Acura 2003 CL - Owner's Manual User Manual

2003 CL Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owne

Your car is equipped with manyfeatures that work together toprotect you and your passengersduring a crash.Some safety features do not requireanyaction

The pass-through cover can beopened from either side; it foldsforward onto the center armrest.Open the cover by sliding the knobdownward and pushing o

Turn the ignition switch ON (II).Move the selector switch to L(driver’s side) or R (passenger’sside).Adjust the outside mirrors with theadjustment swi

The outside mirrors are heated to re-move fog and frost. With the ignitionswitchON(II),turnontheheatersby pressing the button. The light inthe button

Turn the ignition switch ON (II).You cannot add a new drivingposition in the memory unless theignition switch is ON (II). You canrecall a memorized po

Doing any of the following afterpressing the MEMO button willcancel the storing procedure.Not pressing a memory buttonwithin 5 seconds.Readjusting the

To stop the system’s automatic ad-justment;Press any button on the controlpanel: MEMO, 1 or 2.Push any of the adjustmentswitches for the seat.Shift ou

Follow these precautions wheneveryou use the seat heaters:Use the HI setting only to heat theseats quickly. Select the LOsetting when the seats feel w

Both front seats are equipped withseat heaters. The ignition switchmust be ON (II) to use them. Pushthe heater switch to turn the poweron or off. The

−CONTINUEDThe driver’s armrest has a masterpower window control panel. Toopen the passenger’s window, pushdown on the switch and hold it untilthe wind

The power window system has a key-off delay function. The windows willstilloperateforuptotenminutesafter you turn off the ignition.Opening either door

In addition, most states and allCanadian provinces require you towear seat belts.When properly worn, seat belts:Help protect you in almost everytype o

The moonroof has two positions: itcan be tilted up in the back forventilation, or it can be slid back intothe roof. Use the switch under theleft dashb

The moonroof has a key-off delay.You can still open and close themoonroof for up to ten minutes afteryou turn off the ignition. The key-offdelay cance

The digital clock displays the timewith the ignition switch in anyposition.To set the clock:Press and hold the H button untilthe hour advances to the

To open the sunglasses holder, pushon the front edge. It will unlatch andswing down. To close it, push it untilit latches. Make sure the holder isclos

CONTINUEDBe careful when you are using thebeverage holder. A spilled liquid thatis very hot can scald you or yourpassengers. Spilled liquids can alsod

To open the beverage holder, slidethe lid towards the armrest.The rear seat also has a beverageholder in the center armrest. To useit, pivot the armre

To open the console compartment,pull up on the left lever and lift thelid.To close, lower the lid and push itdown until it latches.You can put small i

To open the console pocket, swingthe upper edge of the lid down.To remove the pocket, open it, thentake it out of its hinges by lifting itup and out.

The storage tray is located above theaudio system. Push on the center ofthe tray to get it to pop out. Thenremove it by pulling it straight out.You ca

To use the sun visor, pull it down.You can also use the sun visor at theside window. Remove the supportrod from the clip and swing the sunvisor toward

Your car also has side airbags to helpprotect the upper torso of the driveror a front seat passenger during amoderate to severe side impact.The most i

Your car has two accessory powersockets. One is located on the frontpanel next to the coin box, and theother is in the console compartment.To use an a

The ceiling light (with the switch inthe center position) comes on whenyou remove the key from the ignitionswitch. If you do not open a door, thelight

The courtesy light in each doorcomes on when the door is opened,and goes out when the door is closed.Your car also has a courtesy light inthe ignition

120Main Menu

...Climate Control System . 122...Fully-automatic Operation . 124...Semi-automatic Operation . 125...Fully-automatic Operation

The automatic climate controlsystem in your Acura picks theproper combination of air condi-tioning, heating, and ventilation tomaintain the interior t

Climate Control SystemComfort and Convenience Features123PPAASSSSEENNGGEERR’’SS--SSIIDDEE VVEENNTTOOppeennCClloosseeMain MenuTable of Contents

Pressing the OFF button shuts theclimate control system completelyoff. Keep the system completely offonly for short periods. To keep staleair and must

CONTINUEDYou can manually select variousfunctions of the Climate Controlsystem when it is in FULL AUTO.All other features remain auto-matically contro

You can manually select the fanspeedbyturningthefancontroldial.When you turn the dial clockwise,the fan is taken out of automaticmode and starts to ru

Keeping your doors locked reducesthechanceofbeingthrownoutofthe car during a crash. It also helpsprevent occupants from accidentallyopening a door and

CONTINUEDThe main air flow is dividedbetween the dashboard vents andthe floor vents.The main air flow is dividedbetween the floor vents and de-froster

The button directs the mainair flow to the windshield for fasterdefrosting. It also overrides anyMODE selection you may have made.When you select , th

▲▼To put the Automatic ClimateControl in fully-automatic mode,press the AUTO button. Theindicator in the button will light.Then set the desired temper

You can manually select variousfunctions of the Climate Controlsystem when it is in FULL AUTO.All other features remainautomatically controlled. Some

CONTINUEDThis button controls the source ofthe air going into the system. Whenthe indicator in this button is lit, airfrom the car’s interior is sentt

The main air flow is dividedbetween the dashboard vents andthe floor vents.The main air flow is dividedbetween the floor vents and de-froster vents at

The button directs the mainair flow to the windshield for fasterdefrosting. It also overrides anyMODE selection you may have made.When you select , th

Theclimatecontrolsystemhastwosensors. A sunlight sensor is locatedin the top of the dashboard and atemperature sensor is next to thesteering column. D

＊＊Your Acura’s audio system providesclear reception on both AM and FMbands, while the preset buttons allowyou to easily select your favoritestations.T

−−○○−−＋Use the TUNE knob totune the radio to a desired frequency.Turn the TUNE knob to the right totune to a higher frequency, or to theleft to tune t

