seat Acura TL 2000 3.2 Repair Manual

Carrying Cargo
Load Limit
The maximum load for your car is 850 lbs (395 kg).
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, accessories,
and the tongue weight if you are
towing a trailer.
To figure out how much cargo you can carry:
• Add up the weight of all occupants.
• If you are towing a trailer, add the tongue weight to the numberabove.
• Subtract the total from 850 lbs (395 kg).
The final number is the total weight of cargo you can carry. Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual. Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
• Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurtsomeone during a crash.
• Do not put any items on top of the rear shelf. They can block your
view and be thrown around the carduring a crash.
• Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the driver's ability to operate the
pedals, or with the proper operation of the seats.
• Keep the glove box closed while driving. If the lid is open, a
passenger could injure their knees during a crash or sudden stop.
Before Driving

Preparing to Drive
You should do the following checksand adjustments every day before
you drive your car.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.
2. Check that the hood and trunk are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down securely. 5. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page 12).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (seepage 97).
7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 17).
8. Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastenedtheir seat belts (see page 15). 10. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11. Start the engine (see page 161). 12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see
page 53).
Driving

Appearance Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Acura helps to keep it "new" looking. This section gives you hints on how to clean your car and
preserve its appearance: the paint,
brightwork, wheels and interior. Also included are several things you cando to help prevent corrosion. Exterior Care....................................
246
Washing...................................... 246
Waxing........................................ 247
Aluminum Wheels...................... 247
Paint Touch-up.......................... 247
Interior Care.................................. 248
Carpeting.................................... 248
Vinyl............................................ 248
Leather........................................ 248
Seat Belts.................................... 249
Windows...................................... 249
Air Fresheners............................ 249
Corrosion Protection ...................... 250
Body Repairs................................ 251
Appearance Care

Interior Care
Seat Belts
LOOP
If your seat belts get dirty, you can
use a soft brush with a mixture of
mild soap and warm water to clean
them. Do not use bleach, dye, orcleaning solvents. They can weaken
the belt material. Let the belts air- dry before you use the car. Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
Windows Clean the windows, inside and out,
with a commercially-available glass cleaner. You can also use a mixtureof one part white vinegar to ten parts
water. This will remove the haze that builds up on the inside of the
windows. Use a soft cloth or paper
towels to clean all glass and clear
plastic surfaces.
The rear window defogger and
antenna wires are bonded to the inside
of the glass. Wiping vigorously up-and-
down can dislodge and break these
wires. When cleaning the rear window, use gentle pressure and wipe side-to-
side.
Air Fresheners If you want to use an air freshener/
deodorizer in the interior of your car,
it is best to use a solid type. Some
liquid air fresheners contain chemi-
cals that may cause parts of the interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor.
If you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so it does not spill as you drive.
Appearance Care
NOTICE

Fuses
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXNo.1
2
3
4 5
6
7
8
9
10 11 Amps.
20 A-
20 A
20 A 20 A15 A -
30 A 15 A
120 A 20 A Circuits Protected
Left Headlight
Not Used
Right Headlight
ABS F/S Stop
ACG
Spare Fuse
ABS Motor
Hazard
BatteryCooling FanNo.
1213
14
15
16
17
18 19
20
21 Amps.
30 A
40 A-
40 A
20 A
40 A
40A
50 A 15 A
20 A Circuits Protected
Back Up, ACC Power Window Motor
Spare Fuse
Power Seat
TCS Heater Motor
Rear Defroster
IG1 Main
Small Light
Condenser Fan
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected

Fuses
INTERIOR FUSE BOXES
DRIVER'S SIDE
No.1
2
3
4 5
6
7
8 9
10
11 12
13 Amps.
15 A
10 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
15 A
7.5 A
7.5 A 7.5 A
7.5 A 15 A
30 A
7.5 A Circuits Protected
Fuel Pump
SRS
Heater Control
Mirror
Daytime Running Lights*
ECU (ECM/PCM), Cruise Control
SRS
ACC Instrument Panel, Back-up
Lights, Moonroof
IG1 Turn Signals
IG1 Coil
Wiper, Washer Starter Signal PASSENGER'S SIDE
* : On Canadian models
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6 7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 Amps.
30 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A 20 A
20 A
20 A 10 A
7.5 A 20 A
7.5 A
7.5 A 20 A
20 A Circuits Protected
Moonroof
Power Seat Recline
Heated Seat
Driver's Power Seat
Assistant Power Seat Seat Recline
Rear Left Power Window
Front Right Power Window
ACC (Radio) Navigation System, Daytime
Running Lights*
Interior Light, Courtesy
Lights
Power Door Locks
Clock
ABS Motor Check
Driver's Power Window
Rear Right Power Window
* : On Canadian models
Taking Care of the Unexpected

