2004 NSX Online Reference Owner's Manual...

2004 NSX Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.

Contents

Owner's Identification Form

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... i

A Few Words About Safety .......................................................................................................................... ii

Your Vehicle at a Glance ...............................................................................................................................2

Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................5 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.

Instruments and Controls...........................................................................................................................39Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.

Comfort and Convenience Features.........................................................................................................77How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.

Before Driving .............................................................................................................................................103What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.

Driving ...........................................................................................................................................................117The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.

Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................133The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.

Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................169This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.

Technical Information ...............................................................................................................................199ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ......................................................................213A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us.

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................217How to order manuals and other technical literature.

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. I

Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

This Owner’s Manual should beconsidered a permanent part of thevehicle, and should remain with thevehicle when it is sold.

This Owner’s Manual covers allmodels of the Acura NSX. You mayfind descriptions of equipment andfeatures that are not on yourparticular model.

The information and specificationsincluded in this publication were ineffect at the time of approval forprinting. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.reserves the right, however, todiscontinue or change specificationsor design at any time without noticeand without incurring any obligationwhatsoever.

Owner’s Identif ication

OWNER

ADDRESS

V. I. N.

DELIVERY DATE

DEALER NAME DEALER NO.

ADDRESS

OWNER’S SIGNATURE

DEALER’S SIGNATURE

STREET

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/POSTAL CODE

(Date sold to original retail purchaser)

STREET

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/POSTAL CODE

Congratulations on your selection of the 2004 Acura NSX. We are certainyou will be pleased with your purchase of one of the most sophisticated andtechnologically-advanced sports cars in the world.

One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Acura is to readthis manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls andconvenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle soyou can refer to it at any time.

Several warranties protect your new Acura. Read the warranty bookletthoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rightsand responsibilities.

Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manualhelps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment.When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Acura dealer’sstaff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Acura.Your Acura dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased toanswer any questions and concerns.

California Proposition 65 Warning

This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

As you read this manual, you willfind information that is preceded bya symbol. Thisinformation is intended to help youavoid damage to your Acura, otherproperty, or the environment.

Introduction

WARNING:

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Your safety, and the safety of others,is very important. And operating thisvehicle safely is an importantresponsibility.

To help you make informeddecisions about safety, we haveprovided operating procedures andother information on labels and inthis manual. This information alertsyou to potential hazards that couldhurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical orpossible to warn you about all thehazards associated with operating ormaintaining your vehicle. You mustuse your own good judgement.

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms,including:

on the vehicle.

These signal words mean:

such as Important Safety Reminders or ImportantSafety Precautions.

such as Driver and Passenger Safety.how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information please read itcarefully.

preceded by a safety alert symbol and one ofthree signal words: , , or .

A Few Words About Safety

Safety Labels

Safety Headings

Safety SectionInstructions

Safety MessagesDANGER WARNING CAUTION

ii

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLYHURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLYHURT if you don’t follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don’t followinstructions.

Your Car at a Glance

2

HEADLIGHTSWITCH

HOOD RELEASEHANDLE

DOOR LOCKSWITCH

POWER WINDOWSWITCHES

MIRRORCONTROLS

TRUNKRELEASEBUTTON

AUDIO SYSTEM

AUTOMATICCLIMATECONTROL

DIGITAL CLOCK

TURN SIGNAL LEVER

SEATADJUSTMENTSWITCHES

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE

(Automatic transmission only)

FUEL FILLDOOR RELEASE

HAZARD WARNING BUTTON

WINDSHIELD WIPERCONTROLS

(P.51)

(P.108)

(P.58)

(P.63)

(P.71)

(P.59)

(P.105) (P.50)(P.127)

(P.62)

(P.84)

(P.78)

(P.76)

(P.52)(P.51)

Your Car at a Glance

3

INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS

HEADLIGHTS

REAR WINDOWDEFOGGER

TURN SIGNALS

TCS ON/OFF SWITCH

HAZARD WARNING LIGHT

CRUISE CONTROLMASTER SWITCH

WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS

TELESCOPE ADJUSTMENT TILT ADJUSTMENTHORNBUTTONS

(P.52)

(P.51)

(P.52)

(P.51) (P.53) (P.53)

(P.50)

(P.100)

(P.52)

(P.132)

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This section gives you importantinformation about how to protectyourself and your passenger. Itshows you how to use seat beltsproperly. It explains how yourairbags work. And it tells you how toproperly restrain children in yourvehicle.

.........Important Safety Precautions . 6.......Your Vehicle’s Safety Features . 7

.......................................Seat Belts . 8...........................................Airbags . 9

.........Protecting Adults and Teens . 10.....1. Close and Lock the Doors . 10

......................2. Adjust the Seats . 10............3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 11

4. Fasten and Position the Seat.....................................Belts . 12

....5. Adjust the Steering Wheel . 136. Maintain a Proper Sitting

................................Position . 13.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 14...Additional Safety Precautions . 15

Additional Information About Your.................................Seat Belts . 15

..Seat Belt System Components . 15......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 16

Automatic Seat Belt...............................Tensioners . 16

...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 17Additional Information About Your

.....................................Airbags . 18......Airbag System Components . 18

...........How Your Airbags Work . 18

..How the SRS Indicator Works . 20.............................Airbag Service . 21

...Additional Safety Precautions . 21Protecting Children General

................................Guidelines . 22All Children Must Be

...............................Restrained . 22Your Vehicle is Not

Recommended for Child..........................Passengers . 23

The Passenger’s Airbag can Pose...........................Serious Risks . 23

...Additional Safety Precautions . 25.............Protecting Small Children . 26

.....................Selecting a Child Seat . 27....................Installing a Child Seat . 27

Using Child Seats with.....................................Tethers . 30

...........Protecting Larger Children . 31.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 35

...................................Safety Labels . 36

Driver and Passenger Safety

Driver and Passenger Safety 5

You’ll find many safetyrecommendations throughout thissection, and throughout this manual.The recommendations on this pageare the ones we consider to be themost important.

A seat belt is your best protection inall types of collisions. Airbagssupplement seat belts, but airbagsare designed to inflate only in amoderate to severe frontal collision.So even though your vehicle isequipped with airbags, make sureyou and your passenger always wearyour seat belts, and wear themproperly. (See page ).

Since all children are safest in theback seat of a vehicle, and yourvehicle does not have a back seat, werecommend that you do not carry a

child passenger.

If a small child who must berestrained in a forward-facing childseat, or a larger child, must ride inthis vehicle, be sure to follow allinstructions and safety warnings inthis manual (see pages and ).

While airbags can save lives, theycan cause serious or fatal injuries tooccupants who sit too close to them,or are not properly restrained.Infants, young children, and shortadults are at the greatest risk. Besure to follow all instructions andwarnings in this manual.

Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Evenone drink can reduce your ability torespond to changing conditions, andyour reaction time gets worse with

every additional drink. So don’t drinkand drive, and don’t let your friendsdrink and drive, either.

Excessive speed is a major factor incrash injuries and deaths. Generally,the higher the speed, the greater therisk, but serious injuries can alsooccur at lower speeds. Never drivefaster than is safe for currentconditions, regardless of themaximum speed posted.

Having a tire blowout or amechanical failure can be extremelyhazardous. To reduce the possibilityof such problems, check your tirepressures and condition frequently,and perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance (see page ).

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135

Important Safety Precautions


Always Wear Your Seat Belt

Your Vehicle is NotRecommended for Childpassengers

Be Aware of Airbag Hazards

Don’t Drink and Drive

Control Your Speed

Keep Your Vehicle in SafeCondition

Due to thepassenger’s airbag hazard, youshould never carry an infant in arear-facing child seat in this vehicle.

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Your vehicle is equipped with manyfeatures that work together toprotect you and your passengersduring a crash.

The following pages explain how youcan take an active role in protectingyourself and your passenger.

However, you and your passengercan’t take full advantage of thesesafety features unless you remainsitting in a proper position andalways wear your seat belts properly.In fact, some safety features cancontribute to injuries if they are notused properly.

Some safety features do not requireany action on your part. Theseinclude a strong aluminumframework that forms a safety cagearound the passenger compartment;front and rear crush zones, acollapsible steering column, and seatbelt tensioners that tighten the seatbelts in the event of a crash.

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


(1) (3) (9) (4)(6)

(2)(7)

(5)

(2)

(8)

(1) Safety Cage

(2) Crush Zones

(3) Seats and Seat-Backs

(4) Head Restraints

(5) Collapsible Steering Column

(6) Seat Belts

(7) Seat Belt Tensioners

(8) Airbags

(9) Door Locks

For your safety, and the safety ofyour passenger, your vehicle isequipped with seat belts in bothseating positions.

When properly worn, seat belts:

Keep you connected to the vehicleso you can take advantage of thecar’s built-in safety features.

Help protect you in almost everytype of crash, including frontal,side, rear impacts, and rollovers.

Help keep you from being thrownagainst the inside of the vehicleand against other occupants.

Keep you from being thrown outof the vehicle.

Help keep you in a good positionshould the airbags ever deploy. Agood position reduces the risk ofinjury from an inflating airbag, andallows you to get the bestadvantage from the airbag.

Of course, seat belts cannotcompletely protect you in everycrash. But in most cases, seat beltscan reduce your risk of seriousinjury.

Always wearyour seat belt, and make sure youwear it properly.

Your seat belt system also includesan indicator on the instrument panelto remind you and your passenger tofasten your seat belts.

Seat belts have proven to be thesingle most effective safety device.

Not wearing a seat belt properlyincreases the chance of seriousinjury or death in a crash, eventhough your vehicle has airbags.

In addition, most states and allCanadian provinces require you towear seat belts.



Seat Belts

What you should do:

Why Wear Seat Belts

8

Not wearing a seat belt properlyincreases the chance of seriousinjury or death in a crash, evenif you have airbags.

Be sure you and yourpassenger always wear seatbelts and wear them properly.

Your vehicle has a SupplementalRestraint System (SRS) with frontalairbags to help protect the heads andchests of the driver and a passengerduring a moderate to severe frontalcollision (see page for moreinformation on how your airbagswork).

The most important things you needto know about your airbags are:

They are designed to supplementthe seat belts.

To dotheir job, airbags must inflate withtremendous force. So whileairbags help save lives, they cancause minor injuries or moreserious or even fatal injuries ifoccupants are not properlyrestrained or sitting properly.

Always wearyour seat belt properly, and situpright, and as far back from thesteering wheel while allowing fullcontrol of the vehicle. A frontpassenger should move their seat asfar back from the dashboard aspossible.

18


Airbags

Airbags do not replace seat belts.

Airbags offer no protection in rearimpacts, rollovers, or minorcollisions.

Airbags can pose hazards.

What you should do:


The rest of this section gives moredetailed information about how youcan maximize your safety.

Remember however, that no safetysystem can prevent all injures ordeaths that can occur in severecrashes, even where seat belts areproperly worn and the airbags deploy.

The following pages provideinstructions on how to properlyprotect the driver, adult passengersand teenage children who are largeenough and mature enough to ride inyour Acura.

See page for important guidelineson how to properly protect smallchildren and larger children who ridein your vehicle.

After everyone has entered thevehicle, be sure the doors are closedand locked.

Locking the doors also helps preventan outsider from unexpectedlyopening a door when you come to astop.

See page for how to lock thedoors.

Adjust driver’s seat as far to the rearas possible while allowing you tomaintain control of the vehicle. Havea passenger adjust his or her seat asfar to the rear as possible.

If you sit too close to the steeringwheel or dashboard, you can beseriously injured by an inflatingairbag, or by striking the steeringwheel or dashboard.

Locking the doors reduces thechance of someone being thrown outof the vehicle during a crash, and ithelps prevent a passenger fromaccidentally opening a door andfalling out.

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Protecting Adults and Teens


Close and Lock the Doors Adjust the Seats1. 2.

10

The National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration and TransportCanada recommend that driversallow at least 10 inches (25 cm)between the center of the steeringwheel and the chest.

Adjust the driver’s seat-back to acomfortable, upright position,leaving ample space between yourchest and the airbag cover in thecenter of the steering wheel.

A passenger should also adjust theseat-back to an comfortable, uprightposition.

Reclining a seat-back so that theshoulder part of the belt no longerrests against the occupant’s chestreduces the protective capability ofthe belt. It also increases the chanceof sliding under the belt in a crashand being seriously injured. Thefarther a seat-back is reclined, thegreater the risk of injury.

If you cannot get far enough awayfrom the steering wheel and stillreach the controls, we recommendthat you investigate whether sometype of adaptive equipment may help.Once your seat is adjusted correctly,rock it back and forth to make sure itis locked into position. See page

for how to adjust the seats.

See page for how to adjust seat-backs.

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Adjust the Seat-Backs3.

11

Sitting too close to an airbagcan result in serious injury ordeath if the airbags inflate.

Always sit as far back from theairbags as possible whileallowing full control of thevehicle.

Reclining the seat-back too farcan result in serious injury ordeath in a crash.

Adjust the seat-back to anupright position, and sit wellback in the seat.

Insert the latch plate into the buckle,then tug on the belt to make sure thebelt is securely latched. Also checkthat the belt is not twisted, because atwisted belt can cause seriousinjuries in a crash.

Position the lap part of the belt aslow as possible across your hips,then pull up on the shoulder part ofthe belt so the lap part fits snugly.This lets your strong pelvic bonestake the force of a crash and reducesthe chance of internal injuries.

If necessary, pull up on the belt againto remove any slack, then check thatthe belt rests across the center ofyour chest and over your shoulder.This spreads the forces of a crashover the strongest bones in yourupper body.

This could causevery serious injuries in a crash.



Fasten and Position the SeatBelts

4. Never place the shoulder portion of alap/shoulder belt under your arm orbehind your back.

12

Improperly positioning the seatbelts can cause serious injuryor death in a crash.

Make sure all seat belts areproperly positioned beforedriving.

If a seat belt does not seem to workas it should, it may not protect theoccupant in a crash.

Using a seatbelt that is not working properly canresult in serious injury or death.Have your Acura dealer check thebelt as soon as possible.See page for additionalinformation about your seat beltsand how to take care of them.

Adjust the steering wheel, if needed,so that the wheel points toward yourchest, not toward your face. Thisprovides optimal protection from theairbag.

See page for how to adjust thesteering wheel.

After occupants have adjusted theirseats and put on seat belts, it is veryimportant that they continue to situpright, well back in their seats, withtheir feet on the floor, until thevehicle is parked and the engine isoff.

Sitting improperly can increase thechance of injury during a crash. Forexample, if an occupant slouches,lies down, turns sideways, sitsforward, leans forward or sideways,or puts one or both feet up, thechance of injury during a crash isgreatly increased.

In addition, an occupant who is out ofposition can be seriously or fatallyinjured in a crash by striking interiorparts of the vehicle, or being struckby an inflating front airbag.

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CONTINUED



No one should sit in a seat with aninoperative seat belt.

Adjust the Steering Wheel Maintain a Proper SittingPosition

5. 6.

13

If you are pregnant, the best way toprotect yourself and your unbornchild when driving or riding in avehicle is to always wear a seat belt,and keep the lap part of the belt aslow as possible across the hips.

This will reduce the risk of injuriesto both you and your unborn childthat can be caused by a crash or aninflating airbag.

Each time you have a check-up, askyour doctor if it’s okay for you todrive.

When driving, remember to situpright and adjust the seat as farback as possible while allowing fullcontrol of the vehicle. When ridingas a passenger, adjust the seat as farback as possible.



Advice for Pregnant Women

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Sitting improperly or out ofposition can result in seriousinjury or death in a crash.

Always sit upright, well back inthe seat, with your feet on thefloor.

If they do, theycould be very seriously injured in acrash.

Devices intended to improveoccupant comfort or reposition theshoulder part of a seat belt canreduce the protective capability ofthe belt and increase the chance ofserious injury in a crash.

Carrying hard or sharp objects onyour lap, or driving with a pipe orother sharp object in your mouth,can result in injuries if yourairbags inflate.

If yourhands or arms are close to anairbag cover, they could be injuredif the airbag inflates.

Objects on thecovers marked SRS AIRBAGcould interfere with the properoperation of the airbags or bepropelled inside the vehicle andhurt someone if the airbags inflate.

Your seat belt system includes lap/shoulder belts in both seatingpositions. The seat belts are alsoequipped with automatic seat belttensioners.

The seat belt systemincludes an indicator on the

instrument panel to remind you andyour passenger to fasten your belts.

If you turn the ignitions switch toON (II) without fastening your seatbelt, a beeper will sound and theindicator will blink. The beeper willstop after a few seconds, but theindicator stay on until the driver’sseat belt is fastened.

Additional Safety Precautions Seat Belt System ComponentsTwo people should never use thesame seat belt.

Do not put any accessories on seatbelts.

Do not place hard or sharp objectsbetween yourself and an airbag.

Keep your hands and arms awayfrom the airbag covers.

Do not attach or place objects onthe airbag covers.


Protecting Adults and Teens, Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

15

The lap and shoulder belt goes overyour shoulder, across your chest,and across your hips.

To fasten the belt, insert the latchplate into the buckle, then tug on thebelt to make sure the buckle islatched (see page for how toproperly position the belt).

To unlock the belt, push the redPRESS button on the buckle. Guidethe belt across your body so that itretracts completely. After exiting thevehicle be sure the belt is out of theway and will not get closed in thedoor.

For added protection, the seat beltsare equipped with automatic seatbelt tensioners. When activated, thetensioners immediately tighten thebelts to help hold the driver and thepassenger in place.

Both seat belts have an emergencyretractor. In normal driving, theretractor lets you move freely in yourseat while it keeps some tension onthe belt. During a collision or suddenstop, the retractor automaticallylocks the belt to help restrain yourbody.

The passenger’s seat belt has anadditional locking mechanism thatmust be activated to secure a childseat (see page ).

If the shoulder part of the belt ispulled all the way out, the lockingmechanism will activate. The beltwill retract, but it will not allow thepassenger to move freely.

To deactivate the lockingmechanism, unlatch the buckle, andlet the seat belt fully retract. Torefasten the belt, pull it out only asfar as needed.

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Lap/Shoulder Belt Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Driver and Passenger Safety16

The tensioners are designed toactivate primarily in frontal collisions,and they should activate in anycollision severe enough to causeairbag inflation.

However, the tensioners can beactivated during a collision in whichthe airbags do not deploy. In thiscase, the airbags would not beneeded, but the additional restraintcould be helpful.

When the tensioners are activated,the seat belts will remain tight untilthey are unbuckled in the normalmanner.

For safety, you should check thecondition of your seat belts regularly.

Pull each belt out fully and look forfrays, cuts, burns, and wear. Checkthat the latches work smoothly andthe belts retract easily. Any belt thatis not in good condition or workingproperly will not provide goodprotection and should be replaced assoon as possible.

Acura provides a lifetime warrantyon seat belts for U.S. models. Seeyourbooklet for details.

If a seat belt is worn during a crash,it must be replaced by the dealer. Abelt that has been worn during acrash may not provide the same levelof protection in a subsequent crash.

The dealer should also inspect theanchors for damage and replacethem if needed. If automatic seat belttensioners activate during a crash,they must be replaced.

For information on how to clean yourseat belts, see page .157

Acura Warranty Information

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


Seat Belt Maintenance

17

Not checking or maintainingseat belts can result in seriousinjury or death if the seat beltsdo not work properly whenneeded.

Check your seat belts regularlyand have any problemcorrected as soon as possible.

Your airbag system includes:

Two SRS (Supplemental RestraintSystem) airbags. The driver’sairbag is stored in the center ofthe steering wheel; the passenger’sairbag is stored in the dashboard.Both are marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG.’’

Automatic seat belt tensioners(see page ).

Sensors that can detect amoderate to severe frontalcollision.

A sophisticated electronic systemthat continually monitorsinformation about the sensors, thecontrol unit, and the airbagactivators when the ignition is inthe ON (II) position.

An indicator on the instrumentpanel that alerts you to a possibleproblem with the system (seepage ).

Emergency backup power in caseyour vehicle’s electrical system isdisconnected in a crash.

If you ever have a moderate tosevere frontal collision, sensors willdetect the vehicle’s rapiddeceleration. If the rate ofdeceleration is high enough, thecontrol unit will instantly inflate thedriver’s and passenger’s airbags.

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Additional Information About Your Airbags


Airbag System Components How Your Airbags Work

18

During a frontal crash, your seat beltrestrains your lower body and torso,and the airbag helps protect yourhead and chest.

Although both airbags normallyinflate within split second of eachother, it is possible for only oneairbag to deploy.

This can occur if the severity of acollision is at the margin, orthreshold, that determines whetheror not the airbags will deploy. Insuch cases, the seat belt will providesufficient protection, and thesupplemental protection offered bythe airbag would be minimal.

After inflating, the airbags willimmediately deflate, so they won’tinterfere with the driver’s visibility,or the ability to steer or operateother controls.

The total time for inflation anddeflation is one-tenth of a second, sofast that most occupants are notaware that the airbags deployed untilthey see them lying in their laps.

After a crash, you may see whatlooks like smoke. This is actuallypowder from the airbag’s surface.Although the powder is not harmful,people with respiratory problemsmay experience some temporarydiscomfort. If this occurs, get out ofthe vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.



If the indicator comes on orflashes on and off while you drive.

If you see any of these indications,your airbags and seat belt tensionersmay not work properly when youneed them.When you turn the ignition to ON

(II), this indicator comes on brieflythen go out. This tells you thatsystem is working properly.

If the indicator comes on at anyother time, or does not come on at all,you should have the system checkedby your dealer. For example:

If the SRS indicator does not comeon after you turn the ignition toON (II).

If the indicator stays on after theengine starts.

The SRS indicator alertsyou to a potential problem

with your airbags or seat belttensioners (see page ).16



How the SRS Indicator Works

20

Ignoring the SRS indicator canresult in serious injury or deathif the airbags or tensioners donot work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by adealer as soon as possible ifthe SRS indicator alerts you toa possible problem.

Your airbag systems are virtuallymaintenance-free, and there are noparts you can safely service.However, you must have yourvehicle serviced if:

Theairbags, seat belt tensioners, andcontrol unit must be replaced. Donot try to remove or replace theairbags yourself.This must be done by an Acuradealer or a knowledgeable bodyshop.

Together, airbags andseat belts provide the bestprotection.

Tampering could causethe airbags to deploy, possiblycausing very serious injury.

Take your vehicle to anauthorized Acura dealer as soon aspossible. If you ignore thisindication, the airbags may notwork properly.



Airbag Service Additional Safety Precautions

Your airbags ever inflate.

Do not attempt to deactivate yourairbags.

Do not tamper with airbagcomponents or wiring for anyreason.

The SRS indicator alerts you to aproblem.

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Children depend on adults to protectthem. However, despite their bestintentions many adults do not knowhow to properly protect childpassengers.

If you ever need to drive with a childin your vehicle, be sure to read thissection. It begins with importantgeneral guidelines, then presentsspecial information for smallchildren and larger children.

Each year, many children are injuredor killed in vehicle crashes becausethey are either unrestrained or notproperly restrained. In fact, vehicleaccidents are the number one causeof death of children ages 12 andunder.

To reduce the number of childdeaths and injuries, every state andCanadian province requires thatinfants and children be properlyrestrained when they ride in avehicle.

(seepages ).

(see pages).

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All Children Must Be Restrained

A small child must be restrained inan approved child seat that isproperly secured to the vehicle

A larger child must be restrainedwith a booster until the seat belt f itshim her properly

Protecting Children General Guidelines

22

Children who are unrestrainedor improperly restrained can beseriously injured or killed in acrash.

Any child too small for a seatbelt should be properlyrestrained in a child seat. Alarger child should be properlyrestrained with a seat belt anduse a booster if necessary.

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The National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration and TransportCanada recommend that all childrenage 12 and under be properlyrestrained in a back seat.

Since this vehicle does not have aback seat, we strongly recommendthat you do not carry any child whois not large enough or matureenough to ride in front (see page ).

Airbags have been designed to helpprotect adults in a moderate tosevere frontal collision. To do this,the passenger’s airbag is quite largeand it can inflate with enough forceto cause very serious injuries.

If the passenger’s airbaginflates, it can hit the back of thechild seat with enough force to kill orvery seriously injure an infant.

If the vehicle seat is toofar forward, or the child’s head isthrown forward during a collision, aninflating passenger’s airbag canstrike the child with enough force tokill or very seriously injure them.

If a larger child must ride inthis vehicle, see page forimportant guidelines on how todecide when a child is ready to ridein front and how to properly protectthe child.

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Your Vehicle is NotRecommended for ChildPassengers

The Passenger’s Airbag Can PoseSerious Risks

Infants

Small Children

Larger ChildrenNever put a rear-facing child seat inthis vehicle.

Placing a forward-facing child seat inthe passenger’s seat can behazardous.

Children who have outgrown childseats are also at risk of being injuredor killed by an inflating passenger’sairbag.


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To remind you of the passenger’sairbag hazards, your vehicle haswarning labels on the dashboard andon the driver’s and passenger’svisors. Please read and follow theinstructions on these labels.

To remind you of the airbag hazards,your vehicle has warning labels onthe driver’s and passenger’s visors.Please read and follow theinstructions on these labels.


U.S. Models Canadian Models


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Never hold a small child on yourlap. If you are not wearing a seatbelt in crash, you could be thrownforward and crush the childagainst the dashboard. If you arewearing a seat belt, the child canbe torn from your arms and beseriously hurt or killed.

Never put a seat belt over yourselfand a child. During a crash, thebelt could press deep into the childand cause serious or fatal injuries.

Never let two children use thesame seat belt. If they do, theycould be very seriously injured in acrash.

Do not leave children alone in avehicle. Leaving children withoutadult supervision is illegal in moststates and Canadian provinces,and can be very hazardous. Forexample, a small child left in avehicle on a hot day can die fromheatstroke. A child left alone withthe key in the ignition canaccidentally set the vehicle inmotion, possibly injuringthemselves or others.

Lock both doors and the trunkwhen your vehicle is not in use.Children who play in vehicles canaccidentally get trapped inside thetrunk. Teach your children not toplay in or around vehicles. Knowhow to operate the emergencytrunk opener and decide if yourchildren should be shown how touse this feature (see page ).

Keep vehicle keys and remotetransmitters out of the reach ofchildren. Even very youngchildren learn how to unlockvehicle doors, turn on the ignition,and open the trunk, which canlead to accidental injury or death.

59

Additional Safety Precautions



25

Because an inflating airbag canseriously injure or kill small children,we recommend that you do not carrya small child as a passenger in thisvehicle.

If you decide to transport a smallchild in this vehicle, be sure to movethe passenger seat as far to the rearas possible, and follow theinstructions and guidelines in thefollowing pages.

A child who is at least one year old,and who fits within the child seatmaker’s weight and height limits,should be restrained in a forward-facing, upright child seat.

Of the different seats available, werecommend those that have a five-point harness system as shown.

We also recommend that a smallchild uses the child seat as long aspossible, until the child reaches theweight or height limit for the seat.

Protecting Small Children


Child Seat Type

26

Placing a forward-facing childseat in the passenger’s seatcan result in serious injury ordeath if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, movethe vehicle seat as far back aspossible, and properly restrainthe child.

