check engine light Acura RL 2001 3.5 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2001, Model line: RL, Model: Acura RL 2001Pages: 333, PDF Size: 4.28 MB
Page 244 of 333
Air Conditioning System
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, anddirt 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 asteady 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 302.)
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. Releasingrefrigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
Maintenance
NOTICE
NOTICE
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER
Page 282 of 333
If Your Engine Won't Start
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check
their brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or don't light at all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Starting on page 280 .
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the fuses. If
the fuses are OK, there is proba-
bly something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. (See
Emergency Towing on page 296 .)
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page 236). You can
then try jump starting the car from a booster battery (see page 280).
The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor'sspeed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run. Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to Starting the
Engine on page 181. Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light may not be working, so you were
not reminded to fill the tank. There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page 292).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See Emergency
Towing on page 296 .
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Page 288 of 333
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
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 pressureand serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn offthe 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 171). Although oil leveland oil pressure are not directly
connected, an 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 thedipstick (see page 217 ). 4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the lightdoes not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Emergency
Towing on page 296 .)
Taking Care of the Unexpected
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
NOTICE
Page 324 of 333
Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 174 Accessories................................. 174
Additional Safety Precautions.. 175Modifications............................. 175
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)........................................ 80
Accessory Power Socket.............. 115
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 218
Airbag (SRS).......................... 9, 43, 45
Air Cleaner Element...................... 231
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 242
Air Conditioning System............... 122 Maintenance............................... 241
Usage..................................124, 129
Air Outlets (Vents)........................ 122
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 243
Alarm, Anti-theft............................ 164
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 306
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 265
Antifreeze....................................... 221
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator................................ 56, 189Operation.................................... 188
Anti-theft, Audio System............... 164
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock...............................................80
Anti-theft System........................... 165
Appearance Care........................... 263
Armrest............................................. 97
Ashtrays.......................................... 117
Audio Controls, Remote................ 163
Audio System................................. 136
Automatic Climate Control
System......................................... 122
Automatic Lighting.......................... 64
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners.................................... 41
Automatic Speed Control................ 73
Automatic Transmission............... 182
Capacity, Fluid........................... 302
Checking Fluid Level................228
Shifting........................................ 182
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 182
Shift Lever Positions................. 182
Shift Lock Release..................... 185 Battery
Charging SystemIndicator............................ 54, 286
Jump Starting............................. 280 Maintenance............................... 236
Specifications............................. 303
Before Driving............................... 167
Belts, Seat..................................... 8, 40
Beverage Holder............................ 112
Body Repair.................................... 270
Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 188
Break-in, New Linings .............. 168
Bulb Replacement..................... 256
Fluid............................................229
Parking........................................ 109
System Indicator.................. 54, 289
Wear Indicators......................... 187
Braking System.............................. 187
Break-in, New Car......................... 168
Brightness Control, Instruments... 66
Brights, Headlights......................... 63
CONTINUED
Page 325 of 333
Index
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights........................... 256
Brake Lights............................... 256
Ceiling Lights............................. 259
Courtesy Lights......................... 259
Fog Lights.................................. 253
Front Side Marker Lights......... 255
Headlights.................................. 252
High-mount Brake Light.......... 257
License Plate Lights.................. 258
Specifications............................. 303
Trunk Light................................ 260
Tum Signal Lights..................... 255
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 252
Cancel Button................................... 75
Capacities Chart............................. 302
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Carrying, Cargo............................. 176
Cassette Player
Care............................................. 156
Operation............................ 141, 153
