steering Acura RL 2009 Service Manual

To switch f rom ACC to cruise
control, press the distance button on
the steering wheel, and hold it f or 1
second.Always be aware which mode is
selected.
When the cruise control is selected,
ACC does not sound a beeper or
display a message on the multi-
inf ormation display. Make sure to
keepasafedistancefromthevehicle
ahead of you.
When you press the button, you will
see CRUISE MODE SELECTED on
the multi-information display for 2
seconds.ToswitchbacktoACC,
press and hold the distance button
again for 1 second.
Switching to Cruise Control
A daptive Cruise Control (A CC)
Features
333
DISTANCE BUTTON
Press the distance button.
2009 RL

To operate the HFL, use the HFL
Talk and Back buttons on the left
side of the steering wheel. Below the
HFL buttons is another set of voice
control buttons f or the navigation,
climate control, and audio systems.
Here are the main components of
the HFL:
The HFL microphone is on the
ceiling console. The microphone is
shared with the navigation system (if
equipped).
When HFL is in use, the sound
comes through the vehicle’s f ront
audio system speakers. If the audio
system is in use while operating
either of the HFL buttons or making
a call, HFL overrides the audio
system. To change the volume level,
use the audio system volume knob or
the steering wheel volume controls.
With a linked phone, HFL allows you
to send and receive calls in your
vehicle without holding the phone.
HFL can store up to 50 names and
phone numbers in its phonebook.
Withalinkedphone,youcanthen
automatically dial any name or
number in the phonebook.
To use the HFL, your phone must
have approved Bluetooth capability
along with the Hands Free Prof ile.
This type of phone is available
through many phone makers and
cellular carriers. You can also find an
approved phone by visiting
,orby
calling the HandsFreeLink
consumer support at 1-888-528-7876.
In Canada, visit , or call
1-866-78-ACURA.
www.acura.com/handsfree link
www.acura.ca
HFL Buttons
Microphone
Audio System
Incoming/Outgoing Calls
Phonebook
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
356
HFL TALK
BUTTON HFL BACK
BUTTON
VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS
2009 RL

Herearesomeguidelinesforusing
voice control:To enter a command, press the
Talk button. Then, af ter the beep,
say your command in a clear,
natural tone.
For best system operation, set the
climate control f an speed to low,
and direct the center vents away
f rom the microphone in the ceiling.
If the HFL does not recognize a
command, its response is, ‘‘Pardon.’’
If it doesn’t recognize the
command a second time, its
response is, ‘‘Please repeat.’’ If it
doesn’t recognize the command a
third time, it plays the Help
prompt.
HFL is operated by the HFL Talk
and Back buttons on the left side of
the steering wheel. The next f ew
pages provide instructions f or all
basic f eatures of HFL.
With the HFL system activated, you
will also see ‘‘HF LINK’’ on the upper
display.
When you are dialing or receiving
calls with the audio system in use,
you will see the HFL screen on the
navigation display. Using Voice Control
How to Use HFL
A ll phones may not
operate identically, and some
may cause inconsistent
operation of HFL .
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
358
NOTE:
2009 RL

You can make calls using any phone
number, or by using a name in the
HFL phonebook. You can also redial
the last number called. During a call,
HFLallowsyoutotalkupto30
minutes af ter you remove the key
f rom the ignition switch. Continuing
a call without running the engine
may discharge and weaken the
vehicle’s battery.Press and release the Talk button.
After the beep, say the name youwant to call. For example, say
‘‘Eric.’’ The HFL response is
‘‘Would you like to call Eric?’’
With your phone on and the
ignition in the ACCESSORY (I) or
ON (II) position, press and release
the Talk button. After the beep,
say ‘‘Call’’ or ‘‘Dial.’’ The HFL
response is, ‘‘What name or
number would you like to call/
dial?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say the number
you want to call. For example, say
‘‘123 456 7891.’’ The HFL response is ‘‘123 456 7891. Say call, dial, or
continue to add numbers.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Call’’ or ‘‘Dial.’’
The HFL response is ‘‘Calling’’ or
‘‘Dialing.’’ Once connected, you
will hear the person you called
through the audio speakers. To
change the volume, use the audio
system volume knob, or the
steering wheel volume controls.
To end the call, press the Back
button.
With your phone on and the
ignition in the ACCESSORY (I) or
ON (II) position, press and release
the Talk button. After the beep,
say ‘‘Call’’ or ‘‘Dial.’’ The HFL
response is ‘‘What name or
number would you like to call/
dial?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Calling’’ or
‘‘Dialing.’’ Once connected, you
will hear the person you called
through the audio speakers. To
change the volume, use the audio
system volume knob.
To end the call, press the Back
button.
To redial the last number called by
the phone, press and release the
Talk button. After the beep, say
‘‘Redial.’’ The HFL response is,
‘‘Redialing.’’ Once connected, you
will hear the person you called
through the audio speakers. To
change the volume, use the audio
system volume knob, or the steering
wheel volume controls.
1.
3.
3.
1.
2. 2.
4. 4.
To make a call using a phone number,do this: To make a call using a name in the HFLphonebook, do this:
Making a Call
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
366
2009 RL

