steering wheel Acura CL 2001 Owner's Guide

µExercise extra caution when driving
in rain af ter a long dry spell. Af ter
months of dry weather, the f irst
rains bring oil to the surf ace of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Rain, f og, and snow conditions
require a dif f erent driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these
conditions. 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 f or the f irst f ew miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can f orget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills. Driving T echnique
Driving
Driving in Bad Weather
194

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

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.
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.
You should check the f luid level in
the power steering reservoir
monthly. 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.
Power Steering
Maint enance230
U UP
PP
PE
ER
R L
LEE V
V E
EL
L
L
LO OW WE ER
R L
LEE V
V E
EL
L
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

When shopping f or replacement
tires, you may find that some tires
are ‘‘directional.’’ This means they
are designed to rotate only in one
direction. If you use directional tires,
they should be rotated only front-to-
back.The tires that came with your car
were selected to match the perform-
ance capabilities of the car while
providing the best combination of
handling, ride comf ort, and long lif e.
Youshouldreplacethemwithradial
tires of the same size, load range,
speed rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce
its braking ability, traction, and
steering accuracy.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, then replace the two
f ront tires or the two rear tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously af f ect your car’s handling.
CONT INUED
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tires
Maint enance247
Installing improper tires on your
car can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner’s manual.

If you are changing the bulb on
the driver’s side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger’s side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender.
Pull the inner f ender cover away
f rom the f ender and bumper.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.To remove the f ront turn signal/
parking light bulb, push it in
slightly and turn it
counterclockwise. To remove the
side marker bulb, pull it straight
out of its socket.
Install the new bulb into the
socket.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Put the inner f ender in place.
Install the two holding clips. Lock
each clip in place by pushing on
the center.
1.
2.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
Maint enance
Replacing Front Turn Signal/
Parking and Side Marker Light
Bulbs
255
H H
O
OL LDD I
INNG G
C
CL LIIPP S
S

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 ed296
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 . 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

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

CONT INUED
Steering Wheel..................................
Adjustment . 71
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 80
...................
Stereo Sound System . 135
...........................
Storing Your Car . 261
..................................
Storage Tray . 115
........................................
Sun Visor . 116
........................
Sunglasses Holder . 111
Supplemental Restraint ............................
System . 9, 43, 46
....................
Service Precautions . 48
......................................
Servicing . 48
.........................
SRS Indicator . 45, 56
...................
System Components . 43
...............
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 41
..................................
Synthetic Oil . 218
.....................................
Tachometer . 60
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 256
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 271
....................................
Tape Player . 142
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 302
..
Driving in Foreign Countries . 305 .....
Emissions Control Systems . 306
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels . 304
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter . 308
.......................
Temperature Gauge . 62
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 41
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 39
...............
Thef t Deterrent System . 158
............................
Thef t Protection . 157
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 308
..........................
Time, Setting the . 110
....................................
Timing Belt . 243
....................................
Tire Chains . 249
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 273
...............................................
Tires . 243
..............................
Air Pressure . 244
...................................
Balancing . 246
.........................
Checking Wear . 245
..........................
Compact Spare . 272
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 302
......................................
Inf lation . 243
..................................
Inspection . 245
..............................
Maintenance . 246
...................................
Replacing . 247
......................................
Rotating . 246
...........................................
Snow . 249............................
Specif ications . 301
.......................
Traction Devices . 249
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 273
...............................
Torn Seat Belts . 42
Towing .....................................
A Trailer . 196
..........
By Emergency Wrecker . 295
Traction Control System (TCS) ...............................
Indicator . 57, 190
...................................
Operation . 188
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic . 228
...........................
Fluid Selection . 228
..............
Identif ication Number . 299
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 176
.....................................
Treadwear . 302
.......................................
Trip Meter . 61
................................................
Trunk . 86
.................................
Opening the . 86
...................
Open Monitor Light . 58
....................................
Turn Signals . 67
Index
T
IX