Acura RL (2011 year). Manual — part 4

CONTINUED

To install a LATCH-compatible child
seat:

Move the seat belt buckle or
tongue away from the lower
anchors.

Your vehicle is equipped with
LATCH (Lower Anchors and
Tethers for CHildren) at the outer
rear seats.

Make sure there are no objects
near the anchors that could
prevent a secure connection
between the child seat and the
anchors.

The lower anchors are located
between the seat-back and seat
bottom, and are to be used only with
a child seat designed for use with
LATCH.

The location of each lower anchor is
indicated by a small button above the
anchor point.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position, then push the rear
head restraint tilt button on the
ceiling console to pivot the head
restraints down.

1.

2.

3.

Installing a Child Seat

Installing a Child Seat with
LATCH

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REAR HEAD RESTRAINT TILT BUTTON

LOWER ANCHORS

BUTTON

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Place the child seat on the vehicle
seat, then attach the seat to the
lower anchors according to the
child seat maker’s instructions.

Some LATCH-compatible seats
have a rigid-type connector as
shown above.

Other LATCH-compatible seats
have a flexible-type connector as
shown above.

Whatever type you have, follow
the child seat maker’s instructions
for adjusting or tightening the fit.

Route the tether strap over the
head restraint, then attach the
tether strap hook to the anchor,
making sure the strap is not
twisted.

Tighten the strap according to the
seat maker’s instructions.

Push and pull the child seat
forward and from side-to-side to
verify that it is secure.

Open the anchor cover.

4.

5.

7.

8.

6.

9.

Installing a Child Seat

48

RIGID TYPE

FLEXIBLE TYPE

ANCHOR

COVER

TETHER STRAP HOOK

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CONTINUED

When not using the LATCH system,
all child seats must be secured to the
vehicle with the lap part of a lap/
shoulder belt.

With the child seat in the desired
seating position, route the belt
through the child seat according
to the seat maker’s instructions,
then insert the latch plate into the
buckle and remove any slack from
the lap portion of the belt.

To activate the lockable retractor,
slowly pull the shoulder part of the
belt all the way out until it stops,
then let the belt feed back into the
retractor.

After the belt has retracted, tug on
it. If the belt is locked, you will not
be able to pull it out. If you can pull
the belt out, it is not locked, and
you will need to repeat these steps.

In addition, the lap/shoulder belts in
all seating positions except the
driver’s have a lockable retractor
that must be activated to secure a
child seat.

1.

2.

3.

Installing a Child Seat

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Belt

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To deactivate the lockable retractor
and remove a child seat, unlatch the
buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let
the belt fully retract.

Push and pull the child seat
forward and from side-to-side to
verify that it is secure enough to
stay upright during normal driving
maneuvers. If the child seat is not
secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to
retract fully, then repeat these
steps.

After confirming that the belt is
locked, grab the shoulder part of
the belt near the buckle, and pull
up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. Remember, if
the lap part of the belt is not tight,
the child seat will not be secure.

To remove slack, it may help to
put weight on the child seat, or
push on the back of the seat while
pulling up on the belt.

5.

4.

Installing a Child Seat

50

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A child seat with a tether can be
installed in any seating position in
the back seat, using one of the
anchorage points shown above.

Since a tether can provide additional
security to the lap/shoulder belt
installation, we recommend using a
tether whenever one is required or
available.

Lift the anchor cover, then attach
the tether strap hook to the
anchor, making sure the strap is
not twisted.

Tighten the strap according to the
seat maker’s instructions.

After properly securing the child
seat with the lap/shoulder belt
(see page

), pivot the head

restraint down (see page

) and

route the tether strap over the
head restraint.

1.

2.

3.

22

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Installing a Child Seat

Installing a Child Seat with a
Tether

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TETHER STRAP HOOK

ANCHOR

COVER

TETHER ANCHORAGE POINTS

ANCHOR

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To determine if a lap/shoulder belt
properly fits a child, have the child
put on the seat belt, then ask
yourself:

Does the child sit all the way back
against the seat?

Do the child’s knees bend
comfortably over the edge of the
seat?

When a child reaches the
recommended weight or height limit
for a forward-facing child seat, the
child should sit in a back seat on a
booster seat and wear the lap/
shoulder belt.

The following pages give
instructions on how to check proper
seat belt fit, what kind of booster
seat to use if one is needed, and
important precautions for a child
who must sit in front.

1.

2.

Checking Seat Belt Fit

Protecting Larger Children

52

Allowing a child age 12 or under
to sit in front can result in injury
or death if the passenger’s front
airbag inflates.

If a child must ride in front,
move the vehicle seat as far
back as possible, use a booster
seat if needed, have the child
sit up properly and wear the
seat belt properly.

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Does the shoulder belt cross
between the child’s neck and arm?

