automatic transmission ACURA RL 2012 User Guide

The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
Use the D position when towing a
trailer on level roads. See ‘‘
’’ in the next column f or
additional gear inf ormation. Do not
exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At higher
speeds, the trailer may sway or
af f ect vehicle handling.
Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shif t down to S
position, or use the paddle shif ters to
the lower gear (3, 2 or 1) in the S
position. When towing a trailer, do
not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and remember,
it will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
CONT INUED
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Towing a Trailer
Driving on
Hills T owing Speeds and Gears
Making T urns and BrakingDriving on Hills
Driving
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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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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
all the lights monthly. See page
. 463
467
480
387
387468
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
452
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance
455
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Black cap)
POWER STEERING FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIRBRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
RADIATOR CAP
:
Located under the cover.
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Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2. When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges. 1.
2.
Windshield Washers, A ut omat ic T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
464
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
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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
MARKGUIDE
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.
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Specif ications
526
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning Seating CapacitiesCapacities
4.2 US qt (4.0
) 195.8 in (4,973 mm)
72.7 in (1,847 mm)
110.2 in (2,800 mm)
62.0 in (1,575 mm)
62.4 in (1,585 mm)1.59 US gal (6.0
)
2.27 US gal (8.6)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
5.3 US qt (5.0
)
3.3 US qt (3.1)
8.2 US qt (7.8) Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:6.9 US qt (6.5
) 2.6 US qt (2.5) 0.45 US qt (0.43
)
0.48 US qt (0.45) 3.3 US qt (3.1
)
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type ND-OIL815.8 17.60 oz (450 500 g)HFC-134a (R-134a) Total
Front
Rear5
2
30.77 US qt (0.73
)
0.79 US qt (0.75) 19.4 US gal (73
)
2.8 US qt (2.7
)
0.16 US gal (0.58
) Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Rear differential fluid
SH-AWD
differential
case
SH-AWD
clutch case
Transfer
assembly
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir 57.2 in (1,455 mm)
1:
2:Approx.
Front
RearChange
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. vehicles
Canadian
vehicles
1
2
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CONT INUED
Battery
Charging System
........................... Indicator . 62, 508
............................ Jump Starting . 502
.............................. Maintenance . 490
.......................................... Cover . 492............................ Specif ications . 527
................ Backup Sensor System . 377
.............................. Bef ore Driving . 381
.................................. Belts, Seat . 10, 21
......................... Beverage Holders . 194
...........................
Audio . 265
........
HandsFreeLink. 354
.................................. Booster Seats . 53
Brakes
Anti-lock Brake System
..................................... (ABS) . 416
............. Break-in, New Linings . 382
........................................... Fluid . 466
....................................... Parking . 191
................. System Indicator . 63, 510
........................ Wear Indicators . 415
............................. Braking System . 415
................. Break-in, New Vehicle . 382
Brightness Control,
............................... Instruments . 146 .................................... Accessories . 391
ACCESSORY (Ignition Switch
..................................... Position) . 152
............ Accessory Power Sockets . 197
................ Active Head Restraints . 159
.................................... AcuraLink
. 337
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
............................... Indicator . 66, 319
................................... Operation . 320
Adaptive Front Lighting System
.......................................... (AFS) . 144
.................... Additives, Engine Oil . 459
........................... Advanced Airbags . 30
............................. Airbag (SRS) . 11, 26
............................ Air Conditioning . 204
....................... Air Pressure, Tires . 482
....................... Alcohol in Gasoline . 383
...................................... Antif reeze . 461
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
............................... Indicator . 64, 416
................................... Operation . 416
.............. Anti-thef t, Audio System . 280
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................ Lock . 152................................ Audio System . 213
Auto Control Mode, Starting
........................................ Engine . 401
.......... Automatic Climate Control . 211
....................... Automatic Lighting . 141
... Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 23
.... Automatic Speed Control . 316, 319
.............. Automatic Transmission . 403
.......................... Capacity,Fluid .526
............... Checking Fluid Level . 464
.......................... Paddle Shif ters . 407
....................................... Shif ting . 404
Shif t Lever Position
............................... Indicators . 403
................ Shif t Lever Positions . 404
.................... Shif t Lock Release . 405
...................... Auxiliary Input Jack . 277
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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CONT INUED
