2003 Acura CL Owners Manual

The 2003 Acura CL is a luxury coupe featuring a 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift, premium audio system, leather interior, power accessories, climate control, and advanced safety features including dual front airbags and ABS. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Instrument Panel 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Driving Your Acura 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Audio System 9. Climate Control 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, leather-trimmed interior, power moonroof, premium audio system, automatic climate control.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.2L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with CD player and 6 speakers
Climate Control	Automatic temperature control system
Seating	Leather-trimmed power adjustable seats
Safety Features	Dual front airbags, ABS, side impact beams
Exterior	Power moonroof, alloy wheels, fog lights
Interior	Power windows, power door locks, cruise control
Lighting	Automatic headlights, daytime running lights
Instrumentation	Tachometer, speedometer, fuel and temp gauges

Safety Information

Always wear seat belts and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.

Airbag system: Dual front airbags deploy in moderate to severe frontal collisions.
Child safety: Always place children in rear seat with appropriate restraints.
ABS braking: Maintains steering control during hard braking.
Proper seating position: Adjust seat for clear pedal and steering wheel access.

WARNING! Airbags deploy with great force. Do not place objects on or near airbag covers. Children under 12 should ride in back seat.

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with all gauges, indicators, and controls before driving.

Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h.
Tachometer: Indicates engine RPM; avoid red zone.
Fuel gauge: Monitor fuel level; refuel when low.
Temperature gauge: Shows engine coolant temperature.
Warning lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, brake system.

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

Specifications

Engine: 3.2L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 217 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Fuel Capacity: 17.1 gallons
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded recommended
Tires: P215/50R17 all-season
Curb Weight: 3,439 lbs
Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

Controls and Operation

Steering wheel controls: Audio controls, cruise control. Center console: Climate controls, audio system, hazard lights.

Key functions: POWER (start/stop), LOCK/UNLOCK, trunk release, panic button. Remote: LOCK, UNLOCK, trunk release, panic.

Climate: AUTO, temperature control, fan speed, mode selection, air conditioning. Audio: POWER, volume, AM/FM, CD, seek/track, bass/treble. Driving: Cruise control SET/RESUME, SportShift manual mode.

Driving Your Acura

Starting procedure: Insert key, press brake, shift to Park or Neutral, start engine.

Normal driving: Automatic transmission shifts automatically.
SportShift: Move gear selector to manual gate for manual shifting.
Cruise control: Set desired speed with SET button.
Parking: Apply parking brake on inclines.

Tip: Allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds before driving in cold weather.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

Oil change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 5 years or 60,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 miles

WARNING! Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced performance and safety hazards.

Audio System

AM/FM stereo with CD player and 6-speaker system.

Power: Press POWER to turn on/off.
Volume: Rotate knob or use steering wheel controls.
AM/FM: Press BAND to switch between AM and FM.
CD operation: Insert CD; use track buttons for navigation.
Presets: Store up to 12 AM and 12 FM stations.
Audio settings: Adjust bass, treble, fader, balance.

WARNING! Adjust audio settings only when vehicle is stopped. Loud volumes can damage hearing.

Climate Control

Automatic climate control maintains selected temperature automatically.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery connections; ensure adequate fuel; try jump start.
Check engine light on	Engine management issue	Have system scanned for codes at authorized dealer.
Poor fuel economy	Driving habits, maintenance	Check tire pressure; replace air filter; avoid aggressive driving.
Audio system issues	Fuse, connections	Check audio fuse; ensure CD is clean and properly inserted.
Transmission issues	Fluid level, sensor	Check transmission fluid level; have system diagnosed.

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealer for professional service and genuine parts.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-382-2238