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Acura CL Both Generations (YA1, YA4)

1997–2003 · YA1/YA4 · coupe

The CL was Acura's 2-door coupe sold 1997-1999 (1st gen, YA1) and 2001-2003 (2nd gen, YA4). First-gen offered 2.2L and 2.3L I4 plus 3.0L V6 trims (the V6 fed the 6th-gen Accord J30 program). Second-gen used the 3.2L J32 V6 at 225 hp base or 260 hp Type-S. The 2003 Type-S uniquely offered a close-ratio 6-speed manual with a helical limited-slip differential, making it the enthusiast trim.

Watch out: Second-gen automatic transmissions are widely documented to fail around 40k-100k miles with slipping, harsh shifts, and lockup; Honda extended powertrain warranty to 93 months/109k miles after class-action litigation. A separate safety recall covered a gear that could overheat and seize. Confirm transmission service or replacement history before purchase.

What your CL takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Wiper blades24" driver · 18" passenger✓ VerifiedView
  • Tire pressure32 psi✓ VerifiedView
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Oil filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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