This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. Seepage 259 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 154
Important Safety Precautions.. 155
Maintenance Schedule.................. 156
Maintenance Record..................... 163
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 165
Fluid Locations............................... 166
Engine Oil......................................
. 167
Adding Oil................................... 167
Recommended Oil..................... 167
Synthetic Oil............................... 169
Additives..................................... 169
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 170
Cooling System.............................. 172 Adding Engine Coolant............. 172Replacing Engine Coolant........ 174
Windshield Washers..................... 177
Transmission Fluid........................ 178 AutomaticTransmission.......................... 178
5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 179
Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 179 Brake System............................. 180Clutch System............................
181
Power Steering..............................
. 181
Air Cleaner Element....................... 182 Hood Latch..................................... 183
Spark Plugs..................................... 183 Replacement............................... 183
Specifications............................. 185
Battery............................................ 186
Wiper Blades.................................. 188
Air Conditioning System............... 190
Drive Belts...................................... 191
Timing Belt..................................... 191
Tires................................................ 192 Inflation....................................... 192
Inspection...................................
194
Maintenance............................... 194
Tire Rotation.............................. 195 Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 195
Wheels and Tires....................... 196 Winter Driving........................... 196
Snow Tires.............................. 197
Tire Chains............................. 197
Lights.............................................. 198
Headlight Aiming.....................
. 200
Replacing Bulbs......................... 202
Storing Your Car............................ 210
Maintenance
Owne
r Maintenanc e Check s
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 122.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 123 , Windshield washer fluid — Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 177. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
178.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 179 . Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page 192. Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light, turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 198.
Maintenance
Transmissio
n Flui d
Automati c Transmissio n
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe itwith a clean cloth. 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. 5. If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the tube to
bring it to the upper mark. Always use Honda Premium Formula
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). If it is not available, you
may use a DEXRON ®
III
automatic transmission fluid as a
temporary replacement. However,
continued use can affect shift quality. Have the transmission
drained and refilled with Honda
ATF as soon as it is convenient.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back in the transmission.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenanc e
DIPSTIC
K
UPPER MAR K
LOWE R MAR K
Inde
x
Accessories and Modifications.... 125 Accessories................................. 125
Additional Safety Precaution.... 126 Modifications............................. 126
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 71
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 178
Brake Fluid................................. 179 Clutch Fluid................................ 181
Engine Coolant........................... 172
Engine Oil................................... 167
Manual Transmission Fluid..... 179
Power Steering Fluid................. 181
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 177
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 42
Lap Belt......................................... 43
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44
Seat Belt System Components... 42
Additional Information About
Your SRS................................... 45
Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 47
How Your Airbags Work............ 45
SRS Components......................... 45
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 169
Adjustments
Headlights.................................. 200
Head Restraints........................... 76
Mirrors.......................................... 81
Seats.............................................. 76
Steering Wheel............................ 65
Airbag (SRS)...................................... 9
Air Cleaner Element...................... 182
Air Conditioning............................... 90 Maintenance............................... 190
Usage............................................. 90
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 92
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 192
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 250
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 213 Antifreeze....................................... 172
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light.................... 55, 144 Operation.................................... 142
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock............................................... 71
Appearance Care........................... 211
Ashtrays............................................ 86
Audio System................................... 98
Automatic Speed Control................ 66 Automatic Transmission............... 136
Capacity, Fluid........................... 247
Checking Fluid Level................ 178
Shifting........................................ 136
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 136
Shift Lever Positions................. 136
Shift Lock Release..................... 139
Battery Charging System Indicator........................... 54, 232
Jump Starting............................. 227
Maintenance............................... 186
Specifications............................. 247
Before Driving............................... 117
CONTINUED
Index
Belts, Seat........................................... 8
Beverage Holder.............................. 84
Body Repair.................................... 217
Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 142
Break-in, New Linings.............. 118
Fluid............................................ 179
Light, Burned-out...................... 204
Parking.......................................... 82
System Indicator................. 54, 234
Wear Indicators......................... 141
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 142
System Indicator................. 55, 144
Braking System.............................. 141
Break-in, New Car......................... 118 Brightness Control, Instruments... 62
Brights, Headlights......................... 61
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 207
Brake Lights............................... 204
Ceiling Light............................... 208
Front Parking Lights................. 203
Front Side Marker Lights......... 203
Headlights.................................. 202
High-mount Brake Light.......... 204
License Plate Lights.................. 207
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 204
Specifications............................. 247
Spotlights.................................... 208
Trunk Light................................ 209
Turn Signal Lights..................... 203
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 202
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 227
Capacities Chart............................. 246
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Carrying Cargo.............................. 127
Cassette Player Care............................................. 114
Operation.................................... 111
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer.................................... 107
CD Player........................................ 105
Certification Label......................... 244
Chains............................................. 197 Change Oil
How to......................................... 170
When to....................................... 158
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 221 Changing Engine Coolant............. 172
Charging System Indicator... 54, 232
Checking
Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 178
Battery Condition...................... 186
Brake Fluid................................. 179 Clutch Fluid................................ 181
Drive Belts.................................. 191
Engine Coolant........................... 123
Engine Oil................................... 122
Fuses........................................... 237
Manual Transmission Fluid..... 179Power Steering Fluid................. 181
Checklist, Before Driving............. 132
Childproof Door Locks................... 73
Cleaner, Air.................................... 182
Cleaning
Exterior....................................... 212
Interior........................................ 214
Seat Belts.................................... 214
Vinyl............................................ 214
Windows..................................... 215
Clock, Setting the............................ 83
Clutch Fluid.................................... 181
CO in the Exhaust......................... 252
Inde
x
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 133 Compact Spare............................... 220
Console Compartment.................... 85
Consumer Information *................ 256
Controls, Instruments and.............. 51
Coolant
Adding......................................... 172
Checking..................................... 123
Proper Solution.......................... 172
Replacing.................................... 174
Temperature Gauge.................... 58
Corrosion Protection..................... 216
Crankcase Emissions Control
System......................................... 252
Cruise Control Operation............... 66 Customer Relations Office........... 256
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard........................................ 52 Dead Battery, What to Do............ 227
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 258
Defog and Defrost........................... 96
Defogger, Rear Window................. 64
Defrosting the Windows................. 96 DEXRON
®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 178
Dimensions..................................... 246
Dimming the Headlights................ 61
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 178
Engine Oil................................... 122
Directional Signals........................... 62
Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 241
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 141
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 171 Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 72
Open Indicator............................. 55
Power Door Locks....................... 72
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 248
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 134
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5 Drive Belts...................................... 191
Driving............................................ 131 Economy.....................................
