headlights Acura RL 2008 User Guide

Turn the f og lights on and of f by
turning the switch next to the
headlight switch.
You can use the f og lights only when
the headlights are on low beam.
The headlights revert to normal
operation when you turn them on
with the switch.
With the light switch in the AUTO
position, you can also use the f og
lights when the headlights turn on
automatically. They will go of f when
the headlights turn of f .
With the headlight switch off, the
high beam headlights come on with
reduced brightness when you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position and release the parking
brake. They remain on until you turn
the ignition switch of f , even if you
set the parking brake.This f eature turns of f the headlights,
all other exterior lights, and the
instrument panel lights within 15
seconds after you turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK (0) position and
close the driver’s door.
To change the ‘‘HEADLIGHT AUTO
OFF TIMER’’ setting, see page .
If you see a ‘‘CHECK DRL
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display, there is a
problem with the daytime running
light system. Take your vehicle to a
dealer to have it checked.
When the multi-information display
shows a ‘‘DRL OFF’’ message, the
daytime running lights are of f .
Follow the procedure in the lef t
column to turn them on.The automatic lighting of f f eature
activates if you leave the headlight
switch in the ‘‘ ’’ or ‘‘ ’’
position or if the lights are turned on
by setting the switch in the ‘‘AUTO’’
position, turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK (0) position, then open
and close the driver’s door.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position with the
headlight switch on, but do not open
the door and get out, the lights turn
of f af ter 10 minutes (3 minutes, if
the switch is in the ‘‘AUTO’’
position).
If you unlock the door, but do not
open it within 15 seconds, the lights
go of f . With the driver’s door open,
you will hear a lights-on reminder
chime.
The lights turn on again when you
unlock or open the driver’s door.
118
Fog Lights
Daytime Running Lights Automatic Lighting Of f Feature
Turn Signals and Headlights
142
\f—\f—
y\f\f\fy
(\fy\f
y
2008 RL

If the AFS indicator comes on and
starts blinking while driving, pull to
the side of the road when it is saf e,
andturnoff theengine.If theAFS
indicator keeps blinking, or starts
blinking again while driving af ter
turning the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position, 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.
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. Press
the AFS OFF switch to turn the AFS
on and off when the ignition switch
is in the ON (II) position and the
headlights are turned on.
69
78
If equipped
A daptive Front L ighting System (A FS)
AFS Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
143
\f—\f—
y\f\f
y
(\fy\f
y
2008 RL

This switch is at the right side of the
left vent. Press it to turn the AFS on
and off. When AFS is off, the AFS
indicator comes on as a reminder
whenyouturnontheheadlights.Here are some operating
characteristics of the AFS:
The system requires an
initialization period. It does not
begin to operate until you have
driven the vehicle a short distance.
At a stop, the right headlight turns
right when you turn the steering
wheel to the right. But the left
headlight does not turn lef t when
you turn the steering wheel to the
left.Thispreventstheleft
headlight f rom pointing at
oncoming traf f ic.
AFS is turned of f when the shif t
lever is in the R position. The AFS works with the automatic
headlight adjusting system to sense
changes in vehicle height due to
driving and loading conditions of
passengers and luggage, and adjusts
the vertical aim of the low beam
headlights automatically to
compensate f or load.
If the headlights do not seem to be
properly aimed, have the automatic
headlight adjusting system inspected
by your dealer.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, the AFS is
turned on if it was on previously.
A daptive Front L ighting System (A FS)
AFS Of f Switch Automatic Headlight Adjusting System
144
AFS OFF SWITCH
\f—\f—
y\f\fy
(\fy\f
y
2008 RL

The inside mirror can automatically
darken to reduce glare. To turn on
this feature, press the button on the
bottom of the mirror. The AUTO
indicator comes on as a reminder.
When it is on, the mirror darkens
when it senses the headlights of a
vehicle behind you, then returns to
normal visibility when the lights are
gone. Press the button again to turn
of f this f eature.
Keeptheinsideandoutsidemirrors
clean and adjusted f or best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors bef ore
you start driving.
Make sure all items in the trunk and
those extending through the pass-
through are secured.
For security, this cover can be
locked and unlocked only with the
built-in key. To lock the cover, insert
thekey,andturnitclockwise.
Never drive with this cover open and
the trunk lid open.
See on
page .
56
Mirrors
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
158
INDICATOR
AUTO BUTTONSENSOR
\f—\f—
y\f\fy
(\fy\f
y
2008 RL

