automatic transmission Acura RL 2009 User Guide

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When you move the shif t lever f rom
‘‘D’’ to ‘‘S’’ position and pull either
paddle shif ter, the gear position
indicator displays ‘‘M’’ along with the
selected gear number.
To upshif t, pull the (right) paddle
shif ter. To downshif t, pull the
(lef t) paddle shif ter. When you accelerate f rom a stop,
the transmission starts in f irst gear,
and you must manually upshif t
between f irst and f if th gears. Make
sure you upshif t bef ore the engine
speed reaches the tachometer’s red
zone.
The transmission remains in the
selectedgear(5,4,3,2,or1).There
is no automatic downshif t when you
push the accelerator pedal to the
f loor.
When you are driving in 4th or 5th
gear, the transmission downshifts to
the lower gear under the f ollowing
conditions:
The vehicle slows down to a
certain speed.
You press the brake pedal.
With the shif t lever in S position, you
can select the sequential shif t mode
to shif t gears; much like a manual
transmission using the paddle
shif ters, but without a clutch pedal.
To enter the sequential shif t mode,
pressthereleasebuttononthefront
of the shift lever, move the lever to
the S position, then pull either paddle
shif ter. To cancel the sequential shif t
mode and return to the ordinary
automatic transmission, move the
shif t lever f rom the S position. When
moving the shift lever, be careful not
to operate incorrectly. While you are
driving in the sequential shif t mode,
the transmission will not
automatically return to ordinary
automatic transmission.
CONT INUED
Using the Paddle Shif ters in S
position (Sequential Shif t Mode)
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
Driving
411
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
‘‘M’’ INDICATOR
2009 RL

à
à
à
à
à
à
à
à
Downshifting with the paddle shifter
allows you to increase the engine
braking when going down steep or
long hills, and provides more power
when climbing uphills. You can
upshif t the transmission manually to
reduce the rpm. Driving in the
higher gear helps f uel economy.
To Shift
from
12
23
34
45
Here are the speed ranges f or
upshif ting and downshif ting.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shif t up or down if :
You downshif t bef ore the engine
speed f alls below the upper limit of
the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will f lash the
numberof thelowergearseveral
times, then return to a higher gear.
Also, you cannot upshif t with the
paddle shif ter bef ore the engine
speed reaches the lower limit of
the higher gear.
You try to shif t to third or a higher
gear when the vehicle is stationary.
You pull one of the two paddle
shifters with another paddle
shif ter being pressed.
You pull both paddle shif ters at
thesametime. Speed range
over 0 mph (0 km/h)
over 9 mph (15 km/h)
over 17 mph (27 km/h)
over 38 mph (60 km/h)
Speed range
under 131 mph (210 km/h) under 94 mph (150 km/h)
under 63 mph (100 km/h) under 31 mph (50 km/h)
The transmission also shif ts
automatically as the vehicle comes to
a complete stop. It downshif ts to f irst
gear when the vehicle speed reaches
9mph(15km/h)orless.
To Shiftfrom
54
43
32
21
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
412
2009 RL

Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; turn the wheel to the lef t to
get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shif t down to S
position, or use the paddle shif ters to
the lower gear (3, 2 or 1) in the S
position. When towing a trailer, do
not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and remember,
it will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer. 519
bottom
Backing Up
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Parking
Driving on Hills
Towing Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle
442
2009 RL

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .444
....................
Maintenance Minder .445
..............................
Fluid Locations .455
......
Engine Compartment Covers .456
........................
Adding Engine Oil .458
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .459
..............................
Engine Coolant .461
....................
Windshield Washers .464
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .464
....................................
Brake Fluid .466
....................
Power Steering Fluid .466
....................................
Timing Belt .467
.............................................
Lights .468
..................
DustandPollenFilter .476
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .476
.....................................
Floor Mats .477
.................................
Wiper Blades .478
...........................................
Wheels .480
...............................................
Tires .480
...................
Checking the Battery .489
.............................
Vehicle Storage .492
541
Maintenance
Maint enance
443
2009 RL

