oil temperature Acura TL 2004 Owner's Manual

Your vehicle’s exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. You should
have no problem with carbon
monoxide entering the vehicle in
normal driving if you maintain your
vehicle properly.High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage.With the trunk lid open, air f low can
pull exhaust gas into your vehicle’s
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, open all the windows,
and set the climate control system as
shown below.
If you must sit in your parked vehicle,
even in an unconf ined area, with the
engine running, adjust the climate
control system as f ollows:
Select the Fresh Air mode.
Select the mode.
Set the f an speed to high.
Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
The vehicle is raised f or an oil
change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.
The vehicle was in an accident
that may have damaged the under-
side.
Have the exhaust system inspected
f or leaks whenever:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Driver and Passenger Saf ety46
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

The multi-inf ormation display in the
instrument panel displays various
inf ormation and messages. Some of
the messages help you operate your
vehiclemorecomfortably.
Others help to keep you aware of the
periodic maintenance your vehicle
needs f or continued trouble-f ree
driving.
Here is a list of the messages you
can see. The f ollowing pages give
you more inf ormation on these
messages.Driver 1 or 2 Detected
Door and Trunk Open
Fasten Seat Belt
Release Parking Brake
Check Fuel Cap
Odometer
Trip Meter
Outside Temperature
Engine Oil Lif e Maintenance Messages
Trip Computer
Keyless Memory Settings
HandsFree Link
Language Selection (Canada only)
With the multi-information display
and the two buttons next to it, you
can also customize these vehicle
control settings to your liking. Auto door lock conditions
Auto door unlock conditions
Whenever unlocking (driver’s
door, or all doors)
Keyless lock acknowledgment
conditions
Security relock timer
Headlight auto of f timer
Interior light dimming time
To customize these control settings,
see page .
Low Windshield Washer Fluid
Level (Canada only) 66
Multi-Inf ormation Display
Inst rument s and Cont rols58
SELECT/
RESET
BUTTON
INFO
BUTTON
TM
TM

Î
Ì Ì
Ì
Ì
Î
Maint enance
Maintenance Minder
199
:
Independent of the maintenance messages in the Multi-Information
Display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, the first column,
page .
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
NOTE: 1:
198
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher transmission temperatures.
This requires transmission fluid changes more
frequently than recommended by the Maintenance
Minder. If you regulary drive your vehicle under these
conditions, have the transmission fluid changed at
60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km).
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under-20°F,
29°C), replace every 60,000 mile (U.S.)/100,000 km
(Canada)
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
51
Maintenance Minder

Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.Honda Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certif ication Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines’’.
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your Acura to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Install the engine oil
f ill cap and tighten it securely. Wait a
f ew minutes and recheck the oil level
(see page ). Do not f ill above the
upper mark on the dipstick; you
could damage the engine. 167
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
Recommended Engine Oil
204
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL Ambient Temperature

You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals shown on the Multi-
Inf ormation Display.
Your Acura does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability.Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the Multi-
Inf ormation Display. The oil and
f ilter collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
2. 1.
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives Changing the Oil and Filter
205
DRAIN BOLT
WASHER

Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the check
bolt, and look f or transmission f luid
coming out of the bolt hole. If a small
amount of f luid drips out of the bolt
hole, reinstall the check bolt.If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient. If no f luid comes out, remove the
f iller bolt. Slowly add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the check bolt
hole. Let the f luid run out until it
stops, then reinstall the check bolt
and the f iller bolt.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the Multi-Inf ormation
Display.
Manual T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
Manual Transmission Fluid
210
CHECK BOLT
DRAIN BOLT FILLER BOLT

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry. Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f an cycles twice).
Pref erably do this once a month.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(6-speed manual) or Park
(automatic).
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance227

