2002 RL Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety ..........................................................................................................................ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance...............................................................................................................................2
Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................5
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls...........................................................................................................................53
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features.......................................................................................................115
How to operat
e the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving .............................................................................................................................................179
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving...........................................................................................................................................................191
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................215
Th
e Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care.........................................................................................................................................275
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Th
ings to look for if your car ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................283
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information...............................................................................................................................311
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)......................................................................325
A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contac
t us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................329
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when
you pull up to the fuel pump.
The information and specifications
included in this publication were in
effect at the time of approval for
printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to
discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice
and without incurring any obligation
whatsoever.
This Owner’s Manual covers all
models of the 3.5 RL. You may find
descriptions of equipment and
features that are not on your
particular model.
This Owner’s Manual should be
considered a permanent part of the
car,andshouldremainwiththecar
when it is sold.
Owner’s Identification
OWNER
ADDRESS
V. I. N.
DELIVERY DATE
DEALER NAME DEALER NO.
ADDRESS
OWNER’S SIGNATURE
DEALER’S SIGNATURE
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
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As you read this manual, you will
find information that is preceded by
a symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your Acura, other
property, or the environment.
Several warranties protect your new Acura. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Acura is to read
this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your car so you
can refer to it at any time.
Maintaining your car according to the schedules given in this manual helps
to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When
your car needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Acura dealer’s staff is
specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Acura. Your
Acura dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer
any questions and concerns.
California Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Congratulations on your selection of the 2002 Acura 3.5 RL. We are certain
you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest luxury cars in the
world.
Introduction
WARNING:
i
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To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: , , or .
These signal words mean:
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it
carefully.
such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
car safely is an important
responsibility.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your car. You must use
your own good judgement.
on the car.
how to use this car correctly and safely.
AFewWordsAboutSafety
Safety Messages
Safety Section
Safety Headings
Safety Labels
Instructions
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
ii
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
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Your Car at a Glance
2
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((PP..9911))
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((PP..110022))
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Your Car at a Glance
3
IINNSSTTRRUUMMEENNTT PPAANNEELL BBRRIIGGHHTTNNEESSSS
CCRRUUIISSEE CCOONNTTRROOLL
((PP.. 7700))
WWIINNDDSSHHIIEELLDD WWIIPPEERRSS//WWAASSHHEERRSS
((PP.. 6688,, 7700))
((PP.. 6666))
HHAAZZAARRDD WWAARRNNIINNGG LLIIGGHHTTSS
((PP.. 7711))
FFOOGG LLIIGGHHTTSS
((PP.. 6677))
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((PP.. 6633,, 6666))
RREEAARR WWIINNDDOOWW DDEEFFOOGGGGEERR
((PP.. 7711))
SSTTEEEERRIINNGG WWHHEEEELL
AADDJJUUSSTTMMEENNTTSS
VVEEHHIICCLLEE SSTTAABBIILLIITTYY
AASSSSIISSTT SSYYSSTTEEMM OOFFFF
SSWWIITTCCHH
((PP.. 220022))
((PP.. 115588))
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4
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This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It
shows you how to use seat belts
properly. It explains your Supple-
mental Restraint System. And it tells
you how to properly restrain infants
andchildreninyourcar.
.........Important Safety Precautions . 6
.............Your Car’s Safety Features . 7
.......................................Seat Belts . 8
...........................................Airbags . 9
.....................Seats & Seat-Backs . 10
..........................Head Restraints . 10
..................................Door Locks . 10
........Pre-Drive Safety Checklist . 11
............................Protecting Adults . 12
.....1. Close and Lock the Doors . 12
...........2. Adjust the Front Seats . 12
............3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 13
...4. Adjust the Head Restraints . 14
5. Fasten and Position the Seat
.....................................Belts . 15
....6. Adjust the Steering Wheel . 17
7. Maintain a Proper Sitting
................................Position . 17
.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 18
...Additional Safety Precautions . 19
........................Protecting Children . 20
All Children Must Be
...............................Restrained . 20
Children Should Sit in the Back
...........................................Seat . 21
The Passenger’s Front Airbag
Poses Serious Risks
...........................to Children . 21
If You Must Drive with Several
...................................Children . 23
If a Child Requires Close
..................................Attention . 23
...Additional Safety Precautions . 23
General Guidelines for Using
...............................Child Seats . 24
.......................Protecting Infants . 28
.........Protecting Small Children . 32
.......Protecting Larger Children . 35
Using Child Seats with
.....................................Tethers . 39
Additional Information About Your
.................................Seat Belts . 40
..Seat Belt System Components . 40
......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 40
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................Tensioners . 41
...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 42
Additional Information About Your
.....................................Airbags . 43
........................SRS Components . 43
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................Work . 43
...How Your Side Airbags Work . 45
How the SRS Indicator Light
.......................................Works . 46
How The Side Airbag Indicator
............................Light Works . 47
.............................Airbag Service . 48
...Additional Safety Precautions . 48
.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 49
...................................Safety Labels . 50
Driver and Passenger Safety
Driver and Passenger Safety
5
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You’ll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
Excessive speed is a major factor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed the greater the
risk, but serious accidents can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
faster than is safe for current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags
supplement seat belts, but airbags
are designed to inflate only in a
moderate to severe frontal collision.
So even though your car is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and
your passengers always wear your
seat belts, and wear them properly.
(See page .)
Children are safest when they are
properly restrained in the back seat,
notthefrontseat.Achildwhoistoo
smallforaseatbeltmustbeproperly
restrained in a child safety seat. (See
page .)
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical failure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition frequently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. (See page .)
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don’t drink
and drive, and don’t let your friends
drink and drive, either.
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual. (See page
.)9
15
20
216
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important Safety Precautions
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards Control Your Speed
Keep Your Car in Safe Condition
Restrain All Children
Don’t Drink and Drive
6
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Your car is equipped with many
features that work together to
protect you and your passengers
during a crash.
Some safety features do not require
anyactiononyourpart.These
include a strong steel framework
that forms a safety cage around the
passenger compartment; front and
rear crush zones that are designed to
crumple and absorb energy during a
crash; a collapsible steering column;
and seat belt tensioners that
automatically tighten the front seat
belts in the event of a crash.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Your Car’s Safety Features
7
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((66))
((22))
((11))
((99))
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((22))
((77))
((44))
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((11)) SSaaffeettyy CCaaggee
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((33)) SSeeaattss && SSeeaatt--BBaacckkss
((44)) HHeeaadd RReessttrraaiinnttss
((55)) CCoollllaappssiibbllee SStteeeerriinngg CCoolluummnn
((66)) SSeeaatt BBeellttss
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((88)) SSiiddee AAiirrbbaaggss
((99)) SSeeaatt BBeelltt TTeennssiioonneerrss
((1100)) DDoooorr LLoocckkss
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In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.
Foryoursafety,andthesafetyof
your passengers, your car is
equipped with seat belts in all seating
positions.
Seat belts are the single most
effective safety device for adults and
larger children. (Infants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats.)
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your car has airbags.
Your seat belt system also
includes a light on the
instrument panel to remind you and
your passengers to fasten your seat
belts.
These safety features are designed
to reduce the severity of injuries in a
crash. However, you and your
passengers can’t take full advantage
of these safety features unless you
remain sitting in a proper position
and
In fact, some safety
features can contribute to injuries if
they are not used properly.
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including frontal,
side, and rear impacts and
rollovers.
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle’s built-in safety features.
When properly worn, seat belts:
Driver and Passenger Safety
Your Car’s Safety Features
Seat Belts
Why Wear Seat Belts
always wear your seat belts
properly.
8
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
if you have airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
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Your car also has side airbags to help
protect the upper torso of the driver
or a front seat passenger during a
moderate to severe side impact.
The most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
They are designed to supplement
the seat belts.
Your car has a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) with front
airbags to help protect the heads and
chests of the driver and a front seat
passenger during a moderate to
severe frontal collision.
Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the car and
against other occupants.
Keep you from being thrown out
of the car.
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inflating airbag, and
allows you to get the best
advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
Always wear
your seat belt, and make sure you
wear it properly.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Your Car’s Safety Features
Airbags do not replace seat belts.
What you should do:
Airbags
9
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Keeping your doors locked reduces
thechanceofbeingthrownoutof
the car during a crash. It also helps
prevent occupants from accidentally
opening a door and falling out, and
outsiders from unexpectedly opening
your doors.
Head restraints can help protect you
from whiplash and other injuries. For
maximum protection, the back of
your head should rest against the
center of the head restraint.
Move the front
seats as far back as possible, and
keep adjustable seat-backs in an
upright position whenever the car is
moving.
Your car’s seats are designed to keep
you in a comfortable, upright
position so you can take full
advantage of the protection offered
by seat belts and the energy
absorbing materials in the seats.
How you adjust your seats and seat-
backs can also affect your safety. For
example, sitting too close to the
steering wheel or dashboard
increases the risk of you or your
passenger being injured by striking
theinsideofthecar,orbyan
inflating airbag.
Reclining a seat-back too far reduces
the seat belt’s effectiveness and
increases the chance that the seat’s
occupant will slide under the seat
belt in a crash and be seriously
injured.
To do their job, airbags must
inflate with tremendous force and
speed. So while airbags help save
lives, they can cause minor injuries,
or more serious or even fatal
injuries if occupants are not
properly restrained or sitting
properly.
Always wear
your seat belt properly, and sit
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel or
dashboard.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Your Car’s Safety Features
Door Locks
Head Restraints
Seats & Seat-Backs
What you should do:Airbags offer no protection in rear
impacts, rollovers, or minor
frontal or side collisions.
Airbags can pose serious hazards.
What you should do:
10
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All adults, and children who have
outgrown child safety seats, are
wearing their seat belts and
wearingthemproperly(seepage
).
Any infant or small child is
properly restrained in a child seat
inthebackseat(seepage ).
To make sure you and your
passengers get the maximum
protection from your car’s safety
features, check the following each
time before you drive away:
The rest of this section gives more
detailed information about how you
can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that no safety
system can prevent all injuries or
deaths that can occur in severe
crashes, even when seat belts are
properly worn and the airbags deploy.Head restraints are properly
adjusted (see page ).
All doors are closed and locked
(see page ).
Frontseatoccupantsaresitting
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel and
dashboard (see page ).
All cargo is properly stored or
secured (see page ).
Seat-backs are upright (see page
).
12
13
14
12
15
20 186
Driver and Passenger Safety
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist
Your Car’s Safety Features
11
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The following pages provide
instructions on how to properly
protect the driver and other adult
occupants.
These instructions also apply to
children who have outgrown child
seats and are large enough to wear
lap/shoulder belts. (See page for
important additional guidelines on
how to properly protect larger
children.)
For security, locked doors can
prevent an outsider from
unexpectedly opening a door when
you come to a stop.
See page for how to lock the
doors.
After everyone has entered the car,
be sure the doors are closed and
locked.
For safety, locking the doors reduces
the chance that a passenger,
especially a child, will open a door
while the car is moving and
accidentally fall out. It also reduces
the chance of someone being thrown
out of the car during a crash.
Any driver who sits too close to the
steering wheel is at risk of being
seriously injured or killed by striking
the steering wheel or from being
struck by an inflating front airbag
during a crash.
Your car has a door monitor light on
the instrument panel to indicate
when a specific door is not tightly
closed.
35
78
Driver and Passenger Safety
Protecting Adults
Introduction
Close and Lock the Doors
Adjust the Front Seats
1.
2.
12
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CONTINUED
Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel. If you
sit too close to the steering wheel,
you could be injured if the front
airbag inflates.
To reduce the chance of injury, wear
your seat belt properly, sit upright
with your back against the seat, and
movetheseatawayfromthe
steering wheel to the farthest
distance that allows you to maintain
full control of the car.
Most shorter drivers can get far
enough away from the steering
wheel and still reach the pedals.
However, if you are concerned about
sitting too close, we recommend that
you investigate whether some type
of adaptive equipment may help.
See page for how to adjust the
front seats.
Once your seat is adjusted correctly,
rock it back and forth to make sure
the seat is locked in position.
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that drivers
adjust the seat so the center of the
chest is at least 10 inches away from
the center of the steering wheel.
Also make sure your front seat
passenger moves the seat as far to
the rear as possible.
86
Driver and Passenger Safety
Protecting Adults
Adjust the Seat-Backs3.
13
Sitting too close to a front
airbag can result in serious
injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
front airbags as possible.
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Before driving, make sure everyone
with an adjustable head restraint has
properly positioned the head
restraint. The restraint should be
positioned so the back of the
occupant’s head rests against the
center of the restraint. A taller
person should adjust the restraint as
high as possible.
See page for how to adjust seat-
backs.
A front passenger should also adjust
the seat-back to an upright position,
but as far from the dashboard as
possible. A passenger who sits too
close to the dashboard could be
injured if the front airbag inflates.
Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against the occupant’s chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt. It also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt in a crash
and being seriously injured. The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
87
Driver and Passenger Safety
Protecting Adults
Adjust the Head Restraints4.
14
Reclining the seat-back too far
can result in serious injury or
death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position and sit well
back in the seat.
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CONTINUED
Position the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across your hips,
then pull up on the shoulder part of
the belt so the lap part fits snugly.
This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.
Properly adjusted head restraints
will help protect occupants from
whiplash and other crash injuries.
See page for how to adjust the
head restraints.
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Also check
that the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
88
Driver and Passenger Safety
Protecting Adults
Fasten and Position the Seat
Belts
5.
15
Improperly positioning head
restraints reduces their
effectiveness and you can be
seriously injured in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are
in place and positioned properly
before driving.
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If necessary, pull up on the belt again
to remove any slack from the
shoulder part, then check that the
belt rests across the center of your
chest and over your shoulder. This
spreads the forces of a crash over
the strongest bones in your upper
body.
If the seat belt touches or crosses
your neck, or if it crosses your arm
instead of your shoulder, you need to
adjust the seat belt anchor height.
To adjust the height of a front seat
belt anchor, press the release button
and slide the anchor up or down as
needed (it has four positions).
This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
If a seat belt does not seem to work
as it should, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash.
Anyone using a seat belt that is
not working properly can be
seriously injured or killed. Have your
Acura dealer check the belt as soon
as possible.
See page for additional
information about your seat belt
system and how to take care of your
belts.
40
Protecting Adults
Driver and Passenger Safety
Never place the shoulder portion of a
lap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back.
No one should
sit in a seat with an inoperative seat
belt.
16
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death in a crash.
Make sure all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
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Adjust the steering wheel, if needed,
so that the wheel points toward your
chest, not toward your face.
See page for how to adjust the
steering wheel.
Pointing the steering wheel toward
your chest provides optimal
protection from the airbag.
After all occupants have adjusted
their seats and put on seat belts, it is
very important that they continue to
sit upright, well back in their seats,
with their feet on the floor, until the
car is parked and the engine is off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches,
lies down, turns sideways, sits
forward, leans forward or sideways,
or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is
greatly increased.
In addition, an occupant who is out of
position in the front seat can be
seriously or fatally injured by
striking interior parts of the car, or
by being struck by an inflating front
airbag. Being struck by an inflating
side airbag can result in possibly
serious injuries.
71
CONTINUED
Adjust the Steering Wheel Maintain a Proper Sitting
Position
6. 7.
Protecting Adults
Driver and Passenger Safety
17
Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
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Because protecting the mother is the
best way to protect her unborn child,
a pregnant woman should always
wear a seat belt whenever she drives
or rides in a car.
Pregnant women should also sit
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel or
dashboard. This will reduce the risk
of injuries to both the mother and
her unborn child that can be caused
by a crash or an inflating airbag.
Each time you have a check-up, ask
your doctor if it’s okay for you to
drive.
Remember to keep the lap portion of
the belt as low as possible across
your hips.
Remember, to get the best
protection from your car’s airbags
and other safety features, you must
sit properly and wear your seat belt
properly.
Advice for Pregnant Women
Protecting Adults
Driver and Passenger Safety
18
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If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
Carrying hard or sharp
objects on your lap, or driving with
a pipe or other sharp object in
your mouth, can result in injuries
if your front airbag inflates.
If your
hands or arms are close to the
airbag cover in the center of the
steering wheel or on top of the
dashboard, they could be injured if
the front airbags inflate.
If a side airbag
inflates,acupholderorotherhard
object attached on or near the
door could be propelled inside the
car and hurt someone.
Any object
attached to or placed on the covers
marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ in the
center of the steering wheel and
on top of the dashboard could
interfere with the proper operation
of the airbags. Or, if the airbags
inflate, the objects could be
propelled inside the car and hurt
someone.
Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt can
severely compromise the
protective capability of the seat
belt and increase the chance of
serious injury in a crash.
Additional Safety Precautions
Two people should never use the
same seat belt.
Do not place hard or sharp objects
between yourself and a front
airbag.
Keep your hands and arms away
from the airbag covers.
Do not attach hard objects on or
near a front door.
Do not attach or place objects on
the front airbag covers.
Do not put any accessories on seat
belts.
Protecting Adults
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Children depend on adults to protect
them. However, despite their best
intentions, many parents and other
adults may not know how to
protect young passengers. (See page
.)
To reduce the number of child
deaths and injuries, every state and
Canadian province requires that
infants and children be restrained
whenever they ride in a vehicle.
Each year, many children are injured
or killed in vehicle crashes because
they are either unrestrained or not
properly restrained. In fact, vehicle
accidents are the number one cause
of death of children ages 12 and
under.
(See page
.)
So if you have children, or if you ever
need to drive with a grandchild or
otherchildreninyourcar,besureto
read this section.
24
35
properly
All Children Must Be Restrained
Anychildwhoistoosmalltoweara
seat belt should be properly
restrained in a child seat.
A larger child should always be
restrained with a seat belt.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
20
Children who are unrestrained
or improperly restrained can be
seriously injured or killed in a
crash.
Any child too small for a seat
belt should be properly
restrained in a child seat. A
larger child should be properly
restrained with a seat belt.
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According to accident statistics,
children of all ages and sizes are
safer when they are restrained in the
back seat, not the front seat. The
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly
restrained in the back seat.
In the back seat, children are less
likely to be injured by striking hard
interior parts during a collision or
hard braking. Also, children cannot
be injured by an inflating airbag
when they ride in the back.
Front airbags have been designed to
help protect adults in a moderate to
severe frontal collision. To do this,
the passenger’s front airbag is quite
large, and it inflates with tremendous
speed.
If
the airbag inflates, it can hit the back
of the child seat with enough force
to kill or very seriously injure an
infant.
If the vehicle seat is
too far forward, or the child’s head is
thrown forward during a collision, an
inflating front airbag can strike the
child with enough force to kill or
very seriously injure a small child.
Whenever possible,
larger children should sit in the back
seat, properly restrained with a seat
belt. (See page for important
information about protecting larger
children.)
35
CONTINUED
Small Children
Larger Children
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger’s front airbag.
Infants
Placing a forward-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger’s front airbag can
be hazardous.
Children who have outgrown child
seats are also at risk of being injured
or killed by an inflating passenger’s
front airbag.
Children Should Sit in the Back
Seat
The Passenger’s Front Airbag
Poses Serious Risks to Children
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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To remind you of the passenger’s
front airbag hazards, and that
children must be properly restrained
in the back seat, your car has
warninglabelsonthedashboardand
on the driver’s and front passenger’s
visors. Please read and follow the
instructions on these labels.
To remind you of the front airbag
hazards, your car has warning labels
on the driver’s and front passenger’s
visors. Please read and follow the
instructions on these labels.
U.S. Models Canadian Models
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Using this feature will
prevent children from opening the
doors and accidentally falling out
(see page ).
Using
this feature will prevent children
from playing with the windows,
which could expose them to
hazards or distract the driver (see
page ).
Many parents say they prefer to put
an infant or small child in the front
passenger seat so they can watch the
child, or because the child requires
attention.
Placing a child in the front seat
exposes the child to hazards from
the passenger’s front airbag, and
paying close attention to a child
distracts the driver from the
important tasks of driving, placing
both of you at risk.
If a child requires physical attention
or frequent visual contact, we
strongly recommend that another
adult ride with the child in the back
seat. The back seat is far safer for a
child than the front.
Place the largest child in the front
seat, provided the child is large
enough to wear a seat belt
properly (see page ).
Move the vehicle seat as far to the
rear as possible (see page ).
Have the child sit upright and well
backintheseat(seepage ).
Make sure the seat belt is properly
positioned and secured (see page
).
Your car has three seating positions
in the back seat where children can
be properly restrained.
If you ever have to carry more than
three children in your car:
12
35
17
15
82
100
CONTINUED
Additional Safety PrecautionsIf a Child Requires Close
Attention
If You Must Drive with Several
Children
Use childproof door locks to
prevent children from opening the
doors.
Use the main power window
switch to prevent children from
opening the rear windows.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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The following pages give general
guidelines for selecting and installing
child seats for infants and small
children.
To provide proper protection, a child
seat should meet three
requirements:
The child seat should
meet Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213)
or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). Look
for the manufacturer’s statement
of compliance on the box and seat.
Leaving children without
adult supervision is illegal in most
states and Canadian provinces,
and can be very hazardous. For
example, infants and small
childrenleftinavehicleonahot
day can die from heatstroke. And
children left alone with the key in
the ignition can accidentally set
the vehicle in motion, possibly
injuring themselves or others.
Children
who play in cars can accidentally
get trapped inside the trunk.
Teach your children not to play in
or around cars. Know how to
operate the emergency trunk
opener (US models only) and
decide if your children should be
shown how to use this feature (see
page ).
Even very young
children learn how to unlock
vehicle doors, turn on the ignition,
and open the trunk, which can
lead to accidental injury or death.
84
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
General Guidelines for Using
Child Seats
Selecting a Child Seat
The child seat should meet safety
standards.
Do not leave children alone in your
vehicle.
Lock all doors and the trunk when
your car is not in use.
Keep car keys and remote
transmitters out of the reach of
children.
1.
24
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CONTINUED
Before purchasing a child seat, we
recommend that parents test the
child seat in the specific vehicle
seating position (or positions) where
they intend to use the seat. If a
previously purchased child seat does
not fit, you may need to buy a
different one that will fit.
Due to variations in the design of
child seats, vehicle seats, and seat
belts, all child seats will not fit all
vehicle seating positions.
However, Acura is confident that one
or more child seat models can fit and
be properly installed in all
recommended seating positions in
your car.A child who is too
large for a rear-facing child seat, and
who can sit up without support,
should be restrained in a forward-
facing child seat. See page for
additional information on protecting
small children.
Childrenuptoaboutone
year old should be restrained in a
rear-facing, reclining child seat. Only
a rear-facing seat provides the
proper support to protect an infant’s
head, neck, and back. See page
for additional information on
protecting infants.
32
28
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
The child seat should fit the
vehicle seating position (or
positions) where it will be used.
Small Children:The child seat should be of the
proper type and size to fit the child.
Infants:
3.
2.
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If a small child must ride in the
front, follow the instructions
provided in this section.
This page briefly summarizes Acura’s
recommendations on where to place
rear-facing and forward-facing child
seats in your car.
The passenger’s front airbag
inflates with enough force to kill
or seriously injure an infant in a
rear-facing child seat.
A small child in a forward-facing
child seat is also at risk. If the
vehicle seat is too far forward,
or the child’s head is thrown
forward during a collision, an
inflating front airbag can kill or
seriously injure the child.
Never in the front seat, due
to the front airbag hazard.
Not recommended,
due to the front airbag hazard. If a
small child must ride in front,
move the vehicle seat to the rear-
most position and secure a front-
facing child seat with the seat belt
(see page ).
Recommended positions.
Secure a rear-facing child seat
with the seat belt (see page ).
Recommended
positions. Secure a front-facing
child seat with the seat belt (see
page ).
32
28
32
Placing a Child Seat Front Passenger’s Seat
Infants:
Small children:
Back Seats
Infants:
Small children:
Airbags Pose Serious
Risks to Children
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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After selecting a proper child seat,
and a good position to install the seat,
there are three main steps in
installing the seat:
Make sure the child is properly
strappedinthechildseat
according to the child seat maker’s
instructions. A child who is not
properly secured in a child seat
canbethrownoutoftheseatina
crash and be seriously injured.
To provide security during normal
driving maneuvers as well as during
a collision, we recommend that
parents secure a child seat as firmly
as possible.
However, a child seat does not need
to be ‘‘rock solid.’’ In some vehicles
or seating positions, it may be
difficult to install a child seat so that
it does not move at all. Some side-to-
side or back-and-forth movement can
be expected and should not reduce
the child seat’s effectiveness.
If the child seat is not secure, try
installing it in a different seating
position, or use a different style of
child seat that can be firmly secured
in the desired seating position.
When you are not using a child seat,
either remove it and store it in a safe
place, or make sure it is properly
secured. An unsecured child seat can
be thrown around the car during a
crash or sudden stop and injure
someone.
All child seats
must be secured to the car with
the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt.
A child whose seat is not properly
secured to the car can be
endangered in a crash. See pages
and for instructions on how
to secure child seats in this car.
After installing a child
seat, push and pull the seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure.
29 33
Installing a Child Seat Secure the child in the child seat.
Storing a Child Seat
Secure the child seat to the car
with a seat belt.
Make sure the child seat is firmly
secured.
1.
2.
3.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Only a rear-facing child seat provides
proper support for a baby’s head,
neck, and back. Infants up to about
one year of age must be restrained in
a rear-facing child seat.
In this car, a rear-facing child seat
canbeplacedinanyseatingposition
in the back seat, but not in the front
seat.
We recommend that an infant be
restrained in a rear-facing child seat
until the infant reaches the seat
maker’s weight or height limit and is
able to sit up without support.
Two types of seats may be used: a
seat designed exclusively for infants,
or a convertible seat used in the rear-
facing, reclining mode.
If the passenger’s
front airbag inflates, it can hit the
back of the child seat with enough
forcetokillorseriouslyinjurean
infant. If an infant must be closely
watched, we recommend that
another adult sit in the back seat
with the baby.
If placed
facing forward, an infant could be
very seriously injured during a
frontal collision.
Protecting Infants
Child Seat Type
Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front seat.
Do not put a rear-facing child seat in
a forward-facing position.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
28
Placing a rear-facing child seat
in the front seat can result in
serious injury or death if the
passenger’s front airbag inflates.
Always place a rear-facing child
seat in the back seat, not the
front.
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With the child seat in the desired
back seating position, route the
belt through the child seat
according to the seat maker’s
instructions, then insert the latch
plate into the buckle.
To activate the lockable retractor,
slowly pull the shoulder part of the
belt all the way out until it stops,
then let the belt feed back into the
retractor (you might hear a
clicking noise as the belt retracts).
After the belt has retracted, tug on
it. If the belt is locked, you will not
be able to pull it out. If you can pull
the belt out, it is not locked and
you will need to repeat these steps.
The lap/shoulder belts in the back
seats have a locking mechanism that
must be activated to secure a child
seat.
The following pages provide
instructions and tips on how to
secure a rear-facing child seat with
this type of seat belt.
1. 2.
3.
CONTINUED
Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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After confirming that the belt is
locked, grab the shoulder part of
the belt near the buckle and pull
up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. Remember, if
the lap part of the belt is not tight,
the child seat will not be secure.
To remove slack, it may help to
putweightonthechildseat,or
push on the back of the seat, while
pulling up on the belt.
Push and pull the child seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure enough to
stay upright during normal driving
maneuvers. If the child seat is not
secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to
retract fully, then repeat these
steps.
To deactivate the locking
mechanism and remove a child seat,
unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat
belt, and let the belt fully retract.
4. 5.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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If you are not wearing a seat belt
in a crash, you could be thrown
forward into the dashboard and
crush the infant.
Ifyouarewearingaseatbelt,the
infantcanbetornfromyourarms
during a crash. For example, if
your car crashes into a parked
vehicleat30mph(48km/h),a
20-lb (9 kg) infant will become a
600-lb (275 kg) force, and you will
notbeabletoholdon.
In either case, we recommend that
you place the child seat directly
behind the front passenger seat,
move the front seat as far forward as
needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or
you may wish to get a smaller child
seat that allows you to safely carry a
front passenger.
When properly installed, a rear-
facing child seat may prevent the
driver or a front-seat passenger from
moving the seat as far back as
recommended (see page ). Or it
may prevent them from locking the
seat-back in the desired upright
position (see page ).
To achieve the desired reclining
angle, it may help to put a rolled up
towel under the toe of the child seat,
as shown.
Forproperprotection,aninfantmust
ride in a reclined, or semi-reclined
position. To determine the proper
reclining angle, check with the baby’s
doctor or follow the seat maker’s
recommendations.
During a crash, the
belt could press deep into the
infant and cause very serious
injuries.
12
13
Additional Precautions for Infants
Never hold an infant on your lap.
Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation
Tips
Never put a seat belt over yourself
and an infant.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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A child who can sit up without
support, and who fits within the child
seat maker’s weight and height
limits, should be restrained in a
forward-facing, upright child seat.
Of the different seats available, we
recommend those that have a five-
point harness system as shown.
We also recommend that a small
child stay in the child seat as long as
possible, until the child reaches the
weight or height limit for the seat.
In this car, the best place to install a
forward-facing child seat is in one of
the seating positions in the back seat.
If the vehicle seat is
too far forward, or the child’s head is
thrown forward during a collision, an
inflating front airbag can strike the
child with enough force to cause
very serious or fatal injuries. If a
small child must be closely watched,
we recommend that another adult sit
in the back seat with the child.
If it is necessary to put a forward-
facing child seat in the front, move
the vehicle seat as far to the rear as
possible, be sure the child seat is
firmly secured to the car, and the
child is properly strapped in the seat.
Protecting Small Children
Child Seat Type
Child Seat Placement
Placing a forward-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger’s front airbag can
be hazardous.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
32
Improperly placing a forward-
facing child seat in the front
seat can result in serious injury
or death if the front airbags
inflate.
Ifyoumustplaceaforward-
facing child seat in front, move
the vehicle seat as far back as
possible and properly restrain
the child.
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To activate the lockable retractor,
slowly pull the shoulder part of the
belt all the way out until it stops,
then let the belt feed back into the
retractor (you might hear a
clicking noise as the belt retracts).
After the belt has retracted, tug on
it. If the belt is locked, you will not
be able to pull it out. If you can pull
the belt out, it is not locked and
you will need to repeat these steps.
The lap/shoulder belts in the back
and front passenger seating positions
have a locking mechanism that must
be activated to secure a child seat.
The following pages provide
instructions on how to secure a
forward-facing child seat with this
type of seat belt.
With the child seat in the desired
seating position, route the belt
through the child seat according
to the seat maker’s instructions,
then insert the latch plate into the
buckle.
1. 2.
3.
CONTINUED
Child Seat Installation
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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After confirming that the belt is
locked, grab the shoulder part of
the belt near the buckle and pull
up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. Remember, if
the lap part of the belt is not tight,
the child seat will not be secure. It
mayhelptoputweightonthe
child seat, or push on the back of
the seat, while pulling up on the
belt.
Push and pull the child seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure enough to
stay upright during normal driving
maneuvers. If the child seat is not
secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to
retract fully, then repeat these
steps.
To deactivate the locking
mechanism in order to remove a
child restraint system, unlatch the
buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let
the belt fully retract.
4. 5.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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When a child reaches the
recommended weight or height limit
for a forward-facing child seat, the
child should sit in the back seat and
wear a lap/shoulder belt.
If you are not wearing a seat
belt in a crash, you could be
thrown forward into the
dashboard and crush the child.
During a crash, the
belt could press deep into the child
and cause very serious injuries.
Ifyouarewearingaseatbelt,the
child can be torn from your arms
during a crash. For example, if
your car crashes into a parked
vehicleat30mph(48km/h),a
30-lb (14 kg) child will become a
900-lb (410 kg) force, and you will
not be able to hold on.
If a child is too short for the shoulder
part of the belt to properly fit, we
recommend that the child use a
booster seat until the child is tall
enough to use the seat belt without a
booster.
The following pages give
instructions on how to check proper
seat belt fit, what kind of booster
seat to use if one is needed, and
important precautions for a child
who must sit in the front seat.
CONTINUED
Protecting Larger Children
Additional Precautions for Small
Children
Never hold a small child on your
lap.
Never put a seat belt over yourself
and a child.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
35
Allowing a larger child to sit
improperly in the front seat can
result in injury or death if the
passenger’s front airbag inflates.
If a larger child must sit in front,
make sure the child moves the
seat as far back as possible
and wears the seat belt properly.
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Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt, severely
compromise the protective capability
of the seat belt and increase the
chance of serious injury in a crash.
If they do, they could
be very seriously injured in a crash.
However, if the belt touches or
crosses the child’s neck, the child
needs to use a booster seat.
This could result in
serious neck injuries during a crash.
This could cause
very serious injuries during a crash.
It also increases the chance that the
child will slide under the belt in a
crash and be injured.To determine if a lap/shoulder belt
properly fits a child, have the child
put on the seat belt. Follow the
instructions on page . Then check
how the belt fits.
If the shoulder part of the belt rests
over the child’s collarbone and
against the center of the chest, as
shown, the child is large enough to
wear the seat belt.
15
Do not put any accessories on a seat
belt.
Two children should never use the
same seat belt.
Do not let a child wear a seat belt
across the neck.
Do not let a child put the shoulder
part of a seat belt behind the back or
under the arm.
