TPMS Acura RL 2009 User Guide

If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.
Press and hold the switch again. It
turns the system back on.
This switch is at the right side of the
lef t vent. Press and hold it until you
hear a beep.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on (see page ),
or the multi-information display
shows a ‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message with the indicator flashing
(see page ), the VSA system
automatically turns on even if the
VSA system is turned off with the
VSA OFF switch. In this case, you
cannot turn the VSA system of f by
pressing the VSA OFF switch again. 429
433
485
VSA and Tire Sizes
VSA OFF Switch
Vehicle Stability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
436
VSA OFF SWITCH
2009 RL

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 af f ect handling and f uel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehicleridemoreharshly,are
more prone to damage f rom road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
Thetirepressuremonitoringsystem
(TPMS)willwarnyouwhenatire
pressure is low. See page f or
inf ormation on the TPMS.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated.
Clean the wheels as you would the
rest of the exterior. Wash them with
thesamesolution,andrinsethem
thoroughly.
Aluminum alloy wheels have a
protective clear-coat that keeps the
aluminum f rom corroding and
tarnishing. Cleaning the wheels with
harsh chemicals (including some
commercial wheel cleaners) or a stif f
brush can damage the clear-coat. To
clean the wheels, use a mild
detergent and a sof t brush or sponge.
429
Inf lation Guidelines
Tires
Wheels
Wheels, Tires
480
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.
2009 RL

If you check the pressure when the
tires are hot [driven f or several miles
(kilometers)], you will see readings 4
to6psi(30to40kPa,0.3to
0.4 kgf /cm ) higher than the cold
reading. This is normal; do not
release air to match the cold
pressure. The tires will be
underinf lated.
Youshouldgetyourowntire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier f or you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.While tubeless tires have some
ability to self -seal if they are
punctured, you should look closely
f or punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.
Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, we
recommend that you visually check
your tires every day. If you think a
tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose one to two psi (10
to 20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf /cm ) per
month. Remember to check the
sparetireatthesametime.
Check the pressure in the tires when
they are cold. This means the vehicle
has been parked f or at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km).
Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures on page .
482
Tires
Maint enance
481
2009 RL

It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.Wheels:
Tires:
See page f or DOT tire quality
grading inf ormation, and page
f or tire size explanation.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specif ic wheels. If you do not, the
tire pressure monitoring system will
notworkonthattire.
If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure the wheel’s specif ications
match those of the original wheel
that came on your vehicle.
Replacement wheels are available at
your Acura dealer. 528
526
Tires
Wheels and T ires
486
18x8.0JAL(TPMS)
P245/45R18 96V
Installing improper tires on your
vehicle can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner’s manual.
2009 RL

Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or replaced,
and put it back on your vehicle as
soon as you can.
Check the inf lation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inf lated to:Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement should be the same size
and design tire, mounted on the
samewheel.Thesparetireisnot
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed f or mounting a regular tire.
Do not mount snow chains on the
compact spare tire.
Do not use your compact spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
thesamemakeandmodel.
Follow these precautions:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surf aces. Use greater caution
while driving.
After the flat tire is replaced with
the spare tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS indicator stays on.
Af ter several miles (kilometers)
driving with the spare, this
indicator begins to f lash, then
stays on again. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display (see page ). 433
Compact Spare Tire
494
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
2009 RL

µ
Thediagramsinthissectiongive
you the dimensions and capacities of
your vehicle, and the location of
identif ication numbers. It also
includes inf ormation you should
know about your vehicle’s tires and
emissions control systems.
................
Identif ication Numbers .522
................................
Specif ications .524
DOT Tire Quality Grading
......................
(U.S. Vehicles) .526
.................................
Treadwear .526
......................................
Traction .526
.............................
Temperature .527
.................................
Tire Labeling .528
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Required Federal ............................
Explanation .530 .......................
Emissions Controls .532
.....................
The Clean Air Act .532
Crankcase Emissions Control
....................................
System .532
Evaporative Emissions Control ....................................
System .532
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ................................
Recovery .532
...
Exhaust Emissions Controls .533
....................
PGM-FI System .533
Ignition Timing Control
................................
System .533
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ...................
(EGR) System .533
Three Way Catalytic ...........................
Converter .533
....................
Replacement Parts .533
Three Way Catalytic .................................
Converters .534
........................
Emissions Testing .535
T echnical Inf ormation
Technical Inf ormation
521
2009 RL

