engine ACURA RL 2012 Manual Online

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible. Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent distilled
water. Never add straight antif reeze
or plain water.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
461
RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
11/07/20 19:00:43 31SJA670_466
ProCarManuals.com

When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. Lift up the lid on the front
bulkhead cover f rom the f ront.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
3. 2. 1.4.
5.
Engine Coolant
462
LID
RADIATOR CAP
11/07/20 19:00:50 31SJA670_467
ProCarManuals.com

Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
If the washer f luid is low, a
‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’ message
appears on the multi-information
display.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
Reinstall the lid. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank. 6.
7.
CONT INUED
Windshield Washers
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
Maint enance
463
RESERVE TANK
11/07/20 19:00:58 31SJA670_468
ProCarManuals.com

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.
11/07/20 19:01:04 31SJA670_469
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
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.
11/07/20 19:01:13 31SJA670_470
ProCarManuals.com

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
To check the f luid level, remove the
lef t engine compartment cover (see
page ).Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage. Independent of the Maintenance
Minder inf ormation, replace the
brake f luid every 3 years.457
Brake Fluid
466
MAX
MIN
11/07/20 19:01:21 31SJA670_471
ProCarManuals.com

µµ The timing belt should be replaced
according to the Maintenance
Minder (see page ).
Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (100,000 km) if you regularly
drive your vehicle in any of the
f ollowing conditions:
If you f requently tow a trailer. In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C). 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.
Always use Acura Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Acura PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible. Af ter removing the right engine
compartment cover (see page ),
check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.454
457
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
Timing Belt Power Steering Fluid
Maint enance
467
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVELTM
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
11/07/20 19:01:30 31SJA670_472
ProCarManuals.com

Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise. If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ). Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ). Open the hood. 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 headlights to test the
new bulb.
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
Reinstall the battery cover. (Driver’s side) 2.
3. 1.
4.5.
6.
7.
8.
9. 457
492
Lights
Maint enance
469
BULB
CONNECTOR
11/07/20 19:01:48 31SJA670_474
ProCarManuals.com

Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ).
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Push the bulb in slightly, and turn
it counterclockwise. Open the hood.
If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ).Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the battery cover. 2. 1.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.
457
4928.
9.
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal
Light Bulb
470
BULB SOCKET
11/07/20 19:01:59 31SJA670_475
ProCarManuals.com

Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover (see
page ).
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip f rom the
windshield washer reservoir. (Passenger’s side) Open the hood.
If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ).
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover. Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Reinstall the windshield washer
reservoir.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the battery cover. (Passenger’s side) 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
7.
8.
9. 457
492
10.
Lights
Replacing a Front Parking/Side
Marker Bulb
Maint enance
471
SOCKET
BULB
CLIP
11/07/20 19:02:13 31SJA670_476
ProCarManuals.com