engine Acura TL 2003 3.2 Service Manual

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The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
discussed below. Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the transmission shif ts f requently
between 4th and 5th gears while
going up a hill, shif t to D . And if the
transmission shif ts f requently
between 3rd and 4th gears, shif t to
D.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
Use the D or D position when
towing a trailer on level roads. D is
the proper shif t lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
(See ‘‘
’’ in the
f ollowing column f or additional gear
inf ormation.) When towing a trailer in the
Sequential SportShif t mode, select
Fourth, Third, Second, or First gear;
depending on the vehicle speeds and
road condition. Do not use Fif th gear.
The recommended speed range f or
each gear position is shown in the
table.
Gear position 1
2
3, 4 Speed range
037mph
(0 60 km/h)
12 68 mph
over 25 mph
(over 40 km/h)
4
3
54
3
(20 110 km/h)
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
T owing Speeds and Gears Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Driving on Hills
Towing a Trailer
Driving216

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

Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
bef ore touching any parts.
Do
not run the engine unless in-
structed to do so. Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have the
tools and skills required.
Bef ore you begin any maintenance,
make sure your car is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also, be sure the engine
is of f . This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards: To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, be caref ul when working
around gasoline or batteries. Use a
commercially available degreaser or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and all
f uel-related parts.
You should wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
near the battery or when using
compressed air.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance
Important Saf ety Precautions
Carbon monoxide poisoning
f rom engine exhaust.
Burns f rom hot parts.
Injury f rom moving parts.
221

The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
vehicle as normal transportation f or
passengers and their possessions.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations:
The Maintenance Schedule specif ies
how of ten you should have your car
serviced and what things need
attention. It is essential that you have
your car serviced as scheduled to
retain its high level of saf ety,
dependability, and emissions control
perf ormance.
Avoidexceedingyourcar’sload
limit.Thisputsexcessstresson
the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your car. The load
limit is shown on the label on the
driver’s doorjamb.
Operate your car on reasonable
roads within the legal speed limit.Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages. Select the schedule
f or ‘‘Severe Conditions’’ if most of
your driving is done under one or
more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, f ollow the schedule
f or ‘‘Normal Conditions.’’
Drive your car regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
theproperoctanerating(seepage ).
174
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Which Schedule to Follow:
222

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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
224
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 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
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 3 years (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) or 5 years
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 dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
: Adjust only if noisy
223
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance225
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
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.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page264).
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 dust and pollen filter.
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
3yrs
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
6yrs
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 Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years, independent
of mileage.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace brake fluid every 3 years.
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.
224
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: :
223
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions:Driving 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,
such as a taxi or a commecial
delivery vehicle.
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.
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
226
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
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 monthsEvery 3 years (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 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
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 dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page
.
Adjust only if noisy
:
1:
2:
3: Premium model only
223
260
259
1
2
3
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance227
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
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.
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
3yrs
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
264).
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 dust and pollen filter .
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. Replace brake fluid every 3 years,independent
of mileage.
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.
226
3
1
1
2 1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance228
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 timing belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
NOTE: :
1:
2:
3: Premium model only
223
260 25982,500 mi/132,000 km
86,250 mi/138,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
6yrs
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
9yrs
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.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years.
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 brake every 3 years.
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)

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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.
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243 246
244 260
267
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance231