2004 Acura RL immobilizer

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls
are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .56
...............................
Indicator Lights .57
.............................................
Gauges .63
...............................
Speedometer .63
.................................
Tachometer .63
.....................................
Odometer .64
...................................
Trip Meter .64
Outside Temperature ...................................
Indicator .65
...................
Temperature Gauge . 65
..................................
Fuel Gauge .65
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .66 Controls Near the Steering
.......................................
Wheel .67
...................................
Headlights .68
....................
Automatic Lighting .69
............
Daytime Running Lights . 70
....
Instrument Panel Brightness . 71
................................
Turn Signals .71
...................................
Fog Lights .72
.....................
Windshield Wipers .73
..................
Windshield Washers . 75
..........................
Hazard Warning .75
.............
Rear Window Def ogger . 76
....
Steering Wheel Adjustments . 76
...............................
Keys and Locks .79
..............................................
Keys .79
....................
Immobilizer System . 80
............................
Ignition Switch .82
......................
Power Door Locks .83
...................
Remote Transmitter . 84
..............
Childproof Door Locks . 87
...........................................
Trunk .88
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 89
....................................
Glove Box .90
............................
Seat Adjustments .91
.........
Driver’s Seat Adjustments . 91
...........
Driver’s Lumbar Support . 93Front Passenger’s Seat
............................
Adjustments .93
..........................
Head Restraints .94
......................
Rear Seat Armrest .95
.............................................
Mirrors .96
....
Adjusting the Power Mirrors . 96
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .98
..................................
Seat Heaters .100
.......................................
Ski Sleeve .101
............................
Power Windows .103
.......................................
Moonroof .105
...............................
Parking Brake .107
..................................
Digital Clock .108
........................
Sunglasses Holder .109
...........................
Beverage Holder .110
.................
Console Compartment . 111
........................................
Coin Box .111
........................................
Sun Visor .112
................................
Vanity Mirror .112
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 113
..........................
Cigarette Lighter .114
.........................................
Ashtrays .115
................................
Ceiling Lights .116
............................
Courtesy Lights .117
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols55

Î
Î
Î
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Indicator L ights
57
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
SEAT BELT
REMINDER
LIGHT
(P.59)
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR
LAMP
BRAKE LAMP INDICATOR
MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED INDICATOR
CRUISE
CONTROL
INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON
INDICATOR
SIDE AIRBAG CUTOFF
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATORANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
DOOR AND TRUNK
OPEN MONITOR
(P.66)
(P.62)
(P. 59) (P.61)(P.59)
(P.59) (P.60)
(P.60)
(P. 60)
(P. 59)
(P. 58)
(P.61)
(P.62)
(P.59,
323)
(P.58, 325)
(P.58, 321)
(P.58,322)

This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch f rom ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
See page .This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger’s side
airbag has automatically shut off.
For complete inf ormation, see page
.
This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or position. If you turn the
ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I)
or LOCK (0) without turning of f the
light switch, this indicator will
remain on. A reminder chime will
also sound when you open the driver’s
door.
This indicator will also come on
when the light switch is in AUTO
and the lights turn on automatically.
This lights when you set the cruise
control. See page f or inf ormation
on operating the cruise control. This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your f ront airbags. This light will
also alert you to a potential problem
with your side airbags, passenger’s
side airbag automatic cutoff system
or automatic seat belt tensioners.
For complete inf ormation, see page
.
80
50
51
182 323
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
Lights On Indicator
(U.S. models only)
Cruise Control Indicator
Side A irbag Cutof f
Indicator
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols59

Your car comes with two master
keys and a valet key.Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy
objects on them.
These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys f rom direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
Keep the keys away f rom liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a sof t cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart.
The master key fits all the locks on
your car:
 Ignition
 Doors
 Trunk
 Trunk pass-through cover
Glovebox The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk, trunk pass-through
cover, and glove box locked when
you leave your car and the valet key
at a parking f acility.
Youshouldhavereceivedakey
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keep
the tag stored in a safe place. If youneed to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.
CONT INUED
Keys
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols79
MASTER
KEYS
(Black)
VALET
KEY
(Gray)
KEY
NUMBER
TAG

Your car also comes with two remote
transmitters; see page for an
explanation of the operation.
Youshouldalsoreceiveasmallcase
containing a learning key. It is used
by the Acura dealer to code replace-
ment keys to your car’s Immobilizer
System. It must not be used in your
car’s ignition switch. Store the learn-
ing key with the key number plate in
a safe place.If you attempt to use the learning
key to start your car’s engine, it may
cause a malfunction in the system
that makes your master and valet
keys unusable. If this happens, you
should contact your Acura dealer.
If you need a new key made, take the
key number plate, the learning key,
and all other keys that came with
your car to your Acura dealer.The Immobilizer System protects
your car f rom thef t. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch f or the
engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine’s f uel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on f or a f ew
seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.
84
Remote Transmitter
L earning K eyImmobilizer System
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Keys and Locks
80

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thef ollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmf ul interf erence, and(2) this device must accept anyinterf erence received, includinginterf erence that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modif ications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the f ollowing twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterf erence, and (2) this device mustaccept any interf erence that may causeundesired operation of the device.The system may not recognize your
key’s coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code: If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer. Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your car undriveable.
Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key f ob,
not metal.
Keep other keys away f rom your
car’s key and the ignition switch
while trying to start the engine.
If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
The Immobilizer System indicator
will also blink several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols81

µ
µ
µ
µ
The ignition switch is on the right
side of the steering column. It has
f our positions:
LOCK(0)
 ACCESSORY (I)
 ON (II)
 START (III) If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key from
LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the lef t or to
the right as you turn the key.
In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the cigarette lighter. You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch f rom ACCESSORY to
LOCK, you must push the key in
slightly as you turn it. The shif t lever
must also be in Park. The anti-thef t
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key. Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page ).
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All f eatures
and accessories on the vehicle are
usable. Several of the lights on the
instrument panel come on as a test
when you turn the ignition switch f rom ACCESSORY to ON.
80
Ignition Switch
A CCESSORY (I) LOCK (0)ST A RT (III)
ON (II)
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols82

Diagnosing why your engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
orNeutralorthestarterwillnot
operate.
Sliptheholeatthetopof thejack
over the bracket in the trunk well.
Turn the jack’s end bracket to lock
it in place. Store the tool kit back
in its place.
Close the trunk lid. Store the center cap and spacer
basket in the trunk. Make sure the
center cap will not get scratched
or damaged. Unclip the hook f rom the trunk lid
and lower the trunk f loor.
Your car has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
19.
20.
21.
22. 80
Changing a Flat Tire, If Your Engine Won’t Start
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
If Your Engine Won’t Start Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
314
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.