Introduction .........................................................................................................................................

A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................

Your Vehicle at a Glance.....................................................................................................................

Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................

Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.

Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................

Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.

Comfort and Convenience Features ..............................................................................................

How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.

Before Driving..................................................................................................................................

What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.

Driving ..............................................................................................................................................

The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.

Maintenance .....................................................................................................................................

The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.

Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................

Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.

Taking Care of the Unexpected ......................................................................................................

This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.

Technical Information.....................................................................................................................

ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ................................................................

A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................

How to order manuals and other technical literature.

Index......................................................................................................................................................

Service Information Summary

A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Contents

119

165

177

201

261

269

295

309

315

Chapters

Table of Contents

Summary of Contents for Honda 2000 RL

Page 1: Table Of Contents
2000 RL Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. Contents For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com. Owner's Identification Form Introduction ............................A Few Words About Safety.........................
Page 2: Owner's Identification Form
The information and specifications included ADDRESS in this publication were in affect at the time STREET of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and...
Page 3: Introduction
Main Menu Introduction As you read this manual, you will Congratulations on your selection of the 2000 Acura 3.5 RL. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest luxury cars in the find information that is preceded by NOTICE world.
Page 4: A Few Words About Safety
Main Menu Main Menu A Few Words About Safety A Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, is very important. And operating this including: Your safety, and the safety of others, You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, vehicle safely is an important...
Page 5: Your Vehicle At A Glance
Main Menu Your Car at a Glance INSTRUMENT MIRROR PANEL CONTROLS DIGITAL (P.98) (P.53) CLOCK (P. 108) CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM DRIVING POSITION (P.120) MEMORY (P.100) AUDIO SYSTEM (P.134) POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.105) TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON HOOD RELEASE FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P.86) HANDLE HANDLE...
Page 6 Main Menu Your Car at a Glance WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHER S HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS (P. 68, 70) (P. 70) VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEM OFF SWITCH (P. 189) CRUISE CONTROL (P- 73) STEERING WHEEL INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ADJUSTMENTS (P. 66) (P.
Page 7 Main Menu...
Page 8: Driver And Passenger Safety
Main Menu Driver and Passenger Safety This section gives you important 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........information about how to protect Position......... yourself and your passengers. It Advice for Pregnant Women..Seat Belt System Components... shows you how to use seat belts Lap/Shoulder Belt.......
Page 9 Main Menu Table of Contents Important Safety Precautions Be Aware of Airbag Hazards Control Your Speed You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this While airbags can save lives, they Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, section, and throughout this manual.
Page 10 Main Menu Table of Contents Your Car's Safety Features Your car is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Some safety features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment;...
Page 11 Main Menu Table of Contents Your Car's Safety Features Seat Belts These safety features are designed In addition, most states and all to reduce the severity of injuries in a Canadian provinces require you to For your safety, and the safety of crash.
Page 12 Main Menu Table of Contents Your Car's Safety Features Airbags Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the car and against other occupants. Keep you from being thrown out of the car. Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy.
Page 13 Main Menu Table of Contents Your Car's Safety Features Seats & Seat-Backs What you should do: Move the front Airbags offer no protection in rear seats as far back as possible, and impacts, rollovers, or minor Your car's seats are designed to keep you in a comfortable, upright keep adjustable seat-backs in an frontal or side collisions.
Page 14: Pre-Drive Safety Checklist
Main Menu Table of Contents Your Car's Safety Features Pre-Drive Safety Checklist Front seat occupants are sitting The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you To make sure you and your upright and as far back as possible can maximize your safety.
Page 15: Protecting Adults
Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults Introduction 2.Adjust the Front Seats The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver and other adult occupants. Your car has a door monitor light on These instructions also apply to the instrument panel to indicate children who have outgrown child when a specific door is not tightly...
Page 16: Adjust The Seat-Backs
Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults 3.Adjust the Seat-Backs To reduce the chance of injury, wear Most shorter drivers can get far your seat belt properly, sit upright enough away from the steering with your back against the seat, and wheel and still reach the pedals.
Page 17 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults 4.Adjust the Head Restraints A front passenger should also adjust the seat-back to an upright position, but as far from the dashboard as Reclining the seat-back too far possible. A passenger who sits too can result in serious injury or close to the dashboard could be death in a crash.
Page 18 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts Improperly positioning head Insert the latch plate into the buckle, restraints reduces their then tug on the belt to make sure the effectiveness and you can be belt is securely latched.
Page 19 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults If necessary, pull up on the belt again If a seat belt does not seem to work to remove any slack from the as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. No one should shoulder part, then check that the belt rests across the center of your sit in a seat with an inoperative seat...
Page 20: Maintain A Proper Sitting
Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel 7.Maintain a Proper Sitting In addition, an occupant who is out of Position position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured by After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seat belts, it is striking interior parts of the car, or very important that they continue to...
Page 21 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults Advice for Pregnant Women Remember, to get the best Pregnant women should also sit protection from your car's airbags upright and as far back as possible and other safety features, you must from the steering wheel or sit properly and wear your seat belt dashboard.
Page 22 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults Additional Safety Precautions Do not attach hard objects on or Do not place hard or sharp objects Two people should never use the between yourself and a front near a front door. If a side airbag same seat belt.
Page 23: Protecting Children
Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle seriously injured or killed in a crash.
Page 24 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Children Should Sit in the Back The Passenger' s Front Airbag Small Children Seat Poses Serious Risks to Children Placing a forward-facing child seat in According to accident statistics, the front seat of a vehicle equipped Front airbags have been designed to children of all ages and sizes are help protect adults in a moderate to...
Page 25 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children U.S. Models Canadian Models To remind you of the passenger's To remind you of the front airbag front airbag hazards, and that hazards, your car has warning labels children must be properly restrained on the driver's and front passenger's in the back seat, your car has visors.
Page 26 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children If You Must Drive with Several Additional Safety Precautions If a Child Requires Close Children Attention Use childproof door locks to Your car has three seating positions prevent children from opening the Many parents say they prefer to put doors.
Page 27 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children General Guidelines for Using Do not leave children alone in your Child Seats vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most The following pages give general states and Canadian provinces, guidelines for selecting and installing and can be very hazardous.
Page 28 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Before purchasing a child seat, we 3. The child seat should fit the recommend that parents test the vehicle seating position (or child seat in the specific vehicle positions) where it will be used. seating position (or positions) where Due to variations in the design of they intend to use the seat.
Page 29 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Placing a Child Seat Front Passenger's Seat This page briefly summarizes Acura's Infants: Never in the front seat, due recommendations on where to place to the front airbag hazard. rear-facing and forward-facing child Small children: Not recommended, seats in your car.
Page 30 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children To provide security during normal Installing a Child Seat 3. Secure the child in the child seat. After selecting a proper child seat, Make sure the child is properly driving maneuvers as well as during and a good position to install the seat, a collision, we recommend that strapped in the child seat...
Page 31: Protecting Infants
Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Protecting Infants Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement In this car, a rear-facing child seat Placing a rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the front seat can result in in the back seat, but not in the front serious injury or death if the seat.
Page 32 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation The lap/shoulder belts in the back seats have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions and tips on how to secure a rear-facing child seat with this type of seat belt.
Page 33 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children To deactivate the locking mechanism and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. 4. After confirming that the belt is 5. Push and pull the child seat locked, grab the shoulder part of forward and from side to side to the belt near the buckle and pull...
Page 34 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children When properly installed, a rear- Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation Additional Precautions for Infants facing child seat may prevent the Tips Never hold an infant on your lap. driver or a front-seat passenger from If you are not wearing a seat belt moving the seat as far back as in a crash, you could be thrown...
Page 35: Protecting Small Children
Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Protecting Small Children We also recommend that a small child stay in the child seat as long as possible, until the child reaches the Improperly placing a forward- weight or height limit for the seat. facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags...
