torque Acura RL 2000 3.5 Owner's Manual

Automati
c Transmissio n

Your Acura's transmission has four forward speeds, and is electronicallycontrolled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter
for better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another shift
when the converter locks.
Shif t Leve r Positio n Indicato r
This indicator between the fuel gauge and temperature gauge shows
which position the shift lever is in.
The "D4" indicator comes on for afew seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler- ation and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Acuradealer as soon as possible. Shif
t Leve r Position s
The shift lever has seven positions. It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D4 D3, 2,1, N o
r
R, press firmly on

the brake pedal, and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Drivin g
SHIF
T LEVE R

Cooling
Syste m

12.Install the engine cover. First tighten the two bolts on the frontof the engine cover, then tighten
the three nuts on the engine cover.

Tightening torque:
7 lbf .
ft (10 N .
m,1.0 kgf.m)

13.Install the radiator cap, and

tighten it to the first stop.
14.Start the engine and let it run until the radiator cooling fan comes onat least twice. Then stop the

engine.
15.Remove the radiator cap. Pour
coolant into the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck and into the
reserve tank up to the MAX mark.
16.Start the engine and hold it at 1,500 rpm until the cooling fancomes on. Turn off the engine.Check the coolant level in the
radiator and add coolant if needed.
17.Install the radiator cap, and tighten it fully.
18. If necessary, fill the reserve tank

to the MAX mark. Install the
reserve tank cap.

Maintenanc e
RESERV
E TAN K

Spar
k Plug s

8. Torque th e spark plug . (If you do
not hav
e a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:

13 lbf .
ft (18 N .
m , 1.8 kgf.m)

Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to

the threads in the cylinder head.

9. Install the ignition coil. Reinstall the two hold-down bolts.
10.Push the wire connector onto the ignition coil. Make sure it locks in

place.

11.Repeat this procedure for the other five spark plugs.
12.Put the A/C tube back in place.
13.Install the tower bar and tighten the two bolts and the four nuts.

Tightening torque:

16 lbf .
ft (22 N .
m , 2.2 kgf .
m)

14. Install the engine cover. First
tighten th e two bolts on the front
of the engine cover, then tighten
the three nuts on the engine cover.
Tightening torque:

7 lbf .
ft (10 N .
m , 1.0 kgf .
m)

CONTINUED
Maintenanc e

NOTIC
E

Changin
g a Fla t Tir e

12.Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight,then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel wrench
until the wheel is firmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten
them fully. 13.Lower the car to the ground and

remove the jack.
14.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Havethe wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
facility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf .
ft (108 N .
m , 11 kgf .
m)
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d