2001 Acura Integra brake fluid

Drivin
g in Ba d Weathe r

Rain, fog, and snow conditions require a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greatercaution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these
conditions. Drivin
g Techniqu e — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to react, even in conditions that mayseem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the roadway, making it slippery. Visibilit
y — Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To beseen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defrosters and air conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see page 100).
CONTINUED
Drivin g

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

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 127. Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 128. 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 182. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
183.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 185. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
198.
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 205.

Maintenance

Transmissio
n Fluid , Brak e an d Clutc h Flui d
5-spee d Manua l Transmissio n
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it isnot, add Honda Manual Transmis-sion Fluid (MTF) until it starts to
run out of the hole. Reinstall the
filler bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of
SAE10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ
grade may be used if SG is not
available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as it is

convenient.

The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule. Brak
e an d Clutc h Flui d
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are: Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
Clutch fluid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule.

CONTINUED

Maintenanc e

FILLE
R BOL T

Correc
t leve l

Brak
e an d Clutc h Flui d
Always use Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the life of thesystem. Have the brake system
flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 assoon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your car's brakingsystem and can cause extensive

damage.
Brak
e Syste m
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads. Clutc
h Syste m
The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.

Maintenanc e
MA
X
MI N
MI N
MA
X

Brak
e Syste m Indicato r

*U.S . indicato r show n

The Brake System Indicator normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder t
o check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car's
brake system. In most cases, the problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 186). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake

pads.

However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is hazardous to drive the car. You should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 248 .)
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATOR *

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

Inde
x
Capacities Chart.................... 254, 255
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49

Cargo Area Cover............................ 83

Carrying Cargo.............................. 132

Cassette Player
Care............................................. 118

Operation.................................... 115

CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii

CD Changer.................................... 111
CD Player........................................ 109

Certification Label......................... 252

Chains............................................. 204

Changing Oil
How to......................................... 175

When to....................................... 162

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 227

Changing Engine Coolant............. 180
Charging System Indicator.... 55, 239
Checklist, Before Driving............. 136
Child Safety...................................... 21

Child Seats........................................ 26

Tether Anchorage Points........... 41
Cleaner Element, Air..................... 188
Cleaning

Aluminum Wheels..................... 219

Antenna....................................... 218Carpeting.................................... 220

Exterior....................................... 218

Fabric.......................................... 221

Interior........................................ 220

Leather........................................ 221
Seat Belts.................................... 221

Vinyl............................................221

Windows..................................... 222

Clock, Setting the............................ 88

Clutch Fluid.................................... 185

Code, Audio System...................... 119
CO in the Exhaust......................... 260 Cold Weather, Starting in............. 137
Compact Spare............................... 226
Console Compartment.................... 90
Consumer Information*................ 266
Controls, Instruments and.............. 51

Coolant
Adding......................................... 178
Checking..................................... 128
Proper Solution.......................... 178
Replacing.................................... 180
Temperature Gauge.................... 59
Corrosion Protection..................... 223

Crankcase Emissions Control

System......................................... 260

Cruise Control Operation............... 67
Customer Relations Office........... 266
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii

Dashboard.................................... 2, 52

Daytime Running Lights................. 62
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 269
Defog and Defrost......................... 100
Defogger, Rear Window................. 65
Dimensions..................................... 254 Dimming the Headlights................ 62
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 183

Engine Oil................................... 127

Directional Signals........................... 63
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 145
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 177
Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 75
Power Door Locks....................... 75
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 256