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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.
We recommend using Acura parts
and fluids 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.
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. 389
389
464 466
480
468
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
452
2009 RL

Î
Î: The power steering f luid reservoir is located under the right compartment cover.
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
455
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Black cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
2009 RL

Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
If the washer f luid is low, a
‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
2.
Windshield Washers Automatic Transmission Fluid
Windshield Washers, A utomatic T ransmission Fluid
464
NOTICE:
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze
or a vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
2009 RL

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission as shown.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown by a maintenance
message on the multi-inf ormation
display.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks. If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Acura ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid).
5. 6.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
465
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Use only Acura ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Acura ATF-Z1 may cause deterioration
in transmission operation and
durability, and could result in damage
to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Acura
AT F-Z1 is not covered by the Acura
new vehicle warranty.
2009 RL

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Î
Î
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Specif ications
524
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning
Seating Capacities Capacities
4.2 US qt (4.0
)
195.8 in (4,973 mm)
72.7 in (1,847 mm)
57.3 in (1,455 mm)
110.2 in (2,800 mm)
62.0 in (1,575 mm)
62.4 in (1,585 mm)
1.59 US gal (6.0
)
2.27 US gal (8.6)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
5.3 US qt (5.0
)
3.0 US qt (2.8)
8.1 US qt (7.7)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:6.9 US qt (6.5
)
2.6 US qt (2.5)
0.45 US qt (0.43
)
0.48 US qt (0.45)
3.3 US qt (3.1
)
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type ND-OIL8 15.8 17.60 oz (450 500 g)HFC-134a (R-134a)
Total
Front
Rear
5
2
3 0.77 US qt (0.73
)
0.79 US qt (0.75)
19.4 US gal (73
)
2.8 US qt (2.7
)
0.16 US gal (0.58
)
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Rear differential fluid
SH-AWD
differential
case
SH-AWD
clutch case
Transfer
assembly
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
1:
2: Approx.
Front
Rear Change
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. vehicles
Canadian
vehicles
1
2
2009 RL

CONT INUED
BatteryCharging System ...........................
Indicator .62,506
............................
Jump Starting .500
..............................
Maintenance .489
..........................................
Cover .491
............................
Specif ications .525
..............................
Bef ore Driving .383 ..................................
Belts, Seat .10,21
.........................
Beverage Holders .194
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.355
..................................
Booster Seats .53
Brakes
Anti-lock Brake System .....................................
(ABS) .417
.............
Break-in, New Linings .384
...........................................
Fluid .466
.......................................
Parking .191
.................
System Indicator .63,508
........................
Wear Indicators .416
.............................
Braking System .416
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .384
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .146
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .475
.................................
Fog Lights .472
................
Front Parking Lights .471
........
Front Side Marker Lights .471
.................................
Headlights .469
............................
Specif ications .525
............
Turn Signal Lights .470,474
....................................
Accessories .393
ACCESSORY (Ignition Switch
.....................................
Position) .152
............
Accessory Power Sockets .197
......................................
AcuraLink .338
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.....................................
Indicator .319
...................................
Operation .321
Adaptive Front Lighting System ..........................................
(AFS) .144
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .458
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11,27
............................
Air Conditioning .204
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .482
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .385
......................................
Antif reeze .461
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .64,417
...................................
Operation .417
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .280
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .152
................................
Audio System .213 Auto Control Mode, Starting
........................................
Engine .403
..........
Automatic Climate Control .211
.......................
Automatic Lighting .141
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .23
.............
Automatic Speed Control .316
..............
Automatic Transmission .405
..........................
Capacity,Fluid.524
...............
Checking Fluid Level .464
.......................................
Shif ting .405
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators .405
................
Shif t Lever Positions .406
....................
Shif t Lock Release .407
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .277
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
2009 RL