spark plugs replace 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
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Ì
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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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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

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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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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

Disconnect the wire connector
f rom the ignition coil by pushing
on the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.
Loosen the two holding clips by
turning the heads one-quarter turn
counterclockwise with a f lat-tipped
screwdriver. Remove the cover on
the f ront cylinder bank by pulling
it straight up.
Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.
The spark plugs in your car are a
special platinum-tipped design f or
longer lif e. The spark plugs should
be replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.
1.
2.3.
Replacement
Spark Plugs
Maint enance240
H H
O
OL LDD I
INNG G
C
CL LIIPP L
LO
OC CKK T
TA
A B
B
00/12/25 14:33:01 31S0K630_243

Î..................................
Saf ety Belts . 8, 44
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 323
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
...........................................
Airbags .9
..................................
Door Locks .10
..........................
Head Restraints .10
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
.....................
Seats & Seat-Backs .10
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 54
...............................
Saf ety Messages . ii
.....................................
Seat Belts .8, 44
...............
Additional Information . 44
.....................................
Cleaning .273
................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 15, 44
................................
Maintenance .46
Reminder Light and ................................
Beeper .44, 59
..............................
Paint Touch-up .271
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 71
........................
Park Gear Position .182
...........................................
Parking .189
...............................
Parking Brake .104
Parking Brake and Brake System ...............................
Indicator .59, 295
.................................
Parking Lights .69
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 189
.............................
PGM-FI System .315
..................
Polishing and Waxing . 271
............
Pre-Drive Saf ety Checklist . 11
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 19
............................
Protecting Adults .12
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 20
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 19
........................
Protecting Children .21
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .30
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 37
.........
Protecting Small Children . 34
Using Child Seats with .....................................
Tethers .41 ...................
Radiator Overheating . 289
Radio/Cassette/CD Sound ........................................
System .129
...................
Readiness Codes . 294, 317
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 263
..........................
Rear Seat Armrest .92
............................
Rear View Mirror .94
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 74
...............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 89
.............................
Reminder Lights .57
................
Remote Audio Controls . 150
.......................
Remote Transmitter .81
Replacement Inf ormation .................
Air Cleaner Element . 238
.............
Air Conditioning Filter . 249
..........................
Engine Coolant .230
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 225
..........................................
Fuses .298
................................
Light Bulbs .259
....................................
Schedule .214
................................
Spark Plugs .240
...........................................
Tires .254
.............................
Wiper Blades .246 Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a
............................................
Crash .46
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 169
...............................
Restraint, Child .21
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 182
................................
Rotation, Tire .254
Index
PR
S
VI
00/12/25 14:47:47 31S0K630_335

Î
CONT INUED
...................
System Components . 44
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 19
....................................
Seat Heaters .99
........................
Seats, Adjusting the .88
............................
Security System .152
........
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 183
...............................
Serial Number .306
...........................
Service Intervals .214
...........................
Service Manual .325
.........
Service Station Procedures . 165
..........................
Setting the Clock .105
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 180
........................
Shif t Lock Release .187
................................
Side Airbags .9, 49
...............
Side Airbag Indicator . 51, 60
Side Marker Lights, Bulb ..............................
Replacement .260
...............................
Signaling Turns . 71
.....................................
Snow Tires .256
...................
Solvent-type Cleaners . 270
................................
Sound System .129
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .278
............................
Specif ications .309
................
Spark Plugs, Replacing . 240
....................
Specif ications Charts . 308................................
Speed Control .153
...................................
Speedometer .64
.......................................
Spotlights .112
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 47
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 52
How the SRS Indicator .......................................
Works .50
...........
How Your Airbags Work . 47
........................
SRS Components .47
..................................
SRS Service .52
.............................
SRS Indicator .50, 60
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 79
.......................
Starting the Engine .179
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .179
................
With a Dead Battery . 286
..............
State Emissions Testing . 317
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 289
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .75
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 78
...................
Stereo Sound System . 129
...........................
Storing Your Car .267
........................................
Sun Visor .109
........................
Sunglasses Holder .110 ....
Supplemental Restraint System . 47
......................................
Servicing .52
...............................
SRS Indicator .50
...................
System Components . 47
.....................................
Tachometer . 64
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 263
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 277
....................................
Tape Player .137
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 310
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 314
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .312
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .316
.......................
Temperature Gauge .66
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 316
..........................
Time, Setting the .105
....................................
Timing Belt .250
....................................
Tire Chains .256
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 279
Index
T
VII
00/12/25 14:47:52 31S0K630_336