2003 Acura CL automatic transmission fluid

If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer. This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .226
.
Important Safety Precautions . 227
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 228
...
Required Maintenance Record . 235
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 237
..............................
Fluid Locations .238
......................................
Engine Oil .239
..................................
Adding Oil .239
....................
Recommended Oil .239
..............................
Synthetic Oil .240
....................................
Additives .240
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 241
.............................
Cooling System .243
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 243
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 245
....................
Windshield Washers .249
.......................
Transmission Fluid .250
Automatic .........................
Transmission .250
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .251
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 252
............................
Brake System .252
...........................
Clutch System .253
..............................
Power Steering .253
....................................
Hood Latch .254 .....................
Air Cleaner Element .254
....................................
Spark Plugs .256
..............................
Replacement .256
............................
Specif ications .258
...........................................
Battery .259
.................................
Wiper Blades .262
..............
Air Conditioning System . 264
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 265
.....................................
Drive Belts .265
....................................
Timing Belt .266
...............................................
Tires .266
......................................
Inf lation .266
..................................
Inspection .268
..............................
Maintenance .269
.............................
Tire Rotation .269
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 270
......................
Wheels and Tires .271
..........................
Winter Driving .271
.............................
Snow Tires .272
............................
Tire Chains .272
.............................................
Lights .273
.....................
Headlight Aiming .275
........................
Replacing Bulbs .275
...........................
Storing Your Car .283
341
Maintenance
Maint enance225

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Maint enance231
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C
A
B
C
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page269).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
6yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
9yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump.
Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace automatic transmission fluid, then
replace every 90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs. Replace manual transmission fluid every
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
230
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
229
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance234
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy. See timing belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
NOTE: :
1:
2:
3: Premium model only
229
266265
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
Check idle speed.
Clean air cleaner element.
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect valve clearance.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Replace manual transmission fluid.
82,500 mi/132,000 km
86,250 mi/138,000 km
6yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
93,750 mi/150,000 km
97,500 mi/156,000 km
101,250 mi/162,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
108,750 mi/174,000 km
112,500 mi/180,000 km
116,250 mi/186,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
9yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
2
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug and add
f luid to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If it
is not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have the
transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient.
To thoroughly f lush the transmission,
the technician should drain and ref ill
it with Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill the
transmission a final time.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the car on level ground. Shut
of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
1.
2. 3.
4.5.
Maint enance
T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission
250
U UP
PP
PE
ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
L
LO OW WE ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
D
D
I
IPP S
ST TI
ICCK K

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T echnical Inf ormation
Specif ications
326
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning Capacities
4.2 US qt (4.0
, 3.5 Imp qt)
192.0 in (4,877 mm)
70.6 in (1,793 mm)
53.3 in (1,354 mm)
106.9 in (2,715 mm)
61.1 in (1,553 mm)
61.0 in (1,549 mm)
HFC-134a (R-134a)
21.2 22.9 oz (600 650 g) ND-OIL8 1.48 US gal (5.6
, 1.23 Imp gal)
1.98 US gal (7.5, 1.65 Imp gal)
4.6 US qt (4.4
, 3.9 Imp qt)
5.3 US qt (5.0
, 4.4 Imp qt)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type 3.1 US qt (2.9, 2.6 Imp qt)
7.6 US qt (7.2, 6.3 Imp qt)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. 0.16 US gal (0.6
, 0.13 Imp gal)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 4.8 US qt (4.5
, 4.0 Imp qt)
2.6 US qt (2.5, 2.2 Imp qt)
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Manual
transmission
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
2.3 US qt (2.2
, 1.9 Imp qt)
2.6 US qt (2.5, 2.2 Imp qt)
1:
2: Approx.
Front
Rear Change
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
17.17 US gal (65.0, 14.30 Imp gal)1
2

