engine Acura RL 2001 3.5 Manual Online
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2001, Model line: RL, Model: Acura RL 2001Pages: 333, PDF Size: 4.28 MB
Page 311 of 333
Emissions Controls
The burning of gasoline in your car's engine produces several byproducts.
Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also
produces hydrocarbons. Controlling
the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environment.
Under certain conditions of sunlight
and climate, NOx and HC react to
form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contribute tosmog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas.
The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act*
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page 208.
* In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for
Emissions valid at the time they are
manufactured.
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your car has a Positive Crankcase
Ventilation System. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine'scrankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The Positive Crankcase
Ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emissionscontrol canister filled with charcoaladsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving.
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister filled with activated carbon. Whiledriving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
Technical Information
Page 312 of 333
Emissions Controls
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls include four systems: PGM-FI,
Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust
Gas Recirculation and Three Way
Catalytic Converter. These four
systems work together to control the
engine's combustion and minimize
the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI System
The PGM-FI System uses sequential multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: Air Intake,
Engine Control, and Fuel Control.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses various sensors to
determine how much air is going
into the engine. It then controls how
much fuel to inject under all operat-
ing conditions. Ignition Timing Control System
This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO and NOx produced.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
System
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system takes some of the
exhaust gas and routes it back into
the intake manifold. Adding exhaust
gas to the air/fuel mixture reduces
the amount of NOx produced when
the fuel is burned.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen (N2), and water vapor. Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are designed and certified to work to-
gether in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only newGenuine Acura replacement parts or
their equivalent for repairs. Using
lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your car.
Technical Information
Page 313 of 333
Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic convertercontains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is referred to as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Acura part
or its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any com-
bustible materials that come near it. Park your car away from high grass,
dry leaves, or other flammables. A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine's per-
formance. Follow these guidelines to protect your car's three way catalytic
converter.
Always use unleaded gasoline.Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective. Keep the engine tuned-up. Have your car diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring, back-
firing, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Technical Information
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Page 314 of 333
State Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes If you take your vehicle for a state
emissions test shortly after the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not complete the
test. This is because of certain "readiness codes" that must be set in
the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. These codes are
erased when the battery is disconnected, and set again only
after several days of driving under a
variety of conditions. If the testing facility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle re-tested within the next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle for re-testing
by doing the following. Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, full (around
3/4). Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine off for 8
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 20° and 95° F. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine and let it
idle for 20 seconds.
Keep the vehicle in Park (automatic transmission). Increase
the engine speed to 2,000 rpm and
hold it there until the temperature
gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the scale (approximately 3 minutes).
CONTINUED
Technical Information
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 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