Warranty Coverages
U.S. Owners
Your new Acura is covered by these
warranties:
New Car Limited Warranty — covers
your new vehicle, except for the battery, emissions control systemsand accessories, against defects in
materials and workmanship.
Emissions Control Systems Defects
Warranty and Emissions
Performance Warranty — these two
warranties cover your vehicle's emis- sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact information.
Original Equipment Battery Limited
Warranty — this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat
belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the
vehicle.
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty — all exterior body panels are
covered for rust-through from the
inside for the specified time period
with no mileage limit.
Accessory Limited Warranty — Genuine Acura Accessories are
covered under this warranty. Time
and mileage limits depend on the
type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty manual
for details.
Replacement Parts Limited Warranty — covers all Genuine
Acura replacement parts against defects in materials and workman-ship. Replacement Battery Limited
Warranty — provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from an Acura dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Limited Warranty — provides
coverage for as long as the pur-
chaser of the muffler owns the car.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the
2000 Acura Warranty Information
booklet that came with your car for
precise information on warranty
coverages. Your Acura's original
tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty infor-
mation is in a separate booklet.
Canadian Owners
Please refer to the 2000 Warranty
Manual that came with your car.
Warranty and Customer Relations

Index
Accessories and Modifications...... 153
Accessories..................................... 153
Additional Safety Precaution...... 154
Modifications............................. 154
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........ .............................. . 76
Accessory Power Socket......... .......... 105
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid......... .............................. 213
Brake Fluid......... .............................. 214
Engine Coolant......... .................... 206
Engine Oil....................................... 201
Power Steering Fluid................... 215
Windshield Washer Fluid......... .. 212
Additional Information About Your Airbags........ ..................... 48
Additional Safety Precautions...... 48
Airbags Service........ ..................... 48
Additional Information About
Your Front Airbags................... 43
How Your Front Airbags Work........ .............................. . 43How Your SRS Indicator Light
Works....................................... 45
SRS Components............................. 43
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........ ..................... 40
Lap/Shoulder Belts..................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40
Additional Information About Your Side Airbags................... 46
How the Side Airbag Indicator Light Works............................. 47
How Your Side Airbags Work.... 46
Additives, Engine Oil................... 203
Adjustments Mirrors....................................... 94
Head Restraints........ ..................... 91
Seats........................................ . 89
Steering Wheel............................ . 68
Airbag (SRS)....................................... 9
Air Cleaner Element................... 216
Air Conditioning............................. 110
Maintenance......... .................... 225
Usage................................. . 112, 118
Air Conditioning Filter......... .......... 226
Air Pressure, Tires......... .......... 228Alcohol in Gasoline................... 286
Antifreeze.........
.............................. 206
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Description......... ...................... 173
Indicator Light......... ............. 55, 174
Operation....................................... 173
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock.. 75
Appearance Care............................. 245 Audio System............................... 123
Automatic Speed Control........ ..... 69
Automatic Transmission......... .......... 162
Capacity, Fluid............................. 282
Checking Fluid Level................... 213
Shifting.......................................... 162
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 162
Shift Lever Positions................... 163
Shift Lock Release......... .......... 169
A
B
Battery Charging System Light................... 268
Jump Starting......... .................... 262
Maintenance............................. 220
Specifications......... .................... 283
CONTINUED

