1998 Acura 2.3 CL Repair Manual

The 1998 Acura 2.3 CL is a luxury coupe featuring a 2.3L inline-4 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, double-wishbone suspension, power steering, ABS brakes, and comprehensive electronic systems. This repair manual covers maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, component replacement, and specifications for proper vehicle servicing.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine System 4. Transmission 5. Brake System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical System 8. Cooling System 9. Fuel System 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Torque Specifications

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data for the 1998 Acura 2.3 CL model.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	2.3L F23A1 inline-4 cylinder
Displacement	2,254 cc
Horsepower	150 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque	152 lb-ft @ 5,400 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Fuel System	Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Capacity	17.1 gallons
Brake System	Front disc/Rear disc with ABS
Suspension	Double-wishbone front and rear
Curb Weight	3,197 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for optimal vehicle performance.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 5 years or 60,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Replace every 30,000 miles (automatic)

WARNING! Always use manufacturer-recommended fluids and parts. Follow safety procedures when working under vehicle.

Engine System

Service procedures for the F23A1 2.3L engine.

Oil change procedure: Drain plug location, filter access
Spark plug replacement: Gap specification 0.039-0.043 inches
Valve adjustment: Cold engine procedure
Timing belt replacement: Alignment marks and tension procedure
Compression test: Specifications and procedure
Ignition system: Distributor maintenance and timing

CAUTION! Engine components may be hot. Allow cooling before servicing. Use proper lifting equipment.

Transmission

Manual Transmission: Fluid type - Honda MTF, capacity 2.1 quarts
Automatic Transmission: Fluid type - Honda ATF-Z1, capacity 2.9 quarts
Shift Linkage: Adjustment procedure for precise shifting
Clutch System: Hydraulic clutch service and adjustment
Transmission Removal: Step-by-step procedure for major repairs
Differential: Service procedures and fluid specifications

Brake System

ABS and conventional brake service procedures.

Front Brakes: Disc brake pad replacement, rotor service
Rear Brakes: Disc brake service and parking brake adjustment
ABS System: Diagnostic procedures and component testing
Brake Bleeding: Proper procedure for air removal
Master Cylinder: Replacement and bench bleeding

Suspension & Steering

Double-wishbone suspension maintenance and power steering service.

Strut replacement: Front and rear procedure
Ball joint inspection: Wear limits and replacement
Control arm bushing: Inspection and replacement
Power steering: Fluid type and bleeding procedure
Wheel alignment: Specifications and adjustment procedures
Tire rotation: Pattern and torque specifications

Tip: Always check alignment after suspension work. Use proper jack points when lifting vehicle.

Electrical System

Wiring diagrams and electrical component service.

Battery: Specifications and testing procedures
Alternator: Output test and replacement
Starter: Testing and replacement procedure
Fuse box: Location and amperage specifications
Lighting system: Bulb types and replacement
Instrument cluster: Service and bulb replacement
Wiring harness: Connector locations and repair

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical work. Follow proper safety procedures.

Cooling System

Radiator, thermostat, and coolant service procedures.

Coolant capacity: 6.9 quarts (with heater)
Thermostat: Opening temperature 180°F (82°C)
Radiator cap: Pressure rating 13-17 psi
Cooling fan: Operation test and motor replacement
Water pump: Replacement procedure and timing belt relation

Fuel System

Fuel injection system service and maintenance.

Fuel filter: Location and replacement interval
Fuel pump: Pressure test and replacement
Injectors: Cleaning and flow testing
Fuel pressure regulator: Testing procedure
Throttle body: Cleaning and idle learn procedure

CAUTION! Relieve fuel pressure before service. No smoking or open flames near fuel system.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery voltage, listen for fuel pump, test starter
Poor acceleration	Fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs	Replace filters, check plugs, test fuel pressure
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, worn pads	Inspect rotors, replace pads, resurface or replace rotors
Overheating	Thermostat, coolant level, fan	Check coolant, test thermostat, verify fan operation
Electrical issues	Alternator, battery, grounds	Test charging system, check battery, inspect ground connections

Reset: ECU reset procedure - disconnect battery for 10 minutes.

Service: Acura dealership or qualified technician recommended for complex issues.

Torque Specifications

Critical fastener torque values for proper assembly.

Component	Torque Value
Spark plugs	13 lb-ft (18 Nm)
Oil drain plug	33 lb-ft (44 Nm)
Wheel lug nuts	80 lb-ft (108 Nm)
Cylinder head bolts	Step torque procedure
Timing belt tensioner	33 lb-ft (44 Nm)
Transmission drain plug	36 lb-ft (49 Nm)