check engine light ACURA RL 2012 Owners Manual

This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or position. This indicator
will also come on when the light
switch is in AUTO and the lights
turn on automatically. If you turn the
ignition switch to the ACCESSORY
(I) or the LOCK (0) position without
turning of f the light switch, this
indicator will remain on. A reminder
chime will also sound when you open
the driver’s door.
This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It will
then go of f if you have a properly-
coded remote. If it is not a properly-
coded remote, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ).If you use the remote, this indicator
blinks several times when you turn
the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY (I) to the LOCK (0)
position.
If you use the built-in key, this
indicator blinks several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to the ACCESSORY (I) position.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signals blink. All
turn signals on the outside of the
vehicle should f lash. This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock f unction. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABSSYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. For more
inf ormation, see page .
The lef t or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If an indicator does not blink
or blinks rapidly, it usually means
one of the turn signal bulbs is
burned out (see pages and ).
Replace the bulb as soon as possible,
since other drivers cannot see that
you are signaling.
150416
470 473
Instrument Panel Indicators
Lights On Indicator
Immobilizer System
IndicatorAnti-lock Brake System
(A BS) IndicatorTurn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
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This indicator comes on when the
security system is set. For more
inf ormation, see page . This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the adaptive front
lighting system (AFS).
This indicator blinks when there is a
problem with the AFS system; you
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ADAPTIVE
FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display (see page ). If this
happens, stop the vehicle in a saf e
place, turn the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY (I) or the LOCK (0)
position, and restart the engine. If
the indicator does not go of f or
blinks again, take your vehicle to a
dealer to have it checked. For more
inf ormation, see page .The CMBS indicator also comes on
if dirt or other debris blocks the
radar sensor in the f ront grille. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK CMBS
RADAR SENSOR’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display. When you
clean the radar sensor, the indicator
should go of f the next time you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If the indicator comes on at any
other time, there is a problem with
the CMBS. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK CMBS SYSTEM’’ message
on the multi-information display. If
this happens, take your vehicle to a
dealer, and have it checked. For
more inf ormation, see page .
When this indicator is on, the CMBS
is not working. This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It also comes on as areminder that you have turned of f
the collision mitigation braking
system (CMBS ).
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144
424
If equipped
If equipped
A daptive Front L ighting
System (A FS) IndicatorSecurity System Indicator
Collision Mitigation
Braking System
(CMBS ) Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols
69
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
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If the AFS indicator comes on and
starts blinking while driving, pull to
the side of the road when it is saf e,
andturnoff theengine.If theAFS
indicator keeps blinking, or starts
blinking again while driving af ter
turning the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position, the AFS is not working
properly (see page ). Have the
AFS inspected by your dealer.
When the AFS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). Without AFS, your vehicle still has
normal lighting ability to continue
driving. The adaptive f ront lighting system
(AFS) helps to improve visibility
during nighttime driving. The AFS
controls the aiming direction and
lighting distribution of the low
beams according to the amount of
turn applied to the steering wheel
during cornering or turning. Press
the AFS OFF switch to turn the AFS
on and off when the ignition switch
is in the ON (II) position and the
headlights are turned on.69
69
If equippedAFS Indicator
A dapt ive Front L ight ing Syst em (A FS)
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Park the vehicle, and set the
parking brake. Pull the hood
release lever located under the
lower lef t corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly. Your vehicle’s on board diagnostic
system will detect a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap as an evaporative system
leak. The f irst time a leak is detected
a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display. Turn the engine of f , and
conf irm the f uel f ill cap is installed. If
it is, loosen it, then retighten it until
it clicks at least once. The message
should go of f af ter several days of
normal driving once you tighten orreplace the f uel f ill cap. To scroll to
another message, press the INFO
button. The ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’
message will appear each time you
restart the engine until the system
turns the message of f .
If the system still detects a leak in
the vehicle’s evaporative emissions
system, the malf unction indicator
lamp (MIL) comes on. If the f uel f ill
cap was not already tightened, turn
the engine of f , and check or
retighten the f uel f ill cap until it
clicks at least once. The MIL should
go off after several days of normal
driving once the cap is tightened or
replaced. If the MIL does not go of f ,
have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer. For more inf ormation, see
page .1.
509
CONT INUED
Opening and Closing the Hood Tighten Fuel Cap Message
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
385
HOOD RELEASE LEVER
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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 is f ully closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ). Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and
). Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. 1.
2.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.17
7861 70 156
148 161
Preparing to Drive
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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, reduces their ef f ectiveness and
reduces brake pad lif e. 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
416Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
Driving
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles: ......................Maintenance Saf ety . 444
................. Maintenance Minder . 445
.............................. Fluid Locations . 455
...... Engine Compartment Covers . 456
........................ Adding Engine Oil . 458
Changing the Engine Oil and
........................................... Filter . 459
.............................. Engine Coolant . 461
.................... Windshield Washers . 463
.... Automatic Transmission Fluid . 464
.................................... Brake Fluid . 466
.................... Power Steering Fluid . 467
.................................... Timing Belt . 467
............................................. Lights . 468
.................. DustandPollenFilter .476
................ Cleaning the Seat Belts . 476
..................................... Floor Mats . 477
................................. Wiper Blades . 478
................................. Exterior Care . 480
........................................... Wheels . 480
............................................... Tires . 481
................... Checking the Battery . 490
............................. Vehicle Storage . 493
.................................. Interior Care . 494 543
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
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Ì
µ
µµ
µ
µ
µ U.S. Vehicles:
We recommend using Acura parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability. Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all receipts
as proof of completion, and have the
person who does the work f ill out
your Maintenance Journal or
Canadian Maintenance Log. Check
your warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-
inf ormation display.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
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 .Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Lights Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See page
. 463
467
480
387
387468
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
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When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See
on page . Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:
Check these things:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page . Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate. Make sure the remote is with you,
inside the vehicle.
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page ). You can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page ). You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
502521
490
502 Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Emergency T owing
Jump Starting
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
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Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page
).Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a dealer or a service station
where you can get technical
assistance. Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights. This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, or if you
see a ‘‘CHECK ENGINE OIL
LEVEL’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display, the oil pressure
has dropped very low or lost
pressure. Serious engine damage is
possible, and you should take
immediate action.If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display, the
battery is not being charged. 1.
2.
3.
4.387
458
521Emergency T owing L ow Oil Pressure
IndicatorCharging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
508
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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