Page 36 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Child Seat Installation The lap/shoulder belts in the back and front passenger seating positions have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions on how to secure a forward-facing child seat with this type of seat belt.
Page 37 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children To deactivate the locking mechanism in order to remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. 4. After confirming that the belt is 5. Push and pull the child seat locked, grab the shoulder part of forward and from side to side to the belt near the buckle and pull...
Page 38: Protecting Larger Children
Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Protecting Larger Children Additional Precautions for Small Children When a child reaches the Never hold a small child on your recommended weight or height limit Allowing a larger child to sit lap. If you are not wearing a seat for a forward-facing child seat, the improperly in the front seat can belt in a crash, you could be...
Page 39 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Checking Seat Belt Fit However, if the belt touches or Do not put any accessories on a seat crosses the child's neck, the child belt. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the needs to use a booster seat.
Page 40 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Using a Booster Seat A child may continue using a booster When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front seat until the tops of the ears are The National Highway Traffic Safety even with the top of the seat-back. A Administration and Transport child of this height should be tall Canada recommend that all children...
Page 41 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Of course, children vary widely. And If you decide that a child can safely Physical Size while age may be one indicator of Physically, a child must be large ride up front, be sure to: when a child can safely ride in the enough for the lap/shoulder belt to front, there are other important...
Page 42 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Using Child Seats with Tethers Your car has three tether anchorage Attach the tether strap hook to the tether anchorage point as shown in points on the rear shelf for securing a tether-style child seat to the car. the illustration and tighten the strap according to the child seat maker's Since a tether can provide additional...
Page 43: Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Seat Belts Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt To unlock the belt, push the red Your seat belt system includes lap/ PRESS button on the buckle. shoulder belts in all five seating Guide the belt across your body to positions.
Page 44 Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Seat Belts Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners If the shoulder part of the belt is might not cause the airbags to pulled all the way out, the locking deploy. In this case, the airbags mechanism will activate.
Page 45 Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Seat Belts Seat Belt Maintenance If a seat belt is worn during a crash, you should have your dealer inspect For safety, you should check the the belt, and replace it if necessary. condition of your seat belts regularly.
Page 46: Additional Information About Your Front Airbags
Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Front Airbags SRS Components How Your Front Airbags Work An indicator light on the instrument panel that alerts you to Your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes: a possible problem with the system (see page 45).
Page 47 Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Front Airbags During a frontal crash, your seat After a crash, you may see what belts help restrain your lower body looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag's surface. and torso.
Page 48 Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Front Airbags How the SRS Indicator Light However, if the light comes on at any Works other time, you should have the S R S The purpose of the SRS system checked by your dealer. For Ignoring the SRS indicator light indicator light is to alert example:...
Page 49: Additional Information About Your Side Airbags
Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Side Airbags How Your Side Airbags Work Your car is equipped with side To get the best protection from the airbags for the driver and a front side airbags, front seat occupants seat passenger.
Page 50: Light Works
Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Side Airbags How The Side Airbag Indicator S R S A front seat passenger should not The SRS indicator light will Light Works use a cushion or other object as a come on if there is a SIDE The purpose of this light is...
Page 51: Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Airbags Airbag Service Additional Safety Precautions Do not cover or replace front seat- Your front and side airbag systems Do not attempt to deactivate your back covers without consulting an are virtually maintenance-free, and airbags.
Page 52: Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Main Menu Table of Contents Carbon Monoxide Hazard Your car's exhaust contains carbon With the trunk lid open, air flow can monoxide gas. You should have no pull exhaust gas into your car's problem with carbon monoxide interior and create a hazardous Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Page 53: Safety Labels
Main Menu Table of Contents Safety Labels SUN VISOR These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential U.S. models Canadian models hazards that could cause serious injury. Read these labels carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Acura dealer for a replacement.
Page 54: Instruments And Controls
Main Menu Instruments and Controls This section gives information about Windshield Wipers...... Driver's Lumbar Support.... the controls and displays that Windshield Washers....Front Passenger's Seat Hazard Warning......Adjustments......contribute to the daily operation of your Acura. All the essential controls Rear Window Defogger....
Page 55: Control Locations
Main Menu Table of Contents Control Locations DIGITAL MIRROR CLIMATE CONTROL CLOCK CONTROLS SYSTEM (P. 98) (P. 108) (P. 120) DOOR LOCK SWITCHES (P. 81) DRIVING POSITION MEMORY (P. 100) POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P. 105) AUDIO SYSTEM (P. 134) TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON (P.
Page 56: Indicator Lights
Main Menu Table of Contents Indicator Lights The instrument panel has many MALFUNCTION VSA ACTIVATION CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR indicators to give you important INDICATOR INDICATOR LAMP information about your car. SIDE AIRBAG VEHICLE INDICATOR STABILITY ASSIST PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SUPPLEMENTA L SYSTEM RESTRAINT...
Page 57 Main Menu Table of Contents Indicator Lights Seat Belt Reminder Light Low Oil Pressure U.S. Canada Indicator BRAKE This indicator lights when you turn The engine can be severely damaged Parking Brake and Brake System the ignition switch ON (II). It is a if this light flashes or stays on when Indicator reminder to you and your passengers...
Page 58 Main Menu Table of Contents Indicator Lights Immobilizer System Supplemental Restraint Lights On Indicator S R S Indicator System Indicator This indicator comes on for a few This indicator lights when you turn On cars with automatic lighting (see seconds when you turn the ignition the ignition switch ON (II).
Page 59 Main Menu Table of Contents Indicator Lights Vehicle Stability Assist VSA Activation Indicator Canada U.S. (VSA) System Indicator Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) This indicator normally comes on for This indicator has three functions: Indicator a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Page 60 Main Menu Table of Contents Indicator Lights Door and Brake Lamp Monitor Turn Signal and High Beam Indicator Hazard Warning Indicators This light comes on with the high The left or right turn signal light beam headlights. See page blinks when you signal a lane change information on the headlight or turn.
Page 61: Gauges
Main Menu Table of Contents Gauges The gauges illuminate when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). Speedometer TEMPERATUR E SELECT SPEEDOMETE R TACHOMETER BUTTON GAUGE U.S. Models This shows your speed in miles per hour (mph). The smaller inner numbers are the speed in kilometers per hour (km/h).
Page 62: Odometer
Main Menu Table of Contents Gauges Odometer Trip Meter/Outside Temperature Trip Meter Indicator The odometer shows the total dis- The trip meter shows the number of tance your car has been driven. It miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) measures miles in U.S. models and driven since you last reset it.
Page 63: Temperature Gauge
Main Menu Table of Contents Gauges Fuel Gauge Temperature Gauge Outside Temperature Indicator This indicator displays the outside This shows the temperature of the This shows how much fuel you have. temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S. engine's coolant. During normal It is most accurate when the car is on models, and in Centigrade in operation, the pointer should rise...
Page 64: Indicator
Main Menu Table of Contents Gauges Maintenance Required Indicator Your dealer will reset this indicator after completing the scheduled MAINTENANCE REQUIRED INDICATOR maintenance. If this maintenance is SELECT BUTTON done by someone other than your Acura dealer, reset the indicator as follows.
Page 65: Controls Near The Steering Wheel
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel The two levers on the steering VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS/ HAZARD WARNING WINDSHIELD STABILITY WIPERS/WASHER S column contain controls for driving TURN SIGNALS LIGHTS ASSIST SYSTEM features you use most often. The left OFF SWITCH lever controls the turn signals, headlights, and high beams.
Page 66: Headlights
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Headlights If you leave the lights on with the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0), you will hear a reminder chime when you open the driver's door. On cars with automatic lighting When the light switch is in either of these positions, the Lights On indicator comes on as a reminder.
Page 67: Automatic Lighting
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Automatic Lighting To flash the high beams, pull the Lights On indicator comes on as a turn signal lever back lightly, then reminder. The lights and indicator release it. The high beams will come will turn off automatically when the AUTO POSITION on and go off.
Page 68: Daytime Running Lights
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Daytime Running Lights Do not leave the light switch in (Canadian Models) AUTO if you will not be driving the car for an extended period (a week With the headlight switch off, the or more).
Page 69: Instrument Panel Brightness
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Instrument Panel Brightness Turn Signals To reduce glare at night, the instru- ment panel illumination dims when INSTRUMENT PANEL you turn the light switch to BRIGHTNESS DIAL Turning the instrument panel brightness control fully to the left, past the detent, will return the instru- ment panel to its full brightness.
Page 70: Fog Lights
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Fog Lights To signal a lane change, push lightly on the turn signal lever in the proper direction and hold it. The lever will return to the center position as soon as you release it.
Page 71: Windshield Wipers
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Windshield Wipers You can vary how often the wipers sweep the windshield by turning the INT TIME ring next to the rotary switch. If you turn the INT TIME ring to the shortest delay, the wipers will change from intermittent to low speed operation when vehicle speed...
Page 72 Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Wiper Arms Winter Position The windshield wiper arms have two WIPER ARMS parked positions: Winter and Summer. In the winter position, the arms sit slightly above the edge of the hood. This reduces the possibili- ty of damage to the wiper arms or windshield wiper motor by a build-up of snow and ice.
Page 73: Windshield Washers
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Windshield Washers Hazard Warning Cars with navigation system To clean the windshield, pull back on Push the red button to the left of the the wiper control lever. The washers clock to turn on the hazard warning spray until you release the lever.
Page 74: Rear Window Defogger
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Rear Window Defogger Steering Wheel Adjustments See page for important safety information about how to properly position the steering wheel Your Acura's steering wheel is electrically-adjustable for angle and distance. The adjustment switch is on the left side of the steering column.
Page 75 Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel Automatic Movement AUTO SWITCH 1. Locate the adjustment switch on 2. Release the switch when the the left side of the steering column. steering wheel reaches the The AUTO switch controls automat- Move the steering wheel, in, out, desired position.
Page 76: Steering Wheel Controls