To provide proper protection, a childseat should meet threerequirements:

Look for FMVSS213 or CMVSS 213 on the box.

Before purchasing a child seat, orusing a previously purchased one, werecommend that you test the seat tomake sure it fits properly in thepassenger’s seat.

After selecting a proper child seat,there are three main steps to installit:

All child seats must besecured to the vehicle with the lappart of a lap/shoulder belt. A childwhose seat is not properly securedto the vehicle can be endangeredin a crash.

After installing a childseat, push and pull the seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is secure.

A child seat secured with a seatbelt should be installed as firmlyas possible. However, it does notneed to be ‘‘rock solid’’. Some side-to-side movement can be expectedand should not reduce the childseat’s effectiveness.

Make sure the child is properlystrapped in the child seataccording to the child seat maker’sinstructions. A child who is notproperly secured in a child seatcan be seriously injured in a crash.

The following pages provideguidelines on how to properly installa forward-facing child seat.

Selecting a Child Seat, Installing a Child Seat


Selecting a Child Seat Installing a Child Seat

The child seat should meet U.S. orCanadian Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard 213.

The child seat should be of theproper type and size to fit the child.

The child seat should fit thepassenger’s seat.

Properly secure the child seat tothe vehicle.

Make sure the child seat is firmlysecured.

Secure the child in the child seat.3.

1.

2.

1.

2.

3.

27

The passenger’s seat belt has alocking mechanism that must beactivated to secure a child seat.

Move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position. Moving the seat asfar back as possible reduces thechance of a child being injured orkilled if the passenger’s airbaginflates.

With the child seat in position,route the belt through the childseat according to the seat maker’sinstructions, then insert the latchplate into the buckle.

To activate the lockable retractor,slowly pull the shoulder part of thebelt all the way out until it stops,then let the belt feed back into theretractor.

After the belt has retracted, tug onit. If the belt is locked, you will notbe able to pull it out. If you can pullthe belt out, it is not locked, andyou will need to repeat these steps.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Installing a Child Seat


Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Belt

28

After confirming that the belt islocked, grab the shoulder part ofthe belt near the buckle, and pullup to remove any slack from thelap part of the belt. Remember, ifthe lap part of the belt is not tight,the child seat will not be secure.

To remove slack, it may help toput weight on the child seat, orpush on the back of the seat whilepulling up on the belt.

To deactivate the lockingmechanism and remove a child seat,unlatch the buckle, unroute the seatbelt, and let the belt fully retract.

Push and pull the child seatforward and from side to side toverify that it is firmly secured. Ifthe child seat is not secure,unlatch the belt, allow it to retractfully, then repeat these steps.

5. 6.



Using the measurements shown,poke a marker hole in the liningbehind the seat.

Adjust the passenger’s seat fullyforward to make room behind theseat-back.

To attach a tether to your vehicle:

Use a razor blade or sharp knife tocut a 1-inch (2.5 cm) diametercircle around the marker hole.Remove the upholstery you cut.

Install the tether hardware.Tighten the bolt to:

The hardware is available forpurchase from your Acura dealer(part numbers: 82410-S84-C10 forthe hardware, 82419-S84-C00 for thecover).

The hardware is stored in the glovebox.

Attach the attaching clip to thetether anchorage point as shown inthe illustration, then tighten thestrap according to the child seatmaker’s instructions. Make sure thestrap is not twisted.

Pass the strap between the top of theseat and the bottom of the headrestraint.1.

2.

3.

4.



Installing a Child Seat with aTether

(U.S. models only)

(Canadian Models)

30

4 in (10 cm) 1 in (2.5 cm)

9.7 in(24.6 cm)

16 lbf·ft (22 N·m , 2.2 kgf·m)

When a child reaches therecommended weight or height limitfor a forward-facing child seat, thechild should sit in a back seat on abooster and wear a lap/shoulder belt.

Since this vehicle does not have aback seat, we recommend that youdo not carry a larger child, age 12 orunder, as a passenger.

The following pages provideguidelines to help you decide when agiven child may ride in front, andhow to properly protect the child. To determine if a lap/shoulder belt

properly fits a child, have the childput on the seat belt, then askyourself:

Does the child sit all the way backagainst the seat?

1.

CONTINUED

Protecting Larger Children


Checking Seat Belt Fit

31

Allowing a larger child age 12 orunder to ride in the vehicle canresult in injury or death if thepassenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in thevehicle, move the vehicle seatas far back as possible, use abooster seat if needed, andhave the child sit up properlyand wear the seat belt properly.

Do the child’s knees bendcomfortably over the edge of theseat?

A child who has outgrown a forward-facing child seat should use abooster seat until the lap/shoulderbelt fits them properly without thebooster.

Some states also require children touse a booster until they reach agiven age or weight (e.g., 6 years or60 lbs). Be sure to check currentlaws in the state or states where youintend to drive.

Booster seats can be high-back orlow-back. Whichever style you select,make sure the booster meets federalsafety standards and that you followthe booster seat maker’s instructions.

If a child who uses a booster mustride in the vehicle, move the vehicleseat as far to the rear as possible,and be sure the child is wearing theseat belt properly.

A child may continue using a boosterseat until the tops of their ears areeven with the top of the vehicle’s orbooster’s seat-back. A child of thisheight should be tall enough to usethe lap/shoulder belt without abooster.

Does the shoulder belt crossbetween the child’s neck and arm?

Is the lap part of the belt as low aspossible, touching the child’sthighs?

Will the child be able to stayseated like this for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all thesequestions, the child is ready to wearthe lap/shoulder belt correctly. Ifyou answer no to any question, thechild needs to ride on a booster seat.

2.

3.

4.

5.



Using a Booster Seat

32

If the passenger’s airbag inflates in amoderate to severe frontal collision,the airbag can cause serious injuriesto a child who is unrestrained,improperly restrained, sitting tooclose to the airbag, or out of position.

Of course, children vary widely. Andwhile age may be one indicator ofwhen a child can safely ride in thisvehicle. There are other importantfactors you should consider.

To safely ride in this vehicle, a childmust be able to follow the rules,including sitting properly, andwearing the seat belt properlythroughout ride.

Physically, a child must be largeenough for the lap/shoulder belt toproperly fit (see page ). If the seatbelt does not fit properly, with orwithout the child sitting on a booster,the child should not sit in this vehicle.

If you decide that a child can safelyride in this vehicle, be sure to:

Carefully read the owner’s manual,and make sure you understand allseat belt instructions and all safetyinformation.

Move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position.

Have the child sit up straight, backagainst the seat, and feet on ornear the floor.

Check that the child’s seat belt isproperly and securely positioned.

Supervise the child. Even maturechildren sometimes need to bereminded to fasten the seat beltsor sit properly.

31



Maturity

Physical Size

When Can a Larger Child Ride inthis Vehicle

33

This could result inserious neck injuries during a crash.

This could causevery serious injuries during a crash.It also increases the chance that thechild will slide under the belt in acrash and be injured.

If they do, they couldbe very seriously injured in a crash.

Devices intended to improve achild’s comfort or reposition theshoulder part of a seat belt can makethe belt less effective, and increasethe chance of serious injury in acrash.



Additional Safety PrecautionsDo not let a child wear a seat beltacross the neck.

Do not let a child put the shoulderpart of a seat belt behind the back orunder the arm.

Two children should never use thesame seat belt.

Do not put any accessories on a seatbelt.

34

Your vehicle’s exhaust containscarbon monoxide gas. You shouldhave no problem with carbonmonoxide entering the vehicle innormal driving if you maintain yourvehicle properly.Have the exhaust system inspectedfor leaks whenever:

The vehicle is raised for an oilchange.You notice a change in the soundof the exhaust.The vehicle was in an accidentthat may have damaged the under-side.

High levels of carbon monoxide cancollect rapidly in enclosed areas,such as a garage. Do not run theengine with the garage door closed.Even with the door open, run theengine only long enough to move thevehicle out of the garage.

With the trunk lid open, air flow canpull exhaust gas into your vehicle’sinterior and create a hazardouscondition. If you must drive with thetrunk lid open, open all the windows,and set the heating and coolingsystem/climate control system asshown below.

If you must sit in your parked vehicle,even in an unconfined area, with theengine running, adjust the heatingand cooling system as follows:

Push the button.Select the mode.Turn the fan on high speed.Set the temperature control to acomfortable setting.

1.2.3.4.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard


Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.Breathing it can causeunconsciousness and even killyou.

Avoid any enclosed areas oractivities that expose you tocarbon monoxide.

These labels are in the locationsshown. They warn you of potentialhazards that could cause seriousinjury. Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hardto read, contact your Acura dealerfor a replacement.

U.S. models Canadian models

U.S. models only

Safety Labels

Driver and Passenger Safety36

RADIATOR

JUMP START

FOLDING SPARE TIRE

SUN VISOR

DASHBOARD

Safety Labels


EXPANSION TANK CAP

38

This section gives information aboutthe controls and displays thatcontribute to the daily operation ofyour Acura. All the essential controlsare within easy reach.

....................Component Locations . 40...........................Control Locations . 41

..........Instrument Panel Indicators . 42.............................................Gauges . 47

.....................................Odometer . 47...................................Trip Meter . 47

...................Temperature Gauge . 47....................Oil Pressure Gauge . 48

.....................................Voltmeter . 48..................................Fuel Gauge . 48

.............Steering Column Controls . 49.Windshield Wipers and Washers . 50

.........Turn Signals and Headlights . 51........Instrument Panel Brightness . 52

.................Hazard Warning Button . 52

.................Rear Window Defogger . 52..........Steering Wheel Adjustment . 53

..................................................Keys . 54........................Immobilizer System . 55

................................Ignition Switch . 57......................................Door Locks . 58

......................Power Door Locks . 58...........................................Trunk . 59

........Emergency Trunk Opener . 59.......................Remote Transmitter . 60

.................................................Seats . 62

..............................Power Windows . 63...................Removable Roof Panel . 65

.............................................Mirrors . 71.................................Parking Brake . 72.................................Interior Lights . 73

...........Interior Convenience Items . 74...............Console Compartment . 75

.................................Coin Holder . 75.........................Beverage Holder . 75........................Cigarette Lighter . 75

.........................................Ashtray . 75....................................Glove Box . 76

............................................Clock . 76

Instruments and Controls

Instruments and Controls 39


Component Locations

40

HOOD REAR WINDOW ENGINE COVER TRUNK LID

TRUNK

ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOOLS, JACK, AIR PUMP,PRESSURE GAUGE

FUEL FILL DOORFOLDING SPARE TIRE

FRONTCOMPARTMENT

Control Locations


HEADLIGHTSWITCH

HOOD RELEASEHANDLE

POWER WINDOWSWITCHES

MIRROR CONTROLS

TRUNK RELEASEBUTTON

FUEL FILL DOORRELEASE

DOOR LOCKSWITCH

AUDIO SYSTEM

AUTOMATICCLIMATECONTROL

DIGITAL CLOCK

SEATADJUSTMENTSWITCHES

WINDSHIELD WIPERCONTROLS

HAZARD WARNING SWITCHTURN SIGNAL LEVER

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE

(Automatic transmission only)

(P.51)(P.51) (P.52)

(P.108)

(P.58)

(P.63)

(P.71)

(P.59)

(P.76)

(P.78)

(P.84)

(P.62)

(P.127)(P.50)(P.105)

＊

＊

＊ The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.

Instrument Panel Indicators

Instruments and Controls42

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM(TCS) INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM(ABS) INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

MALFUNCTIONINDICATOR LAMP

LOW OIL PRESSUREINDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE ANDBRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGINDICATOR

SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

LOW FUELINDICATOR

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEMINDICATOR

TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARDWARNING INDICATORS

DOOR AND LAMP MONITOR

CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR

(P.45)

(P.44)

(P.43)

(P.190)

(P.43)

(P.44)

(P.46)

(P.45)

(P.46)

(P.46)

(P.46)

(P.46)

(P.45)

(P.44)SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTSYSTEM INDICATOR

SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR(Automatic transmission only)(P.123)

(P.43)

The instrument panel has manyindicators to give you importantinformation about your vehicle. This indicator flashes for several

seconds when you turn the ignitionON (II). It flashes as a reminder toyou and your passenger to fasten theseat belts. A beeper also sounds ifyou have not fastened your seat belt.

If you do not fasten your seat belt,the beeper will stop after a fewseconds but the indicator stays onuntil you do. Both the indicator andthe beeper stay off if you fasten yourseat belt before turning on theignition.

The engine can be severely damagedif this indicator flashes or stays onwhen the engine is running. Formore information, see page .

If this indicator comes on when theengine is running, the battery is notbeing charged. For more information,see page .

189

189



Seat Belt ReminderIndicator

Low Oil PressureIndicator

Charging SystemIndicator

43

This indicator has two functions:

This indicator comes on when youturn the ignition switch to ON (II).It is a reminder to check theparking brake. Driving with theparking brake not fully releasedcan damage the brakes and tires.

If it remains lit after you fullyrelease the parking brake whilethe engine is running, or if itcomes on while driving, therecould be a problem with the brakesystem. For more information, seepage .

This indicator normally comes on fora few seconds when you turn theignition switch to ON (II), and goesoff after the engine starts. If it comeson at any other time, there is aproblem in the ABS. If this happens,have your vehicle checked by yourAcura dealer. With this indicator on,your vehicle still has normal brakingability but no anti-lock. For moreinformation, see page .

This indicator comes on when youturn the ignition switch to ON (II). Ifit comes on at any other time itindicates a potential problem withyour airbags or automatic seat belttensioners. For more information,see page .

See page .

1.

2.

39

190130

191



Parking Brake andBrake System Indicator

Anti-lock BrakeSystem (ABS)Indicator

Supplemental RestraintSystem Indicator

Malfunction IndicatorLamp

44

U.S. Canada U.S. Canada

The appropriate indicator comes onin this display if the trunk, the roofpanel, the rear window, or eitherdoor is not closed tightly. If a brakelight does not work, the

indicator comes on when youpush the brake pedal with theignition switch ON (II).

A burned out brake light is a hazardwhen drivers behind you cannot tellyou are braking. Have your brakelights repaired right away.

All the indicators in the monitordisplay come on for a few secondswhen you turn the ignition switch toON (II).

This indicator normally comes onwhen you turn the ignition to ON (II)and goes off after the engine starts.If it comes on at any other time,there is a problem in the ElectricPower Steering system. If thishappens, stop the vehicle in a safeplace, and turn off the engine. Resetthe system by restarting the engine,and watch the EPS indicator. If itdoes not go off, or comes back onagain while driving, take the vehicleto your dealer to have it checked.With the indicator on, the EPS isturned off, making the vehicleharder to steer.

This indicator has three functions:

It comes on as a reminder that youhave turned off the TractionControl System.

It flashes when the TCS isregulating the engine power.

If it comes on and stays on whenthe Traction Control System is on,it indicates that there is a problemin the TCS.

This light also comes on when youturn the ignition ON (II) and goes offafter the engine starts. See page

for more information on theTCS.

1.

2.

3.

131


Door and Lamp Monitor Electric Power Steering(EPS) Indicator

Traction Control System(TCS) Indicator


45

BRAKELAMP

The left or right turn signal indicatorblinks when you signal a lane changeor turn. If the indicators do not blinkor blink rapidly, it usually means oneof the turn signal bulbs is burned out(see page ). Replace the bulb assoon as possible, since other driverscannot see that you are signaling.

When you turn on the HazardWarning switch, both turn signalindicators blink. All turn signals onthe outside of the vehicle shouldflash.

This indicator comes on with thehigh beam headlights. See page

for information on the headlightcontrols.

This indicator comes on when youturn the ignition switch to ON (II)with the headlight switch off and theparking brake set. It should go off ifyou turn on the headlights or releasethe parking brake. If it comes on atany other time, it means there is aproblem with the DRL. There mayalso be a problem with the highbeam headlights.

This indicator comes on for a fewseconds when you turn the ignitionswitch to ON (II). It will go off if youhave inserted a properly-codedignition key. If it is not a properly-coded key, the indicator will blinkand the engine will not start (seepage ).

This indicator also blinks severaltimes when you remove the keyfrom the ignition switch.

This comes on when you set thecruise control. See page forinformation on operating the cruisecontrol.

This indicator comes on as areminder that you must refuel soon.

155

5155

100

Canadian models only


Turn Signal andHazard WarningIndicators

High Beam Indicator

‘‘Daytime RunningLights’’ Indicator

Immobilizer SystemIndicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Cruise Control Indicator


46

The odometer shows the total dis-tance your vehicle has been driven.It measures miles in U.S. models andkilometers in Canadian models.It is illegal under U.S. federal law andCanadian provincial regulations todisconnect, reset, or alter theodometer with the intent to changethe number of miles or kilometersindicated.

The trip meter shows the number ofmiles or kilometers driven since youlast reset it. To reset it, push the tripmeter reset button.

This shows the temperature of theengine’s coolant. During normaloperation, the reading should be inthe middle of the gauge. In severedriving conditions, the reading mayreach near the red mark. If itreaches the red (Hot) mark, pullsafely to the side of the road. Turn topage for instructions andprecautions on checking the engine’scooling system.

187

Gauges


Odometer Trip Meter

Temperature Gauge

47

TRIP METERRESET BUTTON

TRIP METERODOMETER

TEMPERATUREGAUGE

TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER

This shows the engine’s oil pressurein hundred kilopascal (x 100 kPa).This pressure varies with enginespeed and temperature. If the oilpressure falls low enough to causeengine damage, the Low OilPressure Indicator comes on (seepage ).

This meter shows you the batteryvoltage when the ignition is ON (II).A prolonged reading of lower than 11volts can indicate a problem with thebattery or charging system. Haveyour vehicle inspected by your Acuradealer.

This shows how much fuel you have.It may show slightly more or lessthan the actual amount.

189

Gauges


Oil Pressure Gauge Voltmeter

Fuel Gauge

48

NOTICE:

OIL PRESSURE GAUGE VOLTMETER

FUEL GAUGE

Avoid driving with anextremely low f uel level. Running outof f uel could cause the engine tomisf ire, damaging the catalyticconverter.

Steering Column Controls


INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS TCS ON/OFF SWITCH

TILT ADJUSTMENT

HORNBUTTONS

TURN SIGNALS

HEADLIGHTS

HAZARD WARNING LIGHT

CRUISE CONTROL MASTERSWITCH

WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS

REAR WINDOWDEFOGGER

TELESCOPE ADJUSTMENT

(P.52)

(P.57)

(P.52)

(P.51)

(P.63) (P.53)

(P.50)

(P.100)

(P.52)

(P.132)

－－－

－

－

－

－

－

OFFINT IntermittentLO LowHI HighMISTWindshield Washers

Turn the rotary switch at the end ofthe lever or push down or pull thelever to select a position.

The wipers are not activated.

The wipers operate everyfew seconds.Vary the delay by turning theINT TIME ring.

The wipers run at low speed.

The wipers run at high speed.

The wipers run at high speeduntil you release the lever.

Pull thewiper control lever toward you andhold it. The washers spray untilyou release the lever. The wipersrun at low speed, then completeone more sweep after you releasethe lever.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

Windshield Wipers and Washers


OFF

INT

LO

HI

MIST:

Windshield Washer

50

－

－

●

－

Turn SignalOffParking and interior lightsHeadlight onHigh beamsFlash high beams

Push down on theleft lever to signal a left turn and upto signal a right turn. To signal a lanechange, push lightly on the lever andhold it. The lever will return tocenter when you release it orcomplete a turn.

Rotating theswitch on the left pod to the ‘‘ ’’position turns on the parking lights,taillights, instrument panel lights,side-marker lights, and rear licenseplate lights. Turning the switch tothe ‘‘ ’’ position turns on theheadlights. If you leave the lights onwith the key removed from theignition switch, you will hear areminder tone when you open thedriver’s door.

To turn on, pull theturn signal lever toward you as far asit will move, then let go. The bluehigh beam indicator will light (seepage ). Pull it again to return tolow beams. To flash the high beams,pull the lever back lightly, thenrelease it. The high beams will stayon as long as you hold the lever back.

With the headlight switch off, thehigh beam headlights come on withreduced brightness when you turnthe ignition switch to ON (II) andrelease the parking brake. Theyremain on until you turn the ignitionoff, even if you set the parking brake.

The headlights revert to normaloperation when you turn them onwith the switch.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

46

Turn Signal and Headlights


Turn Signal and Headlights Turn Signal

Headlights ON

High Beams

Daytime Running Lights(Canadian Models)

51

The knob on the dashboard behindthe left pod controls the brightnessof the instrument panel lights. Pushthe knob to get it to pop out. Turnthe knob to adjust the brightness,then push it back in so you cannotaccidentally bump it.

The rear window defogger will clearfog, frost, and thin ice from thewindow. Push the defogger button toturn it on and off. The indicator onthe front of the pod lights comes onto show the defogger is on. If you donot turn it after about 25 minutes. Italso shuts off when you turn off theignition. You have to turn it on againwhen you restart the vehicle.

Push the red button on the right podto turn on the hazard warning lights(four-way flashers). This causes allfour outside turn signals and bothindicators in the instrument panel toflash. Use the hazard warning lightsif you need to park in a dangerousarea near heavy traffic, or if yourvehicle is disabled.

Instrument Panel Brightness, Hazard Warning Button, Rear Window Defogger


Hazard Warning Button Rear Window DefoggerInstrument Panel Brightness

52

INSTRUMENT PANELBRIGHTNESS KNOB

The defogger and antenna wires onthe inside of the rear window can beaccidentally damaged. Whencleaning the glass, always wipe sideto side.

Make sure the rear window is clearand you have good visibility beforestarting to drive.

Make any steering wheel adjustmentbefore you start driving.

The lever to telescope the steeringwheel is under the steeringcolumn to the left. Push this leverall the way down.

Move the steering wheel in or outto the distance you want. Push thelever up firmly to lock the steeringwheel in position.

The lever to tilt the steering wheelis under the steering column in themiddle. Pull this lever toward youand hold it.

3.

1.

2.

See page for important safetyinformation about how to properlyposition the steering wheel.

13

CONTINUED

Rear Window Defogger, Steering Wheel Adjustment


Steering Wheel Adjustment

53

TELESCOPEADJUSTMENT

Adjusting the steering wheelposition while driving maycause you to lose control of thevehicle and be seriously injuredin a crash.

Adjust the steering wheel onlywhen the vehicle is stopped.

Move the steering wheel so itpoints toward your face. Makesure you can see the instrumentpanel gauges and the indicators.Release the lever.

You should have received a keynumber tag with your keys. You willneed this key number if you everhave to get a key replaced. Use onlyan Acura-approved key blank.

These keys contain electroniccircuits that are activated by theImmobilizer System. They will notwork to start the engine if thecircuits are damaged.

Protect the keys from directsunlight, high temperature, andhigh humidity.

Keep the keys away from liquids.If they get wet, dry themimmediately with a soft cloth.

The keys do not contain batteries.Do not try to take them apart.

Do not drop the keys or set heavyobjects on them.

Make sure you have securelylocked the steering wheel in placeby trying to move it up, down, in,and out.

The master key fits all the locks onyour vehicle. The valet key worksonly in the ignition and the doorlocks. You can keep the trunk andglove box locked when you leaveyour vehicle and the valet key at aparking facility.

4.

5.

Steering Wheel Adjustment, Keys


Keys

54

TILTADJUSTMENT

KEYNUMBERTAG

MASTERKEY (Black)

VALET KEY(Gray)

You should also receive a small casecontaining a learning key. It is usedby the Acura dealer to codereplacement keys to your vehicle’sImmobilizer System. It must not beused in your vehicle’s ignition switch.Store the learning key with the keynumber tag in a safe place.

If you attempt to use the learningkey to start your vehicle’s engine, itmay cause a malfunction in thesystem that makes your master andvalet keys unusable. If this happens,you should contact your Acuradealer.

The Immobilizer System protectsyour vehicle from theft. If animproperly-coded key (or otherdevice) is used, the engine’s fuelsystem is disabled.

When you turn the ignition switch toON (II), the Immobilizer Systemindicator should come on for a fewseconds, then go out. If the indicatorstarts to blink, it means the systemdoes not recognize the coding of thekey. Turn the ignition switch toLOCK (0), remove the key, reinsertit, and turn the switch to ON (II)again.

The system may not recognize yourkey’s coding if another immobilizerkey or other metal object (i.e. keyfob) is near the ignition switch whenyou insert the key.

CONTINUED


Learning Key Immobilizer System

Keys, Immobilizer System

55

If the system repeatedly does notrecognize the coding of your key,contact your Acura dealer.

Do not attempt to alter this systemor add other devices to it. Electricalproblems could result that may makeyour vehicle undriveable.

If you have lost your key and cannotstart the engine, contact an Acuradealer.

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.

Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible forcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.

Immobilizer System


－

－

－

－

The ignition switch has fourpositions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY(I), ON (II), and START (III).

You can insert orremove the key only in this position.To turn the key, you must push thekey in slightly. If your vehicle has anautomatic transmission, the shiftlever must also be in park.

If the front wheels are turned, theanti-theft lock may make it difficultto turn the key. Firmly turn thesteering wheel to the left or right asyou turn the key.

You will hear a reminder beeper ifyou leave the key in the ignitionswitch in the LOCK (0) orACCESSORY (I) position and openthe driver’s door. Remove the key toturn off the beeper.

If your vehicle has an automatictransmission, the shift lever must bein Park before you can remove thekey from the ignition switch.

You canoperate the audio system and thecigarette lighter in this position.

This is the normal keyposition when driving. Several of theindicators on the instrument panelcome on as a test when you turn theignition switch from ACCESSORY toON.

Use this positiononly to start the engine. The switchreturns to ON (II) when you let go ofthe key.

Ignition Switch


LOCK (0)

ACCESSORY (I)

ON (II)

START (III)

57

Removing the key from theignition switch while drivinglocks the steering. This cancause you to lose control.

Remove the key from theignition switch only whenparked.

The driver’s door has a door lockswitch that locks and unlocks bothdoors. Push LOCK to lock bothdoors, and pull up the top portion ofthe switch to unlock them.

Each door also has a lock tab on thetop. When you push down the locktab on the driver’s door, both doorslock. Pulling up the lock tab on thedriver’s door only unlocks that door.The lock tab on the passenger’s dooronly locks and unlocks that door. Toget out of the vehicle, pull each locktab up or use the door lock switchbefore you open either door.

Both doors will lock when you usethe key to lock either door from theoutside. Unlocking the driver’s doorwith the key unlocks only that door.Unlocking the passenger’s door withthe key unlocks both doors.

To lock the door without the key,push the lock tab down and close thedoor.

If you forget and leave the key in theignition switch, Lockout Preventionwill not allow you to lock the driver’sdoor. With the driver’s door openand the key in the ignition, both doorlock switches are disabled.

If you try to lock an open driver’sdoor by pushing the lock tab down,the tabs on both doors pop up.Pushing the lock tab down on thepassenger’s door only locks that door.

Door Locks


Power Door Locks

Lockout Prevention

58

DOOR LOCKSWITCH

LOCK TAB

To open the trunk, press the trunkrelease button on the driver’s door.You can also use the master key toopen the trunk lock.

