1996 Acura Integra Owners Manual

The 1996 Acura Integra is a compact sports coupe featuring a 1.8L DOHC VTEC engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, power windows/locks, air conditioning, AM/FM cassette stereo, power moonroof, anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger airbags, and sport-tuned suspension. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Vehicle Operation 3. Instrument Panel 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Driving Instructions 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1.8L DOHC VTEC engine, 5-speed manual transmission, power steering, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, power windows, air conditioning, AM/FM cassette stereo.

Feature	Description
Engine	1.8L DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Brakes	Power-assisted front disc/rear drum with ABS
Airbags	Driver and front passenger airbags
Steering	Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Audio System	AM/FM stereo cassette player
Climate Control	Manual air conditioning system
Windows	Power windows with driver auto-down
Locks	Power door locks
Moonroof	Power sliding moonroof

Vehicle Operation

Familiarize yourself with vehicle controls before driving.

Starting the engine: Insert key, depress clutch (manual), turn to START.
Shifting gears: Manual - use clutch pedal; Automatic - select P, R, N, D, 2, 1.
Parking: Apply parking brake, shift to P (automatic) or 1st/reverse (manual).
Headlights: Turn knob on left stalk; high beams by pushing stalk forward.

WARNING! Always wear seat belts. Never leave children unattended in vehicle.

Instrument Panel

Dashboard includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights.

Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph/kmh.
Tachometer: Engine RPM - avoid redline area.
Fuel Gauge: Indicates fuel level - refuel when low.
Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature - normal operating range.
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, brake, ABS.

CAUTION! If warning lights illuminate while driving, stop safely and investigate.

Specifications

Engine: 1.8L DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 170 hp @ 7600 rpm
Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 6200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded recommended
Tires: P195/55R15
Curb Weight: 2,577 lbs (manual)
Dimensions: 172.4" L x 67.3" W x 52.6" H

Controls and Settings

Steering column: Ignition, turn signals, wipers, cruise control. Center console: Climate controls, audio system.

Steering Wheel: Horn, cruise control buttons (if equipped).

Climate: Temperature dial, fan speed, mode selector, A/C button, recirculation. Audio: Power/volume, AM/FM band, seek/tune, cassette operation, bass/treble. Lights: Headlight switch, fog lights (if equipped), instrument brightness. Wipers: Intermittent, low, high speeds, washer fluid.

Driving Instructions

Manual transmission: Fully depress clutch when shifting. Automatic: Use appropriate gear for conditions.

Start engine with foot on brake (automatic) or clutch (manual).
Release parking brake before driving.
Accelerate smoothly; avoid sudden starts/stops.
Use lower gears for engine braking on steep hills.
Allow engine to warm up in cold weather.

Tip: Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and fuel economy.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance.

Oil change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil filter: Replace with every oil change
Air filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 90,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles

WARNING! Use only Acura-approved fluids and parts for maintenance.

Safety Features

Dual airbags: Deploy in frontal impacts. ABS: Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking. Seat belts: 3-point front, lap rear belts. Child safety: Rear door child locks.

Care & Cleaning

Exterior: Wash with mild car soap; wax regularly. Interior: Vacuum carpets; clean vinyl with damp cloth. Windows: Use glass cleaner without ammonia.

CAUTION! Avoid abrasive cleaners; do not use high-pressure washers near seals.

Warranty Information

Basic warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles. Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited miles. For warranty claims, contact authorized Acura dealer. For support, visit www.acura.com or contact 1-800-382-2238.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/ignition	Check battery connections; ensure in Park/Neutral; try jump start.
Overheating	Coolant/thermostat	Check coolant level; inspect for leaks; check radiator fan operation.
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors	Have brakes inspected; resurface or replace rotors.
Poor fuel economy	Maintenance/driving	Check air filter; tire pressure; avoid aggressive driving.
Electrical issues	Battery/alternator	Test battery and charging system; check fuses.

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealer for professional service.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-382-2238