light ACURA RL 2011 Manual Online

AcuraLinkenhances your
ownership experience by providing a
direct communication link between
your vehicle and the Acura Server.
Working through the XM
Radio,
AcuraLink works in conjunction with
the navigation system,
HandsFreeLink(HFL), and audio
system in your vehicle. It displays
and receives several kinds of
messages, including:
Operating tips and inf ormation on
your vehicle’s f eatures. Most AcuraLink f unctions are
controlled by the interf ace dial. The
interface dial has two parts, a knob
and a selector.
The knob turns lef t and right. Use it
to make selections or adjustments to
a list or menu on the screen.
Important recall and safety
inf ormation. Maintenance inf ormation to keep
your vehicle in top condition.
Diagnostic inf ormation to provide
inf ormation about any problems
with your vehicle. The selector can be pushed lef t,
right, up, down, and in. Use the
selector to scroll through lists, to
select menus, and to highlight menu
items. When you make a selection,
press ENTER to go to that selection.
Bluetooth
RL Technology Package models
Interf ace Dial
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
Features
337
KNOB
SELECTORENTER
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Unread messages have a closed
envelope icon next to them. The icon
disappears when it has already been
read.When you open a message, you can
read a summary of it, and then
choose one of several options. If an
option is not available f or a message,
that option will not be highlighted.
Select ‘‘Messages,’’ then select a
message category by pressing
ENTER. Select the message you
want to read and press ENTER. Only Diagnostic Inf o
messages appear on the navigation
screen while driving. They indicate if
your vehicle has a problem that may
need immediate attention (see page ).
Af ter purchasing your vehicle,
messages may not appear
immediately.
Your dealer has to register the
vehicle identif ication bef ore you can
receive messages. This can take
several days to process. 341
CONT INUED
Message Options
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
Features
339
NOTE:
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Park the vehicle, and set the
parking brake. Pull the hood
release lever located under the
lower lef t corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Your vehicle’s on board diagnostic
system will detect a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap as an evaporative system
leak. The f irst time a leak is detected
a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display. Turn the engine of f , and
conf irm the f uel f ill cap is installed. If
it is, loosen it, then retighten it until
it clicks at least once. The message
should go of f af ter several days of
normal driving once you tighten or replace the f uel f ill cap. To scroll to
another message, press the INFO
button. The ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’
message will appear each time you
restart the engine until the system
turns the message of f .
If the system still detects a leak in
the vehicle’s evaporative emissions
system, the malf unction indicator
lamp (MIL) comes on. If the f uel f ill
cap was not already tightened, turn
the engine of f , and check or
retighten the f uel f ill cap until it
clicks at least once. The MIL should
go off after several days of normal
driving once the cap is tightened or
replaced. If the MIL does not go of f ,
have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer. For more inf ormation, see
page .
1.
509
CONT INUED
Opening and Closing the Hood
Tighten Fuel Cap Message
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
385
HOOD RELEASE LEVER
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Fuel economy is not a f ixed number.
It varies based on driving conditions,
driving habits, and vehicle condition.
Theref ore, it is not possible f or one
set of estimates to predict f uel
economy precisely f or all drivers in
all environments.
Represents urban
driving in light traf f ic. A range of
miles per gallon achieved is also
provided. The EPA f uel economy estimates
shownintheexampletotheright
are a usef ul tool f or comparison
when buying a vehicle. EPA
estimates include:
Represents a combination of city and
highway driving. The scale
represents the range of combined
f uel economy f or other vehicles in
the class.
Represents a
mixture of rural and interstate
driving, in a warmed-up vehicle,
typical of longer trips in f ree-f lowing
traf f ic. A range of miles per gallon achieved is also provided.
Provides an estimated annual f uel
cost, based on 15,000 miles (20,000
km) per year multiplied by the costpergallon(basedonEPAfuelcost
data) divided by the combined f uel
economy.
For more inf ormation on f uel
economy ratings and factors that
af f ect f uel economy, visit
(Canada: Visit
)
www.
fueleconomy.gov www. vehicles.gc.ca
Fuel Economy
Actual Mileage and EPA Fuel
Economy Estimates Comparison.
City MPG Combined Fuel Economy
Highway MPG Estimated Annual Fuel Cost
388
Combined Fuel
Economy
(Sample U.S. EPA label shown) Estimated Annual
Fuel Cost
City MPG
Highway MPG
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Bef ore installing any accessory:Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Acura accessories, can
make your vehicle unsaf e. Bef ore
you make any modif ications or add
anyaccessories,besuretoreadthe
f ollowing inf ormation.
Your dealer has Acura accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty. Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system.
Although non-Acura accessories may
f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.512
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
391
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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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
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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
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The super handling-all wheel drive
(SH-AWD) system is a f ull time all-
wheel-drive system that
automatically controls and transfers
varying amounts of engine torque to
all wheels independently, according
to the driving conditions.
While the SH-AWD system helps to
enhance the vehicle’s driving
stability in all situations, it is still
your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.
The SH-AWD torque distribution
monitor on the multi-inf ormation
display shows you the amount of
torque being sent to the wheels.
Each wheel right f ront (RF), lef t
front(LF),rightrear(RR),andleft
rear (LR) has its own torque
indicator.Each torque indicator is displayed as
a bar graph divided into 5 segments.
The number of segments represents
the amount of torque distributed to
each wheel.
When there is only a slight change in
torque distribution while driving,
such as cruising on level roads at the
same speed, the torque distribution
monitor may stop displaying the
amount of torque. This is not a
system problem. The monitor will
show the amount if the system
senses any change in torque
distribution.
Super Handling-A ll Wheel Drive (SH-A WD)System
SH-AWD T orque Distribution
Monitor
412
TORQUE INDICATOR
TORQUE INDICATOR
TM
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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
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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
416 Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
Driving
415
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