check oil ACURA RL 2011 Owners Manual

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
inf ormation about your vehicle.You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display. For
more information, see page . The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator f lashes or stays on
when the engine is running, or if a
‘‘CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’
message is on the multi-information
display. For more inf ormation, see
page .
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged, and you will also see
a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING 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. It reminds you and your
passenger to f asten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
f astened your seat belt.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position bef ore f astening
your belt, the beeper sounds and the
indicator f lashes. If you do not f asten
your seat belt bef ore the beeper
stops, the indicator stops f lashing
but remains on. If your f ront passenger does not
f asten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds af ter the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.
If either of you do not f asten your
seat belt while driving, the beeper
will sound and the indicator will f lash
again at regular intervals. For more
inf ormation, see page .
You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT
BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER
SEAT BELT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
21
508
21 508
509
Instrument Panel Indicators
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
62
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Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period . 382
.................
Fuel Recommendation . 382
.........
Service Station Procedures . 383
....................................
Ref ueling . 383
.....
Tighten Fuel Cap Message . 385
Opening and Closing
................................
the Hood . 385
...................................
Oil Check . 387
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 387
...............................
Fuel Economy . 388
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 391
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 393
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
381
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Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower
mark, see on
page .
Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole. Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
informationonaddingtheproper
coolant.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
4.
1.
2.
3. 458 461
452
Engine Coolant Check
A dding Engine Oil
Oil Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
387
MAX
MIN
LOWER MARK UPPER MARK RESERVE TANK
DIPSTICK
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The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter). Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy. It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption. An underinf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
inf ormation display (see on page ).For example:
Improperly inf lated tires Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up) Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
452
CONT INUED
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy Factors Avoid excessive idling Observe the speed limit Drive moderately
K eep your vehicle clean
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle Maintain proper tire inf lation Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page ).
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Improving Fuel Economy 458Drive Ef f icient ly
Vehicle Maint enance
Bef ore Driving
389
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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 .
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.U.S. Vehicles: ......................
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 . 463
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 464
....................................
Brake Fluid . 466
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 467
....................................
Timing Belt . 467
.............................................
Lights . 468
..................
DustandPollenFilter .476
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 476
.....................................
Floor Mats . 477
.................................
Wiper Blades . 478
.................................
Exterior Care . 480
...........................................
Wheels . 480
...............................................
Tires . 481
...................
Checking the Battery . 490
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 493
..................................
Interior Care . 494
543
Maintenance
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.
Maint enance
443
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U.S. Vehicles:
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. According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should 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.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage . Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page . 463
467
480
468
387 387
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
452
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CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
453
:
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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 Minder information, 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/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
A
B
Symbol
: 452
Maintenance Minder
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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
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Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the contacting surface
of the engine. If it is, remove it
bef ore installing a new oil f ilter.Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the contacting surf ace
of a new oil f ilter.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Refill the engine with the
recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine and check your work.
3.
6.
7.8.
9.
5. 4.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
460
OIL FILTER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.5 US qt (4.3
) Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page). Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a dealer or a service station
where you can get technical
assistance.
Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, or if you
see a ‘‘CHECK ENGINE OIL
LEVEL’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display, the oil pressure
has dropped very low or lost
pressure. Serious engine damage is
possible, and you should take
immediate action. If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display, the
battery is not being charged.
1.
2.
3.
4. 387
458
521 Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
508
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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