Indicato
r Light s
Supplementa l Restrain t
Syste m Indicato r
This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If itcomes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem in the supplemental restraint system. For
complete information, see page 47.
Chargin
g Syste m
Indicato r
If this light conies on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete information, see page 239.
Low Oi l Pressur e
Indicato r
The engine can be severely damaged if this light flashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
information, see page 238.
Malfunctio n Indicato r
Lam p
See page 240.
Anti-loc
k Brak e
Syste m (ABS )
Indicato r
Only on models equipped with ABS (see
page 146)
This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to START (III).
If this light comes on at any other
time, there is a problem in the ABS.
If this happens, take the car to your dealer to have it checked. With the
light on, your car still has normal
braking ability but no anti-lock. For complete information, see page 148.
Instrument s an d Control s
S
R
S
U.S
.
Canad
a
A
B S
Audi
o Syste m
AM/FM/C D Audi o Syste m
Your Acura's audio system provides clear reception on both AM and FM
bands, while the preset buttons allow
you to easily select your favorite
stations.
The anti-theft feature will disable the system if it is disconnected from the
vehicle's battery. To get the system
working again, you must enter a code number (see page 119).
Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
AM/F
M 1- 2 BUTTO N
TUNE BA R
PWR/VO L KNO B SEEK BA R
PRESE T BUTTON S
Audi
o Syste m
To store a frequency: 1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store
two frequencies with each Preset
button.
2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function to tune the radio to a desired
station.
3. Pick the Preset button you want for that station. Press the buttonand hold it until you hear a beep.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve
on FM.
Once a station's frequency is stored,
simply press and release the proper
Preset button to tune to it.
The preset frequencies will be lost if your car's battery goes dead, is
disconnected, or the radio fuse is
removed.
Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
AM/F
M 1- 2 BUTTO N
TUNE BA R
SEE K BA R
PRESE T BUTTON S
Audi
o Syste m
Thef t Protectio n
Your car's audio system will disable itself if it is disconnected fromelectrical power for any reason. To
make it work again, the user must
enter a specific five-digit code in the
Preset buttons. Because there are
hundreds of number combinations possible from five digits, making the system work without knowing the
exact code is nearly impossible.
You should have received a card that lists your audio system's codenumber and serial number. It is best
to store this card in a safe place at
home. In addition, you should write
the audio system's serial number in
this Owner's Manual. If you should happen to lose the card, you mustobtain the code number from your
Acura dealer. To do this, you will need the system's serial number. If your car's battery is disconnected
or goes dead, or the radio fuse is
removed, the audio system will
disable itself. If this happens, you
will see "Code" in the frequency display the next time you turn on the
system. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code. If it is
entered correctly, the radio will start
playing.
If you make a mistake entering the code, do not start over or try to
correct your mistake. Complete the
five-digit sequence, then enter thecorrect code. You have three tries to
enter the correct code. If you are
unsuccessful in three attempts, you must then leave the system on forone hour before trying again. You will have to store your favorite
stations in the Preset buttons after
the system begins working. Your original settings were lost when
power was disconnected.
Comfor t an d Convenienc e Feature s
Startin
g th e Engin e
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.
3. Manual Transmission:
Push the clutch pedal down all the
way. START (III) does not
function unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
Automatic Transmission:
Make sure the shift lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal.
4. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to theSTART (III) position. If the enginedoes not start right away, do not
hold the key in START (III) for
more tha
n 15 seconds at a time.
Pause for at least 10 seconds
before trying again. 5. If the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the accelerator pedal pressed half-way
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.
6. If the engine still does not start, press the accelerator pedal all the
way down and hold it there while starting in order to clear flooding.
As before, keep the ignition key in the START (III) position for nomore than 15 seconds. Return tostep 5 if the engine does not start.
If it starts, lift your foot off the
accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.
Startin g in Col d Weathe r a t Hig h
Altitud e (Abov e 8,00 0 feet /
2,40 0 meters )
An engine is harder to start in cold weather. The thinner air found athigh altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to the problem.
Use the following procedure:
1. Turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.
2. Push the accelerator pedal half- way to the floor and hold it there
while starting the engine. Do nothold the ignition key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds.
When the engine starts, release the accelerator pedal gradually as
the engine speeds up and smooths out.
3. If the engine fails to start in step 2, push the accelerator pedal to the
floor and hold it there while you
try to start the engine for no more
than 15 seconds. If the enginedoes not start, return to step 2.
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
Maintenanc
e Safet y
Importan t Safet y Precaution s
Before you begin any maintenance,
make sure your car is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also, be sure the engine
is off. This will help to eliminate several potential hazards: Carbo
n monoxid e poisonin g
fro m engin e exhaust . Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine. Burn
s fro m ho t parts . Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
before touching any parts. Injur
y fro m movin g parts . Do
not run the engine unless in- structed to do so. Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have the
tools and skills required.
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when working
around gasoline or batteries. Use a
commercially available degreaser or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
You should wear eye protection and protective clothing when workingnear the battery or when using
compressed air.
Maintenance
Spar
k Plugs , Batter y
Specifications :
(SE,
LS,
GS)
NGK: PZFR5F-11
DENSO: PKJ16CR-L11
Plug Gap
:
0.04 in (1.1 mm )
(GS-R)
NGK:
PFR6G-13
DENSO: PK20PR-L13
Plug Gap
:
0.05 in (1.3 mm )
(Type-R)
NGK:
PFR6G-11
DENSO: PK20PR-L11
Plug Gap
:
0.04 in (1.1 mm ) Batter
y
Check the condition of your car's
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window, and for corrosion on the terminals. TES
T INDICATO R WINDO W
Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the test indicator's colors.
CONTINUED
Maintenanc e