Vsa Acura RL 2008 Owner's Manual

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To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
If equipped.
1:
2:
3:
4: Canadian models only
Ref er to the navigation system manual.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Your Vehicle at a Glance
5
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO
CONTROLS
COLLISION MITIGATION
BRAKE SYSTEM (CMBS)
OFF SWITCH
ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING
SYSTEM (AFS) OFF SWITCH HORN
VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTS
HEADLIGHT WASHER
SWITCH
MIRROR CONTROLS
HEADLIGHTS/
TURN SIGNAL/
FOG LIGHTS
(P.140,142)
(P.138) (P.147) DISTANCE
BUTTONPASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
(P.35)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER BUTTON
(P.146)/
HEATED MIRROR
BUTTON
CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (ACC)
BUTTONS
MULTI-INFORMATION
BUTTONS
SEAT HEATER
SWITCHES
SEAT HEATER AND
SEAT VENTILATION
BUTTONS
(P.159)
(P.71)(P.178)/
(P.179)
(P.144) INSTRUMENT
PANEL BRIGHTNESS
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
PADDLE SHIFTERS
(P.145)(P.137) (P.145) WINDSHIELD
WIPER/WASHER
(P.351)
(P.364)
(P.378)
(P.159) (P.239)(P.289,294)
(P.265) (P.281,285)
(P.277)/
(P.309)
BLUETOOTH
HANDSFREELINKBUTTONS
2
2 1
4
3
22
2
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2008 RL

The e-pretensioners do not activate
when the seat belts are not worn or
when the vehicle stability assist
(VSA) of f indicator on the
instrument panel is on.
For added saf ety, the f ront seat belts
are equipped with e-pretensioners
that work in combination with the
collision mitigation brake system
(CMBS) (see page ) and the
brake pedal assist f unction (see page ). If your vehicle gets too close to the
vehicle ahead of it in your lane, the
driver’s e-pretensioner slightly
retracts the seat belt to alert the
driver of the approaching vehicle. If
a collision with the vehicle in f ront of
you is likely, the e-pretensioners on
both front seats retract the seat belts
with enough f orce to properly
restrain you and your f ront
passenger. After they activate, the
e-pretensioners release the retracted
seat belts.
To get the f ull benef it of the
e-pretensioners, you and your f ront
passenger must sit normally in your
seats and wear your seat belts
properly (see page ).
In addition, the f ront passenger’s
e-pretensioner does not activate
when the passenger’s airbag is
automatically turned off because the
weight sensor detects a child in the
f ront passenger’s seat.
If the automatic seat belt tensioners
are activated by a collision, both
f ront seat belts and all related
components must be
replaced (see page ). If only the
e-pretensioners were activated, no
components need to be replaced.
17 25
361
358
On models with Collision Mitigation Brake System
Seat Belt e-pretensioners
Additional Inf ormation About Your Seat Belts
24
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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.If equipped.
:
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
KEYLESS ACCESS
SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP
LOW FUEL INDICATORCRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
ELECTRONICALLY
CONTROLLED
POWER STEERING
SYSTEM (ECPS)
INDICATOR
LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR
MULTI-INFORMATION
DISPLAY
MESSAGE INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.64)
(P.68)
(P.68)
(P.69)
(P.71)
(P.66)(P.21,62)(P.68)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
(P.34,63)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
VSA
ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
COLLISION MITIGATION
BRAKE SYSTEM (CMBS)
INDICATOR ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
INDICATOR
ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING
SYSTEM (AFS) INDICATOR (P.69,143)
(P.69) SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
(P.35,63)
(P.62,447)
(P.65)
(P.62,448) (P.62,447) (P.64,359)
(P.66,280)
(P.65) (P.65,377)
(P.377)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE
AND BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P.63,449)(P.64)
SH-AWD INDICATOR (P.66)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS INDICATOR
(P.67,371) (P.65)/
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This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.This indicator has three f unctions:
Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. For more inf ormation, see
page . It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If itcomesonandstaysonatany
other time, or it does not come on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, there is a
problem with the VSA system. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
Take your vehicle to a dealer to have
it checked. Without VSA, your
vehicle still has normal driving ability,
but will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. For more
inf ormation, see page . This indicator comes on when you
turn on the fog lights. For more
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator also comes on with
reduced brightness when the
daytime running lights (DRL) are on
(see page ).
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button on the
steering wheel (see page ).
1.
2.
3.
78 78142
140
142
378 378377
277
On models without adaptive cruisecontrol (ACC)
Instrument Panel Indicators
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator VSA A ctivation Indicator Fog L ight Indicator
High Beam Indicator
Cruise Main Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
65
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This indicator normally comes on
when you turn the ignition to the ON
(II) position and goes of f af ter the
engine starts. If it comes on at any
other time, there is a problem with
the power steering system. You will
also see a ‘‘CHECK POWER
STEERING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ). If this happens, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, and turn off
the engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch this
indicator. If it does not go of f or
comes back on again while driving,
take the vehicle to your dealer to
have it checked. With the indicator
on, the ECPS is turned of f , which
could make the vehicle harder to
steer.This indicator comes on when there
is a system message on the multi-
inf ormation display. Press the INFO
button on the steering wheel (see
page ) to see the message (see
page ).
Most of the time, this indicator
comes on along with other indicators
in the instrument panel such as the
seat belt reminder indicator, SRS
indicator, VSA system indicator, etc.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on at any other
time, it indicates that there is a
problem with the system. You will
also see a ‘‘CHECK KEYLESS
ACCESS SYSTEM’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display (see page
). For more inf ormation, see page.
The indicator comes on when you
run the engine while the vehicle is
not moving. To turn the indicator of f , restart the engine.
78 79 71
78
176
Instrument Panel Indicators
Message Indicator
Electronically Controlled
Power Steering System
(ECPS) Indicator K eyless Access System
Indicator
68
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ÎÎ
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ÎTo use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
On models with navigation system, refer to the navigation system manual.
If equipped.
Canadian models only
1:
2:
3:
4:
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
136
MIRROR CONTROLS
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
PADDLE SHIFTERS
DISTANCEBUTTONCRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
STEERING WHEEL
AUDIO CONTROLS
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTS
HEADLIGHTWASHER
SWITCH
COLLISION MITIGATION
BRAKE SYSTEM (CMBS)
OFF SWITCH
ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING
SYSTEM (AFS) OFF SWITCH
VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONSHORN ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (ACC)
BUTTONS
SEAT HEATER AND
SEAT VENTILATION BUTTONS
(P.138)
(P.158) (P.178)/
(P.179)
MULTI INFORMATION
DISPLAY BUTTONS (P.71)
(P.144)
HEADLIGHTS/
TURN SIGNAL/FOG
LIGHTS
(P.140,142) INSTRUMENT
PANEL BRIGHTNESS
WINDSHIELD WIPER/
WASHER
(P.145) HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P.145)
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
(P.35)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER BUTTON
(P.146)/
HEATED MIRROR
BUTTON (P.159)
(P.137)
(P.147)
(P.351)
(P.364)
(P.378)
(P.239)(P.265)(P.289) (P.280,285)
(P.279)/
(P.309)
BLUETOOTHHANDSFREELINKBUTTONS
2 4
4
31
4
4
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2008 RL

