bulb Acura RL 2002 3.5 Owner's Manual

This light comes on with the high
beam headlights. See page f or
inf ormation on the headlight
controls.
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) are on (see page ).
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) with
the headlight switch of f and the
parking brake set. It should go of f if
youturnontheheadlightsorrelease
the parking brake. If it comes on at
any other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may
also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.
The lef t or right turn signal light
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one
of the turn signal bulbs is burned out
(see page ). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
WhenyouturnontheHazard
Warning switch, both turn signal
lights blink. All turn signals on the
outside of the vehicle should f lash.
This light comes on as a reminder
that you must ref uel soon.
All the lights in the monitor display
come on f or a f ew seconds when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). A burned out brake light is a hazard
when drivers behind you cannot tell
you are braking. Have your brake
lights repaired right away. The appropriate light comes on in
this display if the trunk or any door
is not closed tightly. If a brake light
does not work, the
indicator comes on when you push
the brake pedal with the ignition
switch ON (II). 63
65
260
Canadian models only
High Beam Indicator
‘‘Daytime Running
Lights’’ Indicator
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
Low Fuel Indicator
Door and Brake L amp Monitor
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols57
BRAKE LAMP
01/09/28 19:34:32 31SZ3660_060

If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer. This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .214
.
Important Safety Precautions .215
.................
Maintenance Schedule .216
...
Required Maintenance Record .223
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks .225
..............................
Fluid Locations .226
......................................
Engine Oil .227
..................................
Adding Oil .227
....................
Recommended Oil .227
..............................
Synthetic Oil .228
....................................
Additives .228
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter .229
.............................
Cooling System .231
............
Adding Engine Coolant .231
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant .233
....................
Windshield Washers .237
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .238
..............................
Dif f erential Oil .239
....................................
Brake Fluid .240
............................
Brake System .240
..............................
Power Steering .240
....................................
Hood Latch .241
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .241
....................................
Spark Plugs .243
..............................
Replacement .243
............................
Specif ications .246 ...........................................
Battery .246
.................................
Wiper Blades .249
..............
Air Conditioning System .251
.................
Air Conditioning Filter .252
.....................................
Drive Belts .252
....................................
Timing Belt .253
...............................................
Tires .253
......................................
Inf lation .253
..................................
Inspection .255
..............................
Maintenance .256
.............................
Tire Rotation .256
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels .257
......................
Wheels and Tires .258
..........................
Winter Driving .258
.............................
Snow Tires .259
............................
Tire Chains .259
.............................................
Lights .260
........................
Replacing Bulbs .262
...........................
Storing Your Car .271
329
Maintenance
Maint enance213
01/09/28 20:00:16 31SZ3660_216

Check the operation of your car’s
exterior lights at least once a month.
A burned out bulb can create an
unsaf e condition by reducing your
car’s visibility and the ability to
signal your intentions to other
drivers.
Lights
Maint enance260
F FRRO ON NTT F
FOOG G L
LIIGGH HT
T L
LO
OW W B
BEEA
A M
M H
HE
EA
A D
DL
LIIGGH HT
T
T
T U
UR RNN S
SIIGGN NAAL
L//
P
P A
A R
RKKIINNG G L
LIIGGH HT
T S
SI
IDD E
E M
M A
AR
RKKEER
R L
LIIGGH HT
T
H
H
I
IGGH H B
BEEA
A M
M H
HE
EA
A D
DL
LIIGGH HT
T
01/09/28 20:07:53 31SZ3660_263

Check the f ollowing:Headlights (low and high beam)
Fog lights
Parking lights
Taillights
Brake lights
Turn signals
Back-up lights
Hazard light f unction
License plate light
Side marker lights
High-mount brake light
Daytime running lights (Canadian
models)
If youfindanybulbsareburnedout,
replace them as soon as possible.
Refer to the chart on page to
determinewhattypeof replacement
bulb is needed. 313
Lights
Maint enance261
H H
I
IGGH H-
-M
M O
OUUNNTT B
BRRAA K
KEE L
LIIGGH HT
T
B
BA A C
CKK--U
UP P L
LIIGGH HT
T
L
LI
ICCE EN
NS SEE P
PL
LAA T
TE
E
L
LI IGGH HT
TS
S
S
STTO
OP P/
/T
T A
A I
ILL L
LIIGGH HT
TS
S
T
T
U
UR RNN S
SIIGGN NAAL
L L
LIIGGH HT
T
01/09/28 20:08:00 31SZ3660_264

