Acura RL 2001 3.5 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2001, Model line: RL, Model: Acura RL 2001Pages: 333, PDF Size: 4.28 MB
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318
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Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm
Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or,
for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number on the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below,
contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, Michigan 48207, or call 1-800-782-4356. Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should
contact their authorized Acura dealer.
By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can
pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to
Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.
61SZ305
61SZ305EL 61SZ330
31SZ3650
31SZ3750
Page 323 of 333

Authorized Manuals
P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1-800-782-4356 Service Manual:
This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for eachelectrical circuit in your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
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 328 of 333

Index
Identification Number, Vehicle.... 300
Ignition
Keys............................................... 77
Switch............................................ 80
Timing Control System............. 309
Immobilizer System......................... 78
Important Safety Precautions.......... 6
Indicators, Instrument
Panel.............................................. 53
Infant Restraint................................ 28
Infant Seats....................................... 28
Tether Anchorage Points........... 39
Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 243
Inside Mirror.................................... 99
Inspection. Tire.............................. 245
Instrument Panel............................. 53
Instrument Panel Brightness......... 66
Interior Cleaning............................ 267
Introduction......................................... i
Jacking up the Car......................... 274
Jack, Tire........................................ 274
Jump Starting................................. 280
Keys................................................... 77
Label, Certification........................ 300Lane Change. Signaling.................. 66
Lap/Shoulder Belt........................... 40
Learning Key.................................... 78
Leather, Cleaning.......................... 266
Lights On Indicator......................... 55
Lighter, Cigarette.......................... 116
Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 252
Ceiling......................................... 118
Courtesy...................................... 119
Indicator........................................ 53
Parking.......................................... 63
Turn Signal................................... 66
Load Limit...................................... 177
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 80
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 80 Childproof Door........................... 85
Fuel Fill Door............................. 169 Glove Box..................................... 88
Power Door.................................. 81
Trunk............................................ 86
Trunk Pass-through Cover......... 98
Low Coolant Level......................... 172
Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 57
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 54, 285 Lubricant Specifications Chart........................................... 302
Luggage.......................................... 176
Maintenance................................... 203
Owner Maintenance Checks.... 215
Record................................. 213 - 214
Required Indicator....................... 61 Safety........................................... 204
Schedule.............................. 208 - 212
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.. 55, 287
Memory, Driving Position............ 101
Meters, Gauges................................ 58
CONTINUED
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 330 of 333

Index
Engine Coolant........................... 223
Engine Oil and Filter................. 219
Fuses........................................... 292 Light Bulbs................................. 252
Schedule..................................... 206
Spark Plugs................................. 233
Tires............................................ 247
Wiper Blades.............................. 239
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash............................................. 42
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 172
Reverse Gear Position................... 183
Rotation, Tire................................. 246
Safety Belts......................................... 8
Safety Defects, Reporting*.......... 317
Safety Features.................................. 7
Airbags............................................9
Door Locks................................... 10
Head Restraints........................... 10
Seat Belts........................................ 8
Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10
Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50
Safety Messages................................ ii Seat Belts...................................... 8, 40
Additional Information................ 40
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 18
Automatic Seat BeltTensioner.. 41
Child Seat Anchor Plate.............. 39
Cleaning...................................... 267
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Maintenance................................. 42 Reminder Light and Beeper................................. 40, 54
Replacement................................. 42
System Components.................... 40 Use During Pregnancy................ 18
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 15
Seat Heaters................................... 103
Seat Position Memory................... 101
Seats, Adjusting the......................... 94
Security Alarm System ................. 165
Serial Number................................ 300
Service Intervals............................ 208
Service Manual*............................ 319
Service Station Procedures.......... 169
Setting the Clock........................... 109
Shifting the Automatic
Transmission.............................. 182
Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 182 Shift Lock Release......................... 185
Side Airbags..................................... 45
How The Side Airbag Indicator
Light Works............................. 47
How Your Side Airbags Work.... 45
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in.......................... 255
Signaling Turns................................ 66
Ski Sleeve........................................ 104
Snow Tires...................................... 249
Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 264
Sound System................................. 136
Spare Tire Inflating....................................... 272
Specifications............................. 303
Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 233
Specifications Charts..................... 302
Speed Control................................... 73
Speedometer.................................... 58
Spotlights........................................ 118
COAT/M/FA)