Checking Seat Belt Fit
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly
restrained in a back seat.
The back seat is the safest place for
a child of any age or size.
In addition, the passenger’s front
airbag poses serious risks to children.
If the seat is too far forward, or the
child’s head is thrown forward
during a collision, or the child is
unrestrained or out of position, an
inflating front airbag can kill or
seriously injure the child.
Thesideairbagalsoposesrisks.If
any part of a larger child’s body is in
the path of a deploying airbag, the
child could receive possibly serious
injuries.
A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of the ears are
even with the top of the seat-back. A
child of this height should be tall
enough to use the lap/shoulder belt
without a booster.
Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat maker’s instructions.
If a child needs a booster seat, we
recommend choosing a style that
allows the child to use the lap/
shoulder belt directly, without a
shield, as shown.
CONTINUED
When Can a Larger Child Sit in FrontUsing a Booster Seat
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Of course, children vary widely. And
while age may be one indicator of
when a child can safely ride in the
front, there are other important
factors you should consider.
If you decide that a child can safely
ride up front, be sure to:
Carefully read the owner’s manual
and make sure you understand all
seat belt instructions and all safety
information.
Move the vehicle seat to the rear-
most position.
Have the child sit up straight, back
against the seat, and feet on or
near the floor.
Check that the child’s seat belt is
properly positioned and secured.
Supervise the child. Even mature
children sometimes need to be
reminded to fasten the seat belts
or sit properly.
Physically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit over the hips, chest, and
shoulder (see pages and ). If
the seat belt does not fit properly,
the child should not sit in the front.
To safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly and wearing the seat
belt properly throughout a ride.
15 35
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
Physical Size
Maturity
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Attach the tether strap hook to the
tether anchorage point as shown in
the illustration, then tighten the
strap according to the child seat
maker’s instructions. Make sure the
strap is not twisted.
Your car has three tether anchorage
points under the rear window for
securing a tether-style child seat to
the car.
Since a tether can provide additional
security, we recommend using a
tether whenever one is required or
available.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
Using Child Seats with Tethers
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This seat belt has a single belt that
goes over your shoulder, across your
chest and across your hips.
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in all five seating
positions. The front seat belts are
also equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners.
To unlock the belt, push the red
PRESSbuttononthebuckle.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched.
Guide the belt across your body to
the door pillar. After exiting the car,
be sure the belt is out of the way and
will not get closed in the door.
All seat belts have an emergency
locking retractor. In normal driving,
the retractor lets you move freely in
your seat while it keeps some
tension on the belt. During a collision
or sudden stop, the retractor
automatically locks the belt to help
restrain your body.
The seat belts in all seating positions
except the driver’s have an additional
locking mechanism that must be
activated to secure a child seat. (See
pages and for instructions on
how to secure child seats with this
type of seat belt.)
The seat belt system also
includes a light on the
instrument panel to remind you and
your passengers to fasten your belts.
If the driver’s seat belt is not
fastened before the ignition is turned
ON (II), the light will come on and a
beeper will also sound. The beeper
will stop after a few seconds, but the
light will stay on until the driver’s
seat belt is fastened.
29 33
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt
40
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If the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled all the way out, the locking
mechanism will activate. The belt
will retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely.
To deactivate the locking
mechanism, unlatch the buckle and
let the seat belt fully retract. To
refasten the belt, pull it out only as
far as needed.
See page for instructions on how
to wear the lap/shoulder belt
properly. For added protection, the front seat
belts are equipped with automatic
seat belt tensioners. When activated,
the tensioners immediately tighten
the belts to help hold the driver and
a front passenger in place.
The tensioners are designed to
activate primarily in frontal collisions.
The tensioners are independent of
the airbag system, so they can be
activated during a collision that
might not cause the airbags to
deploy. In this case, the airbags
would not be needed but the
additional seat belt tension can be
helpful.
The tensioners will be activated in a
collision severe enough to cause the
front airbags to inflate.
The SRS indicator light will
come on if there is a
problem with your automatic seat
belt tensioners (see page ).
When the tensioners are activated,
the seat belts will remain tight until
they are unbuckled in the normal
way.
45
15
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
41
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For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out fully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
that the lap/shoulder belts retract
easily. Any belt not in good condition
or not working properly will not
provide good protection and should
be replaced as soon as possible.
Acura provides a lifetime warranty
on seat belts. Acura will repair or
replace any seat belt component
that fails to function properly
during normal use. Please see
your
booklet for details.
If a seat belt is worn during a crash,
it must be replaced by the dealer. A
belt that has been worn during a
crash may not provide the same level
of protection in a subsequent crash.
The dealer should also inspect the
anchors for damage and replace
them if needed.
Automatic seat belt tensioners that
deployed during a crash must be
replaced.
For information on how to clean your
seat belts, see page .
277
Acura Warranty Information
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Seat Belt Maintenance
U.S. Models
42
Not checking or maintaining
seat belts can result in serious
injury or death if the seat belts
do not work properly when
needed.
Check your seat belts regularly
and have any problem
corrected as soon as possible.
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Your Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) includes:
An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page ).
Two front airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passengersairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
Emergency backup power in case
your car’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
If you ever have a moderate to
severe frontal collision, the sensors
will detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inflate the
front airbags.
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records information about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition is ON (II).
45
41
CONTINUED
SRS Components How Your Front Airbags Work
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Airbags
43
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The total time for inflation and
deflation is approximately one-tenth
of a second, so fast that most
occupants are not aware that the
airbags deployed until they see them
lying in their laps.
After a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag’s surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
may experience some temporary
discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the car as soon as it is safe to do so.
For additional information on how
your airbags work, see the booklet
titled
that came with your
owner’s manual.
Since both airbags use the same
sensors, both airbags normally
inflate at the same time. However, it
is possible for only one airbag to
inflate.
This can occur when the severity of
a collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will provide
sufficient protection, and the
supplemental protection offered by
the airbag would be minimal.
After inflating, the front airbags
immediately deflate, so they won’t
interfere with the driver’s visibility,
or the ability to steer or operate
other controls.
For additional information on how
your airbags work, ask your dealer
for a copy of the booklet titled
During a frontal crash, your seat
belts help restrain your lower body
and torso. Your airbag provides a
cushion to help restrain and protect
your head and chest.
SRS: What You Need to Know
About Airbags
SRS:
What You Need to Know About Airbags
.
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Airbags
44
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To get the best protection from the
side airbags, front seat occupants
should wear their seat belts and sit
upright and well back in their seats.
Your car is equipped with side
airbags for the driver and a front
seat passenger. The airbags are
stored in the outer edges of the front
seat-backs, and both are marked
‘‘SIDE AIRBAG.’’
If you ever have a moderate to
severe side impact, the sensors will
detect rapid deceleration and signal
the control unit to instantly inflate
either the driver’s or the passenger’s
side airbag.
Only one airbag will deploy during a
side impact. If the impact is on the
passenger’s side, the passenger’s
side airbag will deploy even if there
is no passenger.
Driver and Passenger Safety
How Your Side Airbags Work
Additional Information About Your Airbags
45
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If the light comes on at any other
time, or does not come on at all, you
should have the system checked by
your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator light does not
come on after you turn the ignition
ON (II).
If the light stays on after the
engine starts.
If the light comes on or flashes on
andoffwhileyoudrive.
ThepurposeoftheSRS
indicator light is to alert
you to a potential problem with your
front airbags. This light will also
alert you to a potential problem with
your automatic seat belt tensioners
(page );oryoursideairbagsor
passenger’s side airbag automatic
cutoff system (page ).
When you turn the ignition ON (II),
this indicator will light briefly then
go out. This tells you that the system
is working properly. If you see any of these indications,
your front or side airbags may not
deploy, your passenger’s side airbag
automatic cutoff system may not
work properly, or your seat belt
tensioners may not work when you
need them. See your Acura dealer as
soon as possible.
41
45
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Airbags
46
Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbags, cutoff
system, or tensioners do not
work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
theSRSlightalertsyoutoa
potential problem.
01/09/28 19:32:29 31SZ3660_049
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This light alerts you that
the passenger’s side airbag
has been automatically shut off.
A front seat passenger should not
use a cushion or other object as a
backrest. It may prevent the cutoff
system from working properly.
If a small-statured adult leans
sideways, or larger adult slouches
and leans sideways into the
deployment path of the side airbag,
the system may also shut off the side
airbag.
If the side airbag indicator light
comes on, you should have the
passenger sit upright. Once the
passenger is out of the deployment
path of the side airbag, the system
will turn the airbag back on and the
light will go out.
When you turn the ignition ON (II),
the indicator should light briefly and
goout(seepage ).Ifitdoesnt
light, stays on, or comes on while
driving without a passenger in the
front seat, have the system checked.
To reduce the risk of injury from an
inflating side airbag, your car has an
automatic cutoff system for the
passenger’s side airbag.
Although Acura does not encourage
children to ride in the front seat, this
system is designed to shut off the
side airbag if a child leans sideways
and the child’s head is in the side
airbag deployment path.
55
Driver and Passenger Safety
How The Side Airbag Indicator
Light Works
Additional Information About Your Airbags
47
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Your front and side airbag systems
are virtually maintenance-free, and
there are no parts you can safely
service. However, you must have
your car serviced if:
Any
airbag that has deployed must be
replaced along with the control
unit and other related parts. Do
not try to remove or replace any
airbag by yourself. This must be
done by an Acura dealer or a
knowledgeable body shop.
Together, airbags and
seat belts provide the best
protection.
Tampering could cause
the airbags to deploy, possibly
causing very serious injury.
See page for further information
and precautions relating to your
airbags.
Improperly
replacing or covering front seat-
back covers can prevent your side
airbags from inflating during a
collision.
If rain or spilled water
soaks into a seat-back, it can
prevent the side airbag system
from working properly.
Take your car to an
authorized Acura dealer as soon as
possible. If you ignore this
indication, the airbags might not
inflate when you need them.
185
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Airbag Service Additional Safety Precautions
Your airbags ever inflate.
Donotattempttodeactivateyour
airbags.
Do not tamper with airbag
components or wiring for any
reason.
Do not cover or replace front seat-
back covers without consulting an
Acura dealer.
Do not expose the front seat-backs
to water.
The SRS indicator light alerts you
to a problem.
Driver and Passenger Safety
48
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High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage.
If you must sit in your parked car,
even in an unconfined area, with the
engine running, adjust the climate
control system as follows:
Your car’s exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas. You should have no
problem with carbon monoxide
entering the car in normal driving if
you maintain your car properly.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:
The car is raised for an oil change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.
Thecarwasinanaccidentthat
may have damaged the underside.
Select the Fresh Air mode.
Select the mode.
Set the fan speed to high.
Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
With the trunk lid open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your car’s
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, open all the windows
and set the climate control system as
shown below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Driver and Passenger Safety
49
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
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These labels are in the locations
shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels carefully.
If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Acura dealer
for a replacement.
U.S. models only
U.S. models Canadian models
Driver and Passenger Safety
Safety Labels
50
RADIATOR CAP
SUN VISOR
HOOD
DASHBOARD
The U.S. car model
01/09/28 19:33:16 31SZ3660_053
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This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls
are within easy reach.
...........................Control Locations . 52
...............................Indicator Lights . 53
.............................................Gauges . 58
...............................Speedometer . 58
.................................Tachometer . 58
.....................................Odometer . 59
Trip Meter/Outside
...........Temperature Indicator . 59
...................Temperature Gauge . 60
..................................Fuel Gauge . 60
Maintenance Required
...................................Indicator . 61
Controls Near the Steering
.......................................Wheel . 62
...................................Headlights . 63
....................Automatic Lighting . 64
............Daytime Running Lights . 65
....Instrument Panel Brightness . 66
................................Turn Signals . 66
...................................Fog Lights . 67
.....................Windshield Wipers . 68
..................Windshield Washers . 70
..........................Hazard Warning . 70
.............Rear Window Defogger . 71
....Steering Wheel Adjustments . 71
...............................Keys and Locks . 74
..............................................Keys . 74
....................Immobilizer System . 75
............................Ignition Switch . 77
......................Power Door Locks . 78
...................Remote Transmitter . 79
..............Childproof Door Locks . 82
...........................................Trunk . 83
........Emergency Trunk Opener . 84
....................................Glove Box . 85
............................Seat Adjustments . 86
.........Driver’s Seat Adjustments . 86
...........Driver’s Lumbar Support . 88
Front Passenger’s Seat
............................Adjustments . 88
..........................Head Restraints . 88
............................................Armrest . 89
.............................................Mirrors . 91
....Adjusting the Power Mirrors . 91
Driving Position Memory
..........................................System . 93
....................................Seat Heaters . 95
.........................................Ski Sleeve . 96
..............................Power Windows . 98
.......................................Moonroof . 100
...............................Parking Brake . 102
..................................Digital Clock . 102
........................Sunglasses Holder . 104
...........................Beverage Holder . 105
.................Console Compartment . 106
........................................Coin Box . 106
........................................Sun Visor . 107
................................Vanity Mirror . 107
.............Accessory Power Socket . 108
..........................Cigarette Lighter . 109
.........................................Ashtrays . 110
................................Ceiling Lights . 111
............................Courtesy Lights . 112
Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
51
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Control Locations
Instruments and Controls
52
DDRRIIVVIINNGG PPOOSSIITTIIOONN
MMEEMMOORRYY
PPOOWWEERR WWIINNDDOOWW
SSWWIITTCCHHEESS
DDIIGGIITTAALL CCLLOOCCKK
AAUUDDIIOO SSYYSSTTEEMM
MMIIRRRROORR
CCOONNTTRROOLLSS
CCLLIIMMAATTEE CCOONNTTRROOLL
SSYYSSTTEEMM
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BBUUTTTTOONN
FFUUEELL FFIILLLL
DDOOOORR RREELLEEAASSEE
HHAANNDDLLEE
DDOOOORR LLOOCCKK
SSWWIITTCCHHEESS
((PP.. 7788))
((PP.. 9933))
((PP.. 9988))
((PP.. 8833))
((PP.. 117799))
((PP.. 9911))
((PP.. 110022))
((PP.. 118800))
((PP.. 111144))
((PP.. 112288))
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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Indicator Lights
Instruments and Controls
53
DDOOOORR AANNDD BBRRAAKKEE
LLAAMMPP MMOONNIITTOORR
VVSSAA AACCTTIIVVAATTIIOONN
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
VVEEHHIICCLLEE SSTTAABBIILLIITTYY AASSSSIISSTT
SSYYSSTTEEMM IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
AANNTTII--LLOOCCKK BBRRAAKKEE
SSYYSSTTEEMM IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
((PP..5555))
((PP..5566))
((PP..5555))
((PP..5555))
((PP..5555))
((PP..5566))
((PP..5566))
((PP..5544))
((PP..5544))
((PP..5577))
((PP..5544))
HHIIGGHH BBEEAAMM
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
((PP..5577))
IIMMMMOOBBIILLIIZZEERR
SSYYSSTTEEMM IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
((PP..5555))
((PP..5544))
SSEEAATT BBEELLTT
RREEMMIINNDDEERR
LLIIGGHHTT
LLOOWW FFUUEELL
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
((PP..5577))
LLOOWW OOIILL
PPRREESSSSUURREE
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
CCHHAARRGGIINNGG SSYYSSTTEEMM
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
SSUUPPPPLLEEMMEENNTTAALL
RREESSTTRRAAIINNTT SSYYSSTTEEMM
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
SSIIDDEE AAIIRRBBAAGG
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
CCRRUUIISSEE CCOONNTTRROOLL IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
PPAARRKKIINNGG BBRRAAKKEE AANNDD
BBRRAAKKEE SSYYSSTTEEMM
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
LLIIGGHHTTSS OONN
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
MMAALLFFUUNNCCTTIIOONN
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
LLAAMMPP
((PP..229977))
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The engine can be severely damaged
if this light flashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
information, see page .
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
information, see page .
This light has two functions:
If you do not fasten your seat belt,
the beeper will stop after a few
seconds but the light stays on until
you do. Both the light and the beeper
stay off if you fasten your seat belt
before turning on the ignition.
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to you and your passengers
to protect yourselves by fastening
the seat belts. A beeper also sounds
if you have not fastened your seat
belt.
The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your car.
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not fully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit after
you have fully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
information, see page .
1.
2.
295
296
299
Indicator Lights
Instruments and Controls
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Parking Brake and Brake System
IndicatorSeat Belt Reminder Light
54
U.S. Canada
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This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
See page .
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your front airbags. This light will
also alert you to a potential problem
with your side airbags, passenger’s
side airbag automatic cutoff system
or automatic seat belt tensioners.
For complete information, see page
.
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger’s side
airbag has automatically shut off.
For complete information, see page
.
This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or position. If you turn the
ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I)
or LOCK (0) without turning off the
light switch, this indicator will
remain on. A reminder chime will
also sound when you open the driver’s
door.
This indicator will also come on
when the light switch is in AUTO
and the lights turn on automatically.
This lights when you set the cruise
control. See page for information
on operating the cruise control.
45
47
75
297
158
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
Side Airbag Indicator
Lights On Indicator
(U.S. models only)
Cruise Control Indicator
Indicator Lights
Instruments and Controls
55
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This light normally comes on for a
few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.Ifthishappens,takethe
cartoyourdealertohaveitchecked.
With the light on, your car still has
normal braking ability but no anti-
lock. For complete information, see
page .
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). It comes on as a reminder that you
have turned off the Vehicle
Stability Assist (VSA) system.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
If this light comes on and stays on at
any other time, or it does not come
on when you turn the ignition switch
ON (II), there is a problem with the
VSA system. Take the car to your
dealer to have it checked. Without
VSA, your car still has normal
driving ability, but will not have VSA
traction and stability enhancement.
See page for more information
on the VSA system.
This indicator has three functions:
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). See page
for more information on the
VSA system.
It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
1.
2.
3.
201
201
199201
Instruments and Controls
Indicator Lights
Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA) System Indicator
VSA Activation Indicator
56
U.S. Canada
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This light comes on with the high
beam headlights. See page for
information on the headlight
controls.
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) are on (see page ).
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) with
the headlight switch off and the
parking brake set. It should go off if
youturnontheheadlightsorrelease
the parking brake. If it comes on at
any other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may
also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.
The left or right turn signal light
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one
of the turn signal bulbs is burned out
(see page ). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
WhenyouturnontheHazard
Warning switch, both turn signal
lights blink. All turn signals on the
outside of the vehicle should flash.
This light comes on as a reminder
that you must refuel soon.
All the lights in the monitor display
come on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II).
A burned out brake light is a hazard
when drivers behind you cannot tell
you are braking. Have your brake
lights repaired right away.
The appropriate light comes on in
this display if the trunk or any door
is not closed tightly. If a brake light
does not work, the
indicator comes on when you push
the brake pedal with the ignition
switch ON (II).
63
65
260
Canadian models only
High Beam Indicator
‘‘Daytime Running
Lights Indicator
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
Low Fuel Indicator
Door and Brake Lamp Monitor
Indicator Lights
Instruments and Controls
57
BRAKE LAMP
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U.S. Models
Canadian Models
This shows your speed in miles per
hour (mph). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in kilometers
per hour (km/h).
This shows your speed in kilometers
per hour (km/h). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in miles per
hour (mph).
The tachometer shows the engine
speed in revolutions per minute
(rpm). To protect the engine from
damage, never drive with the
tachometer needle in the red zone.
The gauges illuminate when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Gauges
Speedometer
Tachometer
Instruments and Controls
58
TTAACCHHOOMMEETTEERR TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE
GGAAUUGGEE
SSEELLEECCTT
BBUUTTTTOONN
OODDOOMMEETTEERR
RREESSEETT
BBUUTTTTOONN
FFUUEELL GGAAUUGGEE
MMAAIINNTTEENNAANNCCEE
RREEQQUUIIRREEDD IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
TTRRIIPP MMEETTEERR//OOUUTTSSIIDDEE
TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
SSPPEEEEDDOOMMEETTEERR
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CONTINUED
The trip meter and the outside
temperature indicator use the same
display. To switch the display
between the trip meter and the
outside temperature, press the
Select button. When you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II), what you
last selected is displayed.
The trip meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.
There are two trip meters, Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
and the outside temperature display
by pressing the Select button
repeatedly. Each trip meter works
independently, so you can keep track
of two different distances.
To reset a trip meter, display it and
then press the Reset button until you
hear a beep. Both trip meters will re-
set if the car’s battery goes dead or
is disconnected.
The odometer shows the total dis-
tance your car has been driven. It
measures miles in U.S. models and
kilometers in Canadian models.
It is illegal under U.S. federal law and
Canadian provincial regulations to
disconnect, reset, or alter the
odometer with the intent to change
the number of miles or kilometers
indicated.
Gauges
Instruments and Controls
Odometer Trip Meter/Outside Temperature
Indicator
Trip Meter
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This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to near
the upper white mark. If it reaches
the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the
side of the road. Turn to page for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This indicator displays the outside
temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.
models, and in Centigrade in
Canadian models.
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near freezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
forming on the road surface.
The temperature sensor is located in
the front bumper. Therefore, the
temperature reading can be affected
by heat reflection from the road sur-
face, engine heat, and the exhaust
from the surrounding traffic. This
can cause the temperature reading
not to be correct when your speed is
under 19 mph (30 km/h).
This shows how much fuel you have.
It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
whenyouaredrivingoncurvyor
hilly roads.
The gauge stays at the same fuel
level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
readingafteryouturntheignition
switch back ON (II).
293
Gauges
Instruments and Controls
Fuel GaugeTemperature Gauge
Outside Temperature Indicator
60
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Your dealer will reset this indicator
after completing the scheduled
maintenance. If this maintenance is
done by someone other than your
Acura dealer, reset the indicator as
follows.
Turn off the engine.
For the first 6,000 miles (9,600 km)
after the Maintenance Required
Indicator is reset, it will come on for
two seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II).
Between 6,000 miles (9,600 km) and
7,500 miles (12,000 km) this
indicator will light for two seconds
when you first turn the ignition
switch ON (II), and then flash for
ten seconds.
Press and hold the select and reset
buttons next to the instrument pan-
el, then turn the ignition switch
ON (II).
Hold the buttons for
approximately ten seconds until
the indicator resets.
This indicator reminds you that it is
time to take your car in for
scheduled maintenance.
If you exceed 7,500 miles (12,000
km) without having the scheduled
maintenance performed, this
indicator will remain on as a constant
reminder.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules
for Normal and Severe Driving
Conditions on pages .
1.
2.
3.
218 222
Gauges
Instruments and Controls
Maintenance Required Indicator
61
SSEELLEECCTT
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Thetwoleversonthesteering
column contain controls for driving
features you use most often. The left
lever controls the turn signals,
headlights, and high beams. The
right lever controls the windshield
washers and wipers.
The switch for the hazard warning
lights is on the dashboard to the
right of the steering column.
The controls under the left air vent
areforthecruisecontrol,instrument
panel brightness and the VSA
System.
The switches for the rear window
defogger and fog lights are under
the audio system.
The steering wheel adjustment
switch on the side of the steering
column allows you to tilt and
telescope the steering wheel.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
62
CCRRUUIISSEE
CCOONNTTRROOLL
HHEEAADDLLIIGGHHTTSS//
TTUURRNN SSIIGGNNAALLSS
IINNSSTTRRUUMMEENNTT
PPAANNEELL
BBRRIIGGHHTTNNEESSSS
HHAAZZAARRDD WWAARRNNIINNGG
LLIIGGHHTTSS
WWIINNDDSSHHIIEELLDD
WWIIPPEERRSS//WWAASSHHEERRSS
FFOOGG
LLIIGGHHTTSS
RREEAARR WWIINNDDOOWW
DDEEFFOOGGGGEERR
VVEEHHIICCLLEE
SSTTAABBIILLIITTYY
AASSSSIISSTT SSYYSSTTEEMM
OOFFFF SSWWIITTCCHH
SSTTEEEERRIINNGG WWHHEEEELL
AADDJJUUSSTTMMEENNTTSS
HHOORRNN
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CONTINUED
To change between low beams and
high beams, pull the turn signal lever
until you hear a click, then let go.
The blue high beam indicator will
light (see page ).
The rotating switch on the left lever
controls the lights. Turning this
switch to the position turns on
the parking lights, taillights, side
marker lights, and rear license plate
lights. Turning the switch to the
position turns on the
headlights.
When the light switch is in either of
these positions, the Lights On
indicator comes on as a reminder.
This light remains on if you leave the
light switch on and turn the ignition
switch to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK
(0).
If you leave the lights on with the
ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I)
or LOCK (0), you will hear a
reminder chime when you open the
driver’s door.
57
U.S. models only
Headlights
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
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The high beams will stay on for as
long as you hold the lever back, no
matter what position the headlight
switch is in.
To flash the high beams, pull the
turn signal lever back lightly, then
release it. The high beams will come
on and go off.
The Automatic Lighting feature
turns on the headlights, all other
exterior lights, and the instrument
panel lights when it senses low
ambient light.
To turn on automatic lighting, turn
the light switch to AUTO at any time.
The lights will come on automatically
when the outside light level becomes
low (at dusk, for example). The
Lights On indicator comes on as a
reminder. The lights and indicator
will turn off automatically when the
system senses high ambient light.
Thelightswillremainonwhenyou
turn off the ignition switch. They will
turn off automatically when you open
the driver’s door. To turn them on
again, either turn the ignition switch
to ON (II) or turn the light switch to
.
Even with the automatic lighting
feature turned on, we recommend
thatyouturnonthelightsmanually
when driving at night or in a dense
fog, or when you enter dark areas,
such as long tunnels or parking
structures.
On U.S. models
Automatic Lighting
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
64
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The automatic lighting feature is
controlledbyasensorlocatedontop
of the dashboard. Do not cover this
sensor or spill liquids on it.
With the headlight switch off, the
high beam headlights come on with
reduced brightness when you turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) and
release the parking brake. They
remain on until you turn the ignition
off, even if you set the parking brake.
The headlights revert to normal
operation when you turn them on
with the switch.
Do not leave the light switch in
AUTO if you will not be driving the
car for an extended period (a week
ormore).Youshouldalsoturnoff
the lights if you plan to leave the
engine idling or the engine off for a
long time. This will prevent the
battery from discharging.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
Daytime Running Lights
(Canadian Models)
65
LLIIGGHHTT
SSEENNSSOORR
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The dial on the dashboard to the left
of the instrument panel is used to
adjust the brightness of the lights in
the controls and displays. Turn the
dial to adjust the brightness.
Signal a turn or lane change with this
lever. Push down on the lever to
signal a left turn, and up to signal a
right turn. If you push it up or down
all the way, the turn signal continues
to blink even when you release the
lever. It shuts off automatically as
you complete the turn.
To reduce glare at night, the instru-
ment panel illumination dims when
you turn the light switch to or
. Turning the instrument panel
brightness control fully to the left,
past the detent, will return the instru-
ment panel to its full brightness.
Instrument Panel Brightness Turn Signals
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
66
TTUURRNN SSIIGGNNAALL LLEEVVEERR
IINNSSTTRRUUMMEENNTT PPAANNEELL
BBRRIIGGHHTTNNEESSSS DDIIAALL
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Turn the fog lights on and off by
pressing the button. The indicator in
the button lights to show the fog
lights are on.
To signal a lane change, push lightly
on the turn signal lever in the proper
direction and hold it. The lever will
return to the center position as soon
as you release it.
You can use the fog lights only when
the headlights are on low beam.
They will go off when you turn the
headlights off or onto high beam.
With the light switch in the AUTO
position, you can also use the fog
lights when the headlights turn on
automatically. They will go off when
the headlights turn off.
U.S. models only
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
Fog Lights
67
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The right lever controls the wind-
shield wipers and washers. The
rotary switch at the end of the lever
has three positions:
INT: intermittent
: low speed
: high speed
In intermittent, the wipers operate
every few seconds. The sweep
interval will change slightly with
speed; getting shorter as you drive
faster. In low speed and high speed,
the wipers run continuously.
You can vary how often the wipers
sweep the windshield by turning the
INT TIME ring next to the rotary
switch.
If you turn the INT TIME ring to the
shortest delay, the wipers will
change from intermittent to low
speed operation when vehicle speed
exceeds 12 mph (20 km/h).
Windshield Wipers
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
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Adjust the wiper arms to the winter
position by grasping either arm near
the pivot. Pull on the arm, parallel to
the windshield, until it locks in the
higher position. Push the arm in the
other direction to return the wipers
to the summer position.
To operate the wipers in mist mode,
push the control lever down. The
wipers run at high speed until you
release the lever. This gives you a
quick way to clear the windshield.
The windshield wiper arms have two
parked positions: Winter and
Summer. In the winter position, the
arms sit slightly above the edge of
the hood. This reduces the possibili-
ty of damage to the wiper arms or
windshield wiper motor by a build-up
of snow and ice.
A heavy build-up of snow or ice on
the wiper arms will cause them to
automatically park in the winter
position.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Wiper Arms Winter Position
Instruments and Controls
69
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To clean the windshield, pull back on
the wiper control lever. The washers
spray until you release the lever. The
wipers run at low speed while you’re
pulling the lever, then complete one
more sweep of the windshield after
you release it.
Pushtheredbuttontoturnonthe
hazard warning lights (four-way
flashers). This causes all four
outside turn signals and both
indicators in the instrument panel to
flash. Use the hazard warning lights
if you need to park in a dangerous
area near heavy traffic, or if your car
is disabled.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
Windshield Washers Hazard Warning
70
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CONTINUED
See page for important safety
information about how to properly
position the steering wheel.
17
Your Acura’s steering wheel is
electrically-adjustable for angle and
distance. The adjustment switch is
on the left side of the steering
column. Always adjust the steering
wheel before you begin driving.
Make sure the rear window is clear
and you have good visibility before
starting to drive.
The defogger and antenna wires on
the inside of the rear window can be
accidentally damaged. When
cleaning the glass, always wipe side
to side.
The rear window defogger will clear
fog, frost, and thin ice from the
window. Push the defogger button to
turn it on and off. The light in the
button lights to show the defogger is
on. If you do not turn it off, the
defogger will shut itself off after
about25minutes.Italsoshutsoff
when you turn off the ignition. You
have to turn it on again when you
restart the car.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
Steering Wheel AdjustmentsRear Window Defogger
71
CCaarrss wwiitthh nnaavviiggaattiioonn ssyysstteemm
Adjusting the steering wheel
position while driving may
cause you to lose control of the
car and be seriously injured in a
crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only
when the car is stopped.
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The AUTO switch controls automat-
ic movement of the steering wheel.
When this switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the steering wheel automatical-
ly moves fully in and up when you re-
move the key from the ignition
switch.
Release the switch when the
steering wheel reaches the
desired position. Make sure the
steering wheel points towards
your chest, not toward your face,
andthatyoucanseethe
instrument panel gauges and
warning lights.
Locate the adjustment switch on
the left side of the steering column.
Move the steering wheel, in, out,
up, or down by pushing and
holding the adjustment switch in
that direction.
2.1.
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instruments and Controls
Automatic Movement
72
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The steering wheel then returns to
its original position when you insert
the key back in the ignition switch.
Steering wheel movement is also
controlled by the Driving Position
Memory System (see page ).93
Instruments and Controls
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
73
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Your car comes with two master
keys and a valet key.
Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy
objects on them.
These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
Keep the keys away from liquids.
If they get wet, dry them immedi-
ately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart.
The master key fits all the locks on
your car:
• Ignition
• Doors
• Trunk
• Trunk pass-through cover
•Glovebox
The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk, trunk pass-through
cover, and glove box locked when
you leave your car and the valet key
at a parking facility.
Youshouldhavereceivedakey
number plate with your keys. You
will need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keep
the plate stored in a safe place. If you
need to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.
Keys
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
74
KKEEYY
NNUUMMBBEERR
PPLLAATTEE
VVAALLEETT
KKEEYY
((GGrraayy))
MMAASSTTEERR
KKEEYYSS
((BBllaacckk))
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Your car also comes with two remote
transmitters; see page for an
explanation of the operation.
Youshouldalsoreceiveasmallcase
containing a learning key. It is used
by the Acura dealer to code replace-
ment keys to your car’s Immobilizer
System. It must not be used in your
car’s ignition switch. Store the learn-
ing key with the key number plate in
a safe place. If you attempt to use the learning
key to start your car’s engine, it may
cause a malfunction in the system
that makes your master and valet
keys unusable. If this happens, you
should contact your Acura dealer.
If you need a new key made, take the
key number plate, the learning key,
and all other keys that came with
your car to your Acura dealer.
The Immobilizer System protects
your car from theft. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch for the
engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine’s fuel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on for a few
seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.
79
CONTINUED
Remote Transmitter
Learning Key
Immobilizer System
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
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As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
The system may not recognize your
key’s coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code: If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your car undriveable.
Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key fob,
not metal.
Keep other keys away from your
vehicle’s key and the ignition
switch while trying to start the
engine.
If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
The Immobilizer System indicator
will also blink several times when
you turn the ignition switch from ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
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The ignition switch is on the right
side of the steering column. It has
four positions:
•LOCK(0)
• ACCESSORY (I)
• ON (II)
• START (III)
If the front wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key from
LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the cigarette lighter.
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch from ACCESSORY to
LOCK, you must push the key in
slightly as you turn it. The shift lever
must also be in Park. The anti-theft
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All features
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to ON.
