ECU ACURA RL 2011 Service Manual

The cargo f loor hooks can also be
used to tie down and secure items on
the f loor.
There are hooks on the f loor and
both sides of the trunk. They can be
used to install the cargo net f or
securing items. The side cargo
hooks are designed to hold light
items (maximum load: 6 lbs or 3 kgs
for each hook). Heavy objects may
damage the side hooks.
If you carry any items extending
through the trunk pass-through,
tie down or secure all items that
could be thrown around the
vehicle and hurt someone during a
crash or sudden stop.
Carrying Cargo
Cargo Hooks
Bef ore Driving
397
SIDE CARGO HOOKS
CARGO FLOOR HOOKS
10/08/04 19:52:00 31SJA660_402
ProCarManuals.com

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).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. 17
78 61 70
156
148
161
Preparing to Drive
400
10/08/04 19:52:21 31SJA660_405
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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.
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.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
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.
Parking T ips
Parking
414
10/08/04 19:54:41 31SJA660_419
ProCarManuals.com

CONT INUED
See your trailer dealer or rental
agency f or more inf ormation on
installing electric brakes.
Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
Check with your local trailer sales or
rental agencies f or the requirements
in the area where you plan to tow,
and use only equipment designed f or
your vehicle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by
trailer type and brand, you should
have a qualified technician install a
suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer. Improper
equipment or installation can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical
system and af f ect your vehicle
warranty.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard. There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common f or boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet. Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, how
much load you are towing, and
where you tow.
To ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase Acura
equipment whenever possible.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and f ollow the
guidelines in this section. Also make
sure that all equipment is properly
installed and maintained, and that it
meets f ederal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.
Towing a Trailer
T railer L ights
Trailer Brakes
Saf et y Chains
Hitches
T owing Equipment and
A ccessories
Driving
439
10/08/04 19:58:53 31SJA660_444
ProCarManuals.com

Many states and Canadian
provinces/territories require special
outside mirrors when towing a trailer.
Even if they don’t, you should install
special mirrors if you cannot clearly
see behind you, or if the trailer
creates a blind spot.When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension and
the cooling system are in good
operating condition.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation. The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
Pre-T ow Checklist
A ddit ional T owing Equipment
Towing a Trailer
440
10/08/04 19:59:05 31SJA660_445
ProCarManuals.com

The component parts in the engine
compartment are protected by
several covers. You may need to
remove the covers when you
perf orm some simple maintenance
work.
All of the covers are secured by
holding clips.
To remove the battery cover, turn
the knob of the f astener and remove
the holding clips by pushing on the
center of each f astener head.
To remove the f ront bulkhead cover:Remove the battery cover.
Remove the holding clips by
pushingonthecenterof each
f astener head.
1.
2.
Engine Compartment Covers
456
FRONT BULKHEAD COVER
BATTERY COVER
:
: CLIPS
KNOB
Push to remove clip
Push to reset/install clip CLIPS
Unlock
Lock
CLIPS
10/09/08 21:19:11 31SJA660_461
ProCarManuals.com

Install the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level.
Do not f ill above the upper mark; you
could damage the engine. Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
Acura Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Acura Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certif ication Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
458
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
Ambient Temperature
10/08/04 20:02:01 31SJA660_463
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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. 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.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer. The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown by a maintenance
message on the multi-inf ormation
display.Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way.
Always use Acura ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission f luid).
5. 6.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
465
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK GUIDE
Use only Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission f luid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Acura ATF DW-1 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 DW-1 is not covered by the Acura
new vehicle warranty.
10/08/04 20:03:17 31SJA660_470
ProCarManuals.com

Carefully pry in the top or bottom
edge of the trim with a small f lat-
tip screwdriver, and pull the trim
straight back.
Open the trunk lid, and remove
the lef t or right maintenance lid.
Remove the mounting nut with an
8mmwrench.
Pull the taillight assembly straight
back out of the body. Remove the two mounting bolts
with an 8 mm wrench.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the f og lights to test the
new bulb.
Reinstall the two undercover bolts
on the side under cover and
tighten them securely. Put the
holding clip back on the side
undercover and push on the center
until it locks (the center is f lush
with the head).
2. 1. 3.
4.
5.
5.
6.
7.
8.
CONT INUED
Replacing a Rear Turn Signal
Light Bulb
Lights
Maint enance
473
MOUNTING NUT
MAINTENANCE LID TAIL LIGHT TRIMBOLTS
10/08/04 20:04:55 31SJA660_478
ProCarManuals.com

Open the trunk.
Remove the light assembly cover
by pulling its outside edge.
Install the new bulb in the socket
bypushingitstraightinthesocket
until it bottoms.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly. Turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
When reinstalling the taillight
assembly, align and pop the snap
f asteners in place. Tighten the two
mounting bolts and reinstall the
trim in place.
Tighten the mounting nut securely,
and reinstall the maintenance lid.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned out bulb by
pulling it straight out of its socket. 9. 8.
1.
2.
12. 11. 10.
6.
7. Replacing a Back-up L ight Bulb
Lights
474
SOCKET
BULB
COVERS
10/08/04 20:05:09 31SJA660_479
ProCarManuals.com