oil level Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Manual

Carbo
n Monoxid e Hazar d
Your car's exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. You should have no
problem with carbon monoxide
entering the car in normal driving if
you maintain your car properly. Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:
The car is raised for an oil change. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust. The car was in an accident that
may have damaged the underside. High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage. With the trunk lid open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your car's
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as
shown below.
If you must sit in your parked car,
even in an unconfined area, with the
engine running, adjust the climate
control system as follows:
1. Select the Fresh Air mode. 2. Select the mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.

Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

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

Servic
e Statio n Procedure s

If you can open the hood without
sliding the hood latch handle, or the
hood latch handle moves stiffly or does not spring back as before, the
mechanism should be cleaned and
lubricated (see page 229 ).
3. Lift the hood up most of the way.
The hydraulic supports will lift it up the rest of the way and hold it
up .

To close the hood, lower it to about a
foot (30 cm) above the fender, thenpress down firmly with your hands.
After closing the hood, make sure it is securely latched. Oil Check
Check the engine oil level every time
you fill the vehicle with fuel. Wait a
few minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.
1. Remove the dipstick (orange

handle).

2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean

cloth or paper towel.

CONTINUED

Befor e Drivin g

DIPSTIC
K

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

Engin
e Oil

Addin g Oi l
To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the left
valve cover. Pour in the oil, and replace the engine oil fill cap.
Tighten it securely. Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do
not fill above the upper mark; you
could damage the engine. Recommende
d Oi l
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil. It is highly recommended
that you use Genuine Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for as long as you
own it.
You can determine an oil's SAE
viscosity and Service Classification
from the API Service label on the oil container.
A fuel-efficient oil is recommended for your Acura. This is shown on the
API Service label by the words "Energy Conserving." This oil is
formulated to help your engine use
less fuel. The API Service label also tells you
the service classification of the oil.
Always use an oil that is labeled "API Service SJ." This service rating may
include other classifications, such as
CD. These additional classifications

are not a problem, as long as the
label also carries the SJ classification.
API SERVIC E LABE L
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e
ENGIN
E OI L FIL L CA P

Engin
e Oi l

4. Install a new oil filter according to

instructions that come with it.

5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,

then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
3 3 lbf.ft (44 N.m , 4.5 kgf.m)

6. Refill the engine with the recom-

mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.9 US qt (4.6 , 4.0 Imp qt)

7. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off
the engine and reinspect your
work.
8. Let the engine run for several
minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for
several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the

dipstick.

Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling

center. Do not discard it in a trash bin

or dump it on the ground.

Maintenanc e
NOTIC
E

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

Lo
w Oi l Pressur e Indicato r

This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go outafter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible
. I
n either case, you should
take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the car stopped.

1.

Safely pull off the road and shut

off the engine. Turn on the hazard

warning indicators.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level
(see page
169). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly connected, a
n engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving

maneuvers.

3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page
215). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs tob

e repaired before you can
continue driving. (See Emergenc y
Towin g o

n page 29
2.)
Takin g Car e
o
f th e Unexpecte d
NOTIC
E

LO W OI L PRESSUR E INDICATO R

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

Jacking up the Car......................... 272

Jack, Tire........................................ 272

Jump Starting................................. 278
Keys................................................... 77
Label, Certification........................ 296
Lane Change, Signaling.................. 66
Lap/Shoulder Belt........................... 40
Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 49
Learning Key.................................... 78
Leather, Cleaning.......................... 264
Lights On Indicator......................... 55Lighter, Cigarette.......................... 115
Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 250
Ceiling......................................... 117
Courtesy...................................... 118

Indicator........................................ 53

Parking.......................................... 63 Turn Signal................................... 66Load Limit...................................... 175
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 80
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column........ 80
Childproof Door........................... 85
Fuel Fill Door............................. 167
Glove Box.....................................
87

Power Door.................................. 81

Trunk............................................ 86

Trunk Pass-through Cover......... 97
Low Coolant Level......................... 170
Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 57
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 54, 282
Lubricant Specifications
Chart........................................... 298

Luggage.......................................... 174

Maintenance................................... 201

Owner Maintenance Checks.... 213

Record.................................. 211- 212

Required Indicator....................... 61

Safety........................................... 202

Schedule.............................. 206- 210

Malfunction Indicator Lamp .. 55, 284

Memory, Driving Position............ 100

Meters, Gauges................................ 58

Methanol in Gasoline.................... 303

Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 98

Moonroof........................................ 106
Closing Manually....................... 286

Operation.................................... 106
Neutral Gear Position.................... 181 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 166
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i
Numbers, Identification................ 296
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 166Odometer.......................................... 59
Odometer, Trip................................ 59
Oil
Change, How to......................... 217
Change, When to....................... 206

Checking Engine....................... 169
Pressure Indicator............... 54, 282