To close the trunk, press down onthe trunk lid. Do not press down onthe rear spoiler as you may damageit.

Keep the trunk lid closed at all timeswhile driving to avoid damaging it.

To protect items in the trunk whenyou need to give the key to someoneelse, disable the trunk release buttonby turning off the trunk main switchin the glove, lock the glove box withthe master key, and give the otherperson the valet key.

As a safety feature, your vehicle hasa release lever on the trunk latch sothe trunk can be opened from theinside.

Parents should decide if theirchildren should be shown how to usethis feature.

To open the trunk, push up therelease lever.

Door Locks


Trunk Emergency Trunk Opener

59

Push

TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON TRUNK MAIN SWITCH

－

－

－

Avoid dropping or throwing thetransmitter.Protect the transmitter fromextreme temperature.Do not immerse the transmitter inany liquid.If you lose a transmitter, thereplacement needs to bereprogrammed by your Acuradealer.

Press this button onceto unlock the driver’s door. Push ittwice to unlock also the passenger’sdoor.

The interior light (if the interior lightswitch is in the center position) willcome on when you press theUNLOCK button. If you do not openeither door, the light will go out inabout 30 seconds and the doors willrelock. If you relock the doors withthe remote transmitter before 30seconds have elapsed, the light willgo off immediately.

You cannot lock or unlock the doorswith the remote transmitter if eitherdoor is not fully closed or the key isin the ignition switch.

Press this button forabout one second to attract attention:the horn will sound and the exteriorlights will flash for about 30 seconds.To cancel panic mode, press anyother button on the remotetransmitter or turn the ignitionswitch to ON (II).

Press this button once tolock both doors. Some exterior andinterior lights will flash. When youpush LOCK twice within 5 seconds,you will hear a beep to verify that thedoors are locked and the securitysystem has set.

Remote Transmitter


Remote Transmitter Care

UNLOCK

PANIC

LOCK

60

LED LOCKBUTTON

PANICBUTTON

UNLOCKBUTTON

－

If it takes several pushes on thebutton to lock or unlock the doors,replace the battery as soon aspossible.Battery type: CR2025

Remove the old battery and insert anew battery with the side facingup. Snap the two halves of thetransmitter case back together.

To replace the battery, place a clothon the edge of the transmitter andremove the upper half by carefullyprying on the edge with a small flat-tip screwdriver.

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.

Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible forcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.

Remote Transmitter


Replacing the TransmitterBattery

61

BATTERY

－See pages for important safetyinformation and warnings about how toproperly position seats and seat-backs.

10 11

Adjust the seat before you startdriving.

The power seats in your vehicle areadjusted with the two switches onthe outside of the seat bottom.

Push the front switch forward orbackward to adjust the distance tothe steering wheel and pedals.

Adjust the seat-back angle bypushing the rear switch in thedirection you want to move.

You can adjust the power seats withthe ignition switch in any position.

Seats


Your vehicle’s windows are electri-cally-powered. Turn the ignitionswitch to ON (II) to raise or lowerany window.

Each window has its own controlswitch. To open the window, pushthe switch down and hold it. Releasethe switch when you want thewindow to stop. Close the window bypushing the switch up and holding it.

The driver’s armrest has a masterpower window control panel. Toopen the passenger’s window, pushdown on the switch and hold it untilthe window reaches the desiredposition. To close the window, pushup on the window switch. Releasethe switch when the window gets tothe position you want.

CONTINUED

Power Windows


DRIVER’S WINDOW SWITCH

MAINSWITCH

PASSENGER’S WINDOW SWITCHClosing a power window onsomeone’s hands or fingers cancause serious injury.

Make sure your passenger isaway from the window beforeclosing it.

－

The master control panel also con-tains these extra features:

To open the driver’swindow fully, push the windowswitch firmly down and release it.The window automatically goes allthe way down. To stop the windowfrom going all the way down, pushthe window switch up briefly.

To open the driver’s window onlypartially, push the window switchdown lightly and hold it. The windowwill stop as soon as you release theswitch.

The AUTO function only works tolower the driver’s window. To raisethe window, you must push thewindow switch up and hold it untilthe window reaches the desiredposition.

The MAIN switch controls power tothe passenger’s window. With thisswitch off, the passenger’s windowcannot be raised or lowered. TheMAIN switch does not affect thedriver’s window. Keep the MAINswitch off when you have a child inthe vehicle so the child does not getinjured by operating the windowunintentionally.

The power window system has a key-off delay function. The windows willstill operate for up to ten minutesafter you turn off the ignition.Opening either door cancels thedelay function. You must turn theignition switch ON (II) again beforeyou can raise or lower the windows.

Power Windows


AUTO

64

CONTINUED

Your Acura’s roof panel has a singlerelease handle on each side, makingit easy to remove and install. Whennot in use, the roof panel can bestored in a special holder under therear window.

Always clean and dry the roof panelbefore you remove it so dirt andwater do not fall in the interior andengine compartment.

Do not put any items other than theroof panel in the roof holder or youcan damage the roof holder.

One person should be able to removeand install the roof panel. Althoughthe panel is not heavy, you may findit awkward to handle because of itssize. If so, get someone to assist youso you do not damage the panel.

Open both windows.

Turn off the engine and set theparking brake.

Release each side of the roof bypushing the lock tab sideways andpulling down the release lever.

Open the door. Locate the rearwindow release handle on the rearof the driver’s door opening, nextto the seat. Pivot this handletowards the driver’s seat. The rearwindow will pop up slightly.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Removing and Storing

Removable Roof Panel


Stand just behind the driver’s door.Reach under the rear edge of thewindow and raise it. It will stay upby itself.

Pull up the roof cover release leverand raise the roof cover.

Unsnap the hook end of the strapfrom the rear window frame.

Put the hook around the edge ofthe roof cover to hold it up.

7.6.5.

8.



Lift the roof straight up off thevehicle. Since the roof must go inthe holder backwards, it isrecommended that you carry itaround to the opposite side of thevehicle.

Place the roof in the holder withthe rear facing forward. Makesure the pins at both front cornersof the holder are in the holes inthe roof panel.

Lower the roof cover and push itdown until it latches. Snap thehook on the window frame.

Pull the rear window down until itis resting on the body, then pushon the center of the back edgeuntil it latches. Make sure it issecurely closed before drivingaway.

To prevent anyone from getting tothe roof panel and the engine whenyou park the vehicle with the roofremoved, lock the rear windowrelease lever with the master key.

9.

10.

11.

12.

CONTINUED



If the wind noise is unpleasant whileyou are driving with the roof panelremoved, you can reduce the noiseby inserting a plug in the holelocated at each side of the rear roofpillar. These plugs are stored in theglove box.

Do not use any plugs other than theones that came with your vehicle.Other objects may damage themechanism in the roof pillar, causing

the roof panel mechanism to jam orto not latch the roof properly.

Because it is stored above the enginecompartment, the roof panel can gethot while driving. Allow it to cooldown for several minutes beforeattempting to remove it from theroof holder.

Open both windows.

Turn off the engine and set theparking brake.

Remove the plugs from the rearpillars.

Open the rear window (see page).

Open the roof cover by pulling upthe release lever. Unsnap the hookfrom the window frame and use itto hold up the roof cover.

Remove the roof from the holderby pulling it up slightly, then back.

Make sure the roof panel releaselevers are in the unlocked (down)position.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

66



Installing

68

PLUG

Set the roof in place on the vehicle.Make sure all four corners aresitting flush with the vehicle body.

Secure the roof by turning eachrelease lever until the lock tabclicks forward. Pull on the leversto make sure they are locked. Ifthe release levers are lockedcorrectly, the roof unlatchedindicator will not light when youturn the ignition ON (II).

Close the roof cover and snap thehook onto the window frame.Close the rear window.

This indicator lights when the roof isinstalled if either release lever is notfully locked. Check both releaselevers to make sure they are locked.This indicator also lights when theroof is removed but is not properlystored in the holder.

8. 9.

10.



Roof Unlatched Indicator

69

ROOF UNLATCHED INDICATOR

Dust is the main cause of creaks orother sounds coming from the roof.Regularly clean the roof panel andbody seals with glass cleaner and asoft cloth.

Every three to six months,depending on how often the roof isremoved, rub a thin film of Shin-EtsuSilicone grease (available from yourAcura dealer, P/N 08798-9013) ontothe seals wherever they touch theroof panel or each other.

Use the door pull to open andclose the door. Do not push or pullon the door glass.

Do not lean or sit on an open door.

The roof panel seals are designedto promote the flow of water offthe roof. Spraying high pressurewater directly on the seals candistort them, causing a leak. Useonly a low pressure water streamwhen using a hose, and avoid carwashes that use only highpressure water spray for cleaning.

Avoid getting water in the roofholder. This can damage theswitch that senses the roof isstored, causing the instrumentpanel light to stay on.



Maintenance

To reduce the possibility of leaks:

70

When the seals are new, the glasswill seal more tightly if you openthe door slightly before closingthe window.

Never store any items other thanthe roof panel in the holder.Because it is above the engine, theholder can get very warm.

Keep the inside and outside mirrorsclean and adjusted for best visibility.Be sure to adjust the mirrors beforeyou start driving.

The inside mirror has day and nightpositions. The night position reducesglare from headlights behind you.Flip the tab on the bottom edge ofthe mirror to select the day or nightposition.

Move the selector switch to L(driver’s side) or R (passenger’sside).

1.

CONTINUED

Removable Roof Panel, Mirrors


Mirrors Adjusting the Power Mirrors

71

TAB

SELECTOR SWITCH

ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

Push the appropriate edge of theadjustment switch to move themirror right, left, up, or down.

When you finish, move theselector switch to the center (off)position. This turns off theadjustment switch so you can’tmove a mirror out of position byaccidentally bumping the switch.

To apply the parking brake, pull thelever up fully. To release it, pull upslightly, push the button, and lowerthe lever. The parking brakeindicator on the instrument panelshould go out when the parkingbrake is fully released (see page ).If you try to drive the vehicle withoutreleasing the parking brake, the ABSindicator may come on, and the ABSmay not work properly.

2.

3.

44

Mirrors, Parking Brake


Parking Brake

72

NOTICE: Driving the vehicle with theparking brake applied can damage therear brakes and axles.

The interior light has a three-position switch. In the OFF position,the light does not come on. In thecenter position, the interior lightcomes on when you open either door.In the ON position, the interior lightstays on continuously.

Interior Light


Interior Convenience Item


CIGARETTE LIGHTER

COIN HOLDER

BEVERAGE HOLDER

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

CLOCK GLOVE BOXASHTRAY

To open the console compartment,lift the tab on the left edge.

The beverage holder is located in therear half of the console compartmentlid. To use the beverage holder, liftup on the middle of the armrest pad.

The ignition switch must be inACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for thecigarette lighter to work. To heat upthe lighter, push it in. It will pop upwhen it is read for use. Do not holdthe lighter in while it is heating up,you could cause it to overheat.

Open the ashtray by lifting the lid up.To close the ashtray, push the liddown. To remove if for emptying, liftthe lid up to the open position, andpush it up further. The ashtray willpop out slightly so you can grasp itand pull it all the way out. Afteremptying, push it all the way back in.

Be careful when you are using thebeverage holders. Spilled liquid thatis very hot can scald you or yourpassengers. Spilled liquids can alsodamage the upholstery, carpeting,and electrical components in theinterior.

The coin holder is located in the leftfront half of the consolecompartment lid. Open the coinholder by lifting up on the middle ofthe armrest.



Console Compartment Beverage Holder

Cigarette Lighter

Ashtray

Coin Holder

75

NOTICE: Use the ashtray only f orcigarettes, cigars, and other smokingmaterials. To prevent a possible f ireand damage to your vehicle, don’t putpaper or other things that can burn inthe ashtray.

The clock displays the time with theignition switch ON (II). To see thetime with the ignition off, press andhold the DISPLAY button.

To set the clock:Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

Raise the lid to the left of the clockdisplay. You will see HOUR, MIN.,and RESET buttons.

Press and hold the H button untilthe hour advances to the desiredtime.

Press and hold the MIN. buttonuntil the numbers advance to thedesired time.

You can use the RESET button toquickly set the time to the nearesthour. If the displayed time is beforethe half hour, pressing the RESETbutton sets the clock back to theprevious hour. If the displayed timeis after the half hour, pressing theRESET button sets the clockforward to the beginning of the nexthour.For example:

1:06 would RESET 1:001:52 would RESET 2:00

Open the glove box by squeezing thehandle. Close it with a firm push.Lock or unlock the glove box withthe master key.

3.

1.

2.

4.



Glove Box Clock

76

HOUR MIN. RESET

An open glove box can causeserious injury to your passengerin a crash, even if thepassenger is wearing the seatbelt.

Always keep the glove boxclosed while driving.

...............Vents, Heating, and A/C . 78...............................Airflow Buttons . 79...............................Climate Control . 82

............................Playing the Radio . 84..............................Radio Reception . 87

.................................Playing a Tape . 89.....................................CD Changer . 93

......................Protecting Your CDs . 97.......CD Changer Error Messages . 98

..............................Security System . 99...............................Cruise Control . 100

The climate control system in yourAcura provides a comfortable drivingenvironment in all weatherconditions.

The standard audio system hasmany features. This section de-scribes those features and how touse them. (If you selected anoptional audio system, refer to theoperating instructions that camewith it.)

Comfort and Convenience Features

Comfort and Convenience Features 77

Vents, Heating, and A/C

Comfort and Convenience Features78

TEMPERATURECONTROL DIAL

FULLY-AUTOMATICOPERATION

SELECTEDTEMPERATURE

FAN SPEED DIAL

AUTO BUTTONTo turn climatecontrol on

RECIRCULATED AIR

FRESH AIR

U.S. model shown

Turning this dial clockwise increasesthe temperature of the airflow.

Turn this dial clockwise to increasefan speed and increase the airflow.

When is pressed, theindicator in the button comes on andthe air from the vehicle’s interior issent throughout the system again(Recirculation mode).

The outside air intakes for theheating and cooling system are atthe base of the windshield. Keep thisarea clear of leaves and other debris.

The system should be left in FreshAir mode under almost all conditions.Keeping the system in Recirculationmode, particularly with the A/C off,can cause the windows to fog up.

Use the MODE button to select thevents the air flows from. Some airwill flow from the dashboard cornervents in all modes. Each time youpress the MODE button, the displayshows the mode selected. Press thebutton four times to see all of themodes.

Air flows from thedashboard and door vents. Close thedoor vents when using the airconditioning or the windows may fogup.

Airflow is divided betweenthe dashboard/door vents and thefloor vents.

Air flows from the floorvents.

Airflow is divided betweenthe floor vents and the defrostervents at the base of the windshield.

These buttons control the source ofthe air going into the system.

When you turn the A/C off, thesystem cannot regulate the insidetemperature if you set the dial belowthe outside air temperature.

This button turns the airconditioning on and off. You will seeON or OFF in the display.

When the is pressed, theindicator in the button comes on andair is brought in from outside thevehicle (Fresh Air mode).

Switch to Recirculation mode whendriving through dusty or smokyconditions, then return to Fresh Airmode.


Temperature Control Dial

Air Conditioning (A/C) Button

Fan Control Dial Mode Control Button

Recirculation/Fresh Air Buttons

Airflow Buttons

79

When button is pressed, theindicator in the button comes on andthe air flows from the defrostervents at the base of the windshield.This overrides any MODE selectionyou may have made.

The flow-through ventilation systemdraws in outside air, circulates itthrough the interior, then exhausts itthrough vents behind the seat-backs.

Set the temperature to maximum.Make sure the A/C is off.Select and Fresh Air mode.Set the fan to the desired speed.

The heater uses engine coolant towarm the air. If the engine is cold, itwill be several minutes before youfeel warm air coming from thesystem.

Select .

Select and Fresh Air mode.Set the fan to the desired speed.Adjust the warmth of the air withthe temperature control dial.

Air conditioning places an extra loadon the engine. Watch the enginecoolant temperature gauge (see page

). If it moves near the red zone,turn off the A/C until the gaugereads normally.

Turn on the A/C by pressing thebutton. You will see A/C ON inthe display.

Make sure the temperature is setto maximum high.

If the outside air is humid, selectRecirculation mode. If the outsideair is dry, select Fresh Air mode.

Set the fan to the desired speed.

you cancool it down more rapidly by partiallyopening the windows, turning on theA/C, and setting the fan tomaximum speed in Fresh Air mode.

1.2.3.

1.2.3.4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

47

If the interior is very warm,



Windshield Defroster Button

Ventilation

Using the Heater

Using the A/C

80

Air conditioning, as it cools, removesmoisture from the air. When used incombination with the heater, itmakes the interior warm and dry.

This setting is suitable for all drivingconditions whenever the outsidetemperature is above 32°F (0°C).

To remove fog from the inside of thewindows:

Switch the fan on.Turn on the air conditioning.Select and Fresh Air mode.Adjust the temperature to yourpreference.

Set the fan to the desired speed.Turn on the air conditioning.Select the Fresh Air mode.Press the button.Adjust the temperature so theairflow feels warm.Select to help clear therear window.

Press the button.Turn on the air conditioning.Select .Set the fan and temperaturecontrols to maximum level.

To clear the windows faster, you canclose the vents on top of each doorand in each armrest by rotating thewheel next to them. This will sendmore warm air to the windshielddefroster vents. Once the windshieldis clear, select the Fresh Air mode toavoid fogging the windows.

For your safety, make sure you havea clear view through all the windowsbefore driving.

1.2.3.4.

1.2.3.4.

1.2.3.4.5.

6.



Dehumidify the Interior To Defog and Defrost

To Remove Exterior Frost or IceFrom the Windows

81

The Automatic Climate Controlsystem can adjust the fan speed andairflow levels to maintain the interiortemperature you select.

Press the AUTO button.Set the desired temperature byturning the temperature controldial. You will see FULL AUTO inthe system’s display.

The system automatically selects theproper mix of conditioned and/orheated air that will, as quickly aspossible, raise or lower the interiortemperature to your preference.

When you set the temperature to itslower or its upper limit, the systemruns at full cooling or heating only. Itdoes not regulate the interiortemperature.

In cold weather, the fan will notcome on automatically until theheater starts to develop warm air.

You can manually select variousfunctions of the Climate Controlsystem when it is in fully automaticmode. All other features remainautomatically controlled. Making anymanual selection causes the wordFULL in the display to go out.

Press the OFF button. However, alack of air flow can cause thewindows to fog up. It isrecommended that you keep the fanon at all times so stale air andmoisture do not build up in theinterior and cause fogging.

1.2.

Climate Control

Using Automatic Climate Control

Semi-automatic Operation

To Turn Everything Off


The climate control system hastemperature sensors located on thedashboard and in the center console.Do not cover these sensors or spillany liquid on them.

Climate Control

Temperature Sensors


TEMPERATURE SENSOR

TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Playing the Radio


PRESET BUTTONS

PRESET BUTTONSSEEK BAR A. SELECT BUTTON

ON/OFF BUTTONVOLUME DIAL

STEREO INDICATOR

AM/FM/CD BUTTON TUNE DIAL

－

－

▲ ▼

－

The ignition switch must be in theACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) position.Turn the system on by pushing theON/OFF button. The power antennawill extend.

Adjust the volume by turning theVOL dial (outside ring of the leftknob).

You can use any of four methods tofind radio stations on the selectedband: the presetbuttons, and

Use the TUNE dial(outside ring of the right knob) totune the radio to a desired frequency.Turn the dial right to tune to ahigher frequency, or left to tune to alower frequency.

The SEEK functionsearches up and down from thecurrent frequency to find a stationwith a strong signal. To activate it,press the or side of the bar,then release it.

The preset frequencies will be lost ifyour vehicle’s battery goes dead, isdisconnected, or the radio fuse isremoved.

You can store eightstations on each band.

Select the desired band, AM orFM.Use the TUNE or SEEK functionto tune the radio to a desiredstation.Pick a preset button, and hold ituntil you hear a beep.Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a totalof eight stations on both AM andFM band.

The band and frequency that theradio was last tuned to is displayed.To change bands, press the AM/FMbutton. On the FM band, STEREOwill be displayed if the station isbroadcasting in stereo. Stereoreproduction in AM is not available.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Playing the Radio


To Play the Radio

To Select a Station

TUNE, SEEK,AUTO SELECT.

TUNE

SEEK

Preset

85

－ If you aretraveling far from home and can nolonger receive your preset stations,you can use the Auto Select featureto find stations in the local area.

Press the A. SELECT Button. Thesystem goes into scan mode forseveral seconds. It stores eight ofthe strongest stations on each bandin the preset buttons.

If you do not like the stations AutoSelect has stored, you can storeother frequencies on the presetbuttons. Use the TUNE or SEEKfunctions to find stations, then storethem in the preset buttons asdescribed.

press the A.SELECT button. This restores thepresets you originally set.

Use the TREB and BASS knobs toadjust the tone quality to yourlinking. Push on the TREB knob toget both to pop out. The outside ringchanges the bass level and the innerknob changes the treble level.

The BAL control adjust the soundbalance between the speakers. Pushon the knob so it pops out. Adjust theside-to-side balance as desired.

When you have finished theadjustments, push the knobs back inso there is less chance ofaccidentally changing your settings.

You can use the instrument panelbrightness control dial to adjust theillumination of the audio system (seepage ). The audio systemilluminates when the parking lightsare on, even if the radio is off.

52

To turn off Auto Select,

Playing the Radio

AUTO SELECT

Audio System Lighting

Adjusting the Sound


Push Push

BALANCEKNOB

BASS KNOB

TREBLE KNOB

Your Acura’s radio can receive thecomplete AM and FM bands.Those bands cover these frequen-cies:

AM band:530 to 1,710 kilohertzFM band:87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band areassigned frequencies at least tenkilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).Stations on the FM band areassigned frequencies at least 0.2megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).

Stations must use these exactfrequencies. It is fairly common forstations to round-off the frequency intheir advertising, so your radio coulddisplay a frequency of 100.9 eventhough the announcer may identifythe station as ‘‘FM101.’’

How well your Acura’s radio receivesstations is dependent on manyfactors, such as the distance fromthe station’s transmitter, nearbylarge objects, and atmosphericconditions.

A radio station’s signal gets weakeras you get farther away from itstransmitter. If you are listening to anAM station, you will notice the soundvolume becoming weaker, and thestation drifting in and out. If you arelistening to an FM station, you willsee the stereo indicator flickering offand on as the signal weakens.Eventually, the stereo indicator will

go off and the sound will fadecompletely as you get out of range ofthe station’s signal.

Driving very near the transmitter ofa station that is broadcasting on afrequency close to the frequency ofthe station you are listening to canalso affect your radio’s reception.You may temporarily hear bothstations, or hear only the station youare close to.

CONTINUED

Radio Reception

Radio Frequencies

Radio Reception


Radio signals, especially on the FMband, are deflected by large objectssuch as buildings and hills. Yourradio then receives both the directsignal from the station’s transmitter,and the deflected signal. This causesthe sound to distort or flutter. This isa main cause of poor radio receptionin city driving.

Radio reception can be affected byatmospheric conditions such asthunderstorms, high humidity, andeven sunspots. You may be able toreceive a distant radio station oneday and not receive it the next daybecause of a change in conditions.

Electrical interference from passingvehicles and stationary sources cancause temporary reception problems.

As required by the FCC:Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible forcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.

Radio Reception


Playing a Tape


PLAY BUTTON

SCAN BUTTON EJECT BUTTON

REPLAY BUTTON REPEAT BUTTON

SKIP BUTTON

DOLBY BUTTON

METAL INDICATOR

FF BUTTONREW BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

AM/FM/CDBUTTON

▲

－

－

＊

＊

Make sure the radio is ON. Insertthe cassette with the open side of thetape facing right. Push the tape mostof the way into the slot. The systemwill pull the tape in the rest of theway, and begin to play it.

The tape direction indicator will lightto show you which side of the tape isplaying. The indicates the sideyou inserted upward in now playing.If you want to play the other side,press the PROG button. When theplayer reaches the end of the tape, itwill automatically reverse directionand play the other side.

Dolby noise reduction turns onwhen you insert a tape. If the tapewas not recorded in Dolby, turn it offby pressing the button. Dolbyremains off until you press thebutton again.

If you play a metal or chromium-dioxide (CrO2) tape, the systemautomatically senses it. The METALindicator in the frequency displaylights.

To remove the tape, press theEJECT button. If you want to turnthe player off, press the ON/OFFbutton or turn off the ignition. Thetape will remain in the drive. Whenyou turn the system back on, thetape will begin playing where it leftoff.

To switch to the radio while a Tapeis playing, press the AM/FM button.

To rewind the tape,push the REW (Preset 5) button. Tofast forward the tape, push the FF(Preset 8) button. Press the PLAY(Preset 6) button to take the systemout of rewind or fast forward.

Press the SKIP (Preset 4)button to find the beginning of thenext song or passage.The system goes into fast forward,and the light in the SKIP buttonflashes during fast forward. Whenthe system finds the beginning ofthe next song or passage, it goesback to PLAY.

Dolby noise reduction manufactured underlicense from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo-ration. ‘‘DOLBY’’ and the double-D symbol

are trademarks of Dolby LaboratoriesLicensing Corporation.

To Play a Tape

To Stop Playing a Tape

Tape Search FunctionsFF/REW

SKIP

Playing a Tape


－

－

－Press the REPEAT(Preset 3) button to continuouslyplay a song or passage. The light inthe button lights and stays on. Thetrack will repeat until you press theRPT button again.

Press the REPLAY(Preset 1) button to play the currentsong or passage from the beginning.The system goes into rewind, andthe light in the button flashes duringrewind. When it reaches the currentsong or passage, it goes back toPLAY.

Press the SCAN (Preset 2)button to search the tape for adesired passage. When you press theSCAN button, the system goes intofast forward. It goes back to PLAYwhen it reaches the beginning of thenext song or passage. It plays thatsong or passage for eight secondsand then goes into fast forward againto find the beginning of the nextsong or passage. The system repeatsthis until you press the SCAN buttonagain.

The SKIP, REPEAT,REPLAY and SCAN functions usesilent periods on the tape to find theend of a song or passage. Thesefeatures may not work if there isalmost no gap between selection, ahigh noise level, or a silent period inthe middle of a selection.

The tape player picks up dirt andoxides from the tape. Thiscontamination build up over time andcauses the sound quality to degrade.To prevent this, you should clean theplayer after every 30 hours of use.

If you do not clean the tape playerregularly, it may eventually becomeimpossible to remove thecontamination with a normalcleaning kit. Your Acura dealer has acleaning kit available.

Playing a Tape


REPEAT

REPLAY

Caring for the Tape and PlayerSCAN

91

NOTE:

After 50 hours of use, the CLEANlight comes on to remind you toclean the cassette drive. Aftercleaning the drive, turn off theCLEAN light by pushing it in withthe tip of a ballpoint pen or similarobject.

Use 100-minute or shorter tapes.Tapes longer than that may break orjam the drive.

