coolant temperature Acura CL 2001 Owner's Manual

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 f reezing
(32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
f orming on the road surf ace. The temperature sensor is located in
the f ront bumper. Theref ore, the
temperature reading can be af f ected
by heat ref lection f rom the road sur-
f ace, engine heat, and the exhaust
f rom the surrounding traf f ic. This
can cause the temperature reading
not to be correct when your speed is
under 19 mph (30 km/h).This shows how much f uel 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.
This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom 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 red mark. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull saf ely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system. The needle returns to the bottom
after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the f uel level reading
immediately af ter you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).
282
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Fuel Gauge
Temperature Gauge
Outside Temperature Indicator
62

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µ
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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions: Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
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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Ø
ØØ
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
ÌÎ
Ì
Ì
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Ì
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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)

Thecoolingsystemshouldbe
completely drained and ref illed with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Genuine Honda All season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2.
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.Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the heater temperature control
dial to maximum heat (climate
control to 90°F/32°C). Turn of f
the ignition. Open the hood. Make
sure the engine and radiator are
cool to the touch.
Remove the radiator cap.Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. The
coolant will drain through the
splash guard.
1.
2. 3.
CONT INUED
Replacing Engine Coolant
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance223
D D
R
RAA I
INN P
PL
LUUG G

If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f 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, f or
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. Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn of f 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 f or 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 f rom under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action.1.
2.
3.
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed282
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.

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
If you don’t f ind 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 f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore 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, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst 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 f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed 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.
295
165 295
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed283
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.

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

..............................
Economy, Fuel . 166
............
Emergencies on the Road . 271
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 280
...........
Brake System Indicator . 287
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 273
.....
Charging System Indicator . 285
..................
Checking the Fuses . 290
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 284
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 286
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 288
..................
Overheated Engine . 282
.........................
Emergency Brake . 110
......................
Emergency Flashers . 70
......................
Emergency Towing . 295
.......................
Emissions Controls . 306
Engine ............................................
Belts . 242
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 62
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 55, 286
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 55, 284
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 217
...............................
Overheating . 282
............................
Specif ications . 301............................
Speed Limiter . 182
...................
Engine Speed Limiter . 182
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 304
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 306
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 49
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System . 307
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by . 18
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 264
..........................
Fan, Interior . 126, 131
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience . 121
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 161
Filters
................................
Air Cleaner . 231
.......................
Air Conditioning . 242
...............................................
Oil . 219
.......................
First Gear, Shif ting . 182
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 70
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 273
.....................................
Floor Mats . 266Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 228
..........................................
Brake . 229
..........................
Power Steering . 230
..................
Windshield Washer . 227
FM Stereo Radio ...........................
Reception . 136, 140
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 305
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 70
..............................
Front Airbags . 9, 43
Front End, Towing by ................
Emergency Wrecker . 295
.................................................
Fuel . 160
......................
Fill Door and Cap . 161
...........................................
Gauge . 62
................
Octane Requirement . 160
...............................
Oxygenated . 304
........................
Reserve Indicator . 59
........................
Tank, Filling the . 161
..............
Fuel Mileage, Improving . 166
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 289
Index
F
E
IV

CONT INUED
..........................................
Gasohol . 304
.........................................
Gasoline . 160
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 59
...........................................
Gauge . 62
................
Octane Requirement . 160
........................
Tank, Filling the . 161
................
Gas Station Procedures . 161
.............................................
Gauges . 60
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 62
...............................................
Fuel . 62
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator . 63
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) . 197
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 177
..............................
Glass Cleaning . 268
........................................
Glove Box . 88
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) . 197 .............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 252
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 70
Headlights
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature . 66
............
Daytime Running Lights . 67
..................
High Beam Indicator . 58
...........
High Beams, Turning on . 65
............
Low Beams, Turning on . 65
.........................
Reminder Chime . 65
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 252
...................................
Turning on . 65
..............................
Head Restraints . 98
.....................
Heating and Cooling . 122
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 175
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 65
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 257
HomeLink Universal
.................................
Transmitter . 89
....................................
Hood Latch . 231
.......................
Hood, Opening the . 162
..................................................
Horn . 64
.......
Hot Coolant, Warning about . 221
.................................
Hydroplaning . 195 ...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 298
......
If Your Car Has to be Towed . 295
Ignition
..............................................
Keys . 77
...........................................
Switch . 79
............
Timing Control System . 307
........................
Immobilizer System . 78
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
Indicator Lights, Instrument
.............................................
Panel . 53
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 243
.................................
Inside Mirror . 101
.............................
Inspection, Tire . 245
............................
Instrument Panel . 53
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 67
...........................
Interior Cleaning . 266
........................................
Introduction . i
Index
I
H
G
V

CONT INUED
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor....................................
Recovery . 306
........................
Opening the Hood . 162
.........................
Opening the Trunk . 86
..
Operation in Foreign Countries . 305
............................
Outside Mirrors . 101
....
Outside Temperature Indicator . 62
....................
Overheating, Engine . 282
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 215
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels . 304
..............................
Paint Touch-up . 265
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 67
........................
Park Gear Position . 178
...........................................
Parking . 184
...............................
Parking Brake . 110
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 55, 287
.................................
Parking Lights . 65
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 308
.............................
PGM-FI System . 307
..................
Polishing and Waxing . 265
Power
..................................
Door Locks . 81.......................................
Mirrors . 101
...............................
Seat Controls . 94
......................................
Steering . 230
....................................
Windows . 107
............
Pre-Drive Saf ety Checklist . 11
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 18
............................
Protecting Adults . 12
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18
........................
Protecting Children . 20
.......................
Protecting Inf ants . 28
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 35
.........
Protecting Small Children . 32
Using Child Seats with
.....................................
Tethers . 39
...................
Radiator Overheating . 282
...
Radio/Cassette Sound System . 135
..........
Rear Console Compartment . 88
..........................
Rear End Towing . 295
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 256
............................
Rear Seat Access . 97
..........................
Rear Seat Armrest . 99
..........................
Rear View Mirror . 101.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 70
...............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 95
.............................
Reminder Lights . 53
.......................
Remote Transmitter . 82
Replacement Inf ormation .................
Air Cleaner Element . 231
.............
Air Conditioning Filter . 242
..........................
Engine Coolant . 223
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 219
..........................................
Fuses . 290
................................
Light Bulbs . 252
....................................
Schedule . 206
................................
Spark Plugs . 233
...........................................
Tires . 247
.............................
Wiper Blades . 239
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash . 42
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 165
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 178
.....................................
Road Lamps . 65
................................
Rotation, Tire . 246
Index
R
P
VII