2002 Acura 1.7 EL Owner's Manual

The 2002 Acura 1.7 EL is a compact luxury sedan featuring a 1.7L VTEC engine, automatic transmission, power windows and locks, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD player, cruise control, and comprehensive safety features including dual airbags and ABS. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1.7L VTEC engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering, ABS brakes, dual airbags, climate control system, audio system with CD player.

Feature	Description
Engine	1.7L SOHC VTEC 4-cylinder
Transmission	4-speed automatic with sport mode
Brakes	Front disc/rear drum with ABS
Airbags	Dual front airbags
Climate Control	Manual air conditioning system
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with CD player
Power Features	Windows, door locks, mirrors
Exterior	15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights
Interior	Leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt adjustment
Security	Anti-theft system with remote entry

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for vehicle operation and maintenance.

Always wear seat belts and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
Children under 12 should ride in the back seat with appropriate child restraints.
Never operate vehicle under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Regularly check tire pressure and condition.

WARNING! Airbags are supplemental restraints only. Always wear seat belts. Never place rear-facing child seats in front passenger seat with active airbag.

Instrument Panel

Understanding your vehicle's dashboard and warning indicators.

Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h.
Tachometer: Displays engine RPM.
Fuel Gauge: Indicates fuel level in tank.
Temperature Gauge: Shows engine coolant temperature.
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS, airbag indicators.
Odometer/Trip Meter: Tracks total and trip distance.

CAUTION! If any warning light illuminates while driving, pull over safely and check vehicle condition.

Specifications

Engine: 1.7L SOHC VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 127 hp @ 6300 RPM
Torque: 114 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons (50 liters)
Fuel Type: Regular unleaded (87 octane)
Tire Size: 195/60R15
Curb Weight: 2,635 lbs (1,195 kg)
Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

Controls and Operation

Mastering your vehicle's controls and systems.

Steering Wheel: Tilt adjustment lever, cruise control buttons, audio controls.

Center Console: Climate controls, audio system, gear selector, parking brake.

Doors/Locks: Power door locks with remote keyless entry. Windows: Power windows with auto-down driver's window.

Lighting: Headlight switch, fog light control, interior dome light.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for optimal performance.

Every 7,500 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation
Every 15,000 miles: Air filter replacement, brake inspection
Every 30,000 miles: Transmission fluid change, coolant replacement
Every 60,000 miles: Spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection
Seasonal: Check battery, wiper blades, tire condition

Tip: Keep records of all maintenance services for warranty and resale value.

Driving Your Vehicle

Operating tips for various driving conditions.

Starting: Insert key, press brake pedal, shift to Park, turn ignition.
Transmission: Use Sport mode for more responsive shifting.
Braking: ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking.
Cruise Control: Set speed above 25 mph using steering wheel controls.
Fuel Economy: Maintain steady speeds, avoid rapid acceleration.

WARNING! Always come to complete stop before shifting between Park and Drive.

Emergency Procedures

How to handle unexpected situations on the road.

Situation	Action
Flat Tire	Pull over safely, use jack and spare tire in trunk
Dead Battery	Use jumper cables with proper connection sequence
Overheating	Turn off A/C, turn on heater, pull over when safe
Accident	Check for injuries, move to safety, exchange information
Stuck Accelerator	Shift to Neutral, brake firmly, pull over safely

Care & Cleaning

Maintaining your vehicle's appearance and interior.

Exterior: Wash regularly with car shampoo, wax every 3-6 months. Clean windows with automotive glass cleaner.

Interior: Vacuum carpets regularly, clean upholstery with appropriate cleaners, condition leather surfaces.

CAUTION! Do not use household cleaners on automotive surfaces. Avoid high-pressure washers near seals and electrical components.

Warranty Information

2002 Acura 1.7 EL comes with comprehensive warranty coverage.

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles
Rust Perforation: 5 years/unlimited miles
Emissions: 8 years/80,000 miles (federal requirement)

For warranty claims, contact your local Acura dealership with vehicle documentation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery connections, ensure adequate fuel
Rough idle	Spark plugs, air filter	Replace spark plugs, check air filter condition
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have brakes inspected and rotors resurfaced
Poor fuel economy	Tire pressure, filters	Check tire pressure, replace air filter
Overheating	Coolant level, thermostat	Check coolant level, inspect cooling system

Service: Contact Acura dealership at 1-800-TO-ACURA or visit www.acura.com