Acura CL (2003 year). Manual — part 18

＋

Tires that are marked ‘‘M

S’’ or

‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for
optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate
performance in winter driving.
For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.

Wheels:

If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure you use an identical style
aluminum alloy wheel that originally
came on your Acura. Replacement
wheels are available at your Acura
dealer.

The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the car.
Tire size and construction can affect
wheel speed and may cause the
system to work inconsistently.

Tires:

See page

for information about

DOT Tire Quality Grading.

328

CONTINUED

Premium model

Premium model

Type-S

Type-S

Winter Driving

Wheels and Tires

Tires

Maintenance

271

16 x 6 1/2 JJ

P205/60R16 91V

17 x 7 JJ

P215/50R17 93V

Main Menu

Table of Contents

If you mount snow tires on your
Acura, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your car’s handling in all weather
conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car’s
original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommen-
dations.

Metal link-type ‘‘chains’’ should not
be used. No matter how tight they
seem to be installed, they can come
into contact with the body and
suspension, causing serious damage.

Because your Acura has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’
cable-type traction devices on the
front tires. Use traction devices only
when required by driving conditions
or local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size for your tires.

When installing cables, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with them installed. If
you hear them coming in contact
with the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Make sure the cables are
installed tightly, and that they are
not contacting the brake lines or
suspension. Remove them as soon as

you begin driving on cleared roads.

Do not install any type of chains or
cable-type traction devices on your
vehicle.

Snow Tires

Tire Chains
Premium model only

Type-S

Tires

Maintenance

272

Traction devices that are the wrong
size or improperly installed can
damage your car’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of
the car.

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Check the operation of your car’s
exterior lights at least once a month.
A burned out bulb can create an
unsafe condition by reducing your
car’s visibility and the ability to
signal your intentions to other
drivers.

CONTINUED

Lights

Maintenance

273

S

S

I

I

D

D

E

E

M

M

A

A

R

R

K

K

E

E

R

R

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

L

L

O

O

W

W

B

B

E

E

A

A

M

M

H

H

E

E

A

A

D

D

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

T

T

U

U

R

R

N

N

S

S

I

I

G

G

N

N

A

A

L

L

/

/

P

P

A

A

R

R

K

K

I

I

N

N

G

G

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

H

H

I

I

G

G

H

H

B

B

E

E

A

A

M

M

H

H

E

E

A

A

D

D

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Check the following:

Headlights (low and high beam)
Parking lights
Taillights
Brake lights
High-mount brake light
Turn signals
Back-up lights
Hazard light function
License plate light
Side marker lights
Daytime running lights
(Canadian models)

If you find any bulbs are burned out,
replace them as soon as possible.
Refer to the chart on page

to

determine what type of replacement
bulb is needed.

327

Lights

Maintenance

274

H

H

I

I

G

G

H

H

-

-

M

M

O

O

U

U

N

N

T

T

B

B

R

R

A

A

K

K

E

E

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

T

T

U

U

R

R

N

N

S

S

I

I

G

G

N

N

A

A

L

L

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

B

B

A

A

C

C

K

K

-

-

U

U

P

P

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

L

L

I

I

C

C

E

E

N

N

S

S

E

E

P

P

L

L

A

A

T

T

E

E

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

S

S

T

T

O

O

P

P

/

/

T

T

A

A

I

I

L

L

/

/

S

S

I

I

D

D

E

E

M

M

A

A

R

R

K

K

E

E

R

R

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

S

S

S

S

T

T

O

O

P

P

/

/

T

T

A

A

I

I

L

L

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

S

S

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Halogen bulbs are used for the high
beam headlight bulbs. When
replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.

The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch off
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself. If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
car to your dealer to have it replaced.

The headlights were properly aimed
when your car was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustment of the
headlights should be performed by
an Acura technician or other
qualified mechanic.

CONTINUED

Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb

Headlight Aiming

Lights

Maintenance

275

Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.

Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.

(Driver’s side)
Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.

Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.

Insert the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.

Open the hood.

If you need to change a bulb on
the driver’s side, remove the
radiator reserve tank.

Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by squeezing the
connector to unlock the tab, then
slide the connector off the bulb.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1.

2.

Lights

Maintenance

276

B

B

U

U

L

L

B

B

T

T

A

A

B

B

Main Menu

Table of Contents

If you are changing the bulb on
the driver’s side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger’s side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.

Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips from
the inner fender.

Pull the inner fender cover away
from the fender and bumper.

Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

To remove the front turn signal/
parking light bulb, push it in
slightly and turn it
counterclockwise. To remove the
side marker bulb, pull it straight
out of its socket.

Install the new bulb into the
socket.

Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.

Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.

Put the inner fender cover in place.
Install the two holding clips. Lock
each clip in place by pushing on
the center.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Lights

Maintenance

Replacing Front Turn Signal/
Parking and Side Marker Light
Bulbs

277

H

H

O

O

L

L

D

D

I

I

N

N

G

G

C

C

L

L

I

I

P

P

S

S

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Open the trunk.

Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.

Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.

Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.

Reinstall the trunk lining. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the trunk seal.

Remove the fastener on the edge
of the trunk opening by turning it
counterclockwise with a coin.
Unscrew the cargo net mounting
button. Pull the lining back.

Determine which of the four bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillight, stop/
tail/side marker light, back-up
light, or turn signal.

Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

1.

3.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Replacing Rear Bulbs

Lights

Maintenance

278

F

F

A

A

S

S

T

T

E

E

N

N

E

E

R

R

C

C

A

A

R

R

G

G

O

O

N

N

E

E

T

T

M

M

O

O

U

U

N

N

T

T

I

I

N

N

G

G

B

B

U

U

T

T

T

T

O

O

N

N

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Open the trunk and remove the
socket from the light assembly by
turning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.

Reinstall the socket. Turn it
clockwise until it locks.

Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.

Put the fastener in the hole on the
side of the trunk lining and push
on the center until it locks (the
center is flush with the head).

Screw the cargo net mounting
button back into the hole.

Remove the burned-out bulb by
pulling it straight out of the socket.
Install the new bulb in the socket.

1.

2.

8.

9.

3.

4.

Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb

Lights

Maintenance

279

Main Menu

Table of Contents

The courtesy lights in the doors and
roof come apart the same way. They
do not use the same type of bulb.

Remove the lens by carefully
prying on the edge of the lens with
a fingernail file or a small flat-tip
screwdriver. Do not pry on the
edge of the housing around the
lens.

Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out. Push the new bulb
into the socket.

Put the lens back in place and
tighten the two screws securely.

Use a small Phillips-head
screwdriver to remove the two
screws. Remove the lens from the
license plate assembly.

1.

2.

3.

1.

Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb

Replacing Bulbs in the Interior
Courtesy Lights

Lights

Maintenance

280

C

C

E

E

I

I

L

L

I

I

N

N

G

G

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

S

S

C

C

R

R

E

E

W

W

S

S

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Door light:
Pry on the top middle of the lens.

Ceiling light:
Pry on the front edge of the lens
near both sides.

Spotlights:
Pry on the front edge in front of
both spotlights.

Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.

Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs. Snap the lens back in place.

2.

3.

Maintenance

Lights

281

V

V

A

A

N

N

I

I

T

T

Y

Y

M

M

I

I

R

R

R

R

O

O

R

R

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

S

S

P

P

O

O

T

T

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

S

S

D

D

O

O

O

O

R

R

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Open the trunk. Pull down the
trunk light cover.

Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.

Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs.

Push the cover back in place.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Maintenance

Lights

Replacing the Trunk Light Bulb

282

T

T

R

R

U

U

N

N

K

K

L

L

I

I

G

G

H

H

T

T

C

C

O

O

V

V

E

E

R

R

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Block the rear wheels.

Fill the fuel tank.

Change the engine oil and filter
(see page

).

Wash and dry the exterior
completely.

Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.

If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.

If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.

Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).

Cover the car with a ‘‘breathable’’
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.

Disconnect the battery.

Support the front wiper blade
arms with a folded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.

To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.

If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once
a month).

If you store your car for 12 months
or longer, have your Acura dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page

). The

replacements called for in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.

Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(6-speed manual) or Park
(automatic).

230

241

Maintenance

Storing Your Car

283

Main Menu

Table of Contents

284

Main Menu

Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Acura helps to keep it ‘‘new’’
looking. This section gives you hints
on how to clean your car and
preserve its appearance: the paint,
brightwork, wheels and interior. Also
included are several things you can
do to help prevent corrosion.

. . . . . . . . .

Exterior Care

.

286

. . . . . . . . . .

Washing

.

286

. . . . . . . . . ...

Waxing

.

287

. . . . .

Aluminum Wheels

.

287

. . . . . . ..

Paint Touch-up

.

287

. . . . . . . . ..

Interior Care

.

288

. . . . . . . . ...

Carpeting

.

288

. . . . . . . . .

Floor Mats

.

288

. . . . . . . . . . .

Fabric

.

289

. . . . . . . . . . ...

Vinyl

.

289

. . . . . . . . . ...

Leather

.

289

. . . . . . . . ...

Seat Belts

.

289

. . . . . . . .

Wood Trim

.

290

. . . . . . . . .

Windows

.

290

. . . . . . ..

Air Fresheners

.

290

. . . . .

Corrosion Protection

.

291

. . . . . . . . .

Body Repairs

.

292

Appearance Care

Appearance Care

285

Main Menu

When you have washed and rinsed
the whole exterior, dry it with a
chamois or soft towel. Letting it
air-dry will cause dulling and water
spots.

Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix
in a mild detergent, such as
dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially for car washing.

Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommended in this Owner’s
Manual.

Wash your car in a shady area, not in
direct sunlight. If the car is parked in
the sun, move it into the shade and
let the exterior cool down before you
start.

Wash the car using the water and
detergent solution and a soft-
bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.
Start at the top and work your way
down. Rinse frequently.

Frequent washing helps preserve
your car’s beauty. Dirt and grit can
scratch the paint, while tree sap and
bird droppings can permanently ruin
the finish.

Rinse the car thoroughly with cool
water to remove loose dirt.

As you dry the car, inspect it for
chips and scratches that could allow
corrosion to start. Repair them with
touch-up paint (see page

).

Check the body for road tar, tree
sap, etc. Remove these stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it
off immediately so it does not
harm the finish. Remember to re-
wax these areas, even if the rest of
the car does not need waxing.

287

Exterior Care

Appearance Care

Washing

286

Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and
plastic on your car.

Main Menu

Table of Contents