If the tape is loose, tighten it byturning the hub with a pencil or yourfinger. If the label is peeling off,remove it or it could cause thecassette to jam in the player. Nevertry to insert a warped or damagedcassette in the player.

Store tapes in their cases to protectthem from dust and moisture. Neverplace tapes where they will beexposed to direct sunlight, high heat,or high humidity. If a tape is exposedto extreme heat or cold, let it reach amoderate temperature beforeinserting it into the player.

Never try to insert foreign objectsinto the cassette player.

Playing a Tape


CLEAN LIGHT

CD Changer


SCAN BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

REPEAT BUTTON

A. SELECTBUTTON

ON/OFF BUTTON

AM/FM/CDBUTTON

Your vehicle has a CD changer inthe trunk. It holds up to six CDs.

Press the lock lever down, pivotthe changer downward.

Reinstall the tray in the magazine.Repeat this procedure for theother five trays.

Put a CD on a tray with the printedsurface up as shown.

To install a CD, pull the tab out toremove the tray from themagazine.

Slide the lid to open the CDchanger.

Push the EJECT button to removethe CD magazine. The magazinewill pop up automatically.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

CD Changer


Loading the CD Changer

94

EJECTBUTTON

Slide

CD CHANGER

－

－

－

Store the magazine in the changer.Pivot the changer upward to itspuright position. Make sure thelocklever is securely locked.

Secure the CD changer inupright position before driving. TheCD changer and CD(s) can bedamaged if the change is notsecured before driving.

You operate the CD changer withthe same controls used for the radioand cassette player.

Play only standard round discs. Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the drive orcause other problems.

For best results when using CD-R orCD-RW discs, use only high qualitydiscs labeled for audio use. Whenrecording a CD-R or CD-RW, therecording must be closed in orderfor the disc to be used by CD player.

This CD changer can play CD-Rs andCD-RWs compressed in MP3(MPEG 1/2 Audio Layer 3) standard.However, folder selection is notavailable with the audio controls ofthis unit. Only track selection ispossible and the selected track isdisplayed.

If you play the hundredth track andover, the display will not show theactual track number:

To select a different disc, press thePROG (Preset 7) button. The nextCD in the changer is loaded andstarts to play from the first track.

Turn on the audio system asdescribed previously. Press the AM/FM/CD button until ‘‘CD’’ appears inthe display. The disc and tracknumber will be displayed.

When that disc ends, the next disc inthe magazine is loaded and played.When disc 6 has completed playing,the system will return to disc 1.

‘‘cds 99’’ is displayed for the99th track‘‘cds 01’’ is displayed for the100th track‘‘cds 02’’ is displayed for the101st track

7.

CD Changer


Operating the CD Changer

95

NOTE:

－

－

－You can switch to the radio while aCD is playing by pressing the AM/FM/CD button.

To turn the system completely off,press the ON/OFF button.

You can use the preset buttons whilea CD in playing to select passagesand change tracks.

Each time you press and release thePreset 4 button, the system skipsforward to the beginning of the nexttrack on that CD. Pressing thePreset 1 button skips backward tothe beginning of the current track.

To activate the Repeatfeature, press and release theREPEAT (Preset 3) button. Theindicator in the button will come on.The system continuously replays thecurrent track. Press the REPEATbutton again to turn it off.

To search for a particularprogram on a disc, press the SCAN(Preset 2) button. The system willskip forward to the next track andbegin to play it. if you do not touchany of the controls, the system skipsto the beginning of the next trackafter ten seconds and begins to playthat. When the system gets to atrack you want to hear all the waythrough, press the SCAN buttonagain. You can only scan tracks onthe disc currently being played.

This featurewhen activated, plays the tracks onthe CD in random order, rather thanin the order they are recorded on theCD. To activate Random Play, pressthe A. SELECT button. The indicatorwill come on. The system will thenselect and play tracks randomly.This continues until you deactivateRandom Play by pressing the A.SELECT button again.

To move rapidly within a track, pressand hold the Preset 8 button to moveforward or the Preset 5 button tomove backward. Release the buttonwhen the system reaches the pointyou want.


CD Changer

REPEAT

SCAN

RANDOM PLAY

96

－－－

－

When using CD-R or CD-RW discs,use only high quality CDs labeledfor audio use.

When recording a CD-R or CD-RW, the recording must be closedfor it to be used by the CD players.

Play only standard round CDs.Odd-shaped CDs may jam in thedrive or cause other problems.

When a CD is not being played, storeit in its case to protect it from dustand other contamination. To preventwarpage, keep CDs out of directsunlight and extreme heat.

To clean a CD, use a clean soft cloth.Wipe across the CD from the centerto the outside edge.

A new CD may be rough on theinner and outer edges. The smallplastic pieces causing this roughnesscan flake off and fall on the re-cording surface of the CD, causingskipping or other problems. Removethese pieces by rubbing the innerand outer edges with the side of apencil or pen.

Never try to insert foreign objects inthe CD player or the magazine.

Handle a CD by its edges; nevertouch either surface. Do not placestabilizer rings or labels on the CD.These, along with contaminationfrom fingerprints, liquids, and felt-tippens, can cause the CD to not playproperly, or possibly jam in the drive.

Handle your CDs properly toprevent damage and skipping.

The specifications of thecompatible MP3 file are:

Sampling frequency: 16-44 kHzBit rate: 8-320 kbpsCompatible with variable bitrate and multi-sessionMaximum layers (includingROOT): 8 layers


Protecting Your CDs

General Information Protecting CDs

97

Indication SolutionCauseIf you see an error message in thedisplay while operating a CD, findthe cause in the chart to the right. Ifyou cannot clear the error indication,take the vehicle to your Acura dealer.

Consult your Acura dealer.

Press the magazine eject button, and insert anempty magazine.

If the code disappears within a few seconds,unit is OK. If it does not, see your Acura dealer.

Press the magazine eject button and pull it out.Check for error indication, and insert themagazine again. If the magazine cannot bepulled out, see your Acura dealer.Press the magazine eject button. If themagazine does not eject, see your Acura dealer.Will disappear when the temperature returns tonormal.

See your Acura dealer.

Insert CD magazine.

Disc changermalfunction.Disc is in changermechanism.

Disc changermalfunction.

Disc changermalfunction.

CD magazine ejectionimpossible.High temperature.

Misconnection ordisconnection of CDchanger.No CD magazine in theCD changer.

CD Changer Error Messages


The security system helps to protectyour vehicle and valuables from theft.The horn sounds and all the exteriorlights flash if someone attempts tobreak into your vehicle or removethe radio. The system alarmscontinue for two minutes unless youturn it off manually. To turn thesystem off, unlock either door withthe key.

With the system set, you can stillopen the trunk with the master keywithout triggering the alarm. Thealarm will sound if the trunk lock isforced or smashed, or the trunk isopened with the release button on

the driver’s door.

The security system does not set ifthe hood, rear window, trunk, roofpanel or either door is not latchedcompletely. If the system will not set,check the Door and Lamp Monitoron the instrument panel (see page

), to see if the doors, rear window,roof panel and trunk are fully closed.Since it is not monitored, manuallycheck the hood.

The security system automaticallysets 15 seconds after you lock thedoors, hood, rear window, roof paneland trunk. For the system to activate,you must lock the doors from theoutside with the key, lock tab, doorlock switch, or remote transmitter.The security system indicator nextto the driver’s door lock startsblinking immediately to show youthe system is setting itself.

Once the security system is set,opening either door (without the keyor the remote transmitter), the hood,roof panel, or the rear window willcause it to alarm. It also alarms if theradio is removed from the dashboardor if the wiring is cut.

45


Security System

99

Cruise control allows you to maintaina set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h)without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. It should be usedfor cruising on straight, openhighways. It is not recommended forcity driving, winding roads, slipperyroads, heavy rain, or bad weather.

Push in the Cruise Control MasterSwitch on the right pod. Theindicator by the switch will light.

Accelerate to the desired cruisingspeed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

1.

2.

Cruise Control


Using the Cruise Control

100

Improper use of the cruisecontrol can lead to a crash.

Use the cruise control onlywhen traveling on openhighways in good weather.

Press and release the SET/decelbutton on the steering wheel. TheCRUISE CONTROL indicator onthe instrument panel comes on toshow the system is now activated.

The cruise control may not holdthe set speed when you are goingup and down hills. If your speedincreases going down a hill, usethe brakes to slow down. This willcancel the cruise control. To

resume the set speed, press theRESUME/accel button. TheCRUISE CONTROL indicator onthe instrument panel comes backon.

When climbing a steep hill, theautomatic transmission maydownshift to hold the set speed.

You can increase the set cruisingspeed in any of these ways:

Press and hold the RESUME/accel button. When you reach thedesired cruising speed, release thebutton.

To increase your speed in verysmall amounts, tap the RESUME/

accel button. Each time you dothis, your vehicle will speed upabout 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

You can decrease the set cruisingspeed in any of these ways:

Press and hold the SET/decelbutton. The vehicle will decelerate.Release the button when youreach the desired speed.

To slow down in very smallamounts, tap the SET/decelbutton. Each time you do this,your vehicle will slow down about1 mph (1.6 km/h).

Tap the brake or clutch pedallightly with your foot. TheCRUISE CONTROL indicator onthe instrument panel will go out.When the vehicle slows to thedesired speed, press the SET/decel button.

Push on the accelerator pedal.Accelerate to the desired cruisingspeed, and press the SET/decelbutton.

3.


Changing the Set Speed

Cruise Control

101

RESUME/accel

SET/decel

Even with the cruise control turnedon, you can still use the acceleratorpedal to speed up for passing. Aftercompleting the pass, take your footoff the accelerator pedal. The vehiclewill return to the set cruising speed.

Resting your foot on the brake orclutch pedal will cause the cruisecontrol to cancel.

You can cancel the cruise control inany of these ways:

Tap the brake or clutch pedal.

Press the SET/decel andRESUME/accel buttons at thesame time.

Press the Cruise Control MasterSwitch.

When you tap the brake or clutchpedal, or press the SET andRESUME buttons at the same time,the CRUISE CONTROL indicator onthe instrument panel will go out andthe vehicle will begin to slow down.You can use the accelerator pedal inthe normal way. Pressing the Cruise Control Master

Switch turns the system completelyoff and erases the previous cruisingspeed from memory. To use thesystem again, refer to

.

If you use the brake or clutch pedalto cancel cruise control, the systemremembers the previously-setcruising speed. To return to thatspeed, accelerate to above 25 mph

(40 km/h), then press theRESUME/accel button. TheCRUISE CONTROL indicator comeson, and the vehicle will accelerate tothe same cruising speed as before.

Cruise Control

Cancelling the Cruise Control

Using theCruise Control


Before you begin driving your Acura,you should know what gasoline touse, and how to check the levels ofimportant fluids. You also need toknow how to properly store luggageor packages. The information in thissection will help you. If you plan toadd any accessories to your vehicle,please read the information in thissection first.

.............................Break-in Period . 104...............................Gasoline Type . 104

.........Service Station Procedures . 105...............................Fuel Economy . 110

...Accessories and Modifications . 111.............................Carrying Cargo . 113

.....................General Precautions . 116

Before Driving

Before Driving 103

Help assure your vehicle’s futurereliability and performance by payingextra attention to how you driveduring the first 600 miles (1,000 km).During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapidacceleration. Do not exceed 5,500rpm for the first 600 miles (1,000km) of operation.

Avoid hard braking for the first200 miles (300 km).

Do not change the oil until thescheduled maintenance time.

You should follow these samerecommendations with anoverhauled or exchanged engine,or when the brakes are relined.

In addition, in order to maintain goodperformance, fuel economy, andemissions control, we stronglyrecommend, in areas where it isavailable, the use of gasoline thatdoes NOT contain manganese-basedfuel additives such as MMT. Use ofgasoline with these additives mayadversely affect performance, andcause the Malfunction IndicatorLamp on your instrument panel tocome on.If this happens, contact yourauthorized Acura dealer for service.For further important fuel-relatedinformation, please refer to yourQuick Start Guide.

Some gasoline today is blended withoxygenates such as ethanol orMTBE. Your vehicle is designed tooperate on oxygenated gasolinecontaining up to 10 percent ethanolby volume and up to 15 percentMTBE by volume. Do not usegasoline containing methanol.

If your notice any undesirableoperating symptoms, try anotherservice station or switch to anotherbrand of gasoline.

Use of a lower octane gasoline cancause a persistent, heavy, metallicrapping noise in the engine that canlead to mechanical failure.

Your Acura is designed to operate onunleaded gasoline with a pumpoctane number of 91 or higher. Useof a lower octane gasoline can causeoccasional metallic knocking noisesin the engine and will result indecreased engine performance.

Break-in Period, Gasoline Type

Break-in Period Gasoline Type

Before Driving104

Park with the driver’s side closestto the service station pump.

Open the fuel fill door by pullingon the handle to the left of thedriver’s seat.

Stop filling the tank after the fuelnozzle automatically clicks off. Donot try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank. Leavesome room for the fuel to expandwith temperature changes.

eventhough the tank is not full, theremay be a problem with yourvehicle’s fuel vapor recoverysystem. The system helps keepfuel vapors from going into theatmosphere. Consult your dealer.

Screw the fuel fill cap back onuntil it clicks at least three times.If you do not properly tighten thecap, the Malfunction IndicatorLamp may come on (see page

).

Push the fuel fill door closed untilit latches.

Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.You may hear a hissing sound aspressure inside the tank escapes.Place the cap in the holder on thefuel fill door.

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3.

4.

5.

6.

190

If the nozzle keeps clicking off

CONTINUED

Service Station Procedures

Fueling

Before Driving 105

Pull

Gasoline is highly flammableand explosive. You can beburned or seriously injuredwhen handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keepheat, sparks, and flamesaway.Handle fuel only outdoors.Wipe up spills immediately.

Park the vehicle, and set theparking brake. Locate the releasehandle on the rear of the driver’sdoor opening, next to the seat.Pivot this handle towards thedriver’s seat. The rear window willpop up slightly.

Stand just behind the driver’s door.Reach under the rear edge of therear window at its center and raiseit. It will stay up by itself.

Lift the engine cover.

Pull the support rod out of its clipand insert the end into the squarehole in the engine cover bracket.

1. 2. 3.

4.


Opening the EngineCompartment

Before Driving106

RELEASE HANDLE

ENGINE COVER

SUPPORT RODREAR WINDOW

To Close the Rear Window:Snap the support rod back into theclip and lower the engine cover. Pullthe rear window down until it isresting on the body, then push onthe center of the back edge until itlatches. Make sure it is securelyclosed before driving away.

Wait a few minutes after turning theengine off before you check the oil.

Remove the dipstick (orangehandle).

Wipe the dipstick with a cleancloth or paper towel.

Insert it all the way back in its tube.

Remove the dipstick again andcheck the level. It should bebetween the upper and lowermarks.

If it is near or below the lower mark,see on page .

1.

2.

3.

4.

143


Before Driving

Adding Oil

Oil Check

107

ENGINE COVER

DIPSTICK

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

Look at the coolant level in theexpansion tank. Make sure it isbetween the MAX and MIN lines. Ifit is below the MIN line, see

on page forinformation on adding the propercoolant.

Refer toon page for information

on checking other items in yourAcura.

Park the vehicle, and set theparking brake. Pull the hoodrelease handle located under thelower left corner of the dashboard.The hood will pop up slightly.

1.

146

136


Engine Coolant Check

AddingEngine Coolant

Owner MaintenanceChecks

Checking the Front Compartment

Before Driving108

EXPANSION TANK

MAX

MIN

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

Put your fingers under the frontedge of the hood to the right ofcenter. Slide your hand to the leftuntil you feel the hood latchhandle. Push this handle to the leftuntil it releases the hood. Lift thehood.

If the hood latch handle moves stiffly,or you can open the hood withoutlifting the handle, the mechanismshould be cleaned and lubricated.

Pull the support rod out of its clipand insert the end into the squarehole on the right side of the hood.

Lift it up slightly to remove thesupport rod from the hole. Put thesupport rod back into its holding clip.Lower the hood to about a foot (30cm) above the fender, then let itdrop. Make sure it is securelylatched.

2.

3.


Before Driving

To Close the Hood

109

LATCHHANDLE

HOOD

SUPPORT ROD

Always maintain your vehicleaccording to the maintenanceschedule. See

on page.

an underinflated tirecauses more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’which uses fuel.

The build-up of snow or mud onyour vehicle’s underside addsweight and rolling resistance.Frequent cleaning helps your fuelmileage and reduces the chance ofcorrosion.

Drive moderately. Rapidacceleration, abrupt cornering andhard braking use more fuel.

Always drive in the highest gearpossible.

The air conditioning puts an extraload on the engine which makes ituse more fuel. Use the fresh-airventilation when possible.

Combine several short trips intoone.

Try to maintain a constant speed.Every time you slow down andspeed up, your vehicle uses extrafuel. Use the cruise control whenappropriate.

136

For example,

Fuel Economy

Improving Fuel Economy

Owner’sMaintenance Checks

Before Driving110

Modifying your vehicle, or installingsome non-Acura accessories, canmake your vehicle unsafe. Beforeyou make any modifications or addany accessories, be sure to read thefollowing information.

Your dealer has Acura accessoriesthat allow you to personalize yourvehicle. These accessories havebeen designed and approved for yourvehicle, and are covered by warranty.

Although aftermarket accessoriesmay fit on your vehicle, they may notmeet factory specifications, andcould adversely affect your vehicle’shandling and stability. (See‘‘Modifications’’ on page foradditional information.)

When properly installed, cellularphones, alarms, two-way radios, andlow-powered audio systems shouldnot interfere with your vehicle’scomputer controlled systems, suchas the SRS and anti-lock brakesystem.

Before installing any accessory:Make sure the accessory does notobscure any lights, or interferewith proper vehicle operation orperformance.

Be sure electronic accessories donot overload electrical circuits(see page ) or interfere withproper operation.

Have the installer contact yourAcura dealer for assistance beforeinstalling any electronic accessory.

192

112

Accessories

Before Driving

Accessories and Modifications

111

Improper accessories ormodifications can affect yourvehicle’s handling, stability, andperformance, and cause acrash in which you can be hurtor killed.

Follow all instructions in thisowner’s manual regardingaccessories and modifications.

If you plan to modify your vehicle,consult your Acura dealer.

Do not modify your steering wheelor any other part of yourSupplemental Restraint System.Modifications could make thesystem ineffective. See the safetyprecautions on page .

Larger or smaller wheels and tirescan interfere with the operation ofyour vehicle’s anti-lock brakes andother systems.

Aftermarket wheels, because theyare a universal design, can causeexcessive stress on suspensioncomponents.

Raising your vehicle with anaftermarket suspension kit canaffect the handling and stability.

Lowering your vehicle with anaftermarket suspension kit thatsignificantly reduces groundclearance can allow theundercarriage to hit speed bumpsor other raised objects, whichcould cause the airbags to deploy.

Some examples are:

Removing parts from your vehicle,or replacing components with non-Acura (aftermarket) componentscould seriously affect your vehicle’shandling, stability, and reliability.

15

Before Driving

Accessories and Modifications

Modifying Your Vehicle

112

Your vehicle has several convenientstorage areas:

Glove box

Console compartment

Trunk

However, carrying too much cargo,or improperly storing it, can affectyour vehicle’s handling, stability,stopping distance, and tires, andmake it unsafe. Before carrying anytype of cargo, be sure to read thefollowing pages.

Carrying Cargo

Before Driving 113

CONSOLE COMPARTMENTGLOVE BOX

TRUNK

×

－

The maximum load limit for yourvehicle is 400 lbs (185 kg). Thisfigure includes the total weight of alloccupants, cargo, and accessories.

Subtract the combined weight ofthe driver and passenger from 400lbs (185 kg).

The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity.

To determine the correct cargo andluggage load limit.

Locate the statement, ‘‘thecombined weight of occupants andcargo should never exceed 400 lbs(185 kg)’’ on your vehicle’s placard(on the driver’s doorjamb).

Determine the combined weightof the driver and passenger thatwill be riding in your vehicle. (Twois the seating capacity of yourvehicle.)

For example, if there will be two 150lbs (70 kg) occupants in your vehicle,the amount of available cargo andluggage load capacity is 100 lbs (45kg).2 150 lbs (70 kg) = 300 lbs (140kg)400 lbs (185 kg) 300 lbs (140 kg) =100 lbs (45 kg)

Determine the combined weightof accessories, luggage, and cargobeing loaded in the vehicle. Theweight may not safely exceed theavailable cargo and luggage loadcapacity calculated in step 4.

1.

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3.

4.

5.

Carrying Cargo

Before Driving114

Overloading or improperloading can affect handling andstability and cause a crash inwhich you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and otherloading guidelines in thismanual.

Store or secure all items that couldbe thrown around and hurtsomeone during a crash.

Be sure items placed on the floorbehind the seats cannot roll underthe seats and interfere with thepedals or vehicle operation.

Distribute cargo evenly on thefloor of the trunk, placing theheaviest items on the bottom andas far forward as possible.

Keep the glove box closed whiledriving. If it is open, a passengercould injure their knees during acrash or sudden stop.

Carrying Cargo

Carrying Items in the PassengerCompartment

Carrying Cargo in the Trunk

Before Driving 115

Your Acura is designed to give youoptimum handling and performanceon well-maintained roads. As part ofthis design, your vehicle hasminimum ground clearance and verylow-profile tires.

Use caution if you ever drive yourvehicle on very rough or ruttedroads. You could damage thesuspension and underbody bybottoming out. Going too fast overparking lot ‘‘speed bumps’’ canalso cause damage. Curbs and steep inclines could

damage the front and rearbumpers. Low curbs that do notaffect the average vehicle may behigh enough to hit the bumper onyour Acura. The front or rearbumper may scrape when trying todrive onto an incline, such as asteep driveway or trailer ramps.

Because of the low-profile tiresfitted on your vehicle, the alloywheels are closer to the ground.Driving over a pothole or roaddebris at too high a speed canseriously damage a wheel. Slowdown under these conditions.

General Precautions

Before Driving116

This section gives you tips onstarting the engine under variousconditions, and how to operate themanual and automatic transmissions.It also includes importantinformation on parking your vehicle,the braking system, and the TractionControl System.

........................Preparing to Drive . 118.......................Starting the Engine . 119

....6-speed Manual Transmission . 120..............Automatic Transmission . 123

...........................................Parking . 128.....................The Braking System . 129

...............Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) . 130..............Traction Control System . 131

...........................Towing a Trailer . 132

Driving

Driving 117

You should do the following checksand adjustments every day beforeyou drive your vehicle.

Make sure all windows, mirrors,and outside lights are clean andunobstructed. Remove frost, snow,or ice.

Check that the hood, trunk andrear window are fully closed.

Visually check the tires. If a tirelooks low, use a gauge to check itspressure.

Check that any items you may becarrying with you inside are storedproperly or fastened downsecurely.

Check the seat adjustment (seepage ).

Check the inside and outsidemirror adjustments (see page

).

Fasten your seat belt. Check thatyour passenger has fastened his orher seat belt (see page ).

When you start the engine, checkthe gauges and indicators in theinstrument panel (see page ).

Check the steering wheeladjustment (see page ).

Make sure the doors are securelyclosed and locked.

1.

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4.

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6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

62

71

53

12

42

Preparing to Drive

Driving118

Apply the parking brake.

In cold weather, turn off allelectrical accessories to reducebattery drain.

Push the clutch pedal down all theway. START (III) does notfunction unless the clutch pedal isdepressed.

Make sure the shift lever is inPark. Press on the brake pedal.

Without touching the acceleratorpedal, turn the ignition key to theSTART (III) position. Do not holdthe key in START (III) for morethan 15 seconds at a time. If theengine does not start right away,pause for at least 10 secondsbefore trying again.

If the engine does not start within15 seconds, or starts but stallsright away, repeat step 4 with theaccelerator pedal pressed halfwaydown. If the engine starts, releasepressure on the accelerator pedalso the engine does not race.

If the engine fails to start, pressthe accelerator pedal all the waydown and hold it there whilestarting to clear flooding. If theengine still does not start, returnto step 5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Manual Transmission:

Automatic Transmission:

Driving

Starting the Engine

119

NOTICE: The engine is harder to startin cold weather. Also, the thinner airf ound at altitudes above 8,000 f eet(2,400 meters) adds to this problem.

The manual transmission issynchronized in all forward gears forsmooth operation. It has a lockout soyou cannot shift directly from Fifthto Reverse instead of Sixth (see page

). When shifting up or down,make sure you push the clutch pedaldown all the way, shift to the nextgear, and let the pedal up gradually.When you are not shifting, do notrest your foot on the clutch pedal.This can cause your clutch to wearout faster.

Come to a full stop before you shiftinto Reverse. You can damage thetransmission by trying to shift intoReverse with the vehicle moving.Push down the clutch pedal, andpause for a few seconds beforeshifting into Reverse, or shift intoone of the forward gears for amoment. This stops the gears sothey won’t ‘‘grind.’’

When slowing down, you can getextra braking from the engine byshifting to a lower gear. This extrabraking can help you maintain a safespeed and prevent your brakes fromoverheating while going down asteep hill. Before downshifting,make sure engine speed will not gointo the tachometer’s red zone in thelower gear.

122

6-speed Manual Transmission

Driving120

Rapid slowing or speeding-upcan cause loss of control onslippery surfaces. If you crash,you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving onslippery surfaces.

If you exceed the maximum speedfor the gear you are in, the enginespeed will enter into the tachometer’sred zone. If this occurs, you may feelthe engine cut in and out. This iscaused by a limiter in the engine’scomputer controls. The engine willrun normally when you reduce theRPM below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure theengine will not go into thetachometer’s red zone.

Shift Up

1st to 2nd2nd to 3rd3rd to 4th4th to 5th5th to 6th

Normal Acceleration

15 mph (24 km/h)25 mph (40 km/h)40 mph (64 km/h)47 mph (75 km/h)52 mph (83 km/h)

Drive in the highest gear that letsthe engine run and acceleratesmoothly. This will give you goodfuel economy and effectiveemissions control. The followingshift points are recommended:


Recommended Shift Points Engine Speed Limiter

Driving 121

The 6-speed manual transmissionhas an electric lockout so you cannotaccidentally shift from Fifth toReverse instead of Sixth. If youcannot shift to Reverse when thevehicle is stopped:

With the clutch pedal pressed,move the shift lever to the First/Second gear side of the Neutralgate, then shift to Reverse.

If you are still unable to shift toReverse, apply the parking brakeand turn the ignition key toACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).

Depress the clutch pedal and shiftto Reverse.

With the clutch pedal stilldepressed, start the engine.

If you need to use this procedure toshift to Reverse, your vehicle may bedeveloping a problem. Have thevehicle checked by your Acuradealer.

1.

2.

3.

4.


Reverse Lockout

Driving122

These indicators on the instrumentpanel show which position the shiftlever is in. The illuminated numbernext to the ‘‘M’’ indicator shows youthe gear you have selected whenselecting 3/M position.

The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for afew seconds when you turn theignition switch to ON (II). If itflashes at any time (in any shiftposition), it indicates a possibleproblem in the transmission. Avoidrapid acceleration, and have thetransmission checked by an Acuradealer as soon as possible.