Main Menu Table of Contents Controls Near the Steering Wheel, Steering Wheel Controls Cruise Control The steering wheel then returns to Using the Cruise Control its original position when you insert Cruise control allows you to maintain CRUISE CONTROL MASTER SWITCH the key back in the ignition switch.
Page 77 Main Menu Table of Contents Steering Wheel Controls The cruise control may not hold the Changing the Set Speed set speed when you are going up and You can increase the set cruising down hills. If your speed increases speed in any of these ways: going down a hill, use the brakes to slow down to the desired speed.
Page 78 Main Menu Table of Contents Steering Wheel Controls You can decrease the set cruising Even with the cruise control turned Cancelling the Cruise Control speed in any of these ways: on, you can still use the accelerator pedal to speed up for passing. After completing the pass, take your foot Press and hold the SET/decel off the accelerator pedal.
Page 79: Remote Audio Controls
Main Menu Table of Contents Steering Wheel Controls Remote Audio Controls When you push the CANCEL button, Pressing the Cruise Control Master or tap the brake pedal, the CRUISE Switch turns the system completely AUDIO/CH CONTROL light on the instrument off and erases the previous cruising BUTTON panel will go out and the car will...
Page 80: Keys And Locks
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Keys need to replace a key, use only an Acura-approved key blank. VALET MASTER NUMBER KEYS These keys contain electronic PLATE (Gray) (Black) circuits that are activated by the Immobilizer System. They will not work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged.
Page 81: Immobilizer System
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Immobilizer System Remote Transmitter Your car also comes with two remote The Immobilizer System protects transmitters; see page for an your car from theft. A properly- coded master or valet key must be explanation of the operation.
Page 82 Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks The system may not recognize your Do not attempt to alter this system As required by the FCC: key's coding if another immobilizer or add other devices to it. Electrical This device complies with Part 15 of the key or other metal object is near the problems could result that may make FCC rules.
Page 83: Ignition Switch
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Ignition Switch LOCK (0) — You can insert or ACCESSORY to ON. remove the key only in this position. START ( I I I) — Use this position To switch from ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must push the key in only to start the engine.
Page 84: Power Door Locks
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Power Door Locks To lock any passenger's door when getting out of the car, push the lock MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH LOCK TAB tab down and close the door. To lock the driver's door, remove the key from the ignition switch and push the lock tab down or push the master switch down, then close the door.
Page 85: Remote Transmitter
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Remote Transmitter When you push the UNLOCK button Lockout Prevention once, only the driver's door unlocks. If you forget and leave the key in the LOCK ignition switch, Lockout Prevention The remaining doors unlock when BUTTON you push the button a second time.
Page 86 Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks If you unlock the doors with the Turning the Beep Off and On Panic Mode remote transmitter, but do not open You can program the keyless entry Panic mode allows you to remotely any of the doors within 30 seconds, system so it does not beep when you activate your car's security system to...
Page 87 Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Reinstall the cushion ring. Align the Replacing the Battery mark on the cover with the mark on the transmitter, ROUND then set the cover in place and turn it COVER clockwise. Open CUSHION RING BATTERY...
Page 88: Childproof Door Locks
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Childproof Door Locks As required by the FCC: Transmitter Care This device complies with Part 15 of the Avoid severe shock to the trans- FCC rules. Operation is subject to the mitter, such as dropping or throwing following two conditions: (1) This device it.
Page 89: Trunk
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Trunk MASTER KEY TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON TRUNK MAIN SWITCH You can open the trunk in three To close the trunk, press down on To protect items in the trunk when ways: you need to give the key to someone the trunk lid.
Page 90: Glove Box
Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Locks Glove Box 2. Lock the glove box with the master key. An open glove box can cause 3. Make sure the trunk pass-through serious injury to your passenger cover is locked (see page 97). in a crash, even if the passenger is wearing the seat 4.
Page 91: Homelink Universal Transmitter
Main Menu Table of Contents HomeLink Universal Transmitter Important Safety Precautions The HomeLink Universal Transmit- If your garage door opener was manufactured before April 1982, you ter built into your car can be Always refer to the operating instruc- programmed to operate remotely- may not be able to program the tions and safety information that controlled devices around your home,...
Page 92: Training The Transmitter
Main Menu Table of Contents HomeLink Universal Transmitter Training the Transmitter 5. The red light in the transmitter Before you can use the HomeLink should begin flashing. It will flash Universal Transmitter to operate slowly at first, then rapidly. devices around your home, it must "learn"...
Page 93 Main Menu Table of Contents HomeLink Universal Transmitter Canadian Owners: The HomeLink transmitter stores 3. While continuing to hold the the code in a permanent memory. transmitter button, place the The remote control you are training from may stop transmitting after two There should be no need to retrain remote control for the device 1 to the transmitter if your car's battery...
Page 94: Training With A Rolling Code System
Main Menu Table of Contents HomeLink Universal Transmitter Training With a Rolling Code 3. Press the Training button on the TRAINING BUTTON System motor/control unit until the For security purposes, newer garage Training light comes on, then door opening systems use a "rolling" release it.
Page 95: Erasing Codes
Main Menu Table of Contents HomeLink Universal Transmitter Erasing Codes As required by the FCC: To erase the codes stored in all three This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the buttons, press and hold the two following two conditions: (1) This device outside buttons until the red light may not cause harmful interference, and...
Page 96: Seat Adjustments
Main Menu Table of Contents Seat Adjustments Driver's Seat Adjustments See pages — for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position seats and seat-backs. Make all seat adjustments before you start driving. Your Acura has power adjustments for both front seats.
Page 97 Main Menu Table of Contents Seat Adjustments The driver's seat includes a memory feature. Two seat positions can be stored in separate memories. You can then select a memorized position by pushing the appropriate memory button. Refer to page for how to memorize and select the seat positions.
Page 98: Driver's Lumbar Support
Main Menu Table of Contents Seat Adjustments Driver's Lumbar Support Front Passenger' s Seat Head Restraints Adjustments See page for important safety information and a warning about how to properly position the head restraints. The head restraints help protect you and your passengers from whiplash and other injuries.
Page 99: Armrest
Main Menu Table of Contents Seat Adjustments, Armrest Armrest To remove a head restraint for cleaning or repair, pull it up as far as it will go. Push the release button Push and pull the restraint out of the seat- back.
Page 100 Main Menu Table of Contents Armrest Trunk Pass-through Cover Make sure all items in the trunk and those extending through the pass- KNOB through are secured. For security, this cover can be locked and unlocked only with the master key. To lock the cover, insert the key and turn it clockwise.
Page 101: Mirrors
Main Menu Table of Contents Mirrors Adjusting the Power Mirrors Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and adjusted for best visibility. SELECTOR SWITCH Be sure to adjust the mirrors before you start driving. INDICATOR SENSOR AUTO SWITCH The inside mirror has an automatic anti-glare mechanism.
Page 102 Main Menu Table of Contents Mirrors 4. When you finish, move the selector switch to the center (off) HEATED MIRROR BUTTON position. This turns off the adjustment button so you can't move a mirror out of position by accidentally bumping the button. Outside mirror positions can be stored in the driving position memory system (see page 100).
Page 103: Driving Position Memory System
Main Menu Table of Contents Driving Position Memory System Your Acura has a memory feature Storing a Driving Position in Memory MEMO BUTTON for the steering wheel, driver's seat Store a driving position as explained and outside mirror positions. in this section only when the car is parked.
Page 104 Main Menu Table of Contents Driving Position Memory System Doing any of the following after 3. Press the desired memory button Selecting a Memorized Position pressing the MEMO button will (1 or 2) until you hear a beep, then MEMORY BUTTONS cancel the storing procedure.
Page 105: Seat Heaters
Main Menu Table of Contents Driving Position Memory System, Seat Heaters Seat Heaters To stop the system's automatic ad- If desired, you can use the adjust- justment; ment switches to change the posi- SEAT HEATERS tions of the seat, steering wheel or Press any button on the control outside mirrors after they are in their memorized position.
Page 106 Main Menu Table of Contents Seat Heaters, Ski Sleeve Ski Sleeve The HI or LO indicator lights and Follow these precautions whenever remains lit until you turn it off by you use the seat heaters: The ski sleeve allows you to cany skis or other long objects safely pushing the opposite side of the without soiling or damaging the...
Page 107: Ski Sleeve
Main Menu Table of Contents Ski Sleeve Follow these precautions when you use the ski sleeve: Do not transport skis that are longer or heavier than these limits: Maximum length: 84 in (215 cm) Maximum weight: 55 Ibs (25 kg) After use, make sure the ski sleeve is dry both inside and out before folding it up for storage.
Page 108: Power Windows
Main Menu Table of Contents Power Windows Your car's windows are electrically- DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH powered. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) to raise or lower any window. Closing a power window on someone's hands or fingers can Each door has a switch that controls cause serious injury.
Page 109 Main Menu Table of Contents Power Windows, Moonroof Moonroof The master control panel also con- The MAIN switch controls power to the passengers'windows. With this tains these extra features: OPEN/CLOSE switch off, the passengers'windows SWITCH AUTO — To open the driver's cannot be raised or lowered.
Page 110 Main Menu Table of Contents Moonroof NOTICE To close the moonroof, push the OPEN/CLOSE switch forward and TILT-UP SWITCH hold it. The moonroof will not close If you try to open the moonroof in completely; it will stop about 5.1 below-freezing temperatures, or when inches (130 mm) away from being it is covered with snow or ice, you can...
Page 111: Parking Brake
Main Menu Table of Contents Parking Brake, Digital Clock Parking Brake Digital Clock with the ABS indicator (see page 187). RELEASE LEVER NOTICE Driving the car with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles. PARKING BRAKE PEDAL 3.5 RL without Navigation System To apply the parking brake, depress The digital clock displays the time...
Page 112: Digital Clock
Main Menu Table of Contents Digital Clock You can use the RESET button to 3. Press and hold the HOUR button until the hour advances to the quickly set the time to the nearest HOUR MIN. RESET desired hour. hour. If the displayed time is before the half hour, pressing RESET button sets the clock back to the 4.
Page 113: Sunglasses Holder
Main Menu Table of Contents Sunglasses Holder You may also store small items in Push this holder. Make sure they are small enough to let the holder close and latch, and that they are not heavy enough to cause the holder to pop open while driving.
Page 114: Beverage Holder
Main Menu Table of Contents Beverage Holder To use the front beverage holder, Be careful when you are using the The rear seat also has a beverage push on the lid. The beverage holder beverage holder. A spilled liquid that holder in the center armrest.
Page 115: Console Compartment
Main Menu Table of Contents Console Compartment, Coin Box Console Compartment Coin Box LEVER LEVER CONSOLE COMPARTMENT COIN BOX The coin box is located under the air To open the console compartment, You can put small items in the tray pull the left lever and lift the lid.
Page 116: Vanity Mirror