This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on at any other
time, there is a problem in the ACC
system. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked.
The ACC system cannot be used
while this indicator is on.
When ACC is automatically
cancelled, the beeper sounds three
times, and an ACC OFF message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display f or 3 seconds.
Any of these conditions may cause
ACC to cancel:
The vehicle speed decreases
below22mph(35km/h). Driving on a mountainous road, or
driving of f road f or extended
periods.
When the VSA indicator comes on.
When the ABS or VSA is activated.
Abrupt steering wheel movement.
If ACC is cancelled by any these
conditions, wait until the condition
improves, then press the RES/
ACCEL button to restore ACC.
When you do this, the vehicle will
resume its set cruising speed.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0)
position af ter ACC was automatically
cancelled, the set speed is erased,
and you must enter it again (see
page ).
Poor weather (rain, f og, snow, etc.)
When the radar sensor in the front
grille gets dirty.
The vehicle ahead of you cannot
be detected.
An abnormal tire condition is
detected, or the tires are skidding.285
Automatic ACC Cancellation ACC Indicator
A daptive Cruise Control (A CC)
Features
291
ACC INDICATOR
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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the Super handling-all wheel
drive (SH-AWD) system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system, the tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
the collision mitigation brake system
(CMBS), and f acts you need if you
are planning to tow a trailer.........................
Preparing to Drive .346
.......................
Starting the Engine .347
Check Starting System
.................................
Message .348
..............
Automatic Transmission .349
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
...................
(SH-AWD) System .356
...........................................
Parking .357
.............................
Braking System .358
................
Anti-lock Brakes(ABS) .359
Collision Mitigation Brake
........................
System (CMBS) .361
Tire Pressure ...
Monitoring System (TPMS) .371
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ........................................
System .377
...........................
Towing a Trailer .379
...................
Towing Your Vehicle .384
Driving
Driving
345
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If the SH-AWD indicator on the
instrument panel stays on, and the
multi-inf ormation display shows an
SH-AWD message, there is a
problem with the system. Your
vehicle still has normal f ront-wheel
drive with vehicle stability assist
(VSA), but does not have the
advantages of SH-AWD. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer as soon
as possible.Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is on an
incline.
Parking
Parking T ips
Super Handling-A ll Wheel Drive (SH-A WD) System, Parking
Driving
357
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on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
It only helps with steering
control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
449
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent the loss of
stability.
360
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