ability to self-seal if they are punctured, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure.
481
2009 RL HighSpeedDriving
Tire Size
Cold Tire Pressure
P245/45R18 96V
Front
36 psi (250 kPa , 2.5 kgf/cm )
Rear
35 psi (240 kPa , 2.4 kgf/cm )
The recommended tire pressures for high speed driving are not on the label on the driver’s doorjamb, contact your dealer for more information about the tire pressures.
For convenience, the recommended tire sizes and cold tire pressures are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
For additional technical information about your tires, see page
526
High Speed Driving U.S.modelonly We strongly recommend that you do not drive faster than the posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you ever drive in a sanctioned competitive event at sustained high speeds (over 112 mph or 181 km/h), be sure to adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below. If you do not, excessive heat can build up and cause sudden tire failure.
Tires
Recommended Tire Pressures The following charts show the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal and high-speed driving conditions.
NormalDriving
Tire Size/Type P245/45R18 96V
Cold Tire Pressure
Front
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )
Rear
30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm ) 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
Compact Spare
T155/70D17
110M
482
2009 RL When you return to normal speed driving, be sure to readjust the tire pressure for normal driving. You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire pressure.
Tire Inspection Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear.
You should look for:
Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric or cord.
Excessive tread wear.
Tires
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Your tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down, you will see a 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on
the tire.
A tire this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see three or more tread wear indicators.
483
2009 RL The last four digits of the TIN (tire identification number) are found on the sidewall of the tire and indicate Tire the date of manufacture (See Labeling
on page
528
).
Tires
Tire Service Life The service life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to, driving habits, road conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to your regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five years old. It is also recommended that all tires, including the spare, be removed from service after 10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.
484
2009 RL Tire Maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel. When you have new tires installed, make sure they are balanced. This increases riding comfort and tire life. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance.
Improper wheel weights can damage your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use only Acura wheel weights f or balancing.
Tire Rotation
Front
Front
(For Non-directional Tires and Wheels)
(For Directional Tires and Wheels)
To help increase tire life 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.
Tires
Replacing Tires and Wheels 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 different 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 affect wheel speed and may cause the system to activate.
CONTINUED
485
2009 RL Wheels and Tires Wheels:
18 x 8.0J AL (TPMS)
Tires:
P245/45R18 96V
526
for DOT tire quality
See page
grading information, and page
for tire size explanation.
528
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner’s manual.
Tires
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling.
Also be sure you use only TPMS specific wheels. If you do not, the tire pressure monitoring system will not work on that tire.
If you ever need to replace a wheel, make sure the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheel that came on your vehicle. Replacement wheels are available at your Acura dealer.
486
2009 RL Winter Driving Tires marked ‘‘M S’’ or ‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have an all- weather tread design suitable for most winter driving conditions.
+
For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions, you should install snow tires or tire chains. They may be required by local laws under certain conditions.
SnowTires If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels. The traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may be lower than your original tires. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.
Tires
TireChains Mount tire chains on your tires when required by driving conditions or local laws. Install them only on the front tires.
Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, Acura strongly recommends using the chain listed below, made by Security Chain Company (SCC).
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain
SC1042
CONTINUED
487
2009 RL Tires
When installing cables, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and mount them as tight as you can. Make sure they are not contacting the brake lines or suspension. Drive slowly with them installed. If you hear them coming into contact with the body or chassis, stop and investigate. Remove them as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.
Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage the brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding the selection and use of tire chains.
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting any part of the vehicle.
488
2009 RL Check the terminals for 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 off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is needed, see your dealer or a qualified technician.
Battery posts,
WARNING: terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Checking the Battery
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 ( − reconnect it last.
) cable first, and
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.
CONTINUED
489
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
Check the condition of the battery monthly by looking at the test indicator window. The label on the battery explains the test indicator’s colors. To see the label, remove the battery cover (see page
491
).
2009 RL Onvehicleswithoutnavigationsystem
The compass system will also disable
itself. The next time you turn on the
ignition switch, the system will
require you to enter a PIN before it
can be used. Enter the four-digit anti-
theft security code (see page
).
You will also need to reset the clock
according to the instruction of
313
setting the clock (see page
298
).
