engine Acura CL 2003 User Guide

Your car comes with two master
keys and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on
your car:
 Ignition
 Doors
 Trunk pass-through cover
Glovebox
 Rear console compartmentThe valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk pass-through cover,
glove box, and rear console
compartment locked when you leave
your car and the valet key at a
parking f acility.
Youshouldhavereceivedakey
number plate with your keys. You
will need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keepthe plate stored in a saf e place. If you
need to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.
These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys f rom direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy
objects on them.
Keep the keys away f rom liquids.
If they get wet, dry them immedi-
ately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart.
Keys
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols78
V V
A
AL
LE
E T
T K
KEEY
Y
(
( G
Gr raa y
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M
M
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AS
STTE
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K
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YS S
(
( B
Bl laa c
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K
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NUUMM B
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Your car also comes with two remote
transmitters; see page for an
explanation of the operation.The Immobilizer System protects
your car f rom thef t. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch f or the
engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine’s f uel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on f or a f ew
seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.The system may not recognize your
key’s coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code:
Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key f ob,
not metal.
Keep other keys away f rom your
car’s key and the ignition switch
while trying to start the engine.
If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
83
CONT INUED
Remote TransmitterImmobilizer System
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols79

The Immobilizer System indicator
will also blink several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your car undriveable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer.The ignition switch is on the right
side of the steering column. It has
f our positions:
LOCK(0)
 ACCESSORY (I)
 ON (II)
 START (III)As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thef ollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmf ul interf erence, and(2) this device must accept anyinterf erence received, includinginterf erence that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modif ications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the f ollowing twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterf erence, and (2) this device mustaccept any interf erence that may causeundesired operation of the device.Ignition Switch
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols80

µµµ
µ
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch f rom ACCESSORY to
LOCK, you must push the key in
slightly as you turn it. The shif t lever
must also be in Park. The anti-thef t
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key.
If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key from
LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the lef t or to
the right as you turn the key. In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the accessory power sockets.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All f eatures
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch f rom
ACCESSORY to ON.
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key. The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page
).
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper. 79
L OCK (0)
A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols81

Follow these precautions whenever
you use the seat heaters:Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly. Select the LO
setting when the seats f eel warm.
The HI setting draws large
amounts of current f rom the
battery.
Do not use the seat heaters, even
on the LO setting, if the engine is
lef t idling f or an extended period.
They can weaken the battery,
causing hard starting.
The HI or LO indicator lights and
remains lit until you turn it of f by
pushing the opposite side of the
switch lightly. The indicator will turn
off.
In HI, the heater turns of f when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat’s temperature drops. It
continues to cycle as long as you
leave it set on HI. The HI indicator
remains lit as a reminder that you
have the heater on.
In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperature
changes.
Because of the sensors f or the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger’s seat-back.
Both f ront seats are equipped with
seat heaters. The ignition switch
must be ON (II) to use them. Push
the front of the switch, HI, to rapidly
heat up the seat. After the seat
reaches a comf ortable temperature,
select LO by pushing the back of the
switch. This will keep the seat warm.With A/T
Seat Heaters
Inst rument s and Cont rols103
S SE
EA
A T
T H
HE
EA
A T
TE
ER
RS S

Both f ront seats are equipped with
seat heaters. The ignition switch
must be ON (II) to use them. Push
the heater switch to turn the power
on or of f . The pilot lamp lights and
remains on while the heaters are on.Do not use the seat heaters when the
engine is of f or when idling f or a
long period of time. They can drain
the battery, making your car hard to
start.
Because of the sensors f or the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger’s seat-back.
Each door has a switch that controls
its window. To open the window,
push the switch down and hold it.
Release the switch when you want
the window to stop. Close the
window by pulling back on the
switch and holding it. Your car’s windows are electrically-
powered. Turn the ignition switch to
ON (II) to raise or lower either
window.
With M/T
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Seat Heaters, Power Windows
Power Windows
104
S SE
EA
A T
T H
HE
EA
A T
TE
ER
RS S

The power window system has a key-
of f delay f unction. The windows will
stilloperateforuptotenminutes
after you turn off the ignition.
Opening either door cancels the
delay function. You must turn the
ignition switch ON (II) again before
you can raise or lower the windows.
Auto reverse stops sensing when the
window is almost closed. You should
always check that all passengers and
objects are away from the window
bef ore closing it. If the driver’s window runs into any
obstacle while it is closing
automatically, it will stop, and then
reverse direction. To close the
window, remove the obstacle, then
use the window switch again.
The MAIN switch controls power to
the passenger’s window. With this
switch of f , the passenger’s window
cannot be raised or lowered. The
MAIN switch does not af f ect the driv-
er’s window. Keep the MAIN switch
off whenyouhavechildreninthecar
so they do not injure themselves by
operating the window unintentionally.
The lights inside the switches come
onwhenyouturntheparkinglights
or headlights on.If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, or the driver’s window
f use is removed, the AUTO f unction
will be disabled. The power window
system needs to be reset af ter
reconnecting the battery or installing
the f use. You should do the f ollowing.
Start the engine. Push down on
the driver’s window switch until
the window is f ully open.
If the power windows do not operate
properly af ter resetting, have your
car checked by an Acura dealer. Pull back on the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely, then hold the switch
f or a second or two more.
2. 1.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Power Windows
Auto Reverse
106

The moonroof has a key-of f delay.
You can still open and close the
moonroof f or up to ten minutes af ter
you turn of f the ignition. The key-of f
delay cancels as soon as you open
either door. You must then turn the
ignition ON (II) f or the moonroof to
operate.To apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up f ully. To release it, pull up
slightly, push the button, and lower
the lever. The parking brake light on
the instrument panel should go out
when the parking brake is f ully
released (see page ).
To apply the parking brake, push the
parking brake pedal down with your
f oot. To release the parking brake,
push on the pedal again. The parking
brake light on the instrument panel
should go out when the parking
brake is f ully released with the
engine running. (see page .)
60
60
With A/T With M/T
Moonroof , Parking Brake
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Parking Brake
108
P P
A
A R
RKKIINNG G B
BRRAA K
KEE P
PE
ED
D A
AL
L P
P
A
A R
RKKIINNG G B
BRRAA K
KEE L
LEE V
V E
ER
R
If you try to open the moonroof in
below-f reezing temperatures, or when
it is covered with snow or ice, you can
damage the moonroof panel or motor.

The automatic climate control
system in your Acura picks the
proper combination of air condi-
tioning, heating, and ventilation to
maintain the interior temperature
you select. The system also adjusts
the fan speed and air flow levels.
The direction of air f low f rom the
vents in the center and each side of
the dashboard is adjustable. Move
the tab in the center of each vent up-
and-down and side-to-side.The climate control system draws air
through the exterior vents at the
bottom of the windshield. Keep
these vents clear of leaves and other
debris.For the climate control system to
provide heating and cooling, the
engine must be running.
Thesideventscanbeopenedand
closed with the dials underneath
them.
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Climat e Cont rol Syst em
122
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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 .178
.........................................
Gasoline .178
.........
Service Station Procedures . 179
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 179
....................
Opening the Hood .180
...............................
Oil Check .181
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 183
...............................
Fuel Economy .184
............................
Car Condition .184
...........................
Driving Habits .184
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 185
.............................
Carrying Cargo .187
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving177