spark plugs Acura TL 2003 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 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

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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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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)

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 enance250
H H
O
OL LDD I
INNG G
C
CL LIIPP L
LO
OC CKK T
TA
A B
B

Put the new spark plug into the
socket, then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
Use a wrench to remove the
hexagonsocketheadcapbolt
holding the ignition coil. Remove
the ignition coil by pulling it
straight out.
Remove the spark plug with
a f ive-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
4.
5.
6.
7.
CONT INUED
Spark Plugs
Maint enance251
H HE
EX
X A
AG
GO ONN S
SOOC CKKEET
T H
HE
EA
A D
D C
CAA P
P B
BOOL LTT
13 lbf·ft (18 N·m , 1.8 kgf·m)

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Push the wire connector onto the
ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place. Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the hexagon socket head cap bolt. Repeat this procedure f or the
other f ive spark plugs.
Reinstall the cover on the front
cylinder bank while putting its
mounting clip in the hole on the
passenger’s side. Secure the cover
by turning the heads of the two
holding clips one-quarter turn
clockwise with a f lat-tipped
screwdriver.
Spark Plug Gap: Spark Plug Gap:NGK:
DENSO:
8. 11.
10.
9. NGK:
DENSO:
Specif ications:
Spark Plugs
Maint enance
Premium model
T ype-S
252
0.04 in (1.1 mm) PKJ20CR-M11 PZFR6E-11
0.04 in (1.1 mm) PKJ16CR-L11
PZFR5F-11
0
0.1 mm
0
0.1 mm
Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.

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Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation319
Fuses Battery Lights
Engine
Alignment
Tires3.50 x 3.39 in (89.0 x 86.0 mm)
12 V 60 W (HB3)
12 V 24/2.2 CP
195.8 cu-in (3,210 cm
)
9.8 : 1
Water cooled 4-stroke
SOHC VTEC 6-cylinder (V6), gasoline engine
Interior
Under-hood Capacity 12 V 65 AH/20 HR
Headlights
Front turn signal/Side marker/
Parking lights
Fog Lights
Rear turn signal lights
Stop/Taillights
High-mount brake light
Back-up lights
License plate light
Ceiling light
Trunk light
Door courtesy lights
Vanity mirror lights
Spotlights
12 V 12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
4CP
1.1 W
2CP
5W
7W
3CP
18 W
21 W
21/5 W
21 W Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs
10.5 : 1
12 V 51 W (HB4)
Toe-in
Camber
Caster
Size
Pressure 3°00’
0°30’0°
0.08 in (2.0 mm) 0.00 in (0.0 mm)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm
)
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm)
T135/80R16 101M P215/50R17 93V
P205/60R16 91V
See page 310or the fuse box
cover. See spark plug maintenance
section page
252.
See page 311or the fuse label
attached to the inside of the fuse
box door on each side of the
dashboard. Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
(High beam)
Low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge tube. Front/Rear
Spare
Front/Rear
Spare
1 : Premium model
1 : Premium model 2 : Type-S
2 : Type-S
2
1
2
1

Î..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 44
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 332
.................................
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 .283
................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 15,44
................................
Maintenance .46
Reminder Light and ................................
Beeper .44, 59
..............................
Paint Touch-up .281
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 71
........................
Park Gear Position .192
...........................................
Parking .199
...............................
Parking Brake .104
Parking Brake and Brake System ...............................
Indicator .59, 305
.................................
Parking Lights .69
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 199
.............................
PGM-FI System .325
..................
Polishing and Waxing . 281
............
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 . 33
Using Child Seats with .....................................
Tethers .41 ...................
Radiator Overheating . 299
Radio/Cassette/CD Sound ........................................
System .129
...................
Readiness Codes . 304,327
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 273
..........................
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 . 248
..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 259
..........................
Engine Coolant .240
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 235
..........................................
Fuses .308
................................
Light Bulbs .269
....................................
Schedule .224
................................
Spark Plugs .250
...........................................
Tires .264
.............................
Wiper Blades .256 Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a
............................................
Crash .46
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 179
...............................
Restraint, Child .21
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 192
................................
Rotation, Tire .264
Index
PR
S
VI