2008 Acura RL transmission

If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer.
Put a cloth on the edge of the shif t
lock release slot cover next to the
shif t lever. Use a small f lat-tipped
screwdriver or a metal f ingernail
f ile to remove the cover. Caref ully
pry on the edge of the cover. Insert a built-in key into the shif t
lock release slot.
Push down on the built-in key, and
move the shift lever out of Park to
neutral.Remove the built-in key from the
shif t lock release slot, then
reinstall the cover. Make sure the
notchonthecoverisonthedriver’s
side. Press the brake pedal, and
restart the engine.
To release the reverse lockout,
move the shift lever from neutral
to reverse, then to Park.
3. 4.
5.6.
Automatic Transmission
Driving
355
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
COVER
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2008 RL

If the SH-AWD indicator on the
instrument panel stays on, and the
multi-inf ormation display shows an
SH-AWD message, there is a
problem with the system. Your
vehicle still has normal f ront-wheel
drive with vehicle stability assist
(VSA), but does not have the
advantages of SH-AWD. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer as soon
as possible.Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is on an
incline.
Parking
Parking T ips
Super Handling-A ll Wheel Drive (SH-A WD) System, Parking
Driving
357
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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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2008 RL

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .386
....................
Maintenance Minder .387
..............................
Fluid Locations .397
......
Engine Compartment Covers .398
........................
Adding Engine Oil .399
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .400
..............................
Engine Coolant .402
....................
Windshield Washers .404
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .404
....................................
Brake Fluid .406
....................
Power Steering Fluid .406
....................................
Timing Belt .407
.............................................
Lights .408
..................
DustandPollenFilter .415
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .415
.....................................
Floor Mats .416
.................................
Wiper Blades .417
...........................................
Wheels .419
...............................................
Tires .419
...................
Checking the Battery .427
.............................
Vehicle Storage .429
481
Maintenance
Maint enance
385
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µµµ
µ
µ
µ
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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µµ
Maintenance Minder
396
Maintenance Sub Items
Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures.
This requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles
(100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under20°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 mile (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada)
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5 Symbol
6
Maintenance Minder
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Î
Î: The power steering f luid reservoir is located under the right compartment cover.
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
397
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Black cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
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2008 RL

Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect the engine or transmission
perf ormance and durability.Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
inf ormation display. The oil and f ilter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil, it
displays the API certif ication seal,
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals shown on the maintenance
minder display.
1.2.
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
400
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT
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2008 RL