1997 Acura RL Owner's Manual

The 1997 Acura RL is a luxury sedan featuring a 3.5L V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, leather interior, power accessories, climate control, premium audio system, and advanced safety features including dual airbags and ABS. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Instrument Panel 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Driving Your Acura RL 8. Climate Control System 9. Audio System 10. Emergency Procedures 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.5L V6 engine, automatic transmission, power windows/locks/mirrors, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, AM/FM cassette with CD changer, cruise control, power sunroof.

FeatureDescription
Engine3.5L V6 SOHC engine
Transmission4-speed automatic with Grade Logic Control
InteriorLeather-trimmed seats with driver power adjustment
Climate ControlDual-zone automatic climate control system
Audio SystemAM/FM stereo with cassette and CD changer controls
Safety FeaturesDual airbags, ABS, side impact protection
Power AccessoriesWindows, door locks, mirrors, sunroof
Cruise ControlElectronic cruise control with resume function
InstrumentationAnalog gauges with warning lights and messages
LightingAutomatic-off headlights with delay feature

Safety Information

Always wear seat belts. Ensure proper child restraint usage. Maintain safe following distance.

  1. Airbag Safety: Sit upright with seat properly adjusted; keep hands on steering wheel.
  2. Child Safety: Use rear seat for children under 12; proper child restraint installation.
  3. Braking: ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking; maintain steady pressure.
  4. Visibility: Keep windows clean; adjust mirrors properly; use headlights in poor conditions.

WARNING! Airbags deploy with great force; do not place objects on or near airbag covers.

Instrument Panel

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights.

  1. Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h.
  2. Tachometer: Indicates engine RPM; avoid red zone.
  3. Fuel Gauge: Shows fuel level; refuel when low.
  4. Temperature Gauge: Monitors engine coolant temperature.
  5. Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, brake, ABS indicators.

CAUTION! If any warning light illuminates while driving, pull over safely and check condition.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Steering wheel controls, center console, dashboard switches.

Steering Wheel: Cruise control, audio controls, tilt adjustment.

Center Console: Climate controls, audio system, hazard lights, rear defogger.

Dashboard: Headlight switch, fog lights, instrument panel dimmer, wiper controls.

Doors/Locks: Power door locks with auto-lock feature; keyless entry remote.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance.

  1. Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
  2. Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles
  3. Air Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
  4. Spark Plugs: Replace every 60,000 miles
  5. Timing Belt: Replace every 90,000 miles
  6. Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years
  7. Coolant: Replace every 5 years or 60,000 miles

Tip: Keep maintenance records; use genuine Acura parts for best performance.

Driving Your Acura RL

Automatic transmission operation, cruise control, parking brake.

  1. Starting: Insert key, press brake, shift to Park or Neutral, start engine.
  2. Shifting: Select appropriate gear (P-R-N-D-3-2-1); use lower gears for engine braking.
  3. Cruise Control: Set speed above 25 mph; resume after braking.
  4. Parking: Apply parking brake on inclines; shift to Park.
  5. Traction: Front-wheel drive provides good traction in most conditions.

WARNING! Never shift to Park while vehicle is moving; serious transmission damage may occur.

Climate Control System

Dual-zone automatic temperature control with air conditioning.

  1. Auto Mode: Set desired temperature; system automatically adjusts fan speed and air distribution.
  2. Manual Control: Adjust fan speed, temperature, air distribution manually.
  3. Defrost: Use front defroster for quick windshield clearing.
  4. Rear Defogger: Clears rear window; turns off automatically after 15 minutes.
  5. A/C: Use for dehumidification in any season for clearer windows.

Audio System

AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD changer controls.

  1. Power/Volume: Turn on system; adjust volume.
  2. AM/FM Selection: Select band; tune stations manually or seek.
  3. Cassette Operation: Insert cassette; play automatically begins.
  4. CD Changer: Load CDs in trunk-mounted changer; select disc with controls.
  5. Sound Adjustment: Bass, treble, balance, fader controls.
  6. Preset Stations: Store up to 18 AM/FM stations.

CAUTION! Avoid adjusting audio system while driving; program presets before driving.

Emergency Procedures

Flat tire, dead battery, overheating, accident procedures.

SituationAction
Flat TireUse jack and spare tire in trunk; follow safety procedures
Dead BatteryUse jumper cables; connect properly to avoid damage
OverheatingTurn off A/C; turn on heater; pull over safely
AccidentCheck for injuries; move to safe location; exchange information
Keys Locked InUse spare key; contact roadside assistance

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startDead battery, fuel issueCheck battery connections; ensure adequate fuel; try jump start.
Rough idleSpark plugs, air filterCheck spark plugs and wires; replace air filter if dirty.
Brake vibrationWarped rotorsHave brakes inspected; resurface or replace rotors.
OverheatingCoolant leak, thermostatCheck coolant level; inspect for leaks; test thermostat.
Electrical issuesBattery, alternatorTest battery and charging system; check connections.

Service: Contact Acura dealer for professional service and genuine parts.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-TO-ACURA

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