This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages on the multi-
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself . ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .272
....................
Maintenance Minder . 273
....................
Maintenance Record .279
..............................
Fluid Locations .281
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 282
........................
Adding Engine Oil .283
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 284
..............................
Engine Coolant .286
....................
Windshield Washers .287
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 288
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 290
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 291
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 292
.............................................
Lights .293
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 299
.....................................
Floor Mats .300
.................................
Wiper Blades .300
...............................................
Tires .302
...................
Checking the Battery . 308
.............................
Vehicle Storage .309
355
Maintenance
Maint enance
271
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U.S.
Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Lights
Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and licen se plate lights monthly.
See page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page .
Engine
oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
According
to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-
inf ormation display. 238
239
288
304 293
291
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
277
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Maintenance
Minder
278
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the disp lay is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first column
on page .
Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
277
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher transmission temperatures.
On vehicles with automatic transmission, this
requires transmission fluid changes more
frequently than recommended by the Maintenance
Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under
these conditions, have the transmission fluid
changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every
30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under20°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada).
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
51
1
Maintenance Minder
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Maintenance Record
Maint enance
279
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mimi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
mi
Mileage
km
km
km
km
km
km
kmMaintenance
Performed
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
Signature
Date
Mileage
km
km
km
km
km
km
kmMaintenance
Performed
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
AB12345
Signature
Date
You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here. When maintenance is performed, record the mileage, circle the coded item(s)
completed, and write in any other non-coded items (such as brake fluid replacement) below the codes. Keep the receipts for all work done on your
vehicle. Maintenance can also be recorded in your Acura maintenance journal.
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance
281
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAPENGINE COOLANT RESERVOIRBRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual Transmission
only)
RADIATOR CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
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The fluid 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 for leaks or
worn brake pads. The
fluid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
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.
A low fluid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.
Brake
fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Check
the brake fluid level in the
reservoir monthly af ter removing the
engine compartment rear cover (see
page ).
Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of mileage.
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.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid 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. 282
Manual Transmission only
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Brake Fluid Brake System
Maint enance
291
MAX
MIN MAX
MIN
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If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal.
If it does, check the brake fluid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). However,
if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If
the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads. If
the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
The
brake system indicator
norm ally comes on when
you turn the ignition switch
to the ON (II) position, and
as a reminder to check the
parking brake. It will stay
on if you do not fully
release the parking brake.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired by
your dealer as soon as possible (see on page ).
291
331
Brake System Indicator
Emergency T owing
326
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 240
................................
Accessories .240
............................
Modif ications .241
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .95
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 120
......................................
AcuraLink .217
................
Adding Engine Coolant . 286
........................
Adding Engine Oil .283
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 284
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 22
...............
Additional Information . 22
......................................
Servicing .31
...................
System Components . 22
..............
Air Conditioning System . 126
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .303
......................................
Antif reeze .286
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator . 60, 262
...................................
Operation .262
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 182
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 95
................................
Audio System .133
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 88 ...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 184
..............
Automatic Transmission . 253
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .338
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 288
.......................................
Shif ting .253
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 253
.......................................
Shif ting .253
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 258
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 59, 324
............................
Jump Starting .320
..............................
Maintenance .308
............................
Specif ications .339
..............................
Bef ore Driving .233
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,18
...........................
Beverage Holder .120
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 262
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 234
...........................................
Fluid .291
.......................................
Parking .117 .................
System Indicator . 59, 326
........................
Wear Indicators .261
.............................
Braking System .261
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 234
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 89
........................
Brights, Headlights .86
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .297
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 293
.................................
Fog Lights .295
............................
Specif ications .339
............
Turn Signal Lights . 294, 296
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .293
............................
Capacities Chart .338
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 52
............................
Carrying, Cargo .243
Cassette Player ....................................
Care . 154, 175
...........................
Operation . 152, 173
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..................................
Ceiling Light .118
Index
A
BC
INDEX
I
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