All adults, and children who haveoutgrown child safety seats, arewearing their seat belts andwearingthemproperly(seepage).Any infant or small child is

−The preset frequencies will be lost ifyour car’s battery goes dead, isdisconnected, or the radio fuse isremoved.Once a station’s frequency is stored,

− If you aretraveling far from home and can nolonger receive the stations youpreset, you can use the Auto Selectfeature to find stations in the locala

−−Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader areeach adjustable. You select which ofthese you want to adjust by pressingthe TUNE knob. The mode changesfromBASto

You can use the instrument panelbrightness control dial to adjust the il-lumination of the audio system (seepage ). The audio systemilluminates when t

Radio signals, especially on the FMband, are deflected by large objectssuch as buildings and hills. Yourradio then receives both the directsignal from

▲The ignition switch must be inACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).Make sure the tape opening on thecassette is facing to the right, theninsert the cassette most

−CONTINUEDWith a cassette playing, you can usethe FF, REW, SKIP, or REPEATfunction to find a desired program.Fast Forward andRewind move the tape rapi

−○○○○−＋−＋The SKIP function allowsyou to find the beginning of a songor passage. To skip to the beginningof a song or passage currentlyplaying, push th

− The Repeat functioncontinuously replays the currentsong or passage. Press the RPTbutton to activate it; you will see RPTdisplayed as a reminder. Whe

The cassette player picks up dirt andoxides from the tape. This contami-nation builds up over time andcauses the sound quality to degrade.To prevent t

The following pages provideinstructions on how to properlyprotect the driver and other adultoccupants.These instructions also apply tochildren who hav

CONTINUEDYour Acura’s audio system has an in-dash CD changer that holds up to sixdiscs, providing several hours ofcontinuous entertainment. Youoperate

To load multiple CDs in oneoperation:Press and hold the Load buttonuntil you hear a beep and see‘‘____’’inthedisplay,thenrelease the button.On the lef

CONTINUEDIf you press the Load button while aCD is playing, the system will stopplaying that CD and start the loadingsequence. It will then play the C

−−−○○○○＋−＋−Select the CD changer by pressingthe CD button. You will see ‘‘Cd’’ inthe display. The system will beginplaying the last selected disc in t

CONTINUEDTo take the system out of CD mode,press the AM or FM button, or inserta cassette in the player. If a tape isalready in the cassette player, p

To remove the disc that is currentlyplaying, press the Eject button. Youwill see ‘‘EJEC’’ in the display. Whenyou remove the disc from the slot,the sy

If you press the Eject button whilelistening to the radio or tape, or withthe audio system turned off, the discthat was last selected is ejected.After

Never try to insert foreign objects inthe CD player or the magazine.A new CD may be rough on theinner and outer edges. The smallplastic pieces causing

If you see an error indication in thedisplay while operating the CDchanger, find the cause in the chartto the right. If you cannot clear theerror indi

▲▼Two controls for the audio systemare mounted in the steering wheelhub. These let you control basicfunctions without removing yourhand from the wheel

Any driver who sits too close to thesteering wheel is at risk of beingseriously injured or killed by strikingthe steering wheel or from beingstruck by

You will have to store your favoritestations in the Preset buttons afterthe system begins working. Youroriginal settings were lost whenpower was disco

The security system helps to protectyour car and valuables from theft.The horn sounds and a combinationof headlights, parking lights, sidemarker light

Cruise control allows you to maintainasetspeedabove25mph(40km/h)without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. It should be usedfor cruising on st

Press and release the SET/decelbuttononthesteeringwheel.TheCRUISE CONTROL light on theinstrument panel comes on toshow the system is now activated.You

You can decrease the set cruisingspeed in any of these ways:Press and hold the SET/decelbutton. The car will decelerate.Release the button when yourea

Pressing the Cruise Control MasterSwitch turns the system completelyoff and erases the previous cruisingspeed from memory. To use thesystem again, ref

The HomeLink UniversalTransceiver built into your car canbe programmed to operate remotely-controlled devices around your home,such as garage doors, l

−If you are training the second orthird buttons, go directly to Step 1.Unplug the garage door openermotor from the house current.Before you can use Ho

CONTINUEDCanadian Owners:The remote control you are trainingfrom may stop transmitting after twoseconds. This is not long enough forHomeLink to learn

−−Itmaybehelpfultohavesomeoneassist you with this procedure.Find the ‘‘Training’’ button on yourgarage door opener unit. Thelocation will vary, depend

See page for how to adjust seat-backs.A front passenger should also adjustthe seat-back to an upright position,but as far from the dashboard aspossibl

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not

Press this button to contact anOnStar advisor. You will hear achime, followed by theannouncement, ‘‘Connecting toOnStar.’’ The connection should take2

−−−−To cancel these retries, press theCall Answer/End (DOT) button.A microphone is located in the baseoftherearviewmirrorsoyoucanspeak to the advisor

−−−−−−−The OnStar system uses the GlobalPositioning System (GPS) to locateyour vehicle whenever you place acall. This allows the advisor toquickly con

−−−−−−CONTINUEDTo sign up for Personal Calling,press the OnStar button in yourvehicle, and notify the advisor thatyou’d like to sign up. The advisor w

−−−−The OnStar system can store up totwenty 32-digit telephone numbers inits memory. When you store thesenumbers in its memory, you giveeach one a nam

−−＜＞＜＞−To store atelephone number and its nametag inthe system:Press the DOT button.OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’Say ‘‘Store.’’OnStar will respo

＜＞＜＞−＜＞＜＞Say the nametag for the numberyou want to delete.OnStar will respond with ‘‘Deletenametag , Yes or No.’’Say ‘‘Yes.’’OnStar will respond with

−Although Virtual Advisor canprovide information on manysubjects, you can set up acustomized profile with OnStar thatmakes it easier to get informatio

You make up and provide yourPersonal Identification Number(PIN) when you establish youraccount with OnStar. You shouldwrite down your PIN and keep itw