............... DANGER, Explanation of . iii
................................... Dashboard . 4, 60
.............. Daytime Running Lights . 142
................................. Dead Battery . 502
............ Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 542
.............. Def ogger, Rear Window . 147
.............. Def rosting the Windows . 210
.......................... Dif f erential Fluid . 526
.................................... Dimensions . 526
............. Dimming the Headlights . 140
Dipstick
.......... Automatic Transmission . 464
.................................. Engine Oil . 387
........................ Directional Signals . 140........ Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 415
..................... Disposal of Used Oil . 460
Doors
............ Locking and Unlocking . 153
.................. Lockout Prevention . 153
....................... Monitor Indicator . 13
.................... Power Door Locks . 153
........ DOT Tire Quality Grading . 528
........... Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
....................................... Driver’s ID . 81
........................................... Driving . 399
.................................... Economy . 388
Driving Position Memory
........................................ System . 164
.................. Dust and Pollen Filter . 476
.............................. Economy, Fuel . 388
.................................. Emergencies . 495
............. Battery, Jump Starting . 502
........... Brake System Indicator . 510
................ Changing a Flat Tire . 497
..... Charging System Indicator . 508
.................. Checking the Fuses . 512
....... Hazard Warning Flashers . 146............................ Jump Starting . 502
..... Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 508
... Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 509
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
................................ Manually . 511
.................. Overheated Engine . 505
....................................... Towing . 521
......................... Emergency Brake . 191
.................... Emergency Flashers . 146
...................... Emergency Towing . 521
.......... Emergency Trunk Opener . 155
....................... Emissions Controls . 534
........................ Emissions Testing . 537 ....................... Customized Settings . 81
................................... ACC Setup . 89
................ Door/Window Setup . 122
....... KEYLESS ACCESS Setup . 108
........................... Lighting Setup . 115
................................. Meter Setup . 94
........................... Position Setup . 103
........................ Setting to Def ault . 85
............................... Wiper Setup . 133
Index
E D
INDEX
III
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................ Gas Mileage Improving . 389
......................................... Gasoline . 382
........................................... Gauge . 70
..................... Low Fuel Indicator . 66
................ Octane Requirement . 382
........................ Tank, Ref ueling . 383
................ Gas Station Procedures . 383
............................................. Gauges . 70
... Engine Coolant Temperature . 70
............................................... Fuel . 70
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
....................................... Rating) . 438
............ Gearshif t Lever Positions . 404
...................................... Glove Box . 193
........................... GPS initialization . 299 Engine
............ Check Starting System . 402
............... Compartment Covers . 456
.... Coolant Temperature Gauge . 70
......................... If It Won’t Start . 501
Malf unction Indicator
................................ Lamp . 62, 509
......................................... Oil lif e . 445
........ Oil Pressure Indicator . 62, 508
.............. Oil, What Kind to Use . 458
............................... Overheating . 505
............................ Specif ications . 527
............................ Speed Limiter . 405
....................................... Starting . 401
................... Engine Speed Limiter . 405
...................... Ethanol in Gasoline . 382
. Evaporative Emissions Controls . 534
............................... Exhaust Fumes . 56
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................ System . 535
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................ Belts by . 19
................................... Fan, Interior . 206......................................... Features . 203
.................... Filling the Fuel Tank . 383
Filters
......................... Dust and Pollen . 476
............................................... Oil . 459
........... Flashers, Hazard Warning . 146
................... Flat Tire, Changing a . 497
..................................... Floor Mats . 477
Fluids
.......... Automatic Transmission . 464
.......................................... Brake . 466
.......................... Power Steering . 467
.................. Windshield Washer . 463
..................................... Fog Lights . 142
................... Folding Door Mirrors . 163
........................ Four-way Flashers . 146
............................ Front Airbags . 11, 28
...................................... Front Seat . 156
.................................... Adjusting . 156
....................................... Heaters . 182
................................... Airbags . 11, 28
........................... Air Ventilation . 183
................................................. Fuel . 382
...................... Fill Door and Cap . 384
........................................... Gauge . 70
..................... Low Fuel Indicator . 66................ Octane Requirement . 382
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
................................ Manually . 511
............................... Oxygenated . 382
........................ Tank, Ref ueling . 383
...................... Tighten Fuel Cap . 385
..................... Fuses, Checking the . 512
Index
G
F
IV
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