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Acura CL Repair and Maintenance

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Acura CL Questions and Answers

Zuhel, 1998 Acura CL, 4 cylinder, Kissimmee, FL

I have a standard 98 Acura CL and it has a transmission leak. How can I check the transmission fluid to see if it's low? where is it located?

marco, 1998 Acura CL, 4 cylinder, Mesa, AZ

Should I disconect the power hoses

rtinav, 2001 Acura CL, Aliso Viejo, CA

I bought some expensive ceramic brakes pads, so can anybody provide me with instructions on how to remove and replace the front and rear brake pads? I need to do it within the next 500 miles.

200...

Garry, 2001 Acura CL, Philadelphia, PA

My wife has a 2001 Acura CL with 20,000 miles. When the engine is cold car seems to rev high until warmed up. When stopped at traffic light when engine is cold cars seems like it wants to move fo...

terms, 1998 Acura CL, Newport News, VA

2nd owner of acura, my signal lghts quit flashing and i check the fuse??????????

sr123, 1999 Acura CL, 4 cylinder, Miles City, MT

has anyone coded new ignition keys so they match origanal keys or is this something a person has to have a dealer do

roberto0582, 1998 Acura CL, 6 cylinder, Lexington Park, MD

where is the filler plug on the 3.0 automatic transmission. i also have a slippage from first to secon and when i put the shift lever down to 2 it slips out of gear like if it was in neutral. is th...

houghton, 1999 Acura CL, 6 cylinder, Canton, GA

Is it mandatory to change the belt adjuster when one changes the water pump?

tg8r, 1997 Acura CL, 6 cylinder, Virginia Beach, VA

Turns over, won't start. Changed coil, main relay, checked fuel pump. Has 12 volts from distributor to blk/ylw wire???????23455

mubasher Ashrafi, 2002 Acura CL, Villa Park, IL

I am having a tuff time getting my car out of the Park gear in my 2002 Acura CL. It takes about a minute or 2 of wiggling and pumping on my brakes before the gear unlocks out of the park position. ...

gcantley, 1997 Acura CL, 6 cylinder, Huntsville, AL

How hard is it to replace the mounts, and should all the mounts be done at the same time.

KIDS ACURA, 2001 Acura CL, Denver, CO

IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET THE SERIAL # OFF THE RADIO W/O TAKING THE RADIO OUT? I WAS CLEANING THE POSTS ON THE BATTERY AND DID'T KNOW THIS WOULD LOCK THE RADIO UP WHEN DISCONNECTED. HOW DO I REMOVE T...

VincentHamill, 1998 Acura CL, Palmdale, CA

How do you change the brake pads on the CL? Do you have to bleed the bleeder valve on the brake cylinder?

Sodaman618, 2003 Acura CL, Wantagh, NY

When i make left hand turns my car make a grid noise. Does anyone know what that maybe? I mean only when i make left hand turn. Right hand turn are fine.

Sodaman618, 2003 Acura CL, Wantagh, NY

When turning left the car makes a grid noice. Anyone know why it is doing that?

Podaut, 2002 Acura CL, Choctaw, OK

My car has over 100,000 miles.
We have recently bought a new battery
Tune-Up
Something done to the spark plugs
Seems worse when it has been sitting outside in the sun all day.
It doesn't happe...

trdscray, 2001 Acura CL, Van Nuys, CA

i just bought a 2001 Acura CL-Type S with 78K. runs and sounds great, starts with no problem, idles at around 500rpm.... a person that has never driven the car before would probably not notice anyt...

nerry, 1997 Acura CL, Bronxville, NY

Hello,
We bought this car used & don't have a manual; my husband replaced the battery and now the radio/ cd player won't work. Any help is greatly appreciated.

kmsmd, 1997 Acura CL, 3.0L V6, Houston, TX

My car has 92k miles on it. Should I replace timing belt? No problems yet.

davey512, 1997 Acura CL, Fort Mill, SC

When the car is locked by remote or by key, the electric lock motor keeps cycling about every 8 to 12 seconds and wears down the battery. If I remove the electric lock fuse, the car will not start ...

