check oil Acura CL 2001 Owner's Manual

The engine can be severely damaged
if this light f lashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
inf ormation, see page .This light has two f unctions:
Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch ON (II) as a
reminder to check the parking
brake. If the parking brake is not
set, it goes of f af ter the engine
starts. If the parking brake is set,
it goes of f when you release the
parking brake with the engine
running. Driving with the parking
brake applied can damage the
brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit after
you have f ully 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
inf ormation, see page .
See page . This light normally comes on f or a
f ew 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.If thishappens,takethe
cartoyourdealertohaveitchecked.
With the light on, your car still has
normal braking ability but no anti-
lock. For complete inf ormation, see
page .
1.
2.
284
285
287187
286
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp Anti-lock Brake
System (A BS)
Indicator
55
U.S. Canada
U.S. Canada

Bef ore you begin driving your Acura,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst..............................
Break-in Period . 160
.........................................
Gasoline . 160
.........
Service Station Procedures . 161
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 161
....................
Opening the Hood . 162
...............................
Oil Check . 163
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 165
...............................
Fuel Economy . 166
............................
Car Condition . 166
...........................
Driving Habits . 166
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 167
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 169
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving159

CONT INUED
If you can open the hood without
sliding the hood latch handle, or the
hood latch handle moves stif f ly or
does not spring back as bef ore, the
mechanism should be cleaned and
lubricated (see page ).Check the engine oil level every time
you f ill the car with f uel. Wait a f ew
minutes af ter turning the engine of f
bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
Lif t the hood up most of the way.
The hydraulic supports will lif t it
uptherestof thewayandholdit
up.
To close the hood, lower it to about a
f oot (30 cm) above the f ender, then
press down f irmly with your hands.
Afterclosingthehood,makesureit
is securely latched. 1.
3.
231
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
Oil Check
163
D D
I
IPP S
ST TI
ICCK K

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.
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel. 4.
217
3.
2.
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
A dding Oil
164
U UP PP
PE
ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
D
D
I
IPP S
ST TI
ICCK K
L
LOOW WE ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK

If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer. This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 204
.
Important Safety Precautions . 205
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 206
...
Required Maintenance Record . 213
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 215
..............................
Fluid Locations . 216
......................................
Engine Oil . 217
..................................
Adding Oil . 217
....................
Recommended Oil . 217
..............................
Synthetic Oil . 218
....................................
Additives . 218
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 219
.............................
Cooling System . 221
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 221
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 223
....................
Windshield Washers . 227
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 228
....................................
Brake Fluid . 229
............................
Brake System . 229
..............................
Power Steering . 230
....................................
Hood Latch . 231
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 231
....................................
Spark Plugs . 233
..............................
Replacement . 233
............................
Specif ications . 235
...........................................
Battery . 236.................................
Wiper Blades . 239
..............
Air Conditioning System . 241
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 242
.....................................
Drive Belts . 242
....................................
Timing Belt . 243
...............................................
Tires . 243
......................................
Inf lation . 243
..................................
Inspection . 245
..............................
Maintenance . 246
.............................
Tire Rotation . 246
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 247
......................
Wheels and Tires . 248
..........................
Winter Driving . 248
.............................
Snow Tires . 249
............................
Tire Chains . 249
.............................................
Lights . 250
........................
Replacing Bulbs . 252
...........................
Storing Your Car . 261
315
Maintenance
Maint enance203

Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
This section includes instructions f or
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be perf ormed by an Acura
technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to
your saf ety and the saf ety of your
passengers. It will also reward you
with more economical, trouble-f ree
driving and help reduce air pollution.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance204
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.

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Ì
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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
208
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 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 120
192
96
105
168
84
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
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
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
: Adjust only if noisy
207
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance209
A, B, C
Canadian owners: A
B
C
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.Replace coolant. Replace brake fluid.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace coolant. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid.
Replace transmission fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump.
Replace coolant. Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed. Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 246 ).
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.
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
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy. :
NOTE: 207
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
µ
Ì
Î
Î
ÌÎ
Î
ÌÌ
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
210
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
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air
cleaner element Use normal schedule except in
dusty conditions
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
:
1:
2: Adjust only if noisy
242 243 207
Type S
Premium model
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance211
A, B, C, D
Severe Conditions:
A
B
C
D
E
Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, or normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the Normal
Schedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
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.
3,750 mi/6,000 km/-
7,500 mi/12,000 km/6 mos
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/1½ yrs
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/2½ yrs
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/3½ yrs
56,250 mi/90,000 km/-
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km/-
67,500 mi/108,000 km/4½ yrs
71,250 mi/114,000 km/-
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km/- Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace coolant. Replace brake fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace coolant.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A. Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 246 ).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element. (Type S)
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace air cleaner element. (Premium model)
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace transmission fluid.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Clean air cleaner element. (Premium model)
·
·
·
·
·
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions. See timing belt on page to determine need for replacement.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
NOTE: :
1:
2: 207
243 242
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)