power steering Acura TL 2002 3.2 Owner's Manual

Your Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) includes:An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page ).
Two f ront airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the f ront
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.’’ Emergency backup power in case
your car’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, the sensors
will detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inf late the
f ront airbags.
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition is ON (II). Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision. Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
45 50
CONT INUED
SRS Components
How Your Front A irbags Work
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
47
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This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls
are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .56
...............................
Indicator Lights .57
.............................................
Gauges .64
...............................
Speedometer .64
.................................
Tachometer .64
.....................................
Odometer .65
...................................
Trip Meter .65
Outside Temperature ...................................
Indicator .66
...................
Temperature Gauge . 66
..................................
Fuel Gauge .66
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .67
Controls Near the Steering .......................................
Wheel .68
...................................
Headlights .69 ...................................
Fog Lights .70
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .70
............
Daytime Running Lights . 70
....
Instrument Panel Brightness . 71
................................
Turn Signals .71
.....................
Windshield Wipers .72
..................
Windshield Washers . 73
..........................
Hazard Warning .73
.............
Rear Window Def ogger . 74
......
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 75
...............................
Keys and Locks .76
..............................................
Keys .76
....................
Immobilizer System . 77
............................
Ignition Switch .78
......................
Power Door Locks .79
...................
Remote Transmitter . 81
..............
Childproof Door Locks . 84
...........................................
Trunk .85
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 86
....................................
Glove Box .87
............................
Seat Adjustments .88
Driver’s Seat Full Power ............................
Adjustments .88
...........
Driver’s Lumbar Support . 90Front Passenger’s Seat
............................
Adjustments .90
..........................
Head Restraints .91
........................................
Armrest .92
.............................................
Mirrors .94
....
Adjusting the Power Mirrors . 94
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .96
....................................
Seat Heaters .99
............................
Power Windows .100
.......................................
Moonroof .103
...............................
Parking Brake .104
..................................
Digital Clock .105
.................
Console Compartment . 106
........................................
Coin Box .106
Armrest Storage ..........................
Compartments .107
...........................
Beverage Holder .108
........................................
Sun Visor .109
................................
Vanity Mirror .109
........................
Sunglasses Holder .110
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 110
...............................
Interior Lights .111
..................................
Storage Tray .112
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols55
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Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
Your Acura is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
Driving
The Braking System
190
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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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Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The f luid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
f luid to the UPPER LEVEL.Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering f luid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible. Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Acura dealer.
Maint enance
Power Steering Hood L atch
Power Steering, Hood L atch
237
M MA
AX
X
M
M I
INN L
LA
A T
TC
CH H
A
A S
SSSEEM
M B
BLLYY
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
00/12/25 14:32:31 31S0K630_240

µµ
This f ilter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air f rom industry and diesel-pow-
ered vehicles. Replace it more of ten
if air f low f rom the climate control
system becomes less than usual.
Have the air conditioning f ilter re-
placed by your Acura dealer. The air conditioning f ilter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
f rom the outside through the climate
control system.
Check the tension of the power
steering belt by pushing on it with
your thumb midway between the
pulleys. Check the condition of the two drive
belts (power steering belt and
alternator belt). Examine the edges
of each belt f or cracks or f raying.If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts. Power steering belt: Thebeltshouldhavethefollowing
‘‘play’’ or def lection.
Drive Belts
A ir Conditioning Filter
A ir Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Maint enance249
P P O
OW WE ER
R S
STTE
EE
ER
RI INNG G B
BEEL
LTT
A
A L
LTT E
ER
RN NA AT
TO
OR R B
BEEL
LTT
0.51 0.65 in (13.0 16.5 mm)
00/12/25 14:34:22 31S0K630_252

If you decide to tow your car with all
f our wheels on the ground, make
sure you use a properly-designed and
attached tow bar. Prepare the car for
towing as described above, and leave
the ignition switch in Accessory (I)
so the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
socket are turned of f so they do not
rundownthebattery.
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed303
Trying to lif t or tow your car by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the car’s weight.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing.
00/12/25 14:43:39 31S0K630_306

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

CONT INUED
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 183
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 164
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 306
..................................................
Keys . 76
.......................
Label, Certif ication . 306
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 71
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 15, 44
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement . 259
.......................................
Indicator . 57
.........................................
Parking . 69
..................................
Turn Signal . 71
.....................................
Load Limit . 174
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 78
........................
Lockout Prevention . 80
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 78
............................
Fuel Fill Door . 165
....................................
Glove Box . 87
.................................
Power Door .79
...........................................
Trunk .85
........................
Low Coolant Level .169
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 59, 291
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 308.........................................
Luggage .173
..................................
Maintenance .209
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 221
........................................
Record .219
......................
Required Indicator .67
..........................................
Saf ety .210
.............................
Schedule .214-218
Malf unction Indicator ....................................
Lamp .59, 293
.............
Memory, Driving Position . 96
...............................
Meters, Gauges .64
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 312
..........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .94
.......................................
Moonroof .103
......................
Closing Manually .296
...................................
Operation .103 ...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 164
.........................................
Odometer .65
...............................
Odometer, Trip .65
Oil ........................
Change, How to .225
......................
Change, When to .214
......................
Checking Engine .168
..............
Pressure Indicator . 59, 291
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .224
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 79
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .314
..
Operation in Foreign Countries . 313
..............................
Outside Mirrors .94
....................
Overheating, Engine .289
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 221
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .312
Index
K
L
NO
M
V
00/12/25 14:47:41 31S0K630_334