124
In Ba
d Weather..........................
145
In Foreig
n Countries................. 251
Economy, Fuel............................... 124
Emergencies on the Road............. 219
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 227
Brake System Indicator............ 234
Changing a Flat Tire................. 221
Charging System Indicator ...... 232
Checking the Fuses................... 237
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 231
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 233
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 235 Overheated Engine................... 229
Emergency Brake............................ 82 Emergency Flashers....................... 64
Emissions Controls........................ 252
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 58
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp................................ 55, 233
Oil Pressure Indicator........ 54, 231
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 167
Overheating................................ 229
Specifications............................. 246
Speed Limit........................ 135, 138
CONTINUED
Inde
x
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 250
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 252 Exhaust Fumes................................ 49
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by.........................................19
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 212
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 214
Fan, Interior...................................... 90
Features, Comfort and
Convenience................................. 89
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 119
Filters
Air................................................ 182
Oil................................................ 170
5-speed Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Level................ 179
Shifting the................................. 134
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 64
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 221
Fluids
Automatic Transmission........... 178
Brake........................................... 179Clutch.......................................... 181 Manual Transmission............... 179
Power Steering........................... 181
Windshield Washer................... 177
FM Stereo Radio Reception.................................... 103
Folding Rear Seat............................ 77
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 251
Four-way Flashers........................... 64
Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker................. 241
Fuel.................................................. 118
Fill Door and Cap....................... 119Gauge............................................ 58
Octane Requirement................. 118
Oxygenated................................ 250
Reserve Indicator......................... 55
Tank, Filling the......................... 119
Fuses, Checking the...................... 237
Gas Mileage, Improving................ 124
Gasohol........................................... 250Gasoline.......................................... 118
Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 55Gauge............................................ 58 Octane Requirement................. 118
Tank, Filling the......................... 119
Gas Station Procedures................. 119
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature.... 58
Fuel................................................ 58
Maintenance Required Indicator.................................... 59
Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 136
5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 135
Glass Cleaning............................... 215
Glove Box......................................... 75
Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 202
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 64
Headlights
Aiming......................................... 200
High Beam Indicator................... 56
High Beams, Turning on............ 61
Low Beams, Turning on............. 61
Reminder Chime.......................... 61
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 202
Inde
x
SRS, Additional Information
SRS Components......................... 45
SRS Service................................... 47
SRS Indicator............................. 47, 55
START (Ignition Key Position) ..... 71
Starting the Engine........................ 133 In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 133
With a Dead Battery................. 227
Steam Coming from Engine......... 229
Steering Wheel
Adjustment................................... 65
Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 71
Stereo Sound System...................... 98
Storing Your Car............................ 210
Supplemental Restraint System..... 45 Servicing....................................... 47
SRS Indicator......................... 47, 55
System Components.................... 45
Synthetic Oil................................... 169
Tachometer...................................... 57
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 204 Taking Care of the Unexpected.. 219
Tape Player..................................... 111
Technical Descriptions
Driving In Foreign Countries... 251
Emissions Control Systems...... 252
Oxygenated Fuels...................... 250
Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 254
Technical Information................... 243
Temperature Gauge........................ 58
Tether Attachment Points.............. 40
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 254
Time, Setting the............................. 83
Timing Belt..................................... 191
Tire Chains..................................... 197 Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 221
Tires................................................ 192 Air Pressure............................... 192
Checking Wear.......................... 194Compact Spare........................... 220
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 248
Inflation....................................... 192
Inspection................................... 194
Maintenance............................... 194
Replacing.................................... 195
Rotating....................................... 195
Snow............................................ 197
Specifications............................. 247
Tools, Tire Changing.................... 221
Towing
A Trailer...................................... 147
Emergency Wrecker................. 241
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level,
Automatic............................... 178
Checking Fluid Level, Manual.................................... 179
Fluid Selection............................ 178
Identification Number............... 244
Shifting the Automatic..............136
Shifting the Manual................... 134
Treadwear...................................... 248
Trip Meter........................................ 57
Trunk................................................. 73
Opening......................................... 73
Open Monitor Light.................... 55
Turn Signals..................................... 62
Underside, Cleaning...................... 216
Unexpected, Taking Care of the........................................... 219