2001 Acura RL fuel

Emissions Controls

The burning of gasoline in your car's engine produces several byproducts.
Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also
produces hydrocarbons. Controlling
the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environment.
Under certain conditions of sunlight
and climate, NOx and HC react to
form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contribute tosmog creation, but it is a poisonous

gas.
The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act*
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page 208.
* In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for
Emissions valid at the time they are

manufactured.

Crankcase Emissions Control

System

Your car has a Positive Crankcase
Ventilation System. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine'scrankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The Positive Crankcase
Ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control

System

As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emissionscontrol canister filled with charcoaladsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving.
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister filled with activated carbon. Whiledriving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.

Technical Information

Emissions Controls

Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls include four systems: PGM-FI,
Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust
Gas Recirculation and Three Way
Catalytic Converter. These four
systems work together to control the
engine's combustion and minimize
the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.

PGM-FI System

The PGM-FI System uses sequential multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: Air Intake,
Engine Control, and Fuel Control.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses various sensors to
determine how much air is going
into the engine. It then controls how
much fuel to inject under all operat-
ing conditions. Ignition Timing Control System
This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO and NOx produced.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

System

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system takes some of the
exhaust gas and routes it back into
the intake manifold. Adding exhaust
gas to the air/fuel mixture reduces
the amount of NOx produced when
the fuel is burned.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen (N2), and water vapor. Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are designed and certified to work to-
gether in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only newGenuine Acura replacement parts or
their equivalent for repairs. Using
lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your car.

Technical Information

Index

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii

Dashboard.................................... 2, 52
Daytime Running Lights................. 65
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 317
Defogger, Rear Window................. 71
Defrosting the Windows.......128,
132

Differential
Oil............................... 229

Dimensions..................................... 302

Dimming the Headlights................ 63

Dipstick
Automatic Transmission........... 228

Engine Oil................................... 171

Directional Signals........................... 66

Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 187
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 220

Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 81
Lockout Prevention..................... 82
Monitor Light............................... 57
Power Door Locks....................... 81
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 304
Drive Belts...................................... 242
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5
Driving............................................ 179

Economy..................................... 173
In Bad Weather.......................... 194
In Foreign Countries................. 307

Driving Position Memory
System......................................... 101

Economy, Fuel............................... 173
Emergencies on the Road............. 271 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 280
Brake System Indicator............ 289Changing a Flat Tire................. 273
Charging System Indicator...... 286
Checking the Fuses................... 292
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 285
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 287
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 290

Overheated Engine................... 283

Emergency Brake.......................... 109
Emergency Flashers....................... 70
Emergency Towing....................... 296
Emissions Controls........................ 308
Emissions Testing,State............... 311 Engine

Belts............................................. 242

Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 60

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp................................. 55, 287

Oil Pressure Indicator......... 54, 285
Oil. What Kind to Use............... 217
Overheating................................ 283

Specifications............................. 303

Speed Limiter............................. 184

Starting........................................ 181

Engine Speed Limiter.................... 184

Ethanol in Gasoline....................... 306

Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 308
Exhaust Fumes................................ 49
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System......................................... 309

Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by.........................................18

Exterior, Cleaning the................... 264
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 266

CONTINUED

Index

Fan, Interior.......................... 126, 131

Features, Comfort and
Convenience............................... 121
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 169

Filters
Air Cleaner................................. 231

Air Conditioning........................ 242

Oil................................................ 219

Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 70
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 273
Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 228

Brake........................................... 229

Differential................................. 229

Power Steering........................... 230

Windshield Washer................... 227
FM Stereo Radio
Reception........................... 137, 147

Fog Lights......................................... 67
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 307
Four-way Flashers...........................
70

Front
Airbags.............................. 9,

43

Fuel..................................................

168

Fill Door and Cap....................... 169
Gauge............................................ 60

Octane Requirement................. 168
Oxygenated................................ 306

Reserve Indicator......................... 57
Tank, Filling the......................... 169
Fuel Mileage, Improving............... 173
Fuses, Checking the...................... 292

Gasohol........................................... 306
Gasoline.......................................... 168

Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 57

Gauge............................................ 60
Octane Requirement................. 168
Tank, Filling the......................... 169

Gas Station Procedures................. 169

Gauges.............................................. 58

Engine Coolant Temperature .... 60

Fuel................................................ 60

Speedometer................................ 58

Tachometer.................................. 58

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)........................................ 197

Gearshift Lever Positions............. 182

Glass Cleaning............................... 268

Glove Box......................................... 88
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating)........................................ 197

Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 252
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 70
Headlights Automatic Lighting..................... 64
Daytime Running Lights............. 65
High Beam Indicator................... 57Lights On Indicator..................... 55

Reminder Chime.......................... 63

Replacing Halogen Bulbs......... 252

Turning on.................................... 63

Head Restraints............................... 96
Heating and Cooling...................... 122
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 181
High-Low Beam Switch .................. 63
High-mount Brake Light............... 257
HomeLink Universal
Transmitter.................................. 89

Hood Latch..................................... 231

Hood, Opening the........................ 170

Horn................................................... 62

Hydroplaning.................................. 195

Index

Identification Number, Vehicle.... 300

Ignition
Keys............................................... 77

Switch............................................ 80

Timing Control System............. 309

Immobilizer System......................... 78

Important Safety Precautions.......... 6

Indicators, Instrument
Panel.............................................. 53

Infant Restraint................................ 28

Infant Seats....................................... 28
Tether Anchorage Points........... 39

Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 243

Inside Mirror.................................... 99

Inspection. Tire.............................. 245

Instrument Panel............................. 53

Instrument Panel Brightness......... 66

Interior Cleaning............................ 267

Introduction......................................... i

Jacking up the Car......................... 274

Jack, Tire........................................ 274
Jump Starting................................. 280

