oil temperature 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.

Sea
t Heaters , Sk i Sleev e
The HI or LO indicator lights and remains lit until you turn it off by
pushing the opposite side of the switch lightly. The indicator will turn

off.
In HI, the heater turns off when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat's temperature drops. It
continues to cycle as long as you
leave it set on HI. The HI indicator
remains lit as a reminder that you
have the heater on.
In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperature
changes.
Because of the sensors for the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger's seat-back. Follow these precautions whenever
you use the seat heaters:
Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly. Select the LO
setting when the seats feel warm.
The HI setting draws large amounts of current from the
battery.
Do not use the seat heaters, even
on the LO setting, if the engine is
left idling for an extended period.
They can weaken the battery, causing hard starting. Sk
i Sleev e
The ski sleeve allows you to cany skis or other long objects safely
without soiling or damaging the interior of your car. It attaches to the
trunk pass-through.
KNO B
To use the ski sleeve: 1. Pull down the rear seat armrest. Open the trunk pass-through
cover by sliding the knob down-
ward and pulling on the cover.

Instrument s an d Control s
LI
D

CONTINUED

Engin
e Oi l
The oil container may also display the API Certification seal. Make sure
it says "For Gasoline Engines."
API CERTIFICATIO N SEA L The SAE numbers tell you the oil's
viscosity or weight. Select the oil for
your car according to this chart.
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel economyand year-round protection in your
Acura. You may use a 10W-30 oil if the temperature in your area never

goes below 20°F( — 7°C).
Syntheti
c Oi l
You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements
given for conventional motor oil:energy conserving, a service
classification of SJ, and the proper
weight as shown on the chart. When using synthetic oil, you must follow
the oil and filter change intervals
given in the maintenance schedule.
Additive s
Your Acura does not need any oil additives. Purchasing additives for
the engine or transmission will not
increase your car's performance or
longevity. It only increases the cost of operating your car.
Maintenanc e Ambien
t Temperatur e

Engin
e Oi l

Changin g th e Oi l an d Filte r
Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance (miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami- nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type hydraulic lift for this service. Unless
you have the knowledge and proper equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic. 1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.

2. Ope
n the hood and remove the

engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.

3. Remov
e the oil filter and let the

remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your Acura dealer) is required to remove the
filter.

CONTINUED

Maintenanc e

WASHE
R
OI
L DRAI N
BOL T OI
L
FILTE
R

Ai
r Conditionin g Syste m

Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified mechanic. You can do a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works efficiently.
Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.

The condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant.
If the air conditioning does not get as

cold as before, have your dealer

check the system. Recharge the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page 298.)

Whenever you have the air conditioning

system serviced, make sure the service

facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere can

damage the environment.

Maintenance

AI
R CONDITIONIN G CONDENSE R
NOTIC
E
NOTIC E

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

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

Inde
x

Steering Wheel
Adjustments................................. 71

Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 80
Position Memory....................... 100

Stereo Sound System.................... 134

Storing Your Car............................ 259
Sun Visor......................................... 113

Sunglasses Holder......................... 110

Supplemental Restraint
System............................. 9
,
43, 4
6

Service Precautions..................... 48

Servicing....................................... 48

SRS Indicator.......................... 45, 55

System Components.................... 43

Tensioners, Seat Belts................ 41
Synthetic Oil................................... 216
Tachometer...................................... 58
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 254
Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 269
Tape Player ........................... 139, 154
Technical Descriptions
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 301
Driving in Foreign Countries... 304 Emissions Control Systems...... 305
Oxygenated Fuels...................... 303
Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 307
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System..................................... 300
Temperature Gauge........................ 60
Tensioners, Seat Belts .................... 41
Tether Anchorage Points............... 39
Theft Deterrent System................ 163
Theft Protection............................. 162
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 307
Time, Setting the........................... 108
Timing Belt..................................... 241
Tire Chains..................................... 247
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 271
Tires................................................ 241 Air Pressure............................... 242Balancing.................................... 244
Checking Wear.......................... 243
Compact Spare........................... 270
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 301
Inflation....................................... 241
Inspection................................... 243
Maintenance............................... 244
Replacing.................................... 245
Rotating....................................... 244

Snow............................................ 247

Specifications............................. 299

Tools, Tire Changing.................... 271

Torn Seat Belts................................ 42

Towing

A Trailer...................................... 194
By Emergency Wrecker........... 292

Transmission
Checkin g
Fluid Level,

Automatic............................... 226

Fluid Selection............................ 226

Identification Number............... 297

Shifting the Automatic.............. 180

Treadwear...................................... 301

Trip Meter........................................ 59

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

Opening the.................................. 86

Open Monitor Light.................... 57

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

CONTINUED