CONTINUEDInsert the latch plate into the buckle,then tug on the belt to make sure thebelt is securely latched. Also checkthat the belt is not twisted,

Before you begin driving your Acura,youshouldknowwhatgasolinetouse, and how to check the levels ofimportant fluids. You also need toknow how to proper

During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapidacceleration.Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakesneed to be broken-in by moderateuse for the first 200 mi

Open the fuel fill door by pullingonthehandletotheleftofthedriver’s seat.Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.You may hear a hissing sound aspressure insid

Shift to Park or Neutral and setthe parking brake. Pull the hoodrelease handle located under thelower left corner of the dashboard.The hood will pop u

CONTINUEDIf you can open the hood withoutsliding the hood latch handle, or thehood latch handle moves stiffly ordoes not spring back as before, themec

Remove the dipstick again andcheck the level. It should bebetween the upper and lowermarks.If it is near or below the lower mark,see on page .Insert i

Look at the coolant level in theradiator reserve tank. Make sure it isbetween the MAX and MIN lines. Ifit is below the MIN line, seeon page forinforma

A cold engine uses more fuel than awarm engine. It is not necessary to‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting itidle for a long time. You can driveaway i

Modifying your car, or installingsome non-Acura accessories, canmake your car unsafe. Before youmake any modifications or add anyaccessories,besuretor

Covering the outside edge of afront seat-back, with a non-Acuraseat cover for example, couldprevent the airbag from inflatingproperly.If a side airbag

See page for additionalinformation about your seat beltsystem and how to take care of yourbelts.If a seat belt does not seem to workas it should, it m

＊＊＊＊Your car has several convenientstorage areas so you can stow cargosafely.The glove box, and the pockets inthe doors and seat-backs, aredesigned fo

Store or secure all items that couldbe thrown around and hurtsomeone during a crash.Be sure items placed on the floorbehind the front seats cannot rol

If you carry large items thatprevent you from closing the trunklid, exhaust gas can enter thepassenger area. To avoid thepossibility of carbon monoxid

190Main Menu

This section gives you tips onstarting the engine under variousconditions, and how to operate theautomatic transmission. It alsoincludes important inf

Make sure all windows, mirrors,and outside lights are clean andunobstructed. Remove frost, snow,or ice.Check that the hood and trunk arefully closed.C

Apply the parking brake.In cold weather, turn off allelectrical accessories to reducethe drain on the battery.Push the clutch pedal down all theway. S

The manual transmission is synchro-nizedinallforwardgearsforsmoothoperation. It has a lockout so youcannot shift directly from Fifth toReverse instead

Drive in the highest gear that letsthe engine run and acceleratesmoothly. This will give you the bestfuel economy and effective emis-sions control. Th

With the clutch pedal depressed,move the shift lever to the First/Second gear side of the Neutralgate, then shift to Reverse.If you are still unable t

This Owner’s Manual should be considered apermanent part of the car, and should remainwith the car when it is sold.This Owner’s Manual covers all mode

Adjust the steering wheel, if needed,so that the wheel points toward yourchest, not toward your face.See page for how to adjust thesteering wheel.Poin

Your Acura’s transmission has fiveforward speeds, and is electronicallycontrolled for smoother shifting. Italso has a ‘‘lock-up’’ torque converterforb

The shift lever has nine positions. Itmust be in Park or Neutral to startthe engine. When you are stopped inD,D,D,2,1,N,R,ortheSequential SportShift m

− −−−This position mechani-cally locks the transmission. UsePark whenever you are turning off orstarting the engine. To shift out ofPark, you must pre

−−−＋＋−−Use Neutral if youneed to restart a stalled engine, or ifit is necessary to stop briefly withthe engine idling. Shift to Park posi-tion if you

→→→→When you accelerate away from astop, the transmission will start infirst gear and then automaticallyupshift to second gear. You have tomanually up

−−→→→→→→＊＊＊＊＊＊If the car speed slows to below theredline of the selected lower gearposition while the indicator isflashing, the transmission willdowns

−−ForfasteraccelerationwheninD,D or D , you can get thetransmission to automaticallydownshift by pushing the acceleratorpedal to the floor. The transm

If you need to use the Shift LockRelease, it means your car isdeveloping a problem. Have the carchecked by your Acura dealer.This allows you to move t

−Make sure the moonroof and thewindows are closed.Place any packages, valuables, etc.,in the trunk or take them with you.Turn off the lights.Lockthedo

Your Acura is equipped with discbrakes at all four wheels. A powerassist helps reduce the effort neededon the brake pedal. The ABS helpsyou retain ste

Because protecting the mother is thebest way to protect her unborn child,a pregnant woman should alwayswear a seat belt whenever she drivesor rides in

this defeats thepurpose of the ABS. Let the ABSwork for you by always keeping firm,steady pressure on the brake pedalas you steer away from the hazard

＊＊＊＊such as trying to take acorner too fast or making a suddenlane change. Always drive at a safe,prudent speed for the road andweather conditions.Alw

Your Acura is equipped with aTraction Control System (TCS) toassist you in maintaining tractionwhile driving slowly on loose orslippery surfaces. The

If the brakes overheat while TCS isactivating, the TCS indicator willstop flashing and stay on temporarily.This indicates that TCS has turnedoff. Afte

This indicator will come on alongwith the ABS indicator if there is aproblem in the anti-lock brakesystem (see on page).The TCS indicator may occasion

The VSA system cannot enhance thecar’s driving stability in all situationsand does not control your vehicle’sentire braking system. It is still yourre

If the VSA indicator comes on whiledriving, pull to the side of the roadwhen it is safe and turn off theengine. Reset the system byrestarting the engi

VSA is turned on every time youstart the engine, even if you turned itoff the last time you drove the car.Driving with varying tire or wheelsizes may

− Exercise extra caution when drivingin rain after a long dry spell. Aftermonths of dry weather, the firstrains bring oil to the surface of theroadway

