air filter Acura RL 2002 3.5 Owner's Manual

If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer. This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .214
.
Important Safety Precautions .215
.................
Maintenance Schedule .216
...
Required Maintenance Record .223
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks .225
..............................
Fluid Locations .226
......................................
Engine Oil .227
..................................
Adding Oil .227
....................
Recommended Oil .227
..............................
Synthetic Oil .228
....................................
Additives .228
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter .229
.............................
Cooling System .231
............
Adding Engine Coolant .231
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant .233
....................
Windshield Washers .237
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .238
..............................
Dif f erential Oil .239
....................................
Brake Fluid .240
............................
Brake System .240
..............................
Power Steering .240
....................................
Hood Latch .241
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .241
....................................
Spark Plugs .243
..............................
Replacement .243
............................
Specif ications .246 ...........................................
Battery .246
.................................
Wiper Blades .249
..............
Air Conditioning System .251
.................
Air Conditioning Filter .252
.....................................
Drive Belts .252
....................................
Timing Belt .253
...............................................
Tires .253
......................................
Inf lation .253
..................................
Inspection .255
..............................
Maintenance .256
.............................
Tire Rotation .256
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels .257
......................
Wheels and Tires .258
..........................
Winter Driving .258
.............................
Snow Tires .259
............................
Tire Chains .259
.............................................
Lights .260
........................
Replacing Bulbs .262
...........................
Storing Your Car .271
329
Maintenance
Maint enance213
01/09/28 20:00:16 31SZ3660_216

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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
218
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt, balancer belt, and inspect
water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24
12
30
48
24 60
96
48
45
72
36 75
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
: 217
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
01/09/28 20:01:04 31SZ3660_221

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Maint enance219
Canadian Owners U.S. Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km/
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km/
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt, balancer belt, and inspect
water pump. Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace transmission fluid, then every 90,000
mi/144,000 km/5 yrs. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page256).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.
Replace brake fluid (every 3 years regardless of
mileage).
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. :
NOTE: 217
218
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/28 20:01:13 31SZ3660_222

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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
220
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 monthsRotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections Exhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 120
192
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 105
168
84
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
:
1:
2: 217
253 252
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions
11
2
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
01/09/28 20:01:35 31SZ3660_223

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CONT INUED
Maint enance221
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
A
B
C
D
E
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace transmission fluid, then replace every
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs. Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page256).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving
conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
1:
2:
:
NOTE : 220
253 252
217
11 2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/28 20:01:48 31SZ3660_224

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Maint enance222
See timing belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
NOTE: 1:
2:
: 252
217 25363,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km
82,500 mi/132,000 km
86,250 mi/138,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
93,750 mi/150,000 km
97,500 mi/156,000 km
101,250 mi/162,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
108,750 mi/174,000 km
112,500 mi/180,000 km
116,250 mi/186,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E. Replace transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump. Check idle speed.
Clean air cleaner element.
Replace spark plugs.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace transmission fluid.
11
11
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/10/11 11:46:32 31SZ3660_225

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The belts should have the f ollowing
‘‘play’’ or def lection.
Alternator belt:
Check the condition of the three
drive belts. Examine the edges of
each belt f or cracks or f raying.
This f ilter 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 you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air f rom industry and diesel-pow-
ered vehicles. Replace it more of ten
if air f low f rom the climate control
system becomes less than usual.
Have dust and pollen f ilter replaced
by your Acura dealer.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushingonitwithyourthumb
midway between the pulleys.If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts. Power steering belt: Compressor belt:
The dust and pollen f ilter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
f rom the outside through the climate
control system. A ir Conditioning Filter Drive Belts
A ir Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Maint enance252
P P
O
OW WE ER
R S
STTE
EE
ER
RI INNG G
B
BE EL
LTT A
A
L
LTT E
ER
RN NA AT
TO
OR R B
BEEL
LTT
C
CO OM M P
PR
RE ES
SS SOOR R B
BEEL
LTT
0.37 0.45 in (9.5 11.5 mm)
0.41 0.49 in (10.5 12.5 mm) 0.31 0.43 in (8.0 11.0 mm)
01/09/28 20:06:39 31SZ3660_255

