2001 Acura CL check engine

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
71
53
15
94
101 175
10.
11.
12.
Preparing to Drive
Driving174

If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Acura dealer.
This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal does not work. This procedure
also releases the Reverse Lockout.
Set the Parking brake.
Make sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF (0) position.
To release the Reverse Lockout,
make sure the ignition switch is in
the ACCESSORY (I) position.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover next to
the shift lever.
Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver
or small metal plate (neither are
included in the tool kit) to remove
the cover. Caref ully pry of f the
edge of the cover. Insert a screwdriver in the Shif t
Lock Release slot.
Push down on the screwdriver and
move the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral.
To release the Reverse Lockout,
move the shift lever from Neutral
to Reverse, then Park.
Remove the screwdriver f rom the
Shif t Lock Release slot, then
reinstall the cover. Make sure the
notchonthecoverisontheright
side. Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
Driving
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ock Release
183
S SH
H I
IFFT T L
LOOC CKK R
REEL
LEE A
A S
SEE S
SLLOOT T
C
CO OV VE
ER
R

Your Acura is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving185

If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer. This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 204
.
Important Safety Precautions . 205
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 206
...
Required Maintenance Record . 213
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 215
..............................
Fluid Locations . 216
......................................
Engine Oil . 217
..................................
Adding Oil . 217
....................
Recommended Oil . 217
..............................
Synthetic Oil . 218
....................................
Additives . 218
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 219
.............................
Cooling System . 221
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 221
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 223
....................
Windshield Washers . 227
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 228
....................................
Brake Fluid . 229
............................
Brake System . 229
..............................
Power Steering . 230
....................................
Hood Latch . 231
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 231
....................................
Spark Plugs . 233
..............................
Replacement . 233
............................
Specif ications . 235
...........................................
Battery . 236.................................
Wiper Blades . 239
..............
Air Conditioning System . 241
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 242
.....................................
Drive Belts . 242
....................................
Timing Belt . 243
...............................................
Tires . 243
......................................
Inf lation . 243
..................................
Inspection . 245
..............................
Maintenance . 246
.............................
Tire Rotation . 246
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 247
......................
Wheels and Tires . 248
..........................
Winter Driving . 248
.............................
Snow Tires . 249
............................
Tire Chains . 249
.............................................
Lights . 250
........................
Replacing Bulbs . 252
...........................
Storing Your Car . 261
315
Maintenance
Maint enance203

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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
208
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 120
192
96
105
168
84
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
: Adjust only if noisy
207
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance209
A, B, C
Canadian owners: A
B
C
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.Replace coolant. Replace brake fluid.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace coolant. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid.
Replace transmission fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump.
Replace coolant. Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed. Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 246 ).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy. :
NOTE: 207
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
µ
Ì
Î
Î
ÌÎ
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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
210
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air
cleaner element Use normal schedule except in
dusty conditions
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
:
1:
2: Adjust only if noisy
242 243 207
Type S
Premium model
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance211
A, B, C, D
Severe Conditions:
A
B
C
D
E
Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, or normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the Normal
Schedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
3,750 mi/6,000 km/-
7,500 mi/12,000 km/6 mos
11,250 mi/18,000 km/-
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km/-
22,500 mi/36,000 km/1½ yrs
26,250 mi/42,000 km/-
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km/-
37,500 mi/60,000 km/2½ yrs
41,250 mi/66,000 km/-
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km/-
52,500 mi/84,000 km/3½ yrs
56,250 mi/90,000 km/-
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km/-
67,500 mi/108,000 km/4½ yrs
71,250 mi/114,000 km/-
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km/- Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace coolant. Replace brake fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace coolant.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A. Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 246 ).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element. (Type S)
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace air cleaner element. (Premium model)
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace transmission fluid.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Clean air cleaner element. (Premium model)
·
·
·
·
·
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions. See timing belt on page to determine need for replacement.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
NOTE: :
1:
2: 207
243 242
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)