Acura 2003 TL - Owner's Manual User Manual

2003 TL 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

Not pressing a memory buttonwithin 5 seconds.You can select memorized positionsas follows.Make sure the parking brake is setand the shift lever is in

To stop the system’s automatic ad-justment;If desired, you can use theadjustment switches to change thepositions of the seat or outsidemirrors after t

The HI or LO indicator lights andremains lit until you turn it off bypushing the opposite side of theswitch lightly. The indicator will turnoff.In HI,

The driver’s door armrest has amaster power window control panel.To open any of the passenger’s win-dows, push down on the appropriateswitch and hold

−The master control panel also con-tains these extra features:The MAIN switch controls power tothe passenger’s window. With thisswitch off, the passen

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

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

To apply the parking brake, push theparking brake pedal down with yourfoot. To release the parking brake,push on the pedal again. The parkingbrake lig

You can use R to quickly set the timeto the nearest hour. If the displayedtime is before the half hour, pressingRsetstheclockbacktotheprevioushour. If

The coin box is located under theaudio system. To open the coin box,pull the bottom edge. Close it with afirm push.To open the console compartment,pul

In addition, most states and allCanadian provinces require you towear seat belts.When properly worn, seat belts:Keep you connected to the vehicleso yo

Small, lidded storage compartmentsare located in the armrest of thefront passenger’s door, and in thearmrests of both rear doors. To opena compartment

The rear seat also has a beverageholder in the center armrest. To useit, pivot the armrest down.To open the beverage holder, pushon the button. The be

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

Some larger styles of sunglassesmay not fit in the holder.To open the sunglasses holder, pushon the front edge. It will unlatch andswing down. To clos

The ceiling light has a three-positionswitch. In the OFF position, the lightdoes not come on. In the centerposition, the ceiling light comes onwhen yo

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

You can put a writing pad, pen, andsmall items in the inner box in thestoragetray.Liftthelidtousethetray.To reinstall the storage tray into thedashboa

114Main Menu

...Climate Control System . 116...Fully-automatic Operation . 118...Semi-automatic Operation . 119...Fully-automatic Operation

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

CONTINUEDYour car also has side airbags to helpprotect the upper torso of the driveror a front seat passenger during amoderate to severe side impact.T

Climate Control SystemComfort and Convenience Features117PPAASSSSEENNGGEERR’’SS--SSIIDDEE VVEENNTTRREEAARR VVEENNTTSS DDIIAALLTTAABBSSMain MenuTable o

The system automatically selects theproper mix of conditioned and/orheated air that will, as quickly aspossible, raise or lower the interiortemperatur

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

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

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

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

You can manually select the fanspeed by pressing any of the fancontrol icons.This button controls the source ofthe air going into the system. Whenthe

The main air flow comesfrom the dashboard vents.The main air flow is dividedbetween the dashboard vents andthe floor vents.The main air flow comesfrom

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

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

The ignition switch must be inACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) tooperate the audio system. Turn thesystem on by pressing the PWR/VOL knob, or the AM or FM but

−−−○○ −−＋To store a frequency:Select the desired band, AM orFM. FM1 and FM2 let you storetwo frequencies with each Presetbutton.Pick the Preset button

− 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

If you do not like the stations AutoSelect has stored, you can storeother frequencies in the presetbuttons. Use the TUNE, SEEK, orSCAN function to fin

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

CONTINUEDYour Acura’s radio can receive thecomplete AM and FM bands.Those bands cover these frequen-cies:AM band:530 to 1,710 kilohertzFM band:87.7 to

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

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

▲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

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

−○○○○−＋−＋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

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

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

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

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

To 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, pressthe T

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

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

Handle a CD by its edges; nevertouch either surface. Contaminationfrom fingerprints, liquids, felt-tippens, and labels can cause the CD tonot play pro

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

▲▼The top and bottom buttons adjustthevolumeup( )ordown( ).Press the proper button and hold ituntil the desired volume is reached,then release it.The

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

Once the security system is set,opening any door (without using thekey or the remote transmitter), orthe hood, will cause it to alarm. Italso alarms i

Accelerate to the desired cruisingspeedabove25mph(40km/h).Push in the Cruise Control MasterSwitch to the left of the steeringcolumn. The indicator in

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

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

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

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

The OnStar system in your vehiclegives you access to a wide range ofservices and information with thetouch of a button. An OnStar advisoris available

