2001 Acura RL ABS

The Braking System

Important Safety Reminders

ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the car, it
only helps with steering controlduring braking. You should always
maintain a safe following distance
from other vehicles.
ABS will not prevent a skid that results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic or off the road. A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between vehicles under
those conditions.

ABS Indicator

U.S. indicator shown

The ABS is self-checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see page 56 ). This means the anti-lock function of the braking system has
shut down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-
lock, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible
if this light stays on after you start
the engine, or comes on whiledriving.
DrivingCONTINUED

ABS INDICATOR*

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 289 . If the brakes feel normal,drive slowly and have your car
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to lock up and possibly lead to a loss of

control.

The VSA system indicator may come on along with the ABS indicator if
there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system.
Driving

Wiper Blades

3. Remove the blade from its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of theblade. Pull firmly until the tabscome out of the holder.

4. Examine the new wiper blades. If

they have no plastic or metal rein-forcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.

5. Slide the new wiper blade into the

holder until the tabs lock.

6. Slide the wiper blade assembly

onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.

7. Turn the ignition switch ON (II)

and return the windshield wipers
to their park position.

Maintenance

BLADE

BLADE
REINFORCEMENT

Tires

The ABS and VSA system work by comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the car.
Tire size and construction can affect wheel speed and may cause the system to work inconsistently.
If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure you use an identical style
aluminum alloy wheel that originally
came on your Acura. Replacement
wheels are available at your Acura
dealer.
Wheels and Tires

Wheels:
16x7JJ

Tires:

P215/60R16 94V
See page 304 for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading.
Winter Driving

Tires that are marked "M + S" or
"All Season" on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving.For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should installsnow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under certain conditions.

Maintenance

Lights

Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb
1. Remove the license light assembly by carefully prying on the left
edge of the lens with a flat-tipscrewdriver and pulling the
assembly out. 2. Remove the lens from the bulb
holder by pulling the lens whilesqueezing the tabs on both sides
of the holder. 3. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.
4. Turn on the parking lights and check that the new bulb is
working.
5. Put the lens back on the bulb holder and push it until it latches.
6. Slide the right side of the light assembly into the hole. Push on
the left side to latch the assembly
into place.
Maintenance
LIGHT ASSEMBLY

BULBBULB HOLDER

LENS

Lights
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs.
3. Push the new bulb into the metal tabs. Snap the lens back in place. Replacing the Trunk Light Bulb
1. Remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens in
the middle with a fingernail file ora small flat-tip screwdriver. Do not
pry on the edge of the housing around the lens. 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.
3. Push the new bulb into the metal tabs. Snap the lens back in place.

Maintenance

VANITY MIRROR LIGHT

TRUNK

Corrosion Protection

Two factors normally contribute to causing corrosion in your car:
1. Moisture trapped in body cavities. Dirt and road salt that collects in
hollows on the underside of the vehicle stays damp, promoting
corrosion in that area.
2. Removal of paint and protective coatings from the exterior andunderside of the car. Many corrosion-preventive measures
are built into your Acura. You can
help keep your car from corroding
by performing some simple periodic
maintenance:

Repair chips and scratches in thepaint as soon as you discover them.
Inspect and clean out the drain
holes in the bottom of the doors
and body. Check the floor coverings for
dampness. Carpeting and floor
mats may remain damp for a long
time, especially in winter. This dampness can eventually cause
the floor panels to corrode. Use a high-pressure spray to clean
the underside of your car. This is
especially important in areas that
use road salt in winter. It is also a
good idea in humid climates and
areas subject to salt air. Be careful
of the ABS wheel sensors and
wiring at each wheel. Have the corrosion-preventive
coatings on the underside of your
car inspected and repaired
periodically.

Appearance Care

Brake System Indicator

The Brake System Indicator normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.It comes on and stays lit if you do not
fully release the parking brake. If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 230 ). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake

pads.

However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal
go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. You should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergency
Towing on page 296 .)
If you must drive the car a shortdistance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator come on with this
indicator, have the car inspected by
your dealer immediately.
Taking Care of the Unexpected

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

"U.S. indicator shown