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page
).
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
thedriversdoor.Removethekeyto
turn off the beeper.
69
Ignition Switch
ACCESSORY (I)
LOCK (0)
ON (II)
START (III)
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
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Each front door has a master door
lock switch. Either switch locks and
unlocks all doors. Push the switch
down to lock all doors, and up to
unlock them.
Each door has a lock tab at the top of
the door. When you push down the
lock tab on the driver’s door, all
doors lock. Pulling up the lock tab on
the driver’s door only unlocks that
door.Thelocktaboneach
passenger’s door only locks and
unlocks that door.
To lock any passenger’s door when
getting out of the car, push the lock
tab down and close the door. To lock
the driver’s door, remove the key
from the ignition switch and push
the lock tab down or push the master
switch down, then close the door.
All doors can be locked from the
outsidebyusingthekeyineither
front door. To unlock only the driver’s
door from the outside, insert the key
in the driver’s door lock, turn the key
and release it. If you turn the key
and hold it, all doors will unlock. All
four doors will unlock when you
unlock the passenger’s door with the
key.
Power Door Locks
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
78
MMAASSTTEERR DDOOOORR LLOOCCKK SSWWIITTCCHH LLOOCCKK TTAABB
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If you forget and leave the key in the
ignition switch, Lockout Prevention
will not allow you to lock the driver’s
door. With the driver’s door open
andthekeyintheignition,both
master door lock switches are
disabled. However, if the driver’s
door is not open, the master door
lock switches are not disabled.
Pushing the switch down on the
open passenger’s door will lock all
doors. If you try to lock an open
driver’s door by pushing in the lock
tab, the tabs on all doors pop out.
Pushinginthelocktabonthe
passenger’s door only locks that door.
The ceiling lights (if the ceiling light
switch is in the center position) and
the door courtesy lights will come on
when you press the UNLOCK button.
If you do not open any door, the
lights stay on for about 10 seconds,
then fade out. If you relock the doors
with the remote transmitter before
10 seconds have elapsed, the lights
will go off immediately.
You can lock and unlock your car
with the remote transmitter. When
you push the LOCK button, all doors
lock. You will hear a beep, and the
parking lights, taillights and license
plate lights will flash once.
When you push the UNLOCK button
once, only the driver’s door unlocks.
The remaining doors unlock when
you push the button a second time.
You will hear two beeps, and the
outside lights will flash twice, each
time you push the button.
CONTINUED
Remote Transmitter
Lockout Prevention
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
79
LLEEDD
UUNNLLOOCCKK
BBUUTTTTOONN
LLOOCCKK
BBUUTTTTOONN
TTRRUUNNKK
RREELLEEAASSEE
BBUUTTTTOONN
PPAANNIICC
BBUUTTTTOONN
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If you unlock the doors with the
remote transmitter, but do not open
any of the doors within 30 seconds,
the doors automatically relock and
the security system sets.
You cannot lock any of the doors
with the remote transmitter if any
door is not fully closed or the key is
in the ignition switch. You cannot
unlock any of the doors with the key
in the ignition switch.
To open the trunk, push the Trunk
Release button for approximately
one second.
You can open the trunk with the
remote transmitter regardless of the
position of the main switch in the
glove box. The trunk will not open if
the key is in the ignition switch.
You can program the keyless entry
system so it does not beep when you
lock and unlock the doors. This
procedure only turns off the beep;
the exterior lights will still flash.
To turn this feature off, stand near
the car with the remote transmitter.
Press and hold the Trunk Release
button, then press the Lock button
within one second. You should see
the LED on the remote transmitter
come on for one second. Release the
buttons after the LED goes out.
To turn this feature on, repeat the
above procedure. You should see the
LED blink twice.
After you program the remote
transmitter, make sure the trunk lid
is closed.
Panic mode allows you to remotely
activate your car’s security system to
attract attention. When activated, the
horn will sound, and the exterior
lights will flash, for about 30 seconds.
To activate panic mode, press and
hold the PANIC button for about two
seconds.
To cancel Panic mode before 30
seconds, press any button on the
remote transmitter. You can also
turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Panic mode will not activate if the
ignition switch is in the ON (II)
position.
Turning the Beep Off and On Panic Mode
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
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CONTINUED
When the remote transmitter’s
battery begins to get weak, it may
take several pushes on the button to
lock or unlock the doors and the
tailgate, and the LED will get dim.
Replace the battery as soon as
possible.
Battery type: CR2025
To replace the battery, place a cloth
on the edge of the transmitter and
remove the upper half by carefully
prying on the edge with a small flat-
tip screwdriver.
Remove the old battery and note the
polarity. Make sure the polarity of
the new battery is the same ( side
facing up), then insert it in the
transmitter.
Snapthetwohalvesofthe
transmitter case back together.
Replacing the Battery
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
81
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
The childproof door locks are
designed to prevent children seated
in the rear from accidentally opening
the rear doors. Each rear door has a
lock lever near the edge. With the
lever in the LOCK position, the door
cannot be opened from the inside
regardless of the position of the lock
tab. To open the door, pull the lock
tab up and use the outside door
handle.
Avoid severe shock to the trans-
mitter, such as dropping or throwing
it. Also, protect it from extreme hot
or cold temperatures.
Clean the transmitter case with a
soft cloth. Do not use strong
cleaners or solvents that could harm
the case. Immersing the transmitter
in any liquid will harm the trans-
mitter and cause it to not function
properly.
If you lose a transmitter, you will
need to have the replacement
programmed to your car’s system by
your Acura dealer. Any other
transmitters you have will also need
to be reprogrammed.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Childproof Door Locks
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
Transmitter Care
82
LLEEVVEERR
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
Youcanopenthetrunkinthree
ways:
To protect items in the trunk when
you need to give the key to someone
else:
Disable the trunk release button
on the driver’s door by turning off
the trunk main switch in the glove
box.
Press the trunk release button on
the driver’s door.
Usethemasterkeytoopenthe
trunk lock. The valet key does not
work in this lock.
Press and hold the trunk release
button on the remote transmitter
for approximately one second (see
page ).
To close the trunk, press down on
the trunk lid.
See page for cargo loading and
weight limit information. Keep the
trunk lid closed at all times while
driving to avoid damaging the lid,
and to prevent exhaust gas from
getting into the interior. See
on page .
1.
49
79
186
CONTINUED
Trunk
Carbon
Monoxide Hazard
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
83
MMAASSTTEERR KKEEYY
TTRRUUNNKK MMAAIINN SSWWIITTCCHHTTRRUUNNKK RREELLEEAASSEE BBUUTTTTOONN
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
Parents should decide if their
children should be shown how to use
this feature.
For more information about child
safety, see page .
Make sure the trunk pass-through
cover is locked (see page ).
Lock the glove box with the
master key.
Give the person the valet key.
Even if the trunk main switch is
turned off, you can open the trunk
with the master key or the remote
transmitter.
To open the trunk, push the release
lever to the left.
As a safety feature, your car has a
release lever on the trunk latch so
the trunk can be opened from the
inside.
24
2.
3.
4.
90
Emergency Trunk Opener
(U.S. models only)
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
84
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
The glove box light comes on only
when the parking lights are on.
Open the glove box by pulling the
bottom of the handle. Close it with a
firm push. Lock or unlock the glove
box with the master key.
Glove Box
Keys and Locks
Instruments and Controls
85
An open glove box can cause
serious injury to your passenger
inacrash,evenifthe
passenger is wearing the seat
belt.
Always keep the glove box
closed while driving.
01/09/28 19:39:05 31SZ3660_088
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Pull up or push down on the front of
the switch to move the seat bottom’s
front edge up or down. Pull up or
push down on the rear of the switch
to move the rear of the seat bottom
up or down.Push the horizontal switch forward
or backward to move the seat
forward or backward.
The long horizontal switch adjusts
the seat bottom in several directions.
The short vertical switch adjusts the
seat-back angle.
Make all seat adjustments before
you start driving.
Your Acura has power adjustments
for both front seats. The two power
seat adjustment switches are on the
outside edge of the seat bottom.
You can adjust the power seats with
the ignition switch in any position.
See pages for important safety
information and warnings about how to
properly position seats and seat-backs.
12 14
Driver’s Seat Adjustments
Seat Adjustments
Instruments and Controls
86
01/09/28 19:39:16 31SZ3660_089
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The driver’s seat includes a memory
feature. Two seat positions can be
stored in separate memories. You
canthenselectamemorizedposition
by pushing the appropriate memory
button. Refer to page for how to
memorize and select the seat
positions.
Pull the center of the horizontal
switch up to raise the seat. Push it
down to lower the seat.
Adjust the seat-back angle by
pushing the rear switch in the
direction you want to move.
93
Seat Adjustments
Instruments and Controls
87
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
Vary the lumbar support by moving
the lever on the right side of the
seat-back. Pivot the lever forward
until it stops, then let it return. Doing
this several times adjusts the lumbar
support through its full range.
The seat adjustment switches are on
the outside edge of the seat bottom.
Push the long horizontal switch
forward or backward to move the
seat bottom in that direction.
Adjust the seat-back angle by
pushing the vertical switch in the
direction you want to move.
The head restraints help protect you
and your passengers from whiplash
and other injuries. They are most
effective when you adjust them so
the back of the occupant’s head rests
against the center of the restraint. A
taller person should adjust the
restraint as high as possible.
See page for important safety
information and a warning about how to
properly position the head restraints.
14
Driver’s Lumbar Support Front Passenger’s Seat
Adjustments
Head Restraints
Seat Adjustments
Instruments and Controls
88
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
The lid of the console compartment
canbeusedasanarmrestatthe
high or low position. To raise the
armrest, push the button on the lid.
Make sure the armrest is securely
latched. To lower it, press the button
and push the armrest down until it
latches.
Make sure the passengers’ hands or
fingersareawayfromthearmrest
before pushing it down.
To remove a head restraint for
cleaning or repair, pull it up as far as
it will go. Push the release button
and pull the restraint out of the seat-
back.
The head restraints adjust for height
and tilt. You need both hands to
adjust the restraint. Do not attempt
to adjust it while driving. To raise it,
pull upward. To lower the restraint,
push the release button sideways
and push the restraint down. To
adjust the tilt, pivot the head
restraint to the desired position.
Armrest
Seat Adjustments, Armrest
Instruments and Controls
89
PPuusshh
RREELLEEAASSEE BBUUTTTTOONN
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
Make sure all items in the trunk and
those extending through the pass-
through are secured.
For security, this cover can be
locked and unlocked only with the
master key. To lock the cover, insert
thekeyandturnitclockwise.
Never drive with this cover open and
the trunk lid open.
See on
page .
The rear seat armrest is located at
the center of the rear seat. Pivot it
down to use it.
The pass-through cover can be
opened from either side; it folds
forward onto the center armrest.
Open the cover by sliding the knob
downward and pushing or pulling on
the cover. To close the cover, swing
it up and push firmly on the top.
Make sure it latches properly.
49
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Trunk Pass-through Cover
Armrest
Instruments and Controls
90
KKNNOOBB
LLIIDD
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
Adjust the outside mirrors with the
adjustment button on the driver’s
door armrest:
Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Move the selector switch to L
(driver’s side) or R (passenger’s
side).
Keeptheinsideandoutsidemirrors
clean and adjusted for best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors before
you start driving.
The inside mirror has an automatic
anti-glare mechanism. When the
AUTO switch is pushed in, the
indicator will light. When the mirror
senses light from the headlights of
the car behind you, the mirror
surface will automatically darken to
reduce the glare.
1.
2.
CONTINUED
Adjusting the Power Mirrors
Mirrors
Instruments and Controls
91
SSEELLEECCTTOORR SSWWIITTCCHH
OONN SSTTAARR
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
AANNTTII GGLLAARREE
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
AANNTTII GGLLAARREE SSWWIITTCCHH
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Table of Contents
The outside mirrors are heated to re-
move fog and frost. With the ignition
switchON(II),turnontheheaters
by pressing the button. The light in
the button comes on as a reminder.
Press the button again to turn the
heaters off.
When you finish, move the
selector switch to the center (off)
position. This turns off the
adjustment button so you can’t
move a mirror out of position by
accidentally bumping the button.
Move the mirror right, left, up or
down by pushing the adjustment
button in that direction.
Outside mirror positions can be
stored in the driving position
memory system (see page ).
4.
3.
93
Mirrors
Instruments and Controls
92
HHEEAATTEEDD MMIIRRRROORR BBUUTTTTOONN
AADDJJUUSSTTMMEENNTT BBUUTTTTOONN
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Table of Contents
Press and release the MEMO
buttononthecontrolpanel.You
will hear a beep. Immediately
press and hold one of the memory
buttons (1 or 2) until you hear two
beeps. The indicator light in the
memory button will come on. The
current positions of the driver’s
seat, steering wheel, and outside
mirrors are now stored.
Your Acura has a memory feature
for the steering wheel, driver’s seat,
and outside mirror positions.
Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
You cannot add a new driving
position in the memory unless the
ignition switch is ON (II). You can
recall a memorized position with
the ignition switch in any position.
Store a driving position as explained
in this section only when the car is
parked.
Two seat, steering wheel, and
outside mirror positions for different
drivers or driving conditions can be
stored in separate memories. You
select a memorized position by
pushing the appropriate button.
Adjust the seat to a comfortable
position (see page ). Adjust
the steering wheel to a
comfortable position (see page
). Adjust the outside mirrors
for best visibility (see page ).
3.
1.
2.
71
86
91
CONTINUED
Storing a Driving Position in Memory
Driving Position Memory System
Instruments and Controls
93
MMEEMMOO BBUUTTTTOONN
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
Doing any of the following after
pressing the MEMO button will
cancel the storing procedure.
Not pressing a memory button
within 5 seconds.
Readjusting the seat or steering
position.
You can select memorized positions
as follows.
Make sure the parking brake is set
and the shift lever is in Park.
Insert the key in the ignition
switch. If you do not insert the key
in the ignition switch, the steering
wheel will not adjust to the
memorized position until you do.
Press the desired memory button
(1 or 2) until you hear a beep, then
release the button.
The system will move the seat,
steering wheel and outside mirrors
to the memorized positions. The
indicator light in the selected
memory button will flash during
movement. When the adjustments
are complete, you will hear two
beeps and the indicator light will
remain on.
Readjusting the outside mirror
position.
Each memory button stores only one
driving position. Storing a new
position erases the previous setting
stored in that button’s memory. If
you want to add a new position while
retaining the current one, use the
other memory button.
All stored driving positions will be
lost if your car’s battery goes dead or
is disconnected.
3.
1.
2.
Selecting a Memorized Position
Driving Position Memory System
Instruments and Controls
94
MMEEMMOORRYY BBUUTTTTOONNSS
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Table of Contents
Press any button on the control
panel: MEMO, 1 or 2.
Push any of the adjustment
switches for the seat or steering
wheel.
Shift out of Park.
If desired, you can use the adjust-
ment switches to change the posi-
tions of the seat, steering wheel or
outside mirrors after they are in
their memorized position. To keep
this driving position for later use,
you must store it in the driving posi-
tion memory.
To stop the system’s automatic ad-
justment;
Adjust the outside mirrors.
If you select a memorized position
without inserting the key in the
ignition switch, only the seat and
outside mirrors will adjust. To get
the system to also adjust the steering
wheel, insert the key in the ignition
switch. You will hear two beeps
when it is complete.
Both front seats are equipped with
seat heaters. The ignition switch
must be ON (II) to use them. Push
the front of the switch, HI, to rapidly
heat up the seat. After the seat
reaches a comfortable temperature,
select LO by pushing the back of the
switch. This will keep the seat warm.
CONTINUED
Seat Heaters
Driving Position Memory System, Seat Heaters
Instruments and Controls
95
SSEEAATT HHEEAATTEERRSS
01/09/28 19:40:43 31SZ3660_098
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The HI or LO indicator lights and
remains lit until you turn it off by
pushing the opposite side of the
switch lightly. The indicator will turn
off.
Follow these precautions whenever
you use the seat heaters:
Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly. Select the LO
setting when the seats feel warm.
The HI setting draws large
amounts of current from the
battery.
Do not use the seat heaters, even
on the LO setting, if the engine is
left idling for an extended period.
They can weaken the battery,
causing hard starting.In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperature
changes.
In HI, the heater turns off when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat’s temperature drops. It
continues to cycle as long as you
leave it set on HI. The HI indicator
remains lit as a reminder that you
have the heater on.
Because of the sensors for the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger’s seat-back.
To use the ski sleeve:
Pull down the rear seat armrest.
Open the trunk pass-through
cover by sliding the knob down-
ward and pulling on the cover.
Theskisleeveallowsyoutocarry
skis or other long objects safely
without soiling or damaging the
interior of your car. It attaches to the
trunk pass-through.
1.
Ski Sleeve
Seat Heaters, Ski Sleeve
Instruments and Controls
96
KKNNOOBB
LLIIDD
01/09/28 19:40:56 31SZ3660_099
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Follow these precautions when you
use the ski sleeve:
Use the strap on the ski sleeve to
secure it tightly to the rear seat
armrest.
Attach the ski sleeve to the trunk
pass-through.
Load the skis into the ski sleeve
fromthetrunk.Makesurethetip
of the ski sleeve is resting on the
center console.
Afteruse,makesuretheski
sleeve is dry both inside and out
before folding it up for storage.
This will help to prevent mildew.
Open the trunk. Remove the ski
sleeve from its storage bag.
Donottransportskisthatare
longer or heavier than these limits:
Maximum length: 84 in (215 cm)
Maximum weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
5.
4.
2.
3.
Ski Sleeve
Instruments and Controls
97
01/09/28 19:41:06 31SZ3660_100
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Each door has a switch that controls
its window. To open the window,
push the switch down and hold it.
Release the switch when you want
the window to stop. Close the
window by pulling back on the
switch and holding it.
The driver’s door armrest has a
master power window control panel.
To open any of the passengers’ win-
dows, push down on the appropriate
switch and hold it until the window
reaches the desired position. To
close the window, pull back on the
window switch. Release the switch
when the window gets to the position
you want.
Your car’s windows are electrically-
powered. Turn the ignition switch to
ON(II)toraiseorloweranywindow.
Power Windows
Instruments and Controls
98
MMAAIINN SSWWIITTCCHH
DDRRIIVVEERRSS WWIINNDDOOWW SSWWIITTCCHH
Closing a power window on
someone’s hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure your passengers are
away from the windows before
closing them.
01/09/28 19:41:13 31SZ3660_101
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Table of Contents
The MAIN switch controls power to
the passenger’s window. With this
switch off, the passenger’s window
cannot be raised or lowered. The
MAIN switch does not affect the driv-
er’s window. Keep the MAIN switch
offwhenyouhavechildreninthecar
so they do not injure themselves by
operating the window unintentionally.
The lights inside the switches come
onwhenyouturntheparkinglights
or headlights on.
The master control panel also con-
tains these extra features:
To open the driver’s
window fully, push the window
switch firmly down, then release it.
The window automatically goes
down all the way. To stop the
window from going all the way down,
pull back on the window switch
briefly.
To open or close the driver’s window
partially, push down or pull back on
the window switch lightly and hold it.
The window will stop when you
release the switch.
To close the driver’s window fully,
pull back the window switch firmly,
then release it. The window
automatically goes all the way up. To
stop the window from going all the
way up, push down on the window
switch briefly.
If the driver’s window runs into any
obstacle while it is closing
automatically, it will stop, and then
reverse direction. To close the
window, remove the obstacle, then
use the window switch again.
Auto reverse stops sensing when the
window is almost closed. You should
always check that all passengers and
objects are away from the window
before closing it.
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls
AUTO
Power Windows
Auto Reverse
99
01/09/28 19:41:22 31SZ3660_102
Main Menu
Table of Contents
There are two switches on the
ceiling near the front ceiling light.
The ignition switch must be ON (II).
To open the moonroof, pull the
OPEN/CLOSE switch backward and
hold it until the moonroof reaches
the desired position.
If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, or the driver’s window
fuse is removed, the AUTO function
will be disabled. The power window
system needs to be reset after
reconnecting the battery or installing
the fuse. You should do the following.
Pull back on the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely then hold the switch
forafurthersecondortwomore.
Start the engine. Push down on
the driver’s window switch until
the window is fully open.
If the power windows do not operate
properly after resetting, have your
car checked by an Acura dealer.
The power window system has a key-
off delay function. The windows will
stilloperateforuptotenminutes
after you turn off the ignition.
Opening either front door cancels
the delay function. You must turn
the ignition switch ON (II) again
before you can raise or lower the
windows.1.
2.
Moonroof
Power Windows, Moonroof
Instruments and Controls
100
OOPPEENN//CCLLOOSSEE
SSWWIITTCCHH
01/09/28 19:41:32 31SZ3660_103
Main Menu
Table of Contents
When you push and hold the TILT-
UP switch, the rear of the moonroof
will tilt up. To close it, push the
OPEN/CLOSE switch forward. If
you pull the switch backward and
hold it, the moonroof will tilt down
and then open. The AUTO function
cannot work with the moonroof in
the tilt up position.
To close the moonroof, push the
OPEN/CLOSE switch forward and
hold it. The moonroof will not close
completely; it will stop about 5.1
inches (130 mm) away from being
closed. Make sure your passengers
are clear of the moonroof, then
release the switch and push it
forward again to close the moonroof
completely.
The moonroof has an AUTO
function. To open the moonroof fully,
pull the OPEN/CLOSE switch
backward firmly until it clicks, then
release it. The moonroof opens
automatically all the way. To stop the
moonroof from opening all the way,
push the switch forward briefly. To
open the moonroof partially, pull the
OPEN/CLOSE switch backward
lightly and hold it until the moonroof
reaches the desired position. The
AUTO function only works to open
the moonroof.
Moonroof
Instruments and Controls
101
TTIILLTT--UUPP SSWWIITTCCHH
If you try to open the moonroof in
below-f reezing temperatures, or when
it is covered with snow or ice, you can
damage the moonroof panel or motor.
01/09/28 19:41:39 31SZ3660_104
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The digital clock displays the time
with the ignition switch ON (II). To
see the time with the ignition off,
press and hold the wide button to the
right of the clock.
To apply the parking brake, depress
the pedal fully. To release it, pull the
release lever. The parking brake
light on the instrument panel should
go out when the parking brake is
fully released with the engine
running (see page ). If you try to
drive the car without releasing the
parking brake, the ABS indicator
maycomeon,andtheABSmaynot
work properly. The VSA system
indicator will also come on along
with the ABS indicator (see page
).
54
199
3.5 RL without Navigation System
Parking Brake Digital Clock
Parking Brake, Digital Clock
Instruments and Controls
102
PPAARRKKIINNGG
BBRRAAKKEE PPEEDDAALL
RREELLEEAASSEE LLEEVVEERR
Driving the car with the parking brake
applied can damage the rear brakes
and axles.
01/09/28 19:41:49 31SZ3660_105
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To set the clock:
Turn the ignition switch ON (II) to
display the time.
Swing down the front cover of the
wide button to the right of the
clock display. You will see HOUR,
MIN., and RESET buttons.
Press and hold the HOUR button
until the hour advances to the
desired hour.
Press and hold the MIN. button
until the numbers advance to the
desired time.
You can use the RESET button to
quickly set the time to the nearest
hour. If the displayed time is before
the half hour, pressing the RESET
buttonsetstheclockbacktothe
previous hour. If the displayed time
is after the half hour, pressing the
RESET button sets the clock for-
ward to the beginning of the next
hour.
1:06 would RESET to 1:00.
1:52 would RESET to 2:00.
For example:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Digital Clock
Instruments and Controls
103
HHOOUURR RREESSEETTMMIINN..
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Table of Contents
You may also store small items in
this holder. Make sure they are
small enough to let the holder close
and latch, and that they are not
heavy enough to cause the holder to
pop open while driving.
To open the sunglasses holder, push
on the front edge. It will unlatch and
swing down. To close it, push it until
it latches. Make sure the holder is
closed while you are driving.
Some larger styles of sunglasses
may not fit in the holder.
Sunglasses Holder
Instruments and Controls
104
PPuusshh
SSUUNNGGLLAASSSSEESS HHOOLLDDEERR
01/09/28 19:42:06 31SZ3660_107
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To use the front beverage holder,
push on the lid. The beverage holder
will pop out. To close it, push
it until it latches.
Be careful when you are using the
beverage holder. A spilled liquid that
is very hot can scald you or your
passengers. Spilled liquids can also
damage the upholstery, carpeting,
and electrical components in the
interior.
The rear seat also has a beverage
holder in the center armrest. To use
it, pivot the armrest down.
Beverage Holder
Instruments and Controls
105
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Table of Contents
The coin box is located under the air
vent. To open the coin box, push on
the front. To close it, push it in until
it clicks.
Youcanputsmallitemsinthetray
located in the console compartment
lid. To use the tray, pull the right
lever and lift up the armrest pad.
To open the console compartment,
pull the left lever and lift the lid.
To close, lower the lid and push it
down until it latches.
Coin BoxConsole Compartment
Console Compartment, Coin Box
Instruments and Controls
106
LLEEVVEERR
CCOOIINN BBOOXXCCOONNSSOOLLEE CCOOMMPPAARRTTMMEENNTT
LLEEVVEERR
01/09/28 19:42:25 31SZ3660_109
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To use the sun visor, pull it down.
You can also use the sun visor at the
side window. Remove the support
rod from the clip and swing the sun
visor toward the side window. In this
position, the sun visor can be
extended by sliding out the
extension.
Touseavanitymirroronthebackof
the sun visor, pull up the cover.
Make sure you put the sun visor
back in place when you are getting
into or out of the car. Do not use the
sun visor extension over the rear
view mirror.
The light beside the mirror comes
on when you pull up the cover.
Sun Visor Vanity Mirror
Sun Visor, Vanity Mirror
Instruments and Controls
107
EEXXTTEENNSSIIOONN
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Main Menu
Table of Contents
To use the accessory power socket,
pull down on the cover. The ignition
switch must be in ACCESSORY (I)
or ON (II).
This socket is intended to supply
power for 12 volt DC accessories
that are rated 120 watts or less (10
amps).
It will not power an automotive type
cigarette lighter element.
Route the wire through the notch in
the edge of the console compartment.
Accessory Power Socket
Instruments and Controls
108
NNOOTTCCHH
AACCCCEESSSSOORRYY PPOOWWEERR SSOOCCKKEETT
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Table of Contents
The cigarette lighter is next to the
front ashtray under the ashtray lid.
Open the lid by pushing on it.
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY(I)orON(II)forthe
cigarette lighter to work. To heat up
the lighter, push it in. It will pop out
when it is ready for use. Do not hold
the lighter in while it is heating up,
you could cause it to overheat.
Cigarette Lighter
Instruments and Controls
109
CCIIGGAARREETTTTEE LLIIGGHHTTEERR
PPuusshh
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The rear ashtrays are in the front
lower corner of each door. Open the
ashtraybyswingingtheupperedge
of the lid down. To remove the
ashtray for emptying, open it, then
lift up and out.
Openthefrontashtraybypushing
on the lid. To close the ashtray, push
it in until it clicks shut. To remove it
for emptying, grasp the tab on the
left side of the inner tray and lift it up
and out.
Ashtrays
Instruments and Controls
110
IINNNNEERR TTRRAAYY
AASSHHTTRRAAYYTTAABB
Use the ashtray only f or cigarettes,
cigars, and other smoking materials.
To prevent a possible f ire and damage
to your car, don’t put paper or other
things that can burn in the ashtray.
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Both front and rear ceiling lights
contain a main light as well as two
spotlights.
With the light switch in the AUTO
position, you can use the rear
spotlights only when the headlights
turn on automatically.The front ceiling light has a three-
position switch. With the switch in
the OFF position (far left), the main
lights do not come on. In the center
position, the main lights come on
when you open any door. After all
doors are closed tightly, they dim
slightly then fade out in about 10
seconds. In the ON position (far
right), the main lights stay on
continuously.
Turn on the spotlights in the front
and rear ceiling lights by pushing the
grey button next to each light. Push
the button again to turn it off. You
can use the front spotlights at all
times. The rear spotlights only light
when the parking lights or head-
lights are on.
U.S. models only
Ceiling Lights
Instruments and Controls
111
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In addition to the ceiling lights, your
Acura has courtesy lights in each
door and the ignition switch.
Even if the door is open, the lights
will turn off after three minutes
when the key is not in the ignition
switch or the ignition switch is in the
LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I)
position, and the light switch is in the
off position.
The door courtesy lights and ceiling
lights (with the switch in the center
position) come on when you unlock
the door with the key, lock tab on
the driver’s door, master door lock
switch,orremotetransmitter(see
page ). If you relock the driver’s
door or close the driver’s door with
the key in the ignition switch, the
lights turn off immediately.
Otherwise, they remain on, then fade
out in about 10 seconds.
The door courtesy lights come on
whenever you open any door. After
all doors are closed tightly, they dim
slightly then fade out in about 10
seconds.
Thecourtesylightintheignition
switchcomesonwhenyouopenthe
driver’s door. It remains on about 10
seconds after the door is closed.
The door courtesy lights and ceiling
lights (with the switch in the center
position) also come on when you
remove the key from the ignition
switch. If you do not open a door,
they stay on, then fade out in about
10 seconds.
79
Courtesy Lights
Instruments and Controls
112
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...............Climate Control System . 114
.......Fully-automatic Operation . 116
.......Semi-automatic Operation . 117
.......Fully-automatic Operation . 121
.......Semi-automatic Operation . 122
........................Rear Ventilation . 126
Sunlight Sensor/
............Temperature Sensor . 127
................................Audio System . 128
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo
........................Audio System . 128
.................Operating the Radio . 129
.................Adjusting the Sound . 132
............Audio System Lighting . 133
Operating the Cassette
.....................................Player . 133
............Tape Search Functions . 134
.....Operating the CD Changer . 136
.................Operating the Radio . 139
.................Adjusting the Sound . 142
............Audio System Lighting . 143
....................Radio Frequencies . 143
........................Radio Reception . 143
Operating the Cassette
.....................................Player . 145
............Tape Search Functions . 145
Caring for the Cassette
.....................................Player . 148
.....Operating the CD Changer . 149
........Loading the CD Changer . 151
.......Protecting Compact Discs . 153
CD Changer Error
.............................Indications . 154
...........Remote Audio Controls . 155
.......................Theft Protection . 156
............................Security System . 157
...............................Cruise Control . 158
HomeLink Universal
...........................Transceiver . 162
...............Customer Assistance . 162
.Important Safety Precautions . 162
..................Training HomeLink . 163
Training with a Rolling Code
....................................System . 164
...........................Erasing Codes . 166
............................................OnStar . 167
3.5 RL without Navigation System
3.5 RL with Navigation System
3.5 RL without Navigation System
3.5 RL with Navigation System
Comfort and Convenience Features
Comfort and Convenience Features
113
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The automatic climate control
system in your Acura picks the
proper combination of air condi-
tioning, heating, and ventilation to
maintain the interior temperature
you select. The system also adjusts
the fan speed and air flow levels.
The direction of air flow from the
vents in the center and each side of
the dashboard is adjustable. Move
the tab in the center of each vent up-
and-down and side-to-side.
Thesideventscanbeopenedand
closed with the dials next to them.
The climate control system draws air
through the exterior vents at the
bottom of the windshield. Keep
these vents clear of leaves and other
debris.
For the climate control system to
provide heating and cooling, the
engine must be running.
In the rear seat, you can also adjust
the ventilation when the climate con-
trol system is on (see page ).126
Comfort and Convenience Features
Climate Control System
114
CCEENNTTEERR VVEENNTTSS
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SSIIDDEE VVEENNTTSS
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Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
115
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Pressing the OFF button shuts the
climate control system completely
off. Keep the system completely off
only for short periods. To keep stale
air and mustiness from collecting,
you should have the fan running at
all times.
When you set the temperature to its
lower limit (60°F/18°C) or its upper
limit (90°F/32°C), the system runs
at full cooling or heating only. It does
not regulate the interior temperature.
When the temperature is set
between the lower and upper limits,
the system regulates the interior
temperature to the set value.
The system automatically selects the
proper mix of conditioned and/or
heated air that will, as quickly as
possible, raise or lower the interior
temperature from its current level to
the set temperature.
To put the Automatic Climate
Control in fully-automatic mode,
press the AUTO button and set the
fan control dial to AUTO, then set
the desired temperature by turning
the temperature control dial. You will
see FULL AUTO in the system’s
display. The light above either the
or button also goes
on to show you which is selected.
In cold weather, the fan will not
come on automatically until the car
has been driven for a short time and
the heater starts to develop warm air.
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
Fully-automatic Operation
3.5 RL without Navigation System
116
TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE
CCOONNTTRROOLL DDIIAALL
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AAUUTTOO
BBUUTTTTOONN
OOFFFF
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CONTINUED
You can manually select various
functions of the Climate Control
system when it is in FULL AUTO.
All other features remain auto-
matically controlled. Making any
manual selection causes the word
FULL to go out.
When you turn the A/C off, the sys-
tem cannot regulate the inside tem-
perature if you set the dial below the
outside temperature. With the A/C
on, use the temperature control dial
to adjust the temperature of the air
flow to a comfortable setting.
With the A/C in economy mode, you
will see A/C ECON in the system’s
display. Use this mode to get better
fuel economy.
