Acura CL (2003 year). Manual — part 17

Loosen the two bolts with a
Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove
the air cleaner housing cover by
lifting and pivoting it out of the
loops.

Remove the old air cleaner
element.

Carefully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.

Place the new air cleaner element
in the air cleaner housing.

Reinstall the air cleaner housing
cover, tighten the four bolts.

Align the tabs on the battery side
and reinstall the air cleaner
housing cover, then tighten the
two bolts.

Put the cruise control cable back
in place.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

On Premium model

On Type-S

On Type-S

Air Cleaner Element

Maintenance

255

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The spark plugs in your car are a
special platinum-tipped design for
longer life. The spark plugs should
be replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.

Loosen the two holding clips by
turning the heads one-quarter turn
counterclockwise with a flat-tipped
screwdriver. Remove the cover on
the front cylinder bank by pulling
it straight up.

Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.

Disconnect the wire connector
from the ignition coil by pushing
on the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.

1.

2.

3.

Replacement

Spark Plugs

Maintenance

256

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Use a wrench to remove the
hexagon socket head cap bolt
holding the ignition coil. Remove
the ignition coil by pulling it
straight out.

Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:

Remove the spark plug with
a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.

Put the new spark plug into the
socket, then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Spark Plugs

Maintenance

257

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13 lbf·ft (18 N·m , 1.8 kgf·m)

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＋
−

＋
−

Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the hexagon socket head cap bolt.

Push the wire connector onto the
ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.

Repeat this procedure for the
other five spark plugs.

Reinstall the cover on the front
cylinder bank while putting its
mounting clip in the hole on the
passenger’s side. Secure the cover
by turning the heads of the two
holding clips one-quarter turn
clockwise with a flat-tipped
screwdriver.

Spark Plug Gap:

Spark Plug Gap:

8.

9.

10.

11.

NGK:
DENSO:

NGK:
DENSO:

Specif ications:

Spark Plugs

Maintenance

Premium model

Type-S

258

0.04 in (1.1 mm)

0.04 in (1.1 mm)

PZFR5F-11
PKJ16CR-L11

PZFR6E-11
PKJ20CR-M11

0
0.1 mm

0
0.1 mm

Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.

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Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the
test indicator’s colors.

Check the condition of your car’s
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and for corrosion on the terminals.

To remove the battery cover, pull up
on the right side of the cover to
remove it from the bolt, then pull the
cover out.

To reinstall the cover, insert the pins
on the left side of the cover into the
holes and put the cover over the
battery, then push the right side of
the cover over the bolt.

CONTINUED

Battery

Maintenance

259

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−

Check the battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish
powder). To remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.

If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the
negative (

) cable first and recon-

nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease.

If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car’s
electrical system.

Battery posts,

terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.

WARNING:

Wash hands af ter handling.

Battery

Maintenance

260

The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.

A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.

Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.

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If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, all stored driving
positions will be lost. To store the
driving positions again, see the
storing procedure on page

.

The Navigation System will also
disable itself. The next time you turn
on the ignition switch, the system
will require you to enter a PIN
before it can be used. Refer to the
Navigation System Owner’s Manual.

If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, your driver’s power
window (see page

) and your

audio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see ‘‘

’’ in the frequency

display. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code (see page

).

100

106

157

3.2 CL with Navigation System

Battery

Maintenance

261

Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
car’s electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables bef ore connecting the
battery to a charger.

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−

Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months.
Look for signs of cracking in the
rubber, or areas that are getting
hard. Replace the blades if you find
these signs, or if they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.

Disconnect the blade assembly
from the wiper arm by pushing in
the lock tab. Hold it in while you
push the blade assembly toward
the base of the arm.

To replace the blade:

Turn the ignition ON (II), switch
the wipers to INT or

(low

position), then turn the ignition
OFF when the wiper arm is
approximately midway in its travel.

Raise the wiper arm off the
windshield.

1.

2.

3.

Wiper Blades

Maintenance

262

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Remove the blade from its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull firmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.

Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal rein-
forcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinforcement
strips from the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.

Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.

Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.

Turn the ignition switch ON (II)
and return the windshield wipers
to their park position.

Lower the wiper arm down against
the windshield.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Wiper Blades, Air Conditioning System

Maintenance

263

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Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant.

If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page

.)

Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling
efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.

Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works efficiently.

326

Air Conditioning System

Maintenance

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Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.

The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.

