brake Acura TL 2000 3.2 Service Manual

NOTE:• Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.• Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, if noisy.# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 191.
* 1: See Timing Belt on page 227 to determine need for replacement.
* 2: See Air Conditioning Filter on page 226 for replacement
information under special conditions.
Maintenance
82,500 mi/132,000 km/5½ vrs
86,250 mi/138,000 km/-
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 vrs
93,750 mi/150,000 km/-
97,500 mi/156,000 km/6½ yrs101,250 mi/162,000 km/-
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
108,750 mi/174,000 km/-
112,500 mi/180,000 km/7½yrs 116,250 mi/186,000 km/-
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid. Do items in A, B, C, D. Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.

Replace timing belt*1, and inspect water pump. Replace coolant. Check idle speed. Clean air cleaner element. Replace spark
plugs. Inspect valve clearance.
Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt*
1, inspect water pump.
Do items in A, B, C, D.
C Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches.• Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
#Inspect exhaust system.
•' #Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody. Replace air cleaner element.
• Inspect and adjust drive belts.
• Replace transmission fluid.
• Replace air conditioning filter*
2.
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the followingitems at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. • Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 150.
• Engine coolant level — Check the radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 151.
• Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 212 .
• Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page213.
• Brakes — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 214 . • Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
229.
• Lights — Check the operation of the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 234.
Maintenance

Fluid Locations
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAP
Maintenance

Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distancerecommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule. Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as
soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking
system and can cause extensive
damage. Brake System
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
Maintenance

Tires
Winter DrivingTires that are marked "M+S" or "All Season" on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving.
For the best performance in snowyor icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under certain conditions.
Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
Acura, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load rangeas the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your car's original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommen- dations.
Traction Devices
Mount traction devices only when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Make sure they are the correct size for your tires. Install
them only on the front tires.
Because your Acura has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE class "S"
cable-type traction devices.Link-type "chains" should not be
used. No matter how tight they seem
to be installed, they can come into contact with the body andsuspension, causing serious damage. When installing traction devices,
follow the manufacturer'sinstructions and mount them as
tightly as you can. Drive slowly with
them installed. If you hear them coming in contact with the body or
chassis, stop and investigate. Make
sure the traction devices are
installed tightly, and that they are
not contacting the brakes or suspension.
Remove them as soon as you start driving on cleared roads.
Cables that are the wrong size or
improperly installed can damage your
car's brake lines, suspension, body, and
wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting
any part of the car.
Maintenance
NOTICE

Lights
BACK-UP LIGHT HIGH-MOUNT BRAKE LIGHTTURN SIGNALLIGHT
LICENSE PLATE LIGHT STOP/TAILLIGHT PARKING LIGHTCheck the following: • Headlights (low and high beam)
• Parking lights
• Taillights
• Brake lights
• High-mount brake light
• Turn signals
• Back-up lights
• Hazard light function
• License plate light
• Side marker lights • Daytime running lights (Canadian models)
If you find any bulbs are burned out,
replace them as soon as possible. Refer to the chart on page 283 to
determine what type of replacement
bulb is needed.
Maintenance

Lights
Replacing a High-mount BrakeLight Bulb
1. Open the trunk and remove the socket from the light assembly byturning it one-quarter turn counter-
clockwise.
2. Remove the burned-out bulb by pulling it straight out of the socket
3. Install the new bulb and reinstall the socket Make sure the newbulb is working. Replacing a Rear License Bulb
1. Use a small phillips screwdriver to remove the lens from the license
plate light assembly.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out Push the new bulbinto the socket
3. Reinstall the lens. Replacing Bulbs in the Interior
Lights
The ceiling light, door light and vanity mirror light come apart thesame way, but they do not use the
same type of bulb.
Maintenance

Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things youshould do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
• Fill the fuel tank.
• Change the engine oil and filter (see page 203).
• Wash and dry the exterior completely.
• Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
• Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in Park. • Block the rear wheels.
• If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should besupported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
• Leave one window open slightly (if the car is being stored indoors).
• Disconnect the battery. • Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
• To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals. • Cover the car with a "breathable"
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
• If possible, run the engine for a while periodically (preferably oncea month).
If you store your car for 12 months or longer, have your Acura dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page 192). The
replacements called for in the maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
Maintenance

Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more-common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your car towed. Compact Spare Tire.................... 254
Changing a Flat Tire.................. 255
If Your Engine Won't Start............ 260
Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor OperatesVery Slowly...................... 261
The Starter Operates
Normally.......................... 262
Jump Starting............................ 262
If Your Engine Overheats.............. 265
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 267 Charging System Indicator........ 268
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 269
Brake System Indicator .............. 270
Closing the Moonroof.............. 271
Fuses.............................................. 272
Checking and Replacing.......... 273
Emergency Towing ...................... 277
Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire while driving,stop in a safe place to change it.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Driveslowly along the shoulder until you
get to an exit or an area to stop that
is far away from the traffic lanes.
The car can easily roll off the
jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and never get under the car when it
is supported only by the jack.HOOK
SPARE TIRE TOOL BOX
1. Park the car on firm, level, and non-slippery ground away from
traffic. Put the transmission inPark. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0). Have all the
passengers get out of the car while
you change the tire. 3. Open the trunk. Raise the trunk
floor by lifting up on the back edge.
To keep the trunk floor out of the way, attach the hook into the slot in the trunk lid.
4. Unscrew the wing bolt and take the spare tire out of its well.
5. The tools are in the tool box on the right side of the trunk. Takethe tools out of the tool box.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
TRUNK FLOOR
JACK