Acura 1.6 EL Service Manual

The Acura 1.6 EL is a compact luxury sedan featuring a 1.6L SOHC 16-valve engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, power steering, ABS brakes, air conditioning, and premium audio system. This service manual covers maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair guidelines for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine System 4. Transmission 5. Braking System 6. Electrical System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Heating & AC 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical specifications for the Acura 1.6 EL model.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	1.6L SOHC 16-valve inline-4
Displacement	1590 cc
Horsepower	127 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	107 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Fuel System	Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Capacity	50 liters
Brake System	Front disc / rear drum with ABS
Suspension	Front MacPherson strut / rear dual-link
Overall Length	4475 mm

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal vehicle performance.

Oil and filter change: Every 8,000 km or 6 months
Air filter replacement: Every 24,000 km
Spark plugs: Replace every 96,000 km
Brake fluid: Replace every 2 years
Coolant: Replace every 5 years or 100,000 km
Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 km

WARNING! Always use genuine Acura parts for replacements. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine System

Service procedures for the 1.6L SOHC engine.

Oil change procedure: Drain plug torque 40 N·m
Spark plug gap: 1.0-1.1 mm
Valve clearance: Intake 0.20-0.24 mm, Exhaust 0.25-0.29 mm
Compression pressure: Standard 1,275 kPa minimum
Ignition timing: 12° BTDC at idle
Fuel pressure: 320-370 kPa

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before servicing. Use proper safety equipment.

Transmission

Manual Transmission: Fluid capacity 1.9L, recommended fluid Honda MTF
Automatic Transmission: Fluid capacity 6.3L, Honda ATF-Z1
Shift Points: 1-2: 15 km/h, 2-3: 25 km/h, 3-4: 40 km/h
Clutch: Pedal free play 10-15 mm
Differential: Fluid capacity 0.9L

Braking System

Brake system maintenance and specifications.

Front Brakes: Disc diameter 262 mm, pad thickness minimum 1.0 mm

Rear Brakes: Drum diameter 200 mm, shoe thickness minimum 1.0 mm

Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Master cylinder pushrod play: 0-1 mm. Parking brake: 6-9 clicks at 196 N force.

Electrical System

Battery, charging, and electrical component specifications.

Battery: 12V 45Ah, specific gravity 1.280 at 20°C
Alternator: Output 80A, regulated voltage 14.1-14.9V
Starter: Rated output 1.4 kW
Fuse box: Located under dashboard and hood
Bulb specifications: Headlight 55/60W, brake light 21W

Tip: Disconnect battery negative terminal before electrical work.

Suspension & Steering

Wheel alignment and suspension component service.

Wheel alignment: Toe-in 0±2 mm, camber -0°30'±45'
Steering wheel play: 0-10 mm
Tire pressure: Front 220 kPa, Rear 210 kPa
Shock absorber inspection: Check for leaks and wear
Ball joint inspection: Check for excessive play

WARNING! Use jack stands when working under vehicle. Never rely on jack alone.

Heating & AC

Climate control system maintenance.

Refrigerant: R134a, capacity 550±25g. Compressor oil: ND-OIL 8, 120±10cc. Blower motor resistance: 0.9-1.3Ω. Heater core flush procedure: Reverse flow method recommended.

Body & Interior

Body maintenance and interior component care.

Use mild soap and water for exterior cleaning. Interior vinyl: Use damp cloth only. Window regulator adjustment: Align with guide channels. Door lock mechanism: Lubricate with graphite powder.

CAUTION! Avoid abrasive cleaners on painted surfaces.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/ignition/fuel	Check battery voltage, spark plugs, fuel pump operation
Overheating	Coolant/thermostat	Check coolant level, radiator cap, thermostat operation
Brake vibration	Rotor warpage	Resurface or replace front brake rotors
Poor fuel economy	Air filter/oxygen sensor	Replace air filter, check oxygen sensor operation
Transmission slipping	Fluid level/clutch	Check fluid level and condition, inspect clutch wear

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU if needed.

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealer for technical support