Keys................................................... 77
Label, Certification........................ 300Lane Change. Signaling.................. 66
Lap/Shoulder Belt........................... 40
Learning Key.................................... 78
Leather, Cleaning.......................... 266
Lights On Indicator......................... 55
Lighter, Cigarette.......................... 116
Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 252
Ceiling......................................... 118
Courtesy...................................... 119

Indicator........................................ 53

Parking.......................................... 63
Turn Signal................................... 66
Load Limit...................................... 177
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 80
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 80 Childproof Door........................... 85
Fuel Fill Door............................. 169 Glove Box..................................... 88
Power Door.................................. 81

Trunk............................................ 86

Trunk Pass-through Cover......... 98
Low Coolant Level......................... 172
Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 57
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 54, 285 Lubricant Specifications Chart........................................... 302
Luggage.......................................... 176

Maintenance................................... 203
Owner Maintenance Checks.... 215

Record................................. 213 - 214

Required Indicator....................... 61 Safety........................................... 204

Schedule.............................. 208 - 212

Malfunction Indicator Lamp.. 55, 287
Memory, Driving Position............ 101

Meters, Gauges................................ 58

CONTINUED

Index

Melhanol in Gasoline.................... 306

Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 99

Moonroof........................................ 107
Closing Manually....................... 290
Operation.................................... 107
Neutral Gear Position.................... 183
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 168
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i
Numbers, Identification................ 300 Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 168
Odometer.......................................... 59
Odometer, Trip................................ 59
Oil
Change, How to......................... 219

Change, When to....................... 208

Checking Engine....................... 171

Pressure Indicator............... 54, 285
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart....................................... 218

ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 80 Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery..................................... 308

Opening the Trunk.......................... 86

Operation in Foreign Countries... 307

Outside Mirrors............................... 99

Outside Temperature Indicator..... 59

Overheating, Engine..................... 283

Owner Maintenance Checks........ 215

Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 306

Paint Touch-up............................... 265
Panel Brightness Control............... 66
Park Gear Position......................... 183
Parking............................................ 186
Parking Brake................................ 109

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator.................. 54, 289
Parking Lights.................................. 63
Parking Over Things that Bum... 310

PGM-FI System.............................. 309

Polishing and Waxing................... 265 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 18 Protecting Adults............................. 12
Additional Safety Precautions.... 19
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 18
Protecting Children......................... 20 Protecting Infants........................ 28
Protecting Larger Children........ 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 32
Using Child Seats with
Tethers...................................... 39

Radiator Overheating.................... 283
Radio/Cassette Sound System.... 136
Readiness Codes............................ 288
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 254
Rear Seat Armrest........................... 98
Rear Ventilation............................. 134

Rear View Mirror............................. 99

Rear Window Defogger.................. 71
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 95
Reminder Lights.............................. 53
Remote Transmitter........................ 82
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 231
Air Conditioning Filter.............. 242

Index

SRS, Additional Information........... 43 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
Automatic Seal Belt
Tensioners...................................41

How the SRS indicator Works... 46

How Your Airbags Work...... 43, 45

SRS Components......................... 43

SRS

Service.................................. .
48

SRS Indicator.............................. 46, 55
START (Ignition Key Position)..... 80 Starting the Engine........................ 181 In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 181
With a Dead Battery................. 280
State Emissions Testing........... 311

Steam Coming from Engine......... 283
Steering Wheel Adjustments................................. 71

Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 80
Position Memory....................... 101

Stereo Sound System .................... 136

Storing Your Car............................ 261

Sun Visor......................................... 114

Sunglasses Holder......................... 114
Supplemental Restraint

System............................. 9, 43, 45

Service Precautions..................... 48

Servicing....................................... 48

SRS Indicator.......................... 46, 55

System Components.................... 43

Tensioners, Seat Belts................ 41

Synthetic Oil................................... 218

Tachometer...................................... 58

Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 256
Taking Care of the Unexpected ..271

Tape Player............................ 141, 156

Technical Descriptions DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 304
Emissions Control Systems...... 308

Oxygenated Fuels...................... 306

Three Way Catalytic
Converter................................ 310
Temperature Gauge........................ 60
Tensioners, Seat

Belts................... .... 41

Tether Anchorage Points............... 39
Theft Deterrent System................ 165
Theft Protection............................. 164 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 310
Time, Setting the........................... 109

Timing Belt..................................... 243

Tire Chains..................................... 249
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 273

Tires................................................ 243

Air Pressure............................... 244Balancing.................................... 246
Checking Wear.......................... 245

Compact Spare........................... 272

DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 304

Inflation....................................... 243

Inspection................................... 245

Maintenance............................... 246

Replacing.................................... 247

Rotating....................................... 246

Snow............................................ 249

Specifications............................. 303

Tools,Tire Changing.................... 273

Tom Seat Belts................................ 42

Towing
A Trailer...................................... 196

By Emergency Wrecker ...........296

Transmission Checking Fluid Level,Automatic............................... 228

Service Information Summary

Gasoline:
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or
higher.

Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.0 US gal (68 l ,15.0 Imp gal)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Service SJ "Energy Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30
viscosity (see page 217 ).
Oil change capacity (including

filter):

4.9 US qt (4.6 l , 4.0 Imp qt)
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) preferred, or
a DEXRON ®
lll ATF as a

temporary replacement (see page 228). Power Steering Fluid:
Honda Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of

power steering fluid as a

temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page 230 ).
Brake Fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page 230 ). Tire Pressure (measured cold):
Front/Rear:
29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm2)
Spare Tire Pressure:
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2)