brake fluid Acura Integra 2000 Hatchback Owner's Manual

Drivin
g in Ba d Weathe r

Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greatercaution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi-

tions.
Drivin
g Techniqu e — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery. Visibilit
y — Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defrosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see
page 100).
CONTINUED
Drivin g

Maintenanc
e

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 265 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 158
Important Safety Precautions.. 159
Maintenance Schedule.................. 160
Maintenance Record..................... 167
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 169
Fluid Locations............................... 170

Engine Oil....................................... 171 Adding Oil................................... 171
Recommended Oil..................... 171

Synthetic Oil............................... 173

Additives..................................... 173
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 173
Cooling System.............................. 176
Adding Engine Coolant............. 176Replacing Engine Coolant........ 178
Windshield Washers..................... 181
Transmission Fluid........................ 182 AutomaticTransmission.......................... 182
5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 183
Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 183 Brake System............................. 184
Clutch System............................ 184
Power Steering............................... 185
Air Cleaner Element...................... 186
Hood Latch..................................... 187

Spark Plugs..................................... 187 Replacement............................... 187
Specifications............................. 189
Battery............................................ 189
Wiper Blades.................................. 192
Air Conditioning System............... 194
Drive Belts...................................... 195
Timing Belt..................................... 195
Tires................................................ 196 Inflation....................................... 196
Inspection................................... 197
Maintenance............................... 198
Tire Rotation.............................. 199
Tire Wear.................................... 199
Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 200
Wheels and Tires....................... 201
Winter Driving........................... 201

Snow Tires.............................. 202

Tire Chains............................. 202
Lights.............................................. 203 Headlight Aiming...................... 205
Replacing Bulbs......................... 207
Storing Your Car............................ 214
Maintenance

Owne
r Maintenanc e Check s
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 127.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 128.
Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 181. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
182.

Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 183. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
196.

Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 203.

Maintenance

Fluid
Locations

BRAKE FLUI D
(Gra y cap )

AUTOMATI C
TRANSMISSIO N

FLUI D DIPSTIC K

(Yello w loop )

COOLAN T
RESERVOI R
RADIATO R CA P
(5-spee
d Manua l

Transmissio n only )

CLUTC H FLUI D
(Gra y cap )
ENGIN E OI L

FILL-CA P

(Blackcap )

WASHE R FLUI D
(Blu e cap )
POWE R STEERIN G
FLUI D (Re d cap )
ENGIN E OI L DIPSTIC K

(Orang e loop )

Maintenanc e

Transmissio
n Fluid , Brak e an d Clutc h Flui d
5-spee d Manua l Transmissio n
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ
grade may be used if SG is not available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule. Brak
e an d Clutc h Flui d
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are: Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
Clutch fluid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.

CONTINUED

Maintenanc e

FILLE
R BOL T

Correc
t leve l

Brak
e an d Clutc h Flui d
Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3 brake fluid. If it is not available, youshould use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluidcan cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking
system and can cause extensive

damage.
Brak
e Syste m
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads. Clutc
h Syste m
The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Maintenanc e
MA
X
MI
N MIN

MAX

Brak
e Syste m Indicato r
The Brake System indicator light should normally come on only when
the parking brake is not fully

released.

If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car's
brake system. In most cases, the problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feelsnormal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 184). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your dealer and have the brake system
inspected for leaks or worn brake

pads.

However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the car
begins to slow down, and you will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be much longer. Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. You should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 245.)
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

*U.S
. indicato r show n

BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATOR *

Inde
x

Accessories and Modifications.... 130 Accessories................................. 130
Additional Safety Precaution.... 131Modifications............................. 131
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 74
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 182
Brake Fluid................................. 184
Clutch Fluid................................ 184

Engine Coolant........................... 176
Engine Oil................................... 171

Manual Transmission Fluid..... 183
Power Steering Fluid................. 185
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 181
Additional Information About
Your Seat Belts........................ 42
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 43
Seat Belt System Components... 42
Additional Information About
Your SRS................................... 45
Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
How Your Airbags Work............ 45

How the SRS Indicator Light

Works........................................ 47

SRS Components......................... 45

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 173

Adjustments
Headlights.................................. 205

Head Restraints........................... 82

Mirrors.......................................... 86

Seats.............................................. 79

Steering Wheel............................ 66

Airbag (SRS)...............................
9, 45
Air Cleaner Element...................... 186
Air Conditioning System................. 94
Maintenance............................... 194
Usage............................................. 94
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 96
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 196
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 254
Antifreeze....................................... 176
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator Light..................... 55, 148Operation.................................... 146
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock............................................... 74

Appearance Care........................... 215 Ashtrays............................................ 91
Audio System................................. 102
Automatic Speed Control................ 67
Automatic Transmission............... 140

Capacity, Fluid........................... 251

Checking Fluid Level................ 182
Shifting........................................ 140
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 140
Shift Lever Positions................. 140
Shift Lock Release..................... 143
Battery Charging SystemIndicator............................ 54, 236
Jump Starting............................. 231 Maintenance............................... 189
Specifications............................. 251
Before Driving............................... 121
Belts, Seat..................................... 8, 42
Beverage Holder.............................. 89
Body Repair.................................... 221
CONTINUED

Inde
x

Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 146Break-in, New Linings.............. 123

Fluid............................................ 183
Light, Burned-out...................... 210

Parking.......................................... 87

System Indicator.................. 54, 238
Wear Indicators......................... 145
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 146
System Indicator.................. 55, 148
Braking System.............................. 145
Break-in, New Car......................... 123
Brightness Control, Instruments... 63 Brights, Headlights......................... 62
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 210
Brake Lights............................... 210
Cargo Area Light....................... 212
Ceiling Lights............................. 212
Front Parking Lights................. 208
Front Side Marker Lights......... 208
Headlights.................................. 207
High-mount Brake Light.......... 209
License Plate Light.................... 212
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 210 Specifications............................. 251
Spotlights.................................... 212
Turn Signal Lights..................... 208
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 207
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 231
Capacities Chart.................... 250, 251
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Cargo Area Cover............................ 83
Carrying Cargo.............................. 132
Cassette Player Care............................................. 118
Operation.................................... 115
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer.................................... 111

CD Player........................................ 109
Certification Label......................... 248
Chains............................................. 202
Change Oil
How to......................................... 173

When to....................................... 162

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 225
Changing Engine Coolant............. 178
Charging System Indicator.... 54, 236 Checking
Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 182
Battery Condition...................... 189
Brake Fluid................................. 184
Clutch Fluid................................ 184

Drive Belts.................................. 195
Engine Coolant........................... 128

Engine Oil................................... 127

Fuses........................................... 241
Manual Transmission Fluid..... 183
Power Steering Fluid................. 185
Checklist, Before Driving............. 136
Child Safety...................................... 21 Cleaner Element, Air..................... 186

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 217

Antenna...................................... 216
Carpeting.................................... 218

Exterior....................................... 216

Fabric.......................................... 218

Interior........................................ 218
Leather........................................ 218

Seat Belts.................................... 218

Vinyl............................................ 218
Windows..................................... 219

Inde
x

Clock, Setting the............................ 88

Clutch Fluid.................................... 183

Code, Audio System...................... 119
CO in the Exhaust......................... 256

Cold Weather, Starting in............. 137

Compact Spare............................... 224

Console Compartment.................... 90
Consumer Information*................ 260
Controls, Instruments and............. 51
Coolant
Adding......................................... 176

Checking..................................... 128

Proper Solution.......................... 176

Replacing.................................... 178

Temperature Gauge.................... 59

Corrosion Protection..................... 220

Crankcase Emissions Control
System......................................... 256

Cruise Control Operation............... 67
Customer Relations Office........... 260
DANGER, Explanation of................
ii
Dashboard.................................... 2, 52
Daytime Running Lights................. 62 Dead Battery, What to Do............ 231
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 263
Defog and Defrost......................... 100
Defogger, Rear Window................. 65
DEXRON ®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 182
Dimensions..................................... 250
Dimming the Headlights................ 62
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 182
Engine Oil................................... 127
Directional Signals........................... 63
Disabled, Towing Your Car
If......
245
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 145 Disposal of Used Oil...................... 175
Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 75
Power Door Locks....................... 75
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 252
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 138
Drive Belts...................................... 195
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5
Driving............................................ 135 Economy..................................... 129
In Bad Weather.......................... 149 In Foreign Countries................. 255

Economy, Fuel............................... 129

Emergencies on the Road............. 223 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 231
Brake System Indicator............ 238
Changing a Flat Tire................. 225
Charging System Indicator...... 236
Checking the Fuses................... 241
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 235
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 237
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 239 Overheated Engine................... 233
Emergency Brake............................ 87
Emergency Flashers....................... 65
Emergency Towing....................... 241
Emissions Controls........................ 256

CONTINUED