1997 Acura 3.0 CL Repair Manual PDF

The 1997 Acura 3.0 CL Repair Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the Acura CL luxury coupe. This manual covers the 3.0L V6 engine, automatic transmission, electrical systems, suspension, brakes, steering, climate control, and body components. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and repair instructions.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission Service 5. Electrical Systems 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Brake Systems 8. Climate Control 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 1997 Acura 3.0 CL luxury coupe.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	3.0L SOHC V6
Horsepower	200 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brake System	Front Disc/Rear Disc with ABS
Suspension	4-Wheel Double Wishbone
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gallons
Curb Weight	3,351 lbs
Wheelbase	106.9 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal vehicle performance.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Air Filter: Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs: Every 105,000 miles
Timing Belt: Every 105,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Every 3 years
Coolant: Every 5 years or 60,000 miles

WARNING! Always use genuine Acura parts for optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Engine Repair

Procedures for 3.0L V6 engine maintenance and repair.

Engine Removal: Disconnect battery, drain fluids, remove accessories
Cylinder Head: Torque sequence 72 ft-lbs in proper pattern
Timing Belt: Align marks at TDC, tension properly
Valve Adjustment: Cold engine, intake 0.009-0.011 in, exhaust 0.010-0.012 in
Oil Pump: Replace if pressure below 10 psi at idle

CAUTION! Always allow engine to cool before performing repairs to avoid burns.

Transmission Service

Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic with SportShift
Fluid Capacity: 7.2 quarts with filter change
Fluid Type: Honda/Acura ATF-Z1
Filter Replacement: Every 60,000 miles
Shift Solenoids: Test resistance 12-25 ohms at 68°F
Line Pressure: 85-94 psi in D4 at 2000 rpm

Electrical Systems

Wiring diagrams and electrical component service procedures.

Battery: 12V 60Ah, negative ground. Alternator: 90A output. Starter: 1.4 kW reduction type.

Fuse Box Locations: Under-hood main fuse box, interior fuse panel under dashboard. ECU Locations: Main ECU under passenger seat, transmission ECU under center console. Sensor Testing: TPS 0.5-4.5V, MAP 1-5V, Oxygen sensor 0.1-0.9V.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension service with power steering system.

Strut Replacement: Compress spring before disassembly
Ball Joints: Check for play with wheel off ground
Alignment Specs: Camber -0°30' ± 45', Caster +2°45' ± 45'
Power Steering: Fluid type Dexron II/III, pressure 1428-1560 psi

Tip: Always replace suspension components in pairs for balanced handling.

Brake Systems

Disc brake service with ABS diagnostics.

Brake Pad Replacement: Front 10.9mm minimum, rear 8.0mm minimum
Rotor Specifications: Front 28.0mm minimum thickness, rear 18.0mm minimum
ABS Bleeding: Use Honda diagnostic system for proper procedure
Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4, replace every 3 years
Parking Brake: Adjust at equalizer under center console

WARNING! Always bleed brakes starting from farthest wheel from master cylinder.

Climate Control

Heating and air conditioning system service.

Refrigerant: R-134a, Capacity 1.76 lbs. Compressor Oil: ND-OIL 8, 5.4 oz. System Pressure: Low side 25-35 psi, High side 150-250 psi. Blower Motor: Test resistance 0.5-2.0 ohms. Heater Core: Flush with water if restricted.

Body & Interior

Body panel alignment and interior component service.

Door Adjustment: Loosen hinge bolts, align gaps 3-5mm. Window Regulator: Test motor current draw 5-7A. Seat Removal: Disconnect battery, wait 3 minutes for SRS system. Trim Removal: Use plastic tools to avoid damage.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel pump, ignition, security system	Check fuel pressure, spark, immobilizer light
Transmission slips	Low fluid, worn clutches	Check fluid level and condition, pressure test
ABS light on	Wheel sensors, modulator	Scan for codes, check sensor gaps and wiring
Overheating	Thermostat, radiator, water pump	Check coolant level, pressure test system
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Load test battery, check charging voltage

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU adaptations.

Service: Contact Acura dealer or certified technician for complex repairs.