brake fluid Acura RL 2007 Owner's Manual

This indicator has two functions:
Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not fully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will sound,
and you will also see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
If it stays on after you have fully
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.
You will also see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ or
‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page .
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that the
passenger’s side airbag has
au tomatically shut off. You will also
see a ‘‘PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
OFF’’ message on the multi-
information display (see page ).
For more information, see page .This
indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it comes on at
any other time, it indicates a
poten tial problem with your front
airbags. This indica tor will also alert
you to a poten tial problem with your
side airbags, passenger’s side airbag
automatic cutoff system, side curtain
airbags, automatic seat belt
tensioners driver’s seat position
sensor, the front passenger’s weight
sensors, or, on models with ACC,
seat belt e-pretensioners. You will
also see a ‘‘CHECK AIRBAG
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
For more inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
78
3578
35
445
79
Instrument Panel Indicators
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
Side Airbag Of f Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
63
U.S. Canada U.S. Canada
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform 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. This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, a
maintenance record, and instructions
for simple maintenance tasks you
may want to take care of yourself. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .380
....................
Maintenance Minder . 381
....................
Maintenance Record .391
..............................
Fluid Locations .393
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 394
........................
Adding Engine Oil .395
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 396
..............................
Engine Coolant .398
....................
Windshield Washers .400
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 400
....................................
Brake Fluid .402
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 402
....................................
Timing Belt .403
.............................................
Lights .404
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 411
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 411
.....................................
Floor Mats .412
.................................
Wiper Blades .413
...........................................
Wheels .415
...............................................
Tires .415
...................
Checking the Battery . 423
.............................
Vehicle Storage .425
477
Maintenance
Maint enance
379
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µµµ
µ
µ
µ
Ì Engine
oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Tires
Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Brakes
Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
U.S.
Vehicles:
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, efficient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all receipts
as proof of completion, and have the
person who does the work fill out the
maintenance record. Check your
warranty booklet for more
info rmation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performan ce and durability. According
to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be performed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
Multi-Info rmation Display.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. 331
331
400 402
417
404
Maintenance Minder
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.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
388
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Î
Ì Ì
Ì
Î
CONTINUED
Maintenance Minder
389
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the disp lay is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Independent of the maintenance messages in the Multi-Information
Display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
388
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
A
B
Symbol1
Maintenance Minder
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CONT INUED
Maintenance Record
Maint enance
391
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mimi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
Mileage
km
km
km
km
km
km
km Signature
Date
Mileage
km
km
km
km
km
km
km Signature
Date
Maintenance
Performed
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456 Maintenance
Performed
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
AB123456
You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here. When maintenance is performed, record the mileage, circle the coded item(s)
completed, and write in any other non-coded items (such as brake fluid replacement) below the codes. Keep the receipts for all work done on your
vehicle. Maintenance can also be recorded in your Acura maintenance journal.
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Î
Î: The power steering f luid reservoir is located under the right compartment cover.
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
393
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Black cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)
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After removing the right engine
compartment cover (see page ),
check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of mileage.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
394
Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Brake Fluid
402
MAX MIN UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
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However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal. Slow
down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it to wed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If
the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
information display.
If
the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. You will see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ message on
the multi-information display. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
). The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position and as a reminder to
check the parking brake. If you do
not release the parking brake, the
indicator will stay on, and you will
see a ‘‘RELEASE PARKING
BRAKE’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
402 455
Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
445
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CONT INUED
BatteryCharging System ...........................
Indicator . 62, 443
............................
Jump Starting .437
..............................
Maintenance .423
..........................................
Cover .424
............................
Specif ications .461
..............................
Bef ore Driving .325..................................
Belts, Seat . 10, 21
.........................
Beverage Holders .190
..................................
Booster Seats .53
Brakes Anti-lock Brake System .....................................
(ABS) .353
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 326
...........................................
Fluid .402
.......................................
Parking .187
.................
System Indicator . 63, 445
........................
Wear Indicators .352
.............................
Braking System .352
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 326
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .145
......................
Brights, Headlights .140
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .410
.................................
Fog Lights .408
...............
Front Position Lights . 407
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 407
.................................
Headlights .404
............................
Specif ications .461
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 406
....................................
Accessories .333
ACCESSORY (Ignition Switch .....................................
Position) .151
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 192
......................................
AcuraLink .297
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .....................................
Indicator .278
...................................
Operation .280
Adaptive Front Lighting System ..........................................
(AFS) .143
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 395
.............................
Airbag (SRS) . 11, 27
............................
Air Conditioning .198
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .417
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .326
......................................
Antif reeze .398
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator . 64, 353
...................................
Operation .353
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 239
Anti-thef t Steering Column ............................................
Lock .151
.........................................
Ashtrays .193
................................
Audio System .207 Auto Control Mode, Starting
........................................
Engine .341
..........
Automatic Climate Control . 205
.......................
Automatic Lighting .141
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 23
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 275
..............
Automatic Transmission . 343
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .460
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 400
.......................................
Shif ting .343
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .343
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 343
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 348
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .236
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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Î
CONT INUED
..............
Daytime Running Lights .142
.......................................
Indicator .66
.................................
Dead Battery .437
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 476
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window . 146
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 204
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .460
....................................
Dimensions .460
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 140
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 400
..................................
Engine Oil .331
........................
Directional Signals .140
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 352
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .397
Doors ............
Locking and Unlocking . 152
..................
Lockout Prevention . 152
.................
Monitor Indicator . 13,79
....................
Power Door Locks . 152
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 462
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
.......................................
Driver’s ID .81
...........................................
Driving .339
....................................
Economy .332 Driving Position Memory
........................................
System .160
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 411
..............................
Economy, Fuel .332
..................................
Emergencies .427
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 437
...........
Brake System Indicator . 445
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 432
.....
Charging System Indicator . 443
..................
Checking the Fuses . 449
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers . 145
............................
Jump Starting .437
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 443
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 444
Opening the Fuel Fill Door ................................
Manually .446
..................
Overheated Engine . 440
.......................................
Towing .455
.........................
Emergency Brake .187
....................
Emergency Flashers .145
......................
Emergency Towing .455
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 154
.......................
Emissions Controls .468 .............
Emissions Testing, State . 471
Engine ............
Check Starting System . 342
...............
Compartment Covers . 394
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 70
.........................
If It Won’t Start .436
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp . 62, 444
.........................................
Oil lif e .381
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 62, 443
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 395
...............................
Overheating .440
............................
Specif ications .461
............................
Speed Limiter .348
.......................................
Starting .341
...................
Engine Speed Limiter . 348
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .326
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 468
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 56
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .469
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
Index
E
INDEX
III
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