Press the A/C button to operate the
air conditioning. Each time you press
the A/C button, the display shows
the mode: A/C ECON, A/C OFF, or
A/C ON.
In this mode, you may feel a slight re-
duction in cooling efficiency. If you
want more cooling, select A/C ON or
FULL AUTO.
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
Semi-automatic Operation
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button
117
TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE
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You can manually select the fan
speedbyturningthefancontroldial.
When you turn the dial clockwise,
the fan is taken out of automatic
mode and starts to run at its lowest
speed. Turning the dial fully
clockwise increases the fan’s speed,
which increases air flow.
Use the MODE button to select the
vents the air flows from. Some air
will flow from the side vents and the
dashboard corner vents in all modes.
Each time you press the MODE
button, the display shows the mode
selected. Press the button four times
to see all the modes.
These two buttons control the
source of the air going into the sys-
tem. In Fresh Air mode ( ),
air is brought in from outside the ve-
hicle. In Recirculation mode
( ), air from the car’s interior
is sent through the system again.
You can, for example, manually put
the system in recirculation mode
when driving through an area of
smoke or fumes. When you press
the or button, the
light in that button comes on.
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
Mode Button
Recirculated and Fresh Air
Fan Control Dial
118
MMOODDEE BBUUTTTTOONN FFAANN CCOONNTTRROOLL DDIIAALL
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CONTINUED
The main air flow is divided
between the dashboard vents and
the floor vents.
The main air flow is divided
between the floor vents and de-
froster vents at the base of the wind-
shield.
The main air flow comes
from the floor vents.
The main air flow comes
from the dashboard vents.
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
119
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The button directs the main
air flow to the windshield for faster
defrosting. It also overrides any
MODE selection you may have made.
When you select , the A/C
turns on automatically and the
system selects Fresh Air mode. For
faster defrosting, manually set the
fanspeedtohigh.Youcanalso
increase air flow to the windshield by
closing the side vents in the
dashboard.
When you turn off by
pressing the button again, the
system returns to its former settings.
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
120
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To put the Automatic Climate
Control in fully-automatic mode,
press the AUTO button and set the
fan control dial to AUTO, then set
the desired temperature by turning
the temperature control dial. You will
see FULL AUTO in the system’s
display. The light above the
buttonalsoshowsyouwhich
mode, Recirculation or Fresh Air, is
selected.
When you set the temperature to its
lower limit (60°F/18°C) or its upper
limit (90°F/32°C), the system runs
at full cooling or heating only. It does
not regulate the interior temperature.
When the temperature is set
between the lower and upper limits,
the system regulates the interior
temperature to the set value.
The system automatically selects the
proper mix of conditioned and/or
heated air that will, as quickly as
possible, raise or lower the interior
temperature from its current level to
the set temperature.
In cold weather, the fan will not
come on automatically until the car
has been driven for a short time and
the heater starts to develop warm air.
Pressing the OFF button shuts the
climate control system completely
off. Keep the system completely off
only for short periods. To keep stale
air and mustiness from collecting,
you should have the fan running at
all times.
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
Fully-automatic Operation
3.5 RL with Navigation System
121
FFUULLLL AAUUTTOO
DDIISSPPLLAAYY
OOFFFF
BBUUTTTTOONN
AAUUTTOO
BBUUTTTTOONN
TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE
CCOONNTTRROOLL DDIIAALL
FFAANN CCOONNTTRROOLL
DDIIAALL
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You can manually select various
functions of the Climate Control
system when it is in FULL AUTO.
All other features remain auto-
matically controlled. Making any
manual selection causes the word
FULL to go out.
When you turn the A/C off, the sys-
tem cannot regulate the inside tem-
perature if you set the dial below the
outside temperature. With the A/C
on, use the temperature control dial
to adjust the temperature of the air
flow to a comfortable setting.
With the A/C in economy mode, you
will see A/C ECON in the system’s
display. Use this mode to get better
fuel economy.
Press the A/C button to operate the
air conditioning. Each time you press
the A/C button, the display shows
the mode: A/C ECON, A/C OFF, or
A/C ON.
In this mode, you may feel a slight re-
duction in cooling efficiency. If you
want more cooling, select A/C ON or
FULL AUTO.
Semi-automatic Operation
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
122
RREECCIIRRCCUULLAATTIIOONN BBUUTTTTOONN
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BBUUTTTTOONN
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CONTINUED
This button controls the source of
the air going into the system. When
the indicator above this button is lit,
air from the car’s interior is sent
through the system again (Recircula-
tion mode). When the indicator is off,
air is brought in from outside the car
(Fresh Air mode).
You can, for example, manually put
the system in recirculation mode
when driving through an area of
smoke or fumes.
You can manually select the fan
speedbyturningthefancontroldial.
When you turn the dial clockwise,
the fan is taken out of automatic
mode and starts to run at its lowest
speed. Turning the dial fully
clockwise increases the fan’s speed,
which increases air flow.
Use the MODE button to select the
vents the air flows from. Some air
will flow from the side vents and the
dashboard corner vents in all modes.
Each time you press the MODE
button, the display shows the mode
selected. Press the button four times
to see all the modes.
Mode Button
Recirculation Button
Fan Control Dial
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
123
RREECCIIRRCCUULLAATTIIOONN BBUUTTTTOONN
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The main air flow is divided
between the dashboard vents and
the floor vents.
The main air flow is divided
between the floor vents and de-
froster vents at the base of the wind-
shield.
The main air flow comes
from the floor vents.
The main air flow comes
from the dashboard vents.
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
124
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The button directs the main
air flow to the windshield for faster
defrosting. It also overrides any
MODE selection you may have made.
When you select , the A/C
turns on automatically and the
system selects Fresh Air mode. For
faster defrosting, manually set the
fanspeedtohigh.Youcanalso
increase air flow to the windshield by
closing the side vents in the
dashboard.
When you turn off by
pressing the button again, the
system returns to its former settings.
This button turns the rear window
defogger on and off (see page ).71
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear Window Defogger Button
125
RREEAARR WWIINNDDOOWW DDEEFFOOGGGGEERR BBUUTTTTOONN
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The air flow from the rear vents can
be adjusted when the climate control
system is on.
(Upper position):
Air flows from the upper vents in the
back of the center console.
(Lower position):
Air flows from the lower vents.
(Upper position): Maximum
(Center position): Moderate
(Lower position): Off
(Center position):
Air flow is divided between the upper
vents and the lower vents in the back
of the center console.
You can adjust the direction of the
air coming from the upper vents in
the center console by moving the tab
in the center of each vent up-and-
down and side-to-side.
You can also adjust the amount of
the air flow by sliding the air flow
control lever under the upper vents.
Slide this lever upward to increase
the amount of air flow.
Use the mode control lever to select
the air flow level. Air flows into the
rear seat at three levels.
Rear Ventilation
Mode Control Lever
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
126
MMOODDEE
CCOONNTTRROOLL
LLEEVVEERR
LLOOWWEERR
VVEENNTTSS
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UUPPPPEERR
VVEENNTTSS
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Theclimatecontrolsystemhastwo
sensors. A sunlight sensor is located
in the top of the dashboard and a
temperature sensor is next to the
steering column. Do not cover the
sensors or spill any liquid on them.
Sunlight Sensor/Temperature
Sensor
Climate Control System
Comfort and Convenience Features
127
SSUUNNLLIIGGHHTT SSEENNSSOORR
TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREE SSEENNSSOORR
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Your Acura’s audio system provides
clear reception on both AM and FM
bands, while the preset buttons allow
you to easily select your favorite
stations.
The cassette system features Dolby
noise reduction, automatic sensing of
chromium-dioxide (CrO ) tape, and
auto-reverse for continuous play.
The anti-theft feature will disable the
system if it is disconnected from the
car’s battery. To get the system
working again, you must enter a
code number (see page ).156
2
Dolby noise reduction manufactured under
license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo-
ration. ‘‘DOLBY’’ and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio
System
3.5 RL without Navigation System
3.5 RL with Navigation System
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
128
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−+
You can use any of three methods to
find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset
buttons.
Use the TUNE knob to
tune the radio to a desired frequency.
Turn the TUNE knob to the right to
tune to a higher frequency, or to the
left to tune to a lower frequency.
Turn the knob right or left until the
display reaches the desired
frequency.
You can store the
frequencies of your favorite radio
stations in the six preset buttons.
Each button will store one frequency
on the AM band, and two
frequencies on the FM band.
The SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, push ei-
ther side of the SEEK/SKIP buttons
( or ). Push the button to
scan up from the current frequency,
andthe buttontoscandown.It
stops when it finds a station with a
strong signal.
The band and frequency that the ra-
dio was last tuned to is displayed. To
change bands, press the AM/FM but-
ton. On the FM band, ST will be dis-
played if the station is broadcasting
in stereo. ST will flash if you are driv-
inginanareawheretheradiosignal
is weak. Stereo reproduction on AM
is not available.
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
operate the audio system. Turn the
system on by pushing the PWR/
VOL knob or the AM/FM button.
Adjust the volume by turning the
knob.
CONTINUED
TUNE
Preset
SEEK
Operating the Radio
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
3.5 RL without Navigation System
129
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To store a frequency:
Select the desired band, AM or
FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store
two frequencies with each Preset
button.
Use the TUNE or SEEK function
to tune the radio to a desired
station.
Pick the Preset button you want
for that station. Press the button
and hold it until you hear a beep.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total
of six stations on AM and twelve
on FM.
Once a station’s frequency is stored,
simply press and release the proper
Preset button to tune to it.
The preset frequencies will be lost if
your car’s battery goes dead, is
disconnected, or the radio fuse is
removed.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
130
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If you are
traveling far from home and can no
longer receive the stations you
preset, you can use the Auto Select
feature to find stations in the local
area.
To activate Auto Select, press the
A. SELECT button. A. SELECT will
appear in the display, and the system
will go into scan mode for several
seconds. It automatically scans both
bands, looking for stations with
strong signals. It stores the frequen-
cies of six AM stations and twelve
FM stations in the preset buttons.
You can then use the preset buttons
to select those stations.
If you are in a remote area, Auto
Select may not find six strong AM
stations or twelve strong FM stations.
If this happens, you will see a ‘‘0’’
displayed when you press any preset
button that does not have a station
stored.
With Auto Select on, you cannot
manually store any frequencies in
the preset buttons. If you do not like
the stations found by Auto Select,
you can use the TUNE and SEEK
functions to find other stations.
Auto Select does not erase the
frequencies that you preset pre-
viously. When you return home, turn
off Auto Select by pressing the
A. SELECT button. The preset
buttons will then select the fre-
quencies you originally set.
AUTO SELECT
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
131
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These two
controls adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker.
The Balance control adjusts the side-
to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back
strength.
To adjust the fader, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Pull it out slightly farther,
and adjust the front-to-back sound to
your liking. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
To adjust the balance, push on the
TREBLE/BALANCE control knob
to get it to pop out. Pull it out slightly
farther, and adjust the side-to-side
sound to your liking. Push the knob
back in when you are done so you
cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
Use these controls
to adjust the tone to your liking.
To adjust the Treble level, push on
the TREBLE/BALANCE control
knob to get it to pop out. Without
pulling it out farther, turn the knob
to adjust the treble level. Push the
knob back in when you are done so
you cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
To adjust the Bass level, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Without pulling it out
farther, turn the knob to adjust the
bass level. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
Adjusting the Sound
Balance/Fader
Treble/Bass
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
132
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When the system reaches the end of
the tape, it will automatically reverse
direction and play the other side. If
you want to remove the cassette
from the drive, press the EJECT
button.
If you turn the system off while a
tape is playing, either with the PWR/
VOL knob or by turning off the
ignition, the cassette will remain in
the drive. When you turn the system
back on, the tape will begin playing
where it left off.
To switch to the radio or CD
changer while listening to a tape,
press the AM/FM or CD/TAPE but-
ton. To change back to the cassette
player, press the CD/TAPE button.
Make sure the tape opening on the
cassette is facing to the right, then
insert the cassette most of the way
into the slot. The system will pull it
in the rest of the way, and begin to
play.
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).
The tape direction indicator will light
to show you which side of the
cassette is playing. The indicates
thesideyouinsertedfacingupward
is now playing. If you want to play
the other side, press the PROG/
PLAY button.
Dolby noise reduction turns on when
you insert a cassette. If the tape was
not recorded with Dolby noise reduc-
tion, turn it off by pressing the
button.
You can use the instrument panel
brightness control dial to adjust the il-
lumination of the audio system (see
page ). The audio system
illuminates when the parking lights
are on, even if the radio is turned off.
For information, See page .
66
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Comfort and Convenience Features
Operating the Cassette PlayerAudio System Lighting
Radio Frequencies and Reception
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With a cassette playing, you can use
the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT
function to find a desired program.
Fast Forward and Re-
wind move the tape rapidly. To re-
wind the tape, push the REW button.
You will see REW in the display. To
fast forward the tape, push the FF
button. You will see FF displayed.
Press the PROG/PLAY button to
take the system out of rewind or fast
forward. When the system reaches
the end of the tape, it reverses
direction and begins to play if in fast
forward, or it begins to play if in
rewind.
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tape Search Functions
FF/REW
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TheTapeMusicSearch
Function allows you to find the begin-
ning of a song or passage. To acti-
vate TMS, press the TMS button.
You will see TMS displayed. To find
the beginning of the song or passage
currently playing, push the REW but-
ton. You will see REW flashing in the
display as the tape rewinds. To find
the beginning of the next song, push
the FF button. You will see FF
flashing in the display as the tape
fast forwards. When the system
finds the beginning of a song or pas-
sage, it goes back to PLAY mode.
Press the TMS button again to turn
it off.
CONTINUED
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
TMS
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The Repeat function
continuously replays the current
song or passage. Press the REPEAT
button to activate it; you will see RPT
displayed as a reminder. When the
system reaches the end of the song
or passage currently playing, it will
automatically go into rewind.
When it senses the beginning of the
same song or passage, the system
returns to PLAY mode. It will
continue to repeat this same
program until you deactivate
REPEAT by pressing the button
again.
The TMS and REPEAT functions
use silent periods on the tape to find
the end of a song or passage. These
features may not work to your
satisfaction if there is almost no gap
between selections, a high noise
level between selections, or a silent
period in the middle of a selection.
Damaged cassettes can jam inside
the drive or cause other problems.
See page for information on
cassette care and protection.
A Compact Disc changer is standard
equipment. It holds up to six discs,
providing several hours of continu-
ous entertainment. You operate the
CD changer with the same controls
used for the radio and cassette
player.
To load the CDs in the magazine and
load the magazine into the CD
changer, refer to page . Play only
standard round discs. Odd-shaped
CDs may jam in the drive or cause
other problems.
Pressing the REW or FF button also
turns off REPEAT. Do not play discs with disc
accessories such as protective seals
or rubbers. Using them may also
cause the audio system to
malfunction.
159
148
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
REPEAT
Caring for Cassettes
Operating the CD Changer
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CONTINUED
To operate the CD changer, the igni-
tion switch must be in ACCESSORY
(I) or ON (II).
SelecttheCDmodebypressingthe
CD/TAPE button. You will see ‘‘CD’’
in the display. The system will start
to play the first track of the first disc
in the magazine. You will see the
disc and track number displayed.
When that disc ends, the next disc in
the magazine is loaded and played.
After the last disc finishes, the
system returns to disc 1.
To select a different disc, press the
appropriate preset button (1 6). If
you select an empty slot in the
magazine, the changer will, after
finding that slot empty, try to load
the CD in the next slot. This
continues until it finds a CD to load
and play.
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Comfort and Convenience Features
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You can use the SEEK/SKIP buttons
to select tracks within a disc. If you
push and release either side of the
SEEK/SKIP buttons ( or ), the
system will move to the beginning of
a track. Push the button to move
to the beginning of the next track,
and push the button to move to
the beginning of the current track.
If you push and hold the SEEK/
SKIP button, you will hear a beep
and the system will continue to move
across tracks. Release the button
when you think it has reached the de-
sired place on the disc.
When you activate the
Repeat feature by pressing the
REPEAT button, the system continu-
ously replays the current track. You
will see RPT in the display as a
reminder. Press the REPEAT button
again to turn it off.
This feature,
when activated, plays the tracks on a
CD in random order, rather than in
the order they are recorded on the
CD. To activate Random Play, press
the A. SELECT button. You will see
A. SELECT in the display. The sys-
tem will then select and play tracks
randomly on the current disc. When
all tracks on that disc have been
played, the next disc is loaded and
played randomly. This continues un-
til you deactivate Random Play by
pressing A. SELECT again.
To take the system out of CD mode,
press the AM/FM button or insert a
cassette in the player. If a tape is
already in the cassette player, press
the CD/TAPE button. When you
return to CD mode, play will contin-
ue at the same point that it left off.
If you turn the system off while a CD
is playing, either with the PWR/VOL
knob or the ignition switch, play will
continue at the same point when you
turn it back on.
For information on how to handle
and protect compact discs, see page
.153
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
REPEAT
RANDOM PLAY
Protecting Compact Discs
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You can use any of three methods to
find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset
buttons.
You can store the
frequencies of your favorite radio
stations in the six preset buttons.
Each button will store one frequency
on the AM band, and two
frequencies on the FM band.
The band and frequency that the ra-
dio was last tuned to is displayed. To
change bands, press the AM/FM but-
ton. On the FM band, ST will be dis-
played if the station is broadcasting
in stereo. ST will flash if you are driv-
inginanareawheretheradiosignal
is weak. Stereo reproduction on AM
is not available.
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
operate the audio system. Turn the
system on by pushing the PWR/
VOL knob or the AM/FM button.
Adjust the volume by turning the
knob.
Use the TUNE bar to tune
the radio to a desired frequency.
Push and release the appropriate
side of the bar quickly. The
frequency numbers will change in
small increments.
The SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, push
either side of the SEEK bar ( or
) until you hear a beep. Push the
bar on the side to scan up from
the current frequency, and on the
side to scan down. It stops when it
finds a station with a strong signal.
CONTINUED
Preset
Operating the Radio
TUNE
SEEK
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
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To store a frequency:
Select the desired band, AM or
FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store
two frequencies with each Preset
button.
Use the TUNE or SEEK function
to tune the radio to a desired
station.
Pick the Preset button you want
for that station. Press the button
and hold it until you hear a beep.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total
of six stations on AM and twelve
on FM.
Once a station’s frequency is stored,
simply press and release the proper
Preset button to tune to it.
The preset frequencies will be lost if
your car’s battery goes dead, is
disconnected, or the radio fuse is
removed.
1.
2.
3.
4.
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If you are
traveling far from home and can no
longer receive the stations you
preset, you can use the Auto Select
feature to find stations in the local
area.
To activate Auto Select, press the
A. SELECT button. A. SELECT will
appear in the display, and the system
will go into scan mode for several
seconds. It automatically scans both
bands, looking for stations with
strong signals. It stores the frequen-
cies of six AM stations and twelve
FM stations in the preset buttons.
You can then use the preset buttons
to select those stations.
If you are in a remote area, Auto
Select may not find six strong AM
stations or twelve strong FM stations.
If this happens, you will see a ‘‘0’’
displayed when you press any preset
button that does not have a station
stored.
With Auto Select on, you cannot
manually store any frequencies in
the preset buttons. If you do not like
the stations found by Auto Select,
you can use the TUNE and SEEK
functions to find other stations.
Auto Select does not erase the
frequencies that you preset pre-
viously. When you return home, turn
off Auto Select by pressing the
A. SELECT button. The preset
buttons will then select the fre-
quencies you originally set.
AUTO SELECT
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Comfort and Convenience Features
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These two
controls adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker.
The Balance control adjusts the side-
to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back
strength.
To adjust the fader, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Pull it out slightly farther,
and adjust the front-to-back sound to
your liking. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
To adjust the balance, push on the
TREBLE/BALANCE control knob
to get it to pop out. Pull it out slightly
farther, and adjust the side-to-side
sound to your liking. Push the knob
back in when you are done so you
cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
Use these controls
to adjust the tone to your liking.
To adjust the Treble level, push on
the TREBLE/BALANCE control
knob to get it to pop out. Without
pulling it out farther, turn the knob
to adjust the treble level. Push the
knob back in when you are done so
you cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
To adjust the Bass level, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Without pulling it out
farther, turn the knob to adjust the
bass level. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
Adjusting the Sound
Balance/Fader
Treble/Bass
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
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You can use the instrument panel
brightness control dial to adjust the il-
lumination of the audio system (see
page ). The audio system
illuminates when the parking lights
are on, even if the radio is turned off.
Your Acura’s radio can receive the
complete AM and FM bands.
Those bands cover these frequen-
cies:
AM band:
530 to 1,710 kilohertz
FM band:
87.7 to 107.9 megahertz
Radio stations on the AM band are
assigned frequencies at least ten
kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).
Stations on the FM band are
assigned frequencies at least 0.2
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).
Stations must use these exact
frequencies. It is fairly common for
stations to round-off the frequency in
their advertising, so your radio could
display a frequency of 100.9 even
though the announcer may identify
the station as ‘‘FM101.’’
How well your Acura’s radio receives
stations is dependent on many
factors, such as the distance from
the station’s transmitter, nearby
large objects, and atmospheric
conditions.
A radio station’s signal gets weaker
as you get farther away from its
transmitter. If you are listening to an
AM station, you will notice the sound
volume becoming weaker, and the
stationdriftinginandout.Ifyouare
listening to an FM station, you will
see the stereo indicator flickering off
and on as the signal weakens.
Eventually, the stereo indicator will
go off and the sound will fade
completely as you get out of range of
the station’s signal.
Driving very near the transmitter of
a station that is broadcasting on a
frequency close to the frequency of
the station you are listening to can
also affect your radio’s reception.
You may temporarily hear both
stations,orhearonlythestationyou
are close to.
66
CONTINUED
Audio System Lighting
Radio Frequencies Radio Reception
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
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Radio signals, especially on the FM
band, are deflected by large objects
such as buildings and hills. Your
radio then receives both the direct
signal from the station’s transmitter,
and the deflected signal. This causes
the sound to distort or flutter. This is
a main cause of poor radio reception
in city driving.
Radio reception can be affected by
atmospheric conditions such as
thunderstorms, high humidity, and
even sunspots. You may be able to
receive a distant radio station one
day and not receive it the next day
because of a change in conditions.
Electrical interference from passing
vehicles and stationary sources can
cause temporary reception problems.
As required by the FCC:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Audio System
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Make sure the tape opening on the
cassette is facing to the right, then
insert the cassette most of the way
into the slot. The system will pull it
in the rest of the way, and begin to
play.
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).
The tape direction indicator will light
to show you which side of the
cassette is playing. The indicates
thesideyouinsertedfacingupward
is now playing. If you want to play
the other side, press the PROG/
PLAY button.
When the system reaches the end of
the tape, it will automatically reverse
direction and play the other side. If
you want to remove the cassette
from the drive, press the EJECT
button.
With a cassette playing, you can use
the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT
function to find a desired program.
If you turn the system off while a
tape is playing, either with the PWR/
VOL knob or by turning off the
ignition, the cassette will remain in
the drive. When you turn the system
back on, the tape will begin playing
where it left off.
To switch to the radio or CD
changer while listening to a tape,
press the AM/FM or CD/TAPE but-
ton. To change back to the cassette
player, press the CD/TAPE button.
Fast Forward and
Rewind move the tape rapidly. To
rewind the tape, push the REW
button. The indicator in this button
will light. To fast forward the tape,
push the FF button. The indicator in
this button will light. Press the
PROG/PLAY button to take the
system out of rewind or fast forward.
When the system reaches the end of
the tape, it reverses direction and
begins to play if in fast forward, or it
begins to play if in rewind.
Dolby B noise reduction turns on
when you insert a cassette. The
indicator in the button will light.
Ifthetapewasnotrecordedwith
Dolby B noise reduction, turn it off
by pressing the button.
CONTINUED
Operating the Cassette Player Tape Search Functions
FF/REW
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−+
TheTapeMusicSearch
Function allows you to find the
beginning of a song or passage. To
activate TMS, push either side of the
TMSbar( or ).Tofindthe
beginning of the song or passage
currently playing, push the bar on
the side. You will see TMS
indicator and the indicator in the
REW button flashing. To find the
beginning of the next song, push the
bar on the side. You will see TMS
indicator and the indicator in the FF
button flashing.
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
TMS
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The TMS and REPEAT functions
use silent periods on the tape to find
the end of a song or passage. These
features may not work to your
satisfaction if there is almost no gap
between selections, a high noise
level between selections, or a silent
period in the middle of a selection.
The Repeat function
continuously replays the current
song or passage. Press the REPEAT
button to activate it; you will see
REPEAT displayed as a reminder.
When the system reaches the end of
the song or passage currently
playing, it will automatically go into
rewind. When it senses the
beginning of the same song or
passage, the system returns to PLAY
mode. It will continue to repeat this
same program until you deactivate
REPEAT by pressing the button
again.
Pressing the REW or FF button also
turns off REPEAT.
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
REPEAT
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The cassette player picks up dirt and
oxides from the tape. This contami-
nation builds up over time and
causes the sound quality to degrade.
To prevent this, you should clean the
player after every 30 hours of use.
Your dealer has a cleaning kit
available.
If you do not clean the cassette
player regularly, it may eventually
become impossible to remove the
contamination with a normal
cleaning kit.
Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes.
Cassettes longer than that use
thinner tape that may break or jam
the drive.
Look at the cassette before you
insert it. If the tape is loose, tighten
it by turning a hub with a pencil or
your finger.
If the label is peeling off, remove it
from the cassette or it could cause
the cassette to jam in the player.
Never try to insert a warped or
damaged cassette in the player.
When they are not in use, store
cassettes in their cases to protect
them from dust and moisture. Never
place cassettes where they will be
exposed to direct sunlight, high heat,
or high humidity. If a cassette is
exposed to extreme heat or cold, let
it reach a moderate temperature
before inserting it in the player.
Never try to insert foreign objects
into the cassette player.
If you see the error indication
‘‘ ’’ (3.5 RL with navigation
system)/‘‘ ’’ (3.5 RL without
navigation system) on the display,
press the EJECT button to remove
the cassette from the unit. Make
sure the tape is not damaged. If the
cassette will not eject or the error
indication stays on after the cassette
ejects, take the car to your Acura
dealer.
Caring for the Cassette Player
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
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CONTINUED
A Compact Disc changer is standard
equipment. It holds up to six discs,
providing several hours of continu-
ous entertainment. You operate the
CD changer with the same controls
used for the radio and cassette
player.
To load the CDs in the magazine and
load the magazine into the CD
changer, refer to page . Play only
standard round discs. Odd-shaped
CDs may jam in the drive or cause
other problems.
SelecttheCDmodebypressingthe
CD/TAPE button. You will see ‘‘CD’’
in the display. The system will start
to play the first track of the first disc
in the magazine. You will see the
disc and track number displayed.
When that disc ends, the next disc in
the magazine is loaded and played.
After the last disc finishes, the
system returns to disc 1.
To operate the CD changer, the igni-
tion switch must be in ACCESSORY
(I) or ON (II).
Do not play discs with disc
accessories such as protective seals
or rubbers. Using them may also
cause the audio system to
malfunction.
159
Operating the CD Changer
Audio System
Comfort and Convenience Features
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This feature,
when activated, plays the tracks on a
CD in random order, rather than in
the order they are recorded on the
CD. To activate Random Play, press
the A. SELECT button. You will see
A. SELECT in the display. The sys-
tem will then select and play tracks
randomly on the current disc. When
all tracks on that disc have been
played, the next disc is loaded and
played randomly. This continues un-
til you deactivate Random Play by
pressing A. SELECT again.
To take the system out of CD mode,
press the AM/FM button or insert a
cassette in the player. If a tape is
already in the cassette player, press
the CD/TAPE button. When you
return to CD mode, play will contin-
ue at the same point that it left off.
If you turn the system off while a CD
is playing, either with the PWR/VOL
knob or the ignition switch, play will
continue at the same point when you
turn it back on.
To select a different disc, press the
appropriate preset button (1 6). If
you select an empty slot in the
magazine, the changer will, after
finding that slot empty, try to load
the CD in the next slot. This
continues until it finds a CD to load
and play.
You can use the SEEK bar to select
tracks within a disc. If you push and
release either side of the SEEK bar
( or ), the system will move to
the beginning of a track. Push the
button to move to the beginning of
the next track, and push the but-
ton to move to the beginning of the
current track.
When you activate the
Repeat feature by pressing the
REPEAT button, the system
continuously replays the current
track. You will see REPEAT in the
display as a reminder. Press the
REPEAT button again to turn it off.
For information on how to handle
and protect compact discs, see page
.
If you push and hold the SEEK bar
( or ), you will hear a beep and
the system will continue to move
across tracks. Release the button
when you think it has reached the
desired place on the disc.
153
RANDOM PLAY
REPEAT
Protecting Compact Discs
Audio System
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Slide the lid to open the CD
changer.
The CD changer is located in the
trunk on the driver’s side.
Push the EJECT button to remove
the CD magazine. The magazine
will pop up automatically.
1. 2.
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Loading the CD Changer
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Put a CD on a tray with the printed
surface up as shown.
Reinstall the tray in the magazine.
Repeat this procedure for the oth-
er five trays.
Storeallsixtraysinthemagazine,
and then reinstall the magazine in
the CD changer as shown in the il-
lustration.
ToinstallaCD,pullthetaboutto
remove the tray from the maga-
zine.
Slide the lid closed until it clicks.
3. 4.
5.
6.
7.
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Never try to insert foreign objects in
the CD player or the magazine.
AnewCDmayberoughonthe
inner and outer edges. The small
plastic pieces causing this roughness
can flake off and fall on the re-
cording surface of the disc, causing
skipping or other problems. Remove
these pieces by rubbing the inner
and outer edges with the side of a
pencil or pen.
To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth.
Wipe across the disc from the center
to the outside edge.
When a CD is not being played, store
it in its case to protect it from dust
and other contamination. To prevent
warpage, keep CDs out of direct
sunlight and extreme heat.
Handle a CD by its edges; never
touch either surface. Contamination
from fingerprints, liquids, felt-tip
pens, and labels can cause the CD to
not play properly, or possibly jam in
the drive.
Protecting Compact Discs
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If you see an error indication in the
display while operating the CD
changer, find the cause in the chart
to the right. If you cannot clear the
error indication, take the car to your
Acura dealer.
Indication Cause Solution
Disc-changer
malfunction.
High temperature.
Misconnection or
disconnection of CD
changer.
No CD magazine in the
CD changer.
No CD in magazine.
Press the magazine eject button. If the
magazine does not eject, consult your Acura
dealer.
Will disappear when the temperature returns to
normal.
See your Acura dealer.
Insert a CD magazine.
Insert a CD in the magazine.
CD Changer Error Indications
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▲▼
Two controls for the audio system
are mounted in the steering wheel
hub. These let you control basic
functions without removing your
hand from the wheel.
The top and bottom buttons adjust
thevolumeup( )ordown( ).
Press the proper button and hold it
until the desired volume is reached,
then release it.
The AUDIO/CH button has three
functions, depending on whether you
are listening to the radio, or playing a
cassette or CD.
If you are listening to the radio, use
the AUDIO/CH button to change
stations. Each time you press this
button, the system advances to the
next preset station on the band you
are listening to. You will see the
number of the selected Preset button
in the display. To change bands,
press the AM/FM button on the
audio system’s front panel.
If you are playing a cassette, use the
AUDIO/CH button to advance to the
next selection. You will see ‘‘FF’’
blinking in the display when you
press the AUDIO/CH button. The
system fast forwards until it senses a
silent period, then goes back to
PLAY.
IfyouareplayingaCD,thesystem
skips to the beginning of the next
track each time you push the
AUDIO/CH button. You will see the
disc and track number in the display.
Remote Audio Controls
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You will have to store your favorite
stations in the Preset buttons after
the system begins working. Your
original settings were lost when
power was disconnected.
Your car’s audio system will disable
itself if it is disconnected from
electrical power for any reason. To
make it work again, the user must
enter a specific five-digit code in the
Preset buttons. Because there are
hundreds of number combinations
possible from five digits, making the
system work without knowing the
exact code is nearly impossible.
If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, or the radio fuse is
removed, the audio system will
disable itself. If this happens, you
will see ‘‘Code’’ in the frequency
display the next time you turn on the
system. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code. If it is
entered correctly, the radio will start
playing.
Youshouldhavereceivedacardthat
lists your audio system’s code
number and serial number. It is best
tostorethiscardinasafeplaceat
home. In addition, you should write
the audio system’s serial number in
this Owner’s Manual. If you should
happen to lose the card, you must
obtain the code number from your
Acura dealer. To do this, you will
need the system’s serial number.
If you make a mistake entering the
code, do not start over or try to
correct your mistake. Complete the
five-digit sequence, then enter the
correct code. You have three tries to
enter the correct code. If you are
unsuccessful in three attempts, you
must then leave the system on for
one hour before trying again.
Theft Protection
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Once the security system is set,
opening any door (without using the
key or the remote transmitter), or
the hood, will cause it to alarm. It
also alarms if the radio is removed
from the dashboard or the wiring is
cut.
With the system set, you can still
open the trunk with the master key
or the remote transmitter without
triggering the alarm. The alarm will
sound if the trunk lock is forced, or
the trunk is opened with the trunk
releasebuttononthedriversdoor.