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−

−

This filter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air from industry and diesel-pow-
ered vehicles. Replace it more often
if air flow from the climate control
system becomes less than usual.
Have dust and pollen filter replaced
by your Acura dealer.

The dust and pollen filter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
from the outside through the climate
control system.

Check the condition of the two drive
belts (power steering belt and
alternator belt). Examine the edges
of each belt for cracks or fraying.

Check the tension of the power
steering belt by pushing on it with
your thumb midway between the
pulleys.

The belt should have the following
‘‘play’’ or deflection.

Power steering belt:

If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.

Drive Belts

Dust and Pollen Filter

Dust and Pollen Filter, Drive Belts

Maintenance

265

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0.51

0.65 in (13.0

16.5 mm)

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−

−

We recommend that you visually
check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.

To safely operate your car, your tires
must be the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread,
and correctly inflated. The following
pages give more detailed information
on how and when to check air
pressure, how to inspect your tires
for damage and wear, and what to do
when your tires need to be replaced.

Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread life, and riding
comfort. Underinflated tires wear
unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated.
Overinflated tires can make your car
ride more harshly, are more prone to
damage from road hazards, and wear
unevenly.

The timing belt should normally be
replaced at the intervals shown in
the maintenance schedule.

Replace this belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your car in one or
more of these conditions:

In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under

20°F,

29°C).

Inf lation

Tires

Timing Belt

Timing Belt, Tires

Maintenance

266

Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.

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Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure at least once a month. Even
tires that are in good condition may
lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1
to 0.2 kgf/cm ) per month.
Remember to check the spare tire at
the same time you check all the
other tires.

The following chart shows the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal driving conditions and
speeds. Tire pressures for high
speed driving are the same as for
normal driving.

If you check the pressure when the
tires are hot (the car has been driven
several miles), you will see readings
4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm ) higher than the cold
reading. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the specified cold
pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.

You should get your own tire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.

Check the pressure in the tires when
they are cold. This means the car
has been parked for at least three
hours. If you have to drive the car
before checking the tire pressure,
the tires can still be considered
‘‘cold’’ if you drive less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).

Tire Size

Cold Tire Pressure

for Normal Driving

Tire Size

Cold Tire Pressure

for Normal Driving

CONTINUED

Premium model

Type-S

Recommended Tire Pressures f or
Normal Driving

Tires

Maintenance

267

P205/60R16 91V

P215/50R17 93V

32 psi (220 kPa ,

2.2 kgf/cm )

32 psi (220 kPa ,

2.2 kgf/cm )

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Every time you check inflation, you
should also examine the tires for
damage, foreign objects, and wear.
You should look for:

Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
you find either of these conditions.

Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see fabric or cord.

Excessive tread wear.

Your car’s tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down to that point, you
will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide
band running across the tread. This
shows there is less than 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A
tire that is this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see the
tread wear indicator in three or more
places around the tire.

Tubeless tires have some ability to
self-seal if they are punctured.
However, because leakage is often
very slow, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.

The compact spare tire pressure is:

These pressures are also given on
the tire information label on the
driver’s doorjamb.

Inspection

Tires

Maintenance

268

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60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )

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In addition to proper inflation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you find a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.

The tires were properly balanced by
the factory. They may need to be
rebalanced at some time before they
are worn out. Have your dealer
check the tires if you feel a consis-
tent vibration while driving. A tire
should always be rebalanced if it is
removed from the wheel for repair.

To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, you
should have the tires rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move the
tires to the positions shown in the
chart each time they are rotated.

Make sure the installer balances the
wheels when you have new tires
installed. This increases riding
comfort and tire life. Your car’s
original tires were dynamic or ‘‘spin’’
balanced at the factory. For best
results, have the installer perform a
dynamic balance.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Tire Rotation

Tires

Maintenance

269

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Improper wheel weights can damage
your car’s aluminum wheels. Use only
genuine Acura wheel weights f or
balancing.

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When shopping for replacement
tires, you may find that some tires
are ‘‘directional.’’ This means they
are designed to rotate only in one
direction. If you use directional tires,
they should be rotated only front-to-
back.

The tires that came with your car
were selected to match the perform-
ance capabilities of the car while
providing the best combination of
handling, ride comfort, and long life.
You should replace them with radial
tires of the same size, load range,
speed rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce
its braking ability, traction, and
steering accuracy.

It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, then replace the two
front tires or the two rear tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously affect your car’s handling.

Replacing Tires and Wheels

Tires

Maintenance

270

Installing improper tires on your
car can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.

Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner’s manual.

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