2000 Acura RL power steering

Additiona
l Informatio n Abou t You r Fron t Airbag s
SR S Component s

Your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes: Two front airbags. The driver's
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked "SRS
AIRBAG." Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page 41). Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal

collision.

A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records information about thesensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, driver and
passenger seat belt use, and all
related wiring when the ignition is ON (II). An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with thesystem (see page 45). Emergency backup power in case
your car's electrical system is disconnected in a crash. Ho
w You r Fron t Airbag s Wor k
If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, the sensors
will detect the vehicle's rapid deceleration. If the rate ofdeceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inflate the
front airbags.
CONTINUED
Drive r an d Passenge r Safet y

Instrument
s an d Control s

This section gives information about the controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations............................ 52
Indicator Lights................................ 53
Gauges.............................................. 58
Speedometer................................ 58

Tachometer.................................. 58
Odometer...................................... 59

Trip Meter/Outside Temperature Indicator............ 59
Temperature Gauge.................... 60 Fuel Gauge................................... 60
Maintenance Required Indicator.................................... 61
Controls Near the Steering Wheel........................................ 62

Headlights.................................... 63

Automatic Lighting..................... 64
Daytime Running Lights............. 65

Instrument Panel Brightness..... 66

Turn Signals................................. 66

Fog Lights.................................... 67 Windshield Wipers...................... 68
Windshield Washers................... 70

Hazard Warning........................... 70

Rear Window Defogger.............. 71
Steering Wheel Adjustments..... 71
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 73 Cruise Control.............................. 73
Remote Audio Controls .............. 76
Keys and Locks................................ 77 Keys............................................... 77
Immobilizer System..................... 78
Ignition Switch............................. 80
Power Door Locks....................... 81
Remote Transmitter.................... 82
Childproof Door Locks............... 85

Trunk............................................86
Glove Box..................................... 87

HomeLink Universal Transmitter......... 88
Customer Assistance.................. 88

Important Safety Precautions.... 88

Training the Transmitter............ 89
Training With a Rolling Code System....................................... 91
Erasing Codes.............................. 92

Seat Adjustments............................. 93
Driver's Seat Adjustments.......... 93
Driver's Lumbar Support............ 95

Front Passenger's Seat

Adjustments............................. 95

Head Restraints........................... 95

Armrest............................................. 96
Mirrors.............................................. 98

Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 98

Driving Position Memory

System......................................... 100

Seat Heaters................................... 102

Ski Sleeve........................................ 103

Power Windows............................. 105

Moonroof........................................ 106

Parking Brake................................ 108

Digital Clock................................... 108
Sunglasses Holder......................... 110
Beverage Holder............................111

Console Compartment.................. 112

Coin Box......................................... 112
Sun Visor......................................... 113
Vanity Mirror................................. 113
Accessory Power Socket.............. 114 Cigarette Lighter........................... 115

Ashtrays.......................................... 116
Ceiling Lights................................. 117
Courtesy Lights............................. 118

Instrument s an d Control s

Th
e Brakin g Syste m

Your Acura is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A powerassist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when braking very hard.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. Italso keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind

you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brak
e Wea r Indicator s
All four brakes have audible brake wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."
Driving

Maintenanc
e

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 315 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Acura

dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 202
Important Safety Precautions.. 203
Maintenance Schedule.................. 204
Required Maintenance Record.... 211
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 213
Fluid Locations............................... 214

Engine Oil....................................... 215 Adding Oil................................... 215
Recommended Oil..................... 215
Synthetic Oil............................... 216

Additives..................................... 216 Changing the Oil and Filter...... 217
Cooling System.............................. 219 Adding Engine Coolant............. 219Replacing Engine Coolant........ 221
Windshield Washers..................... 225
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 226

Differential Oil............................... 227
Brake Fluid..................................... 227
Brake System............................. 228
Power Steering............................... 228
Hood Latch..................................... 229
Air Cleaner Element...................... 229 Spark Plugs..................................... 231 Replacement............................... 231
Specifications............................. 234 Battery............................................ 234
Wiper Blades.................................. 237
Air Conditioning System............... 239
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 240
Drive Belts...................................... 240
Timing Belt..................................... 241 Tires................................................ 241 Inflation....................................... 241
Inspection................................... 243
Maintenance............................... 244
Tire Rotation.............................. 244
Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 245
Wheels and Tires....................... 246
Winter Driving........................... 246
Snow Tires.............................. 247
Tire Chains............................. 247
Lights.............................................. 248 Replacing Bulbs......................... 250
Storing Your Car............................ 259

Maintenance

Brak
e Fluid , Powe r Steerin g

Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3 brake fluid. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluidcan 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.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking system and can cause extensive

damage.
Brak
e Syste m
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads. Powe
r Steerin g
You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoirmonthly. Check the level when the
engine is cold. Look at the side of
the reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Maintenanc e
MA
X MI
N LOWE
R
LEVE L
UPPE
R
LEVE L

Powe
r Steering , Hoo d Latch , Ai r Cleane r Elemen t
Always use Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement.However, continued use can causeincreased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the powersteering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as

possible.
Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

Hoo d Latc h
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Acura dealer.
Ai
r Cleane r Elemen t

The air cleaner element should be cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.

Cleaning (Severe Conditions)

Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air
flow. If you do not have actcess to
compressed air (such as a service station), ask your Acura dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
CONTINUED

Maintenanc e

PIVOT
S

LATC H

ASSEMBL Y

NOTIC E

Ai
r Conditionin g Filter , Driv e Belt s

Ai r Conditionin g Filte r
The air conditioning filter removes pollen and dust that is brought in
from the outside through the climate control system.
This filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air from industry and diesel-pow- ered vehicles. Replace it more often
if air flow from the climate control system becomes less than usual.
Have the air conditioning filter re-
placed by your Acura dealer. Driv
e Belt s
Check the condition of the three drive belts. Examine the edges of
each belt for cracks or fraying.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb
midway between the pulleys.
The belts should have the following

"play" or deflection.

Alternator belt:
0.37— 0.45 in (9.5 —11.5 mm)

Compressor belt:

0.31 — 0.43 in (8.0 — 11.0 mm)

Power steering belt:

0.41 — 0.49 in (10.5 —12.5 mm)

If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.

Maintenanc e
ALTERNATO
R BEL T
COMPRESSO R BEL T
POWE
R STEERIN G
BEL T

Emergenc
y Towin g

If you decide to tow your car with all
four wheels on the ground, make sure you use a properly-designed and
attached tow bar. Prepare the car for
towing as described above, and leave the ignition switch in Accessory (I)so the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power socket are turned off so they do not
run down the battery.

The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
freely before you begin towing. Trying to lift or tow your car by the

bumpers will cause serious damage.

The bumpers are not designed to

support the car's weight.

Taking Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

NOTIC
E
NOTIC E