Page 126 of 273
Servic
e Statio n Procedure s
4. Remove the dipstick again and check the level. It should bebetween the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark, see Addin g Oi l on page 167. Engine Coolant Check
Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see Addin g
Engin e Coolan t on page 172 for
information on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to Owne
r Maintenanc e
Check s on page 165 for information
on checking other items in your Acura.
Before Drivin g
UPPE
R MAR K
LOWE R MAR K
RESERVE TAN K
MI
N
MAX
Page 168 of 273
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
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
Page 177 of 273
Coolin
g Syste m
Do not add any rust inhibitors or other additives to your car's coolingsystem. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or engine compo-
nents.
Replacin g Engin e Coolan t
The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use Genuine Honda Antifreeze/Coolant.
Draining the coolant requires access to the underside of the car. Unless
you have the tools and knowledge,
you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic. 1. Turn the ignition ON (II). Slide
the heater temperature controllever to maximum heat. Turn theignition off.
2. Open the hood. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the
touch.
3. Remove the radiator cap. 4. Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. Thecoolant will drain through thesplash guard. Remove the drain
bolt and washer from the engine
block.
Maintenanc e DRAI
N
BOL T
DRAIN PLU G
Page 178 of 273
Coolin
g Syste m
5. Remove the reserve tank from its holder by pulling it straight up.
Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
6. When the coolant stops draining,
tighten the drain plug at the
bottom of the radiator. Put a new
washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt in theengine block. Tighten it securely.Tightening torque:
58 Ibf .
ft (78 N .
m , 8.0 kgf .
m)
7. Mix the recommended antifreeze
with an equal amount of purifiedor distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:
With 5-speed manual transmission:
(LS,
GS)
1.16 US gal (4.4 l ,0.97 Imp gal)
(GS-R)
1.24 US gal (4.7 l ,1.03 Imp gal)
With automatic transmission:
1.24 US gal (4.7 l ,1.03 Imp gal)
8. Pour coolant into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck.
9. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. Then turn off
the engine.
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e
RESERV
E TAN K
RESERVE
TAN K CA P
HOLDE R
FILLE
R NEC K
Fill u p t o her e
Page 179 of 273
Coolin
g Syste m
10.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
11.Check the level in the radiator, add coolant if needed.
12.Install the radiator cap, and tighten it to the first stop.
13.Start the engine and let it run until the radiator fan comes on two
times. Then stop the engine.
14.Remove the radiator cap. Fill the radiator with coolant up to the
base of the filler neck. 15.Start the engine and hold it at
1,500 rpm until the radiator fan
comes on. Turn off the engine.
Check the coolant level in the
radiator and add coolant if needed.
16.Install the radiator cap, and tighten it fully.
17.If necessary, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the
reserve tank cap.
Maintenanc e
Page 193 of 273

Ai
r Conditionin g Syste m
Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified mechanic. You can do a couple of things to make sure theair conditioning works efficiently. Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.
The condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure, spray
or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant. If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a). (See Specifications on page 246.)
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
Maintenanc e
AI
R CONDITIONIN G
CONDENSE R
NOTICE NOTIC
E