Main Menu Table of Contents Sun Visor, Vanity Mirror Sun Visor Vanity Mirror Make sure you put the sun visor back in place when you are getting into or out of the car. Do not use the sun visor extension over the rear view mirror.
Page 117: Accessory Power Socket
Main Menu Table of Contents Accessory Power Socket This socket is intended to supply NOTCH power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 120 watts or less (10 amps). It will not power an automotive type cigarette lighter element. ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET To use the accessory power socket, Use the notch in the edge of the...
Page 118: Cigarette Lighter
Main Menu Table of Contents Cigarette Lighter Push CIGARETTE LIGHTER The cigarette lighter is next to the The ignition switch must be in front ashtray under the ashtray lid. ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for the Open the lid by pushing on it. cigarette lighter to work.
Page 119: Ashtrays
Main Menu Table of Contents Ashtrays NOTICE INNER TRAY Use the ashtray only for cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials. To prevent a possible fire and damage to your car, don't put paper or other things that can burn in the ashtray. ASHTRAY Open the front ashtray by pushing The rear ashtrays are in the front...
Page 120: Ceiling Lights
Main Menu Table of Contents Ceiling Lights FRONT REAR Both front and rear ceiling lights right), the main lights stay on On cars with automatic lighting With the light switch in the AUTO contain a main light as well as two continuously.
Page 121: Courtesy Lights
Main Menu Table of Contents Courtesy Lights Even if the door is open, the lights The door courtesy lights and ceiling will turn off after three minutes lights (with the switch in the center position) also come on when you when the key is not in the ignition switch or the ignition switch is in the remove the key from the ignition...
Page 122: Comfort And Convenience Features
Main Menu Comfort and Convenienc e Features 3.5 RL with Navigation System The climate control system in your Climate Control System....Operating the Radio....3.5 RL without Navigation System Acura provides a comfortable driving environment in all weather condi- Fully-automatic Operation..Adjusting the Sound....
Page 123: Climate Control System
Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System The automatic climate control SIDE VENTS CENTER VENTS 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.
Page 124 Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System Comfort and Convenienc e Features...
Page 125: 3.5 Rl Without Navigation System
Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System 3.5 RL without Navigation System Fully-automati c Operation TEMPERATURE FULL AUTO FAN CONTROL DISPLAY DIAL To put the Automatic Climate CONTROL DIAL Control in fully-automatic mode, press the AUTO button and set the fan control dial to AUTO, then set the desired temperature by turning the temperature control dial.
Page 126: Semi-Automatic Operation
Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System Semi-automati c Operation You can manually select various TEMPERATURE AIR CONDITIONING functions of the Climate Control CONTROL DIAL BUTTON system when it is in FULL AUTO. All other features remain auto- matically controlled. Making any manual selection causes the word FULL to go out.
Page 127 Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System Recirculated and Fresh Air These two buttons control the FAN CONTROL DIAL MODE BUTTON source of the air going into the sys- tem. In Fresh Air mode ( air is brought in from outside the ve- hicle.
Page 128 Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System The main air flow is divided between the floor vents and de- froster vents at the base of the wind- shield. The main air flow comes from the floor vents. The main air flow is divided between the dashboard vents and the floor vents.
Page 129 Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System button directs the main air flow to the windshield for faster defrosting. It also overrides any MODE selection you may have made. When you select the A / C turns on automatically and the system selects Fresh Air mode.
Page 130: 3.5 Rl With Navigation System
Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System 3.5 RL with Navigation System Fully-automati c Operation FAN CONTROL FULL AUTO TEMPERATURE To put the Automatic Climate DIAL DISPLAY CONTROL DIAL Control in fully-automatic mode, press the AUTO button and set the fan control dial to AUTO, then set the desired temperature by turning the temperature control dial.
Page 131: Semi-Automatic Operation
Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System Semi-automati c Operation You can manually select various AIR CONDITIONING TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL functions of the Climate Control BUTTON system when it is in FULL AUTO. All other features remain auto- matically controlled. Making any manual selection causes the word FULL to go out.
Page 132 Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System Recirculation Button This button controls the source of FAN CONTROL DIAL MODE BUTTON the air going into the system. When the indicator above this button is lit, air from the car's interior is sent through the system again (Recircula- tion mode).
Page 133 Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System The main air flow is divided between the floor vents and de- froster vents at the base of the wind- shield. The main air flow comes from the floor vents. The main air flow is divided between the dashboard vents and the floor vents.
Page 134 Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System button directs the main air flow to the windshield for faster defrosting. It also overrides any MODE selection you may have made. When you select the A / C turns on automatically and the system selects Fresh Air mode.
Page 135: Rear Ventilation
Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System Rear Ventilation You can adjust the direction of the Mode Control Lever air coming from the upper vents in Use the mode control lever to select AIR FLOW UPPER the center console by moving the tab the air flow level.
Page 136: Sunlight Sensor/Temperature Sensor
Main Menu Table of Contents Climate Control System Sunlight Sensor/Temperatur e Sensor SUNLIGHT SENSOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR The climate control system has two sensors. A sunlight sensor is located in the top of the dashboard and a temperature sensor is next to the steering column.
Page 137: Audio System
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System AM/FM/Cassett e Stereo Audio 3.5 RL without Navigation System System Your Acura's audio system provides clear reception on both AM and FM bands, while the preset buttons allow you to easily select your favorite stations.
Page 138: Operating The Radio
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Preset — You can store the 3.5 RL without Navigation System You can use any of three methods to Operating the Radio find radio stations on the selected frequencies of your favorite radio The ignition switch must be in band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset stations in the six preset buttons.
Page 139 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System To store a frequency: 1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each Preset AM/FM STEREO TUNE BUTTON INDICATOR KNOB button. 2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function to tune the radio to a desired station.
Page 140 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System AUTO SELECT — If you are AUTO SELECT INDICATOR traveling far from home and can no AM/FM BUTTON AUTO SELECT BUTTON longer receive the stations you preset, you can use the Auto Select feature to find stations in the local area.
Page 141: Adjusting The Sound
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Adjusting the Sound Balance/Fader — These two BASS/FADER TREBLE/BALANC E CONTROL CONTROL controls adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. The Balance control adjusts the side- to-side strength, while the Fader control adjusts the front-to-back strength.
Page 142: Audio System Lighting
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Audio System Lighting Operating the Cassette Player When the system reaches the end of You can use the instrument panel the tape, it will automatically reverse The ignition switch must be in brightness control dial to adjust the il- ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).
Page 143: Tape Search Functions
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Tape Search Functions AM/FM BUTTON With a cassette playing, you can use the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT CASSETTE SLOT TMS INDICATOR function to find a desired program. PWR/VOL KNOB DOLBY INDICATOR FF/REW — Fast Forward and Re- wind move the tape rapidly.
Page 144 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System TMS — The Tape Music Search Function allows you to find the begin- CASSETTE SLOT ning of a song or passage. To acti- vate TMS, press the TMS button. PWR/VOL KNOB TMS INDICATOR You will see TMS displayed.
Page 145: Operating The Cd Changer
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Operating the CD Changer REPEAT — The Repeat function The TMS and REPEAT functions continuously replays the current use silent periods on the tape to find A Compact Disc changer is standard song or passage. Press the REPEAT the end of a song or passage.
Page 146 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System To operate the CD changer, the igni- tion switch must be in ACCESSORY A.SELECT INDICATOR (I) or ON (II). REPEAT INDICATOR Select the CD mode by pressing the CD/TAPE button. You will see "CD" CD/TAPE BUTTON in the display.
Page 147 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System REPEAT — When you activate the You can use the SEEK/SKIP buttons To take the system out of CD mode, to select tracks within a disc. If you Repeat feature by pressing the press the A M / F M button or insert a push and release either of the REPEAT button, the system continu-...
Page 148 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Preset — You can store the 3.5 RL with Navigation System You can use any of three methods to Operating the Radio find radio stations on the selected frequencies of your favorite radio The ignition switch must be in band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset stations in the six preset buttons.
Page 149 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System To store a frequency: 1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store STEREO PRESET BUTTONS PWR/VOL KNOB two frequencies with each Preset INDICATOR button. 2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function to tune the radio to a desired station.
Page 150 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System AUTO SELECT — If you are PRESET BUTTONS traveling far from home and can no longer receive the stations you preset, you can use the Auto Select feature to find stations in the local area.
Page 151: Adjusting The Sound
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Adjusting the Sound Balance/Fader — These two BASS/FADER TREBLE/BALANC E CONTROL CONTROL controls adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. The Balance control adjusts the side- to-side strength, while the Fader control adjusts the front-to-back strength.
Page 152 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Audio System Lighting go off and the sound will fade Stations must use these exact You can use the instrument panel frequencies. It is fairly common for completely as you get out of range of brightness control dial to adjust the il- stations to round-off the frequency in the station's signal.
Page 153 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System As required by the FCC: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Radio signals, especially on the FM Radio reception can be affected by band, are deflected by large objects atmospheric conditions such as such as buildings and hills.
Page 154 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Operating the Cassette Player Tape Search Functions When the system reaches the end of the tape, it will automatically reverse The ignition switch must be in With a cassette playing, you can use direction and play the other side.
Page 155 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System TMS — The Tape Music Search CASSETTE SLOT TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR PWR/VOL KNOB Function allows you to find the beginning of a song or passage. To TMS INDICATOR DOLBY EJECT BUTTON activate TMS, push either of the BUTTON TMS bar ( —...
Page 156 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System REPEAT — The Repeat function REWIND BUTTON continuously replays the current song or passage. Press the REPEAT REPEAT INDICATOR FAST FORWARD button to activate it; you will see BUTTON REPEAT displayed as a reminder. When the system reaches the end of the song or passage currently playing, it will automatically go into...
Page 157: Caring For The Cassette Player
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Caring for the Cassette Player Look at the cassette before you If you see the error indication The cassette player picks up dirt and insert it. If the tape is loose, tighten (3.5 RL with navigation oxides from the tape.
Page 158 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Operating the CD Changer A Compact Disc changer is standard PWR/VOL KNOB PRESET BUTTONS equipment. If holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continu- ous entertainment. You operate the CD changer with the same controls used for the radio and cassette play- To load the CDs in the magazine and load the magazine into the CD...
Page 159 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System played randomly. This continues un- To select a different disc, press the If you push and hold the SEEK bar appropriate preset button (1 — 6). If (— or + ) , you will hear a beep and til you deactivate Random Play by you select an empty slot in the pressing A.
Page 160 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Loading the CD Changer Slide EJECT CD CHANGER BUTTON The CD changer is located in the 1. Slide the lid to open the CD 2. Push the EJECT button to remove trunk on the driver's side. changer.
Page 161 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System TRAY 3. To install a CD, pull the tab out to 4. Put a CD on a tray with the printed 6. Store all six trays in the magazine, remove the tray from the maga- and then reinstall the magazine in surface up as shown.
Page 162: Protecting Compact Discs
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Protecting Compact Discs Handle a CD by its edges; never When a CD is not being played, store A new CD may be rough on the touch either surface. Contamination it in its case to protect it from dust inner and outer edges.
Page 163 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System CD Changer Error Indications If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the car to your Acura dealer.
Page 164: Remote Audio Controls
Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Remote Audio Controls The top and bottom buttons adjust If you are playing a cassette, use the the volume up or down AUDIO/CH button to advance to the AUDIO/CH next selection. You will see "FF" Press the proper button and hold it BUTTON blinking in the display when you...
Page 165 Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System Theft Protection If your car's battery is disconnected You will have to store your favorite stations in the Preset buttons after Your car's audio system will disable or goes dead, or the radio fuse is itself if it is disconnected from removed, the audio system will the system begins working.
Page 166: Security System
Main Menu Table of Contents Security System The security system helps to protect With the system set, you can still SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT your car and valuables from theft. open the trunk with the master key The horn sounds and a combination or the remote transmitter without of headlights, parking lights, side triggering the alarm.
Page 167 Main Menu...
Page 168: Before Driving
Main Menu Before Driving Before you begin driving your Acura, Break-in Period......you should know what gasoline to Gasoline.......... use, and how to check the levels of Service Station Procedures ..important fluids. You also need to Filling the Fuel Tank....know how to properly store luggage Opening the Hood.....
Page 169 Main Menu Table of Contents Break-in Period, Gasoline Break-in Period Gasoline In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called Help assure your car's future Your Acura is designed to operate on MMT. If you use such gasolines, reliability and performance by paying premium unleaded gasoline with a your emissions control system extra attention to how you drive...
Page 170 Main Menu Table of Contents Service Station Procedures Filling the Fuel Tank 3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be Place the cap in the holder on the fuel fill door.
Page 171 Main Menu Table of Contents Service Station Procedures Opening the Hood 5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on, tighten it until it clicks several HOOD RELEASE HANDLE times. If you do not properly tighten the cap, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may come on (see page 284).
Page 172 Main Menu Table of Contents Service Station Procedures If you can open the hood without Oil Check sliding the hood latch handle, or the DIPSTICK hood latch handle moves stiffly or does not spring back as before, the mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated (see page 3.
Page 173 Main Menu Table of Contents Service Station Procedures Engine Coolant Check RESERVE TANK UPPER MARK LOWER MARK 3. Insert it all the way back in its tube. 4. Remove the dipstick again and Look at the coolant level in the check the level.
Page 174: Fuel Economy
Main Menu Table of Contents Fuel Economy Driving Habits The condition of your car and your A cold engine uses more fuel than a driving habits are the two most warm engine. It is not necessary to You can improve fuel economy by important things that affect the fuel "warm-up"...
Page 175: Accessories And Modifications
Main Menu Table of Contents Accessories and Modifications Modifying your car, or installing However, if electronic accessories some non-Acura accessories, can are improperly installed, or exceed make your car unsafe. Before you Improper accessories or your car's electrical system capacity, make any modifications or add any modifications can affect your they can interfere with the operation...
Page 176 Main Menu Table of Contents Accessories and Modifications Modifications Do not modify your steering wheel Do not attach hard objects on or near a front door. If a side airbag Do not remove any original or any other part of your inflates, a cup holder or other hard equipment or modify your car in any Supplemental Restraint System.
Page 177: Carrying Cargo
Main Menu Table of Contents Carrying Cargo Your car has several convenient CONSOLE COMPARTMENT FRONT DOOR POCKET storage areas so you can stow cargo safely. The glove box, and the pockets in the front doors and seat-back, are designed for small, lightweight items. The trunk is intended for larger, heavier items.
Page 178 Main Menu Table of Contents Carrying Cargo Load Limit Carrying Items in the Passenger Compartment The maximum load for your car is 850 Ibs(395 kg). Overloading or improper Store or secure all items that could loading can affect handling and be thrown around and hurt This figure includes the total weight stability and cause a crash in...
Page 179 Main Menu Table of Contents Carrying Cargo Carrying Cargo in the Trunk or on a Roof Rack Distribute cargo evenly on the floor of the trunk, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible. If you carry large items that prevent you from closing the trunk lid, exhaust gas can enter the passenger area.
Page 180: Driving
Main Menu Driving This section gives you tips on Preparing to Drive......starting the engine under various Starting the Engine......conditions, and how to operate the Starting in Cold Weather automatic transmission. It also at High Altitude ..... includes important information on Automatic Transmission....
Page 181: Preparing To Drive
Main Menu Table of Contents Preparing to Drive 5. Check the adjustment of the seat 10.Turn the ignition switch ON (II). You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before (see page Check the indicator lights in the you drive your car.
Page 182: Starting The Engine
Main Menu Table of Contents Starting the Engine 1. Apply the parking brake. 6. If the engine still does not start, 2. Push the accelerator pedal half- way to the floor and hold it there press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it there while while starting the engine.
Page 183: Automatic Transmission
Main Menu Table of Contents Automatic Transmission Shift Lever Positions Your Acura's transmission has four forward speeds, and is electronically SHIFT LEVER controlled for smoother shifting. It also has a "lock-up" torque converter for better fuel economy. You may feel what seems like another shift when the converter locks.
Page 184 Main Menu Table of Contents Automatic Transmission Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse Park position. from Park, see the explanation under Park. To shift to Reverse from If you have done all of the above and Neutral, come to a complete stop and still cannot move the lever out of then shift.
Page 185 Main Menu Table of Contents Automatic Transmission Drive (D ) — Use this position for Second (2) — This position locks Engine Speed Limiter your normal driving. The transmis- the transmission in second gear. It If you exceed the maximum speed sion automatically selects a suitable does not downshift to first gear for the gear you are in, the engine...
Page 186 Main Menu Table of Contents Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal does not work. 1. Set the Parking brake. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
Page 187 Main Menu Table of Contents Parking Parking Tips Always use the parking brake when If the car is facing uphill, turn the you park your car. The indicator on front wheels away from the curb. Make sure the moonroof and the the instrument panel shows that the windows are closed.
Page 188: The Braking System
Main Menu Table of Contents The Braking System Brake Wear Indicators Your Acura is equipped with disc Constant application of the brakes brakes at all four wheels. A power when going down a long hill builds All four brakes have audible brake assist helps reduce the effort needed up heat and reduces their effective- wear indicators.
Page 189: Anti-Lock Brakes
Main Menu Table of Contents The Braking System Brake System Design Anti-lock Brakes You should never pump the brake pedal, this defeats the The hydraulic system that operates Your car has an Anti-lock Brake purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS the brakes has two separate circuits.
Page 190 Main Menu Table of Contents The Braking System A vehicle with ABS may require a function of the braking system has Important Safety Reminders ABS does not reduce the time or longer distance to stop on loose or shut down. The brakes still work like distance it takes to stop the car, it uneven surfaces, such as gravel or a conventional system without anti-...
Page 191 Main Menu Table of Contents The Braking System If the ABS indicator and the brake system indicator come on together, and the parking brake is fully released, the front-to-rear braking distribution system may also shut down. Test your brakes as instructed on page .
Page 192 Main Menu Table of Contents Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System The Vehicle Stability Assist system The VSA system cannot enhance the VSA Activation Indicator car's driving stability in all situations helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the car turns more or and does not control your vehicle's entire braking system.
Page 193 Main Menu Table of Contents Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System VSA Off Switch If the VSA indicator comes on while VSA System Indicator driving, pull to the side of the road VSA SYSTEM INDICATOR when it is safe and turn off the engine.
Page 194 Main Menu Table of Contents Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System VSA and Tire Sizes VSA is turned on every time you start the engine, even if you turned it Driving with varying tire or wheel off the last time you drove the car. sizes may cause the VSA to malfunction.
Page 195: Driving In Bad Weather
Main Menu Table of Contents Driving in Bad Weather Driving Technique — Always drive Exercise extra caution when driving slower than you would in dry in rain after a long dry spell. After weather. It takes your car longer to months of dry weather, the first react, even in conditions that may rains bring oil to the surface of the...
Page 196 Main Menu Table of Contents Driving in Bad Weather Visibility — Being able to see Traction — Check your tires clearly in all directions and being frequently for wear and proper visible to other drivers are important pressure. Both are important in in all weather conditions.
Page 197: Towing A Trailer
Main Menu Table of Contents Towing a Trailer Load Limits Tongue Load: The weight that Your Acura has been designed Total Trailer Weight: The total primarily to carry passengers and the tongue of a fully-loaded trailer their cargo. You can use it to tow a puts on the hitch should be weight of the trailer and trailer if you carefully observe the...
Page 198 Main Menu Table of Contents Towing a Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Checking Loads (GVWR): The best way to confirm that vehicle The total weight of the vehicle, all Exceeding load limits or and trailer weights are within limits occupants, all cargo, and the improperly loading your vehicle is to have them checked at a public tongue load must not exceed:...
Page 199 Main Menu Table of Contents Towing a Trailer Towing Equipment and Hitches Trailer Brakes Accessories Acura recommends that any trailer Any hitch used on your vehicle must Towing can require a variety of be properly bolted to the underbody. having a total weight of 1,000 Ibs equipment, depending on the size of (450 kg) or more be equipped with your trailer, how it will be used, and...
