power steering Acura CL 2003 Owner's Manual

Your Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) includes:An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page ).
Two f ront airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the f ront
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.’’
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision. Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ). Emergency backup power in case
your car’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition is ON (II). If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, the sensors
will detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inf late the
f ront airbags. Your vehicle is equipped with dual-
stage, dual-threshold airbags to help
reduce the chance of airbag-caused
injuries.
44 49
SRS Components
How Your Front A irbags Work
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety46

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 .56
...............................
Indicator Lights .57
.............................................
Gauges .65
...............................
Speedometer .65
.................................
Tachometer .65
.....................................
Odometer .66
...................................
Trip Meter .66
Outside Temperature ...................................
Indicator .67
...................
Temperature Gauge . 67
..................................
Fuel Gauge .67
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .68 Controls Near the Steering
.......................................
Wheel .69
...................................
Headlights .70
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .71
............
Daytime Running Lights . 72
....
Instrument Panel Brightness . 72
................................
Turn Signals .72
.....................
Windshield Wipers .73
..................
Windshield Washers . 74
..........................
Hazard Warning .75
.............
Rear Window Def ogger . 75
......
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 76
...............................
Keys and Locks .78
..............................................
Keys .78
....................
Immobilizer System . 79
............................
Ignition Switch .80
......................
Power Door Locks .82
...................
Remote Transmitter . 83
...........................................
Trunk .87
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 89
....................................
Glove Box .90
......
Rear Console Compartment . 90
............................
Seat Adjustments .91
.........
Driver’s Seat Adjustments . 91
...........
Driver’s Lumbar Support . 93Front Passenger’s Seat
............................
Adjustments .93
........................
Rear Seat Access .94
..........................
Head Restraints .95
............................................
Armrest .96
.............................................
Mirrors .98
....
Adjusting the Power Mirrors . 98
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .100
..................................
Seat Heaters .103
............................
Power Windows .104
.......................................
Moonroof .107
...............................
Parking Brake .108
..................................
Digital Clock .109
........................
Sunglasses Holder .110
...........................
Beverage Holder .111
.................
Console Compartment . 113
........................................
Coin Box .113
.............................
Console Pocket .114
..................................
Storage Tray .115
......................................
Coat Hook .115
........................................
Sun Visor .116
................................
Vanity Mirror .116
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 117
...............................
Interior Lights .118
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols55

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

Your Acura is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brakewearindicators.Theymakea
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving206

If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer. This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .226
.
Important Safety Precautions . 227
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 228
...
Required Maintenance Record . 235
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 237
..............................
Fluid Locations .238
......................................
Engine Oil .239
..................................
Adding Oil .239
....................
Recommended Oil .239
..............................
Synthetic Oil .240
....................................
Additives .240
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 241
.............................
Cooling System .243
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 243
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 245
....................
Windshield Washers .249
.......................
Transmission Fluid .250
Automatic .........................
Transmission .250
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .251
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 252
............................
Brake System .252
...........................
Clutch System .253
..............................
Power Steering .253
....................................
Hood Latch .254 .....................
Air Cleaner Element .254
....................................
Spark Plugs .256
..............................
Replacement .256
............................
Specif ications .258
...........................................
Battery .259
.................................
Wiper Blades .262
..............
Air Conditioning System . 264
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 265
.....................................
Drive Belts .265
....................................
Timing Belt .266
...............................................
Tires .266
......................................
Inf lation .266
..................................
Inspection .268
..............................
Maintenance .269
.............................
Tire Rotation .269
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 270
......................
Wheels and Tires .271
..........................
Winter Driving .271
.............................
Snow Tires .272
............................
Tire Chains .272
.............................................
Lights .273
.....................
Headlight Aiming .275
........................
Replacing Bulbs .275
...........................
Storing Your Car .283
341
Maintenance
Maint enance225

Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering f luid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The f luid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
f luid to the UPPER LEVEL.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible. Power Steering
Clutch System
Maint enance
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
253
U UP PP
PE
ER
R L
LEE V
V E
EL
L
L
LO OW WE ER
R L
LE
E V
V E
EL
L
M
M
A
AX
X
M
M I
INN
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