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 185
................................
Accessories .185
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 186
............................
Modif ications .186
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .81
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 117
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 240
.........................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 46, 48
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .254
..............
Air Conditioning System . 122
..............................
Maintenance .264
.................................
Usage .124, 129
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .266
...........................
Alarm, Anti-theft .158
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .330
.......
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . 287
......................................
Antif reeze .243
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .61, 208
...................................
Operation .207
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 157
Anti-thef t Steering Column ..............................................
Lock .81 ..........................
Anti-thef t System .158
..........................
Appearance Care .285
............................................
Armrest .96
...............
Audio Controls, Remote . 156
................................
Audio System .135
Automatic Climate Control ........................................
System .122
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 71
Automatic Seat Belt ...................................
Tensioners .44
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 159
..............
Automatic Transmission . 197
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .326
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 250
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 200
.......................................
Shif ting .198
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 197
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 198
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 204
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .60, 309
............................
Jump Starting .303 ..............................
Maintenance .259
............................
Specif ications .327
..............................
Bef ore Driving .177
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,43
...........................
Beverage Holder .111
...................................
Body Repair .292
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 207
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 178
....................
Bulb Replacement .278
...........................................
Fluid .252
.......................................
Parking .108
.................
System Indicator . 60,312
........................
Wear Indicators .206
.............................
Braking System .206
........................
Break-in, New Car .178
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 72
........................
Brights, Headlights .70
Index
A
B
I

.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 275
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 75
Headlights ........................................
Aiming .275
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .71
............
Daytime Running Lights . 72
..................
High Beam Indicator . 63
.........................
Reminder Chime .70
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 275
...................................
Turning on .70
..............................
Head Restraints .95
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 193
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 70
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 279
HomeLink Universal ................................
Transceiver .163
....................................
Hood Latch .254
.......................
Hood, Opening the .180
..................................................
Horn .69
.................................
Hydroplaning .216
Filters
................................
AIr Cleaner .254
.........................
Dust and pollen .265
...............................................
Oil .241
..............
Flashers,Hazard Warning . 75
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 295
.....................................
Floor Mats .288
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 250
..........................................
Brake .252
.........................................
Clutch .253
..............
Manual Transmission . 251
..........................
Power Steering .253
................
Windshield Washers . 249
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .140
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 331
..........................
Four-way Flashers .75
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,46
.................................................
Fuel .178
......................
Fill Door and Cap .179
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement . 178
...............................
Oxygenated .330
........................
Reserve Indicator .64
........................
Tank, Filling the .179 .....................
Fuses, Checking the .315
..........................................
Gasohol .330
.........................................
Gasoline .178
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 64
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement . 178
........................
Tank, Filling the .179
................
Gas Station Procedures . 179
.............................................
Gauges .65
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 67
...............................................
Fuel .67
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .68
...............................
Speedometer .65
.................................
Tachometer .65
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .218
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 198
..............................
Glass Cleaning .290
........................................
Glove Box .90
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .218
Index
G H
IV

.............................
SRS Indicator .49 ,61
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 81
.......................
Starting the Engine .193
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .193
................
With a Dead Battery . 303
..............
State Emissions Testing . 335
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 306
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .76
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 81
...................
Stereo Sound System . 135
...........................
Storing Your Car .283
..................................
Storage Tray .115
........................................
Sun Visor .116
........................
Sunglasses Holder .110
Supplemental Restraint ..................................
System .9,46
......................................
Servicing .51
.........................
SRS Indicator .49 ,61
...................
System Components . 46
..................................
Synthetic Oil .240
.....................................
Tachometer .65 ..........
Taillights, Changing Bulbs . 278
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 293
....................................
Tape Player .142
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 328
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 332
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .330
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .334
.......................
Temperature Gauge .67
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
............................
Thef t Protection .157
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 334
..........................
Time, Setting the .109
....................................
Timing Belt .266
....................................
Tire Chains .272
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 295
...............................................
Tires .266
..............................
Air Pressure .266
.........................
Checking Wear .268
..........................
Compact Spare .294
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 328
......................................
Inf lation .266
..................................
Inspection .268
...................................
Replacing .270
......................................
Rotating .269 ...........................................
Snow .272
............................
Specif ications .327
.......................
Traction Devices .272
..........................
Winter Driving .271
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 295
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .217
................
Emergency Wrecker . 320
Traction Control System (TCS) ...............................
Indicator .62, 209
...................................
Operation .209
...........................
Traction Devices .272
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .250
...................................
Manual .251
..................
Fluid Selection . 250,251
..............
Identif ication Number . 324
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 197
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 194
.....................................
Treadwear .328
.......................................
Trip Meter .66
................................................
Trunk .87
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 89
.................................
Opening the .87
...................
Open Monitor Light . 63
Index
T
VIII