2001 Acura Integra check engine

Preparin
g to Driv e
You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before
you drive your car.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,or ice.
2. Check that the hood and hatch are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.

4. Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page 79 ).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see
page 86 ).
7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 66 ).
8. Make sure the doors and hatch
are securely closed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 16 ). 10. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11. Start the engine (see page 137).
12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see
page 53).
Drivin g

Automati
c Transmissio n
Your Acura's transmission has four forward speeds, and is electronically controlled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter
for better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another shift
when the converter locks. Shif
t Leve r Positio n Indicato r
This indicator on the instrument panel shows which position the shift
lever is in.
The "D4" indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler-ation and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Acuradealer as soon as possible. Shif
t Leve r Position s
The shift lever has seven positions. It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D4, D3, 2, 1, N or R, press firmly on
the brake pedal, and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Drivin g
SHIF
T

LEVE R

RELEAS
E

BUTTO N

Automati
c Transmissio n

Shif t Loc k Releas e
This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normalmethod of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.
1. Set the Parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.

3. Put a cloth on the edge of the Shift 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. Carefully pry off the edge of the cover. 4. Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot.
5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on theshift lever and move the shift lever
out of Park to Neutral. 6. Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
the cover.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
If you need to use the Shift Lock
Release, it means your car is developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Acura dealer.

Driving

RELEAS
E BUTTO N
SHIF T LOC K
RELEAS E SLO T

Th
e Brakin g Syste m
Your Acura is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when braking very hard.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing themto build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind

you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off theaccelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brak
e Wea r Indicator s
All four 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 confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."

Driving

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

Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A
, B , C , D 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.
Canadia n owners : Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.

#'. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, lastcolumn, page 163.
* 1 : On Automatic transmission, thereafter replace transmission fluid every 90,000 mi/144,000 km/

5
yrs.
* 2 : Thereafter replace engine coolant every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.

NOTE:
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
Maintenanc
e

page 201

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 A , B , C , D , E as required for each distance/time.

Sever e Conditions :
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.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 163.
* : See timing belt on page 197 to determine need for replacement.

NOTE:
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
CONTINUED

page
201

Maintenanc
e

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 163.
* 1: See timing belt on page 197 to determine need for replacement.
* 2: Thereafter replace engine coolant every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.

NOTE:
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
Maintenanc
e