2008 Acura RL brakes

When you pass a low bridge at
high speed.When you approach train tracks at
the bottom of a hill and you do not
apply the brakes.Because of the road condition
(curved, winding, etc.) or the state of
your vehicle (turning angle, lane
position, etc.), CMBS can sometimes
mistake a stationary object (light
pole, traf f ic sign, etc.) as a vehicle
ahead of you and temporarily
operate. This is normal.
When you go over a sharp-edged
speed bump at high speed.
When you go over areas of
construction on the road surface.
Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS)
Driving
369
LOW BRIDGE
RAILS YOUR VEHICLE
SIGN, POLE, etc.
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The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surf aces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes.When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink (see
page ).
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e, and turn of f the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible (see page ).When the VSA system indicator
comes on, you will also see a
‘‘CHECK VSA SYSTEM’’ message
on the multi-information display.
Without VSA, your vehicle still has
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it does not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. There may also
be some noise f rom the VSA
hydraulic system. You will also see
the VSA activation indicator blink.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety. If the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on (see page ),
or the multi-information display
shows a ‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message with the indicator flashing
(see page ), the VSA system
automatically turns on even when
the VSA system is turned of f with
the VSA OFF switch. In this case,
you cannot turn the VSA system of f
by pressing the VSA OFF switch
again.
65
65 371
375
VSA A ctivation Indicator
VSA System Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
Driving
377
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Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.Acura recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
Seeyourtrailerdealerorrental
agency f or more inf ormation on
installing electric brakes.Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state/province,
and local regulations. Check with
your local trailer sales or rental
agencies f or the requirements in the
area where you plan to tow, and use
only equipment designed f or your
vehicle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by
trailer type and brand, you should
have a qualified technician install a
suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer. Improper
equipment or installation can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical
system and af f ect your vehicle
warranty.
CONT INUED
Saf et y Chains T railer L ight s
Trailer Brakes
Towing a Trailer
Driving
381
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Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension and
the cooling system are in good
operating condition.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition,
and the lights and brakes on the
trailer are working properly.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
Pre-T ow Checklist
Towing a Trailer
A ddit ional T owing Equipment
382
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Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shif t down to second
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shif ts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D .
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; turn the wheel to the lef t to
get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
459
3
bottom
Backing Up
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Parking
Driving on Hills
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle
Towing Your Vehicle
384
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µµµ
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Ì Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
Multi-Inf ormation Display.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all receipts
as proof of completion, and have the
person who does the work f ill out
your Maintenance Journal or
Canadian Maintenance Log. Check
your warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability.
333
333
404 406
421
408
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
394
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Î
Ì Ì
Ì
Î
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
395
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Independent of the maintenance messages in the Multi-Information
Display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
394
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
A
B
Symbol1
Maintenance Minder
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CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .337
ACCESSORY (Ignition Switch
.....................................
Position) .151
............
Accessory Power Sockets .192
......................................
AcuraLink .299
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.....................................
Indicator .280
...................................
Operation .282
Adaptive Front Lighting System ..........................................
(AFS) .143
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .399
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11,27
............................
Air Conditioning .198
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .421
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .328
......................................
Antif reeze .402
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .64,359
...................................
Operation .359
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .241
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .151
.........................................
Ashtrays .193
................................
Audio System .207 Auto Control Mode, Starting
........................................
Engine .347
..........
Automatic Climate Control .205
.......................
Automatic Lighting .141
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .23
.............
Automatic Speed Control .277
..............
Automatic Transmission .349
..........................
Capacity,Fluid.464
...............
Checking Fluid Level .404
.......................................
Shif ting .349
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators .349
................
Shif t Lever Positions .349
....................
Shif t Lock Release .354
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .238
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .62,447
............................
Jump Starting .441
..............................
Maintenance .427
..........................................
Cover .428
............................
Specif ications .465
..............................
Bef ore Driving .327 ..................................
Belts, Seat .10,21
.........................
Beverage Holders .190
.......
BluetoothHandsFreeLink.308
..................................
Booster Seats .53
Brakes
Anti-lock Brake System .....................................
(ABS) .359
.............
Break-in, New Linings .328
...........................................
Fluid .406
.......................................
Parking .187
.................
System Indicator .63,449
........................
Wear Indicators .358
.............................
Braking System .358
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .328
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .145
......................
Brights, Headlights .140
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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