Side Airba g Indicato r
This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger's side
airbag has automatically shut off.
For complete information, see page
47.

Instrument s an d Control s

CRUIS
E
CONTRO L
S

R
S

SID E

AIRBA G

Control
s Nea r th e Steerin g Whee l

1. Locate the adjustment switch on the left side of the steering column.Move the steering wheel, in, out,
up, or down by pushing and
holding the adjustment switch in
that direction. 2. Release the switch when the
steering wheel reaches thedesired position. Make sure the
steering wheel points towards
your chest, not toward your face, and that you can see the
instrument panel gauges and
warning lights.
Automatic Movement

AUTO SWITC H
The AUTO switch controls automat- ic movement of the steering wheel.
When this switch is in the ON posi- tion, the steering wheel automatical-
ly moves fully in and up when you re-move the key from the ignition
switch.

Instrument s an d Control s

Control
s Nea r th e Steerin g Wheel , Steerin g Whee l Control s

The steering wheel then returns to its original position when you insert
the key back in the ignition switch.
Steering wheel movement is also
controlled by the Driving Position
Memory System (see page 100). Cruis
e Contro l
Cruise control allows you to maintain
a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. It should be used
for cruising on straight, open highways. It is not recommended for
conditions such as city driving,
winding roads, slippery roads, heavy rain, or bad weather. You should
have full control of the car under
those conditions. Using the Cruise Control
CRUIS E CONTRO L MASTE R SWITC H
1. Push in the Cruise Control Master Switch to the left of the steering
column. The indicator in theswitch will light.
2. Accelerate to the desired cruising speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).
CONTINUED
Instrument s an d Control s

Improper use of the cruise
control can lead to a crash.
Use the cruise control only
when traveling on open highways in good weather.

Key
s an d Lock s

Key s

KEY

NUMBE R

PLAT E
MASTE
R

KEY S

(Black )
VALE
T

KE Y

(Gray )

Your car comes with two master keys and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on your car: Ignition
Doors

Trunk
Trunk pass-through cover

Glove box
The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk, trunk pass-through
cover, and glove box locked when
you leave your car and the valet key at a parking facility.
You should have received a key number plate with your keys. You
will need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keep
the plate stored in a safe place. If you need to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.
These keys contain electronic circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged. Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity. Do not drop the keys or set heavy
objects on them. Keep the keys away from liquids.
If they get wet, dry them immedi-
ately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries. Do not try to take them apart.

CONTINUED

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

Key
s an d Lock s

The system may not recognize your key's coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near theignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code: Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring. Use a plastic or leather key fob,
not metal. Keep other keys away from your
vehicle's key and the ignition switch while trying to start the

engine.

If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
This indicator will also blink several times when you turn the ignitionswitch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0). Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your car undriveable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer. As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry

Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Instrument s an d Control s

Key
s an d Lock s

Ignitio n Switc h

The ignition switch is on the right side of the steering column. It has
four positions: LOCK (0)
ACCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
START (III) LOC
K (0 ) — You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch from ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must push the key inslightly as you turn it. The shift lever
must also be in Park. The anti-theft
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key.
If the front wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key from
LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
ACCESSOR Y (I ) — In this position,
you can operate the audio system and the cigarette lighter.
O N (II ) — This is the normal key
position when driving. All features
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch from ACCESSORY to ON.
STAR T (III ) — Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
The engine will not start if the Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key's coding (see page 78).
You will hear a reminder beeper if you leave the key in the ignition switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open the driver's door. Remove the key to
turn off the beeper.

Instrument s an d Control s

Key
s an d Lock s

Powe r Doo r Lock s
Each front door has a master door
lock switch. Either switch locks and unlocks all doors. Push the switchdown to lock all doors, and up to
unlock them. Each door has a lock tab at the top of
the door. When you push down the
lock tab on the driver's door, all doors lock. Pulling up the lock tab on
the driver's door only unlocks that door. The lock tab on each
passenger's door only locks and
unlocks that door. To lock any passenger's door when
getting out of the car, push the lock
tab down and close the door. To lock
the driver's door, remove the key
from the ignition switch and push the lock tab down or push the master switch down, then close the door.
All doors can be locked from the outside by using the key in either
front door. To unlock only the driver's door from the outside, insert the key
in the driver's door lock, turn the key
and release it. If you turn the key
and hold it, all doors will unlock. All
four doors will unlock when you unlock the passenger's door with the
key.
CONTINUED
Instrument s an d Control s

MASTE
R DOO R LOC K SWITC H
LOCK TA B