Acura Integra (2001 year). Manual — part 14

Lights

Headlight Aiming

The headlights were properly aimed
when your car was new. You should

check their aim if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or pull
a trailer. Each headlight assembly
has horizontal and vertical adjust-
ment indicators. These are set to
their "0" positions after the head-
lights are aimed at the factory.

To check these settings:

1. Make sure the fuel tank is full.

Park the car on level ground.

2. The driver or someone who

weighs the same should be sitting

in the driver's seat for all checks
and adjustments.
Load your vehicle with the items

you normally carry.

If you usually pull a trailer, load it as

you would normally and attach it to

the car. Push down on the front and
rear bumpers several times to make

sure the car is sitting normally.

4. Check the horizontal angle gauge.

The line on the adjustment screw

indicator should line up with the
"0" mark on the gauge.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

HORIZONTAL ANGLE GAUGE

Left headlight

Right headlight

3. Open the hood.

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

VERTICAL ANGLE GAUGE

5. Check the vertical angle gauge.

The bubble should be centered

underneath the longest scribe
mark on the gauge.

HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT

6. If either indicator is not aligned

with its "0" mark as described, an

adjustment can be made using a
Phillips-head screwdriver to
realign it with the "0" mark. Please
refer to the illustrations.

VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT

7. If you cannot get an indicator to

align, have your Acura dealer
inspect the car for body damage or
suspension problems.

Maintenance

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Replacing a Headlight Bulb

Your car has two bulbs on each side,
four in total. Make sure you are

replacing the bulb that is burned out.

Your car uses halogen headlight

bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its plastic case 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.

Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot

when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

1. Open the hood.

If you need to change the high
beam headlight bulb on the
passenger's side, remove the
radiator reserve tank by pulling it
straight up.

2. To disconnect the bulb from the

electrical harness, push on the end
of the lock tab to release the
connector then push the connec-
tor straight down.

3. Turn the bulb about one-eighth

turn counterclockwise to unlock it
from the headlight assembly.

4. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out of its recess.

5. Align the tabs on the new bulb

with the slots in the headlight

assembly and push it into place.

6. Turn the bulb clockwise to lock it

in place. Do not force it. Check the
seating of the bulb's tabs in the
slots if the bulb will not return to
its original position.

7. Reinstall the harness connector on

the bulb connector. Make sure it
locks in place.

Turn on the headlights to test the

new bulb.

8. (Passenger's side)

Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.

Maintenance

NOTICE

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Replacing Front Turn Signal/

Parking and Side Marker Light

Bulbs

1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to

loosen the light assembly's
mounting screw.

2. Remove the light assembly from

the bumper.

3. Remove the socket of the burned-

out bulb from the light assembly
by turning it one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.

4. To remove the front bulb, push it

in slightly and turn it counterclock-
wise. To remove the side bulb, pull
it straight out of its socket.

5. Install the new bulb in the socket.

6. Insert the socket back into the

light assembly. Turn it clockwise
to lock it in place.

7. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.

8. Put the light assembly into the

bumper. Make sure the tab on the

light assembly fits into the bumper
slot. Tighten the mounting screw.

Maintenance

SCREW

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Replacing a High-mount Brake

Light Bulb

LS model

1. Undo the cover fasteners by

pushing on the center of each
fastener's head until it pops in.
Remove the cover.

2. Determine which bulb is burned

out.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket.
Push the new bulb straight into

the socket until it bottoms.

4. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.

5. Reset each fastener by pushing on

the pointed end until it pops back
almost flush with the fingers on
the housing.

6. Reinstall the cover. Secure each

fastener by pushing on the center
until it locks (the center is flush
with the head).

Maintenance

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Replacing Rear Turn Signal and

Side Marker Light Bulbs

1. Open the hatch and remove the

light assembly cover by pulling the

edge.

2. Remove the socket from the light

assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.

3. If the turn signal light bulb is

burned out, remove it by pushing
it in and turning counterclockwise.
If the side marker light bulb is
burned out, remove it by pulling it

straight out of its socket.

4. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of removal.

5. Push the socket into the light

assembly and turn it clockwise
until it locks.

6. Test the lights to make sure the

new bulb is working.

7. Install the light assembly cover.

Make sure it locks in place.

