coolant level Acura RL 2002 3.5 Owner's Manual

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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Bef ore you begin driving your Acura,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst..............................
Break-in Period .178
.........................................
Gasoline .178
.........
Service Station Procedures .179
................
Filling the Fuel Tank .179
....................
Opening the Hood .180
...............................
Oil Check .181
.........
Engine Coolant Check .182
...............................
Fuel Economy .183
............................
Car Condition .183
...........................
Driving Habits .183
...
Accessories and Modif ications .184
.............................
Carrying Cargo .186
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving177
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Refer toon page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Acura. Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see on page f or
informationonaddingtheproper
coolant.
Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
Insert it all the way back in its tube. 4.
3.
227231
225
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
Owner Maintenance
Checks A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil
Engine Coolant Check
182
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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
218
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
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 Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
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
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24
12
30
48
24 60
96
48
45
72
36 75
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
: 217
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
01/09/28 20:01:04 31SZ3660_221

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Maint enance219
Canadian Owners U.S. Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km/
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km/
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.Replace front differential fluid.
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. Replace timing belt, balancer belt, and inspect
water pump. Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace transmission fluid, then every 90,000
mi/144,000 km/5 yrs. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page256).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
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.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.
Replace brake fluid (every 3 years regardless of
mileage).
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. :
NOTE: 217
218
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/28 20:01:13 31SZ3660_222

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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
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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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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
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 .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page . Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . 181
182
237
238 240 255
260
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance225
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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.
The coolant you add should always
be a mixture of 50 percent antif reeze
and 50 percent water. Never add
straight antif reeze or plain water.If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water. It
does not require any additional
mixing.
If it is not available, you may use
another major-brand non-silicate
coolant as a temporary replacement.
Make sure it is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
However, 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.
1.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance231
R RE
ES
SE ER
RV V E
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TA
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NK K
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.
01/09/28 20:03:12 31SZ3660_234

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. Put the radiator cap back on.
Tighten it f ully. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. Turn the radiator cap counter-
clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system. Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your car’s cooling
system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or engine compo-
nents.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance232
R RE
ES
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R
RA
A D
DI
IAA T
TO
OR R C
CAA P
P
01/09/28 20:03:22 31SZ3660_235