−−Being able to seeclearly in all directions and beingvisible to other drivers are importantin all weather conditions. This ismore difficult in bad we

If they do, theycould be very seriously injured in acrash.Carrying hard or sharpobjects on your lap, or driving witha pipe or other sharp object inyou

Your Acura has been designedprimarily to carry passengers andtheir cargo. You can use it to tow atrailer if you carefully observe theload limits, use

The total weight of the vehicle, alloccupants, all cargo, and thetongue load must not exceed:The total weight of the vehicle, alloccupants, all cargo,

Always use safety chains. Make surethey are secured to both the trailerand hitch, and that they cross underthe tongue so they can catch thetrailer if

Your car has a trailer lightingconnector located in the trunk by theleft taillight. To use the connector,undo the fastener and unscrew thecargo net mo

Your vehicle tires and spare areproperly inflated (see page ),and the trailer tires and spare areinflated as recommended by thetrailer maker.When prep

−−−−The added weight, length, andheight of a trailer will affect yourvehicle’s handling and performance,so driving with a trailer requiressome special

Crosswinds and air turbulencecaused by passing trucks can disruptyour steering and cause trailerswaying. When being passed by alarge vehicle, keep a c

224Main Menu

If you have the skills and tools to per-form more complex maintenancetasks on your Acura, you may wantto purchase the Service Manual. Seepage for info

Some of the most important safetyprecautions are given here. However,we cannot warn you of everyconceivable hazard that can arise inperforming mainten

Children depend on adults to protectthem. However, despite their bestintentions, many parents and otheradults may not know how toprotect young passeng

Be surethere is adequate ventilationwhenever you operate the engine.Let theengine and exhaust system coolbefore touching any parts.Donot run the engin

The Maintenance Schedule specifieshow often you should have your carserviced and what things needattention. It is essential that you haveyour car serv

＃U.S. Vehicles:According to state and federalregulations, failure to performmaintenance on the items markedwith will not void your emissionswarranties

−＃＃＃Follow the Normal ConditionsMaintenance Schedule if thesevere driving conditionsspecified in the SevereConditions MaintenanceSchedule do not apply

−−□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□＃＃＃Maintenance231U.S. OwnersCanadian OwnersA, B, CABCRefer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance

−−＊＊＃＃＊＊＃＃Follow the Severe ConditionsMaintenance Schedule if youdrive your car underone or more of the followingconditions:Driving less than 5 miles

−−□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□＊＊＃＊＊＃＃＊＊＊＊＃CONTINUEDMaintenance233U.S. OwnersCanadian OwnersA, B, C, DABCDRefer to page to determine which schedule to use

□□□□□□□□□□□□＊＊＊＃＊＊＊Maintenance234Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.See timin

CONTINUEDMaintenanceRequired Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)2353,750 mi7,500 mi11,250 mi15,000 mi18,750 mi22,500 mi26,250 mi30,00

MaintenanceRequired Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)23663,750 mi67,500 mi71,250 mi75,000 mi78,750 mi82,500 mi86,250 mi90,000 mi93,

During acrash, the belt could press deepinto the child and cause veryserious injuries.According to accident statistics,children of all ages and sizes

−−−−−−−Engine oil level Check everytime you fill the fuel tank. Seepage .Engine coolant level Check theradiator reserve tank every timeyou fill the fu

Fluid LocationsMaintenance238EENNGGIINNEE OOIILL DDIIPPSSTTIICCKK((OOrraannggee lloooopp))WWAASSHHEERR FFLLUUIIDD((BBlluuee ccaapp))PPOOWWEERR SSTTEEE

CONTINUEDTo add oil, unscrew and remove theengine oil fill cap on top of the valvecover. Pour in the oil, and install theengine oil fill cap. Tighten

The oil’s viscosity or weight isprovided on the container’s label.Select the oil for your vehicleaccording to this chart.5W-20 oil is formulated for y

Always change the oil and filteraccordingtothetimeanddistance(miles/kilometers) recommenda-tions in the maintenance schedule.The oil and filter collec

Let the engine run for severalminutes and check the drain boltand oil filter for leaks.Turn off the engine, let it sit forseveral minutes, then check

If the coolant level in the reservetank is at or below the MIN line, addcoolant to bring it up to the MAX line.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.Th

Put the radiator cap back on.Tighten it fully.The coolant level should be up tothe base of the filler neck. Addcoolant if it is low.Remove the radiato

CONTINUEDTurn the ignition ON (II). Turnthe heater temperature controldial to maximum heat (climatecontrol to 90°F/32°C). Turn offthe ignition. Open t

Install a rubber hose on the drainbolt at the rear of the enginecylinder block. Loosen the drainbolt.Before removing the reserve tank,remove the cruis

Front airbags have been designed tohelp protect adults in a moderate tosevere frontal collision. To do this,the passenger’s front airbag is quitelarge

CONTINUEDFill the reserve tank to the MAXmark. Install the reserve tank cap.When the coolant stops draining,tightenthedrainplugatthebottom of the radi

Install the radiator cap, andtighten it to the first stop.Start the engine and let it run untilthe radiator cooling fan comes onat least twice. Then s

Fill the reservoir with a good-qualitywindshield washer fluid. Thisincreases the cleaning capability andprevents freezing in cold weather.Check the le

If the level is below the lowermark, remove the fill plug and addfluid to bring it to the upper mark.Always use Honda ATF-Z1(Automatic Transmission Fl

The transmission should be drainedand refilled with new fluid accordingto the time and distance recommen-dations in the maintenance schedule.If you ar

The fluid level should be betweentheMINandMAXmarksonthesideof the reservoir. If the level is at orbelow the MIN mark, your brakesystem needs attention

Always use Honda Power SteeringFluid. If it is not available, you mayuse another power steering fluid asan emergency replacement.However, continued us

Clean the hood latch assembly with amild cleaner, then lubricate it with amultipurpose grease. Lubricate allthe moving parts (as shown),including the

Loosen the two bolts with aPhillips-head screwdriver. Removethe air cleaner housing cover bylifting and pivoting it out of theloops.Remove the old air

The spark plugs in your car are aspecial platinum-tipped design forlonger life. The spark plugs shouldbe replaced according to the timeand distance re

To remind you of the passenger’sfront airbag hazards, and thatchildren must be properly restrainedin the back seat, your car haswarninglabelsonthedash

Use a wrench to remove thehexagonsocketheadcapboltholding the ignition coil. Removethe ignition coil by pulling itstraight out.Torque the spark plug.

＋−＋−Install the ignition coil. Reinstallthe hexagon socket head cap bolt.Push the wire connector onto theignition coil. Make sure it locks inplace.Rep

Check the battery condition bylooking at the test indicator windowon the battery.The label on the battery explains thetest indicator’s colors.Check th

−Check the battery terminals forcorrosion (a white or yellowishpowder). To remove it, cover theterminals with a solution of bakingsoda and water. It w

If your car’s battery is disconnectedor goes dead, all stored drivingpositions will be lost. To store thedriving positions again, see thestoringproced

−Check the condition of the wiperblades at least every six months.Look for signs of cracking in therubber, or areas that are gettinghard. Replace the

Remove the blade from its holderby grasping the tabbed end of theblade. Pull firmly until the tabscome out of the holder.Examine the new wiper blades.

Run the air conditioning at least oncea week during the cold weathermonths. Run it for at least tenminutes while you are driving at asteady speed with

−−This filter should be replaced every30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-mal conditions. It should be replacedevery 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if youdri

−− We recommend that you visuallycheck your tires every day. If youthink a tire might be low, check itimmediately with a tire gauge.To safely operate

Many parents say they prefer to putan infant or small child in the frontpassenger seat so they can watch thechild, or because the child requiresattent

Use a gauge to measure the airpressure at least once a month. Eventires that are in good condition maylose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1to 0.2 kgf

Every time you check inflation, youshould also examine the tires fordamage, foreign objects, and wear.Youshouldlookfor:Bumps or bulges in the tread or

In addition to proper inflation,correct wheel alignment helps todecrease tire wear. If you find a tireis worn unevenly, have your dealercheck the whee

When shopping for replacementtires, you may find that some tiresare ‘‘directional.’’ This means theyare designed to rotate only in onedirection. If yo

＋Tires that are marked ‘‘M S’’ or‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have anall-weather tread design. Theyshould be suitable for most winterdriving conditi

If you mount snow tires on yourAcura, make sure they are radialtires of the same size and load rangeas the original tires. Mount snowtiresonallfourwhe

Check the operation of your car’sexterior lights at least once a month.A burned out bulb can create anunsafe condition by reducing yourcar’s visibilit

Check the following:Headlights (low and high beam)Parking lightsTaillightsBrake lightsHigh-mount brake lightTurn signalsBack-up lightsHazard light fun

Halogen bulbs are used for the highbeam headlight bulbs. Whenreplacing a high beam headlight bulb,handle it by its base and protect theglass from cont

Push the electrical connector backonto the bulb. Make sure it is onall the way.Turn on the headlights to test thenew bulb.(Driver’s side)Reinstall the

Childrenuptoaboutoneyear old should be restrained in arear-facing, reclining child seat. Onlya rear-facing seat provides theproper support to protect

If you are changing the bulb onthe driver’s side, start the engine,turn the steering wheel all the wayto the right, and turn off theengine. If you are

Open the trunk.Pull the bulb straight out of itssocket.Push the new bulb straight intothe socket until it bottoms.Reinstall the socket into the lighta

Open the trunk and remove thesocket from the light assembly byturning it one-quarter turn counter-clockwise.Reinstall the socket. Turn itclockwise unt

The courtesy lights in the doors androof come apart the same way. Theydo not use the same type of bulb.Removethelensbycarefullyprying on the edge of t

Door light:Pry on the top middle of the lens.Ceiling light:Pry on the front edge of the lensnear both sides.Spotlights:Pry on the front edge in front

Open the trunk. Pull down thetrunk light cover.Remove the bulb by pulling itstraight out of its metal tabs.Push the new bulb into the metaltabs.Push t

Block the rear wheels.Fill the fuel tank.Change the engine oil and filter(see page ).Wash and dry the exteriorcompletely.Cleantheinterior.Makesurethec

284Main Menu

Regular cleaning and polishing ofyour Acura helps to keep it ‘‘new’’looking. This section gives you hintson how to clean your car andpreserve its appe

When you have washed and rinsedthe whole exterior, dry it with achamois or soft towel. Letting itair-dry will cause dulling and waterspots.Fill a buck

Before purchasing a child seat, werecommend that parents test thechild seat in the specific vehicleseating position (or positions) wherethey intend to

−−You should use a quality liquid orpaste wax. Apply it according to theinstructions on the container. Ingeneral, there are two types ofproducts:Waxes

Vacuum the carpeting frequently toremove dirt. Ground-in dirt will makethe carpet wear out faster.Periodically shampoo the carpet tokeep it looking ne

If your seat belts get dirty, you canuse a soft brush with a mixture ofmild soap and warm water to cleanthem. Do not use bleach, dye, orcleaning solve

Dirt build-up in the loops of the seatbelt anchors can cause the belts toretract slowly. Wipe the insides ofthe loops with a clean clothdampened in mi

Repair chips and scratches in thepaint as soon as you discover them.Inspect and clean out the drainholes in the bottom of the doorsand body.Check the

Make sure the repair facility usesAcura replacement body parts. Somecompanies make sheet metal piecesthat seem to duplicate the originalAcura body par

This section covers the more-common problems that motoristsexperience with their vehicles. Itgives you information about how tosafely evaluate the pro

Thecompactsparetirehasashortertread life than a regular tire. Replaceit when you can see the tread wearindicator bars. The replacementshould be the sa

