ACURA RL 2011 Owners Manual

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission as shown.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks. 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.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer. The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown by a maintenance
message on the multi-inf ormation
display.Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way.
Always use Acura ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission f luid).
5. 6.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
465
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK GUIDE
Use only Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission f luid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Acura ATF DW-1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Acura
AT F DW-1 is not covered by the Acura
new vehicle warranty.
10/08/04 20:03:17 31SJA660_470
ProCarManuals.com

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
To check the f luid level, remove the
lef t engine compartment cover (see
page ).
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Independent of the Maintenance
Minder inf ormation, replace the
brake f luid every 3 years.
457
Brake Fluid
466
MAX
MIN
10/08/04 20:03:26 31SJA660_471
ProCarManuals.com

µµ
The timing belt should be replaced
according to the Maintenance
Minder (see page ).
Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (100,000 km) if you regularly
drive your vehicle in any of the
f ollowing conditions:
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).
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 Acura 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 Acura 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.
Af ter removing the right engine
compartment cover (see page ),
check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark. 454
457
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
Timing Belt
Power Steering Fluid
Maint enance
467
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVELTM
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
10/08/04 20:03:39 31SJA660_472
ProCarManuals.com

Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic headlight adjusting
system that adjusts the vertical angle
of the headlights automatically.
Refer to page for more
inf ormation.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be done by your dealer or
another qualif ied technician.The low beam headlight bulbs are
high voltage discharge tube bulbs.
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
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.
Your vehicle has halogen high beam
headlight bulbs which are also used
f or the daytime running light.
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.
145
Lights
Headlight Aiming
L ow Beam Headlight Bulb
ReplacementReplacing a High Beam
Headlight/Daytime Running
Light Bulb
468
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil,
perspiration, or a scratch on the glass
can cause the bulb to overheat and
shatter.
10/08/04 20:03:48 31SJA660_473
ProCarManuals.com

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.
If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ). Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ). Open the hood. Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
Reinstall the battery cover. (Driver’s side)
2.
3.
1.
4.5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
457
492
Lights
Maint enance
469
BULB
CONNECTOR
10/08/04 20:04:00 31SJA660_474
ProCarManuals.com

Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ).Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Push the bulb in slightly, and turn
it counterclockwise.
Open the hood.
If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ).
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.
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the battery cover.
2. 1.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.
457
492 8.
9.
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal
Light Bulb
470
BULB SOCKET
10/08/04 20:04:13 31SJA660_475
ProCarManuals.com

Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover (see
page ).
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip f rom the
windshield washer reservoir. (Passenger’s side) Open the hood.
If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ).Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover. Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Reinstall the windshield washer
reservoir.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the battery cover. (Passenger’s side)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
7.
8.
9.
457
492
10.
Lights
Replacing a Front Parking/Side
Marker Bulb
Maint enance
471
SOCKET
BULB
CLIP
10/08/04 20:04:31 31SJA660_476
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to
remove the two undercover bolts,
and remove the holding clip with a
f lat-tip screwdriver.
Caref ully push up the side under
cover into the bumper.
Your vehicle uses halogen light
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its plastic case, 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.
Thefoglightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustment should
be done by your dealer or another
qualif ied technician.
3.
4.
1.
2.
Lights
ReplacingaFogLightBulb
472
CLIP
CONNECTOR
BOLTS
BULBHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil,
perspiration, or a scratch on the glass
can cause the bulb to overheat and
shatter.
10/08/04 20:04:42 31SJA660_477
ProCarManuals.com

Carefully pry in the top or bottom
edge of the trim with a small f lat-
tip screwdriver, and pull the trim
straight back.
Open the trunk lid, and remove
the lef t or right maintenance lid.
Remove the mounting nut with an
8mmwrench.
Pull the taillight assembly straight
back out of the body. Remove the two mounting bolts
with an 8 mm wrench.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the f og lights to test the
new bulb.
Reinstall the two undercover bolts
on the side under cover and
tighten them securely. Put the
holding clip back on the side
undercover and push on the center
until it locks (the center is f lush
with the head).
2. 1. 3.
4.
5.
5.
6.
7.
8.
CONT INUED
Replacing a Rear Turn Signal
Light Bulb
Lights
Maint enance
473
MOUNTING NUT
MAINTENANCE LID TAIL LIGHT TRIMBOLTS
10/08/04 20:04:55 31SJA660_478
ProCarManuals.com

Open the trunk.
Remove the light assembly cover
by pulling its outside edge.
Install the new bulb in the socket
bypushingitstraightinthesocket
until it bottoms.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly. Turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
When reinstalling the taillight
assembly, align and pop the snap
f asteners in place. Tighten the two
mounting bolts and reinstall the
trim in place.
Tighten the mounting nut securely,
and reinstall the maintenance lid.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned out bulb by
pulling it straight out of its socket. 9. 8.
1.
2.
12. 11. 10.
6.
7. Replacing a Back-up L ight Bulb
Lights
474
SOCKET
BULB
COVERS
10/08/04 20:05:09 31SJA660_479
ProCarManuals.com