flat tire Acura RL 2002 3.5 Owner's Manual

Do not remove any original
equipment or modif y your car in any
way that would alter its design or
operation. This could make your car
unsaf e and illegal to drive.
Such modif ications can adversely
af f ect handling, and interf ere with
the operation of the car’s anti-lock
brakes and other systems.Covering the outside edge of a
f ront seat-back, with a non-Acura
seat cover for example, could
prevent the airbag from inflating
properly.
For example, do not make any
modif ications that would change the
ride height of your car, or install
wheels and tires with a dif f erent
overall diameter. If a side airbag
inflates,acupholderorotherhard
object attached on or near the
door could be propelled inside the
car and hurt someone.
In addition, any modif ications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts
striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause
your airbags to deploy. Do not modif y your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modif ications could make the
system inef f ective.
Any object
attached to or placed on the covers
marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG,’’ in the
center of the steering wheel and
on top of the dashboard, could
interf ere with the proper operation
of the airbags. Or, if the airbags
inf late, the objects could be
propelled inside the car and hurt
someone.
Modif ications
Additional Saf ety Precautions
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
Do not place any object s over t heoutsideedgeof afront seat-back.
Do not at t ach hard object s on or
near a f ront door.
Do not at t ach or place object s on the f ront airbag covers.
185
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Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ).
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.206 207
254
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Pre-T ow ChecklistAdditional Trailer Equipment
210
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Ì
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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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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

µµWe recommend that you visually
check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
The timing belt and balancer belt
should normally be replaced at the
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C). To saf ely operate your car, your tires
must be the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread,
and correctly inf lated. The f ollowing
pages give more detailed inf ormation
on how and when to check air
pressure, how to inspect your tires
for damage and wear, and what to do
when your tires need to be replaced.
Replace these belts at 60,000 miles
(U.S.) or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your car in one or
more of these conditions: Keeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort. Underinf lated tires wear
unevenly, adversely af f ect handling
and f uel economy, and are more
likely to f ail f rom being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your car
ride more harshly, are more prone to
damage f rom road hazards, and wear
unevenly.
CONT INUED
Inf lation
Tires
Timing Belt
Timing Belt, Tires
Maint enance253
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
01/09/28 20:06:49 31SZ3660_256

This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your car towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .282
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .283
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start .288
Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor Operates ........................
Very Slowly .288
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally .289
................................
Jump Starting .290
............
If Your Engine Overheats .293
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .295
..........
Charging System Indicator .296
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .297
...............
Brake System Indicator .299
..................
Closing the Moonroof .300
..............................................
Fuses .301
..........
Checking and Replacing .302
......................
Emergency Towing .306
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed281
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If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Stopping in traf f ic or on the shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Drive
slowly along the shoulder until you
gettoanexitoranareatostopthat
is far away from the traffic lanes.Open the trunk. Raise the trunk
f loor by lif ting up on the back edge.
To keep the trunk f loor out of the
way, attach the hook into the slot
in the trunk lid.
Take the tool kit out of the trunk.
Unscrew the wing bolt and take
the spare tire out of its well.
Turn on the hazard warning lights
and turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0). Have all the
passengers get out of the car while
you change the tire. Park the car on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground away f rom
traf f ic. Put the transmission in
Park. Apply the parking brake. 5. 4. 3.
2. 1.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat T ire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed283
T T R
RU UN NKK F
FLLOOO ORR
S
SP PA
A R
REE T
TI
IRRE E
J
JA A C
CKK T
TO
OO OLL K
KIITT
H
H
O
OO OKK
The car can easily roll off the
jack, seriously injuring anyone
underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the car when it
is supported only by the jack.
01/09/28 20:11:37 31SZ3660_286

Ú
Turn the jack’s end bracket
counterclockwise to loosen it, then
remove the jack by lif ting it
straight up. Loosen the f ive wheel nuts 1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.
Locate the jacking point nearest
the tire you need to change. It is
pointed to by a mark molded
into the underside of the body.
Place the jack under the jacking
point. Turn the end bracket
clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point. Make
sure the jacking point tab is
restinginthejacknotch.
6. 7. 8.
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Changing a Flat T ire
284
J JA
A C
CKK
W
WHHE
EE
EL
L W
WR REEN
NC CHH J
JA
A C
CKKIINNG G
P
P O
OI INNT T
01/09/28 20:11:46 31SZ3660_287

CONT INUED
Use the extension and wheel
wrench as shown to raise the
vehicle until the f lat tire is of f the
ground.Remove the wheel nuts and f lat
tire. Temporarily place the f lat tire
on the ground with the outside
surf ace of the wheel f acing up.
You could scratch the wheel if you
putitfacedown.Bef ore mounting the spare tire,
wipeanydirtoff themounting
surface of the wheel and hub with
a clean cloth. Wipe the hub
carefully,itmaybehotfrom
driving.
9. 10.
11.
Changing a Flat T ire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed285
B BRRAA K
KEE H
HU
UB B
W
WH
HE
EE
EL
L
W
WR REEN
NC CHH
E
E
X
X T
TE
EN
NS SIIOON N
01/09/28 20:11:55 31SZ3660_288

Put on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on f inger-tight,
then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel wrench
until the wheel is f irmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten
them f ully.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
f acility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
Lower the car to the ground and
remove the jack.
12.
13. 14.
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Changing a Flat T ire
286
80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)
01/09/28 20:12:03 31SZ3660_289