−−−−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 cont

−−−−−−The Luxury and Leisure planprovides all the benefits of the otherplans, and adds:An OnStar advisor can assist youwith purchasing theater tickets

− OnStar will respond with ‘‘Dialing’’andthenrepeatthecompletetelephone number. It will thenplace the telephone call.The OnStar Personal Calling plan

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

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

−＜＞−＜＞−＜＞＜＞To redialthe last telephone number youcalled:Press the DOT button.OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’Say ‘‘Redial.’’OnStar will respond wit

−＜＞＜＞To purchase moreunits of cellular air time:Press the DOT button.OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’Say ‘‘Units.’’OnStar will respond with ‘‘Verif

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

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

172Main Menu

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

Because the fuel fill cap is on thedriver’s side of the car, park withthat side closest to the servicestation pumps.Open the fuel fill door by pulling

Stop filling the tank after the fuelnozzle automatically clicks off. Donot try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank, leavesome room for the fuel to expandwith temp

Before driving, make sure everyonewith an adjustable head restraint hasproperly positioned the headrestraint. The restraint should bepositioned so the

CONTINUEDStanding in front of the car, putyour fingers under the front edgeof the hood to the right of center.Slide your hand to the left untilyou fee

Check the engine oil level every timeyou fill the car with fuel. Wait a fewminutes after turning the engine offbefore you check the oil.Remove the dip

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 .Look at

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

Be sure electronic accessories donot overload electrical circuits(see page ).If possible, have your dealer inspectthe final installation.Before instal

If a side airbaginflates,acupholderorotherhardobject attached on or near thedoor could be propelled inside thecar and hurt someone.Covering the outsid

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

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

Distribute cargo evenly on thefloor of the trunk, placing theheaviest items on the bottom andas far forward as possible.If you can carry any items on

186Main Menu

Position the lap part of the belt aslow as possible across your hips,then pull up on the shoulder part ofthe belt so the lap part fits snugly.This let

...Preparing to Drive . 188...Starting the Engine . 189Starting in Cold Weather...at High Al

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.Make sure the shift lever is inPark. Pre

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

CONTINUEDThe 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 Spo

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

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

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

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

− −These positionsare similar to D , except when youselect the D position, only the firstfour gears are selected. When youselect D , only the first th

This Owner’s Manual should be considereda permanent part of the car, and shouldremain with the car when it is sold.This Owner’s Manual covers all mode

To adjust the height of a front seatbelt anchor, press the release buttonand slide the anchor up or down asneeded (it has four positions).This could c

− With the lever in thisposition, the transmission locks inFirst gear.If you shift into First position whenthe vehicle speed is above 31 mph(50 km/h),

Insert a screwdriver in the ShiftLock Release slot.Push down on the screwdriver andmove the shift lever out of Park toNeutral.To release the Reverse L

−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.Always us

Put your foot on the brake pedal onlywhen you intend to brake. Restingyour foot on the pedal keeps thebrakes applied lightly, causing themto build up

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

＊＊＊＊it only helps with steeringcontrol during braking. You shouldalways maintain a safe followingdistance from other vehicles.such as trying to take a

When starting out or driving at lowspeeds on a loose or slippery roadsurface, you may notice that thevehicle does not respond to theaccelerator in the

You should still install winter tires onyour car during the winter. Makesure to use the same size originallysupplied with vehicle. Exercise thesamecau

If the TCS indicator comes on andstays on for more than 10 minuteswhile driving, pull to the side of theroad when it is safe and turn off theengine. R

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

Adjust the steering wheel, if needed,so that the wheel points toward yourchest, not toward your face.Pointing the steering wheel towardyour chest prov

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

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, thetongue load must not exceed:To achieve a proper tongue load,start by loading 60 percent o

Any hitch used on your vehicle mustbe properly bolted to the underbody.Towing can require a variety ofequipment, depending on the size ofyour trailer,

If you choose electric brakes, besure they are electronically actuated.Do not attempt to tap into yourvehicle’s hydraulic system. Nomatter how success

When preparing to tow, and beforedriving away, be sure to check thefollowing:The vehicle has been properlyserviced, and the tires, brakes,suspension,

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

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

Follow all normal precautions whenparking, including putting thetransmission in Park and firmlysetting the parking brake. Also, placewheel chocks at e

