check engine Acura CL 2002 Owner's Guide

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.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.
Remove the battery cover (see
page ).
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.
You cannot start your Acura by
pushing or pulling it.
1.
2.
3.
238
238
CONT INUED
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed283
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.

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.
300
167 300
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Overheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed287
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.

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.
219 300
165 Emergency
Towing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed288
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.

If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the f uel 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 of f as you continue driving.
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II) and
goes of f af ter the engine starts. 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
f eel no dif f erence in your car’s per-
f ormance, it can reduce your f uel
economy and cause your car to put
out excessive emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage. If you have recently ref ueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the f uel f ill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn of f
immediately; it takes at least three
driving trips.
This indicator may also come on
along with the ‘‘D ’’ indicator.
5
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed290
M M
A
AL
LFFUUN NCCTTI
IOON N I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R L
LAA M
M P
P
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.

Your car has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or 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 f or a
state emissions test until the
readiness codes are set. Ref er to
State Emissions Testing f or more
inf ormation. (See page .)
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition ON (II), but do not start the
engine. The Malf unction Indicator
Lamp will come on f or 20 seconds. If
it then goes of f , the readiness codes
are set. If it blinks 5 times, the
readiness codes are not set.
315
Readiness Codes
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed291

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#
) This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or 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 f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
322
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days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 169
................................
Accessories .169
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 170
............................
Modif ications .170
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .76
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 109
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 220
.........................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 43, 45
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .233
..............
Air Conditioning System . 114
..............................
Maintenance .243
.................................
Usage .116, 121
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .246
...........................
Alarm, Anti-theft .149
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .310
.......
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . 267
......................................
Antif reeze .223
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .56, 189
...................................
Operation .188
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 149
Anti-thef t Steering Column ..............................................
Lock .76 ..........................
Anti-thef t System .150
..........................
Appearance Care .265
............................................
Armrest .91
...............
Audio Controls, Remote . 148
................................
Audio System .127
Automatic Climate Control ........................................
System .114
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 66
Automatic Seat Belt ...................................
Tensioners .41
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 151
..............
Automatic Transmission . 178
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .306
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 230
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 181
.......................................
Shif ting .178
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 178
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 179
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 185
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .55, 289
............................
Jump Starting .283 ..............................
Maintenance .238
............................
Specif ications .307
..............................
Bef ore Driving .161
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,40
...........................
Beverage Holder .104
...................................
Body Repair .272
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 188
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 162
....................
Bulb Replacement .258
...........................................
Fluid .231
.......................................
Parking .102
.................
System Indicator . 55,292
........................
Wear Indicators .187
.............................
Braking System .187
........................
Break-in, New Car .162
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 67
........................
Brights, Headlights .65
Index
A
B
I

Î
Bulb Replacement..........................
Back-up Lights .258
..............................
Brake Lights .258
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 257
.................................
Headlights .254
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 259
...........................
Interior Lights .260
...................
License Plate Light . 260
...............................
Road Lamps .256
............................
Specif ications .307
...............................
Trunk Light .262
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 257
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .254
............................
Capacities Chart .306
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 49
............................
Carrying, Cargo .171
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .138
...................................
Operation .134
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
...................................
CD Changer .139
..................................
Ceiling Light .110
........................
Certif ication Label .304 ............................................
Chains .251
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .221
......................................
When to .210
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .275
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 225
...
Charging System Indicator . 55,289
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 176
.....................................
Child Saf ety .20
.......................................
Child Seats .24
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 39
....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 233
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels .267
...................................
Carpeting .268
......................................
Exterior .266
.........................................
Fabric .269
.......................................
Interior .268
.......................................
Leather .269
...................................
Seat Belts .269
...........................................
Vinyl .269
....................................
Windows .270
................................
Wood Trim .270
...............
Climate Control System . 114
.........................
Clock, Setting the .102
......................................
Coat Hook .107 .....................
Code, Audio System .149
........................
CO in the Exhaust .312
........................................
Coin Box .105
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 177
..............................
Compact Spare .274
.................
Console Compartment . 105
.............................
Console Pocket .106
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 318
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant ........................................
Adding .223
....................................
Checking .167
.........................
Proper Solution .223
...................................
Replacing .225
...................
Temperature Gauge . 62
....................
Corrosion Protection .271
............................
Courtesy Lights .111
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .312
............
Cruise Control Operation . 151
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 318
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 52
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel .168
............
Emergencies on the Road . 273
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 283
...........
Brake System Indicator . 292
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 275
.....
Charging System Indicator . 289
..................
Checking the Fuses . 295
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 288
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 290
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 293
..................
Overheated Engine . 286
.........................
Emergency Brake .102
......................
Emergency Flashers .70
......................
Emergency Towing .300
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 84
.......................
Emissions Controls .312
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 315
Engine ............................................
Belts .244
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 62
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .55, 290
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 55,288
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 219...............................
Overheating .286
............................
Specif ications .307
............................
Speed Limiter .184
.......................................
Starting .177
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .310
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 312
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .49
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .313
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 266
..........................
Fan, Interior .118, 123
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .113
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 163
Filters ................................
Air Cleaner .233
.........................
Dust and Pollen .244
...............................................
Oil .221
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 70
................
Daytime Running Lights . 67
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 320
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 70
......
Def rosting the Windows . 120,125
....................................
Dimensions .306
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 65
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 230
..................................
Engine Oil .165
..........................
Directional Signals .67
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 187
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .222
Doors ....................
Lockout Prevention . 78
..............................
Monitor Light .58
......................
Power Door Locks .77
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 308
.....................................
Drive Belts .244
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .175
....................................
Economy .168
.........................
In Bad Weather .196
................
In Foreign Countries . 311
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .95
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 244
Index
E
F
III

...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 275
.....................................
Floor Mats .268
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 230
..........................................
Brake .231
..........................
Power Steering .232
................
Windshield Washers . 229
FM Stereo Radio ...........................
Reception .128, 132
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 311
..........................
Four-way Flashers .70
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,43
.................................................
Fuel .162
......................
Fill Door and Cap .163
...........................................
Gauge .62
................
Octane Requirement . 162
...............................
Oxygenated .310
........................
Reserve Indicator .59
........................
Tank, Filling the .163
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .294
..........................................
Gasohol .310
.........................................
Gasoline .162
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 59...........................................
Gauge .62
................
Octane Requirement . 162
........................
Tank, Filling the .163
................
Gas Station Procedures . 163
.............................................
Gauges .60
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 62
...............................................
Fuel .62
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .63
...............................
Speedometer .60
.................................
Tachometer .60
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .199
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 179
..............................
Glass Cleaning .270
........................................
Glove Box .85
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .199
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 254
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 70
Headlights ........................................
Aiming .254
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .66
............
Daytime Running Lights . 67
..................
High Beam Indicator . 58
.........................
Reminder Chime .65
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 254
...................................
Turning on .65
..............................
Head Restraints .90
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 177
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 65
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 259
HomeLink Universal ................................
Transceiver .155
....................................
Hood Latch .233
.......................
Hood, Opening the .164
..................................................
Horn .64
.................................
Hydroplaning .197
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 304
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .73
...........................................
Switch .75
............
Timing Control System . 313
........................
Immobilizer System .74
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
Index
G HI
IV