Checking the Battery
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead, all stored driving positions will be lost. To store the driving positions again, see the storing procedure on page
163
Onvehicleswithnavigationsystem The navigation system will also disable itself. The next time you turn on the ignition switch, the system will require you to enter a PIN before it can be used. Refer to the navigation system manual.
490
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead, the audio system may disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see ‘‘ display. Use the preset buttons to enter the code (see page
’’ in the frequency
280
).
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the
power tilt and telescopic steering
wheel system will be disabled. The
system needs to be reset after
reconnecting the battery (see page
149
).
2009 RL Removing the Battery Cover
CLIPS
Unlock Lock
KNOB
Push to remove clip Push to reset/install clip
1.
Turn the knob of the battery cover to UNLOCK as shown in the illustration.
2.
Remove the holding clips by pushing on the center of each fastener head.
Checking the Battery
3.
To reinstall the cover, reinstall the two holding clips and secure them by pushing on the center of each fastener head.
4.
Turn the knob of the cover to LOCK position as shown in the illustration.
491
2009 RL Vehicle Storage
If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.
Wash and dry the exterior completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc., are completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in Park.
492
Cover the vehicle with a ‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Non-porous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the engine until it reaches full operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle on and off twice). Preferably, do this once a month.
Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if the vehicle is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals.
2009 RL Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more common problems that motorists experience with their vehicles. It gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road, you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions on getting your vehicle towed.
Compact Spare Tire Changing a Flat Tire If the Engine Won’t Start Jump Starting If the Engine Overheats Low Oil Pressure Indicator Charging System Indicator Malfunction Indicator Lamp Brake System Indicator Opening the Fuel Fill Door
...................... .................... ............. ................................ .............. ......... .......... ....... ...............
Manually
.................................... .............................................. .............................. ...................... ..........
Fuses Fuse Locations Emergency Towing If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
. 494
. 495
. 499
. 500
. 503
. 506
. 506
. 507
. 508
. 509
. 510
. 513
. 519
. 519
493
2009 RL Compact Spare Tire
Use the compact spare tire as a temporary replacement only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced, and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to:
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
494
Follow these precautions:
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
This tire gives a harsher ride and less traction on some road surfaces. Use greater caution while driving.
Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare tire.
Do not use your compact spare tire on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model.
After the flat tire is replaced with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator stays on. After several miles (kilometers) driving with the spare, this indicator begins to flash, then stays on again. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information display (see page
433
).
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR
Replace the tire when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the spare wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.
2009 RL The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
1.
Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground. Put the transmission in Park. Apply the parking brake. If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it.
2.
Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle while you change the tire.
Changing a Flat Tire
TRUNK FLOOR
SPARE TIRE
TOOL CASE 3.
Open the trunk, and fold the trunk floor forward.
JACK
4.
Take the tool case out of the spare tire.
5.
Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the spacer cone. Then take the spare tire out of its well.
CONTINUED
495
2009 RL Changing a Flat Tire
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
6.
Loosen each wheel nut 1/2 turn with the wheel nut wrench.
7.
△
Place the jack under the jacking point nearest the tire you need to change. It is pointed to by a mark molded into the underside of the body. Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch.
EXTENSION
8.
9.
Use the extension and the wheel nut wrench as shown to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.
Remove the wheel nuts, then remove the flat tire. Temporarily place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface of the wheel facing up. You could scratch the wheel if you put it face down.
496
2009 RL BRAKE HUB
10.
Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth. Wipe the hub carefully; it may be hot from driving.
11.
Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel nut wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten the wheel nuts fully.
Changing a Flat Tire
12.
Lower the vehicle to the ground, and remove the jack.
CONTINUED
497
2009 RL Changing a Flat Tire
SPACER CONE
16.
Store the jack and tools in the tool case. Place the tool case in the flat tire.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and could seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
17.
Lower the trunk floor, then close the trunk lid.
18.
Your vehicle’s original tire has a tire pressure monitoring system sensor. To replace a tire, refer to Changing a Tire with TPMS page
430
).
(see
WING BOLT
13.
Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 94 lbf·ft (127 N·m , 13 kgf·m)
14.
