spark plugs 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
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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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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

Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils. Remove the two bolts and the f our
nuts with a wrench and remove
the tower bar. Then remove the
A/C tube f rom the three clips.
Remove the two bolts and the
three nuts with a 7/16 inch (10
mm) wrench, then remove the
engine cover.
The spark plugs in your car are a
special platinum-tipped design f or
longer lif e. The spark plugs should
be replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.
1. 2.3.
CONT INUED
Replacement
Spark Plugs
Maint enance243
B BOOL LTT S
S N
NU
UTTS
S
B
BO
OL LTT S
S
N
NU UTTS
S
N
NU
UTTS
S
01/09/28 20:05:17 31SZ3660_246

Put the new spark plug into the
socket, then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.
Use a wrench to remove the two
bolts holding the ignition coil.
Remove the ignition coil by pulling
it straight out.
Remove the spark plug with
a f ive-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
Disconnect the wire connector
f rom the ignition coil by pushing
on the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.
4. 5.
6.7.
Spark Plugs
Maint enance244
I IG
GN NIITT I
IOON N C
COOI ILL
I
IG
GN NIITT I
IOON N C
COOI ILL
L
LO OC CKK T
TA
A B
BC
CO
ON NNNEEC
CT TO
OR R B
BO
OL LTT S
S
01/09/28 20:05:25 31SZ3660_247

Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the two hold-down bolts.
Repeat this procedure f or the
other f ive spark plugs.
Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
af ter it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque: Put the A/C tube back in place.
Install the tower bar and tighten
the two bolts and the f our nuts.
Tightening torque:
Push the wire connector onto the
ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place. Install the engine cover. First
tighten the two bolts on the front
of the engine cover, then tighten
the three nuts on the engine cover.
Tightening torque:
8. 9.
10.
11. 12.
13.
14.
CONT INUED
Spark Plugs
Maint enance245
13 lbf·ft (18 N·m , 1.8 kgf·m) 16 lbf·ft (22 N·m , 2.2 kgf·m)
7 lbf·ft (9.8 N·m , 1.0 kgf·m)
Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.
01/09/28 20:05:37 31SZ3660_248

´
µSpark Plug Gap:Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the
test indicator’s colors.
Check the condition of your car’s
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and f or corrosion on the terminals.
NGK:
DENSO: Battery
Specif ications:
Spark Plugs, Battery
Maint enance246
T T E
ES
ST T I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R W
WI INND DO
OW W
0.04 in (1.1 mm) PFR5L-11
PK16PR-L110
0.1 mm
01/09/28 20:05:46 31SZ3660_249

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T echnical Inf ormation
Specif ications
313
Lights
Engine
Alignment
Tires
Battery
Fuses 12 V
12 V
55 W (H1) (High beam)
27/8 W
3.54x3.58in(90x91mm)212 cu-in (3,474 cm
)
9.6 : 1
0.00 in (0.0 mm)
0.08 in (2.0 mm) 0°
0° 30’
2° 50’
P225/55R16 94V
T135/80D16 101M
30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm
)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
21 W
21/5 W
55 W (H1)
21 W
3CP
21 W
3CP
5W
5W
3.4 W
3.4 W
2W
Headlights
Front turn signal/parking lights
Rear turn signal lights
Stop/Taillights
Front fog lights
High-mount brake light
Front side marker lights
Back-up lights
License plate lights
Ceiling lights
Trunk light
Door courtesy lights
Vanity mirror light Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs
Water cooled 4-stroke
SOHC V-6 gasoline engine
Toe
Camber
Caster
Size
Pressure See spark plug maintenance
section page246.
Capacity 12 V 55 AH/5 HR
Interior
Under-hood See page304or the fuse box cover. See page305or the fuse label
attached to the inside of the fuse
box door under the dashboard.65 AH/20 HR
12 V Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Front/Rear
Spare
Front/Rear
Spare
in
Front
Rear
Low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge
tube (D2R).
1:
1
01/09/28 20:16:19 31SZ3660_316