Page 200 Main Menu Table of Contents Towing a Trailer Trailer Lights BACK-UP LIGHT LEFT TURN SIGNAL GROUND Your vehicle has a trailer lighting (BLACK) (GREEN/BLACK ) (PINK/BLUE) connector located in the trunk by the left taillight. To use the connector, undo the fastener on the left side of the trunk lining.
Page 201 Main Menu Table of Contents Towing a Trailer Pre-Tow Checklist Your vehicle tires and spare are Additional Trailer Equipment Many states and Canadian provinces properly inflated (see page When preparing to tow, and before and the trailer tires and spare are require special outside mirrors when driving away, be sure to check the towing a trailer.
Page 202 Main Menu Table of Contents Towing a Trailer Driving Safely With a Trailer If you must stop when facing uphill, Making Turns and Braking Make turns more slowly and wider use the foot brake or parking brake. The added weight, length, and Do not try to hold the vehicle in than normal.
Page 203 Main Menu Table of Contents Towing a Trailer Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting Parking Crosswinds and air turbulence Follow all normal precautions when caused by passing trucks can disrupt parking, including putting the your steering and cause trailer transmission in Park and firmly swaying.
Page 204: Maintenance
Main Menu Maintenance This section explains why it is Maintenance Safety....... Battery..........important to keep your car well Important Safety Precautions.. Wiper Blades........maintained and to follow basic Maintenance Schedule....Air Conditioning System....maintenance safety precautions. Required Maintenance Record..Air Conditioning Filter....Owner Maintenance Checks..
Page 205: Maintenance Safety
Main Menu Table of Contents Maintenance Safety Regularly maintaining your car is the Some of the most important safety This section includes instructions for best way to protect your investment. simple maintenance tasks, such as precautions are given here. However, Proper maintenance is essential to checking and adding oil.
Page 206: Important Safety Precautions
Main Menu Table of Contents Maintenance Safety Important Safety Precautions Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the Before you begin any maintenance, tools and skills required. make sure your car is parked on level ground and that the parking To reduce the possibility of fire or brake is set.
Page 207: Maintenance Schedule
Main Menu Table of Contents Maintenance Schedule Which Schedule to Follow: The Maintenance Schedule specifies The services and time or distance how often you should have your car intervals shown in the maintenance Service your car according to the serviced and what things need schedule assume you will use your time and mileage periods on one of attention.
Page 208 Your authorized Acura dealer knows We recommend the use of Genuine According to state and federal your car best and can provide Honda parts and fluids whenever you regulations, failure to perform competent, efficient service. have maintenance done. These are...
Page 209 Main Menu Table of Contents U.S. Owners Follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule if the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule do not apply. NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a "severe" condition, you should follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule.
Page 210 Main Menu Table of Contents Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Page 211 Main Menu Table of Contents U.S. Owners Follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule if you drive your car MAINLY under one or more of the following conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Page 212 Main Menu Table of Contents Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, or normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the Normal Schedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C, D as required for each distance/time. Severe Conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Page 213 Main Menu Table of Contents # : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 205. 1 : See Timing Belt on page to determine need for replacement. 2 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special conditions.
Page 214: Required Maintenance Record
Main Menu Table of Contents Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules) You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page 206) or severe conditions (page 208). Keep the receipts for all work done on your car. CONTINUED Maintenance...
Page 215 Main Menu Table of Contents Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules) Maintenance...
Page 216: Owner Maintenance Checks
Main Menu Table of Contents Owner Maintenance Checks You should check the following Engine oil level — Check every Tires — Check the tire pressure items at the specified intervals. If monthly. Examine the tread for time you fill the fuel tank. See you are unsure of how to perform page 169.
Page 217: Fluid Locations
Main Menu Table of Contents Fluid Locations BRAKE FLUID (Gray cap) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIO N FLUID DIPSTICK (Yellow loop) ENGINE OIL FILL CAP ENGINE COOLANT RESERVOIR POWER STEERING FLUID WASHER FLUID (Red cap) (Blue cap) ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK (Orange loop) RADIATOR CAP Maintenance...
Page 218: Engine Oil
It is highly recommended CD. These additional classifications that you use Genuine Honda Motor are not a problem, as long as the Oil in your vehicle for as long as you label also carries the SJ classification.
Page 219: Synthetic Oil
Main Menu Table of Contents Engine Oil Synthetic Oil The oil container may also display The SAE numbers tell you the oil's the API Certification seal. Make sure viscosity or weight. Select the oil for You may use a synthetic motor oil if it says "For Gasoline Engines."...
Page 220: Changing The Oil And Filter
Main Menu Table of Contents Engine Oil Changing the Oil and Filter OIL DRAIN OIL FILTER BOLT Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance WASHER (miles/kilometers) recommenda- tions in the maintenance schedule. The oil and filter collect contami- nants that can damage your engine if they are not removed regularly.
Page 221 Main Menu Table of Contents Engine Oil NOTICE 4. Install a new oil filter according to 7. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. instructions that come with it. Start the engine. The oil pressure indicator light should go out within Improper disposal of engine oil can be 5.
Page 222: Cooling System
Removing the radiator cap However, continued use of any non- while the engine is hot can Honda coolant can result in cause the coolant to spray out, corrosion, causing the cooling seriously scalding you. system to malfunction or fail. Have...
Page 223 Main Menu Table of Contents Cooling System Do not add any rust inhibitors or other additives to your car's cooling RADIATOR CAP system. They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine compo- nents. RESERVE TANK 2. Turn the radiator cap counter- 4.
Page 224: Replacing Engine Coolant
Only use Genuine Honda Antifreeze/Coolant. Draining the coolant requires access to the underside of the car. Unless you have the tools and knowledge, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic.
Page 225 Main Menu Table of Contents Cooling System 6. When the coolant stops draining, RESERVE TANK HOLDER tighten the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Put the drain cap back in place tightly, then reinstall the clip on CLIP the drain cap securely.
Page 226 Main Menu Table of Contents Cooling System NUTS BLEEDER BOLT BOLTS FILLER NECK Fill up to here 8. Remove the two bolts and the 9. Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of 10.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX three nuts with a 7/16 in (10 mm) the engine.
Page 227 Main Menu Table of Contents Cooling System 12.Install the engine cover. First 15.Remove the radiator cap. Pour tighten the two bolts on the front coolant into the radiator up to the of the engine cover, then tighten base of the filler neck and into the the three nuts on the engine cover.
Page 228: Windshield Washers
Main Menu Table of Contents Windshield Washers Check the level in the windshield Fill the reservoir with a good-quality washer reservoir at least monthly windshield washer fluid. This during normal usage. In bad weather, increases the cleaning capability and when you use the washers often, prevents freezing in cold weather.
Page 229: Automatic Transmission Fluid
UPPER MARK continued use can affect shift LOWER MARK quality. Have the transmission drained and refilled with Honda DIPSTICK GUIDE ATF as soon as it is convenient. Check the fluid level with the engine 3. Insert the dipstick into the at normal operating temperature.
Page 230: Differential Oil
Main Menu Table of Contents Differential Oil, Brake Fluid Differential Oil Brake Fluid Use a SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90 viscosity hypoid gear oil, API service Check the fluid level in the brake DRAIN PLUG FILLER PLUG classified GL4 or GL5 only, in the fluid reservoir monthly.
Page 231: Brake System
DOT 3 or DOT 4 LEVEL fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However, the use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refilled with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Page 232: Hood Latch
Cleaning (Severe Conditions) steering system flushed and refilled Clean the air cleaner element by with Honda PSF as soon as possible. blowing compressed air through it in the opposite direction to normal air A low power steering fluid level can flow.
Page 233: Air Cleaner Element
Main Menu Table of Contents Air Cleaner Element 5. Place the new air cleaner element Replacement in the air cleaner housing. CLAMPS AIR CLEANER ELEMENT 6. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, snap the four hold-down clamps back into place. The air cleaner element is inside the 2.
Page 234: Spark Plugs
Main Menu Table of Contents Spark Plugs Replacement The spark plugs in your car are a special platinum-tipped design for NUTS NUTS BOLTS longer life. The spark plugs should NUTS be replaced according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.
Page 235 Main Menu Table of Contents Spark Plugs BOLTS IGNITION COIL CONNECTOR LOCK TAB IGNITION COIL 4. Disconnect the wire connector 5. Use a wrench to remove the two 7. Put the new spark plug into the from the ignition coil by pushing bolts holding the ignition coil.
Page 236 Main Menu Table of Contents Spark Plugs NOTICE 12.Put the A/C tube back in place. 13.Install the tower bar and tighten Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A the two bolts and the four nuts. spark plug that is too loose can Tightening torque: overheat and damage the engine.
Page 237: Specifications
Main Menu Table of Contents Spark Plugs, Battery Specifications: Battery Check the condition of your car's PFR5L-11 NGK: battery monthly. You should check PK16PR-L11 DENSO: the color of the test indicator window, and for corrosion on the terminals. Spark Plug Gap: 0.043 in (1.1 mm TEST INDICATOR WINDOW...
Page 238: Maintenance
Main Menu Table of Contents Battery Check the battery terminals for If you need to connect the battery to corrosion (a white or yellowish a charger, disconnect both cables to powder). To remove it, cover the prevent damage to the car's electrical system.
Page 239 Main Menu Table of Contents Battery If your car's battery is disconnected Your audio system will also disable it- or goes dead, the engine's computer self when the battery is disconnected needs to "relearn" the idle control. or goes dead. The next time you turn After replacing or recharging the on the radio you will see "Code"...
Page 240: Wiper Blades
Main Menu Table of Contents Wiper Blades Check the condition of the wiper WIPER ARMS LOCK blades at least every six months. Look for signs of cracking in the rubber, or areas that are getting hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used.
Page 241 Main Menu Table of Contents Wiper Blades Wiper Blades 5. Slide the new wiper blade into the BLADE BLADE holder until the tabs lock. 6. Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place. 7.
Page 242: Air Conditioning System
Main Menu Table of Contents Air Conditioning System Your car's air conditioning is a sealed If the air conditioning does not get as system. Any major maintenance, cold as before, have your dealer such as recharging, should be done check the system. Recharge the by a qualified mechanic.
Page 243: Air Conditioning Filter
Main Menu Table of Contents Air Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts Air Conditioning Filter Drive Belts The belts should have the following "play" or deflection. The air conditioning filter removes ALTERNATOR BELT pollen and dust that is brought in from the outside through the climate Alternator belt: 0.37—...
Page 244: Timing Belt
Main Menu Table of Contents Timing Belt, Tires Timing Belt Tires Inflation The timing belt and balancer belt To safely operate your car, your tires Keeping the tires properly inflated should normally be replaced at the must be the proper type and size, in provides the best combination of intervals shown in the maintenance good condition with adequate tread,...
Page 245 Main Menu Table of Contents Tires Use a gauge to measure the air If you check the pressure when the Recommended Tire Pressures for pressure at least once a month. Even tires are hot (the car has been driven Normal Driving tires that are in good condition may several miles), you will see readings The following chart shows the...