To call a name f rom the phonebook list,do this: www.acura.com/
handsf reelink
www.acura.ca
To store a phone number f rom yourphone:
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘List.’’ The
HFL responds by listing the
names in the phonebook. When
the end of the list is reached, the
HFL response is, ‘‘The entire list
has been read. Returning to the
main menu.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘List.’’ The
HFL responds by listing the
names in the phonebook. When it
saysthenameyouwanttocall,for
example, Eric, press the Talk
button, and then say ‘‘Call.’’ The
HFL response is, ‘‘Would you like
to call Eric?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Phonebook.’’
The HFL response is ‘‘Phonebook
options are store, edit, delete,
receive contact, and list.’’ Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Calling.’’ Once
connected, you will hear the
person you called through the
audio speakers. To change the
volume, use the audio system
volume knob, or the steering
wheel volume controls.
You can store the desired number to
the HFL phonebook directly f rom
your cell phone.
Your phone may not have
this capability. Visit or call the
HandsFreeLink
consumer support
at 1-888-528-7876. In Canada, visit , or call 1-866-78-ACURA.
You can see your phone’s owner’s
manual f or inf ormation.
With your phone on and the
ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II)
position, press and release the
Talk button. After the beep, say
‘‘Phonebook.’’ The HFL response
is, ‘‘Phonebook options are store,
edit, delete, receive contact and
list.’’
2. 3.
1. 1.
2.
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
Storing a Phone Number Directly
f rom Your Phone
370
NOTE:
2009 RL

Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
saf ety systems could make the
systems inef f ective.
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Raising your vehicle with a non-
Acura suspension kit can af f ect
the handling and stability.
Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Acura suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with non-
Acura components could seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and reliability.
Herearesomeexamples:
Non-Acura wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
394
2009 RL

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. 17
78 61 70
156
148
161
481
Preparing to Drive
402
2009 RL

´
µ
´
µ Each time you pull (right), the
transmission shifts to a higher gear.
Pull (lef t) to downshif t. You will
see the selected gear number on the
instrument panel.
To shif t up or down, use the
(right) or (lef t) paddle shif ter on
each side of the steering wheel.
When you are driving in D position,
pulling either paddle shif ter switches
fromtheordinaryautomatic
transmission [drive mode (D)] to the
D-paddle shif t mode. You can shif t
the transmission up or down
manually with the paddle shif ters.
Downshif ting gives you more power
when climbing, and provides engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
When you pull either paddle shif ter,
the gear position indicator shows you
the selected gear number.
CONT INUED
Using the Paddle Shif ters in D
position (D-Paddle Shif t Mode)
Driving with the Paddle Shif ters
Driving
409
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
PADDLE SHIFTERS
2009 RL

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The brake pedal
assist f unction increases the f orce
you apply to the brake pedal during
an emergency stop. When the brake
pedal assist is activated, the e-
pretensioners (if equipped) tighten
f ront seat belts (see page ). The
anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard (see page ).
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, reduces their ef f ectiveness and
reduces brake pad lif e. In addition,
f uel economy can be reduced. It also
keeps your brake lights on all the
time, conf using drivers behind you.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
24
417 Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
416
2009 RL

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading. When the ABS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
CONT INUED
ABS Indicator
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
417
2009 RL