Place the flat tire face down in the spare tire well.
15.
Wrap the spacer cone and spare tire wing bolt with cloth or paper, and store them in the spare tire well.
498
2009 RL Diagnosing why the engine won’t start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position:
You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine’s starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter motor sounds like it is spinning faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.
Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound, a series of clicks, or nothing at all. Check these things:
Make sure the remote is with you, inside the vehicle.
Check the transmission interlock. The transmission must be in Park or neutral or the starter will not operate.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. Turn on the headlights, and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or do not come on at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting
on page
500
If the Engine Won’t Start
Turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position. If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. See Emergency Towing
on page
519
If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connections (see page ). You can then try jump starting the vehicle from a booster battery (see page ).
489
500
499
2009 RL If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page
512
).
If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page
Emergency
519
Jump Starting Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
You cannot start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it.
The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor’s speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
Starting the
procedure? Refer to
Engine
403
on page
Are you using a properly coded
built-in key or remote? An
improperly coded built-in key or
remote will cause the immobilizer
system indicator in the instrument
panel to blink rapidly (see page
64
).
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the low fuel indicator may not be working.
500
2009 RL ToJumpStartYourVehicle: 1.
Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.
COVER
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.
3.
2.
Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, climate control, stereo system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Park, and set the parking brake.
451
), then remove the
Remove the battery cover (see page secondary under-hood fuse box cover from the positive ( terminal on the battery.
+
Jump Starting
BOOSTER BATTERY
The numbers in the illustration show you the order to connect the jumper cables.
4.
+
Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( ) terminal on your vehicle’s battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( + terminal on the booster battery.
CONTINUED
501
2009 RL Jump Starting
Connecting the jumper cable to the secondary under-hood f use box causes the f uses to blow.
502
7.
8.
9.
Start your vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.
Reinstall the secondary under- hood fuse box cover over the positive ( ) terminal of the battery, then reinstall the battery cover.
+
Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.
5.
−
Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding point as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.
6.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
2009 RL The pointer of the vehicle’s temperature gauge should stay in the midrange. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.
Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to the engine.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
1.
2.
Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off all the accessories, and turn on the hazard warning lights.
If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.
If the Engine Overheats
3.
If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.
4.
If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
5.
Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
Emergency
continue driving (see
Towing
).
519
on page
CONTINUED
503
2009 RL 10.
Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see Towing on page
Emergency
519
).
11.
If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
If the Engine Overheats
6.
7.
If you do not find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera- ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
504
8.
9.
Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.
’’). Add coolant to the
Start the engine, and set the interior temperature to maximum (climate control to FULL AUTO at ‘‘ radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.
2009 RL Check Radiator System
You can still drive your vehicle even if this message appears on the multi- information display, however you should check the temperature gauge while driving.
If the Engine Overheats
If you notice the temperature gauge
climbing to or above the red mark,
safely pull to the side of the road.
Follow the instructions on pages
503
and
504
If there is a problem with the radiator system, you will see a ‘‘CHECK RADIATOR SYSTEM’’ on the multi-information display.
If you see this message, the engine has probably overheated. You should take your vehicle to a dealer, and have it repaired as soon as possible.
505
2009 RL Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on the multi- information display, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible, and you should take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.
1.
2.
3.
4.
506
Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning lights.
Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.
389
If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page
458
).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(see
519
Emergency Towing ).
on page
Charging System Indicator
If the charging system indicator comes on brightly when the engine is running, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information display, the battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a dealer or a service station where you can get technical assistance.
2009 RL If this indicator comes on while driving, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on the multi- information display, it means one of the engine’s emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. You will also see a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message on the multi-information display. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least once (see page ). Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it can take several days of normal driving.
387
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may go off as you continue driving, have the vehicle checked by your dealer as soon as possible.
If the battery in your vehicle has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes may be erased. It can take several days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.
If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties.
Readiness Code Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, without starting the engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for an emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Emissions Testing Refer to more information (see page
for
535
).
507
2009 RL Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Towing
519
Emergency ).
on page
If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system’s dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’ message on the multi- information display.
Brake System Indicator
U.S.
