Page 169 of 273
Flui
d Location s
Maintenanc e
BRAK
E FLUI D
(Gra y cap )
(5-spee d Manua l
Transmissio n only )
CLUTC H FLUI D
(Gra y cap )
ENGIN E OI L
FIL L CA P
WASHE R FLUI D
(Blu e cap )
POWE R STEERIN G
FLUI D (Re d cap )
ENGIN E OI L DIPSTIC K
(Orang e loop )
COOLAN
T
RESERVOI R
AUTOMATI
C
TRANSMISSIO N
FLUI D DIPSTIC K
(Yello w loop )
Page 170 of 273
Engin
e Oi l
Addin g Oi l
To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and install the
engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine. Recommende
d Oi l
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil. It is highly recommended
that you use Genuine Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for as long as you
own it. You can determine an oil's SAE
viscosity and Service Classification
from the API Service label on the oilcontainer.
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e
ENGIN
E OI L FIL L CA P
Page 171 of 273
Engin
e Oi l
A fuel-efficient oil is recommended for your Acura. This is shown on the
API Service label by the words "Energy Conserving." This oil is
formulated to help your engine use
less fuel. The API Service label also tells you
the service classification of the oil.
Always use an oil that is labeled "API
Service SJ." This service rating may
include other classifications, such as
CD. These additional classifications
are not a problem, as long as the
label also carries the SJ classification.
API SERVIC E LABE L The oil container may also display
the API Certification seal. Make sure
it says "For Gasoline Engines."
API CERTIFICATIO N SEA L
Maintenanc e
Page 172 of 273
Engin
e Oi l
The SAE numbers tell you the oil's viscosity or weight. Select the oil for
your car according to this chart.
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is
preferred for improved fuel economy
and year-round protection in your Acura. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below 20°F ( — 7°C).
Syntheti
c Oi l
You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements
given for conventional motor oil:
energy conserving, a service
classification of SJ, and the proper
weight as shown on the chart. When using synthetic oil, you must follow
the oil and filter change intervals
given in the maintenance schedule. Additive
s
Your Honda does not need any oil additives. Purchasing additives for
the engine or transmission will not increase your car's performance or
longevity. It only increases the cost of operating your car.
Maintenance
Ambien
t Temperatur e
Page 173 of 273

Engin
e Oi l
Changin g th e Oi l an d Filte r
Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda- tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami- nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lift for this service. Unless you have the knowledge and proper
equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
3. Remove the oil filter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your Acura dealer) is required to remove the
filter.
4. Install a new oil filter according to instructions that come with it.
Maintenanc e
OI
L FILTE R
OI L DRAI N BOL T WASHE R
Page 174 of 273

Engin
e Oi l
5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
33 lbf .
ft (44 N .
m , 4.5 kgf .
m)
6. Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
(LS,
GS)
4. 0 US qt (3.8 l , 3.3 Imp qt)
(GS-R)
4.2 US qt (4.0 l , 3.5 Imp qt)
7. Replace the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressureindicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off
the engine and reinspect your
work.
8. Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oillevel. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
Maintenance
NOTIC
E
Page 175 of 273

Coolin
g Syste m
Addin g Engin e Coolan t
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and50 percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water. Always use Genuine Honda
Antifreeze/Coolant. If it is not
available, you may use anothermajor-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the coolingsystem to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible. If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Maintenanc e
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
RESERV
E TAN K
Page 176 of 273
Coolin
g Syste m
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
4. The coolant level should be up tothe base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully. 6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e
RADIATO
R CA P
RESERVE TAN K