Replacing Tail/Stoplight and

Back-up Light Bulbs

1. Open the hatch. Remove the

tether hardware cover with a small
flat-tip screwdriver and tether
anchor plate with a wrench by
turning the bolt counterclockwise.

When reinstalling tether hardware,

see

Protecting Children on page

4 1

.

On Type-R model

You cannot replace these bulbs
yourself, contact your Acura dealer.

Maintenance

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

2. Undo the seven cover fasteners by

pushing on the center of each
fastener's head until it pops in.
Remove the taillight cover panel.

3. Remove the socket by turning it

one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

4. Try the tail/stoplights and back-up

light to verify which bulb needs
replacing. Remove the bulb by
turning it counterclockwise.

5. Install the new bulb in the socket.

Test it to make sure it works.

6. Reinstall the socket into the light

assembly.

7. Reinstall the tether anchor

hardware.
Make sure the toothed washer is
on the bottom of the bolt. Tighten
the bolt to:

16 lbf.ft (22 N.m,2.2 kgf.m)

If a torque wrench was not used,
see your Acura dealer as soon as
possible to verify proper
installation.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

8. Reset each fastener by pushing on

the pointed end until it pops back
almost flush with the fingers on
the housing.

9. Reinstall the cover. Secure each

fastener by pushing on the center
until it locks (the center is flush
with the head).

Replacing a Rear License Plate

Bulb

1. Remove the two screws and

remove the license plate light
assembly.

2. Remove the socket from the light

assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.

3. Pull the bulb straight out of its

socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.

4. Turn on the parking lights and

check that the new bulb is

working.

5. Reinstall the license light assem-

bly. Install the two screws and
tighten them securely.

Maintenance

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Lights

Replacing Ceiling, Spot and Cargo

Area Light Bulbs

The ceiling, spot and cargo area
lights come apart the same way.
They do not use the same type of
bulb.

1. 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.

2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out of its metal tabs.

3. Push the new bulb into the metal

tabs. Snap the lens back in place.

LS, GS and GS-R models

Maintenance

SPOTLIGHTS

CARGO AREA LIGHT

CEILING LIGHT

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Storing Your Car

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.

Fill the fuel tank.

Change the engine oil and filter

(see page

175

).

Wash and dry the exterior

completely.

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

Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse

(5-speed manual) or Park
(automatic).

Block the rear wheels.

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).

Disconnect the battery.

Support the front and rear 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 hatch seals. Also, apply a body

wax to the painted surfaces that

mate with the door and hatch seals.

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.

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

164

). The

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

Maintenance

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Appearance Care

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. . . . . . . . ..

218

Washing. . . . . . . . . ..

218

Power Antenna Cleaning. . ..

218

Waxing. . . . . . . . . .

219

Aluminum Wheels. . . . . .

219

Paint Touch-up. . . . . . ...

219

Interior Care. . . . . . . . ...

220

Carpeting. . . . . . . . .

220

Floor Mats. . . . . . . . ..

220

Fabric. . . . . . . . . . ..

221

Vinyl. . . . . . . . . . ...

. 221

Leather. . . . . . . . . .

221

Seat Belts. . . . . . . . .

221

Windows. . . . . . . . . .

222

Air Fresheners. . . . . . ...

222

Corrosion Protection. . . . . .

223

Body Repairs. . . . . . . . ..

224

Appearance Care

Main Menu

Exterior Care

Washing

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.

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.

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

Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and

plastic on your car.

Rinse the car thoroughly with cool

water to remove loose dirt.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

219

).

Power Antenna Cleaning

Twice a year, clean the antenna mast
with a dry cloth and mild detergent.

Scrub the antenna in upward strokes
to avoid bending it. Rinse with water.

Make sure the antenna works
smoothly by turning the stereo off
and on several times with the
ignition switch ON (II). The antenna
does not need lubricating.

If you use a "drive-through" car wash,
make sure you turn the stereo off
first. This retracts the antenna to
prevent damage from the car wash

brushes.

Appearance Care

NOTICE

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Exterior Care

Waxing
Always wash and dry the whole car

before waxing it. You should wax
your car, including the metal trim,
whenever water sits on the surface
in large patches. It should form into
beads or droplets after waxing.

You should use a quality liquid or

paste wax. Apply it according to the
instructions on the container. In
general, there are two types of
products:

Waxes — A wax coats the finish and

protects it from damage by exposure
to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You
should use a wax on your Acura
when it is new.

Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/

waxes can restore the shine to paint
that has oxidized and lost some of its

shine. They normally contain mild
abrasives and solvents that remove

the top layer of the finish. You

should use a polish on your Acura if

the finish does not have its original

shine after using a wax.

Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
removers also takes off the wax.
Remember to re-wax those areas,
even if the rest of the car does not
need waxing.

Aluminum Wheels

On some models

Clean your Acura's aluminum alloy

wheels as you do the rest of the

exterior. Wash them with the same
solution, and rinse them thoroughly.

The wheels have a protective clear-

coat that keeps the aluminum from
corroding and tarnishing. Using
harsh chemicals, including some
commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff
brushes can damage this clear-coat.
Only use a mild detergent and soft
brush or sponge to clean the wheels.

Paint Touch-up

Your dealer has touch-up paint to

match your car's color. The color
code is printed on a sticker on the
driver's doorjamb. Take this code to

your dealer so you are sure to get
the correct color.

Inspect your car frequently for chips
or scratches in the paint. Repair
them right away to prevent corrosion
of the metal underneath. Use the
touch-up paint only on small chips
and scratches. More extensive paint

damage should be repaired by a

professional.

Appearance Care

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Interior Care

Carpeting

Vacuum the carpeting frequently to

remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make
the carpet wear out faster.
Periodically shampoo the carpet to
keep it looking new. Use one of the
foam-type carpet cleaners on the
market. Follow the instructions that
come with the cleaner, applying it
with a sponge or soft brush. Keep
the carpeting as dry as possible by
not adding water to the foam.

Floor Mats

The Genuine Acura driver's floor

mat that came with your car was
designed to be hooked over the floor
mat anchor. This keeps the floor mat
from sliding forward and possibly
interfering with the pedals.

If you remove the floor mat, make
sure to re-anchor it when you put it
back in your car.

If you replace it, use a genuine Acura
floor mat that is designed to be used

with the floor mat anchor in your car.

If you use a non-Acura floor mat in
the driver's footwell, make sure it

fits properly and that it can be used
with the floor mat anchor.

Do not put additional floor mats on
top of the anchored mat, otherwise
the additional mats may slide
forward and interfere with the pedals.

Appearance Care

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Interior Care

Fabric

Vacuum dirt and dust out of the

material frequently. For general
cleaning, use a solution of mild soap
and lukewarm water, letting it air dry.

To clean off stubborn spots, use a

commercially-available fabric cleaner.

Test it on a hidden area of the fabric

first, to make sure it does not bleach

or stain the fabric. Follow the
instructions that come with the
cleaner.

Vinyl

Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum
cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft
cloth dampened in a solution of mild
soap and water. Use the same

solution with a soft-bristle brush on
more difficult spots. You can also use
commercially-available spray or

foam-type vinyl cleaners.

Leather

On some models

Vacuum dirt and dust from the
leather frequently. Pay particular

attention to the pleats and seams.
Clean the leather with a soft cloth
dampened with clear water, then
buff it with a clean, dry cloth. If
further cleaning is needed, use a
soap specifically for leather, such as
saddle soap. Apply this soap with a
damp, soft cloth. Wipe down and
buff as described above.

Seat Belts

LOOP

If your seat belts get dirty, you can
use a soft brush with a mixture of
mild soap and warm water to clean
them. Do not use bleach, dye, or
cleaning solvents. They can weaken

the belt material. Let the belts air-

dry before you use the car.

CONTINUED

Appearance Care

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Interior Care

Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm

water or isopropyl alcohol.

Windows

Clean the windows, inside and out,

with a commercially-available glass
cleaner. You can also use a mixture

of one part white vinegar to ten parts

water. This will remove the haze that
builds up on the inside of the
windows. Use a soft cloth or paper
towels to clean all glass and clear
plastic surfaces.

The rear window defogger wires are
bonded to the inside of the glass.
Wiping vigorously up-and-down can

dislodge and break the defogger wires.

When cleaning the rear window, use

gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side.

Air Fresheners

If you want to use an air freshener/
deodorizer in the interior of your car,
it is best to use a solid type. Some

liquid air fresheners contain chemi-
cals that may cause parts of the
interior trim and fabric to crack or

discolor.

If you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so it
does not spill as you drive.

Appearance Care

NOTICE

Main Menu

Table of Contents