power steering Acura RL 2001 3.5 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2001, Model line: RL, Model: Acura RL 2001Pages: 333, PDF Size: 4.28 MB
Page 46 of 333
Additional Information About Your Airbags
SRS Components
Your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes: Two front airbags. The driver's
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked "SRS
AIRBAG." Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page 41). Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors andrecords information about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition is ON (II).
An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page 45).
Emergency backup power in case
your car's electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
How Your Front Airbags Work
If you ever have a moderate to
severe frontal collision, the sensors
will detect the vehicle's rapid deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inflate the
front airbags.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Page 54 of 333
Instruments and Controls
This section gives information about the controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations............................ 52
Indicator Lights................................ 53 Gauges.............................................. 58 Speedometer................................ 58
Tachometer.................................. 58
Odometer...................................... 59
Trip Meter/Outside Temperature Indicator............ 59
Temperature Gauge.................... 60 Fuel Gauge................................... 60
Maintenance Required Indicator.................................... 61
Controls Near the Steering Wheel........ 62
Headlights.................................... 63
Automatic Lighting..................... 64 Daytime Running Lights............. 65
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 66
Turn Signals................................. 66
Fog Lights.................................... 67
Windshield Wipers...................... 68 Windshield Washers................... 70
Hazard Warning........................... 70
Rear Window Defogger.............. 71
Steering Wheel Adjustments..... 71
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 73
Cruise Control.............................. 73
Remote Audio Controls .............. 76
Keys and Locks................................ 77
Keys...............................................77
Immobilizer System..................... 78
Ignition Switch............................. 80
Power Door Locks....................... 81
Remote Transmitter.................... 82
Childproof Door Locks............... 85
Trunk............................................ 86
Emergency Trunk Opener......... 87Glove Box..................................... 88
HomeLink Universal Transmitter......... 89
Customer Assistance.................. 89
Important Safety Precautions.... 89
Training the Transmitter............ 90
Training With a Rolling Code
System.......................................92
Erasing Codes.............................. 93
Seat Adjustments............................. 94 Driver's Seat Adjustments.......... 94
Driver's Lumbar Support............ 96
Front Passenger's SeatAdjustments............................. 96
Head Restraints........................... 96
Armrest............................................. 97
Mirrors.............................................. 99
Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 99
Driving Position Memory
System......................................... 101
Seat Heaters................................... 103
Ski Sleeve........................................ 104
Power Windows............................. 106
Moonroof........................................ 107
Parking Brake................................ 109
Digital Clock................................... 109Sunglasses Holder......................... 111
Beverage Holder............................ 112Console Compartment.................. 113
Coin Box......................................... 113
Sun Visor......................................... 114
Vanity Mirror................................. 114
Accessory Power Socket.............. 115 Cigarette Lighter........................... 116
Ashtrays.......................................... 117 Ceiling Lights................................. 118
Courtesy Lights............................. 119
Instruments and Controls
Page 190 of 333
The Braking System
Your Acura is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A powerassist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brake Wear Indicators
All four brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."
Driving
Page 206 of 333
Maintenance
This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 319 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 204
Important Safety Precautions.. 205
Maintenance Schedule.................. 206
Required Maintenance Record.... 213 Owner Maintenance Checks........ 215
Fluid Locations............................... 216
Engine Oil...................................... 217
Adding Oil................................... 217
Recommended Oil.................... 217
Synthetic Oil.............................. 218
Additives.................................... 218
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 219
Cooling System.............................. 221 Adding Engine Coolant............. 221Replacing Engine Coolant........ 223
Windshield Washers..................... 227
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 228 Differential Oil.............................. 229
Brake Fluid.................................... 230
Brake System............................. 230
Power Steering............................... 230
Hood Latch.................................... 231
Air Cleaner Element...................... 231 Spark Plugs..................................... 233
Replacement.............................. 233
Specifications............................ 236
Battery............................................ 236
Wiper Blades.................................. 239
Air Conditioning System............... 241
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 242
Drive Belts...................................... 242
Timing Belt..................................... 243
Tires................................................ 243
Inflation..................................... 243
Inspection................................... 245
Maintenance............................... 246
Tire Rotation.............................. 246
Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 247
Wheels and Tires....................... 248
Winter Driving........................... 248
Snow Tires............................ 249
Tire Chains.............................
249
Lights.............................................. 250 Replacing Bulbs......................... 252
Storing Your Car............................
261
Maintenance
Page 219 of 333
Fluid Locations
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)
RADIATOR CAP BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
Maintenance
Page 233 of 333
Brake Fluid, Power Steering
Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the life of the
system. Have the brake system
flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 assoon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
Brake System
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads. Power Steering
You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir at leastonce a year. Check the level when
the engine is cold. Look at the side of the reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Maintenance
MAX
MIN
UPPER
LEVEL
LOWER
LEVEL
Page 234 of 333
Power Steering, Hood Latch, Air Cleaner Element
Always use Honda Power Steering Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering fluid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Hood Latch
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Acura dealer.
Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
Clean the air cleaner element by blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air
flow. If you do not have access tocompressed air (such as a servicestation), ask your Acura dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
NOTICE
PIVOTS
LATCH
ASSEMBLY
Page 245 of 333
Air Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Air Conditioning Filter The air conditioning filter removespollen and dust that is brought in
from the outside through the climate control system.
This filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if youdrive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air from industry and diesel-pow- ered vehicles. Replace it more often
if air flow from the climate control system becomes less than usual.
Have the air conditioning filter re-
placed by your Acura dealer. Drive Belts
The belts should have the following
"play" or deflection.
Alternator belt:
0.37 — 0.45 in (9.5 — 11.5 mm)
Compressor belt:
0.31 — 0.43 in (8.0 — 11.0 mm)
Power steering belt:
0.41 — 0.49 in (10.5 — 12.5 mm)
If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.
Maintenance
Check the condition of the three
drive belts. Examine the edges of
each belt for cracks or fraying.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb midway between the pulleys.
ALTERNATOR BELT
POWER STEERING BELT
COMPRESSOR BELT
Page 300 of 333
Emergency Towing
If you decide to tow your car with all
four wheels on the ground, make sure you use a properly-designed and
attached tow bar. Prepare the car for
towing as described above, and leave
the ignition switch in Accessory (I) so the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power socket are turned off so they do not
run down the battery.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
freely before you begin towing. Trying to lift or tow your car by the
bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to
support the car's weight.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
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