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T echnical Inf ormation
Specif ications
312
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning Capacities
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 4.5 US qt (4.3
, 3.8 Imp qt)
196.7 in (4,995 mm)
71.7 in (1,820 mm)
54.5 in (1,385 mm)
114.6 in (2,910 mm)
61.0 in (1,550 mm)
60.6 in (1,540 mm)
HFC-134a (R-134a)
24.7 26.5 oz (700 750 g) ND-OIL8 18.0 US gal (68
, 15.0 Imp gal)
1.61 US gal (6.1, 1.34 Imp gal)
2.27 US gal (8.6, 1.89 Imp gal)
4.9 US qt (4.6
, 4.0 Imp qt)
5.6 US qt (5.3
, 4.7 Imp qt)
3.2 US qt (3.0, 2.6 Imp qt)
9.1 US qt (8.6, 7.6 Imp qt)
1.11 US qt (1.05
,0.92Impqt)
1.16 US qt (1.10,0.97Impqt)
2.6 US qt (2.5, 2.2 Imp qt)
6.9 US qt (6.5, 5.7 Imp qt)
0.172 US gal (0.65
, 0.143 Imp gal)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Differential
oil
Windshield
washer
reservoir
1:
2: Approx.
Front
Rear Change
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
1
2
01/09/28 20:15:54 31SZ3660_315

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications .184
................................
Accessories .184
.
Additional Safety Precautions .185
............................
Modif ications .185
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .78
.............
Accessory Power Socket .108
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .228
.........................
Airbag (SRS) .9,43,45
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .241
.................
Air Conditioning Filter .252
..............
Air Conditioning System .114
..............................
Maintenance .251
.................................
Usage .116,121
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .114
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .253
...........................
Alarm, Anti-theft .156
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .316
.......
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning .275
......................................
Antif reeze .231
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .56, 199
...................................
Operation .199
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 156Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock .77
..........................
Anti-thef t System .157
..........................
Appearance Care .273
............................................
Armrest .89
.........................................
Ashtrays .110
...............
Audio Controls, Remote . 155
................................
Audio System .128
Automatic Climate Control ........................................
System .114
.........................
Automatic Lighting .64
Automatic Seat Belt ...................................
Tensioners .41
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 158
..............
Automatic Transmission . 192
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .312
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 238
.......................................
Shif ting .192
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 192
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 192
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 195Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .54, 296
............................
Jump Starting .290
..............................
Maintenance .246
............................
Specif ications .313
..............................
Bef ore Driving .177
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,40
...........................
Beverage Holder .104
...................................
Body Repair .280
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 198
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 178
....................
Bulb Replacement .266
...........................................
Fluid .239
.......................................
Parking .102
.................
System Indicator . 54,299
........................
Wear Indicators .197
.............................
Braking System .197
........................
Break-in, New Car .198
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 66
........................
Brights, Headlights .63
Index
A B
I
01/09/28 20:18:43 31SZ3660_334

..........................
Fan, Interior .118,123
Features, Comfort and
..............................
Convenience .113
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .179
Filters
................................
Air Cleaner .241
.......................
Air Conditioning .252
...............................................
Oil .229
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .70
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .283
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .238
..........................................
Brake .239
................................
Differential .239
..........................
Power Steering .240
..................
Windshield Washer .237
FM Stereo Radio ...........................
Reception .129,139
........................................
Fog Lights .67
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in .317
..........................
Four-way Flashers .70
..............................
Front Airbags .9,43
.................................................
Fuel .178
......................
Fill Door and Cap .179
...........................................
Gauge .60
................
Octane Requirement .178 ...............................
Oxygenated .316
........................
Reserve Indicator .57
........................
Tank, Filling the .179
..............
Fuel Mileage, Improving .183
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .302
..........................................
Gasohol .316
.........................................
Gasoline .178
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator .57
...........................................
Gauge .60
................
Octane Requirement .178
........................
Tank, Filling the .179
................
Gas Station Procedures .179
.............................................
Gauges .58
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .60
...............................................
Fuel .60
...............................
Speedometer .58
.................................
Tachometer .58
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .207
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 192
..............................
Glass Cleaning .278
........................................
Glove Box .88 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
.......................................
Rating) .207
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 262
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 70
Headlights ....................
Automatic Lighting .64
............
Daytime Running Lights . 65
..................
High Beam Indicator . 57
....................
Lights On Indicator .55
.........................
Reminder Chime .63
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 262
...................................
Turning on .63
..............................
Head Restraints .88
.....................
Heating and Cooling .114
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 191
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 63
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 267
HomeLink Universal ...............................
Transmitter .162
....................................
Hood Latch .241
.......................
Hood, Opening the .180
..................................................
Horn .62
.................................
Hydroplaning .205
Index
G H
IV
01/09/28 20:19:00 31SZ3660_337