check engine light Acura CL 2001 User Guide

Let the engine run f or several
minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
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 f ilter 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 f ilter):
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
f ive seconds. If it does not, turn of f
the engine and reinspect your
work.
6. 7.
8.
9.
4.
5.
Engine Oil
Maint enance220
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.6 US qt (4.4
, 3.9 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.

Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing 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 of ten,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
When you ref ill 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.
The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the passenger’s side
headlight.
The low washer level indicator will
light when the level is low (see page
). Check the reservoir’s f luid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
59
Windshield Washers
Maint enance
Canadian Models
227
L LE
E V
V E
EL
L G
GAAU
UG GEE
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.

Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it f or 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 ref rigerant.If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Ref rigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specif ications on page
.)
Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser f or leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the f ront surf ace. These
block the air f low and reduce cooling
ef f iciency. Use a light spray f rom a
hose or a sof t brush to remove them. Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualif ied mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works ef f iciently. 300
A ir Condit ioning Syst em
Maint enance241
A AI
IRR C
COON NDDI
ITT I
IOON NIINNG G C
COON NDDE
EN
NS SEER
R
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.

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. Seeon page .
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the f uses. If
thefusesareOK,thereisproba-
bly something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. (See on page .) Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
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 f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run. Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
280
295 236
280
175 289
295
If Your Engine Won’t Start
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Jump Starting
Emergency T owing Emergency
Towing
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
279

´´
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.
You cannot start your Acura by
pushing or pulling it. To jump start your car, f ollow these
directions closely:
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.
Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: climate control, stereo
system, lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake. Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on the
booster battery. Connect the other
end to the positive ( ) terminal
on your Acura’s battery.
Remove the battery cover (see
page ).
1.
2.
3.
4.
236
236
Jump Starting
Taking Care of the Unexpected280
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. 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.

Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (Seeon page .)
Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or 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.
295
163
217 Emergency
Towing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Taking Care of the Unexpected284
L LO OW W O
OIILL P
PR
RE ES
SS SUUR REE I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R
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.

Î
ÎÎ
Î
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 f luid level in the
brake f luid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it f eels
normal. If it does, check the brake
f luid 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 f or leaks or worn brake
pads. Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. 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
f eel 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 f eel the brake pedal
go down much f arther bef ore 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.
The Brake System Indicator comes
on when you turn the ignition ON
(II). If the parking brake is not set, it
goes of f af ter you start the engine. If
the parking brake is set, it goes of f
when you f ully release the parking
brake with the engine running.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with this
indicator, have the car inspected by
your dealer immediately.
229
295
On Type S
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
287
U U. .SS. .i
inn d
di
icca at too r
r s
shh o
ow
wn n
B
BR
RAA K
KEE S
SYYSSTTE
EM
M I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R

..............
Automatic Transmission . 176
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 300
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 228
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 179
.......................................
Shif ting . 176
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 176
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 177
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 183
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 55, 285
............................
Jump Starting . 280
..............................
Maintenance . 236
............................
Specif ications . 301
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 159
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,40
...........................
Beverage Holder . 112
...................................
Body Repair . 270
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 186
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 160
...........................................
Fluid . 229
.....................
Light, Burned-out . 256.......................................
Parking . 110
.................
System Indicator . 55, 287
........................
Wear Indicators . 185
Brakes, ABS ...................................
Operation . 186
.................
System Indicator . 55, 187
.............................
Braking System . 185
........................
Break-in, New Car . 160
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 67
........................
Brights, Headlights . 65
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights . 256
..............................
Brake Lights . 256
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 255
.................................
Headlights . 252
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 257
...........................
Interior Lights . 258
...................
License Plate Light . 258
...............................
Road Lamps . 254
............................
Specif ications . 301
...............................
Trunk Light . 260
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 255
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 252 .........
Cables, Jump Starting With . 280
..................................
Cancel Button . 75
............................
Capacities Chart . 300
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 49
............................
Carrying, Cargo . 169
Cassette Player ............................................
Care . 146
...................................
Operation . 142
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
...................................
CD Changer . 147
..................................
Ceiling Light . 118
........................
Certif ication Label . 298
............................................
Chains . 249
Change Oil ........................................
How to . 219
......................................
When to . 208
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 273
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 223
...
Charging System Indicator . 55, 285
Checking
Automatic Transmission .......................................
Fluid . 228
.....................
Battery Condition . 236
................................
Brake Fluid . 229
Index
C
B
II

