check engine Acura RLX 2014 User Guide

84
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages
Instrument Panel
Multi-Information Display Warning and Information MessagesThe following messages appear only on the multi-information display. Roll the right selector wheel to see the message again with the
system message indicator on.
*1:On the left: Models with navigation system
On the right: Models without navigation system
Message
*1
Condition
Explanation
●Appears when the washer fluid is low.
●Refill washer fluid.
2Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 427
●Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.●Consequently, Maintenance Due Now/SERVICE
DUE NOW and Maintenance Past Due/SERVICE
PAST DUE follow.
2Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-
Information Display P. 413
●Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.
2Overheating P. 479
●Appears when the transmission fluid temperature is
too high.
●Stop in a safe place in
(P
. Let the engine idle until the
message disappears.
●Appears when there is a problem with the sensor on
the battery.
●Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Checking the Battery P. 446
●Appears along with the battery charging system
indicator when the battery is not charging.
●Turn off the climate control system and rear defogger
to reduce electricity consumption.
2If the Charging System Indicator Comes On P. 481

85
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages
Continued
Instrument Panel
*1:On the left: Models with navigation system
On the right: Models without navigation system
Message
*1
Condition
Explanation
●Appears when the starting system has a problem.
●As a temporary measure, press and hold the ENGINE
START/STOP button for 15 seconds while
depressing the brake pedal and manually start the
engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
●Appears if the keyless access remote battery is too
weak to start the engine or the key is not with you to
start the engine.
A beeper sounds six times.
●Bring the keyless access remote in front of the
ENGINE START/STOP button to be touched with.
2If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak
P. 473
●Appears after the driver’s door is opened when the
power mode is in ACCESSORY.
●Press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice with
your foot off the brake pedal to change the power
mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).
●Appears when the power mode is in ACCESSORY.
—
U.S.Canada
U.S.Canada

137
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluLight Switches
Continued
Controls
Light Switches
Rotating the light switch turns the lights on
and off, regardless of the power mode
setting.■High beams
Push the lever forward until you hear a click.■Low beams
When in high beams, pull the lever back to
return to low beams.■Flashing the high beams
Pull the lever back, and release it.■Lights off
Turn the lever to OFF either when:
•The shift lever is in
(P
.
•The parking brake is applied.
To turn the lights on again, turn the lever to
OFF to cancel the lights off mode. Even if you
do not cancel the lights off mode, the lights
come on automatically when:
•The shift lever is moved out of
(P
.
•The parking brake is released.
•The vehicle starts to move.
■
Manual Operation
1Light Switches
If you leave the power mode in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK)
with the lights on, a light on reminder chime will
sound when you open the driver’s door.
When the lights are on, the lights on indicator in the
instrument panel will be on.
2Lights On Indicator P. 77
If you sense that the level of the headlights is
abnormal, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer.
Do not leave the lights on when the engine is off
because it will cause the battery to discharge.
Your vehicle is equipped with the automatic
headlight adjusting system that automatically adjusts
the vertical angle of the headlights. If you find a
significant change in the vertical angle of the
headlights, there may be a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
High Beams
Flashing the high beams
Low Beams
Turns on parking, side marker,
tail, and rear license plate lights
Turns on headlights, parking, side
marker, tail, and rear license plate
lights

336Driving
Before DrivingDriving PreparationCheck the following items before you start driving.
•Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
uRemove any frost, snow, or ice.
uRemove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.
uWhen removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
•Make sure the hood is securely closed.
uIf the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
•Make sure the tires are in good condition.
uCheck air pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 437
•Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
uThere are blind spots from the inside.■
Exterior Checks
1Exterior ChecksNOTICEWhen doors are frozen shut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid
further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert key if the water freezes in
the hole.
Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite
flammable materials left under the hood, causing a
fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended
period, inspect and remove any debris that may have
collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have
fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a
small animal.
Also check under the hood for leftover flammable
materials after you or someone else has performed
maintenance on your vehicle.

342Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
uThe electric parking brake indicator
comes on for 15 seconds when you pull
up the electric parking brake switch.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can smell
exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.
2Immobilizer System P. 128
Electric Parking
Brake SwitchBrake Pedal

uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
346Driving
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.Automatic TransmissionThe engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.■
Other Precautions
■
Creeping
■
Kickdown
1Precautions While Driving
Do not put the shift lever in
(N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

uuWhen DrivinguShifting
348Driving
■
Shift Lever Operation
1Shift Lever OperationNOTICEWhen you change the shift lever from
(D to
(R and
vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position before pulling away.
If the transmission indicator blinks when driving, in
any shift position, there is a problem with the
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.
When the engine speed is increased while the shift
lever is in
(N, (P or
(R, the fuel supply may be cut
off even without the engine speed entering the
tachometer’s red zone.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal
and press the shift lever
release button to shift.
Shift without pressing the
shift lever release button. Press the shift lever
release button and
shift.Tachometer’s red zone
Models without
navigation
system

375
uuWhen DrivinguVehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Continued
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), SystemVSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.■
VSA® Operation
1Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
The VSA® may not function properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA® system indicator comes on and stays
on while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator

uuWhen DrivinguVehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
376Driving
This button is on the driver’s side control
panel. To turn the VSA® system on and off,
press and hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA® will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA® OFF)
button until you hear a beep.
VSA® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■
VSA® On and Off
1Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Without VSA®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA® system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only attempt to free
your vehicle with the VSA® off if you are not able to
free it when the VSA® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA® and traction control
systems switched off.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on or
blinks, the VSA® system comes on automatically. In
this case, you cannot turn the system off by pressing
the button.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA® OFF Indicator

uuBrakinguBrake System
386Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.2Brake Assist System P. 390
2Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 389■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.
Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic brake
booster that, under certain conditions, such as
braking at high altitudes, supplements the vacuum
power assist. When the hydraulic brake booster
activates, you may hear a motor sound and a slight
vibration in the pedal. This is normal.