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer................... 144, 157, 159
Ceiling Lights................................. 118
Certification Label......................... 300
Chains............................................. 249
Changing Oil
How to......................................... 219
When to....................................... 208
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 273
Changing Engine Coolant............. 223
Charging System Indicator.... 54, 287
Checklist, Before Driving............. 180
Child Safety...................................... 20
Child Seats........................................ 24
Tether Anchorage Point............. 39
Childproof Door Locks................... 85
Cigarette Lighter........................... 116
Cleaner. Air.................................... 231
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 265
Carpeting.................................... 266
Exterior....................................... 264
Fabric.......................................... 266
Interior........................................ 266
Leather........................................ 266
Seat Belts.................................... 266
Vinyl............................................ 266
Windows..................................... 267
Wood Trim................................. 267
Climate Control System................ 122
Clock, Setting the.......................... 109
Code, Audio System...................... 164
CO in the Exhaust......................... 308
Coin Box......................................... 113
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 181
Compact Spare............................... 272
Console Compartment.................. 113
Consumer Information*................ 314
Controls, Instruments and.............. 51Coolant Adding......................................... 221
Checking..................................... 172
Proper Solution.......................... 221
Replacing.................................... 223
Temperature Gauge.................... 60
CoiTosion Protection..................... 269 Courtesy Lights............................. 119
Crankcase Emissions Control
System......................................... 308
Cruise Control Operation............... 73
Customer Relations Office........... 314
Page 326 of 333
Index
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard.................................... 2, 52
Daytime Running Lights................. 65
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 317
Defogger, Rear Window................. 71
Defrosting the Windows.......128,
132
Differential
Oil............................... 229
Dimensions..................................... 302
Dimming the Headlights................ 63
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission........... 228
Engine Oil................................... 171
Directional Signals........................... 66
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 187
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 220
Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 81
Lockout Prevention..................... 82
Monitor Light............................... 57
Power Door Locks....................... 81
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 304
Drive Belts...................................... 242
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5
Driving............................................ 179
Economy..................................... 173
In Bad Weather.......................... 194
In Foreign Countries................. 307
Driving Position Memory
System......................................... 101
Economy, Fuel............................... 173
Emergencies on the Road............. 271 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 280
Brake System Indicator............ 289Changing a Flat Tire................. 273
Charging System Indicator...... 286
Checking the Fuses................... 292
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 285
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 287
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 290
Overheated Engine................... 283
Emergency Brake.......................... 109
Emergency Flashers....................... 70
Emergency Towing....................... 296
Emissions Controls........................ 308
Emissions Testing,State............... 311 Engine
Belts............................................. 242
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 60
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp................................. 55, 287
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 54, 285
Oil. What Kind to Use............... 217
Overheating................................ 283
Specifications............................. 303
Speed Limiter............................. 184
Starting........................................ 181
Engine Speed Limiter.................... 184
Ethanol in Gasoline....................... 306
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 308
Exhaust Fumes................................ 49
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System......................................... 309
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by.........................................18
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 264
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 266
CONTINUED
Page 327 of 333
Index
Fan, Interior.......................... 126, 131
Features, Comfort and
Convenience............................... 121
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 169
Filters
Air Cleaner................................. 231
Air Conditioning........................ 242
Oil................................................ 219
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 70
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 273
Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 228
Brake........................................... 229
Differential................................. 229
Power Steering........................... 230
Windshield Washer................... 227
FM Stereo Radio
Reception........................... 137, 147
Fog Lights......................................... 67
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 307
Four-way Flashers...........................
70
Front
Airbags.............................. 9,
43
Fuel..................................................
