automatic transmission Acura CL 2001 User Guide

Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to 2nd
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up
202

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 to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 204
.
Important Safety Precautions . 205
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 206
...
Required Maintenance Record . 213
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 215
..............................
Fluid Locations . 216
......................................
Engine Oil . 217
..................................
Adding Oil . 217
....................
Recommended Oil . 217
..............................
Synthetic Oil . 218
....................................
Additives . 218
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 219
.............................
Cooling System . 221
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 221
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 223
....................
Windshield Washers . 227
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 228
....................................
Brake Fluid . 229
............................
Brake System . 229
..............................
Power Steering . 230
....................................
Hood Latch . 231
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 231
....................................
Spark Plugs . 233
..............................
Replacement . 233
............................
Specif ications . 235
...........................................
Battery . 236.................................
Wiper Blades . 239
..............
Air Conditioning System . 241
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 242
.....................................
Drive Belts . 242
....................................
Timing Belt . 243
...............................................
Tires . 243
......................................
Inf lation . 243
..................................
Inspection . 245
..............................
Maintenance . 246
.............................
Tire Rotation . 246
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 247
......................
Wheels and Tires . 248
..........................
Winter Driving . 248
.............................
Snow Tires . 249
............................
Tire Chains . 249
.............................................
Lights . 250
........................
Replacing Bulbs . 252
...........................
Storing Your Car . 261
315
Maintenance
Maint enance203

µµµ µ
µ
µ
µ
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .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 . Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . 163
165
227
228 229 243
250
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance215

Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Park the car on level ground. Shut
of f the engine. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug and add
f luid to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda Premium
Formula Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF). If it is not available,
you may use a DEXRON
III
automatic transmission fluid as a
temporary replacement. However,
continued use can af f ect shif t
quality. Have the transmission
drained and ref illed with Honda
ATF as soon as it is convenient.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your Acura dealer.
1.
2.
3.
4.5.
6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance228
U UP
PP
PE
ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
L
LO OW WE ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
D
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T echnical Inf ormation
Specif ications
301
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning Capacities
4.2 US qt (4.0
, 3.5 Imp qt)
192.0 in (4,877 mm)
70.4 in (1,789 mm)
55.5 in (1,409 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)
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
2.6 US qt (2.5
, 2.2 Imp qt)
4.8 US qt (4.5, 4.0 Imp qt)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
0.16 US gal (0.6
, 0.13 Imp gal)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
1:
2: Approx.
Front
Rear Change
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
17.17 US gal (65.0, 14.30 Imp gal)1
2

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 167
................................
Accessories . 167
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 168
............................
Modif ications . 168
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) . 80
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 117
Adding
Automatic Transmission .......................................
Fluid . 228
................................
Brake Fluid . 229
..........................
Engine Coolant . 221
..................................
Engine Oil . 217
................
Power Steering Fluid . 230
........
Windshield Washer Fluid . 227
Additional Inf ormation About ...........................
Your Airbags . 48
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 48
.............................
Airbag Service . 48
Additional Inf ormation About ................
Your Front Airbags . 43
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 45
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work . 43........................
SRS Components . 43
Additional Inf ormation About .......................
Your Seat Belts . 40
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners . 41
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 40
...............
Seat Belt Maintenance . 42
..
Seat Belt System Components . 40
Additional Inf ormation About ...................
Your Side Airbags . 46
How The Side Airbag Indicator ............................
Light Works . 47
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 46
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 218
Adjustments
..........................
Head Restraints . 98
.......................................
Mirrors . 101
.............................................
Seats . 94
...........................
Steering Wheel . 71
.........................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 43, 46
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 231
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 242
..............
Air Conditioning System . 122
..............................
Maintenance . 241
.................................
Usage . 124, 129
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) . 122.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 244
...........................
Alarm, Anti-theft . 157
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline . 304
.......
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . 265
......................................
Antif reeze . 221
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light . 55, 187
...................................
Operation . 186
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 157
Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock . 80
..........................
Anti-thef t System . 158
..........................
Appearance Care . 263
............................................
Armrest . 99
...............
Audio Controls, Remote . 156
................................
Audio System . 135
Automatic Climate Control ........................................
System . 122
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 66
Automatic Seat Belt
...................................
Tensioners . 41
...............
Automatic Speed Control . 73
Index
A
I

