check engine light Acura RL 2002 3.5 Owner's Manual

If the light comes on at any other
time, or does not come on at all, you
should have the system checked by
your dealer. For example:If the SRS indicator light does not
come on after you turn the ignition
ON (II).
If the light stays on after the
engine starts.
If the light comes on or f lashes on
andoff whileyoudrive.
Thepurposeof theSRS
indicator light is to alert
you to a potential problem with your
f ront airbags. This light will also
alert you to a potential problem with
your automatic seat belt tensioners
(page );oryoursideairbagsor
passenger’s side airbag automatic
cutof f system (page ).
When you turn the ignition ON (II),
this indicator will light brief ly then
go out. This tells you that the system
is working properly. If you see any of these indications, your f ront or side airbags may not
deploy, your passenger’s side airbag
automatic cutoff system may not
work properly, or your seat belt
tensioners may not work when you
need them. See your Acura dealer as
soon as possible.
41
45
How the SRS Indicator L ight
Works
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
46
Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbags, cutoff
system, or tensioners do not
work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
theSRSlightalertsyoutoa
potential problem.
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The engine can be severely damaged
if this light f lashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
inf ormation, see page .This light has two f unctions:
If you do not f asten your seat belt,
the beeper will stop af ter a f ew
seconds but the light stays on until
you do. Both the light and the beeper
stay of f if you f asten your seat belt
bef ore turning on the ignition. This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to you and your passengers
to protect yourselves by f astening
the seat belts. A beeper also sounds
if you have not fastened your seat
belt. The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
inf ormation about your car. This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not f ully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit af ter
you have fully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
information, see page .
1.
2.
295
296
299
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
IndicatorParking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder L ight
54
U.S. Canada
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This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to near
the upper white mark. If it reaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This indicator displays the outside
temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.
models, and in Centigrade in
Canadian models.
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near f reezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
f orming on the road surf ace. The temperature sensor is located in
the f ront bumper. Theref ore, the
temperature reading can be af f ected
by heat ref lection f rom the road sur-
f ace, engine heat, and the exhaust
f rom the surrounding traf f ic. This
can cause the temperature reading
not to be correct when your speed is
under 19 mph (30 km/h). This shows how much f uel you have.
It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
whenyouaredrivingoncurvyor
hilly roads.
The gauge stays at the same f uel
level reading af ter you turn of f the
ignition. When you add f uel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
readingafteryouturntheignition
switch back ON (II).
293
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Fuel Gauge
Temperature GaugeOut side T emperat ure Indicat or
60
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There are two switches on the
ceiling near the f ront ceiling light.
The ignition switch must be ON (II).
To open the moonroof , pull the
OPEN/CLOSE switch backward and
hold it until the moonroof reaches
the desired position.
If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, or the driver’s window
f use is removed, the AUTO f unction
will be disabled. The power window
system needs to be reset af ter
reconnecting the battery or installing
the f use. You should do the f ollowing.
Pull back on the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely then hold the switch
forafurthersecondortwomore. Start the engine. Push down on
the driver’s window switch until
the window is f ully open.
If the power windows do not operate
properly af ter resetting, have your
car checked by an Acura dealer. The power window system has a key-
of f delay f unction. The windows will
stilloperateforuptotenminutes
after you turn off the ignition.
Opening either f ront door cancels
the delay function. You must turn
the ignition switch ON (II) again
bef ore you can raise or lower the
windows.
1.
2. Moonroof
Power Windows, Moonroof
Inst rument s and Cont rols100
O OP
PE
EN
N/ /C
CL LOOS SEE
S
SW WI ITT C
CH H
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Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car.
Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. 12. 53
15
86
91 191
71
Preparing to Drive
Driving190
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Your Acura 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 ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.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 downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter 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. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving197
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such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed f or the road and
weather conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic or off the road. it
only helps with steering control
during braking. You should always
maintain a saf e f ollowing distance
f rom other vehicles. on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
The ABS is self -checking. If anything
goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page ). This means the anti-lock f unction of the braking system has
shut down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-
lock, providing normal stopping
ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible
if this light stays on af ter you start
the engine, or comes on while
driving.
56
CONT INUED
The Braking System
Driving
Import ant Saf et y Reminders A BS Indicat or
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the car;A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
199
U U.
.SS. .i
inn d
di
icca at too r
r s
shh o
ow
wn n
A
A
B
BSS I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R
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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
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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
220
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 monthsRotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections Exhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 120
192
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 105
168
84
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
:
1:
2: 217
253 252
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions
11
2
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
01/09/28 20:01:35 31SZ3660_223

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CONT INUED
Maint enance221
Canadian Owners A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
A
B
C
D
E
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace transmission fluid, then replace every
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs. Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page256).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving
conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
1:
2:
:
NOTE : 220
253 252
217
11 2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
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