The shift lever on the steeringcolumn’s right pod allows you toshift up and down manually whenthe console shift lever is in the‘‘3/M’’ position.

To shift from any position, pressfirmly on the brake pedal and pressthe release button on the side of theshift lever. You cannot shift out ofPark when the ignition switch is inLOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I).

Automatic Transmission

Driving

Shift Lever Position Indicators Shifting

123

RELEASE BUTTON

SHIFT LEVER

－－

－

To shift from:P to R

R to PN to R

3/M to 22 to 11 to 2

2 to 3/M3/M to D

D to ND to 3/M

N to DR to N

Do this:Press the brake pedal andpush the release button.

Push the release button.

Move the lever.

This position mechani-cally locks the transmission. UsePark whenever you are turning off orstarting the engine. To shift out ofPark, you must press on the brakepedal and have your foot off theaccelerator pedal. Press the releasebutton on the side of the shift leverto move it.

If you have done all of the above andstill cannot move the lever out ofPark, see onpage .

You must also press the releasebutton to shift into Park. To avoidtransmission damage, come to acomplete stop before shifting intoPark. The shift lever must be in Parkbefore you can remove the key fromthe ignition switch.

Press the brakepedal and press the release button toshift from Park to Reverse. To shiftfrom Reverse to Neutral, come to acomplete stop and then shift.

Use Neutral if youneed to restart a stalled engine, or ifit is necessary to stop briefly withthe engine idling. Shift to the Parkposition if you need to leave yourvehicle for any reason. Press on thebrake pedal when you are movingthe shift lever from Neutral toanother gear.

127


Driving

Park (P)

Shift Lock Release

Reverse (R)

Neutral (N)

124

－－

CONTINUED

If you move the console shift leverfrom ‘‘D’’ to ‘‘3/M’’ while the vehicleis moving, the transmission remainsin the gear it was in. If you do thiswhile stopped, the transmissionselects first gear.

With theconsole shift lever in this position,you can use the SportShift lever onthe right pod to shift gears; muchlike a manual transmission without aclutch pedal. Each time you push upon the SportShift lever, thetransmission will shift up to the nexthigher gear. Push down on the leverto downshift. The number of theselected gear is displayed next to the‘‘M’’ indicator (See page ).

Use this position fornormal driving. The transmissionautomatically selects a suitable gearfor your speed and acceleration. Youmay notice the transmission shiftingup at higher speeds when the engineis cold. This helps the engine warmup faster.

Press firmly on the brake pedalwhen you are stopped in Drive, 3/M,2, 1, N or Reverse. Never press onthe accelerator pedal at the sametime.

For faster acceleration when passing,you can get the transmission toautomatically downshift by pushingthe accelerator pedal to the floor.The transmission will shift down to alower gear.

When you accelerate away from astop, the transmission will be in firstgear. If you do not manually upshiftto second gear, the transmission willautomatically upshift when theengine reaches redline, or when youreduce pressure on the acceleratorpedal. It will remain in second gearuntil you either upshift manually orcome to a stop.The transmission remains in theselected gear (4, 3, or 2). There is noautomatic downshift when you pushthe accelerator pedal to the floor.The only time it will shiftautomatically is when the vehiclecomes to almost a complete stop. Itwill then downshift to first gear.

123

SportShift (3/M)Drive (D)


Driving 125

－

－If you try to manually downshift at aspeed that would cause the engine toexceed the redline in the lower gear,the transmission will not downshift.If that downshift is from second gearto first gear, the gear indicator willflash ‘‘1’’ several times, then returnto ‘‘2’’.

When manually downshifting fromsecond gear to first gear belowredline, you must depress theaccelerator pedal to get thetransmission to downshift. If you donot, the gear indicator will flash asdescribed. This is not necessarywhen downshifting in any of theother gears.

If you exceed the maximum speedfor the gear you are in, the enginespeed will enter into the tachometer’sred zone. If this occurs, you may feelthe engine cut in and out. This iscaused by a limiter in the engine’scomputer controls. The engine willrun normally when you reduce theRPM below the red zone.

To shift from Second toFirst, press the release button on theshift lever. With the lever in thisposition, the transmission locks inFirst gear.

For starting out on a slipperysurface or in deep snow.

To increase engine braking whengoing down steep hills.

For more power when climbing.

This position locksthe transmission in second gear. Itdoes not downshift to first gearwhen you come to a stop.Use Second gear:

Engine Speed Limiter

First (1)

Second (2)


Driving126

This allows you to move the shiftlever out of Park if the normalmethod of pushing on the brakepedal and pressing the releasebutton does not work.

Set the Parking brake.

Remove the key from the ignitionswitch.

Put a cloth on the edge of the ShiftLock Release slot cover next tothe shift lever. Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver or finger nailfile to remove the cover. Carefullypry off the edge of the cover.

Insert the key in the Shift LockRelease slot next to the shift lever.

Push down on the key while youpress the release button on theshift lever and move the shift leverout of Park to Neutral.

Remove the key from the ShiftLock Release slot. Press the brakepedal and restart the engine.

If you need to use the Shift LockRelease, it means your vehicle isdeveloping a problem. Have itchecked by an Acura dealer.

1.

2.

3.4.

5.

6.


Shift Lock Release

Driving 127

RELEASE BUTTON

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT

Always use the parking brake whenyou park your vehicle. Make surethe parking brake is set firmly oryour vehicle may roll if it is parkedon an incline.

If your vehicle has an automatictransmission, set the parking brakebefore you put the transmission inPark. This keeps the vehicle frommoving and putting pressure on theparking mechanism in thetransmission.

Make sure the removable roofpanel is installed and the windowsare closed.

Turn off the lights.

Place any packages, valuables, etc.,in the trunk or take them with you.

Lock the doors. Check theindicator on the driver’s door toverify that the security system isset.

Never park over dry leaves, tallgrass, or other flammablematerials. The hot three-waycatalytic converter could causethese materials to catch on fire.

If the vehicle is facing uphill, turnthe front wheels away from thecurb. If you have a manualtransmission, put it in first gear.

If the vehicle is facing downhill,turn the front wheels toward thecurb. If you have a manualtransmission, put it in reverse gear.

Make sure the parking brake isfully released before driving away.Driving with the parking brakepartially set can overheat ordamage the rear brakes.

Parking Tips

Parking Tips

Driving128

Your Acura is equipped with discbrakes at all four wheels. A powerassist helps reduce the effort neededon the brake pedal. The ABS helpsyou retain steering control whenbraking very hard.

Resting your foot on the pedal keepsthe brakes applied lightly, builds upheat, and reduces their effectiveness.It also keeps your brake lights on allthe time, confusing drivers behindyou.

Check the brakes after drivingthrough deep water. Apply thebrakes moderately to see if they feelnormal. If not, apply them gently andfrequently until they do. Be extracautious and alert in your driving.

If the brake pads need replacing, youwill hear a distinctive, metallicscreeching sound when you applythe brake pedal. If you do not havethe brake pads replaced, they willscreech all the time. It is normal forthe brakes to occasionally squeal orsqueak when you apply them.

The hydraulic system that operatesthe brakes has two separate circuits.Each circuit works diagonally acrossthe vehicle (the left-front brake isconnected with the right-rear brake,etc.). If one circuit should develop aproblem, you will still have brakingat two wheels.

Constant application of the brakeswhen going down a long hill buildsup heat and reduces their effective-ness. Use the engine to assist thebrakes by taking your foot off theaccelerator and downshifting to alower gear.

Braking System

Brake Wear Indicators

Brake System Design

Driving 129

Front

＊

＊

If the ABS indicator comes on, theanti-lock function of the brakingsystem has shut down. The brakesstill work like a conventional system,but without anti-lock. You shouldhave the dealer inspect your vehicleas soon as possible.

it only helps with steeringcontrol during braking.

such as trying to take acorner too fast or making a suddenlane change. Always drive at a safespeed for the road and weatherconditions.

Always steer moderatelywhen you are braking hard. Severeor sharp steering wheel movementcan still cause your vehicle to veerinto oncoming traffic or off the road.

on loose oruneven surfaces, such as gravel orsnow, than a vehicle without anti-lock. Slow down and allow a greaterdistance between vehicles underthose conditions.

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)helps prevent the brakes fromlocking up and helps you retainsteering control by pumping thebrakes rapidly; much faster than aperson.

Let the ABS work for you by alwayskeeping firm, steady pressure on thebrake pedal. This is sometimesreferred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’

You will feel a pulsation in the brakepedal when the ABS activates, andmay hear some noise. This is normal:it is the ABS rapidly pumping thebrakes. On dry pavement, you willneed to press on the brake pedalvery hard before the ABS activates.However, you may feel the ABSactivate immediately if you are tryingto stop on snow or ice.

You should never pump the brake pedal.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Driving

Important Safety RemindersABS does not reduce the time ordistance it takes to stop thevehicle;

ABS will not prevent a skid thatresults from changing directionabruptly,

ABS cannot prevent a loss ofstability.

A vehicle with ABS may require alonger distance to stop

ABS Indicator

Activating the Anti-lock Brakes

130

ANTI-LOCK BRAKESYSTEM INDICATOR

U.S. indicator shown

Your Acura is equipped with aTraction Control System (TCS). TCSassists you in maintaining tractionwhile accelerating on slipperysurfaces. It does this by regulatingthe engine’s power output when itsenses either of the drive wheelsstarting to spin. This increases thevehicle’s traction and directionalstability on loose or slippery roadsurfaces.

Driving with TCS requires no specialskills or technique. The TCS doesnot affect braking, and cannot pre-vent skidding if you enter a cornertoo fast. It is still your responsibilityto drive at reasonable speeds and toleave a sufficient margin of safety.

When driving on a loose or slipperyroad surface, you may notice that theengine does not respond to theaccelerator in the same way it doesat other times. This is a sign the TCSis activating. You will see the TCSindicator light flash.

You should still install winter tires onyour vehicle during the winter.Exercise the same caution in winterdriving as you would if your vehiclewas not equipped with TCS.

Driving with the folding spare tire(see page ) installed mayactivate the TCS. You may want toturn the system off under thiscondition.

181

Traction Control System (TCS)

Driving 131

TCS INDICATOR LIGHT

This switch is on the dashboardbehind the right control pod. It letsyou turn the Traction ControlSystem on and off. You cannot turnoff the TCS while the TCS indicatoris flashing.

Deactivate the system by pressingthe TCS On/Off switch. The TCSindicator light comes on as areminder. Pressing the switch againturns the system back on.

The Traction Control System turnson every time you start the engine,even if you turned it off the last timeyou drove the vehicle.

The TCS indicator comes on orflashes under the following condi-tions:

When you turn the ignition switchto ON (II).

When you manually turn off TCS.

It flashes when the TCS isregulating the engine output toprevent wheelspin.

If the system’s diagnostics sensesa problem with TCS, the indicatorwill come on and stay on.

If the TCS indicator comes on whiledriving, pull to the side of the roadwhen it is safe and turn off theengine. Reset the system byrestarting the engine, and watch theTCS indicator. If the indicatorremains on, or comes back on whiledriving, have the TCS inspected byyour Acura dealer. You can still drivethe vehicle without TCS.

The TCS indicator may occasionallycome on for one or two seconds andthen go out. This is normal.

Your NSX is not designed to tow atrailer. Attempting to do so can voidyour warranties.

TCS ON/OFF Switch

TCS Indicator

Towing a Trailer

Driving

Traction Control System (TCS), Towing a Trailer

132

TCS INDICATOR LIGHT

TCS ON/OFF SWITCH

This section explains why it isimportant to keep your vehicle wellmaintained and how to follow basicmaintenance safety precautions.

If you have the skills and tools to per-form more complex maintenancetasks on your Acura, you may wantto purchase the Service Manual. Seepage for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Acuradealer.

......................Maintenance Safety . 134.................Maintenance Schedule . 135

....................Maintenance Record . 139..............................Fluid Locations . 142

........................Adding Engine Oil . 143.........Changing the Oil and Filter . 144

.............................Cooling System . 146............Adding Engine Coolant . 146

....................Windshield Washers . 148....Automatic Transmission Fluid . 149

........Manual Transmission Fluid . 150................Brake and Clutch Fluid . 151

....................................Hood Latch . 152

....................................Timing Belt . 152.............................................Lights . 153

.......................................Seat Belts . 157.....................................Floor Mats . 157

..............................Power Antenna . 157.................................Wiper Blades . 158

...............................................Tires . 160...................Checking the Battery . 166

.............................Vehicle Storage . 167

This section also includesMaintenance Schedules for normaland severe driving conditions, aMaintenance Record, and instruc-tions for simple maintenance tasksyou may want to take care ofyourself.

217

Maintenance

Maintenance 133

All service items not detailed in thissection should be performed by anAcura technician or other qualifiedmechanic.

To eliminate potential hazards, readthe instructions before you begin,and make sure you have the toolsand skills required.

Make sure your vehicle is parkedon level ground, the parking brakeis set, and the engine is off.

To clean parts, use a commerciallyavailable degreaser or partscleaner, not gasoline.

To reduce the possibility of fire orexplosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,and flames away from the batteryand all fuel-related parts.

Wear eye protection andprotective clothing when working

with the battery or compressed air.

Be sure there isadequate ventilation whenever youoperate the engine.

Let theengine and exhaust system coolbefore touching any parts.

Donot run the engine unlessinstructed to do so.

Some of the most important safetyprecautions are given here. However,we cannot warn you of everyconceivable hazard that can arise inperforming maintenance. Only youcan decide whether or not youshould perform a given task.

Maintenance Safety

Maintenance

Important Safety Precautions

Potential Vehicle HazardsCarbon Monoxide poison fromengine exhaust.

Burns from hot parts.

Injury from moving parts.

134

Improperly maintaining thisvehicle or failing to correct aproblem before driving cancause a crash in which you canbe seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection,maintenance recommendations,and schedules in this owner’smanual.

Failure to properly followmaintenance instructions andprecautions can cause you tobe seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the proceduresand precautions in this owner’smanual.

－

－

The maintenance schedule assumesyou will use your vehicle as normaltransportation for your passengerand possessions. You should alsofollow these recommendations:

Operate your vehicle onreasonable roads within the legalspeed limit.

Always use unleaded gasoline withthe proper octane rating (see page

).

Service your vehicle according to thetime and mileage periods on one ofthe Maintenance Schedules on thefollowing pages.

Follow theMaintenance Schedule for SevereConditions if you drive your vehicleMAINLY under one or more of thefollowing conditions.

Driving less than 5 miles (8 km)per trip or, in freezingtemperatures, driving less than 10miles (16 km) per trip.

Driving in extremely hot [over90°F (32°C)] conditions.

Used primarily as a deliveryvehicle or taxi that is drivenmostly in stop-and-go traffic and/or parked with the engine idling.

Driving in mountainous conditions.

Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

If you onlydrive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, youshould follow the Normal ConditionsMaintenance Schedule.

Follow theMaintenance Schedule for SevereConditions.

Avoid exceeding your vehicle’sload limit. This puts excess stresson the engine, brakes, and manyother vehicle parts. The load limitis shown on the tire informationlabel on the driver’s doorjamb.

Drive your vehicle regularly over adistance of several miles(kilometers).

104

OCCASIONALLY

Maintenance Schedule

Which Schedule to Follow

U.S. Owners

Canadian Owners

Maintenance 135

NOTE:

＃

－

－

－

－

－

Your authorized Acura dealer knowsyour vehicle best and can providecompetent, efficient service.However, service at a dealer is notmandatory to keep your warrantiesin effect. Maintenance may be doneby any qualified service facility orskilled person to keep your warrantyin effect. Keep all the receipts asproof of completion, and have theperson who does the work fill out theMaintenance Record. Check yourwarranty booklet for moreinformation.

According to state and federalregulations, failure to performmaintenance on the items markedwith will not void your emissionswarranties. However, Acurarecommends that all maintenanceservices be performed at therecommended time or mileageperiod to ensure long-term reliability.

You should check the followingitems at the specified intervals. Ifyou are unsure of how to performany check, turn to the appropriatepage listed.

Engine oil level Check everytime you fill the fuel tank. Seepage .Engine coolant level Check theradiator reserve tank every timeyou fill the fuel tank. See page .Brakes Check the fluid levelmonthly. See page .Tires Check the tire pressuremonthly. Examine the tread forwear and foreign objects. See page

.Lights Check the operation ofthe headlights, parking lights,taillights, high-mount brake light,turn signals, brake lights, andlicense plate light monthly. Seepage .

U.S. Vehicles:

We recommend the use of Acuraparts and fluids whenever you havemaintenance done.

107

108

151

161

153

Maintenance

Servicing Your Vehicle Owner’s Maintenance ChecksMaintenance,replacement, or repair ofemissions control devices andsystems may be done by anyautomotive repair establishmentor individual using parts that are‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards.

Maintenance Schedule

136

＊＃

＃

＃

＃

＊

Maintenance 137

Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).miles x 1,000km x 1,000

Check oil and coolant at each fuel stopCheck inflation and condition once a month

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

((OOrr eevveerryy 11 yyeeaarr,, wwhhiicchheevveerr ccoommeess ffiirrsstt))

((OOrr eevveerryy 22 yyeeaarrss,, wwhhiicchheevveerr ccoommeess ffiirrsstt))

((OOtthheerrwwiissee aaddjjuusstt oonnllyy iiff nnooiissyy))


Every 3 years (independent of mileage)At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years


1524

4572

75120

135216

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first

3048

90144

150240

6096

105168

120192

Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .

Check engine oil and coolantCheck tiresReplace engine oilCheck tire inflation and conditionReplace engine oil filterCheck front and rear brakesCheck parking brake adjustmentInspect the following items:

Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and bootsSuspension componentsDriveshaft bootsBrake hoses and lines (including ABS)All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust systemFuel lines and connections

Inspect drive belts

Replace air cleaner elementReplace fuel filterReplace spark plugsInspect valve clearance

Replace automatic transmission fluidReplace manual transmission fluid

Inspect idle speedReplace timing belt and inspect water pump

Replace engine coolantReplace brake fluid

1:: 136

1

Main

tenance

Sch

edule

for

Norm

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onditio

ns

＊＊＃

＃＃

＃

＊

＃

Maintenance138

Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).miles x 1,000km x 1,000

Check oil and coolant at each fuel stopCheck inflation and condition once a month

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes firstEvery 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

((OOrr eevveerryy 11 yyeeaarr,, wwhhiicchheevveerr ccoommeess ffiirrsstt))

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first

1524

4572

75120

135216

3048


(Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)

At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 yearsEvery 3 years (independent of mileage)

6096

((OOtthheerrwwiissee aaddjjuusstt oonnllyy iiff nnooiissyy))

90144


Clean every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months. Replace every 30,000 miles (24,000 km) or 2 years

105168

150240

120192

Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .

Check engine oil and coolantCheck tiresReplace engine oil and oil filterCheck tire inflation and conditionCheck front and rear brakesInspect the following items:

Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and bootsSuspension componentsDriveshaft boots

Check parking brake adjustmentLubricate all hinges, locks and latchesInspect the following items:

Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system , Fuel lines and connectionsLights and controls/vehicle underbody

Inspect drive belts

Clean or replace air cleaner element

Replace fuel filterReplace spark plugsInspect valve clearance

Replace automatic transmission fluidReplace manual transmission fluid

Inspect idle speedReplace timing belt , and inspect water pump

Replace engine coolantReplace brake fluid


1:2::

152136

1

2Main

tenance

Sch

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for

Seve

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ons

(for Normal and Severe Schedules)

CONTINUED

Maintenance Record

Maintenance 139

3,750 mi

7,500 mi

11,250 mi

15,000 mi

18,750 mi

22,500 mi

26,250 mi

30,000 mi

33,750 mi

37,500 mi

41,250 mi

45,000 mi

48,750 mi

52,500 mi

56,250 mi

60,000 mi

You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page ) or severeconditions (page ). Keep the receipts for all work done on your vehicle.

Signature or dealer stamp6,000 km

12,000 km

18,000 km

24,000 km

30,000 km

36,000 km

42,000 km

48,000 km

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

54,000 km

60,000 km

66,000 km

72,000 km

78,000 km

84,000 km

90,000 km

96,000 km

Signature or dealer stamp mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

137138

(for Normal and Severe Schedules)Maintenance Record

Maintenance140

63,750 mi

67,500 mi

71,250 mi

75,000 mi

78,750 mi

82,500 mi

86,250 mi

90,000 mi

93,750 mi

97,500 mi

101,250 mi

105,000 mi

108,750 mi

112,500 mi

116,250 mi

120,000 mi


Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date


Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

102,000 km

108,000 km

114,000 km

120,000 km

126,000 km

132,000 km

138,000 km

144,000 km

150,000 km

156,000 km

162,000 km

168,000 km

174,000 km

180,000 km

186,000 km

192,000 km

(for Normal and Severe Schedules)Maintenance Record

Maintenance 141

123,750 mi

127,500 mi

131,250 mi

135,000 mi

138,750 mi

142,500 mi

146,250 mi

150,000 mi

198,000 km

204,000 km

210,000 km

216,000 km

222,000 km

228,000 km

234,000 km

240,000 km

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

Signature or dealer stamp

Fluid Locations

Maintenance142

BRAKE FLUID(Gray Cap)

CLUTCH FLUID(Gray Cap)

AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONFLUID DIPSTICK(Yellow Loop)

EXPANSIONTANK CAP

ENGINE OIL FILLCAP

WASHER FLUID(Blue Cap)

MANUAL TRANSMISSIONFILLER BOLT

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK(Orange Loop)

Unscrew and remove the engine oilfill cap on top of the valve cover.Pour in the oil slowly and carefully soyou do not spill. Clean up any spillsimmediately. Spilled oil coulddamage components in the enginecompartment. Install the engine oilfill cap, and tighten it securely. Waita few minutes, and recheck the oillevel. Do not fill above the uppermark; you could damage the engine.

Oil is major contributor to yourengine’s performance and longevity.Always use a premium-gradedetergent oil displaying the APICertification Seal. This seal indicatesthe oil is energy conserving, and thatit meets the American PetroleumInstitute’s latest requirements. It ishighly recommended that you useHonda motor oil in your vehicle foras long as you own it.

Make sure the API Certification Sealsays ‘‘For Gasoline Engines’’.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Adding Engine Oil

Recommended Oil

143

API CERTIFICATION SEAL

The numbers on the container’s labeltell you the oil’s viscosity or weight.Select the oil for your vehicleaccording to this chart.

An oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 ispreferred for optimum fuel economyand year-round protection in yourAcura. You may use a 5W-30 oil ifthe temperature in your area goesbelow 32°F (0°C).

You may use a synthetic motor oil ifit meets the same requirementsgiven for a conventional motor oil: itdisplays the API Certification Sealand it is the proper weight. You mustfollow the oil and filter changeintervals given in the maintenanceschedule.

Your Acura does not require any oiladditives. Additives may adverselyaffect your engine’s or transmission’sperformance and durability.

Always change the oil and filteraccording to the recommendations inthe maintenance schedule. The oiland filter collect contaminants thatcan damage your engine if they arenot removed regularly.

Changing the oil and filter requiresspecial tools and access fromunderneath the vehicle. The vehicleshould be raised on a service station-type hydraulic lift for this service.Unless you have the knowledge andproper equipment, you should havethis maintenance done by a skilledmechanic.

Run the engine until it reachesnormal operating temperature,then shut it off.

1.

Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter

Maintenance

Synthetic Oil

Engine Oil Additives

Changing the Oil and Filter

144

Ambient Temperature

Open the engine compartment,and remove the engine oil fill cap.Remove the oil drain bolt from thebottom of the engine. Drain the oilinto an appropriate container.

Remove the oil filter, and let theremaining oil drain. A specialwrench (available from your Acuradealer) is required to remove thefilter.

Install a new oil filter according tothe instructions that come with it.

Put a new washer on the drain bolt,then reinstall the drain bolt.Tighten it to:

Refill the engine with therecommended oil.

Engine oil change capacity(including filter):

Replace the engine oil fill cap.Start the engine. The oil pressureindicator should go out within 5seconds. If it does not, turn off theengine and check your work.

Let the engine run for severalminutes, then check the drain boltand oil filter for leaks.

2. 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

CONTINUED

Changing the Oil and Filter

Maintenance 145

WASHER OIL DRAIN BOLT OIL FILTER

33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)

5.3 US qt (5.0 )

If Honda antifreeze/coolant is notavailable, you may use anothermajor-brand non-silicate coolant as atemporary replacement. Make sure itis a high-quality coolantrecommended for aluminum engines.Continued use of any non-Hondacoolant can result in corrosion,causing the cooling system tomalfunction or fail. Have the coolingsystem flushed and refilled withHonda antifreeze/coolant as soon aspossible.

If the expansion tank is completelyempty, add coolant to bring it up tothe MAX line. Inspect the coolingsystem for leaks. Always use HondaAll Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type2. This coolant is pre-mixed with 50percent antifreeze and 50 percentwater. Never add straight antifreezeor plain water.

Turn off the engine, let it sit forseveral minutes, then check the oillevel on the dipstick. If necessary,add more oil.

9.

Changing the Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant

Maintenance

Adding Engine Coolant

146

EXPANSION TANK

Improper disposal of engine oil can beharmf ul to the environment. If youchange your own oil, please dispose ofthe used oil properly. Put it in a sealedcontainer, and take it to a recyclingcenter. Do not discard it in a trash binor dump it on the ground.

When the radiator and engine arecool, relieve any pressure in thecooling system by turning theexpansion tank capcounterclockwise, withoutpressing down.

Remove the expansion tank cap bypushing down and turningcounterclockwise.

Pour coolant into the expansiontank. Fill it to the MAX line. Putthe cap back on the expansiontank.

Pour the coolant slowly andcarefully so you do not spill. Cleanup any spill immediately; it coulddamage components in the enginecompartment.

Do not add any rust inhibitors orother additives to your vehicle’scooling system. They may not becompatible with the coolant orengine components.

1.

2.

3.

Engine Coolant

Maintenance 147

Removing the expansion tankcap while the engine is hot cancause the coolant to spray out,seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine andradiator cool down beforeremoving the expansion tankcap.

Check the level in the windshieldwasher reservoir at least monthlyduring normal use.

The windshield washer reservoir islocated in the front compartment infront of the radiator.

Check the windshield washer fluidlevel as follows:

Unfasten the reservoir cap.

Cover the small hole in the centerof the cap with your finger andpull up until the tube is fullyexposed.

Read the fluid level in the tube. Ifthe fluid level is near the ‘‘E’’ mark,fill the reservoir with windshieldwasher fluid up to the brim.

Fill the reservoir with a good-qualitywindshield washer fluid. Thisincreases the cleaning capability andprevents freezing in cold weather.When you refill the reservoir, cleanthe edges of the windshield wiperblades with windshield washer fluidon a clean cloth. This will help tocondition them.

1.

2.

3.

Windshield Washers

Maintenance148

NOTICE:

RESERVOIR CAP

Do not use engine antif reezeor a vinegar/water solution in thewindshield washer reservoir. Antif reezecan damage your vehicle’s paint, whilea vinegar/water solution can damagethe windshield washer pump. Use onlycommercially available windshieldwasher f luid.

