2001 Acura RL engine coolant

Gauges

Outside Temperature Indicator
This indicator displays the outside temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.
models, and in Centigrade inCanadian models.
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper. Therefore, the
temperature reading can be affected
by heat reflection from the road sur-
face, engine heat, and the exhaust
from the surrounding traffic. This can cause the temperature reading
not to be correct when your speed is
under 19 mph (30 km/h).
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near freezing (32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
forming on the road surface.
Temperature Gauge

This shows the temperature of the
engine's coolant. During normal

operation, the pointer should rise

from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot

weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to near

the upper white mark. If it reaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the
side of the road. Turn to page 283 for

instructions and precautions on

checking the engine's cooling
system.
Fuel Gauge

This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or
hilly roads.

The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
reading after you turn the ignitionswitch back ON (II).

Instruments and Controls

Before Driving

Before you begin driving your Acura,
you should know what gasoline to use, and how to check the levels of
important fluids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggageor packages. The information in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the information in this section first. Break-in Period.............................. 168
Gasoline.......................................... 168
Service Station Procedures .......... 169 Filling the Fuel Tank................. 169Opening the Hood..................... 170 Oil Check................................171
Engine Coolant Check.......... 172
Fuel Economy................................ 173 Car Condition............................. 173
Driving Habits............................ 173
Accessories and Modifications.... 174 Carriying Cargo.............................. 176

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

3. Insert it all the way back in its tube.

4. Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.

If it is near or below the lower mark,
see Adding Oil on page 217 .
Engine Coolant Check

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see Adding
Engine Coolant on page 221 for
information on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to Owner Maintenance
Checks on page 215 for information
on checking other items in your
Acura.

Before Driving
RESERVE TANK

MAX

MIN
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK

Maintenance

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 319 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Acura

dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 204
Important Safety Precautions.. 205
Maintenance Schedule.................. 206
Required Maintenance Record.... 213 Owner Maintenance Checks........ 215
Fluid Locations............................... 216

Engine Oil...................................... 217
Adding Oil................................... 217
Recommended Oil.................... 217
Synthetic Oil.............................. 218

Additives.................................... 218

Changing the Oil and Filter...... 219
Cooling System.............................. 221 Adding Engine Coolant............. 221Replacing Engine Coolant........ 223
Windshield Washers..................... 227
Automatic Transmission Fluid..... 228 Differential Oil.............................. 229

Brake Fluid.................................... 230
Brake System............................. 230
Power Steering............................... 230

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

Air Cleaner Element...................... 231 Spark Plugs..................................... 233

Replacement.............................. 233
Specifications............................ 236
Battery............................................ 236
Wiper Blades.................................. 239
Air Conditioning System............... 241
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 242
Drive Belts...................................... 242
Timing Belt..................................... 243
Tires................................................ 243
Inflation..................................... 243

Inspection................................... 245
Maintenance............................... 246
Tire Rotation.............................. 246
Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 247
Wheels and Tires....................... 248
Winter Driving........................... 248
Snow Tires............................ 249

Tire Chains.............................
249
Lights.............................................. 250 Replacing Bulbs......................... 252
Storing Your Car............................

261

Maintenance

Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C as required for each distance/time interval.
U.S. Owners — Refer to page 208 to determine which schedule to use.
Canadian Owners — Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, lastcolumn, page 207.

NOTE:
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.

Maintenance

page 246

Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C, D, E as required for each distance/time.

U.S. Owners — Refer to page 210 to determine which schedule to use.

Canadian Owners — Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.

* 1 : See Timing Belt on page 243 for replacement information under special driving conditions.
* 2 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page 242 for replacement information under special driving

conditions.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 207 .

NOTE :
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.

Maintenance
CONTINUED

page 246

*
1 : See Timing Belt on page 243 for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
* 2 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page 242 for replacement

information under special driving conditions.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 207.

NOTE:
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Maintenance

Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page 171.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 172 .

Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 227 . Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
228.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 230 . Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
245.

Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See

page 250.

Maintenance