The security system will not set if
the hood, trunk, or any door is not
fully closed. If the system will not set,
check the Door and Brake Lamp
Monitor on the instrument panel
(see page ), to see if the doors
and trunk are fully closed. Since it is
notpartofthemonitordisplay,
manually check the hood.
The security system sets auto-
matically fifteen seconds after you
lock the doors, hood, and trunk. For
the system to activate, you must lock
the doors from the outside with the
key, lock tab, door lock switch, or
remote transmitter. The security
system light next to the driver’s door
lock starts blinking immediately to
show you the system is setting itself.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it.
The security system helps to protect
your car and valuables from theft.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights, parking lights, side
marker lights and taillights flashes if
someone attempts to break into your
carorremovetheradio.Thisalarm
continues for two minutes, then the
system resets. To reset an alarming
system before the two minutes have
elapsed, unlock either front door
with the key or the remote
transmitter.
57
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Push in the Cruise Control Master
Switch to the left of the steering
column. The indicator in the
switch will light.
Accelerate to the desired cruising
speedabove25mph(40km/h).
Cruise control allows you to maintain
asetspeedabove25mph(40km/h)
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. It should be used
for cruising on straight, open
highways. It is not recommended for
conditions such as city driving,
winding roads, slippery roads, heavy
rain, or bad weather. You should
have full control of the car under
those conditions.
1.
2.
Using the Cruise Control
Cruise Control
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Use the cruise control only
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Press and release the SET/decel
buttononthesteeringwheel.The
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel comes on to
show the system is now activated.
Thecruisecontrolmaynotholdthe
set speed when you are going up and
down hills. If your speed increases
going down a hill, use the brakes to
slow down to the desired speed. This
will cancel the cruise control. To
resume the set speed, press the
RESUME/accel button. The
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel comes on.
When climbing a steep hill, the
automatic transmission may
downshift to hold the set speed.
You can increase the set cruising
speed in any of these ways:
Press and hold the RESUME/
accel button. The car will acceler-
ate. When you reach the desired
cruising speed, release the button.
Push on the accelerator pedal. Ac-
celerate to the desired cruising
speed and press the SET/decel
button.
To increase your speed in very
small amounts, tap the RESUME/
accel button repeatedly. Each time
you do this, your car will speed up
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
3.
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Changing the Set Speed
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Youcancancelthecruisecontrolin
any of these ways:
Tap the brake pedal.
Push the CANCEL button on the
steering wheel.
Press the Cruise Control Master
Switch.
You can decrease the set cruising
speed in any of these ways:
Press and hold the SET/decel
button. The car will decelerate.
Release the button when you
reach the desired speed.
Tap the brake pedal lightly with
your foot. The CRUISE
CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will go out.
When the car slows to the desired
speed, press the SET/decel button.
The car will then maintain the
desired speed.
To slow down in very small
amounts, tap the SET/decel
button repeatedly. Each time you
do this, your car will slow down
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
Even with the cruise control turned
on, you can still use the accelerator
pedal to speed up for passing. After
completing the pass, take your foot
off the accelerator pedal. The car
will return to the set cruising speed.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause the cruise control to
cancel.
Cancelling the Cruise Control
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Pressing the Cruise Control Master
Switch turns the system completely
off and erases the previous cruising
speed from memory. To use the
system again, refer to
.
When you push the CANCEL button,
or tap the brake pedal, the CRUISE
CONTROL light on the instrument
panel will go out and the car will
begin to slow down. You can use the
accelerator pedal in the normal way.
The system remembers the
previously-set cruising speed. To
return to that speed, accelerate to
above25mph(40km/h),thenpress
and release the RESUME/accel
button. The CRUISE CONTROL
light comes on, and the car will
accelerate to the same cruising
speed as before.
Using the
Cruise Control
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The HomeLink Universal
Transceiver built into your car can
be programmed to operate remotely-
controlled devices around your home,
such as garage doors, lighting, or
home security systems. It can
replaceuptothreeremote
transmitters.
If you have problems with training
the HomeLink Universal Transceiver,
or would like information on home
products that can be operated by the
transmitter, call (800) 355-3515. On
the Internet, go to www.homelink.
com.
Always refer to the operating
instructions and safety information
that came with your garage door
opener or other equipment you
intend to operate with the HomeLink
Universal Transceiver. If you do not
have this information, you should
contact the manufacturer of the
equipment.
While training or using HomeLink,
make sure you have a clear view of
the garage door or gate, and that no
one will be injured by its movement.
If you are training HomeLink to
operate a garage door or gate, it is
recommended that you unplug the
motor for that device during
training. Repeatedly pressing the
remote control button could burn
out the motor.
HomeLink stores the code in a
permanent memory. There should
be no need to retrain HomeLink if
your car’s battery goes dead or is
disconnected.
If your garage door opener was
manufactured before April 1982, you
may not be able to program
HomeLink to operate it. Garage door
openers manufactured before that
date do not have a safety feature that
causes them to stop and reverse if an
obstacle is detected during closing,
increasing the risk of injury. If you
have questions, call (800) 355-3515.
Customer Assistance
Important Safety Precautions General Information
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If you are training the second or
third buttons, go directly to Step 1.
Unplug the garage door opener
motor from the house current.
Before you can use HomeLink to
operate devices around your home, it
must ‘‘learn’’ the proper codes. For
example, to train HomeLink to open
and close the garage door:
If you just took
delivery of your vehicle and have not
trained any of the buttons in
HomeLink before, you should erase
any previously learned codes before
training the first button. To do this,
press and hold the two outside
buttons on the HomeLink
transceiver for about 20 seconds,
until the red light flashes. Release
the buttons, then proceed to Step 1.
Holdtheendofthegaragedoor
opener remote control 2 to 5
inches from HomeLink. Make
sure you are not blocking your
view of the red light in HomeLink.
Select the HomeLink button you
want to train.
Press the button on the remote
control and the button on
HomeLink at the same time. Hold
down both buttons.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CONTINUED
Training HomeLink
Before you begin
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For security purposes, newer garage
door opening systems use a ‘‘rolling’’
or variable code. Information from
the remote control and the garage
door opener are needed before
HomeLink can operate the garage
door opener.
The ‘‘Training HomeLink’’
procedure trains HomeLink to the
proper garage door opener code.
The following procedure
synchronizes HomeLink to the
garage door opener so they send and
receive the correct codes.
The remote control you are training
from may stop transmitting after two
seconds. This is not long enough for
HomeLink to learn the code. Release
and press the button on the remote
control every two seconds until
HomeLink has learned the code.
The red light in HomeLink should
begin flashing. It will flash slowly
at first, then rapidly.
When the red light flashes rapidly,
release both buttons. HomeLink
should have learned the code from
the remote control.
Plug in the garage door opener
motor, then test the HomeLink
transceiver button by pushing it. It
should operate the garage door.
If the button does not work, repeat
this procedure to train it again. If it
still does not work, you may have a
variable or rolling code garage
door opener. Test this by pressing
and holding the HomeLink
transceiver button you just trained.
If the red light blinks for two
seconds,thenstayson,youhavea
rolling code garage door opener.
You may be able to verify this with
the manufacturer’s documentation.
Go to ‘‘Training With a Rolling
Code System.’’
Repeat these steps to train the
other two HomeLink buttons to
operate any other remotely-
controlled devices around your
home (lighting, automatic gate,
security system, etc.).
5.
6.
7.
8.
Canadian Owners:
Training With a Rolling Code
System
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Itmaybehelpfultohavesomeone
assist you with this procedure.
Find the ‘‘Training’’ button on your
garage door opener unit. The
location will vary, depending on
the manufacturer. The
manufacturer’s documentation
may help.
Press the Training button on the
garage door opener unit until the
light next to the button comes on,
then release it. The light may blink,
or come on and stay on. You then
have approximately 30 seconds to
complete the following steps.
Make sure you have properly
completed the ‘‘Training
HomeLink’’ procedure.
Press and hold the button on
HomeLink for 3 4 seconds.
(The same button you trained with
the ‘‘Training HomeLink’’
procedure.)
Press and hold the HomeLink
button again for 3 4 seconds.
This should turn off the training
light on the garage door opener
unit. (Some systems may require
youtopressthebuttonuptothree
times.)
Press the HomeLink button again.
It should operate the garage door.
6.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
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As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Toerasethecodesstoredinallthree
buttons, press and hold the two
outside buttons until the red light
begins to flash, then release the
buttons.
Youshoulderaseallthreecodes
before selling the car.
Totrainanalreadyprogrammed
HomeLink button to operate a new
device:
Select the HomeLink button you
want to train.
Press and hold the HomeLink
button until the red light begins to
flash slowly (approximately 20
seconds).
While continuing to hold the
HomeLink button, place the
remotecontrolforthedevice2to
5inchesfromHomeLink.
Press and hold the button on the
remote control. Hold both buttons
until the red light begins to flash
rapidly.
Release both buttons. HomeLink
should now be trained to operate
the device.
1.
3.
2.
4.
5.
Erasing Codes
Retraining a Button
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The OnStar system in your vehicle
gives you immediate access to a wide
range of services and information
with the touch of a button. An
OnStar advisor is available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
The basic Safety & Security Plan
provides:
Press this button to contact an
OnStar advisor. You will hear a
chime, followed by the
announcement, ‘‘Connecting to
OnStar.’’ The connection should take
20 to 30 seconds. The advisor will
assist you with any of the services
included in your plan.
Depending on what service you
request, you may need to give your
Personal Identification Number
(PIN) to the advisor. Your PIN is a
number you make up and provide
when you establish your OnStar
service.
If cellular telephone service is not
available in the area you are driving
in, you will hear a fast busy signal.
The system will retry the connection
several times before returning to the
ready mode.
Roadside Assistance.
Emergency Services.
Automatic Notification of Airbag
Deployment.
Accident Assist.
Remote Door Locking/Unlocking.
Stolen Vehicle Tracking.
Misplaced Vehicle Assistance.
The Premium Service Plan provides
these additional features:
Route Support.
Ride Assist.
Information and Convenience
Services.
Concierge Services.
The OnStar control buttons and
indicator are located in the base of
the rear view mirror.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
OnStar Services ButtonOnStar Control Panel
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To cancel these retries, press the
Call Answer/End (DOT) button.
A microphone is located in the base
oftherearviewmirrorsoyoucan
speak to the advisor without taking
your hands off the steering wheel or
diverting your attention from the
road. The OnStar advisor’s voice
comes from the audio system’s
speakers. Use the volume control on
the audio system or on the steering
wheel to adjust the volume.
Press this button to contact an
OnStar advisor only if you have an
emergency situation. You will hear a
tone, followed by the announcement,
‘‘Connecting to OnStar Emergency.’’
Your call is given highest priority.
The advisor will ask about the nature
of the emergency, locate your
vehicle, and notify the appropriate
emergency service agencies.
Press this ‘‘DOT’’ button to end a call
to the OnStar advisor, or to cancel
the call if you should press one of
the other buttons accidentally. If the
OnStar center should call you, press
this button to answer the call.
This button is also used to initiate
the Personal Calling and Virtual
Advisor services, if you have
subscribed.
This light shows you the status of
the system.
The system is ready
for use.
Acallisin
progress.
There is a problem in
the system. Press the OnStar button
to contact an advisor. If the call
connects, the advisor will assist you
with verifying the system’s operation.
If you are not able to contact an
advisor, take your vehicle to an
Acura dealer to have the system
diagnosed.
There is a problem
in the system with a call in progress.
If you press this button accidentally,
do not cancel the call. Wait until the
OnStar advisor answers, then explain
your mistake.
Emergency Button
Call Answer/End Button
Solid Green
Blinking Green
Solid Red
Blinking Red
System Status Light
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The OnStar system uses the Global
Positioning System (GPS) to locate
your vehicle whenever you place a
call. This allows the advisor to
quickly contact the nearest services
without requiring you to provide
detailed directions.
Contact
the OnStar advisor if you need
assistance with a problem (flat tire,
out of fuel, etc.) while traveling. The
advisor will contact an appropriate
agency to come and assist you.
Contact an
OnStar advisor if you have an
emergency situation. The advisor
will contact the nearest emergency
services provider (ambulance, fire
department, etc.) and advise them of
your situation.
If you are ever in an
accident that causes the airbags to
deploy, the OnStar system
automatically places a call (provided
the OnStar system and your vehicle’s
electrical system are still intact). The
advisor will attempt to speak to you
to evaluate the situation, and contact
the nearest emergency services
provider.
The OnStar
advisor can help you if you are ever
in a minor accident by giving you a
list of information you should collect
at the accident scene.Complete,
detailed information will make it
easier to complete accident reports
and insurance claims.
By sending a signal to your
vehicle, the advisor can lock or
unlock your vehicle’s doors. This is
helpfulifyouareawayfromyour
vehicle and realize you forgot to lock
the doors, or if you have locked the
keys in your vehicle. To get OnStar’s
assistance, call (888) 4-ONSTAR
(466-7827).
Using
GPS, OnStar can locate your vehicle
almost anywhere. If your vehicle is
ever stolen, contact OnStar at (888)
4-ONSTAR. The advisor will put you
in contact with the proper authorities,
and assist them with locating your
vehicle.
If you are unable to locate your
vehicleinalargeparkinglotor
parking structure, contact OnStar at
(888) 4-ONSTAR. The advisor will
remotely activate the exterior lights
and the horn, allowing you to locate
your vehicle.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
Safety and Security Plan Features
Roadside Assistance
Emergency Services
Automatic Notification of Airbag
Deployment
Accident Assist
Remote Door Locking/Unlocking
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
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The Premium Service Plan provides
these additional features.
The OnStar
advisor can give you verbal
directions from your current location
to a desired destination.
If you need a ride
(taxi, limousine service, etc.) the
OnStar advisor can make the
arrangements for you. Use the
OnStar button or call (888)
4-ONSTAR.
The OnStar advisor can
give you information on nearby
hotels, restaurants, ATMs, hospitals,
gas stations, and many other
services in any area you are traveling
in. The advisor can also help you
with hotel or restaurant reservations.
The OnStar
advisor can assist you with
purchasing theater tickets, airline
tickets, rental car reservations for a
vacation, and just about any other
purchase you desire.
The OnStar Personal Calling plan is
an extra-cost option that gives you
the ability to use your vehicle’s
OnStar system as a hands-free
cellular telephone.
To sign up for Personal Calling,
press the OnStar button in your
vehicle, and notify the advisor that
you’d like to sign up. The advisor will
get all the information needed to set
up your account, and provide you
with your new cellular telephone
number.
You will need to provide a credit card
number, and prepurchase ‘‘units’’ or
minutes of air time (one unit equals
one minute).
You
must use voice commands to give
the OnStar system your calling
information. To make a phone call:
Press the Call Answer/End
(DOT) Button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Dial.’’
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Number
Please.’’
Say the first digit of the number.
OnStar will repeat that digit.
Always wait for OnStar to confirm
the digit before going to the next
digit.
Say the second digit of the number.
OnStar will repeat that digit.
Premium Service Plan Features
Route Support
Ride Assist
Information and Convenience
Services
Concierge Services
Personal Calling
Placing a Telephone Call
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Continue this until you have given
OnStar the complete telephone
number. Then say ‘‘Dial.’’
If the system has difficulty
understanding a voice command, it
canrespondwith:
‘‘Pardon’’ The system could not
match your voice command to one it
knows. Repeat the command
distinctly.
‘‘Slower please’’ The system
missed the command because it was
not yet ready for it, or there was too
much background noise. Repeat the
command after a short pause.
With
voice feedback off, the system will
respond with a tone rather than
‘‘Ready,’’ or repeating each number
you say. Other responses will still be
by voice. To turn voice feedback on
or off:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Dialing’
andthenrepeatthecomplete
telephone number. It will then
place the telephone call.
When you have finished your
conversation, press the DOT
button again to hang up.
If you make a mistake speaking a
digit of the phone number, or the
system responds with the wrong
digit, say ‘‘Clear.’’ This will cause the
system to erase the last digit.
If you need to cancel the phone call
attempt before entering the
complete phone number, say ‘‘Cancel.’’
The system will cancel the operation
and return to Ready.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Voice Feedback.’’
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Voice
feedback On/Off.
When someone places a telephone
call to you, the audio system will
mute and you will hear the ring.
Press the DOT button to answer the
call. When you have completed the
call, press the DOT button again to
hang up.
The OnStar system can store up to
twenty 32-digit telephone numbers in
its memory. When you store these
numbers in its memory, you give
each one a nametag. When you want
to place a telephone call, you can
recall the number by giving the
system the nametag.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
Voice Feedback On/Off
Incoming Telephone Calls
Using Nametags
171
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<>
<>
To store a
telephone number and its nametag in
the system:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Store.’’
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Number
Please.’’
Say the first digit of the number.
OnStar will repeat that digit.
Say the second digit of the number.
OnStar will repeat that digit.
Continue this until you have given
OnStar the complete telephone
number. Then say ‘‘Store’’ again.
OnStar will respond with
‘‘Nametag Please.’’
Say the name that you want
assigned to that telephone number.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Again.’’
Repeat the nametag.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Once
more.’’
Repeat the nametag.
To
place a telephone call using a
nametag:
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Storing
nametag .’’
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Call.’’
OnStar will respond with
‘‘Nametag Please.’’
Say the nametag for the number
you want to call.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Calling
nametag ,’’ then place the
telephone call.
If you have forgotten what nametags
you have stored, the system will read
them to you. Press the DOT button.
When the system responds with
‘‘Ready,’’ say ‘‘Directory.’’
To delete a
nametag and telephone number from
memory:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Delete.’’
OnStar will respond with
‘‘Nametag Please.’’
Storing a Nametag
Placing a Telephone Call
Deleting a Nametag
OnStar System
Comfort and Convenience Features
172
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<>
<>
<>
Say the nametag for the number
you want to delete.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Delete
nametag , Yes or No.’’
Say ‘‘Yes.’’
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Deleting
nametag .’’
To redial
the last telephone number you
called:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Redial.’’
OnStar will respond with
‘‘Redialing,’’ then place the
telephone call.
By giving the system a security code
that you make up, you can lock out
the Personal Calling and Virtual
Advisor capabilities of the system so
unauthorized people cannot make
telephone calls. To turn security on
or off:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Security.’’
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Enter
four-digit security code.’’
Say the first digit of the code.
OnStar will repeat that digit.
OnStar will repeat that digit.
Say the second digit of the code.
Say the third digit of the code.
OnStar will repeat that digit.
Say the fourth digit of the code.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Security
code number is now ON/OFF.’’
You must prepurchase units
(minutes) of cellular air time. The
OnStar system tracks how many
units you have remaining.
To find out how many units you have
remaining:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Units.’’
If you forget the security code
entered, or someone else enters a
security code unknown to you, you
must contact an OnStar advisor to
reset the code. Press the OnStar
button, or call (888) 4-ONSTAR.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
Redialing a Number
Security Code
Keeping Track of Units
173
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<>
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Verify
or add.’’
Say ‘‘Verify.’’
OnStar will respond with ‘‘You
have number units remaining.’
To purchase more
units of cellular air time:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Units.’’
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Verify
or add.’’
Say ‘‘Add.’
OnStar will connect you to an
advisor to handle your purchase.
For an additional fee, you can also
enjoy the benefits of Virtual Advisor.
This feature lets you hear
information in your vehicle about
weather, sports, news, and stocks. It
is even possible to have your e-mail
read to you.
Although Virtual Advisor can
provide information on many
subjects, you can set up a
customized profile with OnStar that
makes it easier to get information
about areas that are of specific
interest to you. To do this, you must
go to the OnStar web site, www.
onstar.com. This is a secure site; you
will need your account number and
PIN to access your account
information and to design your
customized profile.
If you do not have Internet access, a
default profile can be set up for you.
To use the Virtual Advisor from your
vehicle:
Press the DOT button.
OnStar will respond with ‘‘Ready.’’
Say ‘‘Virtual Advisor.’’
The system will connect you to the
Virtual Advisor. The Virtual Advisor
will prompt you for the information
you desire.
If you would like to hear a list of
voice commands that are available,
say ‘‘Help.’’ OnStar is continually
upgrading the system, and new
commands become available.
You can also call OnStar at (888) 4-
ONSTAR, or get information about
your account at the OnStar web site,
www.onstar.com.
Adding Units
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar System
Comfort and Convenience Features
174
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You make up and provide your
Personal Identification Number
(PIN) when you establish your
account with OnStar. You should
write down your PIN and keep it
with you at all times.
You can change your PIN at any time.
Contact the OnStar advisor by
pressing the OnStar button, or by
calling (888) 4-ONSTAR.
If you forget your PIN, contact the
OnStar advisor. For security reasons,
your PIN will be mailed to you.
OnStar uses the Global Positioning
System (GPS) to locate your vehicle
for functions such as route guidance
and roadside assistance. GPS is
affected by structures that can
obstruct the signal, such as tunnels,
parking structures, and tall buildings.
It may not be possible for OnStar to
pinpoint your location if you are in or
near such structures.
OnStar uses cellular technology to
communicate with your vehicle.
Cellular coverage varies by location,
which may affect the ability to
establish a connection, or the quality
of the connection.
When you turn off your vehicle’s
ignition, the OnStar system goes into
low-power mode. After 48 hours, it
switches to sleep mode to conserve
your vehicle’s battery power.
Features such as remote door
unlocking and misplaced vehicle
assistance will not work after your
vehicle has been parked for more
that 48 hours.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
Personal Identification Number System Limitations
175
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176
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Before you begin driving your Acura,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important fluids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The information in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the information in this
section first.
.............................Break-in Period . 178
.........................................Gasoline . 178
.........Service Station Procedures . 179
................Filling the Fuel Tank . 179
....................Opening the Hood . 180
...............................Oil Check . 181
.........Engine Coolant Check . 182
...............................Fuel Economy . 183
............................Car Condition . 183
...........................Driving Habits . 183
...Accessories and Modifications . 184
.............................Carrying Cargo . 186
Before Driving
Before Driving
177
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During this period:
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
If you are unable to find premium
unleaded gasoline, you may substi-
tute an unleaded regular gasoline.
The engine will compensate for the
lower octane, but you may notice a
slight decrease in power as a result.
We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.
Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use for the first 200 miles (300
km).
Your Acura is designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emissions control system
performance may deteriorate and
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Acura dealer for service.
Help assure your car’s future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car’s emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
intervalshowninthemaintenance
schedule.
Youshouldfollowthesesamere-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.
Break-in Period, Gasoline
Before Driving
Break-in Period Gasoline
178
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Open the fuel fill door by pulling
onthehandletotheleftofthe
driver’s seat.
Removethefuelfillcapslowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as
pressure inside the tank escapes.
Place the cap in the holder on the
fuel fill door.
Stop filling the tank after the fuel
nozzle automatically clicks off. Do
not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank, leave
some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.
Because the fuel fill cap is on the
driver’s side of the car, park with
that side closest to the service
station pumps.
Your car has an on-board refueling
vapor recovery system to help
keep fuel vapors from going into
the atmosphere. If the fuel nozzle
keeps clicking off even though the
tank is not full, there may be a
problem with this system. Consult
your dealer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CONTINUED
Filling the Fuel Tank
Service Station Procedures
Before Driving
179
PPuullll
FFUUEELL FFIILLLL CCAAPP
Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
Stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors.
Wipe up spills immediately.
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Standing in front of the car, reach
in between the hood and the front
bumper with your finger. Slide the
latch handle.
Shift to Park or Neutral and set
the parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Screw the fuel fill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks several
times. If you do not properly
tighten the cap, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may come on (see
page ).
Push the fuel fill door closed until
it latches.
1. 2.
5.
6.
297
Service Station Procedures
Before Driving
Opening the Hood
180
HHOOOODD RREELLEEAASSEE HHAANNDDLLEE
LLAATTCCHH HHAANNDDLLEE
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CONTINUED
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Check the engine oil level every time
you fill the vehicle with fuel. Wait a
few minutes after turning the engine
off before you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
If you can open the hood without
sliding the hood latch handle, or the
hood latch handle moves stiffly or
does not spring back as before, the
mechanism should be cleaned and
lubricated (see page ).
Lift the hood up most of the way.
The hydraulic supports will lift it
uptherestofthewayandholdit
up.
To close the hood, lower it to about a
foot (30 cm) above the fender, then
press down firmly with your hands.
Afterclosingthehood,makesureit
is securely latched.
2.
1.
3.
241
Service Station Procedures
Before Driving
Oil Check
181
DDIIPPSSTTIICCKK
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Refer to
on page for information
on checking other items in your
Acura.
Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page for
informationonaddingtheproper
coolant.
Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
Insert it all the way back in its tube. 4.3.
227
231
225
Service Station Procedures
Before Driving
Owner Maintenance
Checks
Adding
Engine Coolant
Adding Oil
Engine Coolant Check
182
MMIINN
MMAAXX
LLOOWWEERR MMAARRKK
UUPPPPEERR MMAARRKK
RREESSEERRVVEE TTAANNKK
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A cold engine uses more fuel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it
idle for a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up faster, and you get
better fuel economy. To cut down on
the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to
combine several short trips into one.
You can improve fuel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more fuel.
Always drive in the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and acceler-
ate smoothly.
An important part of that mainte-
nance is the
(see page ). For
example, an underinflated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses fuel. It also wears out
faster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.TurnofftheA/Cor
set the climate control to a higher
temperature to cut down on air
conditioning use. Use the flow-
through ventilation when the outside
air temperature is moderate.
The condition of your car and your
driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Always maintain your car according
to the maintenance schedule. This
will keep it in top operating condition.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your car’s underside adds weight and
rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your fuel mileage and reduces
thechanceofcorrosion.
Depending on traffic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra fuel. Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to
increase fuel economy.
225
Driving Habits
Owner Maintenance
Checks
Car Condition
Fuel Economy
Before Driving
183
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Modifying your car, or installing
some non-Acura accessories, can
make your car unsafe. Before you
make any modifications or add any
accessories,besuretoreadthe
following information.
Your dealer has Genuine Acura
accessories that allow you to
personalize your car. These
accessories have been designed and
approved for your car, and are
covered by warranty.
Non-Acura accessories are usually
designed for universal applications.
Although aftermarket accessories
may fit on your car, they may not
meet factory specifications, and
could adversely affect your car’s
handling and stability. (See
‘‘Modifications’’ on page for
additional information.)
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your car’s
computer-controlled systems, such
as the SRS and anti-lock brake
system.
If possible, have your dealer inspect
the final installation.
Have the installer contact your
Acura dealer for assistance before
installing any electronic accessory.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ).
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper car operation or
performance.
Before installing any accessory:
However, if electronic accessories
are improperly installed, or exceed
your car’s electrical system capacity,
they can interfere with the operation
of your car, or even cause the
airbags to deploy.
302
185
Accessories
Accessories and Modifications
Before Driving
184
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
car’s handling, stability and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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Do not remove any original
equipment or modify your car in any
way that would alter its design or
operation. This could make your car
unsafe and illegal to drive.
Such modifications can adversely
affect handling, and interfere with
the operation of the car’s anti-lock
brakes and other systems.
Covering the outside edge of a
front seat-back, with a non-Acura
seat cover for example, could
prevent the airbag from inflating
properly.
For example, do not make any
modifications that would change the
ride height of your car, or install
wheels and tires with a different
overall diameter.
If a side airbag
inflates,acupholderorotherhard
object attached on or near the
door could be propelled inside the
car and hurt someone.
In addition, any modifications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts
striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause
your airbags to deploy.
Do not modify your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modifications could make the
system ineffective.
Any object
attached to or placed on the covers
marked SRS AIRBAG,’’ in the
center of the steering wheel and
on top of the dashboard, could
interfere with the proper operation
of the airbags. Or, if the airbags
inflate, the objects could be
propelled inside the car and hurt
someone.
Modifications
Additional Safety Precautions
Accessories and Modifications
Before Driving
Do not place any objects over the
outsideedgeofafrontseat-back.
Do not attach hard objects on or
near a front door.
Do not attach or place objects on
the front airbag covers.
185
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The glove box, and the pockets in
the front doors and seat-back, are
designed for small, lightweight items.
The trunk is intended for larger,
heavier items.
Your car has several convenient
storage areas so you can stow cargo
safely.
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can affect
your car’s handling, stability, and
operation and make it unsafe. Before
carrying any type of cargo, be sure to
read the following pages.
Carrying Cargo
Before Driving
186
FFRROONNTT DDOOOORR PPOOCCKKEETTCCOONNSSOOLLEE CCOOMMPPAARRTTMMEENNTT
GGLLOOVVEE BBOOXXSSEEAATT--BBAACCKK PPOOCCKKEETTTTRRUUNNKK
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Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Besureitemsplacedonthefloor
behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the driver’s ability to operate the
pedals, or with the proper
operation of the seats.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If the lid is open, a
passenger could injure their knees
during a crash or sudden stop.
The maximum load for your car is
850 lbs (395 kg).
Do not put any items on top of the
rear shelf. They can block your
viewandbethrownaroundthecar
during a crash.
The final number is the total weight
of cargo you can carry.
Subtract the total from 850 lbs
(395 kg).
If you are towing a trailer, add the
tongue weight to the number
above.
Add up the weight of all occupants.
To figure out how much cargo you
can carry:
This figure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, accessories,
and the tongue weight if you are
towing a trailer.
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Load Limit
Carrying Cargo
Before Driving
187
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.
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If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the trunk
lid, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of carbon monoxide
poisoning, follow the instructions
on page .
Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the trunk, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible.
If you can carry any items on a
roofrack,besurethetotalweight
of the rack and the items does not
exceed the maximum allowable
weight. Please contact your Acura
dealer for further information.
49
Carrying Cargo
Before Driving
Carrying Cargo in the Trunk or on
a Roof Rack
188
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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important information on
parking your car, the braking system,
the Vehicle Stability Assist System,
and facts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer.
........................Preparing to Drive . 190
.......................Starting the Engine . 191
Starting in Cold Weather
....................at High Altitude . 191
..............Automatic Transmission . 192
.Shift Lever Position Indicator . 192
................Shift Lever Positions . 192
..............Engine Speed Limiter . 194
....................Shift Lock Release . 195
...........................................Parking . 196
.....................The Braking System . 197
.............Brake Wear Indicators . 197
...............Brake System Design . 198
.......................Anti-lock Brakes . 198
Important Safety
.........................Reminders . 199
........................ABS Indicator . 199
...Vehicle Stability Assist System . 201
...............Driving in Bad Weather . 204
...........................Towing a Trailer . 206
Driving
Driving
189
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Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
fully closed.
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page ).
Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day before
you drive your car.
Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
53
15
86
91
191
71
Preparing to Drive
Driving
190
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Push the accelerator pedal half-
way to the floor and hold it there
while starting the engine. Do not
hold the ignition key in START
(III) for more than 15 seconds.
When the engine starts, release
the accelerator pedal gradually as
the engine speeds up and smooths
out.
If the engine fails to start in step 2,
push the accelerator pedal to the
floor and hold it there while you
try to start the engine for no more
than 15 seconds. If the engine
does not start, return to step 2.
If the engine still does not start,
press the accelerator pedal all the
way down and hold it there while
starting in order to clear flooding.
As before, keep the ignition key in
the START (III) position for no
more than 15 seconds. Return to
step 5 if the engine does not start.
If it starts, lift your foot off the
accelerator pedal so the engine
does not race.
An engine is harder to start in cold
weather. The thinner air found at
high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to the problem.
Use the following procedure:
Turn off all electrical accessories
to reduce the drain on the battery.
Apply the parking brake.
In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.
Make sure the shift lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal.
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. If the engine
does not start right away, do not
hold the key in START (III) for
more than 15 seconds at a time.
Pause for at least 10 seconds
before trying again.
If the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed half-way
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
3.
Starting in Cold Weather at High
Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/
2,400 meters)
Driving
Starting the Engine
191
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Your Acura’s transmission has four
forward speeds, and is electronically
controlled for smoother shifting. It
also has a ‘‘lock-up’’ torque converter
forbetterfueleconomy.Youmay
feel what seems like another shift
when the converter locks.
This indicator between the fuel
gauge and temperature gauge shows
which position the shift lever is in.
The shift lever has seven positions.
It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D,D,2,1,NorR,pressfirmlyon
the brake pedal, and keep your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
The ‘‘D ’’ indicator comes on for a
few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler-
ation and have the transmission
checkedbyanauthorizedAcura
dealer as soon as possible.
43
4
Automatic Transmission
Driving
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Shift Lever Positions
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Whenever you move the shift lever,
slide it along the guide on the
console.
This position mechani-
cally locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning off or
starting the engine. To shift out of
Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and have your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Move the shift
lever to the right to shift out of the
Park position.
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, see Shift Lock Release on page
.
To avoid transmission damage, come
to a complete stop before shifting
into Park. The shift lever must be in
Park before you can remove the key
from the ignition switch.
To shift to Reverse
from Park, see the explanation under
Park. To shift to Reverse from
Neutral, come to a complete stop and
then shift. Push down on the shift
lever before shifting into Reverse
from Neutral.
Use Neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop briefly with
the engine idling. Shift to Park posi-
tion if you need to leave the car for
any reason. Press on the brake pedal
when you are moving the shift lever
from Neutral to another gear.