Is the lap part of the belt as low as
possible, touching the child’s
thighs?

Will the child be able to stay
seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these
questions, the child is ready to wear
the lap/shoulder belt correctly. If
you answer no to any question, the
child needs to ride on a booster seat.

A child who has outgrown a forward-
facing child seat should ride in a
back seat and use a booster seat
until the lap/shoulder belt fits them
properly without the booster.

If a child who uses a booster seat
must ride in front, move the vehicle
seat as far back as possible and be
sure the child is wearing the seat
belt properly.

A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of their ears are
even with the top of the vehicle’s or
booster’s seat-back. A child of this
height should be tall enough to use
the lap/shoulder belt without a
booster seat.

Some states, Canadian provinces and
territories also require children to
use a booster seat until they reach a
given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or
60 lbs). Be sure to check current
laws in the states, provinces and

territories where you intend to drive.

Booster seats can be high-back or
low-back. Whichever style you select,
make sure the booster seat meets
federal safety standards (see page

) and that you follow the booster

seat maker’s instructions.

3.

4.

5.

45

Using a Booster Seat

Protecting Larger Children

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If you decide that a child can safely
ride up front, be sure to:

Carefully read the owner’s manual,
and make sure you understand all
seat belt instructions and all safety
information.

Move the vehicle seat to the rear-
most position.

Have the child sit up straight, back
against the seat, and feet on or
near the floor.

Check that the child’s seat belt is
properly and securely positioned.

Supervise the child. Even mature
children sometimes need to be
reminded to fasten the seat belts
or sit properly.

Of course, children vary widely. And
while age may be one indicator of
when a child can safely ride in front,
there are other important factors you
should consider.

If the passenger’s front airbag
inflates in a moderate to severe
frontal collision, the airbag can cause
serious injuries to a child who is
unrestrained, improperly restrained,
sitting too close to the airbag, or out
of position.

A side airbag also poses risks. If any
part of a larger child’s body is in the
path of a deploying side airbag, the
child could receive possibly serious
injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
age 12 and under be properly
restrained in a back seat.

Physically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit (see pages

and

). If

the seat belt does not fit properly,
with or without the child sitting on a
booster seat, the child should not sit
in front.

To safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly, and wearing the seat
belt properly throughout a ride.

52

17

Protecting Larger Children

Physical Size

Maturity

When Can a Larger Child Sit in
Front

54

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This could result

in serious neck injuries during a
crash.

Devices intended to

improve a child’s comfort or
reposition the shoulder part of a
seat belt can make the belt less
effective and increase the chance
of serious injury in a crash.

This could

cause very serious injuries during
a crash. It also increases the
chance that the child will slide
under the belt in a crash and be
injured.

If they do, they

could be very seriously injured in a
crash.

Do not let a child wear a seat belt
across the neck.

Do not put any accessories on a
seat belt.

Do not let a child put the shoulder
part of a seat belt behind the back
or under the arm.

Two children should never use the
same seat belt.

Additional Saf ety Precautions

Protecting Larger Children

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Your vehicle’s exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide should not enter the
vehicle in normal driving if you
maintain your vehicle properly and
follow the information on this page.

High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage.

Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:

With the trunk open, airflow can pull
exhaust gas into your vehicle’s
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
trunk open, open all the windows and
set the climate control system as
shown below.

If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconfined area, adjust the climate
control system as follows:

Select the fresh air mode.
Select the

mode.

Turn the fan on high speed.
Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.

The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.

You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.

The vehicle was in a collision that
may have damaged the underside.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

56

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

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CONTINUED

These labels are in the locations
shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury or death. Read these labels
carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read (except for the U.S.
dashboard label which may be
removed by the owner), contact your
dealer for a replacement.

U.S. models only

Safety Labels

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RADIATOR CAP

DASHBOARD

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U.S. models

Canadian models

U.S. models

Canadian models

Safety Labels

58

SUN VISORS

DOORJAMBS

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This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.

. . . . . . ...

Control Locations

. 60

. . . . . . .

Instrument Panel

. 61

. . ..

Instrument Panel Indicators

. 62

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Gauges

. 70

. . . . ...

Temperature Gauge

. 70

. . . . . . . . ..

Fuel Gauge

. 70

. . . .

Multi-Information Display

. 71

Controls Near the Steering

. . . . . . . . . . .

Wheel

. 136

Windshield Wipers and

. . . . . . . . . .

Washers

. 137

. ...

Turn Signals and Headlights

. 140

. . . . . . . . .

Fog Lights

. 142

. . .

Daytime Running Lights

. 142

Automatic Lighting Off

. . . . . . . . ...

Feature

. 143

Adaptive Front Lighting System

. . . . . . . . . . ..

(AFS)

. 144

. . . ...

Hazard Warning Button

. 146

. ..