168
Fill Door and Cap....................... 169
Gauge............................................ 60
Octane Requirement................. 168
Oxygenated................................ 306
Reserve Indicator......................... 57
Tank, Filling the......................... 169
Fuel Mileage, Improving............... 173
Fuses, Checking the...................... 292
Gasohol........................................... 306
Gasoline.......................................... 168
Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 57
Gauge............................................ 60
Octane Requirement................. 168
Tank, Filling the......................... 169
Gas Station Procedures................. 169
Gauges.............................................. 58
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 60
Fuel................................................ 60
Speedometer................................ 58
Tachometer.................................. 58
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)........................................ 197
Gearshift Lever Positions............. 182
Glass Cleaning............................... 268
Glove Box......................................... 88
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)........................................ 197
Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 252
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 70
Headlights Automatic Lighting..................... 64
Daytime Running Lights............. 65
High Beam Indicator................... 57Lights On Indicator..................... 55
Reminder Chime.......................... 63
Replacing Halogen Bulbs......... 252
Turning on.................................... 63
Head Restraints............................... 96
Heating and Cooling...................... 122
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 181
High-Low Beam Switch .................. 63
High-mount Brake Light............... 257
HomeLink Universal
Transmitter.................................. 89
Hood Latch..................................... 231
Hood, Opening the........................ 170
Horn................................................... 62
Hydroplaning.................................. 195
Page 329 of 333
Index
Melhanol in Gasoline.................... 306
Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 99
Moonroof........................................ 107
Closing Manually....................... 290
Operation.................................... 107
Neutral Gear Position.................... 183
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 168
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i
Numbers, Identification................ 300 Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 168
Odometer.......................................... 59
Odometer, Trip................................ 59
Oil
Change, How to......................... 219
Change, When to....................... 208
Checking Engine....................... 171
Pressure Indicator............... 54, 285
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart....................................... 218
ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 80 Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery..................................... 308
Opening the Trunk.......................... 86
Operation in Foreign Countries... 307
Outside Mirrors............................... 99
Outside Temperature Indicator..... 59
Overheating, Engine..................... 283
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 215
Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 306
Paint Touch-up............................... 265
Panel Brightness Control............... 66
Park Gear Position......................... 183
Parking............................................ 186
Parking Brake................................ 109
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator.................. 54, 289
Parking Lights.................................. 63
Parking Over Things that Bum... 310
PGM-FI System.............................. 309
Polishing and Waxing................... 265 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 with
Tethers...................................... 39
Radiator Overheating.................... 283
Radio/Cassette Sound System.... 136
Readiness Codes............................ 288
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 254
Rear Seat Armrest........................... 98
Rear Ventilation............................. 134
Rear View Mirror............................. 99
Rear Window Defogger.................. 71
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 95
Reminder Lights.............................. 53
Remote Transmitter........................ 82
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 231
Air Conditioning Filter.............. 242
Page 331 of 333
Index
SRS, Additional Information........... 43 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
Automatic Seal Belt
Tensioners...................................41
How the SRS indicator Works... 46
How Your Airbags Work...... 43, 45
SRS Components......................... 43
SRS
Service.................................. .
48
SRS Indicator.............................. 46, 55
START (Ignition Key Position)..... 80 Starting the Engine........................ 181 In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 181
With a Dead Battery................. 280
State Emissions Testing........... 311
Steam Coming from Engine......... 283
Steering Wheel Adjustments................................. 71
Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 80
Position Memory....................... 101
Stereo Sound System .................... 136
Storing Your Car............................ 261
Sun Visor......................................... 114
Sunglasses Holder......................... 114
Supplemental Restraint
System............................. 9, 43, 45
Service Precautions..................... 48
Servicing....................................... 48
SRS Indicator.......................... 46, 55
System Components.................... 43
Tensioners, Seat Belts................ 41
Synthetic Oil................................... 218
Tachometer...................................... 58
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 256
Taking Care of the Unexpected ..271
Tape Player............................ 141, 156
Technical Descriptions DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 304
Emissions Control Systems...... 308
Oxygenated Fuels...................... 306
Three Way Catalytic
Converter................................ 310
Temperature Gauge........................ 60
Tensioners, Seat
Belts................... .... 41
Tether Anchorage Points............... 39
Theft Deterrent System................ 165
Theft Protection............................. 164 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 310
Time, Setting the........................... 109
Timing Belt..................................... 243
Tire Chains..................................... 249
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 273
Tires................................................ 243
Air Pressure............................... 244Balancing.................................... 246
Checking Wear.......................... 245
Compact Spare........................... 272
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 304
Inflation....................................... 243
Inspection................................... 245
Maintenance............................... 246
Replacing.................................... 247
Rotating....................................... 246
Snow............................................ 249
Specifications............................. 303
Tools,Tire Changing.................... 273
Tom Seat Belts................................ 42
Towing
A Trailer...................................... 196
By Emergency Wrecker ...........296
Transmission Checking Fluid Level,Automatic............................... 228