oil Acura CL 2003 Owner's Guide

The spark plugs in your car are a
special platinum-tipped design f or
longer lif e. The spark plugs should
be replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.Loosen the two holding clips by
turning the heads one-quarter turn
counterclockwise with a f lat-tipped
screwdriver. Remove the cover on
the f ront cylinder bank by pulling
it straight up.
Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.Disconnect the wire connector
f rom the ignition coil by pushing
on the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.
1.
2. 3.
Replacement
Spark Plugs
Maint enance256
H H
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INNG G C
CLLI
IPP I
IG
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IOON N C
COOI ILL
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ON NNNEEC
CT TO
OR R
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OC CKK
T
T A
A B
B

Use a wrench to remove the
hexagonsocketheadcapbolt
holding the ignition coil. Remove
the ignition coil by pulling it
straight out.Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
Remove the spark plug with
a f ive-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket. Put the new spark plug into the
socket, then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.
4.
5. 6.
7.
Spark Plugs
Maint enance257
H HE
EX
X A
AG
GO ONN S
SOOC CKKEET
T H
HE
EA
A D
D C
CAA P
P B
BOOL LTT
13 lbf·ft (18 N·m , 1.8 kgf·m)

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Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the hexagon socket head cap bolt.
Push the wire connector onto the
ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.
Repeat this procedure f or the
other f ive spark plugs.
Reinstall the cover on the front
cylinder bank while putting its
mounting clip in the hole on the
passenger’s side. Secure the cover
by turning the heads of the two
holding clips one-quarter turn
clockwise with a f lat-tipped
screwdriver.
Spark Plug Gap:
Spark Plug Gap:
8.
9.
10.
11. NGK:
DENSO:
NGK:
DENSO: Specif ications:
Spark Plugs
Maint enance
Premium model
T ype-S
258
0.04 in (1.1 mm)
0.04 in (1.1 mm) PZFR5F-11
PKJ16CR-L11
PZFR6E-11
PKJ20CR-M11
0
0.1 mm0
0.1 mm
Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.

Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it f or at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the ref rigerant.If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Ref rigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specif ications on page
.)
Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser f or leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the f ront surf ace. These
block the air f low and reduce cooling
ef f iciency. Use a light spray f rom a
hose or a sof t brush to remove them. Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualif ied mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works ef f iciently. 326
A ir Condit ioning Syst em
Maint enance264
A AI
IRR C
COON NDDI
ITT I
IOON NIINNG G C
COON NDDE
EN
NS SEER
R
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.

Halogen bulbs are used f or the high
beam headlight bulbs. When
replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
cartoyourdealertohaveitreplaced.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your car was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustment of the
headlights should be perf ormed by
an Acura technician or other
qualif ied mechanic.
CONT INUED
Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
Headlight A iming
Lights
Maint enance275
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

Block the rear wheels.
Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter
(see page ).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
If you need to park your car f or an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).Coverthecarwitha‘‘breathable’’
cover, one made f rom a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals. If possible, run the engine f or a
while periodically (pref erably once
amonth).
If you store your car f or 12 months
or longer, have your Acura dealer
perf orm the inspections called f or in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page ). The
replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(6-speed manual) or Park
(automatic). 230
241
Maint enance
St oring Your Car
283

This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your car towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .294
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .295
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 300
Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates ........................
Very Slowly .301
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally .302
................................
Jump Starting .303
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 306
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 308
..........
Charging System Indicator . 309
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 310
.......................
Readiness Codes .311
...............
Brake System Indicator . 312
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 313
..............................................
Fuses .314
..........
Checking and Replacing . 315
......................
Emergency Towing .320
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed293

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.
181 239 320
Emergency
Towing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed308
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.

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Circuits Protected
Amps.
No. Amps.
No. Circuits Protected
Fuel Pump
Main SRS
Heater Control, A/C Clutch
Relay, Cooling Fan Relay
Mirror, Heated Seat, Heated
Mirror
Daytime Running Lights
ECU(PCM),CruiseControl,
VSA
Side SRS
ACC Relay, Navigation
Instrument Panel, Back-up
Lights, Memory Seat
Turn Signals
IG Coil
Wiper, Washer
Starter Signal
On Canadian models 15 A
10 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
7.5 A 15 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
7.5 A 15 A
30 A
7.5 A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On Canadian models20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
30 A
20 A
20 A
10 A
7.5 A 20 A
15 A
7.5 A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 Lef t Power Window
Driver’s Power Seat
Reclining, Memory Seat
Heated Seat
Driver’s Power Seat Sliding,
Memory Seat
Moonroof Motor
Right Power Window
Radio, Power Outlet
Navigation System, Daytime
Running Lights
OnStar
Interior Light, Seat Memory,
HomeLink
Power Door Locks
Clock, Back Up, Small Light
ABS Motor Check
Not Used
Not Used
:
1:
2:On cars with navigation system
Passenger’s Power Seat Sliding
Passenger’s Power Seat Reclining
1
2
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed318
F Fr roo n
nt
t F
Frroo n
nt
t
INTERIOR FUSE BOXES
DRIVER’S SIDE
PASSENGER’S SIDE

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T echnical Inf ormation
Specif ications
326
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning Capacities
4.2 US qt (4.0
, 3.5 Imp qt)
192.0 in (4,877 mm)
70.6 in (1,793 mm)
53.3 in (1,354 mm)
106.9 in (2,715 mm)
61.1 in (1,553 mm)
61.0 in (1,549 mm)
HFC-134a (R-134a)
21.2 22.9 oz (600 650 g) ND-OIL8 1.48 US gal (5.6
, 1.23 Imp gal)
1.98 US gal (7.5, 1.65 Imp gal)
4.6 US qt (4.4
, 3.9 Imp qt)
5.3 US qt (5.0
, 4.4 Imp qt)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type 3.1 US qt (2.9, 2.6 Imp qt)
7.6 US qt (7.2, 6.3 Imp qt)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. 0.16 US gal (0.6
, 0.13 Imp gal)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 4.8 US qt (4.5
, 4.0 Imp qt)
2.6 US qt (2.5, 2.2 Imp qt)
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Manual
transmission
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
2.3 US qt (2.2
, 1.9 Imp qt)
2.6 US qt (2.5, 2.2 Imp qt)
1:
2: Approx.
Front
Rear Change
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
17.17 US gal (65.0, 14.30 Imp gal)1
2