If you have a flat tire while driving,stop in a safe place to change it.Stopping in traffic or on the shoulderof a busy road is dangerous. Driveslowly

Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2turn with the wheel wrench.Turn the jack’s end bracketcounterclockwise to loosen it, thenremove the jack.The jack is beh

As you read this manual, you willfind information that is preceded bya symbol. Thisinformation is intended to help youavoid damage to your Acura, othe

If a small child must ride in thefront, follow the instructionsprovided in this section.This page briefly summarizes Acura’srecommendations on where t

△CONTINUEDRemove the wheel nuts and flattire. Temporarily place the flat tireon the ground with the outsidesurface of the wheel facing up.You could sc

Lowerthecartothegroundandremove the jack.Put on the spare tire. Put thewheel nuts back on finger-tight,then tighten them in a crisscrosspattern with t

CONTINUEDRemove the center cap beforestoring the flat tire in the trunkwell.Place the flat tire face down in thespare tire well.Tighten the wheel nuts

Store the jack in its holder. Turnthe jack’s end bracket to lock it inplace. Replace the cover. Store thetools.Diagnosing why your engine won’tstart f

When you turn the ignition switch toSTART (III), you do not hear thenormal noise of the engine trying tostart. You may hear a clicking soundor series

In this case, the starter motor’sspeed sounds normal, or even fasterthan normal, when you turn theignition switch to START (III), butthe engine does n

If your car’s battery has run down,you may be able to start the engineby using a booster battery. Althoughthis seems like a simple procedure,you shoul

−＋＋Connect the second jumper cableto the negative ( ) terminal onthe booster battery. Connect theother end to the grounding strapas shown. Do not conn

If the booster battery is in anothervehicle, have an assistant startthat vehicle and run it at a fast idle.The numbers in the illustration showyou the

If you see steam and/or spraycoming from under the hood, turnoff the engine.If you do not see steam or spray,leave the engine running andwatch the tem

After selecting a proper child seat,and a good position to install the seat,there are three main steps ininstalling the seat:Make sure the child is pr

If the temperature gauge stays atthe red mark, turn off the engine.Wait until you see no more signsof steam or spray, then open thehood.If you don’t f

Start the engine and watch the oilpressure indicator. If the lightdoes not go out within ten seconds,turn off the engine. There is amechanical problem

By eliminating as much of theelectrical load as possible, you candrive several miles (kilometers)before the battery is too dischargedto keep the engin

If the indicator remains on past threedriving trips, or the fuel cap was notloose or missing, have the carchecked by the dealer as soon aspossible. Dr

Your car has certain ‘‘readinesscodes’’ that are part of the on-boarddiagnostics for the emissionssystems. In some states, part of theemissions testin

＊＊＊＊If you must drive the car a shortdistance in this condition, driveslowly and cautiously.If it comes on at any other time, itindicates a problem wi

If the electric motor will not closethe moonroof, do the following:Check the fuse for the moonroofmotor (see page ). If the fuseis blown, replace it w

All the electrical circuits in your carhave fuses to protect them from ashort circuit or overload. Thesefuses are located in three fuse boxes.Theinter

−Check each of the large fuses inthe under-hood fuse box bylooking through the top at the wireinside. Removing these fusesrequires a Phillips-head scr

Look for a burned wire inside thefuse. If it is burned, replace it withoneofthesparefusesofthesamerating or lower.If the replacement fuse of thesame r

Only a rear-facing child seat providesproper support for a baby’s head,neck, and back. Infants up to aboutone year of age must be restrained ina rear-

−−＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊CONTINUEDAmps. Circuits ProtectedNo.No. Amps. Circuits Protected20 A30 A120 A30 A20 A15 A30 A15 A20 A20 A20 A20 ACooling FanCooling FanBa

＊＊＊−−←← →→＊＊＊Circuits ProtectedAmps.No. Amps.No. Circuits ProtectedFuel PumpMain SRSHeater Control, A/C ClutchRelay, Cooling Fan RelayMirror, Heated S

−No. Amps. Circuits Protected12320 A20 AVSA F/S RelayVSA Throttle MotorNot UsedOn Type-S with A/TFusesTaking Care of the Unexpected319VSA FUSE BOXMain

−−−There are three popular types ofprofessional towing equipment.If your car needs to be towed, call aprofessional towing service or, if youbelong to

If you decide to tow your car with allfour wheels on the ground, makesure you use a properly-designed andattached tow bar. Prepare the car fortowing a

322Main Menu

Thediagramsinthissectiongiveyou the dimensions and capacities ofyour Acura, and the locations of theidentification numbers. It alsoincludes informatio

Your car has several identifyingnumbers located in various places.The Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) is the 17-digit number yourAcura dealer uses

The Transmission Number is on alabel on top of the transmission.The Engine Number is stamped intothe engine block. It is on the frontleft.Identificati

−−＊＊＊＊Technical InformationSpecifications326DimensionsWeightsAir ConditioningCapacities4.2 US qt (4.0 , 3.5 Imp qt)192.0 in (4,877 mm)70.6 in (1,793 m

With the child seat in the desiredback seating position, route thebelt through the child seataccording to the seat maker’sinstructions, then insert th

−＊＊＊＊−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−＊＊＊＊＊＊Technical InformationSpecifications327EngineTiresAlignmentLightsBatteryFuses12 V12 V60 W (HB3)24/2.2 CP12 V12 V27/8 W21/5 W

−The treadwear grade is a compara-tive rating based on the wear rate ofthe tire when tested under controlledconditions on a specified governmenttest c

− Warning: The temperature grade forthis tire is established for a tire thatis properly inflated and not over-loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-tion

Some conventional gasolines arebeing blended with alcohol or anether compound. These gasolinesare collectively referred to asoxygenated fuels. To meet

If you are planning to take yourAcura outside the U.S. or Canada,contact the tourist bureaus in theareas you will be traveling in to findout about the

＊＊The United States Clean Air Actsets standards for automobileemissions. It also requires thatautomobile manufacturers explain toowners how their emis

The exhaust emissions controlsinclude four systems: PGM-FI,Ignition Timing Control, ExhaustGas Recirculation and Three WayCatalytic Converter. These f

Always use unleaded gasoline.Even a small amount of leadedgasoline can contaminate thecatalyst metals, making the threeway catalytic converter ineffec

CONTINUEDIf you take your vehicle for a stateemissions test shortly after thebattery has been disconnected orgone dead, it may not pass the test.This

If the testing facility determines thereadiness codes are still not set, seeyour Acura dealer.Then drive in city/suburbantraffic for at least 10 minut

After confirming that the belt islocked, grab the shoulder part ofthe belt near the buckle and pullup to remove any slack from thelap part of the belt

Customer Relations...Information . 338...Warranty Coverages . 339Reporting Safety Defects...