218Main Menu

This section also includesMaintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,a Maintenance Record, and instruc-tions for simple mai

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

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

The services and time or distanceintervals shown in the maintenanceschedule assume you will use yourvehicle as normal transportation forpassengers and

＃According to state and federalregulations, failure to performmaintenance on the items markedwith will not void your emissionswarranties. However, Acu

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

−−□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□＃＃＃Maintenance225U.S. OwnersCanadian OwnersA, B, C, DABCRefer 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 mile

If they do, theycould be very seriously injured in acrash.Devices intended to improveoccupant comfort or reposition theshoulder part of a seat belt ca

−−□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□＃＃＊＊＊＃＊＊CONTINUEDMaintenance227A, B, C, D, EU.S. OwnersCanadian OwnersABCDService at the indicated distance or time, whichev

□□□□□□□□□□□＊＊＊＃＊＊＊Maintenance228See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, lastcolumn, page .Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel sto

CONTINUEDMaintenanceRequired Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)2293,750 mi7,500 mi11,250 mi15,000 mi18,750 mi22,500 mi26,250 mi30,00

MaintenanceRequired Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)23063,750 mi67,500 mi71,250 mi75,000 mi78,750 mi82,500 mi86,250 mi90,000 mi93,

−−−−−−−Youshouldcheckthefollowingitems at the specified intervals. Ifyou are unsure of how to performany check, turn to the page given.Engine oil leve

MaintenanceFluid Locations232RRAADDIIAATTOORR CCAAPPEENNGGIINNEE OOIILLFFIILLLL CCAAPPEENNGGIINNEE OOIILL DDIIPPSSTTIICCKK((OOrraannggee lloooopp))WWA

To 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 it secure

You may use a synthetic motor oil ifit meets the same requirementsgiven for a conventional motor oil: itdisplays the API Certification Seal,and it is

CONTINUEDAlways change the oil and filteraccordingtothetimeanddistance(miles/kilometers) recommenda-tions in the maintenance schedule.The oil and filt

Open the hood and remove theengine oil fill cap. Remove the oildrain bolt and washer from thebottom of the engine. Drain the oilinto an appropriate co

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

Replace the engine oil fill cap.Start the engine. The oil pressureindicator light should go out withinfive seconds. If it does not, turn offthe engine

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

CONTINUEDTurn the radiator cap counter-clockwise, without pressing downon it, until it stops. This relievesany pressure remaining in thecooling system

Pour coolant into the reserve tank.Fill it to halfway between the MAXand MIN marks. Put the cap backon the reserve tank.Do not add any rust inhibitors

CONTINUEDRemove the reserve tank from itsholder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put thetank back in its holder.When the coolant stop

Tighten the drain bolt at the rearof the engine cylinder blocksecurely.Tightening torque:Pour Honda All SeasonAntifreeze/Coolant Type 2 intothe radiat

If necessary, fill the reserve tankto the MAX mark. Install thereserve tank cap.Install the radiator cap, andtighten it fully.Start the engine and hol

Check the fluid level with the engineat normal operating temperature.Park the car on level ground. Shutoff the engine.Remove the dipstick (yellow loop

Insert the dipstick all the way intothe transmission securely asshown in the illustration.Remove the dipstick and checkthe fluid level. It should bebe

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

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

Check the level when the engine iscold. Look at the side of thereservoir. The fluid should bebetween the UPPER LEVEL andLOWER LEVEL. If it is below th

The air cleaner element should becleaned or replaced according to thetime and distance recommendationsin the maintenance schedule.Loosen the two bolts

Carefully clean the inside of theair cleaner housing with a damprag.Align the tabs on the battery sideand reinstall the air cleanerhousing cover, then

Disconnect the wire connectorfrom the ignition coil by pushingon the lock tab and pulling on theconnector. Pull on the plasticconnector, not the wires

Put the new spark plug into thesocket, then screw it into the hole.Screw it in by hand so you do notcrossthread it.Torque the spark plug. (If you dono

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

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

−If the terminals are severely cor-roded, clean them with baking sodaand water. Then use a wrench toloosen and remove the cables fromthe terminals. Al

If your car’s battery is disconnectedor goes dead, the audio system willdisableitself.Thenexttimeyouturnon the radio you will see ‘‘ ’’ inthe frequenc

−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

CONTINUEDIfthe airbag inflates, it can hit the backof the child seat with enough forceto kill or very seriously injure aninfant.If the vehicle seat is

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

−−The timing belt should normally bereplaced at the intervals shown inthe maintenance schedule.Replace this belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)or 100,000 km (

We recommend that you visuallycheck your tires every day. If youthink a tire might be low, check itimmediately with a tire gauge.Use a gauge to measur

The following chart shows therecommended cold tire pressures formost normal driving conditions andspeeds. Tire pressures for highspeed driving are the

Your car’s tires have wear indicatorsmolded into the tread. When thetread wears down to that point, youwill see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wideband running

To help increase tire life anddistribute wear more evenly, youshould have the tires rotated every7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move thetires to the positio

Wheel:It is best to replace all four tires atthesametime.Ifthatisnotpossibleor necessary, then replace the twofront tires or the two rear tires as apa

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

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

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)Fog lightsParking lightsTaillightsBrake lightsTurn signalsBack-up lightsHazard light functionLicense

The low beam headlight bulbs are atype of high voltage discharge tube.High voltage can remain in thecircuit even with the light switch offand the key

Insert the new bulb into the holeand turn it one-quarter turn clock-wise to lock it in place.Push the electrical connector backonto the bulb. Make sur

Remove the burned out bulb fromthesocketbypushingitinandturning the bulb counterclockwiseuntil it unlocks.Install the new bulb in the socket.Turn it c

Insert the new bulb into the holeand turn it one-quarter turn clock-wise to lock it in place.Push the electrical connector ontothe new bulb. Turn on t

Determine which of the four bulbsis burned out: stop/taillights, turnsignal light, or back-up light.Remove the socket by turning itone-quarter turn co

Open the trunk and remove thesocket from the light assembly byturning it one-quarter turn counter-clockwise.Remove the burned-out bulb bypulling it st

CONTINUEDThe ceiling light, door light andvanity mirror light come apart thesame way, but they do not use thesame type of bulb.Remove the bulb by pull

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

Using this feature willprevent children from opening thedoors and accidentally falling out(see page ).Usingthis feature will prevent childrenfrom play

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

278Main 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

−−Always wash and dry the whole carbefore waxing it. You should waxyour car, including the metal trim,whenever water sits on the surfacein large patch

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

Vacuum dirt and dust out of thematerial frequently. For generalcleaning, use a solution of mild soapand lukewarm water, letting it air dry.To clean of

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

Leaving children withoutadult supervision is illegal in moststates and Canadian provinces,and can be very hazardous. Forexample, infants and smallchil

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

Turn the jack’s end bracketcounterclockwise to loosen it, thenremove the jack.The jack is behind a cover in theright fender. Remove the cover byturnin

CONTINUEDUse the extension and wheelwrench as shown to raise thevehicle until the flat tire is off theground.Locate the jacking point nearestthetireyo

Put on the spare tire. Put thewheel nuts back on finger-tight,then tighten them in a crisscrosspattern with the wheel wrenchuntil the wheel is firmly

Tighten the wheel nuts securely inthe same crisscross pattern. Havethe wheel nut torque checked atthe nearest automotive servicefacility.Tighten the w

Store the jack in its holder. Turnthe jack’s end bracket to lock it inplace. Replace the cover. Store thetools.Unclip the hook from the trunk lidand l

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

One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Acura is to readthis manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls andco

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

−＋＋CONTINUEDConnect the second jumper cableto the negative ( ) terminal onthe booster battery. Connect theother end to the grounding strapas shown. Do

Once your car is running, discon-nectthenegativecablefromyourcar, then from the booster battery.Disconnect the positive cable fromyour car, then the b

CONTINUEDThe pointer of your car’s tempera-ture gauge should stay in the mid-range under most conditions. It maygo higher if you are driving up a long

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.Look for any o

This indicator should light when theignition switch is ON (II), and go outafter the engine starts. It shouldnever come on when the engine isrunning. I

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

Youshouldalsohavethedealerinspect your car if this indicatorcomes on repeatedly, even though itmay turn off as you continue driving.If the indicator r

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

If it comes on at any other time, itindicates a problem with the car’sbrake system. In most cases, theproblem is a low fluid level in thebrake fluid r

Use a screwdriver or coin toremove the round plug in thecenter of the headliner.Remove the wrench. Reinstall theround plug.If the electric motor will