Page 246: Inspection
Main Menu Table of Contents Tires Inspection Tubeless tires have some ability to INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS self-seal if they are punctured. Every time you check inflation, you However, because leakage is often should also examine the tires for very slow, you should look closely damage, foreign objects, and wear.
Page 247: Tire Rotation
Main Menu Table of Contents Tires Tire Rotation Maintenance Make sure the installer balances the wheels when you have new tires In addition to proper inflation, Front Front installed. This increases riding correct wheel alignment helps to comfort and tire life. Your car's decrease tire wear.
Page 248: Replacing Tires And Wheels
Main Menu Table of Contents Tires Replacing Tires and Wheels When shopping for replacement tires, you may find that some tires The tires that came with your car are "directional." This means they were selected to match the perform- Installing improper tires on your are designed to rotate only in one ance capabilities of the car while car can affect handling and...
Page 249: Winter Driving
Main Menu Table of Contents Tires Winter Driving Wheels and Tires The ABS and VSA system work by comparing the speed of the wheels. Wheels: Tires that are marked "M S" or 1 6 x 7 JJ When replacing tires, use the same "All Season"...
Page 250: Snow Tires
Main Menu Table of Contents Tires When installing cables, follow the Snow Tires Tire Chains If you mount snow tires on your Because your Acura has limited tire manufacturer's instructions and Acura, make sure they are radial mount them as tightly as you can. clearance, mount only SAE Class "S"...
Page 251 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Check the operation of your car's LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT HIGH BEAM exterior lights at least once a month. HEADLIGHT A burned out bulb can create an unsafe condition by reducing your car's visibility and the ability to signal your intentions to other drivers.
Page 252 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Check the following: HIGH-MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT Headlights (low and high beam) Fog lights Parking lights Taillights Brake lights Turn signals Back-up lights Hazard light function License plate light Side marker lights High-mount brake light Daytime running lights (Canadian models)
Page 253 Main Menu Table of Contents Replacing a High Beam Headlight 1. Open the hood. Halogen bulbs are used for the high Bulb beam headlight bulbs. When replacing a high beam headlight bulb, 2. Remove the electrical connector The low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge tube.
Page 254 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Replacing a Fog Light Bulb 6. Install the rubber seal over the WEATHER SEAL BULB back of the headlight assembly. Your car uses halogen fog light bulbs. See page for information Make sure it is right side up; it is marked on replacing a halogen bulb.
Page 255 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights 6. Insert the new bulb into the hole, WEATHER SEAL making sure the bulb is right side up and the nubs on the bulb base fit in the indentations in the fog light assembly. Pivot the hold- down wire back in place and clip the end into the slot.
Page 256 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Replacing Front Turn Signal/ 5. To remove the front turn signal/ Parking and Side Marker Light parking light bulb, push it in Bulbs slightly and turn it counterclockwise. To remove the HOLDING CLIP side marker bulb, pull it straight out of its socket.
Page 257 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Replacing Rear Bulbs 4. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms. 5. Reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise until it locks.
Page 258 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Replacing a High-mount Brake 3. Reinstall the socket. Turn it Light Bulb clockwise until it locks. 4. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. 8. Reset the fastener by pushing on the pointed end until it pops back 1.
Page 259 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Replacing a Rear License Bulb 3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb in until LIGHT ASSEMBLY BULB HOLDER it bottoms in the socket. BULB 4. Turn on the parking lights and check that the new bulb is working.
Page 260 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Replacing Bulbs in the Interior Courtesy Lights DOOR LIGHT FRONT REAR The courtesy lights in the doors and Door light: Rear ceiling light: roof come apart the same way. They Pry on the top middle of the lens. Pry on the rear edge of the lens in the middle.
Page 261 Main Menu Table of Contents Lights Replacing the Trunk Light Bulb 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs. TRUNK VANITY MIRROR LIGHT 3. Push the new bulb into the metal tabs. Snap the lens back in place. 1.
Page 262: Storing Your Car
Main Menu Table of Contents Storing Your Car If you need to park your car for an Block the rear wheels. Cover the car with a "breathable" extended period (more than one cover, one made from a porous month), there are several things you material such as cotton.
Page 263 Main Menu...
Page 264: Appearance Care
Main Menu Appearance Care Regular cleaning and polishing of Exterior Care........your Acura helps to keep it "new" Washing........looking. This section gives you hints Waxing........on how to clean your car and Aluminum Wheels..... preserve its appearance: the paint, Paint Touch-up......
Page 265: Exterior Care
Main Menu Table of Contents Exterior Care Washing Rinse the car thoroughly with cool When you have washed and rinsed the whole exterior, dry it with a Frequent washing helps preserve water to remove loose dirt. your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can chamois or soft towel.
Page 266: Paint Touch-Up
Main Menu Table of Contents Exterior Care Waxing Paint Touch-up should use a polish on your Acura if the finish does not have its original Your dealer has touch-up paint to Always wash and dry the whole car before waxing it. You should wax shine after using a wax.
Page 267: Interior Care
Main Menu Table of Contents Interior Care Carpeting Seat Belts Vinyl Vacuum the carpeting frequently to Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum LOOP remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft the carpet wear out faster. cloth dampened in a solution of mild Periodically shampoo the carpet to soap and water.
Page 268 Main Menu Table of Contents Interior Care Windows Air Fresheners Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat belt anchors can cause the belts to Clean the windows, inside and out, If you want to use an air freshener/ retract slowly. Wipe the insides of with a commercially-available glass deodorizer in the interior of your car, the loops with a clean cloth...
Page 269: Corrosion Protection
Main Menu Table of Contents Corrosion Protection Two factors normally contribute to Many corrosion-preventive measures Use a high-pressure spray to clean causing corrosion in your car: are built into your Acura. You can the underside of your car. This is help keep your car from corroding especially important in areas that by performing some simple periodic...
Page 270: Body Repairs
Main Menu Table of Contents Body Repairs Body repairs can affect your car's When reporting your collision to the resistance to corrosion. If your car insurance company, tell them you needs repairs after a collision, pay want Genuine Acura parts used in close attention to the parts used in the repair.
Page 271 Main Menu...
Page 272: Taking Care Of The Unexpected
Main Menu Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers the more- Compact Spare Tire....... common problems that motorists Changing a Flat Tire..... experience with their vehicles. It If Your Engine Won't Start... gives you information about how to Nothing Happens or the safely evaluate the problem and what Starter Motor Operates to do to correct it.
Page 273: Taking Care Of The Unexpected
Main Menu Table of Contents Compact Spare Tire Your car has a compact spare tire Follow these precautions whenever INDICATOR LOCATION MARK that takes up less space. Use this you are using the compact spare tire: spare tire as a temporary replace- ment only.
Page 274: Changing A Flat Tire
Main Menu Table of Contents Changing a Flat Tire If you have a flat tire while driving, 3. Open the trunk. Raise the trunk TRUNK FLOOR HOOK stop in a safe place to change it. floor by lifting up on the back edge. Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder To keep the trunk floor out of the of a busy road is dangerous.
Page 275 Main Menu Table of Contents Changing a Flat Tire JACK JACKING POINT WHEEL WRENCH 6. Turn the jack's end bracket 7. Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2 8. Locate the jacking point nearest counterclockwise to loosen it, then the tire you need to change. It is turn with the wheel wrench.
Page 276 Main Menu Table of Contents Changing a Flat Tire EXTENSION WHEEL BRAKE HUB WRENCH 9. Use the extension and wheel 10. Remove the wheel nuts and flat 11.Before mounting the spare tire, wrench as shown to raise the tire. Temporarily place the flat tire wipe any dirt off the mounting vehicle until the flat tire is off the on the ground with the outside...
Page 277 Main Menu Table of Contents Changing a Flat Tire 12.Put on the spare tire. Put the 13.Lower the car to the ground and 14.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in wheel nuts back on finger-tight, remove the jack. the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel wrench...
Page 278 Main Menu Table of Contents Changing a Flat Tire SPACER FLAT TIRE RING CONE SPACER BASKET CENTER CAP WING BOLT 15.Remove the spacer basket from 16.Remove the center cap before 17.Place the flat tire face down in the the trunk well. storing the flat tire in the trunk spare tire well.
Page 279: If Your Engine Won't Start
Main Menu Table of Contents Changing a Flat Tire, If Your Engine Won't Start If Your Engine Won't Start Nothing Happens or the Starter 19. Slip the hole at the top of the jack Motor Operates Very Slowly over the bracket in the trunk well. Diagnosing why your engine won't Turn the jack's end bracket to lock start falls into two areas, depending...
Page 280: The Starter Operates Normally
Main Menu Table of Contents If Your Engine Won't Start Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Do you have fuel? Turn the If the headlights dim noticeably or Turn on the headlights and check go out when you try to start the ignition switch to ON (II) for a their brightness.
Page 281: Jump Starting
Main Menu Table of Contents Jump Starting If your car's battery has run down, To jump start your car, follow these you may be able to start the engine directions closely: by using a booster battery. Although A battery can explode if you do this seems like a simple procedure, not follow the correct procedure, 1.
Page 282 Main Menu Table of Contents Jump Starting BOOSTER BATTERY 3. Connect one jumper cable to the 6. Start your car. If the starter motor 4. Connect the second jumper cable positive ( + ) terminal on the to the negative ( — ) terminal on still operates slowly, check the booster battery.
Page 283: If Your Engine Overheats
Main Menu Table of Contents If Your Engine Overheats The pointer of your car's tempera- Your car can overheat for several 1. Safely pull to the side of the road. ture gauge should stay in the mid- Put the transmission in Neutral or reasons, such as lack of coolant or a range under most conditions.
Page 284 Main Menu Table of Contents If Your Engine Overheats 4. If the temperature gauge stays at reaches the middle of the tempera- 10. Start the engine and set the the red mark, turn off the engine. ture gauge, or lower, before check- temperature control dial to ing the radiator.
Page 285: Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Main Menu Table of Contents Low Oil Pressure Indicator NOTICE 4. Start the engine and watch the oil pressure indicator. If the light does not go out within ten seconds, Running the engine with low oil turn off the engine. There is a pressure can cause serious mechanical mechanical problem that needs to damage almost immediately.
Page 286: Charging System Indicator
Main Menu Table of Contents Charging System Indicator By eliminating as much of the Immediately turn off all electrical accessories: radio, climate control, electrical load as possible, you can rear defogger, cruise control, etc. drive several miles (kilometers) before the battery is too discharged Try not to use other electrically- operated controls such as the power to keep the engine running.
Page 287: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Main Menu Table of Contents Malfunction Indicator Lamp NOTICE If you have recently refueled your MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP car, the cause of this indicator coming on could be a loose or If you keep driving with the missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap malfunction indicator lamp on, you can and tighten it until it clicks several damage your car's emissions controls...
Page 288: Brake System Indicator