µµ
This f ilter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air f rom industry and diesel-pow-
ered vehicles. Replace it more of ten
if air f low f rom the climate control
system becomes less than usual.
Have dust and pollen f ilter replaced
by your Acura dealer. The dust and pollen f ilter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
f rom the outside through the climate
control system.
Check the condition of the two drive
belts (power steering belt and
alternator belt). Examine the edges
of each belt f or cracks or f raying.
Check the tension of the power
steering belt by pushing on it with
your thumb midway between the
pulleys.Thebeltshouldhavethefollowing
‘‘play’’ or def lection.
Power steering belt:
If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.
Drive Belts
Dust and Pollen Filter
Dust and Pollen Filter, Drive Belts
Maint enance265
A A L
LT
T E
ER
RN NA AT
TO
OR R B
BEEL
LT
T
P
P
O
OW WE ER
R S
STTE
EE
ER
RI INNG G B
BEEL
LT
T
0.51 0.65 in (13.0 16.5 mm)

If you decide to tow your car with all
f our wheels on the ground, make
sure you use a properly-designed and
attached tow bar. Prepare the car for
towing as described above, and leave
the ignition switch in Accessory (I)
so the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
socket are turned of f so they do not
rundownthebattery.
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed321
Trying to lif t or tow your car by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the car’s weight.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing.

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 185
................................
Accessories .185
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 186
............................
Modif ications .186
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .81
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 117
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 240
.........................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 46, 48
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .254
..............
Air Conditioning System . 122
..............................
Maintenance .264
.................................
Usage .124, 129
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .266
...........................
Alarm, Anti-theft .158
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .330
.......
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . 287
......................................
Antif reeze .243
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .61, 208
...................................
Operation .207
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 157
Anti-thef t Steering Column ..............................................
Lock .81 ..........................
Anti-thef t System .158
..........................
Appearance Care .285
............................................
Armrest .96
...............
Audio Controls, Remote . 156
................................
Audio System .135
Automatic Climate Control ........................................
System .122
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 71
Automatic Seat Belt ...................................
Tensioners .44
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 159
..............
Automatic Transmission . 197
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .326
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 250
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 200
.......................................
Shif ting .198
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 197
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 198
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 204
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .60, 309
............................
Jump Starting .303 ..............................
Maintenance .259
............................
Specif ications .327
..............................
Bef ore Driving .177
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,43
...........................
Beverage Holder .111
...................................
Body Repair .292
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 207
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 178
....................
Bulb Replacement .278
...........................................
Fluid .252
.......................................
Parking .108
.................
System Indicator . 60,312
........................
Wear Indicators .206
.............................
Braking System .206
........................
Break-in, New Car .178
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 72
........................
Brights, Headlights .70
Index
A
B
I

.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 275
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 75
Headlights ........................................
Aiming .275
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .71
............
Daytime Running Lights . 72
..................
High Beam Indicator . 63
.........................
Reminder Chime .70
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 275
...................................
Turning on .70
..............................
Head Restraints .95
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 193
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 70
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 279
HomeLink Universal ................................
Transceiver .163
....................................
Hood Latch .254
.......................
Hood, Opening the .180
..................................................
Horn .69
.................................
Hydroplaning .216
Filters
................................
AIr Cleaner .254
.........................
Dust and pollen .265
...............................................
Oil .241
..............
Flashers,Hazard Warning . 75
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 295
.....................................
Floor Mats .288
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 250
..........................................
Brake .252
.........................................
Clutch .253
..............
Manual Transmission . 251
..........................
Power Steering .253
................
Windshield Washers . 249
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .140
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 331
..........................
Four-way Flashers .75
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,46
.................................................
Fuel .178
......................
Fill Door and Cap .179
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement . 178
...............................
Oxygenated .330
........................
Reserve Indicator .64
........................
Tank, Filling the .179 .....................
Fuses, Checking the .315
..........................................
Gasohol .330
.........................................
Gasoline .178
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 64
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement . 178
........................
Tank, Filling the .179
................
Gas Station Procedures . 179
.............................................
Gauges .65
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 67
...............................................
Fuel .67
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .68
...............................
Speedometer .65
.................................
Tachometer .65
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .218
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 198
..............................
Glass Cleaning .290
........................................
Glove Box .90
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .218
Index
G H
IV