lock Acura RL 2008 Owners Manual

If the SH-AWD indicator on the
instrument panel stays on, and the
multi-inf ormation display shows an
SH-AWD message, there is a
problem with the system. Your
vehicle still has normal f ront-wheel
drive with vehicle stability assist
(VSA), but does not have the
advantages of SH-AWD. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer as soon
as possible.Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is on an
incline.
Parking
Parking T ips
Super Handling-A ll Wheel Drive (SH-A WD) System, Parking
Driving
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2008 RL

Your vehicle 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 brake pedal
assist f unction increases the f orce
you apply to the brake pedal during
an emergency stop. When the brake
pedal assist is activated, the e-
pretensioners (if equipped) tighten
f ront seat belts (see page ). The
anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard (see page ).
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
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 taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check the brakes after 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. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
24
359
Braking System
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
358
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The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading. When the ABS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
CONT INUED
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
Driving
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2008 RL

on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
It only helps with steering
control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
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 vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
449
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent the loss of
stability.
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2008 RL

Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.Refill the engine with the
recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter.
3. 6.
7.
8.
9.
5.
4.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
401
OIL FILTER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.5 US qt (4.3
) Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
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.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
Pourthecoolantslowlyandcarefully
so you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
3.
1.
2. 4.
5.
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
403
RADIATOR CAP
RESERVE TANK
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2008 RL

µµ
If you f requently tow a trailer.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown on the
maintenance minder. Replace the
belt at 60,000 miles (100,000 km) if
you regularly drive your vehicle in
one or more of these conditions:
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
Timing Belt
Maint enance
407
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
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CONT INUED
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ).
If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ), then
remove the battery hold-down by
removing the two nuts with a 10
mm wrench. Then caref ully slide
the battery toward the engine to
access the bulb.2.
3.
1.
398
428
Lights
Maint enance
409
NUTSBULB
BATTERY HOLD-DOWN CONNECTOR
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2008 RL

Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Push the bulb in slightly, and turn
it counterclockwise.
Reinstall the battery in the reverse
order of removal, and reinstall the
cover on the battery. Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ).
If you are replacing a driver’s side
bulb, slide the battery toward the
engine to get more clearance (see
page ).
2.
1.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3.
398
428
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal/
FrontParkingLightBulb
410
SOCKET
BULB
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2008 RL

CONT INUED
If you are replacing a driver’s side
bulb, slide the battery toward the
engine to get more clearance (see
page ).
Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the holding clip f rom the
windshield washer reservoir.
(Passenger’s side)
Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover (see
page ).
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the battery and the
battery cover.
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
1.
2.
5.
6.
7.
8.
4.
398
428
On model without adaptive f ront lighting system
Lights
Replacing a Front Position/Side
Marker L ight Bulb
Maint enance
411
SOCKET
BULB
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2008 RL