2003 Acura CL brake 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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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
230
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years
: Adjust only if noisy
229
M/T
A/T
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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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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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
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.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
232
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) or 5 years
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air
cleaner element
Use normal schedule except in
dusty conditions
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page.
Adjust only if noisy
Type-S
Premium model
1:
2: :
266 265 229
M/T
A/T
1
2
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance233
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Clean air cleaner element.
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 transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
269).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element. (Type-S)
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches with
multipurpose grease.
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.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace air cleaner element. (Premium model)
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
232
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving
conditions. See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
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:
Premium model only
1:
2:
3: :
229
266 265
1
1
2
1 3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe 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)

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Check the f luid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two
reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake f luid should be replaced
according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule. Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the lif e of the
system. Have the brake system
f lushed and ref illed with Honda
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as
soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car’s braking
system and can cause extensive
damage.Brake System
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance252
M M
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M
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A
AX
X

Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering f luid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The f luid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
f luid to the UPPER LEVEL.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible. Power Steering
Clutch System
Maint enance
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
253
U UP PP
PE
ER
R L
LEE V
V E
EL
L
L
LO OW WE ER
R L
LE
E V
V E
EL
L
M
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A
AX
X
M
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INN
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.