Pressing the () button allows you to switch
display modes.
Eachtimeyouturntheignition
switch to the ACCESSORY (I)
position, the display mode is in auto.
The screen changes between day
and night modes when you turn the
headlights on and of f .
To override the auto mode, select
either day or night mode. This can
be usef ul if you want to use the
headlights during the day. Be aware
that using day mode at night will
make the screen extremely bright.
This f unction allows you to turn
or verbal reminders. Examples
of these reminders include:
Driving with the parking brake on
Driving with the trunk or a door
open
A reminder to f asten the driver’s
and f ront passenger’s seat belts
To select ON or OFF, turn the
interf ace knob to the right or lef t,
then press the interf ace selector.
To change the color, select Day or
night by turning the interf ace knob
to the right or left. Press the
interface selector, then turn the
interf ace knob to select desired color.
Press the interf ace selector to enter
your choice.
Choose silver metal (f actory
default) as the color to obtain
the best display contrast.
Choose black metal (f actory
default) as the color to
obtain the best display contrast.
Verbal ReminderSetting Display Mode Display
mode
ON
OFF
Day
Night
Compass System (U.S. model without navigation system)
258
NOTE:
\f—\f—
y\f\fy
(\fy\fy
2008 RL

The security system will not set if
the hood, trunk, or any door is not
f ully closed. If the system will not set,
check the Door and Trunk Open
monitor on the instrument panel (see
page ) to see if the doors and
trunk are f ully closed. Since it is not
part of the monitor display, manually
check the hood.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it.
The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables f rom thef t.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights, parking/side marker
lights, and taillights f lash if someone
attempts to break into your vehicle
or remove the radio. This alarm
continues f or 2 minutes, then the
system resets. To reset an alarming
system bef ore the 2 minutes have
elapsed, unlock either f ront door
with the remote or the built-in key.
With the system set, you can still
open the trunk with the remote
without triggering the alarm. The
alarm will sound if the trunk lock is
f orced, or the trunk is opened with
the trunk release button on the
driver’s door or the emergency trunk
opener.
Once the security system is set,
opening any door or the hood
without using the built-in key or the
remote will cause it to sound. It also
sounds if the radio is removed f rom
the dashboard or the audio system
wiring is cut.
The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, close the hood, and close the
trunk. For the system to activate,
you must lock the doors f rom the
outside with the remote, built-in key,
lock tab, or door lock switch. The
security system indicator on the
instrument panel starts blinking
immediately to show you the system
is setting itself . 13
Security System
276
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
\f—\f—
y\f
y
(\fy\f
y
2008 RL

µµµ
µ
µ
µ
Ì Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel 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
.
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 f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
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.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility 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 f ill out
your Maintenance Journal or
Canadian Maintenance Log. Check
your warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability.
333
333
404 406
421
408
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
394
\f—\f—
y\f
y
(\fy\fy
2008 RL

The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.Your vehicle has halogen high beam
headlight bulbs which are also used
f or the daytime running light.
Handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic headlight adjusting
system that adjusts the vertical angle
of the headlights automatically.
Refer to page for more
inf ormation.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer (if applicable),
readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or other qualif ied technician. 144
Lights
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight/Daytime
Running L ight Bulb
408
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil,
perspiration, or a scratch on the glass
can cause the bulb to overheat and
shatter.
\f—\f—
y\f\fy
(\fy\f
y
2008 RL

Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Push the bulb in slightly, and turn
it counterclockwise.
Reinstall the battery in the reverse
order of removal, and reinstall the
cover on the battery. Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ).
If you are replacing a driver’s side
bulb, slide the battery toward the
engine to get more clearance (see
page ).
2.
1.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3.
398
428
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal/
FrontParkingLightBulb
410
SOCKET
BULB
\f—\f—
y\f
\f\fy
(\fy\f
y
2008 RL

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
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
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 .
Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:
Check these things:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page .
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate.
Make sure the remote is with you,
inside the vehicle.
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 can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page ).
441 459
427 441
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Emergency T owing
Jump Starting
If theEngineWon’tStart
440
\f—\f—
y\fy
(\fy\fy
2008 RL