check engine light Acura RL 2005 Owner's Manual

This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either theor position. This indicator
will also come on when the light
switch is in AUTO and the lights
turn on automatically. 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 comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II). It will then go of f
if you have a properly-coded remote.
If it is not a properly-coded remote,
the indicator will blink and the
engine will not start (see page ).
If you use the remote, this indicator
blinks several times when you turn
the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY (I) to LOCK (0).
If you use the built-in key, this
indicator blinks several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I).This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If this indicator comes
on at any other time, there is a
problem in the ABS. If this happens,
take the vehicle to your dealer to
have it checked. With this indicator
on, your vehicle still has normal
braking ability but no anti-lock
f unction. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK ABS SYSTEM’’ message
on the multi-information display (see
page ). For more inf ormation, see
page .
275
114
76
Instrument Panel Indicators
Lights On Indicator Immobilizer System
IndicatorAnti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
62

This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II).
Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the Adaptive Front
Lighting System (AFS).
This indicator blinks when there is a
problem with the AFS system; you
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ADAPTIVE
FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display (see page ). If this
happens, stop the vehicle in a saf e
place, turn the ignition switch to
ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0), and
restart the engine. If the indicator
does not go of f or blinks again, take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it
checked. For more inf ormation, see
page .This indicator comes on when the
security system is set. For more
inf ormation, see page .
76
107 200
A daptive Front L ighting
(A FS) System Indicator
Security System Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols
67
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR

The adaptive f ront lighting system
(AFS) helps to improve visibility
during nighttime driving. The AFS
controls the aiming direction and
lighting distribution of the low
beams according to the amount of
turn applied to the steering wheel
during cornering or turning. To turn
the AFS on, turn the ignition to ON
(II), and turn the headlights on.If the AFS indicator comes on and
starts blinking while driving, pull to
the side of the road when it is saf e,
and turn of f the engine. If the AFS
indicator keeps blinking, or starts
blinking again while driving af ter
turning the ignition switch to ON (II),
the AFS is not working properly (see
page ). Have the AFS inspected
by your dealer.
When the AFS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). Without AFS, your vehicle still has
normal lighting ability to continue
driving.
67
76
A dapt ive Front L ight ing Syst em (A FS)
AFS Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
107

The CHECK FUEL CAP message
that is displayed after you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position or start the engine, should
go of f af ter tightening the f uel cap,
turning the ignition switch of f and on,
then driving over 12 mph (US) or 20
km/h (Canada) for at least 10
minutes. Due to dif f erent driving
conditions,itmaytakeafewdrive
trips to make the message go of f .
The CHECK FUEL CAP message
displayed while driving should go of f
af ter tightening the f uel cap, turning
the ignition switch of f and on, then
driving over 30 mph (US) or 48
km/h (Canada) for at least 45
seconds. Due to dif f erent driving
conditions,itmaytakeafewdrive
trips to make the message go of f .Park the vehicle, and set the
parking brake. Pull the hood
release lever located under the
lower lef t corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.
If the system still detects a loose or
missing f uel cap, the malf unction
indicator lamp (MIL) comes on. If a
loose or missing f uel cap was not the
cause of the CHECK FUEL CAP
message coming on, the MIL will
also come on. When the MIL comes
on, the message goes of f .
Turn the engine of f , and check or
retighten the f uel cap until it clicks at
least once. The MIL goes out af ter 3
days of normal driving once the cap
is tightened or replaced. If it does
not go out, have your dealer inspect
the vehicle. For more inf ormation,
see page .
1.
349
CONT INUED
Opening and Closing the Hood
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
251
HOOD RELEASE LEVER

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
pages and ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see page , and).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. 17
119
111
122 123
59 68
76
Preparing to Drive
262

Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear. Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Braking System DesignBrake Wear Indicators
Braking System
274

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the multi-
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .290
....................
Maintenance Minder . 291
....................
Maintenance Record .301
..............................
Fluid Locations .303
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 304
........................
Adding Engine Oil .305
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 306
..............................
Engine Coolant .308
....................
Windshield Washers .310
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 310
....................................
Brake Fluid .311
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 312
....................................
Timing Belt .313
.............................................
Lights .314
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 321
.....................................
Floor Mats .322
.................................
Wiper Blades .323
...............................................
Tires .325
...................
Checking the Battery . 331
.............................
Vehicle Storage .333
381
Maintenance
Maint enance
289

µµµ
µ
µ µ
Ì Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
Multi-Inf ormation Display. 253
308
310 311
325 314
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
298

You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the f uses. If
thefusesareOK,thereis
probably something wrong with
the electrical circuit f or the
ignition switch or starter motor.
You will need a qualif ied
technician to determine the
problem (see
on page ).
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal
connections (see page ). You
canthentryjumpstartingthe
vehicle from a booster battery
(see page ).
Check these things:
Make sure the remote is with you,
inside the vehicle.
Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III):
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights, and check
their brightness. If the headlights
areverydimordonotcomeonat
all, the battery is discharged. Seeon page .343 343
360
331
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Emergency T owing
Jump Starting
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
341

....................................
Accessories .255
ACCESSORY (Ignition Switch .....................................
Position) .115
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 156
.....................................
Acura Link .208
Adaptive Front Lighting System ..........................................
(AFS) .107
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 305
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 25
............................
Air Conditioning .162
.........................................
Usage .163
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .326
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .248
......................................
Antif reeze .308
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .62, 275
...................................
Operation .275
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 199
Anti-thef t Steering Column ............................................
Lock .115
.........................................
Ashtrays .157
................................
Audio System .171
Auto Control Mode, Starting ........................................
Engine .263 .......................
Automatic Lighting .105
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 201
..............
Automatic Transmission . 265
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .366
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 310
.......................................
Shif ting .265
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .265
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 265
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 270
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .60, 348
............................
Jump Starting .343
..............................
Maintenance .331
..........................................
Cover .322
............................
Specif ications .367
..............................
Bef ore Driving .247
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 21
.........................
Beverage Holders .154
..................................
Booster Seats .51 Brakes
Anti-lock Brake ........................
System (ABS) .275
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 248
...........................................
Fluid .311
.......................................
Parking .151
.................
System Indicator . 61,350
........................
Wear Indicators .274
.............................
Braking System .274
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 248
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .109
......................
Brights, Headlights .104
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .320
.......................
Front Fog Lights .318
...............
Front Position Lights . 317
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 317
.................................
Headlights .314
............................
Specif ications .367
............
Turn Signal Lights . 316,320
.....................................
Built-in-key .128
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .314
Index
A
B
INDEX
I