Halogen bulbs are used f or the high
beam headlight bulbs. When
replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.Open the hood.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
cartoyourdealertohaveitreplaced. Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your car was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustment of the
headlights should be perf ormed by
an Acura technician or other
qualif ied mechanic. 1.
2.
3.
Lights
Maint enance
Headlight A iming
Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
262
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil,
perspiration, or a scratch on the glass
can cause the bulb to overheat and
shatter.
01/10/25 13:37:15 31SZ3660_265

à
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot it out of
the way and remove the bulb.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the bulb is right side
up and the nubs on the bulb base
f it in the indentations in the
headlight assembly. Pivot the hold-
down wire back in place and clip
the end into the slot. Install the rubber seal over the
back of the headlight assembly.
Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked ‘‘ .’’
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Your car uses halogen fog light
bulbs. See page f or inf ormation
on replacing a halogen bulb.
4.
5. 6.
7.
262
CONT INUED
Lights
Maint enance
ReplacingaFogLightBulb
263
W WE
EA
A T
TH
H E
ER
R S
SEEA
A L
L
C
CO ON NNNEEC
CT TO
OR R H
HO
OL LDD -
-D
D O
OW WN N W
WIIRRE E
B
BU
UL LBB
01/09/28 20:08:17 31SZ3660_266

à
Put the light assembly into the
bumper. Tighten the mounting
bolt. Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Turn on the f ront
f og lights to test the new bulb. Install the rubber seal over the
back of the f og light assembly.
Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked ‘‘ .’’
Use a wrench to loosen the light
assembly’s mounting bolt.
Remove the light assembly f rom
the bumper.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back. Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot the wire
out of the way and remove the
bulb.Insert the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the bulb is right side
up and the nubs on the bulb base
f it in the indentations in the f og
light assembly. Pivot the hold-
down wire back in place and clip
the end into the slot.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
Maint enance264
W WE
EA
A T
TH
H E
ER
R S
SEEA
A L
L
B
BO OL LTT
C
CO
ON NNNEEC
CT TO
OR R
B
BUUL LBB
H
H
O
OL LDD -
-D
D O
OW WN N W
WIIRRE E
01/09/28 20:08:29 31SZ3660_267

To remove the f ront turn signal/
parking light bulb, push it in
slightly and turn it
counterclockwise. To remove the
side marker bulb, pull it straight
out of its socket.
Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise. Pull the inner f ender cover back.
Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the holding clip f rom the
inner f ender.
If you are changing the bulb on
the driver’s side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger’s side, turn
the steering wheel to the left. Put the inner f ender cover in place.
Install the holding clip. Lock it in
placebypushingonthecenter. Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working. Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
1. 2. 3.
4.5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing Front Turn Signal/
Parking and Side Marker Light
Bulbs
265
H H
O
OL LDD I
INNG G C
CLLIIPP
01/09/28 20:08:43 31SZ3660_268

Open the trunk.Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Undo the f astener on the side of
the trunk lining by pushing on the
center of the f astener’s head until
it pops in. Pull the lining back. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise. Determine which of the f our bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillights, back-
up light, or turn signal.Reinstall the trunk lining. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the trunk seal.
1.
3. 2.4.
5.
6.
7.
Replacing Rear Bulbs
Lights
Maint enance266
F FA
A S
STTE
EN
NE ER
R
01/09/28 20:08:54 31SZ3660_269

Open the trunk and remove the
socket f rom the light assembly by
turning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.
Reset the f astener by pushing on
the pointed end until it pops back
almost f lush with the f ingers on
the housing.
Put the f astener in the hole in the
side of the trunk lining and push
on the center until it locks (the
center is f lush with the head). Reinstall the socket. Turn it
clockwise until it locks.
Install the new bulb in the socket. Remove the bulb by pushing it in
slightly and turning it counter-
clockwise. Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
1.
2.
8.
9. 3.
4.
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
Lights
Maint enance267
01/09/28 20:09:06 31SZ3660_270