2002 Acura RL 3.5 Owners Manual

The 2002 Acura RL 3.5 is a luxury sedan featuring a 3.5L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose audio system, power moonroof, leather interior, and comprehensive safety features including dual-stage front airbags and side airbags. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Starting & Operating 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Fluid Requirements 7. Driving Features 8. Safety Systems 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 3.5L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, power windows/locks/mirrors, automatic climate control, Bose audio system, power moonroof.

FeatureDescription
Engine3.5L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission5-speed automatic with SportShift
Audio SystemBose AM/FM stereo with CD player
Climate ControlDual-zone automatic temperature control
SeatingLeather-trimmed interior with power adjustments
SafetyDual-stage front airbags, side airbags, ABS
ExteriorPower moonroof, automatic headlights
Fuel SystemSequential multi-port fuel injection
Suspension4-wheel independent double-wishbone
Brakes4-wheel disc brakes with ABS

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with controls and displays before driving.

  1. Speedometer and tachometer: Center cluster display.
  2. Warning lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, brake system.
  3. Climate controls: Dual-zone temperature, fan speed, mode selection.
  4. Audio system: Power, volume, source selection, station presets.
  5. Cruise control: Set, resume, cancel functions on steering wheel.

WARNING! Never adjust controls while driving. Pull over safely first.

Starting & Operating

Proper starting and driving procedures for optimal performance.

  1. Starting: Insert key, press brake pedal, shift to Park or Neutral, turn ignition.
  2. Transmission: Use SportShift for manual gear selection when desired.
  3. Climate control: Set desired temperature; system automatically adjusts.
  4. Audio system: Power on, select source (AM/FM/CD), adjust volume.
  5. Cruise control: Activate above 25 mph using steering wheel controls.

CAUTION! Always wear seat belts. Never leave children unattended in vehicle.

Specifications

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Every 7,500 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, fluid checks

Every 15,000 miles: Air filter replacement, brake inspection

Every 30,000 miles: Spark plug replacement, transmission fluid change

Every 60,000 miles: Timing belt replacement, coolant replacement

Every 100,000 miles: Major service including all fluids and filters

Fluid Requirements

Use only recommended fluids for proper operation.

  1. Engine oil: 5W-20 premium grade motor oil
  2. Transmission fluid: Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent
  3. Coolant: Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolant
  4. Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
  5. Power steering: Honda Power Steering Fluid

Tip: Check fluid levels monthly when engine is cool.

Driving Features

Advanced features for enhanced driving experience.

  1. SportShift: Manual gear selection without clutch.
  2. Vehicle Stability Assist: Helps maintain control during cornering.
  3. Cruise control: Maintains set speed on highways.
  4. Power moonroof: Tilt and slide functions.
  5. Automatic climate control: Maintains cabin temperature.
  6. Bose audio: Premium sound system with 6 speakers.
  7. Power seats: 8-way adjustment with memory function.

WARNING! Always keep hands on steering wheel and eyes on road.

Safety Systems

Comprehensive safety features for occupant protection.

Dual-stage front airbags: Deploy based on impact severity. Side airbags: Protect front occupants in side impacts. ABS: Prevents wheel lockup during braking. Seat belts: 3-point belts with pretensioners. Child safety: LATCH system for child seats.

Care & Cleaning

Proper care maintains vehicle appearance and value.

Exterior: Wash with car wash soap, dry with soft cloth. Interior: Vacuum regularly, clean leather with approved conditioner. Windows: Use glass cleaner and soft cloth. Tires: Clean with mild soap and water.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners on interior or exterior surfaces.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty coverage: 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 5 years/unlimited miles corrosion. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles. For warranty claims, contact authorized Acura dealer. Keep maintenance records for warranty verification.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery/ignitionCheck battery connections; ensure transmission in Park; try spare key.
Rough idleSpark plugs/fuel systemCheck spark plugs; inspect fuel filter; use premium fuel.
Transmission shifts hardFluid level/sensorCheck transmission fluid level; have dealer scan for codes.
Brake pedal pulsatesWarped rotorsHave brake rotors inspected and resurfaced or replaced.
Check engine light onMultiple possibilitiesHave dealer retrieve diagnostic trouble codes for specific issue.

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealer for all repairs and maintenance.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-TO-ACURA

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