check engine light Acura TL 2008 Owner's Manual

This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise to
about the middle of the gauge. In
severe driving conditions, the pointer
may rise to the upper zone. If it
reaches the red (hot) mark, pull
safely to the side of the road. Turn to
page f or instructions and
precautions on checking the engine’s
cooling system.
This shows how much f uel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
than the actual amount. Driving
uphill or making turns can cause the
needle to f luctuate or the low f uel
indicator to come on early. The
needle returns to the bottom after
you turn of f the ignition.328
Temperature Gauge
Fuel Gauge
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
65
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER
FUEL GAUGE
Avoid driving with an extremely low f uel level. Running out of f uel could cause
the engine to misf ire, damaging the catalytic converter.
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Park the vehicle, and set the
parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower lef t corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Put your f ingers between the f ront
edge of the hood and the f ront
grille to locate the hood latch
handle. Push this handle up until it
releases the hood. Lif t the hood.Lif t the hood up most of the way.
The hydraulic supports will lif t it
uptherestof thewayandholdit
up.
If the hood latch handle moves
stif f ly, or if you can open the hood
without lifting the handle, the
mechanism should be cleaned and
lubricated.
If the system still detects a leak in
your vehicle’s evaporative
emissions system, the malfunction
indicator lamp (MIL) comes on. If
the f uel f ill cap was not already
tightened, turn the engine of f , and
check or retighten the f uel f ill cap
until it clicks at least once. The
MIL should go of f af ter several
days of normal driving once the
cap is tightened or replaced. If the
MIL does not go of f , have your
vehicle inspected by a dealer. For
more information, see page .
1.
2. 3.
331
CONT INUED
Opening and Closing the Hood
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
239
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
LATCH
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Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and
).
3. 2.
1.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9. 10.
103
107 91
14 57 65
68
Preparing to Drive
252
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Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you. The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System Design Brake Wear Indicators
Braking System
Driving
267
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages on the multi-
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .278
....................
Maintenance Minder .279
..............................
Fluid Locations .285
......
Engine Compartment Covers .286
........................
Adding Engine Oil .287
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .288
..............................
Engine Coolant .290
....................
Windshield Washers .291
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .292
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .294
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .295
....................
Power Steering Fluid .296
.............................................
Lights .297
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .303
.....................................
Floor Mats .304
.................................
Wiper Blades .304
...............................................
Tires .306
...................
Checking the Battery .314
.............................
Vehicle Storage .315
361
Maintenance
Maint enance
277
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µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
Ì
U.S. Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-
inf ormation display.
240
241
292 295
309 297
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards. Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
283
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Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See
on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
f rom a booster battery (see page ).
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page .
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, the shif t
lever must be in Park or neutral.
Check these things:
326 337
314
326
If theEngineWon’tStart
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Emergency T owing
Jump Starting
324
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications .245
................................
Accessories .245
............................
Modif ications .246
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .95
............
Accessory Power Sockets .120
......................................
AcuraLink .219
................
Adding Engine Coolant .290
........................
Adding Engine Oil .287
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .288
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,22
...............
Additional Information .22
......................................
Servicing .31
...................
System Components .22
..............
Air Conditioning System .126
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .306
......................................
Antif reeze .290
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .60,268
...................................
Operation .268
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .184
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock .95
................................
Audio System .133
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature .88 ...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .20
.............
Automatic Speed Control .186
..............
Automatic Transmission .259
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .344
...............
Checking Fluid Level .292
.......................................
Shif ting .259
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .259
....................
Shif t Lock Release .264
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .59,330
............................
Jump Starting .326
..............................
Maintenance .314
............................
Specif ications .345
..............................
Bef ore Driving .235
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,18
...........................
Beverage Holder .120
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.192
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .268
.............
Break-in, New Linings .236
...........................................
Fluid .295
.......................................
Parking .117 .................
System Indicator .59,332
........................
Wear Indicators .267
.............................