Î
CONT INUED
.................................
Drive Belts . 242
..........................
Engine Coolant . 165
..................................
Engine Oil . 163
..........................................
Fuses . 290
................
Power Steering Fluid . 230
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 174
...................................
Cleaner, Air . 231
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels . 265
...................................
Carpeting . 266
......................................
Exterior . 264
.........................................
Fabric . 267
.......................................
Interior . 266
.......................................
Leather . 267
...................................
Seat Belts . 267
...........................................
Vinyl . 267
....................................
Windows . 268
................................
Wood Trim . 268
...............
Climate Control System . 122
.........................
Clock, Setting the . 110
......................................
Coat Hook . 115
.....................
Code, Audio System . 157
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 306
........................................
Coin Box . 113
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 175
..............................
Compact Spare . 272.................
Console Compartment . 113
.............................
Console Pocket . 114
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 310
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 221
....................................
Checking . 165
.........................
Proper Solution . 221
...................................
Replacing . 223
...................
Temperature Gauge . 62
....................
Corrosion Protection . 269
............................
Courtesy Lights . 119
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System . 306
..............
Cruise Control Operation . 73
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 310
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 2, 52
................
Daytime Running Lights . 67
...........
Dead Battery, What to Do . 280
............
Defects, Reporting Safety . 313
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 70
......
Def rosting the Windows . 128, 133 DEXRONIII Automatic
...................
Transmission Fluid . 228
....................................
Dimensions . 300
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 65
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 228
..................................
Engine Oil . 163
..........................
Directional Signals . 67
.....
Disabled, Towing Your Car If . 295
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 185
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 220
Doors ....................
Lockout Prevention . 82
..............................
Monitor Light . 58
......................
Power Door Locks . 81
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 302
.....................................
Drive Belts . 242
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 173
....................................
Economy . 166
.........................
In Bad Weather . 194
................
In Foreign Countries . 305
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System . 103
Index
D
III

........................
Jacking up the Car . 275
.......................................
Jack, Tire . 274
................................
Jump Starting . 280
..................................................
Keys . 77
..................................
Maintenance . 203
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 215
.................................
Record . 213-214
......................
Required Indicator . 63
..........................................
Saf ety . 204
.............................
Schedule . 208-212
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 55, 286
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 103
...............................
Meters, Gauges . 60...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 304
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting . 101
.......................................
Moonroof . 109
......................
Closing Manually . 288
...................................
Operation . 109
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 179
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 160
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 298
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 160
.........................................
Odometer . 61
...............................
Odometer, Trip . 61
Oil ........................
Change, How to . 219
......................
Change, When to . 208
......................
Checking Engine . 163
..............
Pressure Indicator . 55, 284
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart . 218
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 80
.......................
Label, Certif ication . 298
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 67
..........................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 40
.........
Leaking of Exhaust into Car . 49
.........................
Leather, Cleaning . 267
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement . 252
........................................
Ceiling . 118
.....................................
Courtesy . 119
.......................................
Indicator . 53
.........................................
Parking . 65
..................................
Turn Signal . 67
.....................................
Load Limit . 170
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 80 Locks
.......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 80
............................
Fuel Fill Door . 161
....................................
Glove Box . 88
.................................
Power Door . 81
......
Rear Console Compartment . 88
...........................................
Trunk . 86
......
Trunk Pass-through Cover . 100
........................
Low Coolant Level . 165
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator . 59
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 55, 284
Lubricant Specif ications
..........................................
Chart . 300
.........................................
Luggage . 169
Index
M N
O
L J
K
VI