If the level is below the lowermark, add fluid into the filler holeto bring it to the upper mark.

Always use Honda ATF-Z1(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Ifit is not available, you may use aDEXRON III automatictransmission fluid as a temporaryreplacement. However, continueduse can affect the shift quality.Have the transmission flushed andrefilled with Honda ATF-Z1 assoon as it is convenient.To thoroughly flush thetransmission, the technicianshould drain and refill it withHonda ATF-Z1 (AutomaticTransmission Fluid), then drivethe vehicle for a short distance.Do this three times. Then drainand refill the transmission a finaltime.

Check the fluid level with the engineat normal operating temperature.

Park the vehicle on level ground.Shut off the engine.

Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)from the transmission, and wipe itwith a clean cloth.

Insert the dipstick into thetransmission. Make sure the notchin the rubber cap fits in thedipstick guide and that you pushthe dipstick in all the way.

Remove the dipstick and checkthe fluid level. It should bebetween the upper and lowermarks.

1.

2.

3.

5.

4.

Maintenance

Automatic Transmission Fluid

149

DIPSTICK

UPPER MARKLOWER MARK

Insert the dipstick all the way backinto the transmission.

The transmission should be drainedand refilled with new fluid accordingto the time and distance recommen-dations in the maintenance schedule.

Check the fluid level with thetransmission at normal operatingtemperature and the vehicle sittingon level ground. Remove thetransmission filler bolt, and carefullyfeel inside the bolt hole with yourfinger. The fluid level should be upto the edge of the bolt hole. If it isnot, add Honda ManualTransmission Fluid (MTF) until itstarts to run out of the hole. Reinstallthe filler bolt and tighten it securely.

If Honda MTF is not available, youmay use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40viscosity motor oil with the APICertification seal that says ‘‘ForGasoline Engines’’ as a temporaryreplacement. However, motor oildoes not contain the proper additives,and continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as it isconvenient.

The transmission should be drainedand refilled with new fluid accordingto the time and distancerecommendations in themaintenance schedule.

6.

Automatic Transmission Fluid, Manual Transmission Fluid

Maintenance

Manual Transmission Fluid

150

CORRECT LEVEL

FILLER BOLT

Check the fluid level in thereservoirs monthly.

Replace it according to the timerecommendation in the maintenanceschedule.

Always use Honda Heavy DutyBrake Fluid DOT 3. If it is notavailable, you should use only DOT 3or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealedcontainer, as a temporaryreplacement. Using any non-Hondabrake fluid can cause corrosion anddecrease the life of the system. Havethe brake system flushed and refilledwith Honda Heavy Duty Brake FluidDOT 3 as soon as possible.

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is notcompatible with your vehicle’sbraking system and can causeextensive damage.

The fluid level should be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at orbelow the MIN mark, your brakesystem needs attention. Have thebrake system inspected for leaks orworn brake pads.

The fluid level should be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If it is not, addbrake fluid to bring it up to that level.Use the same fluid specified for thebrake system.

Low fluid level can indicate a leak inthe clutch system. Have this systeminspected as soon as possible.

Maintenance

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Brake Fluid

Brake System Clutch System

151

MAX

MIN

MAX

MIN

－－Clean the hood latch assembly with amild cleaner, then lubricate it with amultipurpose grease. Lubricate allthe moving parts, including the pivot.Follow the time and distancerecommendations in theMaintenance Schedule. If you arenot sure how to clean and grease thelatch, contact your Acura dealer.

The timing belt should be replacedat the intervals shown in themaintenance schedule.

Replace the belt at 60,000 miles(100,000 km) if you regularly driveyour vehicle in one or more of theseconditions:

In very high temperatures(over 110°F, 43°C).In very low temperatures(under 20°F, 29°C).

Hood Latch, Timing Belt

Maintenance

Hood Latch Timing Belt

152

PIVOTS

The low beam headlight bulbs are atype of high voltage discharge tube.High voltage can remain in thecircuit even with the light switch offand the key removed. Because ofthis, you should not attempt toexamine or change a low beamheadlight bulb yourself. If a lowbeam headlight bulb fails, take thevehicle to your dealer to have itreplaced.Halogen bulbs are used for the highbeam headlight bulbs. Whenreplacing a high beam headlight bulb,handle it by its base, and protect theglass from contact with your skin orhard objects. If you touch the glass,clean it with denatured alcohol and aclean cloth.

Open the hood.

Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by squeezing theconnector to unlock the tab, thenslide the connector off the bulb.

Remove the bulb by turning itapproximately one-quarter turncounterclockwise.

Insert the new bulb into the holeand turn it one-quarter turn clock-wise to lock it in place.

1.

2.

3.

4.

CONTINUED

Lights

Maintenance

Replacing a Headlight Bulb

153

NOTICE: Halogen headlight bulbs getvery hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or ascratch on the glass can cause the bulbto overheat and shatter.

Push the electrical connector backonto the bulb. Make sure it is onall the way.

Turn on the headlights to test thenew bulb.

Remove the socket from theheadlight assembly by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.

Insert the socket back into theheadlight assembly. Turn itclockwise to lock it in place.

Test the lights to make sure thenew bulb is working.

Pull the bulb straight out of itssocket.

Install the new bulb into thesocket.

1.

2.

5.

6.

3.

4.

5.

Lights

Maintenance

Replacing the Front ParkingLights

154

Remove the socket from theheadlight assembly by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwise.

Remove the bulb by pushing it inslightly and turning itcounterclockwise.

Install the new bulb into thesocket.

Insert the socket back into theheadlight assembly. Turn itclockwise to lock it in place.


The bulbs for the taillights, tail/stoplights, rear turn signals, andback-up lights are behind the trunkliner.

Pull the top edge of the trunk linerout from under the rubber seal.Remove the plastic clips holdingthe trunk liner by putting yourthumbs under the head of the clipbetween the liner and body andpushing the clip outward as youwiggle it back and forth.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

1.

Lights

Maintenance

Replacing a Front Turn SignalBulb

Replacing the Rear Bulbs

155

On the passenger’s side, loosenthe 6 mm stopper bolt using thetool in the tool kit and pivot theCD changer downward as shownbefore you start working on thetrunk liner.

Determine which bulb in thetaillight assembly is burned out.

Remove the socket from thetaillight assembly by turning itone-quarter turn counterclockwiseand pulling it outward.

If the turn signal light bulb, back-up bulb, or tail/stoplight bulb isburned out, remove it by pushingit in and turning itcounterclockwise. If the taillightbulb is burned out, remove it bypulling it straight out of its socket.

Install the new bulb in the socketin the reverse order of removal.

To reinstall the socket, line up thetabs on the socket with the slots inthe taillight, push the socket intothe hole, and turn it clockwiseuntil it locks.


On the passenger’s side, pivot theCD changer to the upright position,and tighten the bolt securely.

Install the trunk liner clips bypushing them straight in. Insertthe top edge of the liner backunder the rubber seal.

2.

3.

8.

4.

5.

6.

7.

9.

10.

Lights

Maintenance156

STOPPER BOLT

If your seat belts get dirty, use a softbrush with a mixture of mild soapand warm water to clean them. Donot use bleach, dye, or cleaningsolvents. Let the belts air dry beforeyou use the vehicle.

Dirt build-up in the loops of the seatbelt anchors can cause the belts toretract slowly. Wipe the insides ofthe loops with a clean clothdampened in mild soap and warmwater or isopropyl alcohol.

The driver’s floor mat that camewith your vehicle hooks over thefloor mat anchor. This keeps thefloor mat from sliding forward andpossibly interfering with the pedals.

The plates on both the driver’s andpassenger’s floor mats should beinserted between the rail motor andseat rails underneath the seats.

If you remove the driver’s floor mat,make sure to re-anchor it when youput it back in your vehicle.

If you use a non-Acura floor mat,make sure it fits properly and that itcan be used with the floor matanchor. Do not put additional floormats on top of the anchored mat.

Twice a year, clean the antenna mastwith a dry cloth and mild detergent.Scrub the antenna in upward strokesto avoid bending it. Rinse with water.

Make sure the antenna workssmoothly by turning the stereo offand on several times with theignition switch ON (II). The antennadoes not need lubricating.If you use a ‘‘drive-through’’ car wash,make sure you turn the stereo offfirst. This retracts the antenna toprevent damage from the car washbrushes.

Seat Belts Floor Mats

Power Antenna

Seat Belts, Floor Mats, Power Antenna

Maintenance 157

PLATE

RAIL MOTOR

PLATEFLOOR MAT

－

Check the condition of the wiperblades at least every six months.Replace them if you find signs ofcracking in the rubber, and areasthat are getting hard, or if they leavestreaks and unwiped areas whenused.

To replace the blade:

Turn the ignition ON (II), switchthe wipers to INT or (lowposition), then turn the ignitionOFF when the wiper arm isapproximately midway in its travel.

Disconnect the blade assemblyfrom the wiper arm by pushing inthe lock tab. Hold the lock tab inwhile you push the blade assemblytoward the base of the arm.

2.

1.

Wiper Blades

Maintenance158

LOCK TAB

Remove the blade from its holderby grasping the tabbed end of theblade. Pull firmly until the tabscome out of the holder.

Examine the new wiper blades. Ifthey have no plastic or metalreinforcement along the backedge, remove the metalreinforcement strips from the oldwiper blade, and install them inthe slots along the edge of the newblade.

Slide the new wiper blade into theholder until the tabs lock.

Slide the wiper blade assemblyonto the wiper arm. Make sure itlocks in place.

Turn the ignition switch ON (II)and return the windshield wipersto their park position.

3. 4.

5.

6.

7.

Wiper Blades

Maintenance 159

BLADE

REINFORCEMENT

To safely operate your vehicle, yourtires must be the proper type andsize, in good condition with adequatetread, and correctly inflated.

The following pages give moredetailed information on how to takecare of your tires and what to dowhen they need to be replaced.

Underinflated tires wear unevenly,adversely affect handling and fueleconomy, and are more likely tofail from being overheated.

Keeping the tires properly inflatedprovides the best combination ofhandling, tread life, and ridingcomfort.

Overinflated tires can make yourvehicle ride more harshly, aremore prone to damage from roadhazards, and wear unevenly.

We recommend that you visuallycheck your tires every day and usethe pressure gauge that came withyour vehicle to measure the airpressure at least once a month. Ifyou think a tire might be low, checkit immediately.

The following chart shows therecommended cold tire pressures formost normal driving conditions andspeeds. Tire pressures for highspeed driving are the same as fornormal driving.

The compact spare tire pressure is:

Front:

Rear:

Tire Size

Tire Size

Cold Tire Pressurefor Normal Driving

Cold Tire Pressurefor Normal Driving

Tires

Maintenance

Inflation Recommended Tire Pressures forNormal Driving

160

215/40R17 83Y 33 psi (230 kPa , 2.3kgf/cm )

255/40R17 94Y 40 psi (275 kPa , 2.8kgf/cm )

32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )

26 psi (180 kPa , 1.8 kgf/cm )Front:

Rear:

Using tires that are excessivelyworn or improperly inflated cancause a crash in which you canbe seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in thisowner’s manual regarding tireinflation and maintenance.

For convenience, the recommendedtire sizes and cold air pressures areon a label on the driver’s doorjamb.

For additional technical information,see page .

Use a gauge to measure the airpressure at least once a month. Eventires that are in good condition maylose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1to 0.2 kgf/cm ) per month.Remember to check the spare tire atthe same time.

Check the pressure in the tires whenthey are cold. This means the vehiclehas been parked for at least threehours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6km).

Add or release air, if needed, tomatch the recommended cold tirepressures on page .

If you check the pressure when thetires are hot (driven for severalmiles), you will see readings 4 to 6psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4 kgf/cm )higher than the cold reading. This isnormal. Do not release air to matchthe cold pressure.

Tubeless tires have some ability toself-seal if they are punctured. Youshould look closely for punctures if atire starts losing pressure.

Use the pressure gauge that camewith your vehicle every time youcheck the tires. This will make iteasier for you to tell if a pressureloss is due to a tire problem and notdue to a variation between gauges.

Every time you check inflation, youshould also examine the tires fordamage, foreign objects, and wear.You should look for:

Bumps or bulges in the tread orside of the tire. Replace the tire ifyou find either or these conditions.

Cuts, splits, or cracks in the sideof the tire. Replace the tire if youcan see fabric or cord.

Excessive tread wear.

204

160

Maintenance

Tires

Tire Inspection

161

Your vehicle’s tires have wear indica-tors molded into the tread. When thetread wears down to that point, youwill see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wideband running across the tread. Thisshows there is less than 1/16 inch(1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. Atire that is this worn gives very littletraction on wet roads. You shouldreplace the tire if you can see thetread wear indicator in three or moreplaces around the tire.

In addition to proper inflation,correct wheel alignment helps todecrease tire wear. If you find a tireis worn unevenly, have your dealercheck the wheel alignment.

Have your dealer check the tires ifyou feel a consistent vibration whiledriving. A tire should always berebalanced if it is removed from thewheel. When you have new tiresinstalled, make sure they arebalanced. This increases ridingcomfort and tire life. For best results,have the installer perform a dynamicbalance.

You should not rotate your Acura’stires. The front and rear tires aredifferent sizes, so they cannot berotated front-to-rear. The original-equipment tires on your Acura havea unidirectional tread pattern, sothey cannot be rotated side-to-side.

Tires

Maintenance

Tire Maintenance Tire Rotation

162

NOTICE:

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS

Improper wheel weights candamage your vehicle’s aluminumwheels. Use only Acura wheel weightsf or balancing.

The tires that came on your vehiclewere designed and constructed toprovide superior grip duringacceleration, braking, and cornering.As a trade-off, they will wear morerapidly than tires used on ordinarypassenger vehicles. Because of thevehicle’s weight distribution, and thefact that they are the driving wheels,you may expect the rear tires to wearmore rapidly than the front tires.

The tire mileage you can expectfrom your NSX is the same ascomparable mid-and rear-enginedsports cars, and it will vary greatlywith your driving habits. If you drivemoderately, the rear tires could lastmore than 10,000 miles (16,000 km).However, the mileage will besubstantially less if you tend to driveyour NSX at the upper limits of itscapabilities. You should carefullyinspect your vehicle’s tires for wear,damage, and proper inflation every7,500 miles (12,000 km) (see page

).

Replace your tires with radial tires ofthe same size, load range, speedrating and maximum cold tirepressure rating (as shown on thetire’s side wall).Mixing radial and bias-ply tires onyour vehicle can reduce brakingability, traction, and steeringaccuracy. Using tires of a differentsize or construction can cause theABS to work inconsistently.

It is best to replace all four tires atthe same time. If that is not possibleor necessary, replace the two fronttires or two rear tires as a pair.Replacing just one tire can seriouslyaffect your vehicle’s handling.

If you ever replace a wheel, makesure that the wheel’s specificationsmatch those of the original wheels.

160

Tires

Maintenance

Tire Wear Replacing Tires

163

＋Wheels:

Tires:

See page for DOT tire qualitygrading information, and page

for tire size explanation.

Tires marked ‘‘M S’’ or ‘‘AllSeason’’ on the sidewall have an all-weather tread design suitable formost winter driving conditions.

For the best performance in snowyor icy conditions, you should installsnow tires or tire chains. They maybe required by local laws undercertain conditions.

If you mount snow tires on yourAcura, make sure they are radialtires of the same size and load rangeas original tires. Mount snow tires onall four wheels. The tractionprovided by snow tires on dry roadsmay be lower than your original tires.Check with the tire dealer formaximum speed recommendations.

204

206

Tires

Maintenance

Wheel and Tire Specifications Winter Driving

Snow Tires

164

17 x 9 JJ

17 x 7 JJ

215/40R17 83Y

255/40R17 94Y

Front:

Front:

Rear:

Rear:

Installing improper tires on yourvehicle can affect handling andstability. This can cause a crashin which you can be seriouslyhurt or killed.

Always use the size and type oftires recommended in thisowner’s manual.

Because your Acura has limited tireclearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’cable-type traction devices, withrubber chain tensioners on the reartires. Use traction devices only whenrequired by driving conditions orlocal laws. Make sure they are thecorrect size for your tires. Metal link-type ‘‘chains’’ should not be used.

When installing cables, follow themanufacturer’s instructions, andmount them as tight as you can.Make sure they are not contactingthe brake lines or suspension. Driveslowly with them installed. If youhear them coming into contact withthe body or chassis, stop andinvestigate. Remove them as soon asyou begin driving on cleared roads.

Tires

Maintenance

Tire Chains

165

NOTICE: Traction devices that are thewrong size or improperly installed candamage your vehicle’s brake lines,suspension, body, and wheels. Stopdriving if they are hitting any part ofthe vehicle.

－

Check the condition of the batterymonthly by looking at the testindicator window. The label on thebattery explains the test indicator’scolors.

Check the terminals for corrosion (awhite or yellowish powder). Toremove it, cover the terminals with asolution of baking soda and water. Itwill bubble up and turn brown. Whenthis stops, wash it off with plainwater. Dry off the battery with a

cloth or paper towel. Coat theterminals with grease to help preventfuture corrosion.

If additional battery maintenance isneeded, see your Acura dealer or aqualified technician.

Battery posts,terminals, and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds.

If you need to connect the battery toa charger, disconnect both cables toprevent damaging your vehicle’selectrical system. Always disconnectthe negative ( ) cable first, andreconnect it last.

If you need to charge the batteryafter storing the vehicle, make sureyou do it outside the vehicle. Do notconnect a battery charger to thejump start terminal in the enginecompartment fuse box.

Disconnect the terminals to preventdamage to the vehicle’s electricalsystem, and remove the battery fromthe front compartment so hydrogengas does not build up duringcharging. You need to remove thespare tire holder before removingthe battery.

Checking the Battery

Maintenance

WARNING:

Wash your hands after handling.

166

The battery gives off explosivehydrogen gas during normaloperation.

A spark or flame can cause thebattery to explode with enoughforce to kill or seriously hurt you.

Wear protective clothing and aface shield, or have a skilledmechanic do the batterymaintenance.

If you need to park your vehicle foran extended period (more than onemonth), there are several things youshould do to prepare it for storage.Proper preparation helps preventdeterioration and makes it easier toget your vehicle back on the road. Ifpossible, store your vehicle indoors.

Fill the fuel tank.

Change the engine oil and filter.

Wash and dry the exteriorcompletely.

Clean the interior. Make sure thecarpeting, floor mats, etc., arecompletely dry.

Leave the parking brake off. Putthe transmission in Reverse(6-speed manual) or Park(automatic).

Block the rear wheels.

If the vehicle is to be stored for alonger period, it should besupported on jackstands so thetires are off the ground.

Leave one window open slightly (ifthe vehicle is being storedindoors).

Disconnect the battery.

Support the front wiper bladearms with a folded towel or rag sothey do not touch the windshield.

To minimize sticking, apply asilicone spray lubricant to all doorand trunk seals. Also, apply avehicle body wax to the paintedsurfaces that mate with the doorand trunk seals.

Cover the vehicle with a‘‘breathable’’ cover, one madefrom a porous material such ascotton. Nonporous materials, suchas plastic sheeting, trap moisture,which can damage the paint.

If possible, periodically run theengine until it reaches operatingtemperature (the cooling fancycles twice). Preferably, do thisonce a month.

If you store your vehicle for 12months or longer, have your Acuradealer perform the inspections calledfor in the 24 months/30,000 miles(48,000 km) maintenance schedule(Normal Conditions) as soon as youtake it out of storage (see page ).The replacements called for in themaintenance schedule are notneeded unless the vehicle hasactually reached that time or mileage.

137

Vehicle Storage

Maintenance 167

168

This section covers the morecommon problems that motoristsexperience with their vehicles. Itgives you information about how tosafely evaluate the problem and whatto do to correct it. If the problem hasstranded you on the side of the road,you may be able to get going again.If not, you will also find instructionson getting your vehicle towed.

....................Changing a Flat Tire . 170.............If the Engine Won’t Start . 183

................................Jump Starting . 185..............If the Engine Overheats . 187

.........Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 189..........Charging System Indicator . 189

.......Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 190...............Brake System Indicator . 191

..............................................Fuses . 192..............................Fuse Locations . 194

..........If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 196......................Emergency Towing . 197

Taking Care of the Unexpected


169

If you have a flat tire while driving,stop in a safe place to change it.Drive slowly along the shoulder untilyou get to an exit or an area to stopthat is far away from the traffic lanes.

Park the vehicle on firm, level, andnon-slippery ground away fromtraffic. Put the transmission inPark (automatic) or Reverse(manual). Apply the parking brake.

Turn on the hazard warning lights,and turn the ignition switch toLOCK (0). Have your passengerget out of the vehicle while youchange the tire.

Open the hood (see page ).Unscrew the wing bolt holding thefolding spare tire. Remove thefolding spare tire from thecompartment. The wing bolt andwheel may be very warm from theair passing through the radiator.Use a cloth or gloves (notprovided) to protect your handswhen removing the spare tire.

2.

1. 3. 108

Changing a Flat Tire

Taking Care of the Unexpected170

FOLDING SPARE TIRE

WING BOLT

The vehicle can easily roll offthe jack, seriously injuringanyone underneath.

Follow the directions forchanging a tire exactly, andnever get under the vehiclewhen it is supported only by thejack.

Open the trunk (see page ). Liftthe cover; remove the jack, wheelwrench, extension, air pump,pressure gauge, and screwdriverfrom the trunk. The tools maybecome very hot while the vehicleis being driven. Wear gloves oruse a protective cloth whenhandling the tools.

Place the air pump near the flattire. Open the nearest window, androute the air pump’s power cordthrough the open window.

4. 5.59

CONTINUED


Taking Care of the Unexpected 171

AIRPUMP SCREWDRIVER

EXTENSION

AIR PUMP

JACK

PRESSURE GAUGE

WHEEL WRENCH

The radiator’s electric fan runsautomatically, even with theignition off. The fan’s bladescan injure you.

Keep your hands, arms, andclothing away from the fanwhen removing the spare tire.

Remove the cigarette lighter fromits socket and plug the power cordend into the socket. Make sure thekey is in the ignition switch atLOCK (0).

Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2turn with the wheel wrench.

Locate the jacking point nearestthe tire you need to change. It ispointed to by an arrow molded intothe underside of the body. Placethe jack under the jacking point.Turn the end bracket clockwiseuntil the top of the jack contactsthe jacking point. Make sure thejacking point tab is resting in thejack notch.

6. 7. 8.



CIGARETTE LIGHTER

WHEEL NUTS JACKING POINT

POWER CORD

Use the extension and wheelwrench as shown to raise thevehicle until the flat tire is off theground.

Remove the wheel nuts and flattire. Temporarily place the flat tireon the ground with the outsidesurface of the aluminum wheelfacing up. Placing the wheel facedown could mar its finish.

9. 10.

CONTINUED



NOTICE: WHEEL WRENCH

EXTENSION

Garage-type f loor jacks andjacks of similar design can damageyour vehicle’s underbody, even if theyare located on the jacking point. Onlyuse the scissors jack that comes withyour NSX to raise the vehicle.

Before you put on the foldingspare tire, wipe any dirt off themounting surface of the wheel andhub with a clean cloth. This willassure a tight, even contactbetween the wheel and hub.

Put on the folding spare tire withthe air valve toward the bottom.Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in acrisscross pattern with the wheelwrench until the wheel is firmlyagainst the hub. Do not try totighten them fully. Inflate thefolding spare tire only when it ison the vehicle. Inflating it while itis lying on the ground may trapstones or other foreign matterbetween the tire and the wheel rim.

Unscrew the valve cap from thefolding spare tire’s air valve byturning it counterclockwise. Thenscrew on the air pump hose.

11. 12. 13.



FOLDING SPARETIRE

BRAKE HUB VALVE CAP

CONTINUED

Reach into the vehicle and turnthe ignition switch toACCESSORY (I). This will startthe air pump to inflate the tire.

After about five minutes, unscrewthe air pump hose and check thepressure with the suppliedpressure gauge.Inflate to:

14. 15.



NOTICE:

Front:26 psi (180 kPa , 1.8 kgf/cm )

Rear:32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )

Do not climb into the vehiclewhen it is on the jack. You could causethe vehicle to roll of f the jack,damaging the suspension and body.

Keep your f ingers and clothing awayas the tire inf lates and unf olds f rom itscompact size.

When finished, reach in and turnthe ignition switch to LOCK (0).Unplug the air pump power cord.

Screw the valve cap on the valvetightly with your hands.

Lower the vehicle to the groundand remove the jack.

16. 17. 18.



CONTINUED

Tighten the wheel nuts securely inthe same crisscross pattern. Havethe wheel nut torque checked atthe nearest automotive servicefacility.

Tighten the wheel nuts to:

Store the jack, wheel wrench,extension, air pump, pressuregauge and screwdriver in thetrunk.

Put the flat tire in the suppliedvinyl bag. This bag is stored inthe glove box.

Slide the tire in the trunk well withthe outside surface of thealuminum wheel facing up.

19.

20.

21. 22.



1

25

3 4

80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

Temporarily keep the wing bolt inthe trunk as well. See

on page for tirereplacement.

Before returning the folding sparetire to its compartment, you must letout all the air. It will fold back to itsoriginal space saving shape.

The folding spare tire must be offthe ground when you let the air out.It is best to deflate the folding sparetire while it is still mounted on thevehicle. This prevents foreignmaterial from being trapped betweenthe wheel and tire.

If the folding spare tire is still onthe vehicle, follow the instructionsunder toloosen the wheel nuts and jack upthe vehicle.

Unscrew and remove the foldingspare tire valve cap.1.

23.

163

2.



ReplacingTires

Storing the Folding Spare Tire


178

CONTINUED

Remove the rubber cover on top ofthe valve cap. Use the notch onthe valve cap to unscrew the sparetire valve core until the air startscoming out. Use your hand toshield your eyes. The valve corecan fly out under pressure.

Keep your fingers and clothing awayas the tire deflates and folds back toits compact size.

As the tire deflates, it will foldback to its original shape. Whenthe air stops coming out of the tire,use the notch on the valve cap totighten the valve core.

3. 4.



Put the rubber cap back on thevalve cap. Screw the valve capback on the folding spare tirevalve.

Remove the folding spare tire andinstall the original tire and wheelnuts. Lower the vehicle andtighten the wheel nuts securely ina crisscross pattern.

Tighten to:

Store the folding spare tire in thefront compartment with theoutside surface of the wheelcontacting the bracket of thespare tire well. Securely tightenthe wing bolt.

5. 6. 7.



VALVE CAP

1

43

5 2

80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

CONTINUED

The air pump that comes with yourNSX is designed specifically toinflate the folding spare tire.Follow these precautions:

Connect the air pump only to a12 V car battery. Connecting it toany other power source coulddamage the air pump.

Applying oil to any component ofthe air pump is not necessary.

The surface of the air pump willbecome hot during use. Do nottouch the air pump while in use.

Continuous operation for morethan 15 minutes could damage theair pump. Let it cool down beforeusing it again.

This tire gives a harsher ride andless traction on some roadsurfaces than the regular tire. Usegreater caution while driving onthis tire.

The spare tire is smaller than theregular tire, reducing your vehicle’sground clearance. Such things asroad debris and parking lot speedbumps could possibly damage theunderside of your vehicle.

Do not take your vehicle to anautomatic car wash when thespare tire is mounted. Because ofthe reduced ground clearance, theunderside of your vehicle could bedamaged by the mechanism thatpulls the vehicle through the carwash.

Use the folding spare tire as atemporary replacement only. Getyour regular tire replaced and put iton your vehicle as soon as you can.

Follow these precautions.

Inflate or deflate the spare tireonly when it is on the vehicle.Inflating it on the ground may trapstones or other foreign matterbetween the tire and the wheel rim.

Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).



Air Pump Folding Spare Tire

181

Do not use your spare tire onanother vehicle unless it is thesame make and model.

The folding spare tire cannot berepaired. Special equipment isrequired to remove it from the rimand install a new tire. If it isdamaged, replace it with a foldingspare tire of the same design. Newspare tires are available at yourAcura dealer.

Do not mount snow chains on it. The folding spare tire has a shortertread life than a regular tire. Replaceit when you can see the tread wearindicator bars. The spare tire is notdesigned to be mounted on a regularwheel, and the spare wheel is notdesigned for mounting a regular tire.



INDICATORLOCATIONMARK

TREAD WEARINDICATORBAR

Diagnosing why the engine won’tstart falls into two areas, dependingon what you hear when you turn thekey to START (III):

You hear nothing, or almostnothing. The engine’s startermotor does not operate at all, oroperates very slowly.

You can hear the starter motoroperating normally, or the startermotor sounds like it is spinningfaster than normal, but the enginedoes not start up and run.

When you turn the ignition switch toSTART (III), you do not hear thenormal noise of the engine trying tostart. You may hear a clicking soundor series of clicks, or nothing at all.Check these things:

Are you using a properly codedkey? An improperly coded key willcause the immobilizer systemindicator in the instrument panelto blink rapidly (see page ).

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).Check the voltmeter reading. Turnon the headlights, and check theirbrightness. If the voltmeter doesnot register and the headlights arevery dim or don’t light at all, thebattery is discharged. See

on page .

If the voltmeter reads normallyand the headlights are bright, turnthe key to START (III) thenrelease it.

If the headlights do not dim, checkthe condition of the fuses. If thefuses are OK, there is probablysomething wrong with theelectrical circuit for the ignitionswitch or starter motor. You willneed a qualified technician todetermine the problem (see

on page ).

Check the transmission interlock.If you have a manual transmission,the clutch pedal must be pushedall the way to the floor or thestarter will not operate. With anautomatic transmission, it must bein Park or Neutral.

55

185

197

CONTINUED


Nothing Happens or the StarterMotor Operates Very Slowly

JumpStarting

Emergency Towing

If the Engine Won’t Start

183

If the headlights dim noticeably orgo out when you try to start theengine, either the battery is dis-charged or the connections arecorroded. Check the condition of thebattery and terminal connections(see page ). You can then tryjump starting the vehicle from abooster battery (see page ).

In this case, the starter motor’sspeed sounds normal, or even fasterthan normal, when you turn theignition switch to START (III), butthe engine does not run.

Are you using the proper startingprocedure? Refer to

on page .

Do you have fuel? Check the fuelgauge; the warning indicator maynot be working.

There may be an electricalproblem, such as no power to thefuel pump. Check all the fuses(see page ).

If you find nothing wrong, you willneed a qualified technician to findthe problem. See

on page .

166

185119

192

197


Starting theEngine

EmergencyTowing

The Starter Operates Normally

If the Engine Won’t Start

184

Although this seems like a simpleprocedure, you should take severalprecautions.

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

Open the hood, and check thephysical condition of the battery.In very cold weather, check thecondition of the electrolyte. If itseems slushy or like ice, do not tryjump starting until it thaws.

You cannot start an Acura with anautomatic transmission by pushingor pulling it.

Open the rear window and enginecover. Locate the enginecompartment fuse box on thedriver’s side of the compartment.Remove the fuse box cover.

1.

2.3.

CONTINUED

Jump Starting


To Jump Start Your Vehicle:

185

NOTICE:

FUSE BOX COVER

A battery can explode if you donot follow the correct procedure,seriously injuring anyonenearby.

Keep all sparks, open flames,and smoking materials awayfrom the battery.

If a battery sits in extremecold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze.Attempting to jump start with a f rozenbattery can cause it to rupture.

＋

－Connect one jumper cable to theJUMP START terminal in the fusebox. Connect the other end to thepositive ( ) terminal on thebooster battery.

Connect the second jumper cableto the negative ( ) terminal onthe booster battery. Connect theother end to the boss on the intakemanifold as shown. Do notconnect this jumper cable to anyother part of the engine.

If the booster battery is in anothervehicle, have an assistant startthat vehicle and run it at a fast idle.

Start your vehicle. If the startermotor still operates slowly, checkthat the jumper cables have goodmetal-to-metal contact.

Once your vehicle is running,disconnect the negative cable fromyour vehicle, then from thebooster battery. Disconnect thepositive cable from your vehicle,then from the booster battery.

Keep the ends of the jumper cablesaway from each other and any metalon the vehicle until all aredisconnected. Otherwise, you maycause an electrical short.

4. 5.

6.

7.

8.

Jump Starting


JUMP STARTTERMINAL

The pointer of your vehicle’stemperature gauge should stay inthe midrange under most conditions.If it climbs to the red mark, youshould determine the reason (hotday, driving up a steep hill, etc.).

If your vehicle overheats, you shouldtake immediate action. The onlyindication may be the temperaturegauge climbing to or above the redmark. Or you may see steam orspray coming from under the vehicleor engine cover.

Safely pull to the side of the road.Put the transmission in Neutral orPark, and set the parking brake.Turn off the all accessories, andturn on the hazard warningindicators.

If you do not see steam or spray,leave the engine running, andwatch the temperature gauge. Ifthe high heat is due to overloading,the engine should start to cooldown almost immediately. If itdoes, wait until the temperaturegauge comes down to the midpoint,then continue driving.

If the temperature gauge stays atthe red mark, turn off the engine.

Look for any obvious coolant leaks,such as a split radiator hose.Everything is still extremely hot,so use caution. If you find a leak, itmust be repaired before youcontinue driving (see

on page ).

If you don’t find an obvious leak,check the coolant level in theexpansion tank.

If you see steam and/or spraycoming from under the vehicle orthe engine cover, turn off theengine. Wait until you see no moresigns of steam or spray, then openthe front hood and engine cover.

1.

3.

4.

5.

2.

6.

197


EmergencyTowing

If the Engine Overheats

187

NOTICE:

Steam and spray from anoverheated engine canseriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steamis coming out.

Driving with the temperaturegauge pointer at the red mark cancause serious damage to your engine.

If the expansion tank needscoolant, you will have to removethe cap. Before doing that, turnthe ignition switch to ON (II), andcheck the temperature gauge.Remove the expansion tank capONLY if the temperature gaugepointer has come down to normalor below, and you do not hear anybubbling or gurgling noisescoming from the cooling system.

Using gloves or large heavy cloth,turn the expansion tank cap one-quarter turn counterclockwisewithout pushing down. After thepressure releases, push down onthe cap, and turn it until it comesoff.

Start the engine, and set theclimate control to FULL AUTO at90°F (32°C). Add coolant up tothe MAX line on the expansiontank. If you do not have the propercoolant mixture available, you canadd plain water. Remember tohave the cooling system drainedand refilled with the propermixture as soon as you can.

If the temperature stays normal,check the coolant level in theexpansion tank. If it has gonedown, add coolant to the MAXmark. Put the expansion tank capback on tightly.

Put the expansion tank cap backon tightly. Run the engine, andwatch the temperature gauge. If itgoes back to the red mark, theengine needs repair (see

on page ).

7. 8.

9.

11.

10.

197


Emergency Towing

If the Engine Overheats

188

Removing the expansion tankcap while the engine is hot cancause the coolant to spray out,seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine andradiator cool down beforeremoving the expansion tankcap.

Safely pull off the road, and shutoff the engine. Turn on the hazardwarning indicators.

Let the vehicle sit for a minute.Open the engine compartment,and check the oil level (see page

). An engine very low on oilcan lose pressure during corneringand other driving maneuvers.

If necessary, add oil to bring thelevel back to the full mark on thedipstick (see page ).

Start the engine, and watch the oilpressure indicator. If it does not goout within 10 seconds, turn off theengine. There is a mechanicalproblem that needs to be repairedbefore you can continue driving(see on page

).

Immediately turn off all electricalaccessories. Try not to use otherelectrically operated controls such asthe power windows. Keep the enginerunning; starting the engine willdischarge the battery rapidly. Checkthe voltmeter as you drive. If there isa problem in the charging system,the voltage will gradually drop.

Go to a service station or garagewhere you can get technicalassistance.

If the charging systemindicator comes on brightlywhen the engine is running,

the battery is not being charged.

This indicator should nevercome on when the engine isrunning. If it starts flashing

or stays on, the oil pressure hasdropped very low or lost pressure.Serious engine damage is possibleand you should take immediateaction.

1.

2.

3.

4.

107

143

197

Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator


Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Emergency Towing

Charging System Indicator

189

NOTICE: Running the engine with lowoil pressure can cause seriousmechanical damage almost immediately.Turn of f the engine as soon as you cansaf ely get the vehicle stopped.

If the indicator comes on repeatedly,even though it may go off as youcontinue driving, have the vehiclechecked by the dealer as soon aspossible.

Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readinesscodes’’ that are part of the on-boarddiagnostics for the emissionssystems. In some states, part of theemissions testing is to make surethese codes are set. If they are notset, the test cannot be completed.

If your vehicle’s battery has beendisconnected or gone dead, thesecodes are erased. It takes at leastthree days of driving under variousconditions to set the codes again.

To check if they are set, turn theignition to ON (II), without startingthe engine. The MalfunctionIndicator Lamp will come on for 20seconds. If it then goes off, thereadiness codes are set. If it blinks 5times, the readiness codes are notset. If possible, do not take yourvehicle for a state emissions testuntil the readiness codes are set.Refer to State Emissions Testing formore information (see page ).

If the indicator comes onwhile driving, it means oneof the engine’s emissions

control systems may have a problem.Even though you may feel nodifference in your vehicle’sperformance, it can reduce your fueleconomy and cause increasedemissions. Continued operation maycause serious damage.

If you have recently refueled yourvehicle, the indicator coming oncould be a loose or missing fuel fillcap. Tighten the cap until it clicks atleast three times. Tightening the capwill not turn the indicator offimmediately; it takes at least threedays of normal driving.

210

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Readiness Code


Malfunction Indicator Lamp

190

NOTICE: If you keep driving with theMalf unction Indicator Lamp on, youcan damage your vehicle’s emissionscontrols and the engine. Those repairsmay not be covered by your vehicle’swarranties.

The brake system indicatornormally comes on whenyou turns the ignitionswitch to ON (II) and as areminder to check theparking brake. It will stay litif you do not fully releasethe parking brake.

If the brake system indicator comeson while driving, the brake fluid levelis probably low. Press lightly on thebrake pedal to see if it feels normal.If it does, check the brake fluid levelthe next time you stop at a servicestation (see page ).

If the fluid level is low, take yourvehicle to a dealer and have thebrake system inspected for leaks orworn brake pads.

However, if the brake pedal does notfeel normal, you should takeimmediate action. A problem in onepart of the system’s dual circuitdesign will still give you braking attwo wheels. You will feel the brakepedal go down much farther beforethe vehicle begins to slow down, andyou will have to press harder on thepedal.

Slow down by shifting to a lowergear, and pull to the side of the roadwhen it is safe. Because of the longdistance needed to stop, it ishazardous to drive the vehicle. Youshould have it towed and repaired assoon as possible (see

on page ).

If you must drive the vehicle a shortdistance in this condition, driveslowly and carefully.

197

151


Brake System Indicator

Brake System Indicator

EmergencyTowing

191

Canada

U.S.

The under-hood fuse box is locatedin the front of the enginecompartment on the passenger’s side.To open it, push the tab as shown.

The engine compartment fuse box islocated next to the air cleanerhousing. To open, push the tab asshown.

The interior fuse box is underneaththe dashboard on the driver’s side.To open it, turn the knob as shown.

If something electrical in yourvehicle stops working, check for ablown fuse first. Determine from thechart on pages and ,or thediagram on the fuse box lid, whichfuses control that device. Checkthose fuses first, but check all thefuses before deciding that a blownfuse is the cause. Replace any blownfuses, and check if the device works.

194 195

Fuses


Checking and Replacing Fuses

192

UNDER-HOOD

Push

ENGINE INTERIOR

Turn

Push

Turn the ignition switch to LOCK(0). Make sure the headlights andall other accessories are off.

Remove the cover from the fusebox.

Check each of the large fuses inthe under-hood and enginecompartment fuse boxes bylooking through the top at the wireinside. Remove the screws with aPhillips-head screwdriver.

Check the smaller fuses in theunder-hood fuse boxes and all thefuses in the interior fuse box bypulling out each one with the fusepuller provided in the interior fusebox.

Look for a burned wire inside thefuse. If it is burned, replace it withone of the spare fuses of the samerating or lower.

If you cannot drive the vehiclewithout fixing the problem and youdo not have a spare fuse, take a fuseof the same rating or a lower ratingfrom one of the other circuits. Makesure you can do without that circuittemporarily (such as the cigarettelighter or radio).

If you replace the blown fuse with aspare fuse that has a lower rating, itmight blow out again. This does notindicate anything wrong. Replace thefuse with one of the correct rating as

soon as you can.

If the replacement fuse of thesame rating blows in a short time,there is probably a seriouselectrical problem in your vehicle.Leave the blown fuse in thatcircuit, and have your vehiclechecked by a qualified mechanic.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.


Fuses

193

NOTICE:

FUSE

BLOWN

Replacing a f use with onethat has a higher rating greatlyincreases the chances of damaging theelectrical system. If you do not have areplacement f use with the proper ratingf or the circuit, install one with a lowerrating.

＊

＊

No. Amps. No. Amps. Circuits ProtectedCircuits Protected

12345678910111213

20 A20 A20 A20 A20 A40 A50 A30 A50 A30 A30 A20 A10 A

1415161718192021222324

15 A10 A7.5 A15 A20 A20 A10 A10 A10 A10 A10 A

Small LightsO Sensor HeaterDigital ClockInterior LightPower Door LockBrake Lights, HornHazard LightsLeft Headlight HighLeft Condenser FanRight Condenser FanRight Headlight High

Driver’s Power WindowPassenger’s Power WindowSpeaker AmplifierLeft Headlight LowRight Headlight LowWiper MotorEPSBlower MotorIgnition Switch (A)ABSCooling FanABS 1, 4Daytime Running Lights

: Canadian Model

2


Fuse Locations

194

UUNNDDEERR--HHOOOODD FFUUSSEE BBOOXX

＊

＊

No. Amps. Circuits Protected

No. Amps. Circuits Protected

: Spare Fuse

123

4

5

67891011121314

10 A10 A20 A

20 A

20 A

20 A20 A

120 A60 A40 A30 A20 A20 A30 A

Engine Room FanHAC ClutchPassenger’s Power SeatRecliningDriver’s Power SeatRecliningPassenger’s Power SeatSlideDriver’s Power Seat SlideACG (S)ACGAir PumpRear DefrosterIgnition Switch (B)Throttle MotorCigarette LighterIgnition Coil

123

4

5

678

10 A15 A7.5 A

15 A

15 A

7.5 A7.5 A10 A

SRS 1SRS 2, Fuel PumpDaytime Running LightsHeater Control, RearDefroster Relay, CoolingFan ControlBack-up Lights, TurnSignals, AlternatorWasherStarter SignalRadio

: Canadian Model


Fuse Locations

195

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUSE BOX INTERIOR FUSE BOX

If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,mud, or snow, call a towing serviceto pull it out (see page ).

For very short distances such asfreeing the vehicle, you can use thetiedown hook on the lower right ofthe front bumper. Remove the coverto expose the hook. This hook is notfor open-road towing (see

, page ).

197

197

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck

Emergency Towing


NOTICE:

TIE-DOWN HOOK

COVER

‘‘Rocking’’ your vehiclebetween f orward and reverse gear orrevving up the engine and allowing thewheels to spin f reely at high speeds candamage the automatic transmission.Use a tow service to preventtransmission damage.

－

－

－The operatorloads your vehicle on the back of atruck.

When you contact the towing agency,inform them that you have an NSXand that a flat-bed is required.

The towtruck uses two pivoting arms that gounder the tires (front or rear) and liftthem off the ground. The other twotires remain on the ground. Becausethe NSX sits so low, the body couldcome in contact with the ground andbe damaged.

The towtruck uses metal cables with hookson the ends. These hooks go aroundparts of the frame or suspension andthe cables lift that end of the vehicleoff the ground. Your vehicle’s sus-pension and body can be seriouslydamaged.

If your vehicle needs to be towed,call a professional towing service ororganization. Never tow your vehiclebehind another vehicle with just arope or chain. It is very dangerous.

There are three popular types ofprofessional towing equipment.

Emergency Towing


Flat-bed Equipment

Wheel-Lift Equipment

Sling-type Equipment

This is the only way yourNSX should be transported.

This method oftowing is unacceptable.

This method of towingis unacceptable.

197

198

The diagrams in this section giveyou the dimensions and capacities ofyour Acura, and the locations of theidentification numbers. It alsoincludes information you shouldknow about your vehicle’s tires andemissions control systems.

................Identification Numbers . 200................................Specifications . 202

..........DOT Tire Quality Grading . 204.................................Treadwear . 204

......................................Traction . 204.............................Temperature . 205

.................................Tire Labeling . 206

.......................Emissions Controls . 207.....................The Clean Air Act . 207

Crankcase Emissions Control....................................System . 207

Evaporative Emissions Control....................................System . 207

Onboard Refueling Vapor................................Recovery . 207

...Exhaust Emissions Controls . 208....................PGM-FI System . 208

Ignition Timing Control................................System . 208

Secondary Air Injection................................System . 208

Exhaust Gas Recirculation...................(EGR) System . 208

Three Way Catalytic...........................Converter . 208

....................Replacement Parts . 208..Three Way Catalytic Converter . 209

..............State Emissions Testing . 210

Technical Information


199

Your vehicle has several identifyingnumbers located in various places.

The Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) is the 17-digit number yourAcura dealer uses to register yourvehicle for warranty purposes. It isalso necessary for licensing andinsuring your vehicle. The easiestplace to find the VIN is on a platefastened to the top of the dashboard.You can see it by looking throughthe windshield on the driver’s side. Itis also on the Certification label at-tached to the driver’s doorjamb, andis stamped on the engine com-partment bulkhead. The VIN is alsoprovided in bar code on theCertification label.

Identif ication Numbers

Technical Information200

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

CERTIFICATION LABEL

The Transmission Number is on alabel on top of the transmission.

The Engine Number is stamped onthe back left corner of the engineblock, below the rear valve cover.

Identif ication Numbers

Technical Information 201

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

ENGINE NUMBER

＊

＊

＊

＊

＋－

＊

＊

＊

＊＊

＊

＊

Specifications


Dimensions

Weights

Engine

Capacities

174.2 in (4,425 mm)71.3 in (1,810 mm)46.1 in (1,170 mm)99.6 in (2,530 mm)59.4 in (1,510 mm)60.6 in (1,540 mm)

3.54 x 3.07 in (90.0 x 78.0 mm)

10.2 : 1

181.6 cu-in (2,977 cm )3.66 x 3.07 in (93.0 x 78.0 mm)

194 cu-in (3,179 cm )

18.5 US gal (70 )

3.17 US gal (12.0 )4.23 US gal (16.0 )

3.17 US gal (12.0 )4.36 US gal (16.5 )

5.3 US qt (5.0 )4.5 US qt (4.3 )

2.7 US qt (2.6 )3.1 US qt (2.9 )

3.1 US qt (2.9 )7.4 US qt (7.0 )

2.6 US qt (2.5 )4.2 US qt (4.0 )

0.55 US gal (2.1 )

6.3 US qt (6.0 )

LengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack

Gross vehicle weight rating

Type

Bore x Stroke

Displacement

Compression ratioSpark plugs

See the certification label attachedto the driver’s doorjamb.

Fuel tankEngine coolant

Manual Transmission


Engine oil

ManualtransmissionfluidAutomatictransmissionfluidWindshieldwasherreservoir

PFR6L-11PK20PR-L110.04 in (1.1 mm)

Water cooled 4-stroke DOHCVTEC V-6 gasoline engine

Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

Expansion tank capacity:

FrontRear

1 :2 :

3.0 model (4 AT)3.2 model (6 MT)

DENSO:NGK:

Spark Plug Gap

ChangeTotal

ChangeTotalChange

TotalChangeTotal

ChangeTotal

U.S. VehiclesCanadianVehicles

3 :

4 :

Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in theengine.

1

2

1

2

00.1 mm

3

3

4

Including filterWithout filter

－－

－－

－－

－－－－－－－－－－－－－

＊

＊

Specifications


Lights

Air Conditioning

Battery

Fuses

Alignment

Tires

60 W (HB3)12 V

0°20’1°30’

215/40R17 83Y255/40R17 94Y

165/75D16

33 psi (230 kPa , 2.3 kgf/cm )40 psi (275 kPa , 2.8 kgf/cm )26 psi (180 kPa , 1.8 kgf/cm )32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )

12 V12 V12 V12 V12 V12 V12 V12 V12 V

8°

0.14 in (3.5 mm)0.16 in (4.0 mm)

12 V12 V12 V

45 CP5 W45 CP32/2 CP (SAE 2057)2 CP3 CP3 CP32 CP8 W5 W5 W3.4 W

55 AH/5 HR52 AH/5 HR

12 V12 V

28.2 30.0 oz (800 850 g)HFC-134a (R-134a)

ND-OIL8

Headlights (High beam)Front turn signal lightsFront parking lightsRear turn signal lightsStop/TaillightsTaillightsSide marker lights

Back-up lightsLicense plate lightsInterior lightTrunk lightDoor courtesy lights

Refrigerant typeCharge quantityLubricant type

Capacity

Front compartment

Interior

Engine compartment

Toe

Camber

Caster

Size

Pressure

Foldingspare tire

See page 194 or the fuse boxcover.See page 195 or the fuse labelattached to the inside of the fusebox door under the dashboard.See page 195 or the fuse boxcover.Front

Rear

Manual transmissionAutomatic transmission

outin

1 : Low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage dischargetube.

FrontRearFrontRearFront

FrontRearFolding spareTireFrontRearFrontRear

1

－The tires on your vehicle meet allU.S. Federal Safety Requirements.All tires are also graded fortreadwear, traction, and temperatureperformance according toDepartment of Transportation(DOT) standards. The followingexplains these gradings.

Quality grades can be found whereapplicable on the tire sidewallbetween the tread shoulder and themaximum section width. Forexample:

All passenger car tires must conformto Federal Safety Requirements inaddition to these grades.

The treadwear grade is a compara-tive rating based on the wear rate ofthe tire when tested under controlledconditions on a specified governmenttest course. For example, a tiregraded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on thegovernment course as a tire graded100. The relative performance oftires depends upon the actual condi-tions of their use, however, and maydepart significantly from the normdue to variations in driving habits,service practices, and differences inroad characteristics and climate.

The traction grades, from highest tolowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Thosegrades represent the tire’s ability tostop on wet pavement as measuredunder controlled conditions onspecified government test surfacesof asphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.

Warning: The traction gradeassigned to this tire is based onstraight-ahead braking traction tests,and does not include acceleration,cornering, hydroplaning, or peaktraction characteristics.

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Treadwear 200Traction AATemperature A

Treadwear Traction AA, A, B, C


－ Warning: The temperature grade forthis tire is established for a tire thatis properly inflated and not over-loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-tion, or excessive loading, eitherseparately or in combination, cancause heat buildup and possible tirefailure.

The temperature grades are A (thehighest), B, and C, representing thetire’s resistance to the generation ofheat and its ability to dissipate heatwhen tested under controlledconditions on a specified indoorlaboratory test wheel. Sustained hightemperature can cause the materialof the tire to degenerate and reducetire life, and excessive temperaturecan lead to sudden tire failure. Thegrade C corresponds to a level ofperformance which all passenger cartires must meet under the FederalMotor Vehicle Safety Standard No.109. Grades B and A representhigher levels of performance on thelaboratory test wheel than theminimum required by law.

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)


Temperature A, B, C

205

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－The tires that came on your vehiclehave a number of markings. Thoseyou should be aware of are describedbelow.

Whenever tires are replaced, theyshould be replaced with tires of thesame size. Following is an exampleof tire size with an explanation ofwhat each component means.

Vehicle type (P indicatespassenger vehicle).

Tire width in millimeters.

Aspect ratio (the tire’s sectionheight as a percentage of itswidth).

Tire construction code (Rindicates radial).

Rim diameter in inches.

Load index (a numerical codeassociated with the maximumload the tire can carry).

Speed symbol (analphabetical code indicatingthe maximum speed rating).

Tire Identification Number (TIN) isa group of numbers and letters thatlook like the following example TIN.

This indicates that the tiremeets all requirements ofthe U.S. Department ofTransportation.

Manufacturer’sidentification mark.

Tire type code.

Date of manufacture.

P

225

55

R

94

V

16

DOT

B97R

FW6X

2202Tire Labeling

Tire Size

Tire Identif ication Number


Tire Labeling

206

P225/55R16 94V

DOT B97R FW6X 2202

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The burning of gasoline in yourvehicle’s engine produces several by-products. Some of these are carbonmonoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen(NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC).Gasoline evaporating from the tankalso produces hydrocarbons. Con-trolling the production of NOx, CO,and HC is important to the environ-ment. Under certain conditions ofsunlight and climate, NOx and HCreact to form photochemical ‘‘smog.’’Carbon monoxide does not contri-bute to smog creation, but it is apoisonous gas.

The United States Clean Air Actsets standards for automobileemissions. It also requires thatautomobile manufacturers explain toowners how their emissions controlswork and what to do to maintainthem. This section summarizes howthe emissions controls work.Scheduled maintenance is on page

.

In Canada, Acura vehicles complywith the Canadian emissionrequirements, as specified in anagreement with EnvironmentCanada, at the time they aremanufactured.

Your vehicle has a PositiveCrankcase Ventilation System. Thiskeeps gasses that build up in theengine’s crankcase from going intothe atmosphere. The Positive Crank-

case Ventilation valve routes themfrom the crankcase back to theintake manifold. They are thendrawn into the engine and burned.

As gasoline evaporates in the fueltank, an evaporative emissionscontrol canister filled with charcoaladsorbs the vapor. It is stored in thiscanister while the engine is off. Afterthe engine is started and warmed up,the vapor is drawn into the engineand burned during driving.

The Onboard Refueling VaporRecovery (ORVR) system capturesthe fuel vapors during refueling. Thevapors are adsorbed in a canisterfilled with activated carbon. Whiledriving, the fuel vapors are drawninto the engine and burned off.