Index
Before Driving................................ 145
Belts, Seat........................................ 8
Beverage Holder.......... .................... 103
Body Repair.......... ...................... 251
Anti-lock System (ABS).......... .......... 173
Break-in, New Linings.......... .......... 146
Fluid.......................................... 214
Light, Burned-out.......... .......... 238
Parking........................................ 99
System Indicator...................... 54
Wear Indicators.......... ............ 172
Brakes, ABS Description................................ 173Operation........................................ 173
System Indicator....... ............ 55, 174
Braking System.............................. 172
Break-in, New Car.......... .................... 146
Brightness Control, Instruments... .. 64
Brights, Headlights...................... 63
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights.............................. 238
Brake Lights.............................. 238Ceiling Light.............................. 241
Courtesy Light.......... .................... 241
Front Side Marker Lights.......... 237 Headlights..........
...................... 236
High-mount Brake Light.......... .... 240
License Plate Lights.......... .......... 240
Specifications.............................. 283
Spotlight........................................ 241
Turn Signal Lights.................... 237
Bulbs, Halogen.......... .................... 236Changing Engine Coolant.......... 208
Charging System Indicator.... 54, 268
Checking
Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 213
Battery Condition...................... 220
Brake Fluid................................ 214
Drive Belts.......... .................... 226
Engine Coolant.......... ............ 151
Engine Oil................................ 150
Fuses........................................ 273 Power Steering Fluid.......... .......... 215
Checklist, Before Driving.......... 199
Cleaner, Air................................ 216
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels.......... .......... 247
Carpeting.................................. 248
Exterior.......... .......................... 246
Interior.......... .............................. 246
Seat Belts................................ 249
Vinyl.......................................... 248
Window........................................ 249
Climate Control System.......... 112, 118
Clock, Setting the...................... 100
CO in the Exhaust......... ........... 49
Coin Box........................................ 101
C
Cables, Jump Starting With .......... 262
Capacities Chart................................ 282
Carbon Monoxide Hazard............. 49
Carrying, Cargo ................................ 155
Cassette Player Care.......................................... 140
Operation........................................ 137
CAUTION, Explanation of................ ii
CD Changer........................................ 133
CD Player........................................ 131
Certification Label.............................. 280
Chains.................................................. 233
Change Oil How to........................................ 203
When to........................................ 192
Changing a Flat Tire.................... 255
Brakes

Index
Cold Weather, Starting in.................... 161
Compact Spare.............................. 254
Console Compartment.......... .......... 101
Consumer Information*.......... .......... 292
Controls, Instruments and.................... 52
Coolant
Adding.......................................... 206 Checking........................................ 151
Proper Solution...................... 206
Temperature Gauge.................... 60
Corrosion Protection.......... .......... 250
Crankcase Emissions Control System........................................ 288
Cruise Control Operation.......... .. 69
Customer Relations Office............ 292 Dimming the Headlights.........
........... 63
Dipstick Automatic Transmission.......... .......... 213
Engine Oil.......... .............................. 150
Directional Signals......... ............. 65
Disabled, Towing Your Car If.......... 277
Disc Brake Wear Indicators............ 172
Disposal of Used Oil.......... .......... 205
Doors Power Door Locks......... ............. 77
DOT Tire Quality Grading.......... ..... 284
Drive Belts.......... .............................. 226
Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5
Driving.................................................. 159
Economy........................................ 152
In Bad Weather.......... ............ 178
In Foreign Countries.................... 287 Checking the Fuses.................... 272
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 267
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 269
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 271
Overheated Engine..........
.......... 265
Emergency Brake.............................. 99
Emergency Flashers...................... 67
Emissions Controls...................... 288
Engine Belts.......................................... 226
Coolant Temperature Gauge.......... 60
Malfunction IndicatorLamp................................ 54, 269
Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 54, 267
Oil, What Kind to Use.......... .. 201
Overheating.............................. 265
Specifications.......... .................... 283
Ethanol in Gasoline.................... 286
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 288
Exhaust Fumes......... ..................... 49
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by........................................ 18
Exterior, Cleaning the.......... .......... 246
CONTINUED
D
DANGER, Explanation of...
......... ii
Dashboard.............
.............. 52
Daytime Running Lights.......... 64
Dead Battery, What to Do.......... 262
Defects, Reporting Safety.......... 295
DEXRON® in Automatic Transmission Fluid.................. 213
Dimensions....................
...... 282 E
Economy, Fuel.......... 152
Emergencies on the Road.......... 253 Battery, Jump Starting.......... 262Brake System Indicator.......... 270Changing a Flat Tire.......... 255Charging System Indicator.......... 268