trunk Acura RL 2001 3.5 User Guide

Keys and Locks

2. Lock the glove box with the master key.
3. Make sure the trunk pass-through cover is locked (see page 98).
4. Give the person the valet key.
Even if the trunk main switch is
turned off, you can open the trunk
with the master key or the remote transmitter. Emergency Trunk Opener
(U.S. models only)
As a safety feature, your car has a release lever on the trunk latch so
the trunk can be opened from the

inside.

To open the trunk, push the release lever to the left. Parents should decide if their
children should be shown how to use
this feature.
For more information about childsafety, see page 24.

Instruments and Controls

Armrest

The rear seat armrest is located at the center of the rear seat. Pivot itdown to use it. Trunk Pass-through Cover
The pass-through cover can be opened from either side; it folds
forward onto the center armrest. Open the cover by sliding the knob
downward and pushing or pulling on
the cover. To close the cover, swing
it up and push firmly on the top.
Make sure it latches properly. Make sure all items in the trunk and
those extending through the pass-
through are secured.
For security, this cover can be
locked and unlocked only with the master key. To lock the cover, insert
the key and turn it clockwise.
Never drive with this cover open and
the trunk lid open. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on
page 49.

Instruments and Controls
KNOB
LID

Seat Heaters, Ski Sleeve

The HI or LO indicator lights and remains lit until you turn it off by
pushing the opposite side of theswitch 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.
Ski Sleeve

The ski sleeve allows you to carry skis or other long objects safely
without soiling or damaging the
interior of your car. It attaches to the
trunk pass-through.
KNOB
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.

Instruments and Controls
LID

Ski Sleeve

2. Open the trunk. Remove the ski sleeve from its storage bag.
3. Attach the ski sleeve to the trunk pass-through.
4. Load the skis into the ski sleeve from the trunk. Make sure the tipof the ski sleeve is resting on the
center console. 5. Use the strap on the ski sleeve to
secure it tightly to the rear seat
armrest. Follow these precautions when you
use the ski sleeve: Do not transport skis that are
longer or heavier than these limits: Maximum length: 84 in (215 cm)
Maximum weight: 55 Ibs (25 kg) After use, make sure the ski
sleeve is dry both inside and out
before folding it up for storage.
This will help to prevent mildew.

Instruments and Controls

Audio System
Loading the CD Changer
The CD changer is located in the trunk on the driver's side. 1. Slide the lid to open the CD
changer. 2. Push the EJECT button to remove
the CD magazine. The magazine
will pop up automatically.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features
CD CHANGER

EJECT

BUTTON
Slide

Security System

The security system helps to protect your car and valuables from theft.
The horn sounds and a combination of headlights, parking lights, side
marker lights and taillights flashes if someone attempts to break into your
car or remove the radio. This alarm
continues for two minutes, then the system resets. To reset an alarming
system before the two minutes have
elapsed, unlock either front door
with the key or the remote
transmitter.
The security system sets auto- matically fifteen seconds after you
lock the doors, hood, and trunk. For
the system to activate, you must lock
the doors from the outside with the
key, lock tab, door lock switch, or
remote transmitter. The security system light next to the driver's door
lock starts blinking immediately to show you the system is setting itself. Once the security system is set,
opening any door (without using the
key or the remote transmitter), or
the hood, will cause it to alarm. It also alarms if the radio is removed
from the dashboard or the wiring is

cut.
With the system set, you can still
open the trunk with the master key
or the remote transmitter without
triggering the alarm. The alarm will sound if the trunk lock is forced, or
the trunk is opened with the trunk
release button on the driver's door.
The security system will not set if the hood, trunk, or any door is not
fully closed. If the system will not set,check the Door and Brake Lamp
Monitor on the instrument panel (see page 57), to see if the doors
and trunk are fully closed. Since it is not part of the monitor display,
manually check the hood.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it.

Comfort and Convenience Features

SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT

Carrying Cargo
Your car has several convenient
storage areas so you can stow cargo

safely.

The glove box, and the pockets in the front doors and seat-back, aredesigned for small, lightweight items.
The trunk is intended for larger, heavier items.
However, carrying too much cargo,or improperly storing it, can affect
your car's handling, stability and operation and make it unsafe. Before
carrying any type of cargo, be sure to
read the following pages.
Before Driving
CONSOLE COMPARTMENT


FRONT DOOR POCKET

TRUNK

SEAT-BACK POCKET

GLOVE BOX

Carrying Cargo

Carrying Cargo in the Trunk or on
a Roof Rack Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the trunk, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible.
If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the trunk
lid, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of carbon monoxide
poisoning, follow the instructions on page 49 . If you can carry any items on a
roof rack, be sure the total weight of the rack and the items does not
exceed the maximum allowable
weight. Please contact your Acura dealer for further information.

Before Driving

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before
you drive your car.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,or ice.
2. Check that the hood and trunk are
fully closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a tire

looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.

4. Check that any items you may be

carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely.

5. Check the adjustment of the seat (see page 94 ).
6. Check the adjustment of the

inside and outside mirrors (see
page 99 ).

7. Check the adjustment of the

steering wheel (see page 7 1 ).

8. Make sure the doors are securely

closed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that

your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 15 ).

10.Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.

11.Start the engine (see page 181).
12.Check the gauges and indicator

lights in the instrument panel (see
page 53).

Driving

Parking

Always use the parking brake when
you park your car. The indicator on the instrument panel shows that the
parking brake is not fully released; itdoes not indicate that the parking
brake is firmly set. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly or your car may roll if it is parked on an

incline.

Set the parking brake before you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the car from moving and putting pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission — making it
easier to move the shift lever out of
Park when you want to drive away. If the car is facing uphill, turn the
front wheels away from the curb.
If the car is facing downhill, turn the
front wheels toward the curb.
Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage the rear brakes. Parking Tips Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn off the lights.Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors with the key or the
remote transmitter. Check the
indicator on the driver's door to
verify that the security system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The three way catalytic converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on

fire.

Driving