195
To shift from:
PtoR
NtoR
2to1
1to2
2toD
DtoD
DtoN
DtoD
Dto2
NtoD
RtoN
RtoP
Do this:
Press the brake pedal.
Push down on the shift lever.
Move the lever.
3
34
4
43
3
4
Driving
Automatic Transmission
Park (P)
Reverse (R)
Neutral (N)
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Use this position for
your normal driving. The transmis-
sion automatically selects a suitable
gear for your speed and acceleration.
You may notice the transmission
shifting up at higher speeds when
the engine is cold. This helps the
engine warm up faster.
This position is similar
to D , except only the first three
gears are selected. Use D when
towing a trailer in hilly terrain, or to
provide engine braking when going
down a steep hill. D can also keep
the transmission from cycling
between third and fourth gears in
stop-and-go driving.
ForfasteraccelerationwheninD or
D , you can get the transmission to
automatically downshift by pushing
the accelerator pedal to the floor.
The transmission will shift down one
or two gears, depending on your
speed.
This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshift to first gear
when you come to a stop. Second
gives you more power when climbing,
and increased engine braking when
going down steep hills. Use second
gear when starting out on a slippery
surface or in deep snow. It will help
reduce wheelspin.
To shift from Second to
First, push down on the shift lever.
With the lever in this position, the
transmission locks in First gear. By
upshifting and downshifting through
1, 2, D and D , you can operate this
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch pedal.
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
4
3
3
3
4
34
Driving
Automatic Transmission
Drive (D )
Drive (D )
Second (2)
First (1)
Engine Speed Limiter
4
3
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This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal does not work.
Set the Parking brake.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shift
Lock Release slot cover next to
the shift lever.
Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver
or small metal plate (neither are
included in the tool kit) to remove
the cover. Carefully pry on the
edge of the cover.
Push down on the key and move
the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral.
Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot.
If you need to use the Shift Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Acura dealer.
Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
thecover.Makesurethenotchon
the cover is on the right side.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Driving
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Release
195
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Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Turn off the lights.
Lockthedoorswiththekeyorthe
remote transmitter. Check the
indicator on the driver’s door to
verify that the security system is
set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your car. The indicator on
the instrument panel shows that the
parking brake is not fully released; it
does not indicate that the parking
brakeisfirmlyset.Makesurethe
parking brake is set firmly or your
car may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
Set the parking brake before you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the car from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission making it
easier to move the shift lever out of
Park when you want to drive away.
If the car is facing uphill, turn the
front wheels away from the curb.
Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes.
If the car is facing downhill, turn the
front wheels toward the curb.
Parking Tips
Driving
Parking
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Your Acura is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
All four brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’
Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving
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this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes referred to as
You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal; it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforeyou
activate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
Your car has an Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) as standard
equipment. ABS helps to prevent the
wheels from locking up and skidding
during hard braking, allowing you to
retain steering control.
When the front tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straightaheadeventhoughyouturn
the steering wheel. The ABS helps to
prevent lock-up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much faster than a
person can do it.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the car (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
The ABS also balances the front-to
rear braking distribution according
to vehicle loading.
‘‘stomp and steer.’’
Brake System Design Anti-lock Brakes You should never pump the
brake pedal;
The Braking System
Driving
198
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such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic or off the road.
it
only helps with steering control
during braking. You should always
maintain a safe following distance
from other vehicles.
on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
The ABS is self-checking. If anything
goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page ). This means the anti-lock
function of the braking system has
shut down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-
lock, providing normal stopping
ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible
if this light stays on after you start
the engine, or comes on while
driving.
56
CONTINUED
The Braking System
Driving
Important Safety Reminders
ABS Indicator
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly,
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the car;
A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop
199
UU..SS.. iinnddiiccaattoorr sshhoowwnn
AABBSS IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
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If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the front-to-rear braking
distribution system may also shut
down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes feel normal,
drive slowly and have your car
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA system indicator may come
on along with the ABS indicator if
there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system.
289
Driving
The Braking System
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CONTINUED
The VSA system cannot enhance the
car’s driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle’s
entire braking system. It is still your
responsibility to drive and corner at
reasonable speeds and to leave a
sufficient margin of safety.
The Vehicle Stability Assist system
helps to stabilize the vehicle during
cornering if the car turns more or
less than desired. It also assists you
in maintaining traction while
accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces. It does this by
regulating the engine’s output, and
by selectively applying braking.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. You will also see
the VSA Activation Indicator blink. When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA Activation indicator blink.
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA Activation Indicator
201
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The VSA system indicator (see page
) comes on and stays on when
there is a problem with the VSA
system.
If the VSA indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is safe and turn off the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the
VSA system indicator. If the
indicator remains on, or comes back
on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your Acura
dealer.
When VSA is off, the VSA Activation
Indicator light comes on as a
reminder. Pressing the switch again
turns the system back on.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned
ON(II),theremaybeaproblem
with the VSA system. Have your
dealer inspect your car as soon as
possible.
Without VSA, your car will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
This switch is under the left vent.
Press it to turn the Vehicle Stability
Assist system on and off.
56
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA System Indicator
VSA Off Switch
202
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VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the car.
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malfunction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
Deactivate the VSA system if you
need to drive with the compact spare
tire installed (see page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
car. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your car was not equipped with VSA.
257
282
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA and Tire Sizes
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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.
Rain, fog, and snow conditions
require a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these
conditions.
Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to
react, even in conditions that may
seem 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.
Driving Technique
Driving
Driving in Bad Weather
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−−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 be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Check your tires
frequently for wear and proper
pressure. Both are important in
preventing ‘‘hydroplaning’’ (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all four
wheels for the best handling.
Watch road conditions carefully,
they can change from moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. ‘‘Clear’’ roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near freezing.
The road surface can become
covered with areas of water puddles
mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and cause
askid.
Be very cautious when passing, or
beingpassedbyothervehicles.The
spray from large vehicles reduces
your visibility, and the wind buffeting
can cause you to lose control.
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 defroster and air
conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see
pages and ).120 125
Visibility Traction
Driving in Bad Weather
Driving
205
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Your Acura has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can use it to tow a
trailer if you carefully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and follow the guidelines in this
section.
The weight that
the tongue of a fully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
trailer weight. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway. Too much
tongue load reduces front-tire
traction and steering control.
The total
weight of the trailer and
everything loaded in it must not
exceed 2,000 lbs (900 kg). Towing
a load that is too heavy can
seriously affect your car’s
handling and performance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain.
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Load Limits
Tongue Load:Total Trailer Weight:
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The best way to confirm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the first time you set up a
towing combination (a fully-loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 percent of the
load toward the front of the trailer
and 40 percent toward the rear, then
re-adjust the load as needed.
on the rear axle
on the front axle
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Checking Loads
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR):
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
207
2,260 lbs (1,025 kg)
2,570 lbs (1,165 kg)
4,830 lbs (2,190 kg)
Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously
injured or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.
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Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, and
how much load you are towing.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.
Also make sure that all equipment is
properly installed and that it meets
federal, state, province, and local
regulations.
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.
Acura recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successful it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking effectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
Always use safety chains. Make sure
they are secured to both the trailer
and hitch, and that they cross under
the tongue so they can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do
not let the chains drag on the ground.
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Towing Equipment and
Accessories
Hitches Trailer Brakes
Safety Chains
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CONTINUED
Your vehicle has a trailer lighting
connector located in the trunk by the
left taillight. To use the connector,
undo the fastener on the left side of
the trunk lining. Refer to the
drawing in this page for the wiring
color code and purpose of each pin.
If you use a converter, you can get
the connector and pins that mate
with the connector in your vehicle
from your Acura dealer.
Since lighting and wiring vary in
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualified mechanic install
a suitable connector between the
vehicleandthetrailer.
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Trailer Lights
209
GGRROOUUNNDD
((BBLLAACCKK))
RRIIGGHHTT TTUURRNN SSIIGGNNAALL
((GGRREEEENN//YYEELLLLOOWW))
TTAAIILLLLIIGGHHTT
((RREEDD//BBLLAACCKK))
BBAACCKK--UUPP LLIIGGHHTT
((GGRREEEENN//BBLLAACCKK))
LLEEFFTT TTUURRNN SSIIGGNNAALL
((PPIINNKK//BBLLUUEE))
BBRRAAKKEE LLIIGGHHTT
((GGRREEEENN//WWHHIITTEE))
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Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ).
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation. 206 207
254
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Pre-Tow Checklist
Additional Trailer Equipment
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CONTINUED
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle’s handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shift to
D.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Use the D position when towing a
trailer on level roads. D is the
proper shift lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
(See ‘‘ ’’ in the next
column for additional gear
information.)
3
4
3
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Driving Safely With a Trailer
Towing Speeds and Gears
Making Turns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Driving on Hills
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Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and firmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting
Backing Up
Parking
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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. See
page for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for 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 follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
......................Maintenance Safety . 214
.Important Safety Precautions . 215
.................Maintenance Schedule . 216
...Required Maintenance Record . 223
.......Owner Maintenance Checks . 225
..............................Fluid Locations . 226
......................................Engine Oil . 227
..................................Adding Oil . 227
....................Recommended Oil . 227
..............................Synthetic Oil . 228
....................................Additives . 228
.....Changing the Oil and Filter . 229
.............................Cooling System . 231
............Adding Engine Coolant . 231
.......Replacing Engine Coolant . 233
....................Windshield Washers . 237
....Automatic Transmission Fluid . 238
..............................Differential Oil . 239
....................................Brake Fluid . 240
............................Brake System . 240
..............................Power Steering . 240
....................................Hood Latch . 241
.....................Air Cleaner Element . 241
....................................Spark Plugs . 243
..............................Replacement . 243
............................Specifications . 246
...........................................Battery . 246
.................................Wiper Blades . 249
..............Air Conditioning System . 251
.................Air Conditioning Filter . 252
.....................................Drive Belts . 252
....................................Timing Belt . 253
...............................................Tires . 253
......................................Inflation . 253
..................................Inspection . 255
..............................Maintenance . 256
.............................Tire Rotation . 256
...Replacing Tires and Wheels . 257
......................Wheels and Tires . 258
..........................Winter Driving . 258
.............................Snow Tires . 259
............................Tire Chains . 259
.............................................Lights . 260
........................Replacing Bulbs . 262
...........................Storing Your Car . 271
329
Maintenance
Maintenance
213
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Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
This section includes instructions for
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be performed by an Acura
technician or other qualified
mechanic.
Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to
your safety and the safety of your
passengers. It will also reward you
with more economical, trouble-free
driving and help reduce air pollution.
Maintenance Safety
Maintenance
214
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Improperly maintaining this car
or failing to correct a problem
before driving can cause a
crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.
01/09/28 20:00:22 31SZ3660_217
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Table of Contents
Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
before touching any parts.
Do
not run the engine unless in-
structed to do so.
Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have the
tools and skills required.
To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, be careful when working
around gasoline or batteries. Use a
commercially available degreaser or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
Before you begin any maintenance,
make sure your car is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also, be sure the engine
is off. This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards:
You should wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
near the battery or when using
compressed air.
Maintenance Safety
Maintenance
Important Safety Precautions
Carbon monoxide poisoning
from engine exhaust.
Burns from hot parts.
Injury from moving parts.
215
01/09/28 20:00:30 31SZ3660_218
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Table of Contents
The Maintenance Schedule specifies
how often you should have your car
serviced and what things need
attention. It is essential that you have
your car serviced as scheduled to
retain its high level of safety,
dependability, and emissions control
performance.
Avoidexceedingyourcarsload
limit.Thisputsexcessstresson
the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your car. The load
limit is shown on the label on the
driver’s doorjamb.
Operate your car on reasonable
roads within the legal speed limit.
Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages. Select the schedule
for ‘‘Severe Conditions’’ if most of
your driving is done under one or
more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, follow the schedule
for ‘‘Normal Conditions.’
Drive your car regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
the proper octane rating (see page
).
The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
car as normal transportation for
passengers and their possessions.
You should also follow these
recommendations:
178
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance
Which Schedule to Follow:
216
01/09/28 20:00:39 31SZ3660_219
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Table of Contents
We recommend the use of genuine
Honda parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
Your authorized Acura dealer knows
your car best and can provide
competent, efficient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
fill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet for
more information.
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certified’’ to EPA
standards.
217
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Table of Contents
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specified in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only
drive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maintenance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
218
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
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)
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt, balancer belt, and inspect
water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
15
24
12
30
48
24
60
96
48
45
72
36
75
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
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
: 217
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
01/09/28 20:01:04 31SZ3660_221
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Table of Contents
Maintenance
219
Canadian Owners
U.S. Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km/
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
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
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt, balancer belt, and inspect
water pump.
Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.
Replace transmission fluid, then every 90,000
mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 256 ).
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 air conditioning filter.
Replace brake fluid (every 3 years regardless of
mileage).
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
:
NOTE:
217
218
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/28 20:01:13 31SZ3660_222
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#*
##
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the following
conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in freezing
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 for Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
Maintenance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
220
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
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace front differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
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
15
24
12
30
48
24
45
72
36
60
96
48
75
120
60
90
144
72
120
192
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
105
168
84
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
:
1:
2:
217
253
252
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions
11
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
01/09/28 20:01:35 31SZ3660_223
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#*
CONTINUED
Maintenance
221
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
A
B
C
D
E
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.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
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
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
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.
Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Replace transmission fluid, then replace every
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs.
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 256 ).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
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.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter 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.
1:
2:
:
NOTE :
220
253
252
217
11
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/28 20:01:48 31SZ3660_224
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**
**
Maintenance
222
See timing belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter 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.
NOTE:
1:
2:
:
252
217
253
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
82,500 mi/132,000 km
86,250 mi/138,000 km
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
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E.
Replace transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
Check idle speed.
Clean air cleaner element.
Replace spark plugs.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace front differential fluid.
Replace timing belt , balancer belt , and
inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.
Replace transmission fluid.
11
11
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
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CONTINUED
Maintenance
Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)
223
3,750 mi
7,500 mi
11,250 mi
15,000 mi
18,750 mi
22,500 mi
26,250 mi
30,000 mi
33,750 mi
37,500 mi
41,250 mi
45,000 mi
48,750 mi
52,500 mi
56,250 mi
60,000 mi
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
Signature or dealer stamp Signature or dealer stamp mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page ) or severe
conditions (page ). Keep the receipts for all work done on your car.
6,000 km
12,000 km
18,000 km
24,000 km
(or 1 year)
30,000 km
36,000 km
42,000 km
48,000 km
(or 2 years)
54,000 km
60,000 km
66,000 km
72,000 km
(or 3 years)
78,000 km
84,000 km
90,000 km
96,000 km
(or 4 years)
220
218
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Maintenance
Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)
224
63,750 mi
67,500 mi
71,250 mi
75,000 mi
78,750 mi
82,500 mi
86,250 mi
90,000 mi
93,750 mi
97,500 mi
101,250 mi
105,000 mi
108,750 mi
112,500 mi
116,250 mi
120,000 mi
Signature or dealer stamp mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
Signature or dealer stamp mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
mi/km
Date
102,000 km
108,000 km
114,000 km
120,000 km
(or 5 years)
126,000 km
132,000 km
138,000 km
144,000 km
(or 6 years)
150,000 km
156,000 km
162,000 km
168,000 km
(or 7 years)
174,000 km
180,000 km
186,000 km
192,000 km
(or 8 years)
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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
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 .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage .
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 .
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 .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
181
182
237
238
240
255
260
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maintenance
225
01/09/28 20:02:19 31SZ3660_228
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Table of Contents
Fluid Locations
Maintenance
226
AAUUTTOOMMAATTIICC
TTRRAANNSSMMIISSSSIIOONN
FFLLUUIIDD DDIIPPSSTTIICCKK
((YYeellllooww lloooopp))
PPOOWWEERR SSTTEEEERRIINNGG
FFLLUUIIDD
((RReedd ccaapp))
BBRRAAKKEE FFLLUUIIDD
((GGrraayy ccaapp))
WWAASSHHEERR FFLLUUIIDD
((BBlluuee ccaapp))
EENNGGIINNEE OOIILL
FFIILLLL CCAAPP
EENNGGIINNEE OOIILL DDIIPPSSTTIICCKK
((OOrraannggee lloooopp))
RRAADDIIAATTOORR CCAAPP
EENNGGIINNEE
CCOOOOLLAANNTT
RREESSEERRVVOOIIRR
01/09/28 20:02:24 31SZ3660_229
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To add oil, unscrew and remove the
engine oil fill cap on top of the left
valve cover. Pour in the oil, and
replace the engine oil fill cap.
Tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes and recheck the oil level. Do
not fill above the upper mark; you
could damage the engine.
Oil is major contributor to your
engine’s performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for
as long as you own it.
Make sure the API Certification Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
CONTINUED
Adding Oil Recommended Oil
Engine Oil
Maintenance
227
EENNGGIINNEE OOIILL FFIILLLL CCAAPP
AAPPII CCEERRTTIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN SSEEAALL
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You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal,
and it is the proper weight as shown
on the chart. When using synthetic
oil, you must follow the oil and filter
change intervals given in the
maintenance schedule.
The numbers on the container’s label
tell you the oil’s viscosity or weight.
Select the oil for your car according
to this chart.
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is
preferred for optimum fuel economy
and year-round protection in your
Acura. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below 20°F ( 7°C).
Your Acura does not need any oil
additives. Purchasing additives for
the engine or transmission will not
increase your car’s performance or
longevity. It only increases the cost
of operating your car.
Engine Oil
Maintenance
Synthetic Oil Additives
228
AAmmbbiieenntt TTeemmppeerraattuurree
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Always change the oil and filter
accordingtothetimeanddistance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami-
nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Open the hood and remove the
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Remove the oil filter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your Acura
dealer) is required to remove the
filter.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lift for this service. Unless
you have the knowledge and proper
equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1.
2.
3.
CONTINUED
Changing the Oil and Filter
Engine Oil
Maintenance
229
OOIILL FFIILLTTEERR
OOIILL DDRRAAIINN BBOOLLTT
WWAASSHHEERR
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Let the engine run for several
minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
Turn off the engine, let it sit for
several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Install a new oil filter according to
instructions that come with it.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
Replace the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off
the engine and reinspect your
work.
6.
7.
8.
9.
4.
5.
Engine Oil
Maintenance
230
33 lbf·ft (44 N·m , 4.5 kgf·m)
4.9 US qt (4.6
, 4.0 Imp qt)
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
01/09/28 20:03:03 31SZ3660_233
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Table of Contents
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
The coolant you add should always
be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze
and 50 percent water. Never add
straight antifreeze or plain water.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
Always use Honda All Season
Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent water. It
does not require any additional
mixing.
If it is not available, you may use
another major-brand non-silicate
coolant as a temporary replacement.
Make sure it is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.
1.
CONTINUED
Adding Engine Coolant
Cooling System
Maintenance
231
RREESSEERRVVEE TTAANNKK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Put the radiator cap back on.
Tighten it fully.
The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
Turn the radiator cap counter-
clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your car’s cooling
system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or engine compo-
nents.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cooling System
Maintenance
232
RREESSEERRVVEE TTAANNKK
RRAADDIIAATTOORR CCAAPP
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Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. The
coolant will come out through the
hole in the splash cover.
Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the heater temperature control
dial to maximum heat (climate
control to 90°F/32°C). Turn off
the ignition. Open the hood. Make
sure the engine and radiator are
cool to the touch.
Remove the radiator cap.
Thecoolingsystemshouldbe
completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Honda All Season Antifreeze/
Coolant Type 2. Use of any non-
Honda coolant or plain water can
result in corrosion and deposits in
the cooling system.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the car. Unless
you have the tools and knowledge,
you should have this maintenance
done by a skilled mechanic.
1.
2.
3.
CONTINUED
Replacing Engine Coolant
Cooling System
Maintenance
233
DDRRAAIINN PPLLUUGG
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Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.
Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
When the coolant stops draining,
tightenthedrainplugatthe
bottom of the radiator.
Put the drain cap back in place
tightly, then reinstall the clip on
the drain cap securely.
On the right side of the engine
block, remove the clip with a plier,
andthenremovethedraincap.
5.4.
6.
Cooling System
Maintenance
234
CCLLIIPP
DDRRAAIINN CCAAPP
RREESSEERRVVEE TTAANNKK CCAAPP
RREESSEERRVVEE TTAANNKK HHOOLLDDEERR
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Table of Contents
Remove the two bolts and the
three nuts with a 7/16 in (10 mm)
wrench, then remove the engine
cover.
Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of
the engine.
Pour Honda All Season
Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into
the radiator up to the base of the
filler neck. This coolant is a
mixture of 50 percent antifreeze
and 50 percent water. Pre-mixing
is not required.
The cooling system capacity is:
Tighten the bleeder bolt when
coolant comes out in a steady
stream with no bubbles.
7. 8.
9.
10.
CONTINUED
Cooling System
Maintenance
235
BBOOLLTTSS
BBLLEEEEDDEERR BBOOLLTT
NNUUTTSS
1.61 US gal (6.1 , 1.34 Imp gal)
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Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it fully.
If necessary, fill the reserve tank
to the MAX mark. Install the
reserve tank cap.
Remove the radiator cap. Pour
coolant into the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck and into the
reserve tank up to the MAX mark.
Start the engine and hold it at
1,500 rpm until the cooling fan
comes on. Turn off the engine.
Check the coolant level in the
radiator and add coolant if needed.
Install the engine cover. First
tighten the two bolts on the front
of the engine cover, then tighten
the three nuts on the engine cover.
Tightening torque:
Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it to the first stop.
Start the engine and let it run until
the radiator cooling fan comes on
at least twice. Then stop the
engine.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX
mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
Check the level in the radiator,
add coolant if needed.
12.
11.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Cooling System
Maintenance
236
RREESSEERRVVEE TTAANNKK
FFiillll uupp ttoo hheerree FFIILLLLEERR NNEECCKK
7 lbf·ft (9.8 N·m , 1.0 kgf·m)
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Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the driver’s side
headlight.
Check the reservoir’s fluid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
float. It should be up to the top of the
neck.Ifthefloatisatthebottomof
the neck, the reservoir is nearly
empty. When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
Windshield Washers
Maintenance
237
FFLLOOAATT
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antif reeze can damage your car’s paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer f luid.
01/09/28 20:04:10 31SZ3660_240
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Table of Contents
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick into the
transmission. Make sure the notch
in the rubber cap fits in the
dipstick guide and that you push
the dipstick in all the way.
Remove the dipstick and check
the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Park the car on level ground. Shut
off the engine.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the tube 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 fluid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission flushed and
refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly flush the
transmission, the technician
should drain and refill it with
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive
the vehicle a short distance. Do
this three times. Then drain and
refill the transmission a final time.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maintenance
238
DDIIPPSSTTIICCKK GGUUIIDDEE
DDIIPPSSTTIICCKK
UUPPPPEERR MMAARRKK
LLOOWWEERR MMAARRKK
01/09/28 20:04:21 31SZ3660_241
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UseaSAE90orSAE80W-90
viscosity hypoid gear oil, API service
classified GL4 or GL5 only, in the
differential.
The differential oil should be drained
andrefilledwithnewoilaccordingto
the time and distance recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
Viscosity
If it is not, slowly add oil until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler plug and tighten it securely.
Check the oil in the differential with
the car sitting level. Remove the oil
filler plug and check that the oil level
is up to the edge of the hole.
Insert the dipstick back in the
transmission. Make sure the notch
fits in the dipstick guide and the
dipstick is down all the way.
The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
6.
Maintenance
Differential Oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid, Differential Oil
239
FFIILLLLEERR PPLLUUGGDDRRAAIINN PPLLUUGG
CCoorrrreecctt
lleevveell
SAE 90: above 0°F ( 18°C)
SAE 80W-90: below 0°F ( 18°C)
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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.
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
The brake fluid 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 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 the
system. Have the brake system
flushed and refilled with Honda
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as
soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car’s braking
system and can cause extensive
damage.
You should check the fluid level in
the power steering reservoir at least
once a year. Check the level when
the engine is cold. Look at the side
of the reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Brake System Power SteeringBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid, Power Steering
240
MMIINNMMAAXX
LLOOWWEERR
LLEEVVEELL
UUPPPPEERR
LLEEVVEELL
01/09/28 20:04:43 31SZ3660_243
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The air cleaner element should be
cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.
Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air
flow. If you do not have access to
compressed air (such as a service
station), ask your Acura dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering fluid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible. Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Acura dealer.
CONTINUED
Air Cleaner ElementHood Latch
Maintenance
Power Steering, Hood Latch, Air Cleaner Element
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
241
PPIIVVOOTTSS
LLAATTCCHH
AASSSSEEMMBBLLYY
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
01/09/28 20:04:54 31SZ3660_244
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Place the new air cleaner element
in the air cleaner housing.
Reinstall the air cleaner housing
cover, snap the four hold-down
clamps back into place.
Remove the old air cleaner
element.
Remove the air cleaner housing
cover. Do not disconnect the air
intake tube from the air cleaner
housing cover.
Unsnap the four clamps holding
the air cleaner housing cover.
To replace it:
The air cleaner element is inside the
air cleaner housing on the passenger’s
side of the engine compartment.
Carefully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Air Cleaner Element
Maintenance
Replacement
242
AAIIRR CCLLEEAANNEERR
EELLEEMMEENNTT
CCLLAAMMPPSS
01/09/28 20:05:05 31SZ3660_245
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Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.
Remove the two bolts and the four
nuts with a wrench and remove
the tower bar. Then remove the
A/C tube from the three clips.
Remove the two bolts and the
three nuts with a 7/16 inch (10
mm) wrench, then remove the
engine cover.
The spark plugs in your car are a
special platinum-tipped design for
longer life. The spark plugs should
be replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.
1. 2.
3.
CONTINUED
Replacement
Spark Plugs
Maintenance
243
BBOOLLTTSS
NNUUTTSS
BBOOLLTTSSNNUUTTSS
NNUUTTSS
01/09/28 20:05:17 31SZ3660_246
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Put the new spark plug into the
socket, then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.
Use a wrench to remove the two
bolts holding the ignition coil.
Remove the ignition coil by pulling
it straight out.
Remove the spark plug with
a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
Disconnect the wire connector
from the ignition coil by pushing
on the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.
4. 5.
6.
7.
Spark Plugs
Maintenance
244
IIGGNNIITTIIOONN CCOOIILL
IIGGNNIITTIIOONN CCOOIILL
LLOOCCKK TTAABB
CCOONNNNEECCTTOORR
BBOOLLTTSS
01/09/28 20:05:25 31SZ3660_247
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Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the two hold-down bolts.
Repeat this procedure for the
other five spark plugs.
Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
Put the A/C tube back in place.
Install the tower bar and tighten
the two bolts and the four nuts.
Tightening torque:
Push the wire connector onto the
ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.
Install the engine cover. First
tighten the two bolts on the front
of the engine cover, then tighten
the three nuts on the engine cover.
Tightening torque:
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
CONTINUED
Spark Plugs
Maintenance
245
13 lbf·ft (18 N·m , 1.8 kgf·m)
16 lbf·ft (22 N·m , 2.2 kgf·m)
7 lbf·ft (9.8 N·m , 1.0 kgf·m)
Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.
01/09/28 20:05:37 31SZ3660_248
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Spark Plug Gap:
Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the
test indicator’s colors.
Check the condition of your car’s
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and for corrosion on the terminals.
NGK:
DENSO:
BatterySpecifications:
Spark Plugs, Battery
Maintenance
246
TTEESSTT IINNDDIICCAATTOORR WWIINNDDOOWW
0.04 in (1.1 mm)
PFR5L-11
PK16PR-L11
0
0.1 mm
01/09/28 20:05:46 31SZ3660_249
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Check the battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish
powder). To remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the
negative ( ) cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car’s
electrical system.
Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
CONTINUED
Battery
Maintenance
WARNING:
Wash hands after handling.
247
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
01/09/28 20:05:55 31SZ3660_250
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Make sure the climate control sys-
tem is off.
Start the engine and let it run until
it warms up (the radiator cooling
fan comes on at least twice), and
let it idle for five more minutes.
If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, the engine’s computer
needs to ‘‘relearn’’ the idle control.
After replacing or recharging the
battery:
Your driver’s power window (see
page ) and your audio system
will also disable itself when the bat-
tery is disconnected or goes dead.
Thenexttimeyouturnontheradio
you will see ‘‘Code’’ in the frequency
display. Use the Preset buttons to en-
ter the five-digit code (see page ).
1.
2.
104
156
Battery
Maintenance
248
Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
car’s electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables bef ore connecting the
battery to a charger.
01/09/28 20:06:01 31SZ3660_251
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Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months.
Look for signs of cracking in the
rubber, or areas that are getting
hard. Replace the blades if you find
these signs, or if they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.
Disconnect the blade assembly
fromthewiperarmbypushingin
the lock tab. Hold it in while you
push the blade assembly toward
thebaseofthearm.
To replace the blade:
Turn the ignition ON (II), switch
the wipers to INT or (low
position), then turn the ignition
OFF when the wiper arm is
approximately midway in its travel.
2.
1.
CONTINUED
Wiper Blades
Maintenance
249
WWIIPPEERR AARRMMSS
LLOOCCKK
TTAABB
01/09/28 20:06:10 31SZ3660_252
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Remove the blade from its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull firmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal rein-
forcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinforcement
strips from the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.
Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
Turn the ignition switch ON (II)
and return the windshield wipers
to their park position.
3. 4.
5.
6.
7.
Wiper Blades
Maintenance
250
BBLLAADDEE BBLLAADDEE
RREEIINNFFOORRCCEEMMEENNTT
01/09/28 20:06:18 31SZ3660_253
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Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant.
If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page
.)
Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling
efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.
Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works efficiently. 312
Air Conditioning System
Maintenance
251
AAIIRR CCOONNDDIITTIIOONNIINNGG CCOONNDDEENNSSEERR
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.
01/09/28 20:06:26 31SZ3660_254
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−−
−−
−−
The belts should have the following
‘‘play’’ or deflection.
Alternator belt:
Check the condition of the three
drive belts. Examine the edges of
each belt for cracks or fraying.
This filter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air from industry and diesel-pow-
ered vehicles. Replace it more often
if air flow from the climate control
system becomes less than usual.
Have dust and pollen filter replaced
by your Acura dealer.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushingonitwithyourthumb
midway between the pulleys.
If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.
Power steering belt:
Compressor belt:
The dust and pollen filter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
from the outside through the climate
control system.
Air Conditioning Filter Drive Belts
Air Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Maintenance
252
PPOOWWEERR SSTTEEEERRIINNGG
BBEELLTT
AALLTTEERRNNAATTOORR BBEELLTT
CCOOMMPPRREESSSSOORR BBEELLTT
0.37 0.45 in (9.5 11.5 mm)
0.41 0.49 in (10.5 12.5 mm)
0.31 0.43 in (8.0 11.0 mm)
01/09/28 20:06:39 31SZ3660_255
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−−
We recommend that you visually
check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
The timing belt and balancer belt
should normally be replaced at the
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule.
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
To safely operate your car, your tires
must be the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread,
and correctly inflated. The following
pages give more detailed information
on how and when to check air
pressure, how to inspect your tires
for damage and wear, and what to do
when your tires need to be replaced.
Replace these belts at 60,000 miles
(U.S.) or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your car in one or
more of these conditions:
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread life, and riding
comfort. Underinflated tires wear
unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated.
Overinflated tires can make your car
ride more harshly, are more prone to
damage from road hazards, and wear
unevenly.
CONTINUED
InflationTiresTiming Belt
Timing Belt, Tires
Maintenance
253
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
01/09/28 20:06:49 31SZ3660_256
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Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure at least once a month. Even
tires that are in good condition may
lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1
to 0.2 kgf/cm ) per month.
Remember to check the spare tire at
thesametimeyoucheckallthe
other tires.
The following chart shows the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal driving conditions and
speeds. Tire pressures for high
speed driving are the same as for
normal driving.
These pressures are also given on
thetireinformationlabelonthe
driver’s doorjamb.
Thecompactsparetirepressureis:
If you check the pressure when the
tires are hot (the car has been driven
several miles), you will see readings
4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm ) higher than the cold
reading. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the specified cold
pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.
Youshouldgetyourowntire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
Check the pressure in the tires when
they are cold. This means the car
has been parked for at least three
hours. If you have to drive the car
before checking the tire pressure,
the tires can still be considered
‘‘cold’’ if you drive less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
Front/Rear:
Recommended Tire Pressures for
Normal Driving
Tires
Maintenance
254
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1
kgf/cm
)
P225/55R16 94V
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Tubeless tires have some ability to
self-seal if they are punctured.
However, because leakage is often
very slow, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.
Every time you check inflation, you
should also examine the tires for
damage, foreign objects, and wear.
Youshouldlookfor:
Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
youfindeitheroftheseconditions.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see fabric or cord.
Excessive tread wear.
Your car’s tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down to that point, you
will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide
band running across the tread. This
shows there is less than 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A
tire that is this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see the
tread wear indicator in three or more
places around the tire.
Inspection
Tires
Maintenance
255
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR LLOOCCAATTIIOONN MMAARRKKSS
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In addition to proper inflation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you find a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
The tires were properly balanced by
the factory. They may need to be
rebalanced at some time before they
are worn out. Have your dealer
check the tires if you feel a consis-
tent vibration while driving. A tire
should always be rebalanced if it is
removed from the wheel for repair. To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, you
should have the tires rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move the
tires to the positions shown in the
chart each time they are rotated.
