1999 Acura RL Owner's Manual

The 1999 Acura RL is a luxury sedan featuring a 3.5L V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, leather interior, power accessories, climate control, premium audio system, and advanced safety features including dual airbags and ABS. Below are key sections for vehicle features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

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

FeatureDescription
Engine3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve engine
Transmission4-speed automatic with SportShift
Audio SystemAM/FM stereo with cassette and 6-disc CD changer
Climate ControlDual-zone automatic temperature control
SeatingLeather-trimmed interior with 8-way power driver seat
SafetyDual airbags, ABS, side impact beams
ExteriorPower moonroof, automatic headlights
ConveniencePower windows, locks, mirrors with auto-dimming
Cruise ControlSteering wheel mounted controls
SecurityAnti-theft system with remote entry

Vehicle Controls

Master controls located on steering wheel, center console, and door panels.

  1. Steering wheel: Cruise control, audio controls, tilt adjustment
  2. Center console: Gear selector, climate controls, audio system
  3. Door panels: Power window/lock controls, mirror adjustments
  4. Instrument panel: Warning lights, gauges, trip computer

WARNING! Familiarize yourself with all controls before driving. Adjust seats and mirrors properly.

Instrument Panel

Primary displays: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, odometer, trip meter.

  1. Warning lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, brake, ABS
  2. Indicator lights: Turn signals, high beams, cruise control
  3. Information display: Outside temperature, trip computer
  4. Audio display: Station frequency, track information

CAUTION! Address warning lights immediately. Do not ignore engine or brake warnings.

Specifications

Driving Operation

Starting procedure, shifting, braking, and special driving conditions.

Starting: Insert key, press brake, shift to Park or Neutral, turn ignition.

Shifting: P-Park, R-Reverse, N-Neutral, D-Drive, 2-Second gear, 1-First gear. SportShift allows manual gear selection.

Braking: Normal braking with power assist. ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Oil change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
  2. Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
  3. Air filter: Every 30,000 miles
  4. Spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles
  5. Timing belt: Every 105,000 miles
  6. Brake fluid: Every 3 years
  7. Coolant: Every 5 years or 60,000 miles

Tip: Keep records of all maintenance services.

Audio System

AM/FM stereo with cassette player and 6-disc CD changer.

  1. Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off
  2. Source selection: AM/FM, cassette, CD changer
  3. Tuning: Manual tuning or seek function
  4. Presets: Store up to 18 stations (6 AM, 12 FM)
  5. CD changer: Load discs in magazine, insert in trunk
  6. Balance/fader: Adjust speaker balance and fader
  7. Bass/treble: Customize sound quality

WARNING! Do not adjust audio system while driving. Keep volume at safe levels.

Climate Control

Dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Temperature: Set driver and passenger temperatures separately (62°F-86°F). Fan speed: Automatic or manual control. Mode selection: Vent, bi-level, floor, floor/defrost, defrost. A/C: Press for dehumidification and cooling. Rear defogger: Clears rear window condensation.

Safety Features

Dual airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Seat belts: 3-point belts for all positions with emergency locking retractors. ABS: Anti-lock braking system. Child safety: Rear door child-proof locks. Security: Anti-theft system with remote entry.

Emergency Procedures

Flat tire: Use jack and spare tire in trunk. Jump starting: Connect cables properly (red to positive, black to negative). Overheating: Turn off A/C, turn on heater, pull over safely. Accident: Turn on hazard lights, check for injuries, exchange information.

CAUTION! Always carry emergency kit: flashlight, flares, first aid kit.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery/ignitionCheck battery connections; ensure in Park; try jump start.
OverheatingCoolant level/thermostatCheck coolant level; inspect for leaks; check radiator fan.
Brake warning lightParking brake/fluidRelease parking brake; check brake fluid level.
Electrical issuesBattery/alternatorTest battery; check alternator output; inspect fuses.
Transmission issuesFluid levelCheck transmission fluid level and condition.

Service: Contact Acura dealer for professional service. Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-TO-ACURA

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