belt Acura RL 2004 3.5 Service Manual

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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Indicator L ights
57
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
SEAT BELT
REMINDER
LIGHT
(P.59)
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR
LAMP
BRAKE LAMP INDICATOR
MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED INDICATOR
CRUISE
CONTROL
INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON
INDICATOR
SIDE AIRBAG CUTOFF
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATORANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
DOOR AND TRUNK
OPEN MONITOR
(P.66)
(P.62)
(P. 59) (P.61)(P.59)
(P.59) (P.60)
(P.60)
(P. 60)
(P. 59)
(P. 58)
(P.61)
(P.62)
(P.59,
323)
(P.58, 325)
(P.58, 321)
(P.58,322)

The engine can be severely damaged
if this light f lashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
inf ormation, see page .This light has two f unctions:
If you do not f asten your seat belt,
the beeper will stop af ter a f ew
seconds but the light stays on until
you do. Both the light and the beeper
stay of f if you f asten your seat belt
bef ore turning on the ignition. This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to you and your passengers
to protect yourselves by f astening
the seat belts. A beeper also sounds
if you have not fastened your seat
belt. The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
inf ormation about your car. This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not f ully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit after
you have f ully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
321
322
325
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
IndicatorParking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder L ight
58
U.S. Canada

This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch f rom ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
See page .This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger’s side
airbag has automatically shut off.
For complete inf ormation, see page
.
This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or position. If you turn the
ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I)
or LOCK (0) without turning of f the
light switch, this indicator will
remain on. A reminder chime will
also sound when you open the driver’s
door.
This indicator will also come on
when the light switch is in AUTO
and the lights turn on automatically.
This lights when you set the cruise
control. See page f or inf ormation
on operating the cruise control. This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your f ront airbags. This light will
also alert you to a potential problem
with your side airbags, passenger’s
side airbag automatic cutoff system
or automatic seat belt tensioners.
For complete inf ormation, see page
.
80
50
51
182 323
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
Lights On Indicator
(U.S. models only)
Cruise Control Indicator
Side A irbag Cutof f
Indicator
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols59

The glove box light comes on only
when the parking lights are on. Open the glove box by pulling the
bottom of the handle. Close it with a
f irm push. Lock or unlock the glove
box with the master key. Glove Box
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols90
An open glove box can cause
serious injury to your passenger
inacrash,evenifthe
passenger is wearing the seat
belt.
Always keep the glove box
closed while driving.

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car.
Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. 12.
15
91
96 7657 217
Preparing to Drive
Driving216

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 .240
.
Important Safety Precautions . 241
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 242
...
Required Maintenance Record . 249
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 251
..............................
Fluid Locations .252
......................................
Engine Oil .253
..................................
Adding Oil .253
....................
Recommended Oil .253
..............................
Synthetic Oil .254
....................................
Additives .254
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 255
.............................
Cooling System .257
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 257
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 259
....................
Windshield Washers .263
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 264
..............................
Dif f erential Oil .265
....................................
Brake Fluid .266
............................
Brake System .266
..............................
Power Steering .266
....................................
Hood Latch .267
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .267
....................................
Spark Plugs .269
..............................
Replacement .269
............................
Specif ications .272 ...........................................
Battery .272
.................................
Wiper Blades .275
..............
Air Conditioning System . 277
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 278
.....................................
Drive Belts .278
....................................
Timing Belt .279
...............................................
Tires .279
......................................
Inf lation .279
..................................
Inspection .281
..............................
Maintenance .282
.............................
Tire Rotation .282
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 283
......................
Wheels and Tires .284
..........................
Winter Driving .284
.............................
Snow Tires .285
............................
Tire Chains .285
.............................................
Lights .286
........................
Replacing Bulbs .288
...........................
Storing Your Car .297
355
Maintenance
Maint enance239

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Maint enance244
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
15
24
30
4845
72 75
120
60
96 90
144 105
168120
192135
216150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Check inflation and condition once a month
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes firstEvery 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
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At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years. Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 282 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items:
Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt, balancer belt, and inspect water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
1:
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1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance245
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 282)
Check front and rear brakes
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Clean air cleaner element
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and inspect water
pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
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7260
9675
120 90
144 105
168120
192135
216150
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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)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Replace at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 1 year.
1:
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: 278
279 243
1
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3
,4 ,4
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

µµ
µµ µµ
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.
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.
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. Drive Belts
Dust and Pollen Filter
Maint enance
Dust and Pollen Filter, Drive Belts
278
ALTERNATOR BELT
COMPRESSOR BELT
POWER STEERING
BELT
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)

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 affect 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 enance279
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.