137

Crankcase Emissions ControlSystem

Evaporative Emissions ControlSystem

Onboard Refueling VaporRecovery

The Clean Air Act

Emissions Controls


The exhaust emissions controlsinclude four systems: PGM-FI,Ignition Timing Control, ExhaustGas Recirculation and Three WayCatalytic Converter. These foursystems work together to control theengine’s combustion and minimizethe amount of HC, CO, and NOx thatcomes out the tailpipe. The exhaustemissions control systems areseparate from the crankcase andevaporative emissions controlsystems.

The PGM-FI System uses sequentialmultiport fuel injection.It has three subsystems: Air Intake,Engine Control, and Fuel Control.The Engine Control Module (ECM)uses various sensors to determinehow much air is going into theengine. It then controls how muchfuel to inject under all operating con-ditions.

This system constantly adjusts theignition timing, reducing the amountof HC, CO, and NOx produced.

During engine warm-up, air ispumped into the exhaust to reduceemissions when the engine is cold.

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation(EGR) system takes some of theexhaust gas and routes it back intothe intake manifold. Adding exhaustgas to the air/fuel mixture reducesthe amount of NOx produced whenthe fuel is burned.

The three way catalytic converter isin the exhaust system. Throughchemical reactions, it converts HC,CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaustto carbon dioxide (CO ), nitrogen

(N ), and water vapor.

The emissions control systems arecovered by warranties separate fromthe rest of your vehicle. Read yourwarranty manual for more informa-tion.

The emissions control systems aredesigned and certified to worktogether in reducing emissions tolevels that comply with the Clean AirAct. To make sure the emissionsremain low, you should use only newAcura replacement parts or theirequivalent for repairs. Using lowerquality parts may increase theemissions from your vehicle.

2

2

Emissions Controls


Exhaust Emissions Controls

Replacement Parts

PGM-FI System

Ignition Timing Control System

Secondary Air Injection System

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)System

Three Way Catalytic Converter

208

The three way catalytic convertercontains precious metals that serveas catalysts, promoting chemicalreactions to convert the exhaustgasses without affecting the metals.The catalytic converter is referred toas a three-way catalyst, since it actson HC, CO, and NOx. A replacementunit must be an original Acura partor its equivalent.

The three way catalytic convertermust operate at a high temperaturefor the chemical reactions to takeplace. It can set on fire any com-bustible materials that come near it.Park your vehicle away from highgrass, dry leaves, or other flamma-bles.

A defective three way catalyticconverter contributes to air pollution,and can impair your engine’s per-formance. Follow these guidelines toprotect your vehicle’s three waycatalytic converter.

Always use unleaded gasoline.Even a small amount of leadedgasoline can contaminate thecatalyst metals, making the threeway catalytic converter ineffective.

Keep the engine tuned-up.

Have your vehicle diagnosed andrepaired if it is misfiring, back-firing, stalling, or otherwise notrunning properly.

Three Way Catalytic Converter


THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER

If you take your vehicle for a stateemissions test shortly after thebattery has been disconnected orgone dead, it may not pass the test.This is because of certain ‘‘readinesscodes’’ that must be set in the on-board diagnostics for the emissionssystems. These codes are erasedwhen the battery is disconnected,and set again only after several daysof driving under a variety ofconditions.

If the testing facility determines thatthe readiness codes are not set, youwill be requested to return at a laterdate to complete the test. If you mustget the vehicle re-tested within thenext two or three days, you cancondition the vehicle for re-testingby doing the following.

Make sure the gas tank is nearly,but not completely, full (around3/4).

Make sure the vehicle has beenparked with the engine off for 8hours or more.

Make sure the ambienttemperature is between 20° and95°F.

Without touching the acceleratorpedal, start the engine, and let itidle for 20 seconds.

Keep the vehicle in Park(automatic transmission) orNeutral (manual transmission).Increase the engine speed to 2,000rpm and hold it there until thetemperature gauge rises to at least1/4 of the scale (approximately 3minutes).

State Emissions Testing


Testing of Readiness Codes

210

Then drive in city/suburbantraffic for at least 10 minutes.When traffic conditions allow, letthe vehicle coast for severalseconds without using theaccelerator pedal or the brakepedal.

If the testing facility determines thereadiness codes are still not set, seeyour Acura dealer.

Select a nearby lightly traveledmajor highway where you canmaintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph(80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20minutes. Drive on the highway inD (A/T) or 6th (M/T). Do not usethe cruise control. When trafficallows, drive for 90 secondswithout moving the acceleratorpedal. (Vehicle speed may varyslightly; this is okay.) If you cannotdo this for a continuous 90seconds because of trafficconditions, drive for at least 30seconds, then repeat it two moretimes (for a total of 90 seconds).

State Emissions Testing


212

....Customer Service Information . 214....................Warranty Coverages . 215

Reporting Safety Defects..........................(U.S. Vehicles) . 216

.....................Authorized Manuals . 217

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty and Customer Relations 213

Acura dealership personnel aretrained professionals. They shouldbe able to answer all your questions.If you encounter a problem that yourdealership does not solve to yoursatisfaction, please discuss it withthe dealership’s management. TheService Manager or GeneralManager can help. Almost allproblems are solved in this way.

If you are dissatisfied with thedecision made by the dealership’smanagement, contact the AcuraCustomer Service Office.

U.S. Owners:Acura Automobile Division

Client Services OfficeAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc.

1919 Torrance Blvd.Torrance, CA 90501-2746

Tel: (800) 382-2238

Canadian Owners: In Puerto Rico and the U.S. VirginIslands:Bella International Corp.C-1 Bechara St. Segarra CornerPuerto Nuevo, Puerto Rico 00920

Tel:(787) 620-7020

When you call or write, please giveus this information:

Vehicle Identification Number(see page )Name and address of the dealerwho services your vehicleDate of purchaseMileage on your vehicleYour name, address, and tele-phone numberA detailed description of theproblemName of the dealer who sold thevehicle to you

200

Customer Service Information

Warranty and Customer Relations214

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTÈLE

Honda Canada Inc.715 Milner AvenueToronto, ONM1B 2K8

Tel:1-888-9-ACURA-9Fax:Toll-free 1-877-939-0909

Toronto (416) 287-4776

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Your new Acura is covered by thesewarranties:

covers your new vehicle, except forthe battery, emissions controlsystems, and accessories, againstdefects in materials andworkmanship.

these twowarranties cover your vehicle’s emis-sions control systems. Time, mileage,and coverage are conditional. Pleaseread the warranty manual for exactinformation.

this warranty gives upto 100 percent credit toward areplacement battery.

a seatbelt that fails to function properly iscovered for the useful life of thevehicle.

all exterior body panels arecovered for rust-through from theinside for the specified time periodwith no mileage limit.

Acura accessories are covered underthis warranty. Time and mileagelimits depend on the type ofaccessory and other factors. Pleaseread your warranty manual fordetails.

covers all Acurareplacement parts against defects inmaterials and workmanship.

provides proratedcoverage for a replacement batterypurchased from an Acura dealer.

providescoverage for as long as the pur-chaser of the muffler owns thevehicle.

Restrictions and exclusions apply toall these warranties. Please read the2004 Acura Warranty Informationbooklet that came with your vehiclefor precise information on warrantycoverages. Your Acura’s originaltires are covered by theirmanufacturer. Tire warrantyinformation is in a separate booklet.

Please refer to the 2004 WarrantyManual that came with your vehicle.

Warranty Coverages

Warranty and Customer Relations

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Emissions Control Systems DefectsWarranty and EmissionsPerformance Warranty

Original Equipment Battery LimitedWarranty

Seat Belt Limited Warranty

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty

Accessory Limited Warranty

Replacement Parts LimitedWarranty

Replacement Battery LimitedWarranty

Replacement Muffler LifetimeLimited Warranty

U.S. Owners

Canadian Owners

215

If you believe that your vehicle has adefect which could cause a crash orcould cause injury or death, youshould immediately inform theNational Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) in additionto notifying Acura AutomobileDivision, American Honda Motor Co.,Inc.

If NHTSA receives similar com-plaints, it may open an investigation,and if it finds that a safety defectexists in a group of vehicles, it mayorder a recall and remedy campaign.However, NHTSA cannot becomeinvolved in individual problemsbetween you, your dealer, or AcuraAutomobile Division, AmericanHonda Motor Co., Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may eithercall the Auto Safety Hotline toll-freeat 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 inWashington D.C. area) or write to:NHTSA, U.S. Department ofTransportation, Washington,D.C. 20590. You can also obtainother information about motorvehicle safety from the Hotline.

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)

Warranty and Customer Relations216

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The publications shown below can be purchased from HelmIncorporated. You can order in any of three ways:

Detach and mail the order form on the right half of this pageCall Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356Go online at

If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.at 1-800-782-4356

(credit card orders only)

Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners shouldcontact their authorized Acura dealer.

Authorized Manuals

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals(U.S. only)

217

Publication

Form Number

61SL006

61SW003

61SW003EL

61SL032

31SW0630

31SW0910

31SW0Q10

ACU-R

From Description

1997 Acura NSX Service Manual

2004 Acura NSX

Service Manual Supplement

1997 2004 Acura NSX

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual

1995 2004 Acura NSX

Body Repair Manual

2004 Acura NSX Owner’s Manual

2004 Acura NSX Maintenance Journal

2004 Acura NSX Quick Start Guide

Order Form for Previous Years-

Indicate Year and Model Desired

Price

Each

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(NOTE: For Credit Card Holder Orders Only)

MINIMUM CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356

OR

PUBLICATION NUMBERVEHICLE MODEL

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Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurringobligation.

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By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You canpay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail toHelm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.

Prices are subject to change withoutnotice and without incurring obligation.

Orders are mailed within 10 days. Pleaseallow adequate time for delivery.

www. helminc. com

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This manual covers maintenance and recommendedprocedures for repair to engine and chassis components.It is written for the journeyman mechanic, but is simpleenough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-stand.

This manual complements the Service Manual byproviding in-depth troubleshooting information for eachelectrical circuit in your vehicle.

This manual describes the procedures involved in thereplacement of damaged body parts.

Authorized Manuals

Service Manual:

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:

Body Repair Manual:

218

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment shouldbe sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shownbelow for a quotation.

P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356

Customer Name Attention

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These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

CONTINUED

Accessories.................................Installation . 111

ACCESSORY (Ignition Key.......................................Position) . 57

....................Additives, Engine Oil . 144.....................................Airbag (SRS) . 9

..............................Air Conditioning . 79.........................Air Outlets (Vents) . 79.......................Air Pressure, Tires . 160

........................................Air Pump . 175.............................Alarm, Anti-theft . 99

........................Antenna, Cleaning . 157......................................Antifreeze . 146

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)...............................Indicator . 44, 130

...................................Operation . 130.Anti-theft Steering Column Lock . 57

.............................................Ashtray . 75..................................Audio System . 84

Automatic Climate Control..........................................System . 82

.............Automatic Speed Control . 100..............Automatic Transmission . 123

..........................Capacity, Fluid . 202

...............Checking Fluid Level . 149.......................................Shifting . 123

....................Shift Lock Release . 127.Shift Lever Position Indicator . 123

........Back-up Lamp Replacement . 155Battery

Charging System...........................Indicator . 43, 189

............................Jump Starting . 185..............................Maintenance . 133............................Specifications . 203

..............................Before Driving . 103..........................................Belts, Seat . 8

.............................Beverage Holder . 75..................................Booster Seats . 32

............................................Brakes . 129...........Anti-lock System (ABS) . 130

.............Break-in, New Linings . 104....................Bulb Replacement . 155

...........................................Fluid . 151.........................................Parking . 72

.........................System Indicator . 44..............Wear Indicators, Disc . 129

.............................Braking System . 129........................Break-in, New Car . 104

..Brightness Control, Instruments . 52........................Brights, Headlights . 51

.........................Bulb Replacement . 153..........................Back-up Lights . 155

..............................Brake Lights . 155.................................Headlights . 153

..........................Parking Lights . 154............................Specifications . 203

....................Turn Signal Lights . 155..............................Bulbs, Halogen . 153

............................Capacities Chart . 202.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 35

............................Cargo, Carrying . 113Cassette Player

..............................................Care . 91.....................................Operation . 89

..............CAUTION, Explanation of . ii...........................................CD Care . 97

.....................................CD Changer . 93

Index

B

A

C

I

.........CD Changer Error Message . 98........................Certification Label . 200

...................................Chains, . 165....................Changing a Flat Tire . 170

Changing Oil........................................How to . 144......................................When to . 135

...Charging System Indicator . 43, 189............Checklist, Before Driving . 118

.....................................Child Safety . 22..............................Booster Seats . 32

...................................Child Seats . 27.....Important Safety Reminders . 25

............................Large Children . 31.......................Risk with Airbags . 23

.............................Small Children . 26.........................................Tethers . 30

Child Seats Tether Anchorage.............................................Point . 30

............................Cigarette Lighter . 75Cleaning

......................................Antenna . 157...................................Seat Belts . 157

..................................CLEAN Light . 92.................Climate Control System . 82

...........................Clock, Setting the . 76

...................................Clutch Fluid . 151

.....................................Coin Holder . 75........................CO in the Exhaust . 207

....Compact (Folding) Spare Tire . 181.............Controls, Instruments and . 39

Coolant........................................Adding . 146

....................................Checking . 108.........................Proper Solution . 146

...................Temperature Gauge . 47

...................Console Compartment . 75Crankcase Emission Control

........................................System . 207................Cruise Control Indicator . 46............Cruise Control Operation . 100

Customer Relations................................Information . 214

................DANGER, Explanation of . ii.......................................Dashboard . 41

................Daytime Running Lights . 51Daytime Running Lights

.......................................Indicator . 46............Defects, Reporting Safety . 216

................Defogger, Rear Window . 52

................Defrosting the Windows . 81....................................Dimensions . 202

...............Dimming the Headlights . 51Dipstick

..........Automatic Transmission . 149..................................Engine Oil . 107

..........................Directional Signals . 51........Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 129

.....................Disposal of Used Oil . 146...................Do Not Tow a Trailer . 132

Doors..............Locking and Unlocking . 58

....................Lockout Prevention . 58..............................Monitor Light . 45

......................Power Door Locks . 58..........DOT Tire Quality Grading . 204

Downshifting, 6-speed Manual.............................Transmission . 120

...........................................Driving . 117....................................Economy . 110

tires

Index

D

II

CONTINUED

.....................................Fan, Interior . 79Features, Comfort and

................................Convenience . 77....................Filling the Fuel Tank . 105

Filters...............................................Oil . 144

.............Flashers, Hazard Warning . 52...................Flat Tire, Changing a . 170

Fluids..........Automatic Transmission . 149

..........................................Brake . 151.........................................Clutch . 151

..............Manual Transmission . 150..................Windshield Washer . 148

..........FM Stereo Radio Reception . 87........................Folding Spare Tire . 181..........................Four-way Flashers . 52

.................................................Fuel . 104......................Fill Door and Cap . 105

...........................................Gauge . 48................Octane Requirement . 104

........................Reserve Indicator . 46........................Tank, Filling the . 105

..............Fuel Mileage, Improving . 110

..............Fuel Station Procedures . 105.....................Fuses, Checking the . 192

..............................Economy, Fuel . 110..................................Emergencies . 169

.............Battery, Jump Starting . 185................Changing a Flat Tire . 170

.....Charging System Indicator . 189..................Checking the Fuses . 192

.........Hazard Warning Flashers . 52............................Jump Starting . 185

.....Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 189...Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 190

..................Overheated Engine . 187.......................................Towing . 197

...........................Emergency Brake . 72......................Emergency Flashers . 52

.......................Emissions Controls . 207.............Emissions Testing, State . 210

EngineCompartment, Checking

......................................in the . 106.......................................Coolant . 146

....Coolant Temperature Gauge . 47Malfunction Indicator

................................Lamp . 44, 190....................Oil Pressure Gauge . 48

........Oil Pressure Indicator . 43, 189

..............Oil, What Kind to Use . 143...............................Overheating . 187

....................Speed Limiter . 121, 126

............................Specifications . 202.......................................Starting . 119

...................Engine, . 183.........Engine Cover, Opening the . 106

......................Ethanol in Gasoline . 104.Evaporative Emissions Controls . 207

...............................Exhaust Fumes . 35Exhaust Gas Recirculation

........................................System . 208Expansion Tank, Engine

.......................................Coolant . 108Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat

........................................Belts by . 14

if it won’t start

Index

E

F

III

.........................................Gasoline . 104...............Fuel Reserve Indicator . 46

...........................................Gauge . 48................Octane Requirement . 104

........................Tank, Filling the . 105.............................................Gauges . 47

...Engine Coolant Temperature . 47...................Engine Oil Pressure . 48

...............................................Fuel . 48...............................Speedometer . 47

.................................Tachometer . 47.....................................Voltmeter . 48

Gearshift Lever Positions..........Automatic Transmission . 123

6-speed Manual.........................Transmission . 120

........................................Glove Box . 76

.............Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 153..............Hazard Warning Flashers . 52

Headlights............Daytime Running Lights . 51

..................High Beam Indicator . 46.........................Reminder Chime . 51

........Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 153...................................Turning on . 51

Heating and Air Conditioning..........................................System . 78

.................High-Low Beam Switch . 51....................................Hood Latch . 152

.......................Hood, Opening the . 108..................................................Horn . 49

...........................Hydraulic Clutch . 151

................Jacking Up the Vehicle . 172.......................................Jack, Tire . 171

................................Jump Starting . 185

...Identification Number, Vehicle . 200Ignition

..............................................Keys . 54...........................................Switch . 57

............Timing Control System . 208Indicators

..............ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) . 44Brake (Parking and Brake

....................................System) . 44.................................Brake Lamp . 45

........................Charging System . 43.............................Cruise Control . 46

DRL (Daytime Running......................................Lights) . 46

.EPS (Electric Power Steering) . 45...................................High Beam . 46

......................................Low Fuel . 46........................Low Oil Pressure . 43

...............................................SRS . 44TCS (Traction Control

....................................System) . 45Turn Signal and Hazard

...................................Warning . 46...........Indicator, Instrument Panel . 42

...................Inflation, Proper Tire . 160...................................Inside Mirror . 71

.............................Inspection, Tire . 161............................Instrument Panel . 41

........Instrument Panel Brightness . 52.................................Interior Lights . 73

........................................Introduction . i

Index

G

H

I

J

IV

CONTINUED

..................................................Keys . 54

..................................Maintenance . 133Owner’s Maintenance

...................................Checks . 136........................................Record . 139

....................................Schedule . 135.Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 44, 190

...................Manual Transmission . 120........Manual Transmission Fluid . 150

...............................Meters, Gauges . 47..........................Mirrors, Adjusting . 71

...............Modifying Your Vehicle . 112

...................Neutral Gear Position . 124..................New Vehicle Break-in . 104

.....................Normal Shift Speeds . 121..................NOTICE, Explanation of . ii

...............Numbers, Identification . 200

...Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 104.........................................Odometer . 47

...............................Odometer, Trip . 47Oil

........................Change, How to . 144......................Change, When to . 135......................Checking Engine . 107

..........................Pressure Gauge . 48..............Pressure Indicator . 43, 189

Selecting Proper Viscosity......................................Chart . 144

...........ON (Ignition Key Position) . 57Onboard Refueling Vapor

....................................Recovery . 207..........Opening the Engine Cover . 106

.........................Opening the Trunk . 59..............................Outside Mirrors . 71

....................Overheating, Engine . 187

.......................Label, Certification . 200.................Lane Change, Signaling . 51

........................Lap/Shoulder Belts . 16...........................Lighter, Cigarette . 75

Lights....................Bulb Replacement . 153

.......................................Indicator . 42.........................................Parking . 51

..................................Turn Signal . 51.....................................Load Limit . 114

...............................Loading Cargo . 113......LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 57

Locks.......Anti-theft Steering Column . 57

............................Fuel Fill Door . 105....................................Glove Box . 76

.................................Power Door . 58...........................................Trunk . 59

........................Low Coolant Level . 108...Lower Gear, Downshifting to a . 120

.........................Low Fuel Indicator . 46...Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 43, 189

...Lubricant Specifications Chart . 202...............Luggage, . 113storing (cargo)

Index

K

LM

N

O

V

..............Panel Brightness Control . 52........................Park Gear Position . 124

.................................Parking Brake . 72

.................................Parking Lights . 51.............................PGM-FI System . 208

.........Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 14

.........Protecting Adults and Teens . 10...Additional Safety Precautions . 15

.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 14........................Protecting Children . 22

...........Protecting Larger Children . 31.............Protecting Small Children . 26

Using Child Seats with.....................................Tethers . 30

........................................Safety Belts . 8............Safety Defects, Reporting . 216.............Safety Labels, Location of . 36

...............................Safety Messages . ii.Seat Belt, Additional Information . 15

......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 16...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 17

..Seat Belt System Components . 15...........................................Seat Belts . 8

...............Additional Information . 15Automatic Seat Belt

...............................Tensioners . 16.....................................Cleaning . 157

................................Maintenance . 17......Reminder Light and Beeper . 43

...................System Components . 15...............Use During Pregnancy . 14

........................Seats, Adjusting the . 62..................Security Alarm System . 99

...............................Serial Number . 200...........................Service Intervals . 137

.............................Service Manual . 217.........Service Station Procedures . 105

............................Setting the Clock . 76

...................Radiator Overheating . 187......Radio/Cassette Sound System . 84

...........................Readiness Codes . 210..Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 155

............................Rear View Mirror . 71Rear Window

......................................Defogger . 52

...............................Opening the . 106................Reclining the Seat-backs . 62

.......Recommended Shift Speeds . 121Recovery Vehicle, Emergency

.......................................Towing . 197.............................Reminder Lights . 42

.......................Remote Transmitter . 60...................Removable Roof Panel . 65

......................................Installing . 68................Removing and Storing . 65

..........Roof Unlatched Indicator . 69.......................................Roof Cover . 66

Replacement Information................Engine Oil and Filter . 144

..........................................Fuses . 192................................Light Bulbs . 153

....................................Schedule . 137...........................................Tires . 160

.............................Wiper Blades . 158Replacing Seat Belts After a

............................................Crash . 17...Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 108

...............................Restraint, Child . 22..................Reverse Gear Position . 124

................................Rotation, Tire . 162

Index

P

R

S

VI

CONTINUED

.....................................Tachometer . 47......Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 155

.Taking Care of the Unexpected . 169......................................Tape Player . 89.....................................Operation . 89

................................Maintenance . 91..........................TCS Indicator . 45, 131

Technical Descriptions.....Emissions Control Systems . 207

Three Way Catalytic...............................Converter . 209

.......................Temperature Gauge . 47...................Tensioners, Seat Belts . 16

...............Tether Attachment Point . 30.................Theft Deterrent System . 99

..Three Way Catalytic Converter . 209............................Time, Setting the . 76

....................................Tire Chains . 165.........Tire, How to Change a Flat . 170

.................................Tire Labeling . 206...............................................Tires . 160

..............................Air Pressure . 160...................................Balancing . 162

.........................Checking Wear . 162......DOT Tire Quality Grading . 204

............................Folding Spare . 181......................................Inflation . 160

..................................Inspection . 161...................................Replacing . 163

......................................Rotating . 162...........................................Snow . 164

............................Specifications . 203...................Tools, Tire Changing . 171

Towing......................A Trailer, Do Not . 132

................Emergency Wrecker . 197

.....Shift Lever Position Indicator . 123........................Shift Lock Release . 127

...............................Signaling Turns . 516-speed Manual Transmission

...............Checking Fluid Level . 150................................Shifting the . 120

.....................................Snow Tires . 164..................................Sound System . 84

Spare Tire, Folding......................................Inflating . 181

............................Specifications . 203....................Specifications Charts . 202

................................Speed Control . 100...................................Speedometer . 47

..........SRS, Additional Information . 18...Additional Safety Precautions . 21

....................Airbag Components . 18.............................Airbag Service . 21

..How the SRS Indicator Works . 20...........How Your Airbags Work . 18

..................SRS Indicator Light . 20, 44....START (Ignition Key Position) . 57

..............State Emissions Testing . 210........Steam Coming from Engine . 187

...Steam from Under the Vehicle . 187

Steering Wheel................................Adjustments . 53

.............Anti-theft Column Lock . 57.....................Stereo Sound System . 84

....................Storing Your Vehicle . 167................................Stuck Vehicle . 169

Supplemental Restraint System......................................Servicing . 21

.........................SRS Indicator . 20, 44...............Tensioners, Seat Belts . 16

Index

T

VII

Traction Control System (TCS)...................................Operation . 131

..................Trailer, Do Not Tow a . 132Transmission

Checking Fluid Level,..............................Automatic . 149

Checking Fluid Level, 6-speed..........Manual Transmission . 150

..................Fluid Selection . 149, 150..............Identification Number . 200.............Shifting the Automatic . 123

Shifting the 6-speed Manual.........................Transmission . 120

.....................................Treadwear . 204

.......................................Trip Meter . 47................................................Trunk . 59

........Emergency Trunk Opener . 59.................................Opening the . 59

...................Open Monitor Light . 45....................................Turn Signals . 51

Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................of the . 169

....Uniform Tire Quality Grading . 204

........................Unleaded Gasoline . 104.......Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 146

......................Vehicle Dimensions . 202....Vehicle Identification Number . 200

.............................Vehicle Storage . 167........................................Ventilation . 80

.................................................VIN . 200..................................Viscosity, Oil . 144

.........................................Voltmeter . 48

.............WARNING, Explanation of . ii.........Warning Labels, Location of . 36

....................Warranty Coverages . 215Washer, Windshield

........Checking the Fluid Level . 148.....................................Operation . 50

...........................................Wheels . 164...............Adjusting the Steering . 53............Alignment and Balance . 162

............................Folding Spare . 181......................................Wrench . 171

Windows..................Operating the Power . 63

......................Opening the Rear . 106...........................Rear, Defogger . 52

Windshield.......................................Cleaning . 50.....................................Defroster . 81

.......................................Washers . 50Wipers, Windshield

.......................Changing Blades . 158.....................................Operation . 50

....................................Worn Tires . 161.....Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 197

Index

U

W

V

VIII

Service Information Summary

6-speed Manual TransmissionFluid:

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Brake Fluid:

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Gasoline:

Recommended Engine Oil:Spare Tire Pressure:

Tire Pressure (measured cold):

2.7 US qt (2.6 ) 26 psi (180 kPa , 1.8 kgf/cm )

32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )

33 psi (230 kPa , 2.3 kgf/cm )

40 psi (275 kPa , 2.8 kgf/cm )

5.3 US qt (5.0 )

Premium unleaded gasoline,pump octane number of 91 orhigher.

Front:

Front:

Rear:

Rear:

API premium grade 10W-30detergent oil (see page ).

Oil change capacity (includingfilter):

Honda Heavy Duty Brake FluidDOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 orDOT 4 brake fluid as a temporaryreplacement (see page ).

Honda Manual TransmissionFluid preferred, or an SAE 10W-30or 10W-40 motor oil as atemporary replacement (see page

).

Capacity:

Honda ATF-Z1 (AutomaticTransmission Fluid) preferred, ora DEXRON III ATF as atemporary replacement (see page

).

150

151

144

149

18.5 US gal (70 )

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