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

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

Turn the ignition switch to LOCK(0). Make sure the headlights andall other accessories are off.Remove the cover from the fusebox.Check each of the lar

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

−＊＊＊＊＊＊＊Amps.No. Circuits ProtectedNo. Amps. Circuits ProtectedNo. Amps. Circuits Protected20 A30 A120 A30 A20 A15 A30 A15 A20 A20 A20 A20 A1313141516

＊＊＊←← →→＊＊Amps.No. Circuits ProtectedAmps.No.Circuits Protected15 A10 A7.5 A7.5 A7.5 A15 A7.5 A7.5 A7.5 A7.5 A15 A30 A7.5 A12345678910111213On Canadia

−−−If your car needs to be towed, call aprofessional towing service or, if youbelong to one, an organization thatprovides roadside assistance. Neverto

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

314Main Menu

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

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

After selecting a proper child seat,and a good position to install the seat,there are three main steps ininstalling the seat:When you are not using a

The Transmission Number is on alabel on top of the transmission.The Engine Number is stamped intothe engine block. It is on the front.Identification N

−−＊＊＊＊SpecificationsTechnical Information318DimensionsWeightsAir ConditioningCapacitiesCapacities192.9 in (4,900 mm)70.3 in (1,785 mm)55.9 in (1,420 m

＊＊＊＊＊＊−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−＊＊＊＊SpecificationsTechnical Information319FusesBatteryLights EngineAlignmentTires3.50 x 3.39 in (89.0 x 86.0 mm)12 V 60 W (HB3)12

−The traction grades, from highest tolowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Thosegrades represent the tire’s ability tostop on wet pavement as measuredunder con

−The temperature grades are A (thehighest), B, and C, representing thetire’s resistance to the generation ofheat and its ability to dissipate heatwhen

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 burning of gasoline in your car’sengine produces several byproducts.Some of these are carbon monoxide(CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) andhydrocarb

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

Keep the engine tuned-up.Always use unleaded gasoline.Even a small amount of leadedgasoline can contaminate thecatalyst metals, making the threeway ca

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-

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

Select a nearby lightly traveledmajor highway where you canmaintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph(80to97km/h)foratleast20minutes. Drive on the highway inD.D

Customer Relations...Information . 330...Warranty Coverages . 331Reporting Safety Defects...

Acura dealership personnel aretrained professionals. They shouldbe able to answer all your questions.If you encounter a problem that yourdealership do

−−−−−−−−−a seatbelt that fails to function properly iscoveredfortheusefullifeofthevehicle.all exterior body panels arecovered for rust-through from th

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 ou

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

CONTINUED...Accessories and Modifications . 181...Accessories . 181.Additional Safety Precautions . 182...

＊...Capacities Chart . 318...Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 53...Carrying, Cargo . 183Cassette P

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

CONTINUED...Driver and Passenger Safety . 5...Driving . 187...Economy

...Fuses, Checking the . 307...Gas Mileage, Improving . 180...Gasohol . 322...

CONTINUED...Keys . 76...Label, Certification . 316...Lane Change, Sig

＊...Safety Belts . 8, 44...Safety Defects, Reporting . 332...Safety Features . 7...

＊CONTINUED...System Components . 44...Use During Pregnancy . 19...Seat Heaters . 99...

＊...Tires . 260...Air Pressure . 261...Checking Wear . 26

＊Windows...Cleaning . 284...Operating the Power . 100...Rear, Defogger . 74Wind

Service Information SummaryGasoline: Tire Pressure (measured cold):Power Steering Fluid:Brake Fluid:Automatic Transmission Fluid:Recommended Engine Oi

Push and pull the child seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is secure enough tostay upright during normal drivingmaneuvers. If the chil

Forproperprotection,aninfantmustride in a reclined, or semi-reclinedposition. To determine the properreclining angle, check with the baby’sdoctor or f

In this car, the best place to install aforward-facing child seat is in one ofthe seating positions in the back seat.If the vehicle seat istoo far for

CONTINUEDWith the child seat in the desiredseating position, route the beltthrough the child seat accordingto the seat maker’s instructions,then inser

Push and pull the child seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is secure enough tostay upright during normal drivingmaneuvers. If the chil

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

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

Whichever style you select, followthe booster seat maker’s instructions.If a child needs a booster seat, werecommend choosing a high orlowback style t

CONTINUEDThe National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration and TransportCanada recommend that all childrenages 12 and under be properlyrestrained in a

Check that the child’s seat belt isproperly positioned and secured.Have the child sit up straight, backagainst the seat, and feet on ornear the floor.

