2009 Acura RL ABS

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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text. If equipped.
:
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR KEYLESS ACCESS
SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP
LOW FUEL INDICATORELECTRONICALLY
CONTROLLED
POWER STEERING
SYSTEM (ECPS)
INDICATOR
LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR
MULTI-INFORMATION
DISPLAY MESSAGE INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.64)
(P.68)
(P.68)
(P.69)
(P.71)
(P.21,62)(P.68)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
(P.34,63)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
VSA
ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR(P.35,63)
(P.65) (P.65)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR PARKING BRAKE
AND BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR(P.64)
SH-AWD INDICATOR (P.66)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS INDICATOR(P.66)
ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM
(AFS) INDICATOR ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
INDICATOR
(P.65) /
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKE
SYSTEM (CMBS) INDICATOR (P.69)
(P.69,144) (P.66,319)
(P.62,506)
(P.62,507)(P.62,506) (P.435)
(P.65,435)
(P.64,417)
(P.63,508)
(P.67,429)
2009 RL

This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either theor position. This indicator
will also come on when the light
switch is in AUTO and the lights
turn on automatically. If you turn the
ignition switch to the ACCESSORY
(I) or the LOCK (0) position 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 comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It will
then go of f if you have a properly-
coded remote. If it is not a properly-
coded remote, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ). If you use the remote, this indicator
blinks several times when you turn
the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY (I) to the LOCK (0)
position.
If you use the built-in key, this
indicator blinks several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to the ACCESSORY (I) position.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock f unction. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABSSYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
For more inf ormation, see page .
The lef t or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the indicator does not
blink or blinks rapidly, it usually
means one of the turn signal bulbs is
burned out (see page ). Replace
the bulb as soon as possible, since
other drivers cannot see that you are
signaling.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signals blink. All
turn signals on the outside of the
vehicle should f lash.
78
151 417
470
Instrument Panel Indicators
Lights On Indicator
Immobilizer System
Indicator Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
64
2009 RL

This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on at any other
time, there is a problem in the ACC
system. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked.
The ACC system cannot be used
while this indicator is on.
The vehicle speed decreases
below22mph(35km/h).
Driving on a mountainous road, or
driving of f road f or extended
periods.
When the VSA indicator comes on.
When the ABS or VSA is activated.
Abrupt steering wheel movement.
If ACC is cancelled by any these
conditions, wait until the condition
improves, then press the RES/
ACCEL button to restore ACC.
When you do this, the vehicle will
resume its set cruising speed.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0)
position af ter ACC was automatically
cancelled, the set speed is erased,
and you must enter it again (see
page ).
Poor weather (rain, f og, snow, etc.)
When the radar sensor in the front
grille gets dirty.
The vehicle ahead of you cannot
be detected.
An abnormal tire condition is
detected, or the tires are skidding.
When ACC is automatically canceled,
the beeper sounds about 1 second,
and an ACC OFF message appears
on the multi-inf ormation display f or 3
seconds.
Any of these conditions may cause
ACC to cancel:
324
Automatic ACC Cancellation ACC Indicator
A daptive Cruise Control (A CC)
330
ACC INDICATOR
2009 RL

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the Super Handling-All
Wheel Drive (SH-AWD
)system,
the vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system, the tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS), the collision
mitigation brake system (CMBS),
and f acts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer. ........................
Preparing to Drive .402
.......................
Starting the Engine .403
Check Starting System .................................
Message .404
..............
Automatic Transmission .405
Driving with the Paddle
...................................
Shif ters .409
................
D-Paddle Shif t Mode .409
..............
Sequential Shif t Mode .411
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive .................
(SH-AWD
) System .413
...........................................
Parking .415
.............................
Braking System .416
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .417
Collision Mitigation Brake
........................
System (CMBS) .419
Tire Pressure Monitoring ........................
System (TPMS) .429
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability ........
Control (ESC), System .435
...........................
Towing a Trailer .437
...................
Towing Your Vehicle .442
Driving
Driving
401
TM
TM
2009 RL

Your vehicle 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 brake pedal
assist f unction increases the f orce
you apply to the brake pedal during
an emergency stop. When the brake
pedal assist is activated, the e-
pretensioners (if equipped) tighten
f ront seat belts (see page ). The
anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard (see page ).
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, reduces their ef f ectiveness and
reduces brake pad lif e. In addition,
f uel economy can be reduced. It also
keeps your brake lights on all the
time, conf using drivers behind you.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
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 taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check the brakes after 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. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
24
417 Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
416
2009 RL

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading. When the ABS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
CONT INUED
ABS Indicator
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
417
2009 RL

on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
It only helps with steering
control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
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 vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
508
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent the loss of
stability.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
418
2009 RL

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CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
453
:
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 .
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. Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
NOTE:
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
Symbol
: 452
Maintenance Minder
2009 RL