2003 Acura CL Owner's Manual

Open the trunk.Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Reinstall the trunk lining. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the trunk seal.
Remove the f astener on the edge
of the trunk opening by turning it
counterclockwise with a coin.
Unscrew the cargo net mounting
button. Pull the lining back. Determine which of the f our bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillight, stop/
tail/side marker light, back-up
light, or turn signal.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
1.
3. 2.4.
5.
6.
7.
Replacing Rear Bulbs
Lights
Maint enance278
F FA
A S
STTE
EN
NE ER
R C
CA
A R
RGGO O N
NEET
T
M
M O
OUUNNTTI
INNG G
B
BU UT TT
TO
ON N

Open the trunk and remove the
socket f rom the light assembly by
turning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.Reinstall the socket. Turn it
clockwise until it locks.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Put the f astener in the hole on the
side of the trunk lining and push
on the center until it locks (the
center is f lush with the head).
Screw the cargo net mounting
button back into the hole.
Remove the burned-out bulb by
pulling it straight out of the socket.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
1.
2.
8.
9.
3.
4.
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
Lights
Maint enance279

The courtesy lights in the doors and
roof come apart the same way. They
do not use the same type of bulb.Removethelensbycarefully
prying on the edge of the lens with
a f ingernail f ile or a small f lat-tip
screwdriver. Do not pry on the
edge of the housing around the
lens.
Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out. Push the new bulb
into the socket.
Put the lens back in place and
tighten the two screws securely.
Use a small Phillips-head
screwdriver to remove the two
screws. Remove the lens f rom the
license plate assembly.
1. 2.
3.
1.
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb
Replacing Bulbs in the Interior
Courtesy Lights
Lights
Maint enance280
C CE
EI
ILLI INNG G L
LI
IGGH HT
T
S
SC CRREEW
WS S

Door light:
Pry on the top middle of the lens.
Ceiling light:
Pry on the f ront edge of the lens
near both sides.
Spotlights:
Pry on the front edge in front of
both spotlights.Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.
Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs. Snap the lens back in place.
2.
3.
Maint enance
Lights
281
V V
A
AN
NI ITT Y
Y M
M I
IRRR ROOR R L
LI
IGGH HT
T
S
SP PO
OT TL
LIIGGH HT
TS
S D
DO
OO ORR L
LI
IGGH HT
T

Open the trunk. Pull down the
trunk light cover.
Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs.
Push the cover back in place.
1.
2. 3.
4.
Maint enance
Lights
Replacing the T runk L ight Bulb
282
T T
R
RU UN NKK L
LIIGGH HT
T
C
COOV VE
ER
R

Block the rear wheels.
Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter
(see page ).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
If you need to park your car f or an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).Coverthecarwitha‘‘breathable’’
cover, one made f rom a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals. If possible, run the engine f or a
while periodically (pref erably once
amonth).
If you store your car f or 12 months
or longer, have your Acura dealer
perf orm the inspections called f or in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page ). The
replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(6-speed manual) or Park
(automatic). 230
241
Maint enance
St oring Your Car
283

284

Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Acura helps to keep it ‘‘new’’
looking. This section gives you hints
on how to clean your car and
preserve its appearance: the paint,
brightwork, wheels and interior. Also
included are several things you can
do to help prevent corrosion..................................
Exterior Care .286
.....................................
Washing .286
.......................................
Waxing .287
....................
Aluminum Wheels .287
..........................
Paint Touch-up .287
..................................
Interior Care .288
...................................
Carpeting .288
.................................
Floor Mats .288
.........................................
Fabric .289
...........................................
Vinyl .289
.......................................
Leather .289
...................................
Seat Belts .289
................................
Wood Trim .290
....................................
Windows .290
..........................
Air Fresheners .290
....................
Corrosion Protection .291
.................................
Body Repairs .292
Appearance Care
Appearance Care285