service Acura TL 2002 3.2 User Guide

When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ).
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure. 201 202 252
Pre-T ow Checklist
Additional Trailer Equipment
Towing a Trailer
Driving205
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This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 210
.
Important Safety Precautions . 211
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 212
...
Required Maintenance Record . 219
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 221
..............................
Fluid Locations . 222
......................................
Engine Oil .223
..................................
Adding Oil .223
....................
Recommended Oil .223
..............................
Synthetic Oil .224
....................................
Additives .225
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 225
.............................
Cooling System .228
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 228
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 230
....................
Windshield Washers .233
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 234
....................................
Brake Fluid .236
............................
Brake System .236
..............................
Power Steering .237
....................................
Hood Latch .237
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .238
....................................
Spark Plugs .240
..............................
Replacement .240
............................
Specif ications .242
...........................................
Battery .243 .................................
Wiper Blades .246
..............
Air Conditioning System . 248
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 249
.....................................
Drive Belts .249
....................................
Timing Belt .250
...............................................
Tires .250
......................................
Inf lation .251
..................................
Inspection .252
..............................
Maintenance .253
.............................
Tire Rotation .254
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 254
......................
Wheels and Tires .255
..........................
Winter Driving .256
.............................
Snow Tires .256
...................
Traction Devices . 256
.............................................
Lights .257
.....................
Headlight Aiming .259
........................
Replacing Bulbs .259
...........................
Storing Your Car .267
325
Maintenance
Maint enance209
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Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to
your saf ety and the saf ety of your
passengers. It will also reward you
with more economical, trouble-f ree
driving and help reduce air pollution. This section includes instructions f or
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be perf ormed by an Acura
technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance210
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Improperly maintaining this car
or failing to correct a problem
before driving can cause a
crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.
00/12/25 14:27:47 31S0K630_213

The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
vehicle as normal transportation f or
passengers and their possessions.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations:
The Maintenance Schedule specif ies
how of ten you should have your car
serviced and what things need
attention. It is essential that you have
your car serviced as scheduled to
retain its high level of saf ety,
dependability, and emissions control
perf ormance.
Avoidexceedingyourcar’sload
limit.Thisputsexcessstresson
the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your car. The load
limit is shown on the label on the
driver’s doorjamb.
Operate your car on reasonable
roads within the legal speed limit.Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages. Select the schedule
f or ‘‘Severe Conditions’’ if most of
your driving is done under one or
more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, f ollow the schedule
f or ‘‘Normal Conditions.’’
Drive your car regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
the proper octane rating (see page ).
164
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Which Schedule to Follow:
212
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Ì
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
U.S. Cars: We recommend the use of genuine
Acura parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability.
Your authorized Acura dealer knows
your car best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Maintenance, replacement or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
213
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µ
Ì
Ì
Ì
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
214
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
12
30
48
24 60
96
48 120
192
96
75
120 60 105
168
84
45
72
36 90
144 72
Every 36 months (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months, then every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 60 months
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months, then every 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
: Adjust only if noisy
213
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ø
Ø
Ì
Ì
Ì
Maint enance215
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump.
Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace
every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace transmission fluid, then replace
every 90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
254).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
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.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years
(independent of mileage).
214
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
213
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
00/12/25 14:28:46 31S0K630_218

µ
Ì
Î
Î
ÎÌ
Ì Î
Î
Î
µ
ÌDriving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions. Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions:
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
216
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and conditions of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Every 36 months (independent of mileage)
See Timing Belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, then every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page.
Adjust only if noisy
250 249 :
213
1:
2:
3: Premium model only
1
2
3
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditons
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
00/12/25 14:29:11 31S0K630_219

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Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ø
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ÌÎ
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Ì
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Ì
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CONT INUED
Maint enance217
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
254).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches with
multipurpose grease.
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 air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years
(independent of mileage).
216
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
See Timing Belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving
conditions. Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 213
250 :
Premium model only
1:
2:
3 : 249
1
1
2
1 3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
00/12/25 14:29:24 31S0K630_220

CONT INUED
Always change the oil and f ilter
accordingtothetimeanddistance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and f ilter collect contami-
nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the car. The car should
be raised on a service station-type
hydraulic lif t f or this service. Unless
you have the knowledge and proper
equipment, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Your Acura does not need any oil
additives. Purchasing additives f or
the engine or transmission will not
increase your car’s perf ormance or
longevity. It only increases the cost
of operating your car. 1.
Engine Oil
Maint enance
Additives
Changing the Oil and Filter
225
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