..............
Automatic Transmission . 176
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 300
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 228
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 179
.......................................
Shif ting . 176
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 176
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 177
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 183
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 55, 285
............................
Jump Starting . 280
..............................
Maintenance . 236
............................
Specif ications . 301
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 159
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,40
...........................
Beverage Holder . 112
...................................
Body Repair . 270
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 186
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 160
...........................................
Fluid . 229
.....................
Light, Burned-out . 256.......................................
Parking . 110
.................
System Indicator . 55, 287
........................
Wear Indicators . 185
Brakes, ABS ...................................
Operation . 186
.................
System Indicator . 55, 187
.............................
Braking System . 185
........................
Break-in, New Car . 160
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 67
........................
Brights, Headlights . 65
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights . 256
..............................
Brake Lights . 256
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 255
.................................
Headlights . 252
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 257
...........................
Interior Lights . 258
...................
License Plate Light . 258
...............................
Road Lamps . 254
............................
Specif ications . 301
...............................
Trunk Light . 260
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 255
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 252 .........
Cables, Jump Starting With . 280
..................................
Cancel Button . 75
............................
Capacities Chart . 300
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 49
............................
Carrying, Cargo . 169
Cassette Player ............................................
Care . 146
...................................
Operation . 142
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
...................................
CD Changer . 147
..................................
Ceiling Light . 118
........................
Certif ication Label . 298
............................................
Chains . 249
Change Oil ........................................
How to . 219
......................................
When to . 208
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 273
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 223
...
Charging System Indicator . 55, 285
Checking
Automatic Transmission .......................................
Fluid . 228
.....................
Battery Condition . 236
................................
Brake Fluid . 229
Index
C
B
II

Î
CONT INUED
.................................
Drive Belts . 242
..........................
Engine Coolant . 165
..................................
Engine Oil . 163
..........................................
Fuses . 290
................
Power Steering Fluid . 230
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 174
...................................
Cleaner, Air . 231
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels . 265
...................................
Carpeting . 266
......................................
Exterior . 264
.........................................
Fabric . 267
.......................................
Interior . 266
.......................................
Leather . 267
...................................
Seat Belts . 267
...........................................
Vinyl . 267
....................................
Windows . 268
................................
Wood Trim . 268
...............
Climate Control System . 122
.........................
Clock, Setting the . 110
......................................
Coat Hook . 115
.....................
Code, Audio System . 157
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 306
........................................
Coin Box . 113
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 175
..............................
Compact Spare . 272.................
Console Compartment . 113
.............................
Console Pocket . 114
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 310
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 51
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 221
....................................
Checking . 165
.........................
Proper Solution . 221
...................................
Replacing . 223
...................
Temperature Gauge . 62
....................
Corrosion Protection . 269
............................
Courtesy Lights . 119
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System . 306
..............
Cruise Control Operation . 73
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 310
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 2, 52
................
Daytime Running Lights . 67
...........
Dead Battery, What to Do . 280
............
Defects, Reporting Safety . 313
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 70
......
Def rosting the Windows . 128, 133 DEXRONIII Automatic
...................
Transmission Fluid . 228
....................................
Dimensions . 300
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 65
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 228
..................................
Engine Oil . 163
..........................
Directional Signals . 67
.....
Disabled, Towing Your Car If . 295
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 185
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 220
Doors ....................
Lockout Prevention . 82
..............................
Monitor Light . 58
......................
Power Door Locks . 81
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 302
.....................................
Drive Belts . 242
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 173
....................................
Economy . 166
.........................
In Bad Weather . 194
................
In Foreign Countries . 305
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System . 103
Index
D
III

