Acura 2001 RL User Manual

2001 RL Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................5
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................51
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ............................................................................................. 121
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving..................................................................................................................................167
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ..............................................................................................................................................179
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................203
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................263
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................271
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................299
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................313
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................319
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Accord Value Package Audio System
Owner's Identification Form
Your Vehicle at a Glance.................................................................................................................... 2

Acura 2001 RL Specifications

General

Brand	Acura
Model	2001 RL
Category	Automobile
Language	English

Summary

A Few Words About Safety

Driver and Passenger Safety

Important Safety Precautions

Key recommendations for safe driving and passenger protection.

Your Car's Safety Features

Seat Belts

Proper use and importance of seat belts for occupant safety.

Airbags

Explanation of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and airbag operation.

Protecting Adults

Instructions for proper seating and restraint for adult occupants.

Protecting Children

Guidelines for safely restraining infants and children in the vehicle.

Protecting Infants

Specific recommendations for restraining infants in rear-facing seats.

Protecting Small Children

Guidance for restraining small children in forward-facing seats.

Using Child Seats with Tethers

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Information on airbag function, limitations, and safety precautions.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Gauges

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Operation of controls located on or near the steering column.

Steering Wheel Controls

Keys and Locks

Seat Adjustments

Parking Brake

Comfort and Convenience Features

Climate Control System

Operation of the automatic and manual climate control systems.

Audio System

Features and operation of the vehicle's AM/FM, cassette, and CD player.

Theft Protection

Security System

Before Driving

Break-in Period

Gasoline

Filling the Fuel Tank

Oil Check

Engine Coolant Check

Car Condition

Driving

Preparing to Drive

Daily checks and adjustments required before operating the vehicle.

Starting the Engine

Procedures for starting the engine under various conditions.

Automatic Transmission

Explanation of transmission operation, shift lever positions, and indicators.

Parking

Proper procedures and tips for parking the vehicle safely.

The Braking System

Detailed information on the vehicle's braking system, including ABS.

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System

How the VSA system enhances driving stability and traction.

Driving in Bad Weather

Techniques and precautions for driving in adverse weather conditions.

Towing a Trailer

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Essential safety precautions to follow during vehicle maintenance.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for normal and severe driving conditions.

Owner Maintenance Checks

Engine Oil

Information on recommended oil types, checking levels, and oil changes.

Cooling System

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Brake Fluid

Battery

Air Conditioning System

Tires

Information on tire maintenance, inflation, inspection, and replacement.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Compact Spare Tire

Changing a Flat Tire

Step-by-step guide for safely changing a flat tire.

If Your Engine Won't Start

Troubleshooting steps for diagnosing why the engine may not start.

Jump Starting

Procedures and safety precautions for jump-starting the vehicle's battery.

If Your Engine Overheats

Steps to take if the vehicle's engine begins to overheat.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

What to do if the low oil pressure warning light illuminates.

Charging System Indicator

What to do if the charging system warning light indicates a battery issue.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Information on the check engine light and emissions control system issues.

Brake System Indicator

What the brake system warning light indicates and required actions.

Fuses

Emergency Towing

Guidelines for professional towing services and acceptable towing methods.

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)

How to report potential safety defects to NHTSA and Acura.