brake fluid Acura Integra 2000 Sedan 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 beseen 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 96 ).

CONTINUED
Drivin g

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. Seepage 259 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 154
Important Safety Precautions.. 155
Maintenance Schedule.................. 156
Maintenance Record..................... 163
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 165
Fluid Locations............................... 166

Engine Oil......................................
. 167
Adding Oil................................... 167
Recommended Oil..................... 167

Synthetic Oil............................... 169

Additives..................................... 169
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 170
Cooling System.............................. 172 Adding Engine Coolant............. 172Replacing Engine Coolant........ 174
Windshield Washers..................... 177
Transmission Fluid........................ 178 AutomaticTransmission.......................... 178

5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 179
Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 179 Brake System............................. 180Clutch System............................
181
Power Steering..............................
. 181
Air Cleaner Element....................... 182 Hood Latch..................................... 183
Spark Plugs..................................... 183 Replacement............................... 183
Specifications............................. 185
Battery............................................ 186
Wiper Blades.................................. 188
Air Conditioning System............... 190
Drive Belts...................................... 191
Timing Belt..................................... 191
Tires................................................ 192 Inflation....................................... 192
Inspection...................................
194
Maintenance............................... 194
Tire Rotation.............................. 195 Replacing Tires and Wheels.... 195
Wheels and Tires....................... 196 Winter Driving........................... 196

Snow Tires.............................. 197

Tire Chains............................. 197
Lights.............................................. 198
Headlight Aiming.....................
. 200
Replacing Bulbs......................... 202
Storing Your Car............................ 210

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 122.
Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 123 , 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 177. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
178.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 179 . Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page 192. 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 198.

Maintenance

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 isnot, 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 notavailable. 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, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However,the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can 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.

Maintenanc e
MA
X MIN

Brak
e an d Clutc h Fluid , Powe r Steerin g
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. Powe
r Steerin g
Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL. Always use Genuine Honda Power
Steering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement.However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in cold weather. Have the powersteering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as

possible.

Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

Maintenance

NOTIC
E

MI
N MA
X UPPE
R LEVE L
LOWE R LEVE L

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 179). 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 241.)
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

BRAK
E SYSTE M INDICATO R

BRAK E

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

CONTINUED

Index

Belts, Seat........................................... 8
Beverage Holder.............................. 84
Body Repair.................................... 217
Brakes

Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 142
Break-in, New Linings.............. 118

Fluid............................................ 179

Light, Burned-out...................... 204
Parking.......................................... 82
System Indicator................. 54, 234
Wear Indicators......................... 141
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 142
System Indicator................. 55, 144
Braking System.............................. 141
Break-in, New Car......................... 118 Brightness Control, Instruments... 62
Brights, Headlights......................... 61
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 207
Brake Lights............................... 204
Ceiling Light............................... 208
Front Parking Lights................. 203
Front Side Marker Lights......... 203
Headlights.................................. 202
High-mount Brake Light.......... 204
License Plate Lights.................. 207

Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 204

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

Spotlights.................................... 208

Trunk Light................................ 209

Turn Signal Lights..................... 203

Bulbs, Halogen............................... 202

Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 227

Capacities Chart............................. 246
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Carrying Cargo.............................. 127
Cassette Player Care............................................. 114

Operation.................................... 111

CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii

CD Changer.................................... 107
CD Player........................................ 105
Certification Label......................... 244
Chains............................................. 197 Change Oil
How to......................................... 170

When to....................................... 158

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 221 Changing Engine Coolant............. 172
Charging System Indicator... 54, 232
Checking
Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 178

Battery Condition...................... 186
Brake Fluid................................. 179 Clutch Fluid................................ 181
Drive Belts.................................. 191
Engine Coolant........................... 123

Engine Oil................................... 122
Fuses........................................... 237
Manual Transmission Fluid..... 179Power Steering Fluid................. 181
Checklist, Before Driving............. 132
Childproof Door Locks................... 73
Cleaner, Air.................................... 182

Cleaning
Exterior....................................... 212

Interior........................................ 214
Seat Belts.................................... 214

Vinyl............................................ 214
Windows..................................... 215

Clock, Setting the............................ 83

Clutch Fluid.................................... 181
CO in the Exhaust......................... 252

Inde
x

Cold Weather, Starting in............. 133 Compact Spare............................... 220
Console Compartment.................... 85
Consumer Information *................ 256
Controls, Instruments and.............. 51

Coolant
Adding......................................... 172

Checking..................................... 123
Proper Solution.......................... 172
Replacing.................................... 174
Temperature Gauge.................... 58
Corrosion Protection..................... 216
Crankcase Emissions Control
System......................................... 252

Cruise Control Operation............... 66 Customer Relations Office........... 256
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard........................................ 52 Dead Battery, What to Do............ 227
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 258
Defog and Defrost........................... 96
Defogger, Rear Window................. 64
Defrosting the Windows................. 96 DEXRON
®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 178
Dimensions..................................... 246
Dimming the Headlights................ 61
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 178

Engine Oil................................... 122

Directional Signals........................... 62
Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 241

Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 141
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 171 Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 72
Open Indicator............................. 55
Power Door Locks....................... 72
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 248
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 134
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5 Drive Belts...................................... 191
Driving............................................ 131 Economy.....................................
124

In Ba
d Weather..........................

145

In Foreig

n Countries................. 251
Economy, Fuel............................... 124

Emergencies on the Road............. 219
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 227
Brake System Indicator............ 234
Changing a Flat Tire................. 221
Charging System Indicator ...... 232
Checking the Fuses................... 237
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 231
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 233
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 235 Overheated Engine................... 229
Emergency Brake............................ 82 Emergency Flashers....................... 64
Emissions Controls........................ 252
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 58
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp................................ 55, 233

Oil Pressure Indicator........ 54, 231
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 167
Overheating................................ 229
Specifications............................. 246
Speed Limit........................ 135, 138
CONTINUED