Make sure the installer balances the
wheels when you have new tires
installed. This increases riding
comfort and tire life. Your car’s
original tires were dynamic or ‘‘spin’’
balanced at the factory. For best
results, have the installer perform a
dynamic balance.
Maintenance Tire Rotation
Tires
Maintenance
256
((FFoorr NNoonn--ddiirreeccttiioonnaall
TTiirreess aanndd WWhheeeellss))
((FFoorr DDiirreeccttiioonnaall
TTiirreess aanndd WWhheeeellss))
FFrroonntt FFrroonntt
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Genuine Acura wheel weights f or
balancing.
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When shopping for replacement
tires, you may find that some tires
are ‘‘directional.’’ This means they
are designed to rotate only in one
direction. If you use directional tires,
they should be rotated only front-to-
back.
The tires that came with your car
were selected to match the perform-
ance capabilities of the car while
providing the best combination of
handling, ride comfort, and long life.
Youshouldreplacethemwithradial
tires of the same size, load range,
speed rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce
its braking ability, traction, and
steering accuracy. It is best to replace all four tires at
thesametime.Ifthatisnotpossible
or necessary, then replace the two
front tires or the two rear tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously affect your car’s handling.
CONTINUED
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires
Maintenance
257
Installing improper tires on your
car can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner’s manual.
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Tires that are marked ‘‘M S’’ or
‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for
optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate
performance in winter driving.
For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.
Wheels:
Tires:
See page for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading.
If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure you use an identical style
aluminum alloy wheel that originally
came on your Acura. Replacement
wheels are available at your Acura
dealer.
The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the car.
Tire size and construction can affect
wheel speed and may cause the
system to work inconsistently. 314
Winter DrivingWheels and Tires
Tires
Maintenance
258
16x7JJ
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If you mount snow tires on your
Acura, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snow
tiresonallfourwheelstobalance
your car’s handling in all weather
conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car’s
original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
areclear.Checkwiththetiredealer
for maximum speed recommen-
dations.
Because your Acura has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’
cable-type traction devices on the
front tires. Use traction devices only
when required by driving conditions
or local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size for your tires.
Metal link-type ‘‘chains’’ should not
be used. No matter how tight they
seem to be installed, they can come
into contact with the body and
suspension, causing serious damage.
When installing cables, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with them installed. If
youhearthemcomingincontact
with the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Make sure the cables are
installed tightly, and that they are
not contacting the brake lines or
suspension. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.
Snow Tires Tire Chains
Tires
Maintenance
259
Traction devices that are the wrong
size or improperly installed can
damage your car’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of
the car.
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Check the operation of your car’s
exterior lights at least once a month.
A burned out bulb can create an
unsafe condition by reducing your
car’s visibility and the ability to
signal your intentions to other
drivers.
Lights
Maintenance
260
FFRROONNTT FFOOGG LLIIGGHHTT
LLOOWW BBEEAAMM HHEEAADDLLIIGGHHTT
TTUURRNN SSIIGGNNAALL//
PPAARRKKIINNGG LLIIGGHHTT
SSIIDDEE MMAARRKKEERR LLIIGGHHTT
HHIIGGHH BBEEAAMM HHEEAADDLLIIGGHHTT
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Check the following:
Headlights (low and high beam)
Fog lights
Parking lights
Taillights
Brake lights
Turn signals
Back-up lights
Hazard light function
License plate light
Side marker lights
High-mount brake light
Daytime running lights (Canadian
models)
Ifyoufindanybulbsareburnedout,
replace them as soon as possible.
Refer to the chart on page to
determinewhattypeofreplacement
bulb is needed.
313
Lights
Maintenance
261
HHIIGGHH--MMOOUUNNTT BBRRAAKKEE LLIIGGHHTT
BBAACCKK--UUPP LLIIGGHHTT
LLIICCEENNSSEE PPLLAATTEE
LLIIGGHHTTSS
SSTTOOPP//TTAAIILL LLIIGGHHTTSS
TTUURRNN SSIIGGNNAALL LLIIGGHHTT
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Halogen bulbs are used for the high
beam headlight bulbs. When
replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
Open the hood.
Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch off
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself. If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
cartoyourdealertohaveitreplaced.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your car was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustment of the
headlights should be performed by
an Acura technician or other
qualified mechanic.
1.
2.
3.
Lights
Maintenance
Headlight Aiming
Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
262
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil,
perspiration, or a scratch on the glass
can cause the bulb to overheat and
shatter.
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Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire from its slot. Pivot it out of
the way and remove the bulb.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the bulb is right side
up and the nubs on the bulb base
fit in the indentations in the
headlight assembly. Pivot the hold-
down wire back in place and clip
the end into the slot.
Install the rubber seal over the
back of the headlight assembly.
Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked ‘‘ .’’
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Your car uses halogen fog light
bulbs. See page for information
on replacing a halogen bulb.
4.
5.
6.
7.
262
CONTINUED
Lights
Maintenance
ReplacingaFogLightBulb
263
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BBUULLBB
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Put the light assembly into the
bumper. Tighten the mounting
bolt.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Turn on the front
fog lights to test the new bulb.
Install the rubber seal over the
back of the fog light assembly.
Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked ‘‘ .’’
Use a wrench to loosen the light
assembly’s mounting bolt.
Remove the light assembly from
the bumper.
Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire from its slot. Pivot the wire
out of the way and remove the
bulb.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the bulb is right side
up and the nubs on the bulb base
fit in the indentations in the fog
light assembly. Pivot the hold-
down wire back in place and clip
the end into the slot.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
Maintenance
264
WWEEAATTHHEERR SSEEAALL
BBOOLLTT
CCOONNNNEECCTTOORR
BBUULLBB
HHOOLLDD--DDOOWWNN WWIIRREE
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To remove the front turn signal/
parking light bulb, push it in
slightly and turn it
counterclockwise. To remove the
side marker bulb, pull it straight
out of its socket.
Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the inner fender cover back.
Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the holding clip from the
inner fender.
If you are changing the bulb on
the driver’s side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger’s side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.
Put the inner fender cover in place.
Install the holding clip. Lock it in
placebypushingonthecenter.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
Maintenance
Replacing Front Turn Signal/
Parking and Side Marker Light
Bulbs
265
HHOOLLDDIINNGG CCLLIIPP
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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.
Undo the fastener on the side of
the trunk lining by pushing on the
center of the fastener’s head until
it pops in. Pull the lining back. Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Determine which of the four bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillights, back-
up light, or turn signal.
Reinstall the trunk lining. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the trunk seal.1.
3.
2.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Replacing Rear Bulbs
Lights
Maintenance
266
FFAASSTTEENNEERR
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Open the trunk and remove the
socket from the light assembly by
turning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.
Reset the fastener by pushing on
the pointed end until it pops back
almost flush with the fingers on
the housing.
Put the fastener in the hole in the
side of the trunk lining and push
on the center until it locks (the
center is flush with the head).
Reinstall the socket. Turn it
clockwise until it locks.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Remove the bulb by pushing it in
slightly and turning it counter-
clockwise.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
1.
2.
8.
9.
3.
4.
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
Lights
Maintenance
267
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Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.
Put the lens back on the bulb
holder and push it until it latches.
Slide the right side of the light
assembly into the hole. Push on
theleftsidetolatchtheassembly
into place.
Turn on the parking lights and
check that the new bulb is
working.
Remove the license light assembly
by carefully prying on the left
edge of the lens with a flat-tip
screwdriver and pulling the
assembly out.
Remove the lens from the bulb
holder by pulling the lens while
squeezing the tabs on both sides
of the holder.
1. 2.
3.
5.
4.
6.
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb
Lights
Maintenance
268
LLIIGGHHTT AASSSSEEMMBBLLYY
BBUULLBB HHOOLLDDEERR
BBUULLBB
LLEENNSS
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Removethelensbycarefully
prying on the edge of the lens with
a fingernail file or a small flat-tip
screwdriver. Do not pry on the
edge of the housing around the
lens.
Door light:
Pry on the top middle of the lens.
Front ceiling light:
Pry on the front edge of the lens
in the middle.
Rear ceiling light:
Pryontherearedgeofthelens
in the middle. Remove the bulb
cover by pulling it straight down.
The courtesy lights in the doors and
roof come apart the same way. They
do not use the same type of bulb.
Vanity mirror light:
Pry on the top middle of the lens.
1.
CONTINUED
Replacing Bulbs in the Interior
Courtesy Lights
Maintenance
Lights
269
DDOOOORR LLIIGGHHTT FFRROONNTT RREEAARR
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Removethelensbycarefully
prying on the edge of the lens in
the middle with a fingernail file or
a small flat-tip screwdriver. Do not
pry on the edge of the housing
around the lens.
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.
Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs. Snap the lens back in place.
Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.
1.
2.
3.
2.
3.
Replacing the Trunk Light Bulb
Maintenance
Lights
270
TTRRUUNNKK
VVAANNIITTYY MMIIRRRROORR LLIIGGHHTT
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Block the rear wheels.
Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter
(see page ).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for 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 off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).
Coverthecarwitha‘breathable
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front wiper blade
arms with a folded 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 for a
while periodically (preferably once
amonth).
If you store your car for 12 months
or longer, have your Acura dealer
perform the inspections called for 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 for in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
229
218
Maintenance
Storing Your Car
271
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272
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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 . 274
.....................................Washing . 274
.......................................Waxing . 275
....................Aluminum Wheels . 275
..........................Paint Touch-up . 275
..................................Interior Care . 276
...................................Carpeting . 276
.................................Floor Mats . 276
.........................................Fabric . 277
...........................................Vinyl . 277
.......................................Leather . 277
...................................Seat Belts . 277
................................Wood Trim . 278
....................................Windows . 278
..........................Air Fresheners . 278
....................Corrosion Protection . 279
.................................Body Repairs . 280
Appearance Care
Appearance Care
273
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When you have washed and rinsed
the whole exterior, dry it with a
chamois or soft towel. Letting it
air-dry will cause dulling and water
spots.
Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix
in a mild detergent, such as
dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially for car washing.
Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommendedinthisOwners
Manual.
Wash your car in a shady area, not in
direct sunlight. If the car is parked in
the sun, move it into the shade and
let the exterior cool down before you
start.
Wash the car using the water and
detergent solution and a soft-
bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.
Start at the top and work your way
down. Rinse frequently.
Frequent washing helps preserve
your car’s beauty. Dirt and grit can
scratch the paint, while tree sap and
bird droppings can permanently ruin
the finish.
Rinse the car thoroughly with cool
water to remove loose dirt.
As you dry the car, inspect it for
chips and scratches that could allow
corrosion to start. Repair them with
touch-up paint (see page ).
Check the body for road tar, tree
sap, etc. Remove these stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it
off immediately so it does not
harm the finish. Remember to re-
wax these areas, even if the rest of
the car does not need waxing.
275
Exterior Care
Appearance Care
Washing
274
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and
plastic on your car.
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You should use a quality liquid or
paste wax. Apply it according to the
instructions on the container. In
general, there are two types of
products:
Waxes A wax coats the finish and
protects it from damage by exposure
to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You
should use a wax on your Acura
when it is new.
Polishes Polishes and cleaner/
waxes can restore the shine to paint
that has oxidized and lost some of its
shine. They normally contain mild
abrasives and solvents that remove
the top layer of the finish. You
should use a polish on your Acura if
the finish does not have its original
shine after using a wax.
Clean your Acura’s aluminum alloy
wheels as you do the rest of the
exterior.Washthemwiththesame
solution, and rinse them thoroughly.
The wheels have a protective clear-
coat that keeps the aluminum from
corroding and tarnishing. Using
harsh chemicals, including some
commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff
brushes can damage this clear-coat.
Only use a mild detergent and soft
brush or sponge to clean the wheels.
Your dealer has touch-up paint to
match your vehicle’s color. The color
code is printed on a sticker on the
driver’s doorjamb. Take this code to
your dealer so you are sure to get
the correct color.
Always wash and dry the whole car
before waxing it. You should wax
your car, including the metal trim,
whenever water sits on the surface
in large patches. It should form into
beads or droplets after waxing.
Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
removers also takes off the wax.
Remember to re-wax those areas,
even if the rest of the car does not
need waxing. Inspect your car frequently for chips
or scratches in the paint. Repair
them right away to prevent corrosion
of the metal underneath. Use the
touch-up paint only on small chips
and scratches. More extensive paint
damage should be repaired by a
professional.
Exterior Care
Appearance Care
Waxing
Aluminum Wheels
Paint Touch-up
275
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Vacuum the carpeting frequently to
remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make
the carpet wear out faster.
Periodically shampoo the carpet to
keep it looking new. Use one of the
foam-type carpet cleaners on the
market. Follow the instructions that
come with the cleaner, applying it
with a sponge or soft brush. Keep
the carpeting as dry as possible by
not adding water to the foam.
If you remove the floor mat, make
sure to re-anchor it when you put it
back in your car.
If you replace it, use a genuine Acura
floormatthatisdesignedtobeused
with the floor mat anchor in your car.
If you use a non-Acura floor mat in
the driver’s footwell, make sure it
fits properly and that it can be used
with the floor mat anchor.
Do not put additional floor mats on
top of the anchored mat, otherwise
the additional mats may slide
forward and interfere with the pedals.
The genuine Acura driver’s floor mat
that came with your car was
designed to be hooked over the floor
mat anchor. This keeps the floor mat
from sliding forward and possibly
interfering with the pedals.
Carpeting Floor Mats
Appearance Care
Interior Care
276
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Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum
cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft
cloth dampened in a solution of mild
soap and water. Use the same
solution with a soft-bristle brush on
more difficult spots. You can also use
commercially-available spray or
foam-type vinyl cleaners.
Vacuum dirt and dust from the
leather frequently. Pay particular
attention to the pleats and seams.
Clean the leather with a soft cloth
dampened with clear water, then
buff it with a clean, dry cloth. If
further cleaning is needed, use a
soap specifically for leather, such as
saddle soap. Apply this soap with a
damp,softcloth.Wipedownand
buff as described above.
If your seat belts get dirty, you can
use a soft brush with a mixture of
mild soap and warm water to clean
them. Do not use bleach, dye, or
cleaning solvents. They can weaken
the belt material. Let the belts air-
drybeforeyouusethecar.
Vacuum dirt and dust out of the
material frequently. For general
cleaning, use a solution of mild soap
and lukewarm water, letting it air dry.
To clean off stubborn spots, use a
commercially-available fabric cleaner.
Test it on a hidden area of the fabric
first, to make sure it does not bleach
or stain the fabric. Follow the
instructions that come with the
cleaner.
CONTINUED
Vinyl
Leather
Seat BeltsFabric
Interior Care
Appearance Care
277
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Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
Clean the windows, inside and out,
with a commercially-available glass
cleaner. You can also use a mixture
of one part white vinegar to ten parts
water. This will remove the haze that
builds up on the inside of the
windows. Use a soft cloth or paper
towels to clean all glass and clear
plastic surfaces. If you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so it
does not spill as you drive.
Clean the wood trim with a soft cloth
dipped in clear water and wipe it dry
with another soft cloth. Soap may
leave a film that dulls the finish.
If you want to use an air freshener/
deodorizer in the interior of your car,
it is best to use a solid type. Some
liquid air fresheners contain chemi-
cals that may cause parts of the
interior trim and fabric to crack or
discolor.
Windows Air Fresheners
Wood Trim
Interior Care
Appearance Care
278
The rear window def ogger and
antenna wires are bonded to the inside
of the glass. Wiping vigorously up-and-
down can dislodge and break these
wires. When cleaning the rear window,
use gentle pressure and wipe side-to-
side.
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Moisture trapped in body cavities.
Dirtandroadsaltthatcollectsin
hollows on the underside of the
vehicle stays damp, promoting
corrosion in that area.
Repair chips and scratches in the
paint as soon as you discover them.
Inspect and clean out the drain
holes in the bottom of the doors
and body.
Check the floor coverings for
dampness. Carpeting and floor
mats may remain damp for a long
time, especially in winter. This
dampness can eventually cause
the floor panels to corrode.
Two factors normally contribute to
causing corrosion in your car:
Many corrosion-preventive measures
are built into your Acura. You can
help keep your car from corroding
by performing some simple periodic
maintenance:
Use a high-pressure spray to clean
the underside of your car. This is
especially important in areas that
useroadsaltinwinter.Itisalsoa
good idea in humid climates and
areas subject to salt air. Be careful
of the ABS wheel sensors and
wiring at each wheel.
Have the corrosion-preventive
coatings on the underside of your
car inspected and repaired
periodically.
Removal of paint and protective
coatings from the exterior and
underside of the car.
1.
2.
Corrosion Protection
Appearance Care
279
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Make sure the repair facility uses
genuine Acura replacement body
parts. Some companies make sheet
metal pieces that seem to duplicate
the original Acura body parts, but
are actually inferior in fit, finish, and
corrosion resistance. Once installed,
they do not give the same high-
quality appearance.
Takeyourcartoyourauthorized
Acura dealer for inspection after the
repairs are completed. Your dealer
can make sure that quality materials
were used, and that corrosion-
preventive coatings were applied to
all repaired and replaced parts.
When reporting your collision to the
insurance company, tell them you
want genuine Acura parts used in the
repair. Although most insurers
recognize the quality of original
parts, some may try to specify that
the repairs be done with other
available parts. You should investi-
gate this before any repairs have
begun.
Body repairs can affect your car’s
resistance to corrosion. If your car
needs repairs after a collision, pay
close attention to the parts used in
the repair and the quality of the
work.
Body Repairs
Appearance Care
280
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This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your car towed.
......................Compact Spare Tire . 282
....................Changing a Flat Tire . 283
..........If Your Engine Won’t Start . 288
Nothing Happens or the
Starter Motor Operates
........................Very Slowly . 288
The Starter Operates
................................Normally . 289
................................Jump Starting . 290
............If Your Engine Overheats . 293
.........Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 295
..........Charging System Indicator . 296
.......Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 297
...............Brake System Indicator . 299
..................Closing the Moonroof . 300
..............................................Fuses . 301
..........Checking and Replacing . 302
......................Emergency Towing . 306
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Taking Care of the Unexpected
281
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Follow these precautions whenever
you are using the compact spare tire:
Thecompactsparetirehasashorter
tread life than a regular tire. Replace
it when you can see the tread wear
indicator bars. The replacement
shouldbethesamesizeanddesign
tire, mounted on the same wheel.
Thecompactsparetireisnot
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the compact wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.
Check the inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inflated to:
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
under any circumstances.
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road sur-
faces than the regular tire. Use
greater caution while driving on
this tire.
Do not mount snow chains on the
compact spare.
Your car has a compact spare tire
that takes up less space. Use this
sparetireasatemporaryreplace-
ment only. Get your regular tire
repaired or replaced and put it back
on your car as soon as you can.
The wheel of the compact spare
tire is designed especially to fit
your car. Do not use your spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
thesamemakeandmodel.
Turn off the VSA system (see
page ).
Driving with the compact spare
tiremayactivatetheVSAsystem.
202
Compact Spare Tire
Taking Care of the Unexpected
282
IINNDDIICCAATTOORR LLOOCCAATTIIOONN MMAARRKK
TTRREEAADD WWEEAARR IINNDDIICCAATTOORR BBAARR
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
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If you have a flat tire while driving,
stop in a safe place to change it.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Drive
slowly along the shoulder until you
gettoanexitoranareatostopthat
is far away from the traffic lanes.
Open the trunk. Raise the trunk
floor by lifting up on the back edge.
To keep the trunk floor out of the
way, attach the hook into the slot
in the trunk lid.
Take the tool kit out of the trunk.
Unscrew the wing bolt and take
the spare tire out of its well.
Turn on the hazard warning lights
and turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0). Have all the
passengers get out of the car while
you change the tire.
Park the car on firm, level, and
non-slippery ground away from
traffic. Put the transmission in
Park. Apply the parking brake.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
CONTINUED
Changing a Flat Tire
Taking Care of the Unexpected
283
TTRRUUNNKK FFLLOOOORR
SSPPAARREE TTIIRREEJJAACCKK TTOOOOLL KKIITT
HHOOOOKK
The car can easily roll off the
jack, seriously injuring anyone
underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the car when it
is supported only by the jack.
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Turn the jack’s end bracket
counterclockwise to loosen it, then
remove the jack by lifting it
straight up.
Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.
Locate the jacking point nearest
the tire you need to change. It is
pointed to by a mark molded
into the underside of the body.
Place the jack under the jacking
point. Turn the end bracket
clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point. Make
sure the jacking point tab is
restinginthejacknotch.
6. 7. 8.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Changing a Flat Tire
284
JJAACCKK
WWHHEEEELL WWRREENNCCHH
JJAACCKKIINNGG
PPOOIINNTT
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CONTINUED
Use the extension and wheel
wrench as shown to raise the
vehicle until the flat tire is off the
ground.
Remove the wheel nuts and flat
tire. Temporarily place the flat tire
on the ground with the outside
surface of the wheel facing up.
You could scratch the wheel if you
putitfacedown.
Before mounting the spare tire,
wipeanydirtoffthemounting
surface of the wheel and hub with
a clean cloth. Wipe the hub
carefully,itmaybehotfrom
driving.
9. 10.
11.
Changing a Flat Tire
Taking Care of the Unexpected
285
BBRRAAKKEE HHUUBB
WWHHEEEELL
WWRREENNCCHH
EEXXTTEENNSSIIOONN
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Put on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on finger-tight,
then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel wrench
until the wheel is firmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten
them fully.
Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
facility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
Lower the car to the ground and
remove the jack.
12.
13. 14.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Changing a Flat Tire
286
80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)
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CONTINUED
Remove the center cap before
storing the flat tire in the trunk
well.
Remove the spacer basket from
the trunk well.
Wrap the spacer cone and spare
tire wing bolt with cloth or paper
and store them in the trunk well.
Place the flat tire face down in the
sparetirewell.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Changing a Flat Tire
Taking Care of the Unexpected
287
SSPPAACCEERR BBAASSKKEETT CCEENNTTEERR CCAAPP
FFLLAATT TTIIRREE
WWIINNGG BBOOLLTT
SSPPAACCEERR
CCOONNEE
RRIINNGG
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Diagnosing why your engine won’t
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
orNeutralorthestarterwillnot
operate.
Sliptheholeatthetopofthejack
over the bracket in the trunk well.
Turn the jack’s end bracket to lock
it in place. Store the tool kit back
in its place.
Close the trunk lid.
Store the center cap and spacer
basket in the trunk. Make sure the
center cap will not get scratched
or damaged.
Unclip the hook from the trunk lid
and lower the trunk floor.
Your car has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
19.
20.
21.
22.
75
Changing a Flat Tire, If Your Engine Won’t Start
Taking Care of the Unexpected
If Your Engine Wont Start Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
288
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.
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Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check
their brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or don’t light at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page .
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the fuses. If
thefusesareOK,thereisproba-
bly something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. (See
on page .)
Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to fill the tank.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page ).
Ifyoufindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the car from
a booster battery (see page ).
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
on page .
290
306
246
290
191
302
306
If Your Engine Won’t Start
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Jump Starting
Emergency Towing
Emergency
Towing
The Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
289
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You cannot start your Acura by
pushing or pulling it.
Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page ). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
If your car’s battery has run down,
you may be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
To jump start your car, follow these
directions closely:
1.
246
Jump Starting
Taking Care of the Unexpected
290
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
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Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the ground wire on
the right side of the engine as
shown. Do not connect this jumper
cable to any other part of the
engine.
If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
Acura’s battery. Connect the other
end to the positive ( ) terminal
on the booster battery.
Turn off all the electrical acces-
sories: climate control, stereo
system, lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
5.
4.
3.
2.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Jump Starting
291
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
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Start your car. If the starter motor
still operates slowly, check the
jumper cable connections to make
sure they have good metal-to-
metal contact.
Once your car is running, discon-
nectthenegativecablefromyour
car, then from the booster battery.
Disconnect the positive cable from
your car, then the booster battery.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the car until all are disconnected.
Otherwise, you may cause an
electrical short.
6.
7.
Jump Starting
Taking Care of the Unexpected
292
BBOOOOSSTTEERR BBAATTTTEERRYY
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If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood, turn
off the engine.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, for
example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
Safely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn off the climate control and all
other accessories. Turn on the
hazard warning indicators.
The pointer of your car’s tempera-
ture gauge should stay in the mid-
range under most conditions. It may
go higher if you are driving up a long
steep hill on a very hot day. If it
climbs to the red mark, you should
determine the reason.
Your car can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming from under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action.
1.
2.
3.
CONTINUED
If Your Engine Overheats
Taking Care of the Unexpected
293
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.
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If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
If you don’t find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
refilled with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See
on page .)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
12.
11.306
182
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Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Overheats
Taking Care of the Unexpected
294
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can
continue driving. (See
on page .)
Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Letthecarsitforaminute.Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page ). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
1.
2.
3.
4.
181
227
306
Emergency
Towing
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Taking Care of the Unexpected
295
LLOOWW OOIILL PPRREESSSSUURREE IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the car stopped.
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By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to
a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.
Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, climate control,
rear defogger, cruise control, etc.
Try not to use other electrically-
operated controls such as the power
windows. Keep the engine running
and take extra care not to stall it.
Starting the engine will discharge
the battery rapidly.
This indicator should come on when
the ignition switch is ON (II), and go
out after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the
charging system has stopped
charging the battery.
Charging System Indicator
Taking Care of the Unexpected
296
CCHHAARRGGIINNGG SSYYSSTTEEMM IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
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This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine’s emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel no difference in your
car’s performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your
car to put out excessive emissions.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.
If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
Youshouldalsohavethedealer
inspect your car if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.
If you have recently refueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes at least three
driving trips.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Taking Care of the Unexpected
297
MMAALLFFUUNNCCTTIIOONN IINNDDIICCAATTOORR LLAAMMPP
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car’s emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car’s warranties.
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Your car has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If your car’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
If possible, do not take your car for a
state emissions test until the
readiness codes are set. See State
Emissions Testing on pages and
.
322
321
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Readiness Codes
298
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If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
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 ). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your
dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake
pads.
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
on page .)
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.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with this
indicator, have the car inspected by
your dealer immediately.
The Brake System Indicator
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
240
306
Brake System Indicator
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Emergency
Towing
299
BBRRAAKKEE SSYYSSTTEEMM IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
UU..SS.. iinnddiiccaattoorr sshhoowwnn
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If the electric motor will not close
the moonroof, do the following:
Check the fuse for the moonroof
motor (see page ). If the fuse
is blown, replace it with one of the
same or lower rating.
Try closing the moonroof. If the
new fuse blows immediately or the
moonroof motor still does not
operate, you can close the
moonroof manually.
Insert the moonroof wrench into
the socket behind this plug. Turn
the wrench until the moonroof is
fully closed.
Remove the wrench. Replace the
plug and lens.
Remove the lens from the rear
ceiling light (see page ).
Get the moonroof wrench out of
the tool kit in the trunk.
Removethepluginthecenterof
the rear ceiling light.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. 6.
7.
302
269
Closing the Moonroof
Taking Care of the Unexpected
300
SSOOCCKKEETT
PPLLUUGG
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The under-hood fuse box is located
in the engine compartment next to
the battery. To open it, push the tab
as shown.
The interior fuse box is underneath
the dashboard on the driver’s side.
To open it, turn the knob as shown.
All the electrical circuits in your car
have fuses to protect them from a
short circuit or overload. These
fuses are located in two fuse boxes.
Fuses
Taking Care of the Unexpected
301
KKNNOOBB
UUNNDDEERR--HHOOOODD TTAABBIINNTTEERRIIOORR
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Check each of the large fuses in
the under-hood fuse box by
looking through the top at the wire
inside. Removing these fuses
requires a Phillips-head screw-
driver.
Check the smaller fuses in the
under-hood fuse box and all the
fuses in the interior fuse box by
pulling out each fuse with the fuse
puller provided in the door of the
interior fuse box.Remove the cover from the fuse
box.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are off.
If something electrical in your car
stops working, the first thing you
should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
and , or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
not the cause. Replace any blown
fuses and check the component’s
operation.
3.
1.
2.
4.
304 305
Checking and Replacing Fuses
Fuses
Taking Care of the Unexpected
302
BBLLOOWWNN
FFUUSSEE
PPUULLLLEERR
FFUUSSEE
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Look for a burned wire inside the
fuse. If it is burned, replace it with
oneofthesparefusesofthesame
rating or lower.
If you cannot drive the car without
fixing the problem, and you do not
have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the
same rating or a lower rating from
one of the other circuits. Make sure
youcandowithoutthatcircuit
temporarily (such as the cigarette
lighter or radio).
If you replace the blown fuse with a
spare fuse that has a lower rating, it
might blow out again. This does not
indicate anything wrong. Replace the
fuse with one of the correct rating as
soon as you can.
If the replacement fuse of the
same rating blows in a short time,
there is probably a serious
electrical problem in your car.
Leave the blown fuse in that
circuit and have your car checked
by a qualified mechanic.
If the radio fuse is removed, the
audio system will disable itself. The
nexttimeyouturnontheradioyou
will see ‘‘Code’’ in the frequency
display. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code (see page
).
5.
6.
156
CONTINUED
Fuses
Taking Care of the Unexpected
303
BBLLOOWWNN
Replacing a f use with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a replace-
ment f use with the proper rating f or the
circuit, install one with a lower rating.
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Table of Contents
No. Amps. Circuits Protected No. Amps. Circuits Protected
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
20 A
10 A
20 A
15 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
10 A
10 A
20 A
30 A
30 A
Not Used
Stop, Horn
Hazard
Driver Power Window
TCS
VSA
Power Door Lock
Right Headlight Low
Left Headlight Low
Cooling Fan
Left Headlight High
Right Headlight High
Condenser Fan
Moonroof
Front Passenger’s Power
Seat
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
20 A
20 A
15 A
7.5 A
20 A
30 A
50 A
40 A
40 A
120 A
40 A
40 A
50 A
Front Fog Light
ETS (Electrical Tilt/
Telescope Steering)
Meter
Back-up, Radio
Interior Lights
Wiper Motor
Ignition Switch
Power Window
Heater Motor
Battery
VSA Motor
Rear Window Defogger
Fuse box
Fuses
Taking Care of the Unexpected
304
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
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On Canadian models
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Small Light
Not Used (OP)
Rear Window Defogger
Relay, Cooling Fan Relay
Radio, ACC
A/C Clutch, Heated Seat
ECU (PCM)
SRS
Driver’s Power Seat
Bose Audio System
Daytime Running Lights
Driver’s Power Seat
Daytime Running Lights
Meter, Moonroof
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
7.5 A
7.5 A
10 A
7.5 A
20 A
7.5 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
7.5 A
20 A
30 A
15 A
7.5 A
10 A
20 A
20 A
10 A
20 A
20 A
10 A
20 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
Starter Signal
ACG
ACC Socket
Power Window MPCS
Front Right Power Window
Mirror
ECU (Body)
Rear Right Power Window
Fuel Pump
SRS
Rear Left Power Window
Ignition Coils
Not Used
1:
No. Circuits Protected No. Amps.Amps. Circuits Protected
1
1
Fuses
Taking Care of the Unexpected
305
INTERIOR FUSE BOX
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There are three popular types of
professional towing equipment.
If your car needs to be towed, call a
professional towing service or, if you
belong to one, an organization that
provides roadside assistance. Never
tow your car behind another vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The operator
loads your car on the back of a truck.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground.
The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the car off
the ground. Your car’s suspension
and body can be seriously damaged.
If your Acura cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed by
wheel-lift equipment with the front
wheels off the ground. If, due to
damage, your car must be towed
with the front wheels on the ground,
do the following.
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
With the front wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the car no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
Flat-bed Equipment
Wheel-lift Equipment
Sling-type Equipment
This is the best way to transport
your Acura.
This is
an acceptable way to tow your
Acura.
This method of towing is
unacceptable.
Emergency Towing
Taking Care of the Unexpected
306
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your car must be transported
with the f ront wheels of f the ground.
01/09/28 20:15:12 31SZ3660_309
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Table of Contents
If you decide to tow your car with all
four wheels on the ground, make
sure you use a properly-designed and
attached tow bar. Prepare the car for
towing as described above, and leave
the ignition switch in Accessory (I)
so the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
socket are turned off so they do not
rundownthebattery.
Emergency Towing
Taking Care of the Unexpected
307
Trying to lift or tow your car by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the car’s weight.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing.
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308
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Thediagramsinthissectiongive
you the dimensions and capacities of
your Acura, and the locations of the
identification numbers. It also
includes information you should
know about your vehicle’s tires and
emissions control systems.
................Identification Numbers . 310
................................Specifications . 312
DOT Tire Quality Grading
.............................(U.S.Cars) .314
.................................Treadwear . 314
......................................Traction . 314
.............................Temperature . 315
.........................Oxygenated Fuels . 316
......Driving in Foreign Countries . 317
.......................Emissions Controls . 318
.....................The Clean Air Act . 318
Crankcase Emissions Control
....................................System . 318
Evaporative Emissions Control
....................................System . 318
Onboard Refueling Vapor
................................Recovery . 318
...Exhaust Emissions Controls . 319
....................PGM-FI System . 319
Ignition Timing Control
................................System . 319
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
...................(EGR) System . 319
Three Way Catalytic
...........................Converter . 319
....................Replacement Parts . 319
..Three Way Catalytic Converter . 320
..............State Emissions Testing . 321
Technical Information
Technical Information
309
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Your car has several identifying
numbers located in various places.
The Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) is the 17-digit number your
Acura dealer uses to register your
car for warranty purposes. It is also
necessary for licensing and insuring
your car. The easiest place to find
the VIN is on a plate fastened to the
top of the dashboard. You can see it
by looking through the windshield
on the driver’s side. It is also on the
Certification label attached to the
driver’s doorjamb, and is stamped on
the engine compartment bulkhead.
The VIN is also provided in bar code
on the Certification label.
Identification Numbers
Technical Information
310
VVEEHHIICCLLEE IIDDEENNTTIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN NNUUMMBBEERR
CCEERRTTIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN LLAABBEELL
The U.S. car
model
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The Engine Number is stamped into
the engine block. It is on the front
left, below the valve cover.
The Transmission Number is on a
label on top of the transmission.
Identification Numbers
Technical Information
311
TTRRAANNSSMMIISSSSIIOONN NNUUMMBBEERR
EENNGGIINNEE NNUUMMBBEERR
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−−
Technical Information
Specifications
312
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning
Capacities
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
4.5 US qt (4.3
, 3.8 Imp qt)
196.7 in (4,995 mm)
71.7 in (1,820 mm)
54.5 in (1,385 mm)
114.6 in (2,910 mm)
61.0 in (1,550 mm)
60.6 in (1,540 mm)
HFC-134a (R-134a)
24.7 26.5 oz (700 750 g)
ND-OIL8
18.0 US gal (68
, 15.0 Imp gal)
1.61 US gal (6.1
, 1.34 Imp gal)
2.27 US gal (8.6
, 1.89 Imp gal)
4.9 US qt (4.6 , 4.0 Imp qt)
5.6 US qt (5.3 , 4.7 Imp qt)
3.2 US qt (3.0
, 2.6 Imp qt)
9.1 US qt (8.6
, 7.6 Imp qt)
1.11 US qt (1.05 ,0.92Impqt)
1.16 US qt (1.10
,0.97Impqt)
2.6 US qt (2.5
, 2.2 Imp qt)
6.9 US qt (6.5
, 5.7 Imp qt)
0.172 US gal (0.65
, 0.143 Imp gal)
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
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Differential
oil
Windshield
washer
reservoir
1:
2:
Approx.
Front
Rear
Change
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
1
2
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Technical Information
Specifications
313
Lights Engine
Alignment
Tires
Battery
Fuses
12 V
12 V
55 W (H1) (High beam)
27/8 W
3.54x3.58in(90x91mm)
212 cu-in (3,474 cm
)
9.6 : 1
0.00 in (0.0 mm)
0.08 in (2.0 mm)
0° 30’
2° 50’
P225/55R16 94V
T135/80D16 101M
30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm
)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm
)
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
21 W
21/5 W
55 W (H1)
21 W
3CP
21 W
3CP
5W
5W
3.4 W
3.4 W
2W
Headlights
Front turn signal/parking lights
Rear turn signal lights
Stop/Taillights
Front fog lights
High-mount brake light
Front side marker lights
Back-up lights
License plate lights
Ceiling lights
Trunk light
Door courtesy lights
Vanity mirror light
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs
Water cooled 4-stroke
SOHC V-6 gasoline engine
Toe
Camber
Caster
Size
Pressure
See spark plug maintenance
section page 246 .
Capacity 12 V 55 AH/5 HR
Interior
Under-hood See page 304 or the fuse box
cover.
See page 305 or the fuse label
attached to the inside of the fuse
box door under the dashboard.
65 AH/20 HR12 V
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Front/Rear
Spare
Front/Rear
Spare
in
Front
Rear
Low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge
tube (D2R).
1:
1
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The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-
half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
The tires on your car meet all U.S.
Federal Safety Requirements. All
tires are also graded for treadwear,
traction, and temperature perform-
ance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards.
The following explains these
gradings.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and the
maximum section width. For
example:
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These
grades represent the tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assignedtothistireisbasedon
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Traction AA, A, B, C
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars)
Technical Information
314
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Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars)
Technical Information
Temperature A,B,C
315
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Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines
are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air
standards, some areas of the United
States and Canada use oxygenated
fuels to help reduce emissions.
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
sure it is unleaded and meets the
minimum octane rating requirement.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try
to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some
states/provinces require this
informationtobepostedonthe
pump.
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether)
You may use gasoline containing up
to 15 percent MTBE by volume.
(ethyl or grain alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up
to 10 percent ethanol by volume.
Gasoline containing ethanol may be
marketed under the name ‘‘Gasohol.’’
The following are the U.S. EPA and
Canadian CGSB approved
percentages of oxygenates:
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance
problems resulting from the use of
an oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates
given above are not covered under
warranty.
(methyl or wood
alcohol)
Your vehicle was not designed to use
fuel that contains methanol.
Methanol can corrode metal parts in
the fuel system, and also damage
plastic and rubber components. This
damage would not be covered by
your warranties.
MTBE
ETHANOL
METHANOL
Oxygenated Fuels
Technical Information
316
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If you are planning to take your
Acura outside the U.S. or Canada,
contact the tourist bureaus in the
areas you will be traveling in to find
out about the availability of unleaded
gasoline with the proper octane
rating.
If unleaded gasoline is not available,
be aware that using leaded gasoline
in your Acura will affect perfor-
mance and fuel mileage, and damage
its emissions controls. It will no
longer comply with U.S. and
Canadian emissions regulations, and
will be illegal to operate in North
America. To bring your car back into
compliance will require the replace-
ment of several components, such as
theoxygensensorsandthethree
way catalytic converter. These re-
placements are not covered under
warranty.
Driving in Foreign Countries
Technical Information
317
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The United States Clean Air Act
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
workandwhattodotomaintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
.
In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (CMVSS) for
Emissions valid at the time they are
manufactured.
The burning of gasoline in your car’s
engine produces several byproducts.
Some of these are carbon monoxide
(CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline
evaporating from the tank also
produces hydrocarbons. Controlling
the production of NOx, CO, and HC
is important to the environment.
Under certain conditions of sunlight
and climate, NOx and HC react to
form photochemical ‘‘smog.’’ Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas.
Your car has a Positive Crankcase
Ventilation System. This keeps
gasses that build up in the engine’s
crankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The Positive Crankcase
Ventilation valve routes them from
the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
The Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
filled with activated carbon. While
driving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
218
The Clean Air Act
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
Emissions Controls
Technical Information
318
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The exhaust emissions controls
include four systems: PGM-FI,
Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust
Gas Recirculation and Three Way
Catalytic Converter. These four
systems work together to control the
engine’s combustion and minimize
the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
The PGM-FI System uses sequential
multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: Air Intake,
Engine Control, and Fuel Control.
The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) uses various sensors to
determine how much air is going
into the engine. It then controls how
much fuel to inject under all operat-
ing conditions.
This system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO and NOx produced.
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) system takes some of the
exhaust gas and routes it back into
the intake manifold. Adding exhaust
gas to the air/fuel mixture reduces
the amount of NOx produced when
the fuel is burned.
The three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO ), dinitrogen
(N ), and water vapor.
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work to-
gether in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Genuine Acura replacement parts or
their equivalent for repairs. Using
lower quality parts may increase the
emissions from your car.
2
2
Exhaust Emissions Controls Replacement Parts
PGM-FI System
Ignition Timing Control System
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
System
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Emissions Controls
Technical Information
319
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Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.
The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is referred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Acura part
or its equivalent.
Keep the engine tuned-up.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any com-
bustible materials that come near it.
Park your car away from high grass,
dry leaves, or other flammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine’s per-
formance. Follow these guidelines to
protect your car’s three way catalytic
converter.
Have your car diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring, back-
firing, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Technical Information
320
TTHHRREEEE WWAAYY CCAATTAALLYYTTIICC CCOONNVVEERRTTEERR
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If you take your vehicle for a state
emissions test shortly after the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not pass the test.
This is because of certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that must be set in the on-
board diagnostics for the emissions
systems. These codes are erased
when the battery is disconnected,
and set again only after several days
of driving under a variety of
conditions.
If the testing facility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle re-tested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle for re-testing
by doing the following.
Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, full (around
3/4).
Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine off for 8
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 20° and
95°F.
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine and let it
idle for 20 seconds.
Keep the vehicle in Park
(automatic transmission). Increase
the engine speed to 2,000 rpm and
hold it there until the temperature
gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the
scale (approximately 3 minutes).
CONTINUED
State Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes
Technical Information
321
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Then drive in city/suburban
traffic for at least 10 minutes.
When traffic conditions allow, let
the vehicle coast for several
seconds without using the
accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
If the testing facility determines the
readiness codes are still not set, see
your Acura dealer.
Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80to97km/h)foratleast20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D (A/T). Do not use the cruise
control. When traffic allows, drive
for 90 seconds without moving the
accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed
may vary slightly; this is okay.) If
you cannot do this for a
continuous 90 seconds because of
traffic conditions, drive for at least
30 seconds, then repeat it two
more times (for a total of 90
seconds).
4
Technical Information
State Emissions Testing
322
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Customer Relations
................................Information . 324
.............Canada Zone Office Map . 325
....................Warranty Coverages . 326
Reporting Safety Defects
..........................(U.S. Vehicles) . 327
.....................Authorized Manuals . 329
Warranty and Customer Relations
Warranty and Customer Relations
323
01/09/28 20:17:39 31SZ3660_326
Main Menu
If you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership’s
management, contact the Acura
Customer Relations Office.
When you call or write, please give
us this information:
Acura dealership personnel are
trained professionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisfaction, please discuss it with
the dealership’s management. The
Service Manager or General
Manager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way.
U.S. Owners:
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands:
Vortex Motor Corp.
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
(787) 250-4327
Refer to the Canadian Zone Office
Map on the next page.
Canadian Owners:
Acura Automobile Division
Client Services Office
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 382-2238
Vehicle Identification Number
(see page )
Name and address of the dealer
who services your car
Date of purchase
Mileage on your car
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
car to you
310
Customer Relations Information
Warranty and Customer Relations
324
01/09/28 20:17:48 31SZ3660_327
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Table of Contents
Canada Zone Office Map
Warranty and Customer Relations
325
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTÈLE
Honda Canada Inc.
National Office
Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-ACURA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto (416) 287-4776
01/09/28 20:17:53 31SZ3660_328
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Table of Contents
a seat
belt that fails to function properly is
covered for the useful life of the
vehicle.
provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muffler owns the
vehicle.
Your new Acura is covered by these
warranties:
covers your new vehicle, except for
the battery, emissions control
systems and accessories, against
defects in materials and
workmanship.
provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from an Acura dealer.
this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery.
these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s emis-
sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact
information.
covers all genuine
Acura replacement parts against
defects in materials and workman-
ship.
genuine Acura Accessories are
covered under this warranty. Time
and mileage limits depend on the
type of accessory and other factors.
Please read your warranty manual
for details.
all exterior body panels are
covered for rust-through from the
inside for the specified time period
with no mileage limit.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2002 Acura Warranty Information
booklet that came with your car for
precise information on warranty
coverages. Your Acura’s original
tires are covered by their
manufacturer. Tire warranty
information is in a separate booklet.
Please refer to the 2002 Warranty
Manual that came with your car.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Limited Warranty
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Replacement Battery Limited
Warranty
Original Equipment Battery Limited
Warranty
Emissions Control Systems Defects
Warranty and Emissions
Performance Warranty
Replacement Parts Limited
Warranty
Accessory Limited Warranty
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Warranty Coverages
Warranty and Customer Relations
326
01/09/28 20:18:05 31SZ3660_329
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Table of Contents
To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free
at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington,
D.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying Acura Automobile
Division, American Honda Motor Co.,
Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investigation,
and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may
order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or Acura
Automobile Division, American
Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Warranty and Customer Relations
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)
327
01/09/28 20:18:11 31SZ3660_330
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328
01/09/28 20:18:14 31SZ3660_331
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Table of Contents
The following publications covering the operation and
servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm
Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or,
for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number
on the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below,
contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit,
Michigan 48207, or call 1-800-782-4356.
Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should
contact their authorized Acura dealer.
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
329
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
OR
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holder Orders Only)
MINIMUM CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00
Price
Each
$75.00
$36.00
$45.00
$42.00
$40.00
$27.00
FREE
Publication
Form Number
61SZ305
61SZ306
61SZ306EL
61SZ330
31SZ3660
31SZ3760
ACU-R
Form Description
1996-2001 Acura 3.5 RL
Service Manual
2002 Acura 3.5 RL
Service Manual Supplement
1996-2002 Acura 3.5 RL
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
1996-2002 Acura 3.5 RL
Body Repair Manual
2002 Acura 3.5 RL
Owner’s Manual
2002 Acura 3.5 RL
Navigation Manual
Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
PUBLICATION NUMBER
VEHICLE MODEL
Name Year
Qty
Price
Each
Total
Price
GRAND TOTAL
HANDLING CHARGE
Mich. Purchases
Add 6% Sales Tax
TOTAL MATERIAL
$6.00
Prices are subject to change without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Orders are mailed within 10 days. Please
allow adequate time for delivery.
Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M. EST
By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can
pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to
Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.
Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring
obligation.
01/09/28 20:18:26 31SZ3660_332
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Table of Contents
This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
330
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356
Customer Name
Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
Master
Card
VISA Check here if your billing address is different
from the shipping address shown above.
Account Number
Expiration: Mo. Yr.
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE
DATE
Street Address No P.O. Box Number
()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
01/09/28 20:18:37 31SZ3660_333
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Table of Contents
CONTINUED
...Accessories and Modifications . 184
................................Accessories . 184
.Additional Safety Precautions . 185
............................Modifications . 185
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.......................................Position) . 78
.............Accessory Power Socket . 108
....................Additives, Engine Oil . 228
.........................Airbag (SRS) . 9, 43, 45
.....................Air Cleaner Element . 241
.................Air Conditioning Filter . 252
..............Air Conditioning System . 114
..............................Maintenance . 251
.................................Usage . 116, 121
.......................Air Outlets (Vents) . 114
.......................Air Pressure, Tires . 253
...........................Alarm, Anti-theft . 156
.......................Alcohol in Gasoline . 316
.......Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . 275
......................................Antifreeze . 231
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................Indicator . 56, 199
...................................Operation . 199
..............Anti-theft, Audio System . 156
Anti-theft Steering Column
..............................................Lock . 77
..........................Anti-theft System . 157
..........................Appearance Care . 273
............................................Armrest . 89
.........................................Ashtrays . 110
...............Audio Controls, Remote . 155
................................Audio System . 128
Automatic Climate Control
........................................System . 114
.........................Automatic Lighting . 64
Automatic Seat Belt
...................................Tensioners . 41
.............Automatic Speed Control . 158
..............Automatic Transmission . 192
..........................Capacity,Fluid .312
...............Checking Fluid Level . 238
.......................................Shifting . 192
.Shift Lever Position Indicator . 192
................Shift Lever Positions . 192
....................Shift Lock Release . 195
Battery
Charging System
...........................Indicator . 54, 296
............................Jump Starting . 290
..............................Maintenance . 246
............................Specifications . 313
..............................Before Driving . 177
....................................Belts,Seat .8,40
...........................Beverage Holder . 104
...................................Body Repair . 280
Brakes
...........Anti-lock System (ABS) . 198
.............Break-in, New Linings . 178
....................Bulb Replacement . 266
...........................................Fluid . 239
.......................................Parking . 102
.................System Indicator . 54, 299
........................Wear Indicators . 197
.............................Braking System . 197
........................Break-in, New Car . 198
..Brightness Control, Instruments . 66
........................Brights, Headlights . 63
Index
A B
I
01/09/28 20:18:43 31SZ3660_334
Main Menu
Bulb Replacement
..........................Back-up Lights . 266
..............................Brake Lights . 266
............................Ceiling Lights . 269
........................Courtesy Lights . 269
.................................Fog Lights . 263
........Front Side Marker Lights . 265
.................................Headlights . 262
.........High-mount Brake Light . 267
.................License Plate Lights . 268
............................Specifications . 313
...............................Trunk Light . 270
....................Turn Signal Lights . 265
..............................Bulbs, Halogen . 262
..................................Cancel Button . 75
............................Capacities Chart . 312
.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 49
............................Carrying, Cargo . 186
Cassette Player
............................................Care . 148
...........................Operation . 133, 145
..............CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..................CD Changer . 136, 149, 151
................................Ceiling Lights . 111
........................Certification Label . 310
............................................Chains . 259
Changing Oil
........................................How to . 229
......................................When to . 218
....................Changing a Flat Tire . 283
............Changing Engine Coolant . 233
...Charging System Indicator . 54, 297
............Checklist, Before Driving . 190
.....................................Child Safety . 20
.......................................Child Seats . 24
............Tether Anchorage Point . 39
..................Childproof Door Locks . 82
..........................Cigarette Lighter . 109
...................................Cleaner, Air . 241
Cleaning
....................Aluminum Wheels . 275
...................................Carpeting . 276
......................................Exterior . 274
.........................................Fabric . 276
.......................................Interior . 276
.......................................Leather . 276
...................................Seat Belts . 276
...........................................Vinyl . 276
....................................Windows . 277
................................Wood Trim . 277
...............Climate Control System . 114
.........................Clock, Setting the . 102
.....................Code, Audio System . 136
........................CO in the Exhaust . 318
........................................Coin Box . 106
............Cold Weather, Starting in . 191
..............................Compact Spare . 282
.................Console Compartment . 106
...............Consumer Information . 324
.............Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant
........................................Adding . 231
....................................Checking . 182
.........................Proper Solution . 231
...................................Replacing . 233
...................Temperature Gauge . 60
....................Corrosion Protection . 279
............................Courtesy Lights . 117
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................System . 318
............Cruise Control Operation . 158
..........Customer Relations Office . 324
Index
C
II
01/09/28 20:18:49 31SZ3660_335
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CONTINUED
................DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................Dashboard . 2, 52
................Daytime Running Lights . 65
............Defects, Reporting Safety . 327
................Defogger, Rear Window . 71
......Defrosting the Windows . 120, 124
..............................Differential Oil . 239
....................................Dimensions . 312
...............Dimming the Headlights . 63
Dipstick
..........Automatic Transmission . 238
..................................Engine Oil . 181
..........................Directional Signals . 66
........Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 197
.....................Disposal of Used Oil . 230
Doors
..............Locking and Unlocking . 78
....................Lockout Prevention . 79
..............................Monitor Light . 57
......................Power Door Locks . 78
..........DOT Tire Quality Grading . 314
.....................................Drive Belts . 252
...........Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................Driving . 189
....................................Economy . 183
.........................In Bad Weather . 204
................In Foreign Countries . 317
Driving Position Memory
..........................................System . 97
..............................Economy, Fuel . 183
............Emergencies on the Road . 281
.............Battery, Jump Starting . 290
...........Brake System Indicator . 299
................Changing a Flat Tire . 283
.....Charging System Indicator . 296
..................Checking the Fuses . 302
.....Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 295
...Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 297
...Manually Closing Moonroof . 300
..................Overheated Engine . 293
.........................Emergency Brake . 102
......................Emergency Flashers . 70
......................Emergency Towing . 306
.......................Emissions Controls . 318
..............Emissions Testing,State . 321
Engine
............................................Belts . 252
....Coolant Temperature Gauge . 60
Malfunction Indicator
................................Lamp . 55, 297
........Oil Pressure Indicator . 54, 295
..............Oil, What Kind to Use . 227
...............................Overheating . 293
............................Specifications . 313
............................Speed Limiter . 194
.......................................Starting . 191
...................Engine Speed Limiter . 194
......................Ethanol in Gasoline . 316
.Evaporative Emissions Controls . 318
...............................Exhaust Fumes . 49
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................System . 319
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................Belts by . 18
..................Exterior,Cleaningthe .274
............................Fabric, Cleaning . 276
Index
D
E
F
III
01/09/28 20:18:55 31SZ3660_336
Main Menu
..........................Fan, Interior . 118, 123
Features, Comfort and
..............................Convenience . 113
....................Filling the Fuel Tank . 179
Filters
................................Air Cleaner . 241
.......................Air Conditioning . 252
...............................................Oil . 229
.............Flashers, Hazard Warning . 70
...................Flat Tire, Changing a . 283
Fluids
..........Automatic Transmission . 238
..........................................Brake . 239
................................Differential . 239
..........................Power Steering . 240
..................Windshield Washer . 237
FM Stereo Radio
...........................Reception . 129, 139
........................................Fog Lights . 67
.....Foreign Countries, Driving in . 317
..........................Four-way Flashers . 70
..............................Front Airbags . 9, 43
.................................................Fuel . 178
......................Fill Door and Cap . 179
...........................................Gauge . 60
................Octane Requirement . 178
...............................Oxygenated . 316
........................Reserve Indicator . 57
........................Tank, Filling the . 179
..............Fuel Mileage, Improving . 183
.....................Fuses, Checking the . 302
..........................................Gasohol . 316
.........................................Gasoline . 178
...............Fuel Reserve Indicator . 57
...........................................Gauge . 60
................Octane Requirement . 178
........................Tank, Filling the . 179
................Gas Station Procedures . 179
.............................................Gauges . 58
...Engine Coolant Temperature . 60
...............................................Fuel . 60
...............................Speedometer . 58
.................................Tachometer . 58
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
.......................................Rating) . 207
............Gearshift Lever Positions . 192
..............................Glass Cleaning . 278
........................................Glove Box . 88
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
.......................................Rating) . 207
.............Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 262
..............Hazard Warning Flashers . 70
Headlights
....................Automatic Lighting . 64
............Daytime Running Lights . 65
..................High Beam Indicator . 57
....................Lights On Indicator . 55
.........................Reminder Chime . 63
........Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 262
...................................Turning on . 63
..............................Head Restraints . 88
.....................Heating and Cooling . 114
.............High Altitude, Starting at . 191
.................High-Low Beam Switch . 63
..............High-mount Brake Light . 267
HomeLink Universal
...............................Transmitter . 162
....................................Hood Latch . 241
.......................Hood, Opening the . 180
..................................................Horn . 62
.................................Hydroplaning . 205
Index
G
H
IV
01/09/28 20:19:00 31SZ3660_337
Main Menu
CONTINUED
...Identification Number, Vehicle . 310
Ignition
..............................................Keys . 74
...........................................Switch . 77
............Timing Control System . 319
........................Immobilizer System . 75
.........Important Safety Precautions . 6
Indicators, Instrument
.............................................Panel . 53
...............................Infant Restraint . 28
......................................Infant Seats . 28
..........Tether Anchorage Points . 39
...................Inflation, Proper Tire . 253
...................................Inside Mirror . 91
.............................Inspection, Tire . 255
............................Instrument Panel . 53
........Instrument Panel Brightness . 66
...........................Interior Cleaning . 277
........................................Introduction . i
........................Jacking up the Car . 284
.......................................Jack, Tire . 284
................................Jump Starting . 290
..................................................Keys . 74
.......................Label, Certification . 310
.................Lane Change, Signaling . 66
..........................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 40
...................................Learning Key . 75
.........................Leather, Cleaning . 276
........................Lights On Indicator . 55
.........................Lighter, Cigarette . 109
Lights
....................Bulb Replacement . 262
........................................Ceiling . 111
.....................................Courtesy . 112
.......................................Indicator . 53
.........................................Parking . 63
..................................Turn Signal . 66
.....................................Load Limit . 187
......LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 77
Locks
.......Anti-theft Steering Column . 77
..........................Childproof Door . 82
............................Fuel Fill Door . 179
....................................Glove Box . 85
.................................Power Door . 78
...........................................Trunk . 83
........Trunk Pass-through Cover . 90
........................Low Coolant Level . 182
.........................Low Fuel Indicator . 57
...Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 54, 295
Lubricant Specifications
..........................................Chart . 312
.........................................Luggage . 186
..................................Maintenance . 213
...Owner Maintenance Checks . 225
.................................Record . 223-224
......................Required Indicator . 61
..........................................Safety . 214
.............................Schedule . 218-222
.Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 55, 297
.............Memory, Driving Position . 93
...............................Meters, Gauges . 58
Index
I
J
K
L
M
V
01/09/28 20:19:09 31SZ3660_338
Main Menu
...................Methanol in Gasoline . 316
..........................Mirrors, Adjusting . 91
.......................................Moonroof . 100
......................Closing Manually . 300
...................................Operation . 100
...................Neutral Gear Position . 193
..................New Vehicle Break-in . 178
...................NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............Numbers, Identification . 310
...................Radiator Overheating . 293
...Radio/Cassette Sound System . 128
...........................Readiness Codes . 298
..Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 264
..........................Rear Seat Armrest . 90
............................Rear Ventilation . 126
............................Rear View Mirror . 91
.................Rear Window Defogger . 71
...............Reclining the Seat Backs . 87
.............................Reminder Lights . 53
.......................Remote Transmitter . 79
Replacement Information
.................Air Cleaner Element . 241
.............Air Conditioning Filter . 252
..............................Paint Touch-up . 275
..............Panel Brightness Control . 66
........................Park Gear Position . 193
...........................................Parking . 196
...............................Parking Brake . 106
Parking Brake and Brake
.................System Indicator . 54, 299
.................................Parking Lights . 63
..Parking Over Things that Burn . 320
.............................PGM-FI System . 319
..................Polishing and Waxing . 275
............Pre-Drive Safety Checklist . 11
.........Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 18
............................Protecting Adults . 12
...Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 18
........................Protecting Children . 20
.......................Protecting Infants . 28
.......Protecting Larger Children . 35
.........Protecting Small Children . 32
Using Child Seats with
.....................................Tethers . 39
...Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 178
.........................................Odometer . 59
...............................Odometer, Trip . 59
Oil
........................Change, How to . 229
......................Change, When to . 218
......................Checking Engine . 181
..............Pressure Indicator . 54, 295
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................Chart . 228
...........ON (Ignition Key Position) . 80
Onboard Refueling Vapor
....................................Recovery . 310
............................................OnStar . 167
.........................Opening the Trunk . 83
..Operation in Foreign Countries . 317
..............................Outside Mirrors . 91
....Outside Temperature Indicator . 59
....................Overheating, Engine . 293
.......Owner Maintenance Checks . 225
.........................Oxygenated Fuels . 316
Index
N
O
P
R
VI
01/09/28 20:19:16 31SZ3660_339
Main Menu
CONTINUED
..........................Engine Coolant . 233
................Engine Oil and Filter . 229
..........................................Fuses . 302
................................Light Bulbs . 262
....................................Schedule . 216
................................Spark Plugs . 243
...........................................Tires . 257
.............................Wiper Blades . 249
Replacing Seat Belts After a
............................................Crash . 42
...Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 182
..................Reverse Gear Position . 193
................................Rotation, Tire . 256
........................................Safety Belts . 8
.........Safety Defects, Reporting . 327
.................................Safety Features . 7
...........................................Airbags . 9
..................................Door Locks . 10
..........................Head Restraints . 10
.......................................Seat Belts . 8
.....................Seats & Seat-Backs . 10
.............Safety Labels, Location of . 50
...............................Safety Messages . ii
.....................................Seat Belts . 8, 40
...............Additional Information . 40
.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 18
.Automatic Seat Belt Tensioner . 41
.............Child Seat Anchor Plate . 39
.....................................Cleaning . 277
......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 40
................................Maintenance . 42
Reminder Light and
................................Beeper . 40, 54
................................Replacement . 42
...................System Components . 40
...............Use During Pregnancy . 18
...Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 15
....................................Seat Heaters . 95
....................Seat Position Memory . 93
........................Seats, Adjusting the . 86
................Security Alarm System . 157
...............................Serial Number . 310
...........................Service Intervals . 218
...........................Service Manual . 329
.........Service Station Procedures . 179
..........................Setting the Clock . 102
Shifting the Automatic
.............................Transmission . 192
.....Shift Lever Position Indicator . 192
........................Shift Lock Release . 195
....................................Side Airbags . 45
How The Side Airbag Indicator
............................Light Works . 47
...How Your Side Airbags Work . 45
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
.........................Replacement in . 265
...............................Signaling Turns . 66
.........................................Ski Sleeve . 96
.....................................Snow Tires . 259
...................Solvent-type Cleaners . 274
................................Sound System . 128
Spare Tire
......................................Inflating . 282
............................Specifications . 313
................Spark Plugs, Replacing . 243
....................Specifications Charts . 312
................................Speed Control . 158
...................................Speedometer . 58
.......................................Spotlights . 111
Index
S
VII
01/09/28 20:19:23 31SZ3660_340
Main Menu
..........SRS, Additional Information . 43
...Additional Safety Precautions . 48
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................Tensioners . 41
..How the SRS Indicator Works . 46
.....How Your Airbags Work . 43, 45
........................SRS Components . 43
..................................SRS Service . 48
.............................SRS Indicator . 46, 55
....START (Ignition Key Position) . 77
.......................Starting the Engine . 191
In Cold Weather at High
..................................Altitude . 191
................With a Dead Battery . 290
..........State Emissions Testing . 322
........Steam Coming from Engine . 293
Steering Wheel
................................Adjustments . 71
.............Anti-theft Column Lock . 77
........................Position Memory . 93
...................Stereo Sound System . 128
...........................Storing Your Car . 272
........................................Sun Visor . 107
........................Sunglasses Holder . 107
Supplemental Restraint
............................System . 9, 43, 45
....................Service Precautions . 48
......................................Servicing . 48
.........................SRS Indicator . 46, 55
...................System Components . 43
...............Tensioners, Seat Belts . 41
..................................Synthetic Oil . 228
.....................................Tachometer . 58
......Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 266
.Taking Care of the Unexpected . 281
...........................Tape Player . 133, 148
Technical Descriptions
......DOT Tire Quality Grading . 314
.....Emissions Control Systems . 318
.....................Oxygenated Fuels . 316
Three Way Catalytic
...............................Converter . 320
.......................Temperature Gauge . 60
...................Tensioners, Seat Belts . 41
..............Tether Anchorage Points . 39
...............Theft Deterrent System . 157
............................Theft Protection . 156
..Three Way Catalytic Converter . 320
..........................Time, Setting the . 102
....................................Timing Belt . 253
....................................Tire Chains . 259
.........Tire, How to Change a Flat . 283
...............................................Tires . 253
..............................Air Pressure . 254
...................................Balancing . 256
.........................Checking Wear . 255
..........................Compact Spare . 282
......DOT Tire Quality Grading . 314
......................................Inflation . 253
..................................Inspection . 255
..............................Maintenance . 256
...................................Replacing . 257
......................................Rotating . 256
...........................................Snow . 259
............................Specifications . 313
...................Tools, Tire Changing . 283
...............................Torn Seat Belts . 42
Towing
.....................................A Trailer . 206
..........By Emergency Wrecker . 306
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level,
..............................Automatic . 238
Index
T
VIII
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...........................Fluid Selection . 238
..............Identification Number . 311
.............Shifting the Automatic . 192
.....................................Treadwear . 314
.......................................Trip Meter . 59
................................................Trunk . 83
........Emergency Trunk Opener . 84
.................................Opening the . 83
...................Open Monitor Light . 57
....................................Turn Signals . 66
.....................Underside, Cleaning . 279
Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................of the . 281
....Uniform Tire Quality Grading . 314
........................Unleaded Gasoline . 178
.....................Upholstery Cleaning . 277
.......Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 230
................................Vanity Mirror . 107
.................Vehicle Capacity Load . 187
......................Vehicle Dimensions . 312
....Vehicle Identification Number . 310
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
....................................System . 201
........VSA System Indicator . 56, 202
...VSA Activation Indicator . 56, 201
.........................VSA Off Switch . 202
.............................Vehicle Storage . 271
.....................................Ventilation . 116
.................................................VIN . 310
...............................Vinyl Cleaning . 277
..................................Viscosity, Oil . 228
.............WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........Warning Labels, Location of . 50
..................Warranty Coverages . 326
Washer, Windshield
........Checking the Fluid Level . 237
.....................................Operation . 70
.........................................Washing . 274
..................Waxing and Polishing . 275
Wheels
...............Adjusting the Steering . 71
............Alignment and Balance . 256
......Cleaning Aluminum Alloys . 275
..........................Compact Spare . 282
......................................Wrench . 284
Windows
.....................................Cleaning . 277
..................Operating the Power . 98
...........................Rear, Defogger . 71
Windshield
.......................................Cleaning . 68
...........................Defroster . 120, 125
.......................................Washers . 70
Wipers, Windshield
.......................Changing Blades . 249
.....................................Operation . 68
....................................Wood Trim . 277
....................................Worn Tires . 255
.....Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 306
U.S. and Canada only
Index
U
V
W
IX
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Main Menu
Service Information Summary
Gasoline:
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Recommended Engine Oil:
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
SpareTirePressure:
Power Steering Fluid:
Brake Fluid:
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or
higher.
18.0 US gal (68
, 15.0 Imp gal)
API Service SJ ‘‘Energy
Conserving’’ oil, SAE 5W-30
viscosity (see page ).
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
Front/Rear:
30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm
)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm
)
Honda Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of
power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page ).
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page ).
4.9 US qt (4.6
, 4.0 Imp qt)
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) preferred, or
aDEXRON
III ATF as a
temporary replacement (see page
).
227
238
240
240
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