2009 Acura RL engine

The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
Lift up the lid on the front
bulkhead cover f rom the f ront.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
3.
2.
1. 4.
Engine Coolant
462
LID
RADIATOR CAP
RESERVE TANK
2009 RL

Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
Reinstall the lid.
5.
6.
7.
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
463
2009 RL

Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
If the washer f luid is low, a
‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
2.
Windshield Washers Automatic Transmission Fluid
Windshield Washers, A utomatic T ransmission Fluid
464
NOTICE:
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze
or a vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
2009 RL

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission as shown.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown by a maintenance
message on the multi-inf ormation
display.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks. If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Acura ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid).
5. 6.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
465
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
Use only Acura ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Acura ATF-Z1 may cause deterioration
in transmission operation and
durability, and could result in damage
to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Acura
AT F-Z1 is not covered by the Acura
new vehicle warranty.
2009 RL

Af ter removing the right engine
compartment cover (see page ),
check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
To check the f luid level, remove the
lef t engine compartment cover (see
page ).
Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of mileage.
457
457
Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Brake Fluid
466
MAX
MIN UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
2009 RL

µµ
If you f requently tow a trailer.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown on the
maintenance minder. Replace the
belt at 60,000 miles (100,000 km) if
you regularly drive your vehicle in
one or more of these conditions:
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Always use Acura Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Acura PSF as soon as possible.
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
Timing Belt
Maint enance
467
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
2009 RL

CONT INUED
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ).
If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the
battery cover (see page ).
Your vehicle has halogen high beam
headlight bulbs which are also used
f or the daytime running light.
Handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
2.
3.
1.
457 491
Lights
Replacing a Headlight/Daytime
Running L ight Bulb
Maint enance
469
BULB
CONNECTOR
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil,
perspiration, or a scratch on the glass
can cause the bulb to overheat and
shatter.
2009 RL

Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Push the bulb in slightly, and turn
it counterclockwise.
Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out (see
page ).
Reinstall the engine compartment
side cover.
(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the battery cover. 2.
1.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3.
457
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal
Light Bulb
470
BULB SOCKET
2009 RL