Your car has three tether anchoragepoints under the rear window forsecuring a tether-style child seat tothe car.Since a tether can provide additionals

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 Car at a Glance2DDIIGGIITTAALL CCLLOOCCKKPPOOWWEERR WWIINNDDOOWWSSWWIITTCCHHEESSHHOOOODD RREELLEEAASSEEHHAANNDDLLEEMMIIRRRROORRCCOONNTTRROOLLSSAA

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

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 SRS indicator light does notcome on after you turn the ignitionON (II).If the light stays on after theengine starts.If the light comes on or fl

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

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

Control LocationsInstruments and Controls56PPOOWWEERR DDOOOORR LLOOCCKKSSPPOOWWEERR WWIINNDDOOWWSSWWIITTCCHHEESSTTRRUUNNKK RREELLEEAASSEEBBUUTTTTOONNH

Your Car at a Glance3HHEEAADDLLIIGGHHTTSS//TTUURRNN SSIIGGNNAALLSSHHAAZZAARRDD WWAARRNNIINNGGLLIIGGHHTTSSWWIINNDDSSHHIIEELLDD WWIIPPEERRSS//WWAASSHHEE

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

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

The engine can be severely damagedif this light flashes or stays on whenthe engine is running. For completeinformation, see page .If this light comes

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

This indicator has three functions:Itcomesonasareminderthatyouhave turned off the TractionControl System.It flashes when the TCS isregulating wheelspi

Canadian models onlyThis indicator lights when you turnthe ignition switch to ON (II) withthe headlight switch off and theparking brake set. It should

Canadian models onlyThis light comes on when thewasher fluid level is low. Add washerfluid when you see this light come on(see page ).This indicator c

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

This shows how much fuel you have.It is most accurate when the car is onlevel ground. It may show slightlymore or less than the actual amountwhenyouar

4Main Menu

−Turn off the engine.Press and hold the select and resetbuttons on the instrument panel,then turn the ignition switch ON(II).Between 6,000 miles (9,60

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

If you leave the lights on with theignition switch in ACCESSORY (I)or LOCK (0), you will hear areminder chime when you open thedriver’s door.To change

The lights will turn on again whenyou unlock or open the driver’s door.If you unlock the door, but do notopen it within 15 seconds, the lightswill go

To signal a lane change, push lightlyon the turn signal lever in the properdirection and hold it. The lever willreturn to the center position as soona

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 clean the windshield, pull back onthe wiper control lever. The washersspray until you release the lever. Thewipers run at low speed while you’repul

Make sure the rear window is clearand you have good visibility beforestarting to drive.The defogger and antenna wires onthe inside of the rear window

See page for important safetyinformation about how to properlyposition the steering wheel.18Make any steering wheel adjustmentbefore you start driving

Donotdropthekeysorsetheavyobjects on them.Keep the keys away from liquids.If they get wet, dry them immedi-ately with a soft cloth.The keys do not con

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

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 le

−−−This is the normal keyposition when driving. All featuresand accessories on the car are usable.Several of the lights on the instru-ment panel come

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

You can lock and unlock your carwith the remote transmitter. Whenyou push the LOCK button, all doorslock. The parking lights, side markerlights, and t

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

−Remove the old battery and note thepolarity. Make sure the polarity ofthe new battery is the same ( sidefacing up), then insert it in thetransmitter.

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

To close the trunk, press down onthe trunk lid.See page for cargo loading andweight limit information. Keep thetrunk lid closed at all times whiledriv

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

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

Open the glove box by squeezing thehandle. Close it with a firm push.Lock or unlock the glove box withthe master key.The glove box light comes on only

−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 remove a head restraint forcleaning or repair, pull it up as far asit will go. Push the release buttonand pull the restraint out of the seat-back.T

The rear seat armrest is located inthe center of the rear seat. Pivot itdown to use it.Make sure the passenger’s hands orfingersareawayfromthearmrestb

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

Adjust the outside mirrors with theadjustment switch on the driver’sdoor armrest:Turn the ignition switch ON (II).Move the selector switch to L(driver

Push the appropriate edge of theadjustment switch to move themirrorright,left,up,ordown.When you finish, move theselector switch to the center (off)po

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