When you call or write, please giveus this information:Acura dealership personnel aretrained professionals. They shouldbe able to answer all your ques

−−−−−−−−−a seatbelt that fails to function properly iscoveredfortheusefullifeofthevehicle.providescoverageforaslongasthepur-chaser of the muffler owns

To contact NHTSA, you may eithercall the Auto Safety Hotline toll-freeat 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 inWashington D.C. area) or write to:NHTSA, U.S. D

＊＊＊−−−−＊２００３ＡＣＵThe following publications covering the operation andservicing of your vehicle can be obtained from HelmIncorporated, either by filling

−−−ＳＨＩＰＴＯＰＡＹＭＥＮＴThis manual complements the Service Manual byproviding in-depth troubleshooting information for eachelectrical circuit in your vehicle

CONTINUED...Accessories and Modifications . 185...Accessories . 185.Additional Safety Precautions . 186...

＊Bulb Replacement...Back-up Lights . 278...Brake Lights . 278...Front Side Marker Lights . 277.

CONTINUED...Dashboard . 2, 56...Daytime Running Lights . 71...Defects, Reporting Safety . 340...

...Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 275...Hazard Warning Flashers . 75Headlights...Aiming . 275Auto

In either case, we recommend thatyou place the child seat directlybehind the front passenger seat,move the front seat as far forward asneeded, and lea

CONTINUED...Identification Number, Vehicle . 324Ignition...Keys . 78...

...Meters, Gauges . 65...Methanol in Gasoline . 330...Mirrors, Adjusting . 98...

＊＊CONTINUEDReplacement Information...Air Cleaner Element . 254...Dust and Pollen Filter . 265...Engine

...SRS Indicator . 49, 61...START (Ignition Key Position) . 81...Starting the Engine . 193In Cold Weath

＊＊...Turn Signals . 72...Underside, Cleaning . 291Unexpected, Taking Care...

Service Information SummaryGasoline:Fuel Tank Capacity:Recommended Engine Oil:Tire Pressure (measured cold):SpareTirePressure:Automatic Transmission F

If it is necessary to put a forward-facing child seat in the front, movethe vehicle seat as far to the rear aspossible, be sure the child seat isfirml

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

After confirming that the belt islocked, grab the shoulder part ofthe belt near the buckle and pullup to remove any slack from thelap part of the belt

When a child reaches therecommended weight or height limitfor a forward-facing child seat, thechild should sit in the back seat on abooster and wear a

−−−−−−To help you make informeddecisions about safety, we haveprovided operating procedures andother information on labels and inthis manual. This inf

Devices intended to improveoccupant comfort or reposition theshoulder part of a seat belt, severelycompromise the protective capabilityof the seat bel

The back seat is the safest place fora child of any age or size.In addition, the passenger’s frontairbag poses serious risks to children.If the seat i

Of course, children vary widely. Andwhile age may be one indicator ofwhen a child can safely ride in thefront, there are other importantfactors you sh

Attach the attaching clip to thetether anchorage point as shown inthe illustration, then tighten thestrap according to the child seatmaker’s instructi

Your car is equipped with LATCH(Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren) at the outer rear seats.The lower anchors are locatedbetween the seat-back and

Follow the child seat maker’sinstructions for any additionaladvice on adjusting or tighteningthe fit.Attach the attaching clip to thetether anchor fit

This seat belt has a single belt thatgoes over your shoulder, across yourchest and across your hips.To unlock the belt, push the redPRESSbuttononthebu

If the shoulder part of the belt ispulled all the way out, the lockingmechanism will activate. The beltwill retract, but it will not allow thepassenge

For safety, you should check thecondition of your seat belts regularly.Pull each belt out fully and look forfrays, cuts, burns, and wear. Checkthat th

Your Supplemental Restraint System(SRS) includes:An indicator light on theinstrument panel that alerts you toa possible problem with thesystem (see pa

Your Car at a Glance2HHOOOODD RREELLEEAASSEEHHAANNDDLLEEAAUUDDIIOO SSYYSSTTEEMMCCLLIIMMAATTEE CCOONNTTRROOLLSSYYSSTTEEMMPPOOWWEERR WWIINNDDOOWWSSWWIIT

The total time for inflation anddeflation is approximately one-tenthof a second, so fast that mostoccupants are not aware that theairbags deployed unt

To get the best protection from theside airbags, front seat occupantsshould wear their seat belts and situpright and well back in their seats.Your car

If the light comes on at any othertime, or does not come on at all, youshould have the system checked byyour dealer. For example:If the SRS indicator

This light alerts you thatthe passenger’s side airbaghas been automatically shut off.If a small-statured adult leanssideways, or larger adult slouches

Your front and side airbag systemsare virtually maintenance-free, andthere are no parts you can safelyservice. However, you must haveyour car serviced

High levels of carbon monoxide cancollect rapidly in enclosed areas,such as a garage. Do not run theengine with the garage door closed.Even with the d

These labels are in the locationsshown. They warn you of potentialhazards that could cause seriousinjury. Read these labels carefully.If a label comes

