brake fluid Acura RL 2009 Owner's Manual

This indicator comes on brief ly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it comes on at
any other time, it indicates a
potential problem with your f ront
airbags. This indicator will also alert
you to a potential problem with your
side airbags, passenger’s side airbag
automatic cutoff system, side curtain
airbags, automatic seat belt
tensioners driver’s seat position
sensor, the f ront passenger’s weight
sensors, or, on models with ACC,
seat belt e-pretensioners. You will
also see a ‘‘CHECK AIRBAG
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
For more inf ormation, see page .
This indicator has two f unctions:
Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not f ully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will sound,
and you will also see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake system. You will also see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ or
‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display. For more inf ormation, see
page .
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that the
passenger’s side airbag has
automatically shut of f . You will also
see a ‘‘PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
OFF’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
For more inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
35
7879
3579
508
Instrument Panel Indicators
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
Side Airbag Of f Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
63
U.S. Canada
U.S. Canada
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

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.
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
Ì Ì
Ì Î
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
453
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy. Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
NOTE:
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
A
B
Symbol
: 452
Maintenance Minder
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

Af ter removing the right engine
compartment cover (see page ),
check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
To check the f luid level, remove the
lef t engine compartment cover (see
page ).
Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of mileage.
457
457
Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Brake Fluid
466
MAX
MIN UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
2009 RL

However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. You will see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ message on
the multi-information display. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
f eels normal. If it does, check the
brake f luid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
). The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position and as a reminder to
check the parking brake. If you do
not release the parking brake, the
indicator will stay on, and you will
see a ‘‘RELEASE PARKING
BRAKE’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
466 519
Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
508
U.S. Canada
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

Î
CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .206
.........................................
Features .203
..............................
Economy, Fuel .390
..................................
Emergencies .493
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .500
...........
Brake System Indicator .508
................
Changing a Flat Tire .495
.....
Charging System Indicator .506
..................
Checking the Fuses .512
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers .146
............................
Jump Starting .500
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .506
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .507
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
................................
Manually .509
..................
Overheated Engine .503
.......................................
Towing .519
.........................
Emergency Brake .191
....................
Emergency Flashers .146
......................
Emergency Towing .519
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener .155
.......................
Emissions Controls .532
........................
Emissions Testing .535
Engine
............
Check Starting System .404
...............
Compartment Covers .456 ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .70
.........................
If It Won’t Start .499
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .62,507
.........................................
Oil lif e .445
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .62,506
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .458
...............................
Overheating .503
............................
Specif ications .525
............................
Speed Limiter .407
.......................................
Starting .403
...................
Engine Speed Limiter .407
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .385
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .532
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .56
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System .533
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
.................................
Dead Battery .499
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .540
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .147
..............
Def rosting the Windows .210
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .524
....................................
Dimensions .524
.............
Dimming the Headlights .140
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .464
..................................
Engine Oil .389
........................
Directional Signals .140
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .416
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .460
Doors
............
Locking and Unlocking .153
..................
Lockout Prevention .153
.................
Monitor Indicator .13,79
....................
Power Door Locks .153
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .526
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .7
.......................................
Driver’s ID .81
...........................................
Driving .401
....................................
Economy .390
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .163
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .476
Index
E
F
INDEX
III
2009 RL

ÎÎ
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .385
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .476
...............................................
Oil .459
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning .146
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .495
.....................................
Floor Mats .477
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .464
..........................................
Brake .466
..........................
Power Steering .466
..................
Windshield Washer .464
.....................................
Fog Lights .142
........................
Four-way Flashers .146
............................
Front Airbags .11,29
......................................
Front Seat .156
....................................
Adjusting .156
.......................................
Heaters .181
...................................
Airbags .11,29
...........................
Air Ventilation .182
.................................................
Fuel .384
......................
Fill Door and Cap .385
...........................................
Gauge .70
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .66
................
Octane Requirement .384 Opening the Fuel Fill Door
................................
Manually .509
...............................
Oxygenated .385
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .385
......................
Tighten Fuel Cap .386
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .512
................
Gas Mileage Improving .391
.........................................
Gasoline .384
...........................................
Gauge .70
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .66
................
Octane Requirement .384
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .385
................
Gas Station Procedures .385
.............................................
Gauges .70
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .70
...............................................
Fuel .70
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .438
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions .405
......................................
Glove Box .193
...........................
GPS initialization .299
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
.......................................
Rating) .438 .............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .469
......
HandsFreeLink
, Bluetooth.355
............
Hazard Warning Flashers .146
Headlights
Adaptive Front Lighting System ......................................
(AFS) .144
........................................
Aiming .468
..................
Automatic Lighting .141
.........
Daytime Running Lights .142
..................
High Beam Indicator .65
....................
Lights On Indicator .64
..........
Low Beams, Turning on .140
.......................
Reminder Chime .140
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs .469
..........
High beams, Turning on .140
...................................
Washer .138
............................
Head Restraints .157
...............................
Heated Mirror .162
...................................
Heater, Seat .181
.............
High Altitude, Starting at .403
HomeLink
Universal
................................
Transceiver .334
.......................
Hood, Opening the .387
...........................................
Horn.5,136
Index
G H
IV
2009 RL