automatic transmission Acura TL 2003 3.2 User Guide

Insert a screwdriver in the Shif t
Lock Release slot.
Push down on the screwdriver and
move the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral.
To release the Reverse Lockout,
move the shift lever from Neutral
to Reverse, then to Park.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover next to
the shift lever.
Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver
or small metal plate (neither are
included in the tool kit) to remove
the cover. Caref ully pry on the
edge of the cover. Remove the screwdriver f rom the
Shif t Lock Release slot, then
reinstall the cover. Make sure the
notchonthecoverisontheright
side. Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Acura dealer.
3. 6.
5. 4.
Automatic Transmission
Driving198
S SH H I
IFFT T L
LOOC CKK R
REEL
LEE A
A S
SEE S
SLLOOT T
C
CO OV VE
ER
R

Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and f irmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer’s
tires.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to 2nd
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
bottom
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up
Towing a Trailer
Driving217

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 how 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 .220
.
Important Safety Precautions . 221
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 222
...
Required Maintenance Record . 229
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 231
..............................
Fluid Locations .232
......................................
Engine Oil .233
..................................
Adding Oil .233
....................
Recommended Oil .233
..............................
Synthetic Oil .234
....................................
Additives .235
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 235
.............................
Cooling System .238
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 238
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 240
....................
Windshield Washers .243
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 244
....................................
Brake Fluid .246
............................
Brake System .246
..............................
Power Steering .247
....................................
Hood Latch .247
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .248
....................................
Spark Plugs .250
..............................
Replacement .250
............................
Specif ications .252
...........................................
Battery .253 .................................
Wiper Blades .256
..............
Air Conditioning System . 258
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 259
.....................................
Drive Belts .259
....................................
Timing Belt .260
...............................................
Tires .260
......................................
Inf lation .261
..................................
Inspection .262
..............................
Maintenance .263
.............................
Tire Rotation .264
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 264
......................
Wheels and Tires .265
..........................
Winter Driving .266
.............................
Snow Tires .266
...................
Traction Devices . 266
.............................................
Lights .267
.....................
Headlight Aiming .269
........................
Replacing Bulbs .269
...........................
Storing Your Car .277
333
Maintenance
Maint enance219

µµµ µ
µ
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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page . Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . When adding or replacing f luids
within the engine compartment, such
as oil and coolant, be caref ul of
spillage.
This may lead to damage parts in the
engine compartment.
178
179
243 246
244 260
267
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance231

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
244
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.

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 you are not sure how to add f luid,
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
245
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ER
R M
M A
AR
RKK
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LO OW WE ER
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Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation318
Dimensions
Weights
Air Conditioning
Capacities Capacities
192.9 in (4,900 mm)
70.3 in (1,785 mm)
55.9 in (1,420 mm)
108.1 in (2,745 mm)
61.2 in (1,555 mm)
60.4 in (1,535 mm) 1.48 US gal (5.6, 1.23 Imp gal)
1.98 US gal (7.5, 1.65 Imp gal)
4.6 US qt (4.4
, 3.9 Imp qt)
4.2 US qt (4.0
, 3.5 Imp qt)
5.3 US qt (5.0
, 4.4 Imp qt)
3.1 US qt (2.9, 2.6 Imp qt)
7.6 US qt (7.2, 6.3 Imp qt)
2.6 US qt (2.5
, 2.2 Imp qt)
4.8 US qt (4.5, 4.0 Imp qt)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.6
, 0.13 Imp gal)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
HFC-134a (R-134a)
25 27 oz (700 750 g) ND-OIL8
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type
Fuel tank Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
Approx.
Front
Rear
Change
Total
Change
Including
filter
Without
filter
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
1:
2:17.17 US gal (65.0, 14.30 Imp gal)
1
2

