Page 162 of 285

Maintenanc
e
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 271 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 160
Important Safety Precautions.. 161
Maintenance Schedule.................. 162
Maintenance Record..................... 169
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 171
Fluid Locations............................... 172
Engine Oil....................................... 173 Adding Oil................................... 173
Recommended Oil..................... 173
Synthetic Oil............................... 175
Additives..................................... 175
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 175
Cooling System.............................. 178
Adding Engine Coolant............. 178Replacing Engine Coolant........ 180
Windshield Washers..................... 182
Transmission Fluid........................ 183 AutomaticTransmission.......................... 183
5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 185
Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 185 Brake System............................. 186Clutch System............................ 186
Power Steering............................... 187
Air Cleaner Element...................... 188
Hood Latch..................................... 189
Spark Plugs..................................... 189
Replacement............................... 189
Specifications............................. 191
Battery............................................ 191
Wiper Blades.................................. 194
Air Conditioning System............... 196
Drive Belts...................................... 197
Timing Belt..................................... 197
Tires................................................ 198
Inflation....................................... 198
Inspection................................... 199 Maintenance............................... 200
Tire Rotation.............................. 201
Tire Wear.................................... 201
Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 202
Wheels and Tires....................... 203
Winter Driving........................... 203
Snow Tires.............................. 204
Tire Chains............................. 204
Lights.............................................. 205 Headlight Aiming...................... 207
Replacing Bulbs......................... 209
Storing Your Car............................ 216
Maintenance
Page 199 of 285

Ai
r Conditionin g Syste m
Optional for Canadian Type-R model
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 the
air 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 asteady 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 254.)
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
NOTIC
E
NOTIC E
AI
R CONDITIONIN G
CONDENSE R
Page 276 of 285

Inde
x
Accessories and Modifications.... 130 Accessories................................. 130Additional Safety Precaution.... 131
Modifications............................. 131
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 74
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 175
Airbag (SRS)............................... 9, 45Ai
r Cleane
r Element...................... 188
Air Conditioning System................. 94
Maintenance............................... 196Usage............................................. 94
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 96
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 198
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 258
Antifreeze....................................... 178 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator................................ 55
, 148
Operation.................................... 14
6
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock............................................... 74
Appearance Care........................... 217
Ashtrays............................................ 91
Audio System................................. 102
Automatic Speed Control................ 67
Automatic Transmission............... 140
Capacity, Fluid........................... 255
Checking Fluid Level................ 183
Shifting........................................ 140
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 140
Shift Lever Positions................. 140
Shift Lock Release..................... 143
Battery Charging SystemIndicator............................ 55,
239
Jump Starting............................
. 233
Maintenance............................... 191
Specifications............................. 255
Before Driving............................... 121
Belts, Seat.................................... 8, 42
Beverage Holder.............................. 89
Body Repair.................................... 224
Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 146
Break-in, New Linings.............. 123
Bulb Replacement..................... 212
Fluid............................................ 185
Parking.......................................... 87
System Indicator................. 54,
241
Wear Indicators........................
. 145
Braking System.............................. 145
Break-in, New Car......................... 123
Brightness Control, Instruments... 63
Brights, Headlights......................... 62
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 212
Brake Lights............................... 212 Cargo Area Light....................... 215
Ceiling Light............................... 215
Front Parking Lights................. 210
Front Side Marker Lights......... 210
Headlights.................................. 209
High-mount Brake Light.......... 211
License Plate Light.................... 214
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 212
Specifications............................. 255
Spotlights.................................... 215
Turn Signal Lights..................... 210
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 209
CONTINUED