Acura CL Car Reviews (8)

1997 Acura CL, Irondoll, Daly City, CA, March 10, 2010 00:57

I bought my 3.0CL with 25K from a dealer in 1997. I always had the routine maintenance done, and she still flys smoothly down the road. I qualified for a rebuilt transmission in 2004 under warranty, so it's working much better. I decided I wanted it quieter inside, so I bought 4 tires that were softer. The ABS is out as of late 2009, and I need a new switch to move my passenger seat back (forth works) on the tract. She's got 88K miles and would love to doll her up a bit with a new side mirror and front bumber that my sister broke while backing into me full speed, but that's about it. 3/9/10

1997 Acura CL, Kan0011, Alachua, FL, February 24, 2010 22:56

asdasdasdasd

2003 Acura CL, Sodaman618, Wantagh, NY, August 05, 2009 08:58

I love my 2003 Cl. But it have down falls. The headlight are alot when they go out. I have paid $800 for new headlight all ready.

1997 Acura CL, jinshan, Elmont, NY, May 28, 2009 03:25

Good

1998 Acura CL, usgrandprix, Mc Cordsville, IN, April 11, 2009 06:19

I've had my 3.0 CL Prem. for 11 years now and I still love it. 81000 + and still running well. I recommend using Mobil 1 synthetic oil. You will get great cold starts, miles per gallon and less ware on engine.

1999 Acura CL, David75, Montgomery Village, MD, February 25, 2009 10:00

I love this car....mostly. I have the 1999 2.3 automatic. I had the trans go out at 88K. I found out that the previous owner already had the trans rebuilt. This is that famous Honda self-destructing auto trans. The Trans shop I took it to said that this trans had a poorly designed torque converter. They had an aftermarket converter that tookcare of the problem. So, $2800.00 later it is running SWEET!!! Now, I love my car.

1999 Acura CL, Busta, Bradley, SD, January 04, 2009 23:01

I have the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder CL and it has held up really well. I debated getting an Accord but I decided to treat myself to the CL and have not regretted it. The brakes are strong and the engine gets almost 28 mpg on the highway. Not bad for a luxury coupe. The leather seats have cracked a bit but that is fairly normal for a 10 year old car. It hasn't really needed any repairs that were unexpected except the motor mounts that have gone out twice. Make sure to get the timing belt changed (and the water pump too) as it says in the owners' manual so you don't have to have a valve job. That happened to my cousin.

1998 Acura CL, samsam, San Francisco, CA, October 16, 2008 05:30

I've always liked this car.

Acura CL Problems

Drive Train The automatic transmission tends to malfunction more often than in similar models.
Electrical & Lights
  • The car will sometimes not start because of a problem with the ignition switch. Acura issued a recall on some of the switches.
  • The fuel pump electrical relay sometimes stops working.

Acura CL Recalls and TSBs

Acura CL Recalls (Recent)

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Campaign Number: 04V176000
Dates Manufactured: 07/1999 to 01/2004
Number of Vehicles Affected: 1,099,796
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date Owner Notified: 04/2004

Defect Summary: ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Consequence Summary: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Recall Notes: HONDA RECALL NOS. P30 (ODYSSEY AND PILOT),P31 (MDX), P38 (ACCORD) AND P39 (ACURA).CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
Campaign Number: 98V018000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1997 to 01/1998
Number of Vehicles Affected: 33,966
Model Years Affected: 1998
Date Owner Notified: 02/1998

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 1998). DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CASTING DIE CAUSED AN IRREGULARITY IN THE RIGHT-SIDE TRANSMISSION COVER. THIS IRREGULARITY CAN LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATION LEVEL AND PREVENT ADEQUATE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR PAWL. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence Summary: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED IN "PARK," INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 12, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4326).