Instrument Panel Brightness

. 146

. . . ...

Rear Window Defogger

. 147

. ..

Steering Wheel Adjustments

. 148

. . . . . . . .

Keys and Locks

. 150

. . . . . ..

Immobilizer System

. 150

. . . . . . . ..

Ignition Switch

. 152

. . . . . . . . .

Door Locks

. 153

. . . . . . . . . . . ..

Trunk

. 154

. ..

Emergency Trunk Opener

. 155

. . . .

Childproof Door Locks

. 155

. . . . . . . . . . . ...

Seats

. 156

. . . . . . . . . . ...

Mirrors

. 161

Driving Position Memory

. . . . . . . . . .

System

. 164

. . . .

Keyless Access System

. 167

. . . . . ...

Front Seat Heaters

. 182

Front Seat Heaters and Seat

. . . . . . . . .

Ventilation

. 183

Rear Seat Heaters

. . . . ...

(Canadian models)

. 185

. . . . . . .

Power Windows

. 186

. . . . . . . . . ...

Moonroof

. 189

. . . . . . . ...

Parking Brake

. 191

. . .

Interior Convenience Items

. 192

. . . . . . . . ..

Glove Box

. 193

. . . . . .

Beverage Holders

. 194

. . . .

Console Compartment

. 195

. . . . . . . . ..

Sun Visors

. 196

. . . . . . .

Vanity Mirror

. 196

. .

Accessory Power Sockets

. 197

. . . . ..

Front Door Pockets

. 198

. . . ..

Power Rear Sunshade

. 198

. . . ..

Integrated Sunshades

. 199

. . . . . . . ...

Interior Lights

. 200

Instruments and Controls

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＊

＊

＊

＊
＊

Canadian models only

2 :
3 :

RL models

Control Locations

60

INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS
GAUGES

HOOD RELEASE LEVER

MIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTON

(P.62)

(P.70)

CEILING CONSOLE

AUXILIARY INPUT
JACK

DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM

1 :

MOONROOF SWITCH
POWER REAR
SUNSHADE BUTTON

POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH

POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES

FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON

TRUNK RELEASE
BUTTON

(P.153)

(P.154)

REAR HEAD RESTRAINT
TILT BUTTON

(P.277)

(P.161)

REAR SEAT HEATER
SWITCHES

USB ADAPTER CABLE

(P.164)

(P.186)

(P.383)

HOMELINK BUTTONS(P.334)

(P.185)

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION

ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKETS
(P.197)

CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
(P.204)

AUDIO SYSTEM

INTERFACE DIAL
(P.205, 213, 282)
COMPASS SYSTEM
(P.281)

(P.213)

(P.403)

(P.189)

(P.198)

(P.158)

(P.385)

(P.249, 259)

1

3

2

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＊

＊

＊

＊

The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.

Instrument Panel

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SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

(P.21, 62)

(P.68)

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS) INDICATOR

(P.65)

(P.66)

(P.66)

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
INDICATOR

(P.65) /

CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR

(P.66, 319)

: If equipped

(P.63, 510)

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.64)

PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

ELECTRONICALLY
CONTROLLED POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
(ECPS) INDICATOR

SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR (P.35, 63)

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) INDICATOR (P.64, 416)

(P.65, 435)

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR

VSA OFF INDICATOR

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM
(AFS) INDICATOR (P.69, 144)

COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING
SYSTEM (CMBS) INDICATOR

LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS INDICATOR (P.67, 429)

(P.69)

(P.68)

SH-AWD INDICATOR

KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.68)

MESSAGE INDICATOR

SECURITY SYSTEM
INDICATOR

MULTI-INFORMATION
DISPLAY

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP

(P.65)

(P.64)

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.62, 508)

LIGHTS ON INDICATOR

FOG LIGHT INDICATOR

(P.69)

(P.71)

(P.62, 509)

(P.62, 508)

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

(P.34, 63)

(P.65, 435)

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The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your vehicle.

You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display. For
more information, see page

.

The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator flashes or stays on
when the engine is running, or if a
‘‘CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’
message is on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page

.

If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged, and you will also see
a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page

.

This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. It reminds you and your
passenger to fasten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
fastened your seat belt.

If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position before fastening
your belt, the beeper sounds and the
indicator flashes. If you do not fasten
your seat belt before the beeper
stops, the indicator stops flashing
but remains on.

If your front passenger does not
fasten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds after the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.

If either of you do not fasten your
seat belt while driving, the beeper
will sound and the indicator will flash
again at regular intervals. For more
information, see page

.

You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT
BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER
SEAT BELT’’ message on the multi-
information display (see page

).

21

508

21

508

509

Instrument Panel Indicators

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

Charging System
Indicator

Malf unction Indicator
Lamp

Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator

62

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