Braking System .267
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .236
..
Brightness Control, Instruments .89
........................
Brights, Headlights .86
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights .301
.........
Daytime Running Lights .297
.................................
Fog Lights .299
............................
Specif ications .345
............
Turn Signal Lights .298,300
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .297
............................
Capacities Chart .344
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .52
............................
Carrying, Cargo .247
Cassette Player
....................................
Care .154,175
...........................
Operation .152,173
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
..................................
Ceiling Light .118
Index
A
BC
INDEX
I
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ÎÎ Î
........................
Certif ication Label .342
...................................
Chains, tires .312
Changing Oil
........................................
How to .288
......................................
When to .279
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .319
...
Charging System Indicator .59,330
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .252
..................
Childproof Door Locks .98
.....................................
Child Saf ety .33
..............................
Booster Seats .49
...................................
Child Seats .41
..........................................
Inf ants .38
............................
Large Children .48
.........................................
LATCH .43
......................
Risks with Airbags .34
.............................
Small Children .39
.........................................
Tethers .46
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? .34
Cleaning ...................................
Seat Belts .303
..........
Client Service Inf ormation .358
...............
Climate Control System .131
..............................................
Clock .116
..........................
CO in the Exhaust .52
.......................
Compact Spare tire .318 .........................................
Compass .230
.................
Console Compartment .121
...............
Consumer Inf ormation .358
.............
Controls, Instruments and .55
Coolant
........................................
Adding .290
....................................
Checking .241
.........................
Proper Solution .290
...................
Temperature Gauge .65
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .352
................
Cruise Control Indicator .61
............
Cruise Control Operation .186
...................................
Cup Holders .120
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice .358
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,56
................
Daytime Running Lights .88
.
Daytime Running Light Indicator .62
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .360
................
Def ogger, Rear Window .90
..............
Def rosting the Windows .130
....................................
Dimensions .344 ...............
Dimming the Headlights .86
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .292
..................................
Engine Oil .240
..........................
Directional Signals .86
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .267
........................
Disc Changer .145,165
...
Disc Changer Error Messages .176
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .289
Doors
.................
Monitor Indicator .11,68
......................
Power Door Locks .96
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .346
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .251
....................................
Economy .242
Driving Position Memory
........................................
System .108
..............................
Economy, Fuel .242
Index
D
E
II
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CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .128
Features, Comfort and
..............................
Convenience .125
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .237
........................................
Filter, Oil .288
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .90
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .319
.....................................
Floor Mats .304
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .292
..........................................
Brake .295
.........................................
Clutch .296
..............
Manual Transmission .294 ..........................
Power Steering .296
................
Windshield Washers .291
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .180
........................................
Fog Lights .89
..........................
Four-way Flashers .90
..............................
Front Airbags .9,24
....................................
Front Seats .103
....................................
Adjusting .103
.......................................
Heaters .111
.....................................
Airbags .9,24
.................................................
Fuel .236
......................
Fill Door and Cap .237
...........................................
Gauge .65
................
Octane Requirement .236
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .237
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .333
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving .243
............
Emergencies on the Road .317
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .326
...........
Brake System Indicator .332
................
Changing a Flat Tire .319
.....
Charging System Indicator .330
..................
Checking the Fuses .333
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .90
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .338
............................
Jump Starting .326
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .330
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .331
..................
Overheated Engine .328
.......................................
Towing .337
.........................
Emergency Brake .117
......................
Emergency Flashers .90
......................
Emergency Towing .337
............
Emergency Trunk Opener .98
.......................
Emissions Controls .352
.............
Emissions Testing, State .355
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .65
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .59,331
.................................
Oil Lif e .72,279
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .59,330
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .287 ...............................
Overheating .328
............................
Specif ications .345
....................
Speed Limiter .257,264
..............................
Starting .253,254
.................
Engine, if it won’t start .324
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .237
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .352
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .16
Index
F
G
INDEX
III
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