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 181
................................
Accessories .181
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 182
............................
Modif ications .182
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .79
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 110
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 235
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 47
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .248
......
Air Conditioning System . 118,123
..............................
Maintenance .258
.................................
Usage .118, 123
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .261
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .322
......................................
Antif reeze .238
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .60, 202
...................................
Operation .201
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 151
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 78
..........................
Appearance Care .279
................................
Audio System .129
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 70 ...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 45
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 153
..............
Automatic Transmission . 190
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .318
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 244
.......................................
Shif ting .190
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 190
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 191
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 197
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .59, 302
............................
Jump Starting .296
..............................
Maintenance .253
............................
Specif ications .319
..............................
Bef ore Driving .173
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,44
...........................
Beverage Holder .108
...................................
Body Repair .286
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 201
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 174
....................
Bulb Replacement .273 ...........................................
Fluid .246
.......................................
Parking .104
.................
System Indicator . 59,305
........................
Wear Indicators .200
.............................
Braking System .200
........................
Break-in, New Car .174
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 71
........................
Brights, Headlights .69
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .273
..............................
Brake Lights .273
..............................
Ceiling Light .275
........................
Courtesy Lights .275
.................................
Fog Lights .272
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 270
.................................
Headlights .269
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 274
...................
License Plate Light . 274
............................
Specif ications .319
...................................
Spotlights .275
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 270
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .269
Index
A
B
I

Î
............................
Capacities Chart .318
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 53
............................
Carrying, Cargo .183
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .141
...................................
Operation .137
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
...................................
CD Changer .142
..................................
Ceiling Light .111
........................
Certif ication Label .316
............................................
Chains .266
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .235
......................................
When to .224
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .289
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 240
...
Charging System Indicator . 59,302
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 188
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 84
.....................................
Child Saf ety .21
.......................................
Child Seats .26
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 248Cleaning
....................
Aluminum Wheels .281
...................................
Carpeting .282
......................................
Exterior .280
.................................
Floor Mats .282
.......................................
Interior .282
.......................................
Leather .283
...................................
Seat Belts .283
...........................................
Vinyl .283
....................................
Windows .284
.......
Climate Control System . 118,123
.........................
Clock, Setting the .105
..........................
CO in the Exhaust .53
........................................
Coin Box .106
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 189
..............................
Compact Spare .288
.................
Console Compartment . 106
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 330
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant ........................................
Adding .238
....................................
Checking .179
.........................
Proper Solution .238
...................................
Replacing .240
...................
Temperature Gauge . 66
....................
Corrosion Protection .285 Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .324
............
Cruise Control Operation . 153
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 330
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 70
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 332
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 74
......
Def rosting the Windows . 122,127
....................................
Dimensions .318
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 69
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 244
..................................
Engine Oil .178
..........................
Directional Signals .71
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 200
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .237
Doors ..............................
Monitor Light .62
......................
Power Door Locks .79
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 320
.....................................
Drive Belts .259
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .187
....................................
Economy .180
.........................
In Bad Weather .209
................
In Foreign Countries . 323
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .96
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 259
..............................
Economy, Fuel .180
............
Emergencies on the Road . 287
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 296
...........
Brake System Indicator . 305
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 289
.....
Charging System Indicator . 302
..................
Checking the Fuses . 307
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 301
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 303
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 306
..................
Overheated Engine . 299
.........................
Emergency Brake .104
......................
Emergency Flashers .73
......................
Emergency Towing .312
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 86.......................
Emissions Controls .324
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 327
Engine ............................................
Belts .259
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 66
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .59, 303
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 59,301
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 233
...............................
Overheating .299
............................
Specif ications .319
............................
Speed Limiter .197
.......................................
Starting .189
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .322
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 324
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 280
..........................
Fan, Interior .120, 125
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .115
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 175Filter
................................
Air Cleaner .248
.........................
Dust and Pollen .259
...............................................
Oil .235
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 289
.....................................
Floor Mats .282
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 244
..........................................
Brake .246
..........................
Power Steering .247
................
Windshield Washers . 243
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .135
........................................
Fog Lights .70
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 323
..........................
Four-way Flashers .73
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,47
.................................................
Fuel .174
......................
Fill Door and Cap .175
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 174
...............................
Oxygenated .322
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .175
Index
E
F
III