54Main Menu

This section gives information aboutthe controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation ofyour Acura. All the essential controlsare within

Control LocationsInstruments and Controls56PPOOWWEERR WWIINNDDOOWWSSWWIITTCCHHEESSTTRRUUNNKK RREELLEEAASSEEBBUUTTTTOONNHHOOOODD RREELLEEAASSEE HHAANND

Your Car at a Glance3WWIINNDDSSHHIIEELLDD WWIIPPEERRSS//WWAASSHHEERRSSHHAAZZAARRDD WWAARRNNIINNGG LLIIGGHHTTSSHHOORRNNRREEAARR WWIINNDDOOWW DDEEFFOOGG

＊The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.Indicator LightsInstruments and Controls57＊＊＊＊PPrreemmi

＊The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.Indicator LightsInstruments and Controls58＊＊＊＊TTyyppee-

＊The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.Indicator LightsInstruments and Controls59＊＊＊＊TTyyppee-

This light has two functions:This indicator comes on when youturn the ignition switch ON (II). Itis a reminder to check the parkingbrake. Driving with

This indicator lights when you turnthe ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, itindicates that the passenger’s sideairbag has autom

If this light comes on and stays on atany other time, or it does not comeon when you turn the ignition switchON (II), there is a problem with theVSA s

This light comes on with the highbeam headlights. See page forinformation on the headlightcontrols.On Canadian models, this indicatorcomes on with red

This light comes on as a reminderthat you must refuel soon.If a brake light does not work, theindicator comes onwhen you push the brake pedal withthe

U.S. ModelsCanadian ModelsThis shows your speed in miles perhour (mph). The smaller innernumbers are the speed in kilometersper hour (km/h).This shows

The odometer shows the total dis-tance your car has been driven. Itmeasures miles in U.S. models andkilometers in Canadian models.It is illegal under

4Main Menu

This indicator displays the outsidetemperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.models, and in Centigrade inCanadian models.In certain weather conditions,temperat

−For the first 6,000 miles (9,600 km)after the Maintenance RequiredIndicator is reset, it will come on fortwo seconds when you turn theignition switch

＊＊＊Thetwoleversonthesteeringcolumn contain controls for drivingfeatures you use most often. The leftlever controls the turn signals,headlights, and hi

To change between low beams andhigh beams, pull the turn signal leveruntil you hear a click, then let go.The blue high beam indicator willlight (see p

The high beams will stay on for aslong as you hold the lever back, nomatter what position the headlightswitch is in.To flash the high beams, pull thet

Signal a turn or lane change with thislever. Push down on the lever tosignal a left turn, and up to signal aright turn. If you push it up or downall t

The right lever controls the wind-shield wipers and washers. Therotary switch at the end of the leverhas three positions;INT: intermittent: low speed:

To operate the wipers in mist mode,push the control lever down. Thewipers run at high speed until yourelease the lever. This gives you aquick way to c

The rear window defogger will clearfog, frost, and thin ice from thewindow. Push the defogger button toturn it on and off. The light in thebutton ligh

See page for important safetyinformation about how to properlyposition the steering wheel.17Make sure the rear window is clearand you have good visibi

This section gives you importantinformation about how to protectyourself and your passengers. Itshows you how to use seat beltsproperly. It explains y

To adjust the steering wheel upwardor downward:Push the lever under the steeringcolumn all the way down.Move the steering wheel to thedesired position

Your car comes with two masterkeys and a valet key.The master key fits all the locks onyour car:• Ignition• Doors• Trunk pass-through cover•Glovebox•

Your car also comes with two remotetransmitters; see page for anexplanation of the operation.The Immobilizer System protectsyour car from theft. A pro

The Immobilizer System indicatorwill also blink several times whenyou turn the ignition switch from ON(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).Do not attempt

−−−−You can insert orremove the key only in this position.To switch from ACCESSORY toLOCK, you must push the key inslightly as you turn it. The shift

Each door has a master door lockswitch. Either switch locks andunlocks both doors. Push the switchdown to lock both doors and up tounlock them.Each do

If you forget and leave the key in theignition switch, Lockout Preventionwill not allow you to lock the driver’sdoor. With the driver’s door openandth

Theremotetransmitterswillalsoactivate the Driving PositionMemory System (see page ).When you open the driver’s doorafter unlocking it with the remotet

CONTINUEDPanic mode will not activate if theignition switch is in the ON (II)position.Panic mode allows you to remotelyactivate your car’s security sy

−As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not

You’ll find many safetyrecommendations throughout thissection, and throughout this manual.Therecommendationsonthispageare the ones we consider to be t

Youcanopenthetrunkinthreeways:Press the trunk release button onthe driver’s door.Press and hold the trunk releasebutton on the remote transmitterfor a

To protect items in the trunk whenyou need to give the key to someoneelse:Disable the trunk release buttonon the driver’s door by turning offthe trunk

To open the trunk, push the releaselever to the left.As a safety feature, your car has arelease lever on the trunk latch sothe trunk can be opened fro

The glove box light comes on onlywhen the parking lights are on.Open the glove box by squeezing thehandle. Close it with a firm push.Lock or unlock th

−Pull up or push down on the front ofthe switch to move the seat bottom’sfront edge up or down. Pull up orpush down on the rear of the switchto move t

Pull the center of the horizontalswitch up to raise the seat. Push itdown to lower the seat.Adjust the seat-back angle bypushing the rear switch in th

−The seat adjustment switches are onthe outside edge of the seat bottom.Push the long horizontal switchforward or backward to move theseat bottom in t

To get into the rear seat, open thedoor and pull the release lever up onthesideoftheseat-back.Theseat-back will tilt forward and the entireseat will m

See page for important safetyinformation and a warning about how toproperly position the head restraints.15The front head restraints helpprotect you a

The lid of the console compartmentcanbeusedasanarmrestbymovingit forward and backward. Make surethe armrest is securely latched.The rear seat armrest