2004 Acura RL check engine

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car.
Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. 12.
15
91
96 7657 217
Preparing to Drive
Driving216

Your Acura’s transmission has f our
f orward speeds, and is electronically
controlled f or smoother shif ting. It
also has a ‘‘lock-up’’ torque converter
forbetterfueleconomy.Youmay
f eel what seems like another shif t
when the converter locks.
This indicator between the f uel
gauge and temperature gauge shows
which position the shif t lever is in.The shift lever has seven positions.
It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D,D,2,1,NorR,pressfirmlyon
the brake pedal, and keep your f oot
of f the accelerator pedal.
The ‘‘D ’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it f lashes
while driving (in any shif t position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler-
ation and have the transmission
checkedbyanauthorizedAcura
dealer as soon as possible.
43
4
Automatic Transmission
Driving
Shif t L ever Position Indicator Shif t L ever Positions
218
SHIFT LEVER

This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal does not work.Set the Parking brake.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover next to
theshiftlever.Useasmallflat-
tipped screwdriver or small metal
plate (neither are included in the
tool kit) to remove the cover.
Caref ully pry on the edge of the
cover. Push down on the key and move
the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral. Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot.
Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
thecover.Makesurethenotchon
the cover is on the right side.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by your Acura
dealer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
Driving
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ock Release
221
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT

Your Acura is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
All f our 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 conf use this with the
brakewearindicators.Theymakea
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving223

such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed f or the road and
weather conditions.
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. The ABS is self -checking. If anything
goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page ). This means the anti-lockf unction 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 af ter you start
the engine, or comes on while
driving.
it only helps with steering
control during braking. You should
always maintain a saf e f ollowing
distance f rom other vehicles. on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
60
CONT INUED
The Braking System
Driving
Import ant Saf et y Reminders A BS Indicat or
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
225
ABS INDICATOR

If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer. This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .240
.
Important Safety Precautions . 241
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 242
...
Required Maintenance Record . 249
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 251
..............................
Fluid Locations .252
......................................
Engine Oil .253
..................................
Adding Oil .253
....................
Recommended Oil .253
..............................
Synthetic Oil .254
....................................
Additives .254
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 255
.............................
Cooling System .257
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 257
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 259
....................
Windshield Washers .263
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 264
..............................
Dif f erential Oil .265
....................................
Brake Fluid .266
............................
Brake System .266
..............................
Power Steering .266
....................................
Hood Latch .267
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .267
....................................
Spark Plugs .269
..............................
Replacement .269
............................
Specif ications .272 ...........................................
Battery .272
.................................
Wiper Blades .275
..............
Air Conditioning System . 277
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 278
.....................................
Drive Belts .278
....................................
Timing Belt .279
...............................................
Tires .279
......................................
Inf lation .279
..................................
Inspection .281
..............................
Maintenance .282
.............................
Tire Rotation .282
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 283
......................
Wheels and Tires .284
..........................
Winter Driving .284
.............................
Snow Tires .285
............................
Tire Chains .285
.............................................
Lights .286
........................
Replacing Bulbs .288
...........................
Storing Your Car .297
355
Maintenance
Maint enance239

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Maint enance244
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
15
24
30
4845
72 75
120
60
96 90
144 105
168120
192135
216150
240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Check inflation and condition once a month
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes firstEvery 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
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At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years. Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 282 )
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items:
Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt, balancer belt, and inspect water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
1:
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1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance245
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 282)
Check front and rear brakes
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Clean air cleaner element
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and inspect water
pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
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144 105
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120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Replace at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 1 year.
1:
2:
3:
4:
: 278
279 243
1
2
3
,4 ,4
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions