ignition Acura Integra 2000 Sedan Owner's Guide

I
f You r Engin e Won' t Start , Jum p Startin g

Th e Starte r Operate s Normall y
In this case, the starter motor's speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run. Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to Startin g th e
Engin e on page 133 . Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light may not be working, so you were
not reminded to fill the tank. There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page 237).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 241. Jum
p Startin g
If your car's battery has run down,
you may be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although this seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
You cannot start an Acura with an automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it. To jump start your car, follow these
directions closely:
1. Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery
(see page 187). In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushyor like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the

electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting to jump start with a frozen

battery can cause it to rupture.

2. Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.

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Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.

Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
NOTIC
E

Lo
w Oi l Pressur e Indicato r
This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it
indicates that the oil pressuredropped very low for 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.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn offthe engine as soon as you can safely get
the car stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level(see page 122 ). 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.

3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 167).

4. Start the engine and watch the oil pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can
continue driving. (See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 241.)

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

NOTIC
E
LO W OI L PRESSUR E INDICATO R

Chargin
g Syste m Indicato r
This indicator should come on when the ignition switch is ON (II), and goout after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the charging system has stopped
charging the battery. Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear
defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not
to use other electrically-operated controls such as the power windows.
Keep the engine running and take
extra care not to stall it. Starting the
engine will discharge the battery
rapidly. By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to
a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

CHARGIN
G SYSTE M INDICATO R

Malfunctio
n Indicato r Lam p

This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the

engine's emissions control systems

may have a problem. Even though

you may feel no difference in your
car's performance, it can reduce

your fuel economy and cause your
car to put out excessive emissions.

Continued operation may cause

serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes three driving

trips.

If the indicator remains on past three driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car
checked by the dealer as soon as possible. Drive moderately until thedealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer inspect your car if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving. If you keep driving with the
malfunction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car's emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your car's warranties.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

NOTIC
E

MALFUNCTIO N INDICATO R LAM P

Fuse
s
Cars equipped with ABS have a third
fuse box for the ABS. It is in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger's side. Checkin
g an d Replacin g Fuse s
If something electrical in your car
stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages 239 and 240, or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
not the cause. Replace any blown
fuses and check the component's
operation.

1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse box. 3. Check each of the large fuses in
the under-hood fuse box bylooking through the top at the wire
inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screw-

driver.

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Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

BLOW
N
AB
S FUS E BO X

Emergenc
y Towin g

If you decide to tow your car with all
four 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 off so they do not
run down the battery.

The steering wheel system can be
damaged if the steering wheel is locked.
Leave, the ignition switch in Accessory (I), and make sure the steering wheel
turns freely before you begin towing. Trying to lift or tow your car by the
bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to
support the car's weight.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d NOTIC
E

NOTIC E

Technica
l Informatio n
The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities ofyour Acura, and the locations of theidentification numbers. The explana-
tions of several electronic and mechanical systems on your Acuraare for the more technically-oriented

owner.
Identification Numbers................. 244
Specifications................................. 246
DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S. Cars).............................. 248

Treadwear.................................. 248
Traction....................................... 248
Temperature.............................. 249
Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 250
Driving in Foreign Countries....... 251 Emissions Controls........................ 252
The Clean Air Act...................... 252Crankcase Emissions Control
System..................................... 252

Evaporative Emissions Control
System..................................... 252

Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery................................. 252
Exhaust Emissions Controls.... 253 PGM-FI System..................... 253
Ignition Timing Control
System................................. 253

Three Way Catalytic Converter............................ 253
Replacement Parts..................... 253
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 254

Technical Informatio n

Emission
s Control s

Exhaus t Emission s Control s

The exhaust emissions controls include three systems: PGM-FI,
Ignition Timing Control and Three
Way Catalytic Converter. These three systems work together to
control the engine's combustion and
minimize the amount of HC, CO, and
NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The
exhaust emissions control systemsare separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI System
The PGM-FI System uses sequential multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: Air Intake,
Engine Control, and Fuel Control.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating conditions.
Ignition Timing Control System
This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO and NOx produced.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Throughchemical reactions, it converts HC,CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO 2), dinitrogen
(N 2), and water vapor. Replacemen
t Part s
The emissions control systems are designed and certified to work to-
gether in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only new
Genuine Acura replacement parts or
their equivalent for repairs. Using
lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your car.
The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your car. Read your
warranty manual for more informa- tion.
Technical Informatio n

Inde
x

Accessories and Modifications.... 125 Accessories................................. 125
Additional Safety Precaution.... 126 Modifications............................. 126
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 71
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 178

Brake Fluid................................. 179 Clutch Fluid................................ 181

Engine Coolant........................... 172

Engine Oil................................... 167

Manual Transmission Fluid..... 179
Power Steering Fluid................. 181
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 177
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 42
Lap Belt......................................... 43
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44
Seat Belt System Components... 42
Additional Information About

Your SRS................................... 45

Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 47

How Your Airbags Work............ 45

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

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 169
Adjustments
Headlights.................................. 200

Head Restraints........................... 76

Mirrors.......................................... 81

Seats.............................................. 76
Steering Wheel............................ 65

Airbag (SRS)...................................... 9
Air Cleaner Element...................... 182
Air Conditioning............................... 90 Maintenance............................... 190
Usage............................................. 90
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 92
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 192
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 250
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 213 Antifreeze....................................... 172
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light.................... 55, 144 Operation.................................... 142

Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock............................................... 71

Appearance Care........................... 211
Ashtrays............................................ 86
Audio System................................... 98
Automatic Speed Control................ 66 Automatic Transmission............... 136

Capacity, Fluid........................... 247

Checking Fluid Level................ 178
Shifting........................................ 136
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 136
Shift Lever Positions................. 136
Shift Lock Release..................... 139
Battery Charging System Indicator........................... 54, 232

Jump Starting............................. 227
Maintenance............................... 186

Specifications............................. 247

Before Driving............................... 117

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Inde
x

Turning on.................................... 61

Head Restraints............................... 77

Heating and Cooling........................ 90
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 133
High-Low Beam Switch.................. 61
High-mount Brake Light............... 204

Hood Latch..................................... 183

Hood, Opening the........................ 120
Horn................................................... 60

Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 172

Hydraulic Clutch............................ 181
Hydroplaning.................................. 146
Identification Number, Vehicle.... 244If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 241
Ignition Keys............................................... 69
Switch............................................ 69
Immobilizer System......................... 69 Important Safety Precautions.......... 6
Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel.............................................. 53
Infant Restraint................................ 29
Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 192 Jacking up the Car......................... 222

Jack, Tire........................................ 221

Jump Starting................................. 227

Lights

Bulb Replacement..................... 202

Indicator........................................ 53

Parking.......................................... 61

Turn Signal................................... 62

LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 71

Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column........ 71

Fuel Fill Door............................. 119

Glove Box..................................... 75

Power Door.................................. 72

Trunk............................................ 73

Low Coolant Level......................... 123

Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 55

Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 134

Low Oil Pressure Indicator... 54, 231

Lubricant Specifications Chart.... 246

Luggage.......................................... 127
Maintenance................................... 153 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 165

Record................................. 163-164

CONTINUED

Inside Mirror.................................... 81

Inspection, Tire.............................. 192
Instrument Panel............................. 52

Instrument Panel Brightness......... 62
Interior Cleaning............................ 214

Interior Light.................................... 87
Introduction......................................... i

Keys................................................... 69
Label, Certification........................ 244
Lane Change, Signaling.................. 62
Lap Belt............................................. 43
Lap/Shoulder Belts......................... 42
Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 49
Leather, Cleaning.......................... 214