oil change Acura TL 2000 3.2 Owner's Manual

Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Your vehicle's exhaust containscarbon monoxide gas. You should
have no problem with carbon monoxide entering the vehicle in
normal driving if you maintain your
vehicle properly.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:
• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
• You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust.
• The vehicle was in an accident that may have damaged the under-side. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage. With the trunk lid open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your car's
interior and create a hazardouscondition. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as
shown below.
If you must sit in your parked car, even in an unconfined area, with the
engine running, adjust the climate
control system as follows:
1. Push the button.
2. Select the mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
Driver and Passenger Safety

Driving in Bad Weather
Rain, fog, and snow conditions
require a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these
conditions. Driving Technique — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to
react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills. Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Driving

Engine Oil
Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements
given for conventional motor oil:
energy conserving, a service
classification of SJ, and the proper
weight as shown on the chart. When using synthetic oil, you must follow
the oil and filter change intervals
given in the maintenance schedule. Additives
Your Acura does not need any oil additives. Purchasing additives for
the engine or transmission will not
increase your car's performance or
longevity. It only increases the cost of operating your car. Changing the Oil and Filter
Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance (miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami- nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lift for this service. Unless
you have the knowledge and proper equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilledmechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

Engine Oil
6. Refill the engine with the recom-mended oil.Engine oil change capacity (including filter):
4.6 US qt (4.4 , 3.9 Imp qt) 7. Replace the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine and reinspect your
work.
8. Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain boltand oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the dipstick.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
Maintenance
NOTICE

Lights
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
The low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge tube.High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch off
and the key removed. Because of this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam headlight bulb yourself. If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
car to your dealer to have it replaced.
Halogen bulbs are used for the high
beam headlight bulbs. When replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter. BULB
TAB
1. Open the hood. If you need to change a bulb on
the driver's side, remove the
radiator reserve tank.
2. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by squeezing the
connector to unlock the tab, thenslide the connector off the bulb.
Maintenance
NOTICE

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

Specifications
DimensionsLength
Width Height
Wheelbase
Track Front Rear 192.9 in (4,900 mm)
70.3 in (1,785 mm)
55.7 in (1,415 mm)
108.1 in (2,745 mm)
61.2 in (1,555 mm)
60.4 in (1,535 mm) Capacities
Weights
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity Lubricant type HFC-134a(R-134a)
25-27 oz (700-750 g) ND-OIL8
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Windshield washer
reservoir Change*1Total
Change Including
filter
Without
filter
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars 1.48 US gal (5.6 l ,1.23 Imp gal)
1.98 US gal (7.5 l ,1.65 Imp qal)
4.6 US qt (4.4 l ,3.9 Imp qt)
4.2 US qt (4.0 l , 3.5 Imp qt) 5.3 US qt (5.0 l , 4.4 Imp qt)
3.1 US qt (2.9 l , 2.6 Imp qt)
7.6 US qt (7.2 l , 6.3 Imp qt)
2.6 US qt (2.5 l , 2.2 Imp qt)
4.8 US qt (4.5 l ,4.0 Imp qt)
Capacities
Fuel tank Approx. 17.17 US gal (65.0 l ,14.30 Imp gal)
* 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.6 l , 0.13 Imp gal)
* 2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Technical Information

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
Immobilizer System.............................. 74
Important Safety Precautions.......... 6
Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel................................................. . 53
Infant Restraint......... ............................... 28
Inflation, Proper Tire.............................. 228
Inside Mirror....................................... . 97
Inspection, Tire................................ 229 Instrument Panel.............................. 53
Instrument Panel Brightness......... .. 64
Interior Cleaning.......... .................... 248
Interior Lights................................ 106 Introduction........................................ i Label, Certification.............................. 280
Lane Change, Signaling.................... 65
Lap/Shoulder Belts.........
..................... 40
Leaking of Exhaust into Car............ 49
Lights Bulb Replacement...................... 236
Indicator....................................... . 53
Parking......... .............................. . 54
Turn Signal........................................ 56
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)......... ... 75
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column......... .... 75
Fuel Fill Door........................................ 147
Glove Box....................................... . 83
Power Door........................................ 77
Trunk......... ........................................ . 82
Low Coolant Level.......... .................... 206
Low Oil Pressure Indicator....... 54, 267
Lubricant Specifications Chart... ... 282
Luggage.................................................. 155Maintenance........................................
187
Owner Maintenance Checks.............. 199
Record........................................ 197
Required Indicator......... ..................... 60
Safety........................................ 188
Schedule........................
...... 19 2 - 196
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.......... 269
Meters, Gauges.............................. 58
Methanol in Gasoline.......... .......... 286
Mirrors, Adjusting.............................. 97 Moonroof.......................................... 96 Closing Manually...................... 271
Operation....................................... . 96
CONTINUED
J
K L
M
N
Neutral Gear Position.................... 165
New Vehicle Break-in.................... 146
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i
Numbers, Identification........
............ 280
Jacking up the Car..........
............ 255
Jack, Tire.......... .............................. 255
Jump Starting................................ 262
Keys................................................. . 73

Index
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... .......... 146
Odometer....................................... . 58
Odometer, Trip.............................. 59
Oil Change, How to.......... .................... 203
Change, When to...................... 192
Checking Engine...................... 150
Pressure Indicator......... ......... 54, 267
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart........................................ 202
ON (Ignition Key Position)......... ... 76
Opening the Hood........................ 148
Operation in Foreign Countries... 287
Outside Mirrors......... ....................... 98
Overheating, Engine...................... 265
Owner Maintenance Checks.......... 199
Parking Over Things that Burn... 290
PGM-FI System.......... .................... 289
Polishing and Waxing.................... 247
Power
Door Locks......... ....................... 77
Mirrors.......................................... 97
Steering.......... .............................. 215
Windows........................................ 95
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist.......... .. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 18
Protecting Adults......... ..................... 12
Additional Safety Precautions.... 19
Advice for Pregnant Women.......... 18
Protecting Children......... ..................... 20
Protecting Infants......... ............. 28
Protecting Larger Children.......... 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 32
Using Child Seats with
Tethers......... .............................. . 39Rear Seat Armrest.........
........... 92
Rear View Mirror......... ........... 97
Rear Window Defogger......... ........ 67
Reclining the Seat Backs.......... 90
Reminder Lights......... ..................... 53
Remote Transmitter......... ............. 78
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.......... .......... 216
Coolant.......... .............................. 208
Engine Oil and Filter.................... 203
Fuses........................................ 273
Light Bulbs.......... .................... 236
Schedule........................................ 192
Spark Plugs.......... .................... 217
Tires.................................................. 231
Wiper Blades.............................. 223
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash......... ................................ . 42
Reserve Tank, Coolant.......... .......... 151
Restraint, Child.............................. 20
Reverse Gear Position.......... .......... 164
Rotation, Tire.......... ...................... 231
P
Panel Brightness Control......... ........... 64
Park Gear Position...................... 164
Parking.......................................... 171
Parking Brake................................ 99
Parking Lights.................................... . 63R
S
Radiator Overheating..........
.......... 265
Radio/Cassette Sound System.... .. 123
Rear End Towing.......... .......... 277
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement.... 238 Safety Belts...................................... 8