engine Acura TL 2008 Repair Manual

When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
If the f luid level
is low, a ‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’
message will be shown on the multi-
inf ormation display.
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.
The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on and
tighten it.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
3.
1.
2. 4.
5.
On Canadian models:
CONT INUED
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
Windshield Washers
Maint enance
291
RADIATOR CAP
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Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Windshield Washers, A utomatic T ransmission Fluid
292
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
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If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the level between the
upper and lower marks on the
dipstick.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid).
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission.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.
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
5.
6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
293
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Acura new vehicle warranty.
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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.
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.
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.If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
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.
Manual T ransmission Fluid
294
DRAIN BOLT FILLER BOLT
CHECK BOLT
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Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoir monthly af ter removing the
engine compartment rear cover (see
page ).
Replace the brake f luid when this
service is indicated on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
286
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake Fluid Brake System
Maint enance
295
MAX
MIN
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Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spill
immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but 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.
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold,
and the engine compartment right-
side cover is of f (see page ). The
f luid should be between the UPPER
LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If not,
add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible. 286
Manual Transmission only
Clutch Fluid
Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
296
LOWER LEVELUPPER LEVEL
MAX
MIN
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
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CONT INUED
Remove the left or right side
engine compartment cover f rom
thesideyouareworkingonby
caref ully pulling the cover out.If youarereplacingthebulbon
the driver’s side, remove the air
intake cover by removing the two
f astener pins and pulling the cover
out. Then remove the upper part
of the air intake duct by pulling it
straight up.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk, readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or other qualif ied technician.
The headlight bulbs are a type of
high voltage discharge tube. High
voltage can remain in the circuit
even with the light switch off and the
key removed. Because of this, you
shouldnotattempttoexamineor
change a headlight bulb yourself . If a
headlight bulb f ails, take your
vehicle to a dealer to have it replaced.
1.
Headlight A iming Replacing a Daytime Running
Light Bulb
Headlights
Lights
Maint enance
297
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil,
perspiration, or a scratch on the glass
can cause the bulb to overheat and
shatter.
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Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
(Driver’s side)
Install the upper part of the air
intake duct.
(Driver’s side)
Install the engine compartment
corner cover, and secure it with
two fastener pins.
Install the engine compartment
side cover.Start the engine. If you are
replacing a driver’s side bulb, turn
the steering wheel all the way to
theright.If youarereplacinga
passenger’s side bulb, turn the
steering wheel to the lef t. Turn of f
the engine.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise. Turn on the lights to test the new
bulb.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
2.
3.
1.
Replacing the Front T urn Signal/
Parking L ight Bulb
Lights
298
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Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.Remove the bulb f rom the socket
bypushingitinandturningit
counterclockwise until it unlocks.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert the socket into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the holding clips f rom the
edge of the inner f ender cover,
and pull the inner f ender cover
back. Push the inner f ender cover in
place. Install the holding clips, and
lock them in place by pushing on
their center.
Start the engine. If you are
replacing a driver’s side bulb, turn
the steering wheel all the way to
theright.If youarereplacinga
passenger’s side bulb, turn the
steering wheel to the lef t. Turn of f
the engine.
3.
2. 4.
5.
6.
7.
8. 1.
CONT INUED
Lights
Replacing a Front Fog L ight Bulb
Maint enance
299
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If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
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. 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 ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
315
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