..............................
Economy, Fuel . 166
............
Emergencies on the Road . 271
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 280
...........
Brake System Indicator . 287
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 273
.....
Charging System Indicator . 285
..................
Checking the Fuses . 290
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 284
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 286
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 288
..................
Overheated Engine . 282
.........................
Emergency Brake . 110
......................
Emergency Flashers . 70
......................
Emergency Towing . 295
.......................
Emissions Controls . 306
Engine ............................................
Belts . 242
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 62
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 55, 286
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 55, 284
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 217
...............................
Overheating . 282
............................
Specif ications . 301............................
Speed Limiter . 182
...................
Engine Speed Limiter . 182
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 304
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 306
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 49
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System . 307
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by . 18
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 264
..........................
Fan, Interior . 126, 131
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience . 121
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 161
Filters
................................
Air Cleaner . 231
.......................
Air Conditioning . 242
...............................................
Oil . 219
.......................
First Gear, Shif ting . 182
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 70
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 273
.....................................
Floor Mats . 266Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 228
..........................................
Brake . 229
..........................
Power Steering . 230
..................
Windshield Washer . 227
FM Stereo Radio ...........................
Reception . 136, 140
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 305
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 70
..............................
Front Airbags . 9, 43
Front End, Towing by ................
Emergency Wrecker . 295
.................................................
Fuel . 160
......................
Fill Door and Cap . 161
...........................................
Gauge . 62
................
Octane Requirement . 160
...............................
Oxygenated . 304
........................
Reserve Indicator . 59
........................
Tank, Filling the . 161
..............
Fuel Mileage, Improving . 166
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 289
Index
F
E
IV

ÎÎ........................................
Saf ety Belts . 8
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 313
.................................
Saf ety Features . 7
...........................................
Airbags . 9
..................................
Door Locks . 10
..........................
Head Restraints . 10
.......................................
Seat Belts . 8
.....................
Seats & Seat-Backs . 10
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 50
...............................
Saf ety Messages . ii
Seat Belt, Additional ..............................
Inf ormation . 40
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners . 41
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 40
...............
Seat Belt Maintenance . 42
..
Seat Belt System Components . 40
.....................................
Seat Belts . 8, 40
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18
.............
Child Seat Anchor Plate . 39
.....................................
Cleaning . 267
................................
Maintenance . 42
Reminder Light and ................................
Beeper . 40, 54 ................................
Replacement . 42
...................
System Components . 40
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 39
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 18
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 15
..................................
Seat Heaters . 106
..................
Seat Position Memory . 103
........................
Seats, Adjusting the . 94
................
Security Alarm System . 158
...............................
Serial Number . 298
...........................
Service Intervals . 208
...........................
Service Manual . 315
.........
Service Station Procedures . 161
..........................
Setting the Clock . 110
Shif ting the Automatic .............................
Transmission . 176
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 176
........................
Shif t Lock Release . 183
....................................
Side Airbags . 46
How The Side Airbag Indicator ............................
Light Works . 47
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 46
Side Marker Lights, Bulb .........................
Replacement in . 255
...............................
Signaling Turns . 67
.....................................
Snow Tires . 249...................
Solvent-type Cleaners . 264
................................
Sound System . 135
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating . 272
............................
Specif ications . 301
................
Spark Plugs, Replacing . 233
....................
Specif ications Charts . 300
..................................
Speed Control . 73
...................................
Speedometer . 60
.......................................
Spotlights . 118
....
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 43, 46
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 48
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................
Tensioners . 41
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 45
.....
How Your Airbags Work . 43, 46
........................
SRS Components . 43
..................................
SRS Service . 48
.............................
SRS Indicator . 45, 56
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 80
.......................
Starting the Engine . 175
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude . 175
................
With a Dead Battery . 280
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 282
Index
S
VIII