steering Acura TL 2003 3.2 Service Manual

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
247
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.

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 dust and pollen f ilter replaced
by your Acura dealer. The dust and pollen 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
Dust and Pollen Filter
Maint enance
Dust and Pollen Filter, Drive Belts
259
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)

To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, you
should have the tires rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move the
tires to the positions shown in the
chart each time they are rotated.When shopping f or replacement
tires, you may find that some tires
are ‘‘directional.’’ This means they
are designed to rotate only in one
direction. If you use directional tires,
they should be rotated only front-to-
back.
The tires that came with your car
were selected to match the perform-
ance capabilities of the car while
providing the best combination of
handling, ride comf ort, and long lif e.
Youshouldreplacethemwithradial
tires of the same size, load range,
speed rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall). Mixing radial and
bias-ply tires on your car can reduce
its braking ability, traction, and
steering accuracy.
T ire Rotation
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tires
Maint enance264
( (F
Fo o r
r N
No on
n-
-d
d i
irre ec cttiioo n
na
all
T
T i
irre es s a
ann d
d W
Wh he
eeellss) ) (
(
F
Fo o r
r D
D i
irre ec cttiioo n
na
all
T
T i
irre es s a
ann d
d W
Wh he
eeellss) )
F
Fr
roo n
nt
t
F
Fr roo n
nt
t

Insert the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb. Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Open the hood. Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.
If you need to change a bulb on
the driver’s side, remove the
radiator reserve tank.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by squeezing the
connector to unlock the tab, then
slide the connector of f the bulb. The f ront side marker/turn signal
light bulb and parking light bulb use
the same bulb.
If you are changing the bulb on
the driver’s side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger’s side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.
1.
3.
4.
7. 6. 5.
1.
2. Replacing Front Turn Signal and
Side Marker L ight Bulbs
Lights
Maint enance270
B BU
UL LBB
T
T A
A B
B

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 ed313
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.

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

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

CONT INUED
..................................................
Keys .76
.......................
Label, Certif ication .316
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 71
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 15,44
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement .269
.......................................
Indicator .57
.........................................
Parking .69
..................................
Turn Signal .71
.....................................
Load Limit .184
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 78
........................
Lockout Prevention .80
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 78
............................
Fuel Fill Door .175
....................................
Glove Box .87
.................................
Power Door .79
...........................................
Trunk .85
........................
Low Coolant Level .179
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 59,301
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 318.........................................
Luggage .183
..................................
Maintenance .219
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 231
........................................
Record .229
......................
Required Indicator .67
..........................................
Saf ety .220
.............................
Schedule .224-228
Malf unction Indicator ....................................
Lamp .59, 303
.............
Memory, Driving Position . 96
...............................
Meters, Gauges .64
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 322
..........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .94
.......................................
Moonroof .103
......................
Closing Manually .306
...................................
Operation .103
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 193
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 174
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 316 ...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 174
.........................................
Odometer .65
...............................
Odometer, Trip .65
Oil ........................
Change, How to .235
......................
Change, When to .224
......................
Checking Engine .178
..............
Pressure Indicator . 59,301
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .234
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 79
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .324
............................................
OnStar .162
..
Operation in Foreign Countries . 323
..............................
Outside Mirrors .94
....................
Overheating, Engine .299
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 231
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .322
Index
K
L
NO
M
V

Î
CONT INUED
...................
System Components . 44
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 19
....................................
Seat Heaters .99
........................
Seats, Adjusting the .88
............................
Security System .152
........
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 193
...............................
Serial Number .316
...........................
Service Intervals .224
...........................
Service Manual .333
.........
Service Station Procedures . 175
..........................
Setting the Clock .105
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 190
........................
Shif t Lock Release .197
................................
Side Airbags .9 ,49
...............
Side Airbag Indicator . 51,60
Side Marker Lights, Bulb ..............................
Replacement .270
...............................
Signaling Turns .71
.....................................
Snow Tires .266
...................
Solvent-type Cleaners . 280
................................
Sound System .129
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .288
............................
Specif ications .319
................
Spark Plugs, Replacing . 250
....................
Specif ications Charts . 318................................
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 .189
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .189
................
With a Dead Battery . 296
..............
State Emissions Testing . 327
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 299
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .75
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 78
...................
Stereo Sound System . 129
...........................
Storing Your Car .277
........................................
Sun Visor .109
........................
Sunglasses Holder .110 ....
Supplemental Restraint System . 47
......................................
Servicing .52
...............................
SRS Indicator .50
...................
System Components . 47
.....................................
Tachometer .64
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 273
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 287
....................................
Tape Player .137
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 320
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 324
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .322
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .326
.......................
Temperature Gauge .66
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 326
..........................
Time, Setting the .105
....................................
Timing Belt .260
....................................
Tire Chains .266
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 289
Index
T
VII

Î
...............................................
Tires .260
..............................
Air Pressure .261
.........................
Checking Wear .262
..........................
Compact Spare .288
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 320
......................................
Inf lation .261
..................................
Inspection .262
...................................
Replacing .264
......................................
Rotating .264
...........................................
Snow .266
............................
Specif ications .319
.......................
Traction Devices .266
..........................
Winter Driving .266
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 289
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .211
................
Emergency Wrecker . 312
Traction Control System (TCS) ...............................
Indicator .61, 205
...................................
Operation .203
...........................
Traction Devices .266
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .244
...........................
Fluid Selection .245
..............
Identif ication Number . 317 .............
Shif ting the Automatic . 190
.............................
Treadwear .262, 320
.......................................
Trip Meter .65
................................................
Trunk .85
........
Emergency Trunk Release . 86
.................................
Opening the .85
...................
Open Monitor Light . 62
....................................
Turn Signals .71
.....................
Underside, Cleaning .285
Unexpected, Taking Care ..........................................
of the .287
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 320
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .174
.....................
Upholstery Cleaning .282
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 237
................................
Vanity Mirror .109
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 184
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .318
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 316Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
....................................
System .206
........
VSA System Indicator . 61,206
...
VSA Activation Indicator . 61,207
.........................
VSA Of f Switch .207
.............................
Vehicle Storage .277
.................................................
VIN .316
...............................
Vinyl Cleaning .283
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .234
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 54
..................
Warranty Coverages .331
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 243
.......................................
Indicator .63
.....................................
Operation .73
.........................................
Washing .280
..................
Waxing and Polishing . 281
Wheels ...............
Adjusting the Steering . 75
............
Alignment and Balance . 263
..........................
Compact Spare .288
Index
U
V W
VIII