Main Menu Table of Contents Brake System Indicator If it comes on at any other time, it Slow down by shifting to a lower BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR* indicates a problem with the car's gear, and pull to the side of the road when it is safe.
Page 289: Closing The Moonroof
Main Menu Table of Contents Closing the Moonroof If the electric motor will not close the moonroof, do the following: SOCKET 1. Check the fuse for the moonroof motor (see page 287). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same or lower rating.
Page 290: Fuses
Main Menu Table of Contents Fuses All the electrical circuits in your car INTERIOR UNDER-HOOD have fuses to protect them from a short circuit or overload. These fuses are located in two fuse boxes. KNOB The interior fuse box is underneath The under-hood fuse box is located in the engine compartment next to the dashboard on the driver's side.
Page 291: Checking And Replacing
Main Menu Table of Contents Fuses Checking and Replacing Fuses FUSE FUSE PULLER If something electrical in your car stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on pages and 291, or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that component.
Page 292 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuses NOTICE If you cannot drive the car without BLOWN fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the Replacing a fuse with one that has a same rating or a lower rating from higher rating greatly increases the one of the other circuits.
Page 293 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuses UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX Taking Care of the Unexpected...
Page 294 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuses INTERIOR FUSE BOX 1 : On Canadian models Taking Care of the Unexpected...
Page 295: Emergency Towing
Main Menu Table of Contents Emergency Towing NOTICE If your car needs to be towed, call a Sling-type Equipment — The tow professional towing service or, if you truck uses metal cables with hooks belong to one, an organization that on the ends.
Page 296 Main Menu Table of Contents Emergency Towing NOTICE If you decide to tow your car with all four wheels on the ground, make sure you use a properly-designed and Trying to lift or tow your car by the attached tow bar. Prepare the car for bumpers will cause serious damage.
Page 297 Main Menu...
Page 298: Technical Information
Main Menu Technical Information The diagrams in this section give Identification Numbers....Emissions Controls......you the dimensions and capacities of Specifications......... The Clean Air Act...... your Acura, and the locations of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Crankcase Emissions Control identification numbers. The explana- System........
Page 299: Identification Numbers
Main Menu Table of Contents Identification Numbers Your car has several identifying numbers located in various places. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Acura dealer uses to register your car for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your car.
Page 300 Main Menu Table of Contents Identification Numbers The Engine Number is stamped into TRANSMISSION NUMBER the engine block. It is on the front left, below the valve cover. The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission. ENGINE NUMBER Technical Information...
Page 301 Main Menu Table of Contents Specification s 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.172 US gal (0.65 l , 0.143 Imp gal) * 2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. Technical Information...
Page 302 Main Menu Table of Contents Specification s page page page Technical Information...
Page 303 Main Menu Table of Contents Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System The Vehicle Stability Assist system wheelspin, if any, to allow. It signals If VSA determines that the car is (VSA) monitors the car's actions the ECU to reduce fuel flow and turning more or less than expected, during straight-line acceleration and retard ignition timing.
Page 304 Main Menu Table of Contents DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars) Treadwear Traction The tires on your car meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All The treadwear grade is a compara- The traction grades, from highest to tires are also graded for treadwear, tive rating based on the wear rate of lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Page 305 Main Menu Table of Contents DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars) Temperature Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the is properly inflated and not over- loaded.
Page 306: Oxygenated Fuels
Main Menu Table of Contents Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are The following are the U.S. EPA and If you notice any undesirable being blended with alcohol or an Canadian CGSB approved operating symptoms, try another ether compound. These gasolines percentages of oxygenates: service station or switch to another are collectively referred to as...
Page 307: Driving In Foreign Countries
Main Menu Table of Contents Driving in Foreign Countries If you are planning to take your Acura outside the U.S. or Canada, contact the tourist bureaus in the areas you will be traveling in to find out about the availability of unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating.
Page 308: Emissions Controls
Main Menu Table of Contents Emissions Controls The Clean Air Act The burning of gasoline in your car's the crankcase back to the intake engine produces several byproducts. The United States Clean Air Act* manifold. They are then drawn into Some of these are carbon monoxide sets standards for automobile the engine and burned.
Page 309: Exhaust Emissions Controls
Main Menu Table of Contents Emissions Controls Exhaust Emissions Controls Replacement Parts Ignition Timing Control System The exhaust emissions controls This system constantly adjusts the The emissions control systems are include four systems: PGM-FI, ignition timing, reducing the amount designed and certified to work to- Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust of HC, CO and NOx produced.
Page 310: Three Way Catalytic Converter
Main Menu Table of Contents Three Way Catalytic Converter Keep the engine tuned-up. The three way catalytic converter contains precious metals that serve as catalysts, promoting chemical Have your car diagnosed and reactions to convert the exhaust repaired if it is misfiring, back- gasses without affecting the metals.
Page 311 Main Menu...
Page 312: Warranty And Customer Relations (U.s. And Canada)
Main Menu Warranty and Customer Relations Customer Relations Information......... Canada Zone Office Map....Warranty Coverages..... Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)......Authorized Manuals...... Warranty and Customer Relations...
Page 313: Customer Relations Information
Service Manager or General Client Services Office Date of purchase Manager can help. Almost all Mileage on your car American Honda Motor Co., Inc. problems are solved in this way. Your name, address, and tele- 1919 Torrance Blvd. phone number...
Page 314: Canada Zone Office Map
Main Menu Table of Contents Canada Zone Office Map CUSTOMER RELATIONS RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTELE Honda Canada Inc. 715 Milner Avenue Toronto, ON M1B 2K8 Tel: 1-888-9-ACURA-9 Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909 Toronto (416) 287-4776 Honda Canada Inc. National Office Warranty and Customer Relations...
Page 315: Warranty Coverages
Main Menu Table of Contents Warranty Coverages U.S. Owners Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat Replacement Battery Limited Your new Acura is covered by these belt that fails to function properly is Warranty — provides prorated warranties: coverage for a replacement battery covered for the useful life of the purchased from an Acura dealer.
Page 316: Reporting Safety Defects (U.s. Vehicles)
Transportation, Washington, However, NHTSA cannot become to notifying Acura Automobile D.C. 20590. You can also obtain involved in individual problems Division, American Honda Motor Co., other information about motor between you, your dealer, or Acura Inc. vehicle safety from the Hotline.
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Page 318: Authorized Manuals (U.s. Only)
Main Menu Table of Contents Authorized Manuals Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should (U.S. only) contact their authorized Acura dealer. The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or, for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number on the form.
Page 319: Authorized Manuals
Main Menu Table of Contents Authorized Manuals Service Manual: This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under- stand.
Page 320 Main Menu Index How Your Front Airbags Usage........122, Air Outlets (Vents)......Work.......... Air Pressure, Tires......Accessories and Modifications..SRS Components......Accessories......... Additional Information About Alarm, Anti-theft......Additional Safety Precautions.. Your Seat Belts......Alcohol in Gasoline......Modifications......Automatic Seat Belt Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..
Page 321 Main Menu Index Automatic Speed Control....Parking........Automatic Transmission....System Indicator....54, Cables, Jump Starting With..Capacity, Fluid......Wear Indicators......Checking Fluid Level....Brakes, ABS Cancel Button........Shifting........Operation........Capacities Chart......System Indicator....56, Carbon Monoxide Hazard....Shift Lever Position Indicator.. Braking System......
Page 322 Main Menu Index Differential Oil......Cold Weather, Starting in..... Defrosting the Windows..126, ® DEXRON III Automatic Drive Belts........Compact Spare....... Transmission Fluid....Engine Coolant......Console Compartment....Engine Oil........Consumer Information*....Differential Oil ....... Fuses........... Controls, Instruments and....Dimensions........Power Steering Fluid....Coolant Dimming the Headlights....
Page 323 Main Menu Index Driving..........Coolant Temperature Gauge ..Filters Economy........Malfunction Indicator Air Cleaner......... In Bad Weather......Lamp......... 55, Air Conditioning......In Foreign Countries....Oil Pressure Indicator..54, Oil..........First Gear, Shifting......Driving Position Memory Oil, What Kind to Use....Overheating........
Page 324 Main Menu Index Reserve Indicator......Tank, Filling the......Fuel Mileage, Improving....Identification Number, Vehicle..Halogen Headlight Bulbs....Fuses, Checking the...... If Your Car Has to be Towed..Hazard Warning Flashers....Headlights Ignition Automatic Lighting..... Keys..........Switch..........Daytime Running Lights..... Gasohol........... High Beam Indicator....
Page 325 Main Menu Index Malfunction Indicator Lamp .. 55, Turn Signal........Load Limit........Memory, Driving Position.... Jacking up the Car......LOCK (Ignition Key Position)..Meters, Gauges........ Jack, Tire........Locks Methanol in Gasoline....Jump Starting......... Anti-theft Steering Column..Mirrors, Adjusting......Childproof Door......Moonroof........
Page 326 Main Menu Index Rear Seat Armrest......Selecting Proper Viscosity Polishing and Waxing....Chart........Power Rear Ventilation......ON (Ignition Key Position).... Door Locks........Rear View Mirror......Rear Window Defogger....Onboard Refueling Vapor Mirrors.......... Recovery........Reclining the Seat Backs....Seat Controls........ Reminder Lights......Opening the Hood......
Page 327 Main Menu Index Replacement......... Snow Tires........System Components....Solvent-type Cleaners....Safety Belts......... Tether Anchorage Points... Sound System......... Safety Defects, Reporting*..Use During Pregnancy....Spare Tire Safety Features........Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt..Inflating........Specifications......Airbags..........Seat Heaters........Door Locks........Seat Position Memory....Spark Plugs, Replacing....
Page 328 Main Menu Index Rotating........Steering Wheel Emissions Control Systems..Adjustments......... Oxygenated Fuels...... Snow..........Specifications......Anti-theft Column Lock....Three Way Catalytic Tools, Tire Changing....Position Memory....... Converter........ Torn Seat Belts........ Stereo Sound System....Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Storing Your Car......System........Towing A Trailer........
Page 329 Main Menu Index Viscosity, Oil........Windshield Cleaning........Underside, Cleaning...... Defroster......126, Wipers, Windshield Unexpected, Taking Care Changing Blades......of the........... Warning Beepers Uniform Tire Quality Grading..Headlights on....... Operation........Wood Trim........Unleaded Gasoline......Key in Ignition......Worn Tires........Upholstery Cleaning...... Seat Belts........
Page 330: Service Information Summary
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm 18.0 US gal (68 l ,15.0 Imp gal) Brake Fluid: Recommende d Engine Oil: Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid API Service SJ "Energy preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary Conserving"...

Honda 2000 RL Owner's Manual

Table of Contents

Instruments and Controls

Comfort and Convenience Features

Maintenance

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Quick Links

Chapters

Related Manuals for Honda 2000 RL

Summary of Contents for Honda 2000 RL