Canada
The brake system indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and as a reminder to check the parking brake. If you do not release the parking brake, the indicator will stay on, and you will see a ‘‘RELEASE PARKING BRAKE’’ message on the multi- information display.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. You will see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ message on
the multi-information display. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
466
).
508
2009 RL Brake System Indicator, Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator come on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.
MAINTENANCE LID
RELEASE LEVER
If the fuel fill door release button does not work, use the release lever inside the left maintenance lid in the trunk.
To open the fuel fill door, pull the release lever rearward.
509
2009 RL Fuses
INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
INTERIOR FUSE BOX Passenger’s side
SECONDARY INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
NOTCH
NOTCH
FUSE BOX
To open the secondary fuse box lid, push the tab in the direction as shown in the illustration.
The fuses are located in five fuse boxes. The interior fuse boxes are located under the dashboard on the driver’s and passenger’s side.
To remove the fuse box lid, put your finger in the notch on the lid, pull it toward you, and take it out of its hinges.
510
2009 RL PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
TAB
TAB
The primary under-hood fuse box is in the engine compartment on the driver’s side. To open it, push the tabs as shown.
The secondary under-hood fuse box is on the battery. To open it, push the tabs as shown.
To check the fuse box, remove the ). battery cover first (see page
491
Fuses
511
2009 RL Fuses
Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
516 517
, or the diagram
on the fuse box lid, which fuse or
fuses control that device. Check
those fuses first, but check all the
fuses before deciding that a blown
fuse is the cause. Replace any blown
fuses, and check if the device works.
, and
518
FUSE
BLOWN
BLOWN
1.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.
2.
Remove the cover from the fuse box.
3.
Check each of the large fuses in the under-hood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screwdriver.
512
2009 RL FUSE
BLOWN
FUSE PULLER
BLOWN
Fuses
4.
Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse box and all the fuses in the interior fuse boxes by pulling out each fuse with the fuse puller. The fuse puller is inside the primary under-hood fuse box.
5.
Look for a blown wire inside the fuse. If it is blown, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.
CONTINUED
513
2009 RL Fuses
SPARE FUSES
FUSE PULLER
514
6.
If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem with your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit, and have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.
If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits with the fuse puller provided in the under- hood fuse box. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the accessory power socket or radio). If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.
Replacing a f use with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement f use with the proper rating f or the circuit, install one with a lower rating.
2009 RL page
313
).
If the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the audio system you will see ‘‘ frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page
280
’’ in the
).
If the fuse for the power tilt telescopic steering is removed, the system will be disabled. The system needs to be reset after reinstalling the fuse (see page
149
).
If the fuse for the driving position memory system is removed, all stored driving positions will be lost. To store the driving positions again, see page
163
Onvehicleswithnavigationsystem If the navigation system fuse is removed, the navigation system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the ignition switch, the system will require you to enter a PIN before it can be used. Refer to the navigation system manual.
Onvehicleswithoutnavigationsystem If the compass system fuse is removed, the compass system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the ignition switch, the system will require you to enter a PIN before it can be used. Enter the four- digit anti-theft security code (see page ). You will also need to reset the clock according to the setting the clock instructions (see
298
Fuses
515
2009 RL Fuse Locations
PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
516
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
40 A 15 A 30 A 40 A 40 A (40 A) 40 A 70 A 120 A 50 A 50 A
Back-up, ACC Hazard ABS/VSA motor ABS/VSA Drive by wire, LAF heater Option Heater motor Passenger’s fuse box Battery IG main Power window
*
: On Canadian models
10
11
12
13
14
15 A 30 A 10 A 15 A 10 A 15 A 7.5 A 15 A 30 A 30 A 10 A 7.5 A 15 A 40 A
Left headlight low beam Rear defroster coil Left headlight high beam Small light Right headlight high beam Right headlight low beam Back-up FI ECU Wiper Headlight washer Fog lights MG clutch Horn, Stop Rear defroster
*
No. Amps.
Circuits Protected
50 A
Radiator fan
2009 RL INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
Fuse Locations
SECONDARY INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
15 A 15 A 10 A 15 A 7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A 20 A 20 A 7.5 A
15 A 15 A 20 A 20 A 7.5 A 20 A