engine indicator light Acura TL 2003 3.2 User Guide

If the VSA indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e and turn of f the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the
VSA system indicator. If the
indicator remains on, or comes back
on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your Acura
dealer.When VSA is off, the VSA Activation
Indicator light comes on as a
reminder. Pressing the switch again
turns the system back on.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned
ON(II),theremaybeaproblem
with the VSA system. Have your
dealer inspect your car as soon as
possible.
Without VSA, your car will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
This switch is under the lef t vent.
Press it to turn the Vehicle Stability
Assist system on and of f .
The VSA system indicator (see page
) comes on and stays on when
there is a problem with the VSA
system. The VSA Activation
indicator will also come on. 61
CONT INUED
VSA Syst em Indicat orVSA Of f Switch
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
Driving207
V V
S
SAA S
SYYSSTTE
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ICCA A T
TO
OR R V
VS
SAA O
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SWWI ITT C
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Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
f ive seconds. If it does not, turn of f
the engine and reinspect your
work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
9. 8. 7.
6.
Engine Oil
Maint enance237
4.6 US qt (4.4, 3.9 Imp qt) Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.

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.

In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.If your car’s battery has run down,
you may be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
You cannot start your Acura by
pushing or pulling it.
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ). Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Your car has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
77
189 307
312
T he Starter Operates Normally
Jump Starting
Emergency
Towing
Starting the
Engine
If Your Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed296
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.

This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (See
on page .)
Letthecarsitforaminute.Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page ). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
1.
2.
3. 4.
178 233 312
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
301
L LO OW W O
OIILL P
PR
RE ES
SS SUUR REE I
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ICCA A T
TO
OR R
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the car stopped.

Youshouldalsohavethedealer
inspect your car if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn of f as you continue driving. If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the f uel cap was not
loose or missing, have the car
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed. If you have recently ref ueled your
car, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing f uel f ill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the f uel f ill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn of f
immediately; it takes at least three
driving trips.
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. If it comes on
at any other time, it indicates one of
the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your car’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
your car to put out excessive
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage.
CONT INUED
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed303
M M A
AL
LFFUUN NCCTTI
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ICCA A T
TO
OR R L
LAA M
M P
P
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your car’s emissions controls
and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your car’s warranties.

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

.....................
Fuses, Checking the .307
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 180
..........................................
Gasohol .322
.........................................
Gasoline .174
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 63
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 174
........................
Tank, Filling the .175
................
Gas Station Procedures . 174
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 66
...............................................
Fuel .66
...............................
Speedometer .64
.................................
Tachometer .64
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .212
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 190
..............................
Glass Cleaning .284
........................................
Glove Box .87
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .212 .............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 269
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 73
........................................
Headlights .69
........................................
Aiming .269
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .70
............
Daytime Running Lights . 70
..................
High Beam Indicator . 62
.........................
Reminder Chime .69
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 269
...................................
Turning on .69
..............................
Head Restraints .91
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 189
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 69
HomeLink Universal ................................
Transceiver .157
....................................
Hood Latch .247
.......................
Hood, Opening the .176
.................................
Hydroplaning .210
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 316Ignition
..............................................
Keys .76
...........................................
Switch .78
............
Timing Control System . 325
........................
Immobilizer System .77
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 57
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .30
......................................
Inf ant Seats .30
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 261
...................................
Inside Mirror .94
.............................
Inspection, Tire .262
............................
Instrument Panel .57
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 71
...........................
Interior Cleaning .282
...............................
Interior Lights .111
........................................
Introduction .i
........................
Jacking up the Car .291
.......................................
Jack, Tire .290
................................
Jump Starting .296
Index
G H
IJ
IV