For all 2000 model year Acuras, the check engine light is part of the vehicle's second generation on-board diagnostic computer. The OBD-II system became universalized in 1996, by order of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Resetting the system requires an OBD-II handheld device, which is commonly referred to as a code reader or a scanner.
Set up a connection between your OBD-II handheld scanner and the Acura's diagnostic system. Connect the handheld's cable with the Acura RL's Data Link Connector, which can be found beneath the dash near the left kick panel.
Switch your OBD-II handheld device on by either pressing the power button or letting the device switch itself on. All brands of OBD-II diagnostic handhelds are slightly different, so it is always for the better that you defer to the exact instructions found in the user's manual.
Place the key into the RL's ignition, turn to "On," and start the RL's electrical system. Some brands of diagnostic hardware also require the engine to be running.
Scan the Acura's OBD-II system, if your handheld is not preset to automatically do so. Press the appropriate buttons for a "scan" or "read" command, as detailed in your OBD-II scanner's manual.
Scroll through the codes on scanner's screen once they have been pulled from the OBD-II system. Ignore all codes listed with a "pending" status. These malfunctions have not triggered the Acura RL's check engine light. Make note of each trouble code.
Select each trouble code and press the "erase" or "clear" button.
Turn off all the running systems in the Acura RL. Disconnect the handheld from the RL's DLC outlet.
Wait a couple of minutes and then turn the RL's engine on again. Look at the check engine light. It should be dark.
