check transmission fluid Acura TL 2002 3.2 Owner's Manual

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
00/12/25 14:27:41 31S0K630_212

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
00/12/25 14:28:36 31S0K630_217

µµ
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Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ø
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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
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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

µµ
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Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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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

Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ø
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Î
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Î
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Maint enance218
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. See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions. See Timing Belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
NOTE: 213
250
:
1:
2:
3 : 249
Premium model only82,500 mi/132,000 km
86,250 mi/138,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
93,750 mi/150,000 km
97,500 mi/156,000 km
101,250 mi/162,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
108,750 mi/174,000 km
112,500 mi/180,000 km
116,250 mi/186,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E.
Replace transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
Check idle speed.
Clean air cleaner element.
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect valve clearance.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
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 engine coolant, then replace
every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace transmission fluid.
2
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
00/12/25 14:29:32 31S0K630_221

Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the car on level ground. Shut
of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
Check the reservoir’s f luid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
The low washer level indicator will
light when the level is low (see page
). 1.
2.
63
Maint enance
Windshield Washers, A ut omat ic T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Canadian Models
234
D D I
IPP S
ST TI
ICCK K
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antif reeze can damage your car’s paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer f luid.
00/12/25 14:32:00 31S0K630_237

Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.If the level is below the lower
mark, remove the f ill plug and add
f luid to bring it to the upper mark.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your Acura dealer.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it is not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly f lush the
transmission, the technician
should drain and ref ill it with
Honda ATF-Z1, then drive the
vehicle a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and ref ill
the transmission a final time.
3. 5. 6.
4.
Maint enance
Automatic Transmission Fluid
235
U UP PP
PE
ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
L
LO OW WE ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
00/12/25 14:32:11 31S0K630_238

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modifications . 171
................................
Accessories . 171
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 172
............................
Modif ications . 172
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) . 79
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 110
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 225
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 47
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 238
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 249
......
Air Conditioning System . 116, 123
..............................
Maintenance . 248
.................................
Usage . 118, 123
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 251
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline . 312
......................................
Antif reeze . 228
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .60, 192
...................................
Operation .191
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 151
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 78
..........................
Appearance Care .269
................................
Audio System .129 ...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 70
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 45
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 153
..............
Automatic Transmission . 180
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .308
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 234
.......................................
Shif ting .180
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 180
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 181
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 187
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .59, 292
............................
Jump Starting .286
..............................
Maintenance .243
............................
Specif ications .309
..............................
Bef ore Driving .163
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,44
...........................
Beverage Holder .108
...................................
Body Repair .276
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 191
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 164....................
Bulb Replacement .263
...........................................
Fluid .236
.......................................
Parking .104
.................
System Indicator . 59, 295
........................
Wear Indicators .190
.............................
Braking System .190
........................
Break-in, New Car .164
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 71
........................
Brights, Headlights .69
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .263
..............................
Brake Lights .263
..............................
Ceiling Light .265
........................
Courtesy Lights .265
.................................
Fog Lights .262
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 260
.................................
Headlights .259
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 264
...................
License Plate Light . 264
............................
Specif ications .309
...................................
Spotlights .265
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 260
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .259
Index
A
B
I
00/12/26 11:14:29 31S0K630_330

CONT INUED
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 177
....................................
Economy . 170
.........................
In Bad Weather . 199
................
In Foreign Countries . 313
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System . 96
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 170
............
Emergencies on the Road . 277
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 286
...........
Brake System Indicator . 295
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 279
.....
Charging System Indicator . 292
..................
Checking the Fuses . 297
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 291
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 293
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 296
..................
Overheated Engine . 289
.........................
Emergency Brake .104
......................
Emergency Flashers .73
......................
Emergency Towing .302
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 86
.......................
Emissions Controls .314 .............
Emissions Testing, State . 317
Engine ............................................
Belts .249
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 66
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .59, 293
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 59, 291
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 223
...............................
Overheating .289
............................
Specif ications .309
............................
Speed Limiter .187
.......................................
Starting .179
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .312
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 314
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 270
..........................
Fan, Interior .120, 125
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .115
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 165Filter
................................
Air Cleaner .238
.......................
Air Conditioning .249
...............................................
Oil .225
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 279
.....................................
Floor Mats .272
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 234
..........................................
Brake .236
..........................
Power Steering .237
................
Windshield Washers . 233
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .135
........................................
Fog Lights .70
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 313
..........................
Four-way Flashers .73
..............................
Front Airbags .9, 47
.................................................
Fuel .164
......................
Fill Door and Cap .165
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 164
...............................
Oxygenated .312
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .165
Index
E
F
III
00/12/25 14:47:26 31S0K630_332