µ
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inf lated to
the inf lation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manuf acturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inf lation
pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a
dif f erent size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire
inf lation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inf lation
pressure f or those tires.)As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale
when one or more of your tires is
signif icantly under-inf lated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure.Driving on a signif icantly under
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inf lation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
530
2009 RL

µ
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malf unction indicator
to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malf unction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malf unction, the telltale will f lash f or
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.TPMS malf unctions may occur f or a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS f rom
f unctioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malf unction
telltale af ter replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to f unction
properly.
When the malf unction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
Technical Inf ormation
531
2009 RL

CONT INUED
................................................
Keys .150
................
Keyless Access System .166
...............
Keyless Access Remote .167
...........
Keyless Memory Settings .173
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle .522
Ignition
............................................
Keys .150
.........................................
Switch .152
............
Timing Control System .533
......................
Immobilizer System .151
.........
Important Safety Precautions .8
.........................................
Indicators .62
ABS (Anti-lock Brake ............................
System) .64,417
Adaptive Front lighting ..................
System (AFS) .69,144
Brake (Parking and Brake ............................
System) .63,508
................
Charging System .62,506
Collision Mitigation Brake
..............
System (CMBS) .69,424
.............................
Cruise Control .66
Electronically Controlled Power
........
Steering System (ECPS) .68
.....................................
Fog Light .65
...................................
High Beam .65
........
Key (Immobilizer System) .64
.....
Keyless Access System .68,179 .....................................
Lights On .64
......................................
Low Fuel .66
................
Low Oil Pressure .62,506
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS
...........................
Indicator .67,429
.............
Malf unction (MIL) .62,507
.......................................
Message .68
..............
Seat Belt Reminder .21,62
..................
Security System .69,315
......................................
SH-AWD .66
...........................
Side Airbag Of f .63
...............................................
SRS .63
Turn Signal and Hazard
...................................
Warning .64
..
VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) .65
VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
.........................
Activation .65,435
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel .61
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .43
......................................
Inf ant Seats .43
..........
Tether Anchorage Points .51
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire .480
.................................
Inside Mirror .161
.............................
Inspection, Tire .483
............................
Instrument Panel .61
......
Instrument Panel Brightness .146 ................
Interf ace Dial .205,213,338
...............................
Interior Lights .200
........................................
Introduction .i
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle .496
.......................................
Jack, Tire .495
................................
Jump Starting .500
.......................
Label, Certif ication .522
...............
Lane Change, Signaling .140
........................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .22
........................
Lights On Indicator .64
Index
INDEX
I
J
K
L
V
2009 RL

CONT INUED
Three Way Catalytic.................................
Converters .534
Tilt/Telescopic Steering
.........................................
Wheel .148
....................................
Timing Belt .467
....................................
Tire Chains .487
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .495
Tire Pressure Monitoring
............
System (TPMS) .429,530
Monitoring Tire Pressure ..................................
Reading .429
...........
TPMS System Warning .429
...............................................
Tires .480
..............................
Air Pressure .482
........................................
Chains .487
.........................
Checking Wear .483
..........................
Compact Spare .494
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .526
......................................
Inf lation .480
..................................
Inspection .483
.............................
Labeling .528,529
Low Tire Pressure
...........................
Indicator .67,429
......................
Pressure Monitor .431
........
Pressure Monitor System .429
...................................
Replacing .485 ......................................
Rotating .485
...........................................
Snow .487
............................
Specif ications .525
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .495
Torque Distribution Monitor
.................................
(SH-AWD) .413
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .437
....
Equipment and Accessories .438
.............................
Weight Limit .437
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring ..................................
System) .429
Required Federal ............................
Explanation .530
.....................
Warning Message .433
.............................
Trailer Loading .437
......................
Trailer Towing Tips .441
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .464
...........................
Fluid Selection .465
..............
Identif ication Number .522
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .405
.............................
Treadwear .483,494
.......................................
Trip Meter .72 ..............................................
Trunk .154
..................
Emergency Opener .155
...............................
Opening the .154
.......
Open Monitor Indicator .13,79
..................................
Turn Signals .140
Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .493
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading .526
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .384
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of .460
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load .396
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .524
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number .522
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
....................................
System .435
...
VSA Activation Indicator .65,435
.........................
VSA Of f Switch .436
........
VSA System Indicator .65,435
Index
INDEX
U
V
IX
2009 RL