fuel Acura CL 2002 Owner's Manual

2002 CL 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 Car at a Glance ........................................................................\
.............................................................. 2
Driver and Passenger Safety ........................................................................\
............................................... 5
Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls ........................................................................\
................................................... 51
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ........................................................................\
............................... 113
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving ........................................................................\
..................................................................... 161
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ........................................................................\
................................................................................... 175
The proper way to start the engine, shift the tr ansmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance ........................................................................\
......................................................................... 205
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the dealer.
Appearance Care ........................................................................\
................................................................. 265
Tips on cleaning and protecting your car. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected ........................................................................\
....................................... 273
This section covers several problems motorists someti mes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information ........................................................................\
....................................................... 303
ID numbers, dimensions, capaciti es, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)......................................................................317
A summary of the warranties covering yo ur new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only) ........................................................................\
....................................... 321
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need wh en you pull up to the fuel pump.

This section gives inf ormation 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 .60
...............................
Speedometer .60
.................................
Tachometer .60
.....................................
Odometer .61
...................................
Trip Meter .61
Outside Temperature ...................................
Indicator .62
...................
Temperature Gauge . 62
..................................
Fuel Gauge .62
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .63 Controls Near the Steering
.......................................
Wheel .64
...................................
Headlights .65
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .66
............
Daytime Running Lights . 67
....
Instrument Panel Brightness . 67
................................
Turn Signals .67
.....................
Windshield Wipers .68
..................
Windshield Washers . 69
..........................
Hazard Warning .70
.............
Rear Window Def ogger . 70
......
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 71
...............................
Keys and Locks .73
..............................................
Keys .73
....................
Immobilizer System . 74
............................
Ignition Switch .75
......................
Power Door Locks .77
...................
Remote Transmitter . 78
...........................................
Trunk .82
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 84
....................................
Glove Box .85
......
Rear Console Compartment . 85
............................
Seat Adjustments .86
.........
Driver’s Seat Adjustments . 86
...........
Driver’s Lumbar Support . 88Front Passenger’s Seat
............................
Adjustments .88
........................
Rear Seat Access .89
..........................
Head Restraints .90
............................................
Armrest .91
.............................................
Mirrors .93
....
Adjusting the Power Mirrors . 93
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .95
....................................
Seat Heaters .98
..............................
Power Windows .99
.......................................
Moonroof .101
...............................
Parking Brake .102
..................................
Digital Clock .102
........................
Sunglasses Holder .103
...........................
Beverage Holder .104
.................
Console Compartment . 105
........................................
Coin Box .105
.............................
Console Pocket .106
..................................
Storage Tray .107
......................................
Coat Hook .107
........................................
Sun Visor .108
................................
Vanity Mirror .108
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 109
...............................
Interior Lights .110
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols51

This light comes on as a reminder
that you must ref uel soon.
If a brake light does not work, theindicator comes on
when you push the brake pedal with
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. This light comes on when the
washer f luid level is low. Add washer
f luid when you see this light come on
(see page ).
229Canadian models only
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Low Fuel Indicator
Brake L amp Indicator Washer Level Indicator
59
BRAKE LAMP

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).
286
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Fuel Gauge
Temperature Gauge
Outside Temperature Indicator
62
Please ref uel early, as driving to the
last drop of f uel can result in damage
to the engine and/or three way catalytic
converter.

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 .162
.........................................
Gasoline .162
.........
Service Station Procedures . 163
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 163
....................
Opening the Hood .164
...............................
Oil Check .165
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 167
...............................
Fuel Economy .168
............................
Car Condition .168
...........................
Driving Habits .168
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 169
.............................
Carrying Cargo .171
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving161

Open the f uel f ill door by pulling
onthehandletotheleftof the
driver’s seat.Remove the f uel f ill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as
pressure inside the tank escapes.
Place the cap in the holder on the
fuel fill door.
Stop f illing the tank af ter the f uel
nozzle automatically clicks of f . Do
not try to ‘‘top of f ’’ the tank, leave
some room f or the f uel to expand
with temperature changes.
Because the f uel f ill 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 ref ueling
vapor recovery system to help
keep f uel vapors f rom going into
the atmosphere. If the fuel nozzle
keeps clicking of f even though the
tank is not f ull, there may be a
problem with this system. Consult
your dealer.
1.
2. 3.
4.
CONT INUED
Filling the Fuel Tank
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving163
F FU
UE EL
L F
FIILLL L C
CAA P
P
P
P
u
ul
lll
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.

A cold engine uses more f uel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it
idle f or a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up f aster, and you get
better f uel economy. To cut down on
the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to
combine several short trips into one.
You can improve f uel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more f uel.
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 underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses f uel. It also wears out
f aster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly. The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Turnoff theA/Cor
set the climate control to a higher
temperature to cut down on air
conditioning use. Use the f low-
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 f uel mileage and reduces
thechanceof corrosion.
Depending on traf f ic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra f uel. Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to
increase f uel economy.
217 Driving Habits
Owner Maintenance
Checks Car Condition
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving168

Your Acura’s transmission has f ive
f orward speeds, and is electronically
controlled f or smoother shif ting. It
also has a ‘‘lock-up’’ torque converter
forbetterfueleconomy.Youmay
f eel what seems like another shif t
when the converter locks.This indicator in the tachometer
shows which position the shif t lever
is in. The illuminated number next to
the ‘‘D ’’ indicator shows you the
gear you have selected in the
Sequential SportShif t mode.The ‘‘D ’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it f lashes
while driving (in any shif t position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid
acceleration and have the
transmission checked by an
authorized Acura dealer as soon as
possible.
The malf unction indicator lamp may
come on along with the ‘‘D ’’
indicator if there is a problem in the
automatic transmission control
system.
5 5
5
Automatic Transmission
Driving
Shif t L ever Position Indicator
178

µ
Ì
Ì
Ì
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
210
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
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 dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
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)45
72
36
60
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
30
48
24
15
24
12
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every90,000 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
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
: Adjust only if noisy
209
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

µµ
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ì
Ì
Ì
Maint enance211
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C
A
B
C
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
3yrs
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
6yrs
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
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump.
Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace transmission fluid, then replace every
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
248).
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 dust and pollen filter.
210
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: :
209
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)