2012 ACURA RL maintenance

Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of each wheel.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can af f ect wheel speed and may
cause the system to activate. To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back.When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.Replacing T ires and Wheels Tire Rotation
Tires
486
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels)(For Directional
Tires and Wheels) Front Front
11/07/20 19:04:14 31SJA670_491
ProCarManuals.com

µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
To see the label, remove the battery
cover (see page ).492WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
490
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
11/07/20 19:04:41 31SJA670_495
ProCarManuals.com

If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
If the f uel f ill door release button
does not work, use the release lever
inside the lef t maintenance lid in the
trunk.To open the f uel f ill door, pull the
release lever rearward. Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
Brake System Indicator, Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
511
RELEASE LEVER
MAINTENANCE LID
11/07/20 19:07:21 31SJA670_516
ProCarManuals.com

µ
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inf lated to
the inf lation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manuf acturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inf lation
pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a
dif f erent size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire
inf lation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inf lation
pressure f or those tires.)As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale
when one or more of your tires is
signif icantly under-inf lated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure.Driving on a signif icantly under
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inf lation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
532
11/07/20 19:10:09 31SJA670_537
ProCarManuals.com

ÎÎ
The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle’s engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating f rom the tank
also produces hydrocarbons. Con-
trolling the production of NOx, CO,
and HC is important to the environ-
ment. Under certain conditions of
sunlight and climate, NOx and HC
react to f orm photochemical ‘‘smog.’’
Carbon monoxide does not contri-
bute to smog creation, but it is a
poisonous gas.In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specif ied in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manuf actured.
Your vehicle has a positive
crankcase ventilation system. This
keeps gasses that build up in the
engine’s crankcase f rom going into
the atmosphere. The positivecrankcase ventilation valve routes
them from the crankcase back to the
intake manif old. They are then
drawn into the engine and burned.
As gasoline evaporates in the f uel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister f illed with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is of f . Af ter
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
The onboard ref ueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the f uel vapors during ref ueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
f illed with activated carbon. While
driving, the f uel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned of f . The United States Clean Air Act
sets standards f or automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
workandwhattodotomaintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on pages
and . 445 452 The Clean Air Act
Crankcase Emissions Control
SystemEvaporative Emissions Control
System
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
Recovery
Emissions Cont rols
534
11/07/20 19:10:22 31SJA670_539
ProCarManuals.com

T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:
Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only) Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
Authorized Manuals
543
Form Description
2009-2012 Acura RL Service Manual
2012 Acura RL
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2005 Model Series Acura RL Body Repair Manual
2009 Acura RL Body Repair Manual Supplement
2012 Acura RL Owner’s Manual
2012 Acura RL Navigation System Manual
2012 Acura RL Maintenance Journal
2012 Acura RL Advanced Technology Guide
Order Form for Previous Years
Indicate Year and Model Desired Publication
Form Number
61SJA07
61SJA07EL
61SJA30
61SJA31
31SJA670
31SJA850
31SJAM70
31SJAQ70
ACU-R
www.helminc.com
11/07/20 19:11:28 31SJA670_548
ProCarManuals.com

CONT INUED
Battery
Charging System
........................... Indicator . 62, 508
............................ Jump Starting . 502
.............................. Maintenance . 490
.......................................... Cover . 492............................ Specif ications . 527
................ Backup Sensor System . 377
.............................. Bef ore Driving . 381
.................................. Belts, Seat . 10, 21
......................... Beverage Holders . 194
...........................
Audio . 265
........
HandsFreeLink. 354
.................................. Booster Seats . 53
Brakes
Anti-lock Brake System
..................................... (ABS) . 416
............. Break-in, New Linings . 382
........................................... Fluid . 466
....................................... Parking . 191
................. System Indicator . 63, 510
........................ Wear Indicators . 415
............................. Braking System . 415
................. Break-in, New Vehicle . 382
Brightness Control,
............................... Instruments . 146 .................................... Accessories . 391
ACCESSORY (Ignition Switch
..................................... Position) . 152
............ Accessory Power Sockets . 197
................ Active Head Restraints . 159
.................................... AcuraLink
. 337
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
............................... Indicator . 66, 319
................................... Operation . 320
Adaptive Front Lighting System
.......................................... (AFS) . 144
.................... Additives, Engine Oil . 459
........................... Advanced Airbags . 30
............................. Airbag (SRS) . 11, 26
............................ Air Conditioning . 204
....................... Air Pressure, Tires . 482
....................... Alcohol in Gasoline . 383
...................................... Antif reeze . 461
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
............................... Indicator . 64, 416
................................... Operation . 416
.............. Anti-thef t, Audio System . 280
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................ Lock . 152................................ Audio System . 213
Auto Control Mode, Starting
........................................ Engine . 401
.......... Automatic Climate Control . 211
....................... Automatic Lighting . 141
... Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 23
.... Automatic Speed Control . 316, 319
.............. Automatic Transmission . 403
.......................... Capacity,Fluid .526
............... Checking Fluid Level . 464
.......................... Paddle Shif ters . 407
....................................... Shif ting . 404
Shif t Lever Position
............................... Indicators . 403
................ Shif t Lever Positions . 404
.................... Shif t Lock Release . 405
...................... Auxiliary Input Jack . 277
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
11/07/20 19:11:36 31SJA670_550
ProCarManuals.com

................................................ Keys . 150................ Keyless Access System . 167
............... Keyless Access Remote . 168
... Keyless Memory Position Link . 104
....................... Label, Certif ication . 524
............... Lane Change, Signaling . 140
........................ Lap/Shoulder Belts . 22
............................... LATCH System . 47
........................ Lights On Indicator . 64
Lights
.................... Bulb Replacement . 468
....................................... Indicator . 61
...................................... Position . 140
................................ Turn Signal . 140
.................................... Load Limits . 437
.... LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 152
Locks
..... Anti-thef t Steering Column . 152
........................ Childproof Door . 155
............................ Fuel Fill Door . 383
.................................. Glove Box . 193
............................... Power Door . 153
......................................... Trunk . 154
...... Trunk Pass-through Cover . 160........................ Low Coolant Level . 387
......................... Low Fuel Indicator . 66
... Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 62, 508
................................ Lower Anchors . 47
... Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 526
.......................... Luggage, Storing . 393
................. Jacking up the Vehicle . 498
....................................... Jack, Tire . 497
................................ Jump Starting . 502.................................. Maintenance . 443
................................ Main Items . 453
........................................ Minder . 445
Owner’s Maintenance
................................... Checks . 452
.......................................... Saf ety . 444
................................... Sub Items . 454
. Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 62, 509
........... Memory, Driving Position . 164
............................. Message Display . 78
.......................... Message Indicator . 68
......................... Meters, Gauges . 61, 70
........................ Mirrors, Adjusting . 161
................................. Modif ications . 391
............... Modif ying Your Vehicle . 392
....................................... Moonroof . 189
........................................ MP3 . 243, 257 Indicators
VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
.................................. OFF . 65, 435
......... Indicators, Instrument Panel . 61
............................... Inf ant Restraint . 43
...................................... Inf ant Seats . 43
............................. Using LATCH . 47
.......... Tether Anchorage Points . 51
................... Inf lation, Proper Tire . 481
................................. Inside Mirror . 161
............................. Inspection, Tire . 484
............................ Instrument Panel . 61
...... Instrument Panel Brightness . 146
................ Interf ace Dial . 205, 213, 337
............................... Interior Lights . 200
........................................ Introduction . i
Index
J
KL
M
VI
11/07/20 19:12:02 31SJA670_555
ProCarManuals.com