engine Acura RL 2004 3.5 User Guide

Your car comes with two master
keys and a valet key.Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy
objects on them.
These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys f rom direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
Keep the keys away f rom liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a sof t cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart.
The master key fits all the locks on
your car:
 Ignition
 Doors
 Trunk
 Trunk pass-through cover
Glovebox The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk, trunk pass-through
cover, and glove box locked when
you leave your car and the valet key
at a parking f acility.
Youshouldhavereceivedakey
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keep
the tag stored in a safe place. If youneed to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.
CONT INUED
Keys
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols79
MASTER
KEYS
(Black)
VALET
KEY
(Gray)
KEY
NUMBER
TAG

Your car also comes with two remote
transmitters; see page for an
explanation of the operation.
Youshouldalsoreceiveasmallcase
containing a learning key. It is used
by the Acura dealer to code replace-
ment keys to your car’s Immobilizer
System. It must not be used in your
car’s ignition switch. Store the learn-
ing key with the key number plate in
a safe place.If you attempt to use the learning
key to start your car’s engine, it may
cause a malfunction in the system
that makes your master and valet
keys unusable. If this happens, you
should contact your Acura dealer.
If you need a new key made, take the
key number plate, the learning key,
and all other keys that came with
your car to your Acura dealer.The Immobilizer System protects
your car f rom thef t. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch f or the
engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine’s f uel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on f or a f ew
seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.
84
Remote Transmitter
L earning K eyImmobilizer System
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Keys and Locks
80

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thef ollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmf ul interf erence, and(2) this device must accept anyinterf erence received, includinginterf erence that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modif ications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the f ollowing twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterf erence, and (2) this device mustaccept any interf erence that may causeundesired operation of the device.The system may not recognize your
key’s coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code: If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer. Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your car undriveable.
Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key f ob,
not metal.
Keep other keys away f rom your
car’s key and the ignition switch
while trying to start the engine.
If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
The Immobilizer System indicator
will also blink several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols81

µ
µ
µ
µ
The ignition switch is on the right
side of the steering column. It has
f our positions:
LOCK(0)
 ACCESSORY (I)
 ON (II)
 START (III) If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key from
LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the lef t or to
the right as you turn the key.
In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the cigarette lighter. You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch f rom ACCESSORY to
LOCK, you must push the key in
slightly as you turn it. The shif t lever
must also be in Park. The anti-thef t
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key. Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page ).
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All f eatures
and accessories on the vehicle are
usable. Several of the lights on the
instrument panel come on as a test
when you turn the ignition switch f rom ACCESSORY to ON.
80
Ignition Switch
A CCESSORY (I) LOCK (0)ST A RT (III)
ON (II)
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols82

The HI or LO indicator lights and
remains lit until you turn it of f by
pushing the opposite side of the
switch lightly. The indicator will turn
off.Follow these precautions whenever
you use the seat heaters:
Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly. Select the LO
setting when the seats f eel warm.
The HI setting draws large
amounts of current f rom the
battery.
Do not use the seat heaters, even
on the LO setting, if the engine is
lef t idling f or an extended period.
They can weaken the battery,
causing hard starting.
In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperature
changes. In HI, the heater turns of f when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat’s temperature drops. It
continues to cycle as long as you
leave it set on HI. The HI indicator
remains lit as a reminder that you
have the heater on.
Because of the sensors f or the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger’s seat-back. To use the ski sleeve:
Pull down the rear seat armrest.
Open the trunk pass-through
cover by sliding the knob down-
ward and pulling on the cover.
The ski sleeve allows you to carry
skis or other long objects saf ely
without soiling or damaging the
interior of your car. It attaches to the
trunk pass-through.
1.
CONT INUED
Ski Sleeve
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Seat Heaters, Ski Sleeve
101
KNOB
LID

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. 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.
If the power windows do not operate
properly af ter resetting, have your
car checked by an Acura dealer. 1.
2.
CONT INUED
Moonroof
Power Windows, Moonroof
Inst rument s and Cont rols105
OPEN/CLOSE
SWITCH

To apply the parking brake, depress
the pedal f ully. To release it, pull the
release lever. The parking brake
light on the instrument panel should
go out when the parking brake is
f ully released with the engine
running (see page ). If you try to
drive the vehicle without releasing
the parking brake, the ABS indicator
maycomeon,andtheABSmaynot
work properly. The VSA system
indicator will also come on alongwith the ABS indicator (see page
).
58 225
Parking Brake
Moonroof , Parking Brake
Inst rument s and Cont rols107
PARKING
BRAKE PEDAL
RELEASE LEVER
If you try to open the moonroof in
below-f reezing temperatures, or when
it is covered with snow or ice, you can
damage the moonroof panel or motor.
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake applied can damage the rear
brakes and axles.

The automatic climate control
system in your Acura picks the
proper combination of air condi-
tioning, heating, and ventilation to
maintain the interior temperature
you select. The system also adjusts
the fan speed and air flow levels.
The direction of air f low f rom the
vents in the center and each side of
the dashboard is adjustable. Move
the tab in the center of each vent up-
and-down and side-to-side.
Thesideventscanbeopenedand
closed with the dials next to them.The climate control system draws air
through the exterior vents at the
bottom of the windshield. Keep
these vents clear of leaves and other
debris.For the climate control system to
provide heating and cooling, the
engine must be running.
In the rear seat, you can also adjust
the ventilation when the climate con-
trol system is on (see page ). 132
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Climat e Cont rol Syst em
120
SIDE VENTS
CENTER VENTS
Open
Close

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 .204
.........................................
Gasoline .204
.........
Service Station Procedures . 205
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 205
....................
Opening the Hood .206
...............................
Oil Check .207
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 208
...............................
Fuel Economy .209
.....................
Vehicle Condition .209
...........................
Driving Habits .209
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 210
.............................
Carrying Cargo .212
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving203

During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration. If you are unable to f ind premium
unleaded gasoline, you may substi-
tute an unleaded regular gasoline.
The engine will compensate f or the
lower octane, but you may notice a
slight decrease in power as a result.
We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
f uel system and engine deposits.
Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use f or the f irst 200 miles (300
km). Your Acura is designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emissions control system
perf ormance may deteriorate and
the Malf unction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Acura dealer f or service.
Help assure your car’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car’s emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
intervalshowninthemaintenance
schedule.
Youshouldfollowthesesamere-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.
Break-in Period, Gasoline
Bef ore Driving
Break-in Period Gasoline
204