brake light ACURA RL 2012 User Guide

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
416Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
Driving
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e-pretensioner The radar sensor
detects a vehicle.Braking Audio & Visual
WARNING
Stage one
Stage threeDistance between vehiclesCMBS
Stage two
Retracts the driver’s
seat belt gently a few
times, providing a
physical warning.
Forcef ully tightens
driver and front
passenger seat belts. There is a risk of a
collision with the
vehicle ahead of you.
The risk of a collision
hasincreased,timeto
respond is reduced.
The CMBS
determines that a
collision is
unavoidable.Lightly
applied
Forcefully
applied ‘‘BRAKE’’ f lashes
on the multi-
information
display.
A beep sounds
and ‘‘BRAKE’’
f lashes on the
multi-information
display.
:
Depending on the circumstances, CMBS may not go through all of the alert stages bef ore initiating the last stage.
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS )
422
YOUR
VEHICLE YOUR
VEHICLE
YOUR
VEHICLEVEHICLE
AHEADVEHICLE
AHEAD
VEHICLE
AHEAD
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As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
f ollowing two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmf ul interf erence, and
(2) this device must accept any
interf erence received, including
interf erence that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modif ications not expressly
approved by the party responsible f or
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the f ollowing two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interf erence, and (2) this device must
accept any interf erence that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Themainpurposeof theCMBSisto
reduce the severity of injuries
caused by an unavoidable collision.
While the CMBS may help to alert
you and minimize the severity of a
collision, it may not activate in every
dangerous situation.
Even with the CMBS, it is still your
responsibility to operate the brake
pedal and steering wheel
appropriately, according to the
driving conditions. Because of the road condition
(curved, winding, etc.) or the state of
your vehicle (turning angle, lane
position, etc.), CMBS can sometimes
mistake a stationary object (light
pole, traf f ic sign, guard rail, etc.) as a
vehicle ahead of you and temporarily
operate. This is normal.Important Saf ety Reminder
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS )
428
YOUR VEHICLE
SIGN, POLE, etc.
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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
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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 inf lated 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
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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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µ 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
all the lights monthly. See page
. 463
467
480
387
387468
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
452
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Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms. Remove the socket f rom the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly. Turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.Each outside mirror has side turn
signal lights. The lights should be
replaced by your dealer.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Reinstall the back-up light cover.
The license plate has two lights
above it. The bulbs should be
replaced by your dealer. This light should be replaced by your
dealer.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.
Lights
Side T urn Signal L ights
Rear License Plate Light Bulbs High-mount Brake L ight
Maint enance
475
BULB
SOCKET
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Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month. If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Fill the f uel tank.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
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Take the tool case out of the spare
tire. Open the trunk, and fold the trunk
floor forward.
Unscrew the wing bolt, and
remove the spacer cone. Then
take the spare tire out of its well. Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park. Apply the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
it.
Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire. If you have a f lat tire while driving,
pull over saf ely. Drive slowly along
the shoulder until you get to an area
far away from traffic lanes.1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat T ire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
497
TRUNK FLOOR
TOOL CASEJACK SPARE TIRE
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
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