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Campaign Number: 02V120000
Dates Manufactured: 04/1996 to 08/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 1,000,000
Model Years Affected: 1997, 1998, 1999
Date Owner Notified: 06/2002

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence Summary: WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Campaign Number: 03V423000
Dates Manufactured: 07/1997 to 02/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 563,861
Model Years Affected: 1998, 1999
Date Owner Notified: 12/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE ¿OFF¿ POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Consequence Summary: IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Recall Notes: HONDA RECALL NO. 03-088/ACURA RECALL NO. 03-034.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Campaign Number: 02V226000
Dates Manufactured: 06/2002 to 07/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 17,551
Model Years Affected: 2003
Date Owner Notified: 08/2002

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.

Consequence Summary: IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Recall Notes: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Campaign Number: 99V069000
Dates Manufactured: 12/1995 to 02/1998
Number of Vehicles Affected: 124,875
Model Years Affected: 1997, 1998
Date Owner Notified: 05/1999

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Consequence Summary: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 17, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA 1-800-382-2238.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Acura CL Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Service Bulletin Number: 08-026
NHTSA Number: 10025524
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 08/2008

Bulletin Summary: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL ACURA VEHICLES.

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEATS
Service Bulletin Number: 4006
NHTSA Number: 10017507
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002
Date of Bulletin: 11/2005

Bulletin Summary: SEAT-BACK PANEL IS LOOSE OR DETACHED.

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN
Service Bulletin Number: 12012003
NHTSA Number: 10014334
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 04/2005

Bulletin Summary: DON'T REUSE OLD ATF FLUID) WARMER ON REMAN A/T (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN
Service Bulletin Number: 505
NHTSA Number: 10016261
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 09/2005

Bulletin Summary: CANON A75 DIGITAL CAMERA REPLACEMENT.

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN
Service Bulletin Number: 12012003
NHTSA Number: 10014344
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 04/2005

Bulletin Summary: ATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) LEAKS FROM COOLER LINE BANJO BOLT.

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Bulletin Number: 02-027
NHTSA Number: 10024664
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 05/2008

Bulletin Summary: WARRANTY EXTENSION: 3.2 TL AND 3.2 CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Bulletin Number: 9012005
NHTSA Number: 10018044
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: DON'T INVITE PROBLEMS DOING 2ND GEAR INSPECTION. ACURA SERVICENEWS.

Drive Train: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Bulletin Number: 1162005
NHTSA Number: 10014766
Model Years Affected: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 05/2005

Bulletin Summary: P1706 A/T SWITCH SHORT OR OPEN.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 7012005
NHTSA Number: 10018038
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: SPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. ACURA. SERVICENEWS.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service Bulletin Number: 06-008
NHTSA Number: 10024561
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 04/2008

Bulletin Summary: WARRANTY EXTENSION: OPDS UNIT OR OPDS SENSOR TRIGGERS SRS DTC'S 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. CSC WAS RECEIVED.

Electrical & Lights: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Service Bulletin Number: 90105
NHTSA Number: 10018109
Model Years Affected: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001
Date of Bulletin: 12/2005

Bulletin Summary: HOMELINK WON'T PROGRAM WITH AFTERMARKET REMOTES.

Electrical & Lights: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Service Bulletin Number: 1162005
NHTSA Number: 10014774
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 05/2005

Bulletin Summary: REPLACEMENT OR UPDATED NAVIGATION DVD DISKS.

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Service Bulletin Number: 307
NHTSA Number: 10021343
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 04/2007

Bulletin Summary: ROUGH IDLE, STALLS AT STOPS, AND DTC'S P0172 OR P0175 APPEAR WHEN INSPECTED.

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Service Bulletin Number: 505
NHTSA Number: 10016260
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 09/2005

Bulletin Summary: CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES.

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
Service Bulletin Number: 5015
NHTSA Number: 10017506
Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003
Date of Bulletin: 11/2005

Bulletin Summary: REAR STABILIZER LINK IS BROKEN.

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Most Common Acura Repair Estimates

$120 - $184