ÎÎÎ
ÎÎ
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .205
......................................
When to .195
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .231
...
Charging System Indicator . 52,242
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 176
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 84
.....................................
Child Saf ety .29
..............................
Booster Seats .43
...................................
Child Seats .36
..........................................
Inf ants .34
............................
Large Children .42
.........................................
LATCH .38
......................
Risks with Airbags .30
.............................
Small Children .35
.........................................
Tethers .41
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 30
Cleaning .................................
Floor Mats .218
...................................
Seat Belts .218
...............
Climate Control System . 115
..............................................
Clock .103
..........................
CO in the Exhaust .46
.......................
Compact Spare .230
.................
Console Compartment . 107
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 265.............
Controls, Instruments and . 49
Coolant ........................................
Adding .207
....................................
Checking .167
.........................
Proper Solution .207
...................
Temperature Gauge . 57
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .260
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 54
............
Cruise Control Operation . 142
...................................
Cup Holders .106
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 266
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 50
............
Daytime Running Lights . 74
Daytime Running Light ...................................
Indicator .55
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 268
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 77
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 114
....................................
Dimensions .256
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 74Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 209
..................................
Engine Oil .167
..........................
Directional Signals .74
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 188
.................................
Disc Changer .129
...
Disc Changer Error Messages . 135
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .206
Doors ..............................
Monitor Light .60
......................
Power Door Locks .82
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 258
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .175
....................................
Economy .168
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .93
..............................
Economy, Fuel .168
............
Emergencies on the Road . 229
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 238
...........
Brake System Indicator . 244
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 231
.....
Charging System Indicator . 242
tire
Index
D
E
II

ÎCONT INUED
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 168
.........................................
Gasoline .164
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator . 56
...........................................
Gauge .57
................
Octane Requirement . 164
........................
Tank, Filling the .165
................
Gas Station Procedures . 165
...................................
Fan, Interior .122
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .109
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 165
........................................
Filter, Oil .205
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 76
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 231
.....................................
Floor Mats .218
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 209
..........................................
Brake .211
.........................................
Clutch .211
..............
Manual Transmission . 210
..........................
Power Steering .212
................
Windshield Washers . 208
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .122
.....................................
Fog Lights .75 ..........................
Four-way Flashers .76
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,22
......................................
Front Seats .90
......................................
Adjusting .90
.........................................
Heaters .96
.....................................
Airbags .9, 22
.................................................
Fuel .164
......................
Fill Door and Cap .165
...........................................
Gauge .57
................
Octane Requirement . 164
........................
Reserve Indicator .56
........................
Tank, Filling the .165
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .245
..................
Checking the Fuses . 245
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 76
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 249
............................
Jump Starting .238
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 242
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 243
..................
Overheated Engine . 240
.......................................
Towing .249
.........................
Emergency Brake .103
......................
Emergency Flashers .76
......................
Emergency Towing .249
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 84
.......................
Emissions Controls .260
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 263
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 57
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .52, 243
.........................................
Oil Lif e .64
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 52,242
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 204
...............................
Overheating .240
............................
Specif ications .257
....................
Speed Limiter . 179,185
.......................................
Starting .177
...................
Engine, .236 ......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .164
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 260
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .46
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .17
if it won’t start
Index
F
G
III

ÎÎÎ
ÎÎ.................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 232
.......................................
Jack, Tire .231
................................
Jump Starting .238
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 57
...............................................
Fuel .57
...............................
Speedometer .57
.................................
Tachometer .57
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 181
6-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .178
......................................
Glove Box .107 ...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 254
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .79
...........................................
Switch .80
............
Timing Control System . 261
........................
Immobilizer System .81
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.........................................
Indicators .52
......
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) . 53,189
Brake (Parking and Brake ............................
System) .52, 244
................
Charging System . 52,242
.............................
Cruise Control .54
DRL (Daytime Running ..................................
Lights) .55
...................................
Fog Light .56
...................................
High Beam .55
........
Key (Immobilizer System) . 56
......................................
Low Fuel .56 ................
Low Oil Pressure . 54,242
...........................
Side Airbag Of f .53
.........................................
SRS .26, 53
Turn Signal and Hazard ...................................
Warning .55
............................
VSA Activation .54
.................................
VSA System .54
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .34
......................................
Inf ant Seats .34
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 221
...................................
Inside Mirror .91
.............................
Inspection, Tire .222
............................
Instrument Panel .51
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators . 52
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 75
...............................
Interior Lights .104
........................................
Introduction .i
.......................
Halogen Fog Bulbs .213
..........
HandsFree Link (HFL) . 70,149
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 76
........................................
Headlights .74
........................................
Aiming .213
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .76
.......
Daytime Running Lights . 74
..................
High Beam Indicator . 55
.........................
Reminder Chime .74
...................................
Turning on .74
..............................
Head Restraints .89
.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 74HomeLink Universal
................................
Transceiver .145
....................................
Hood Latch .212
.......................
Hood, Opening the .166
Index
H I
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IV