cooling 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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Û
Ý When the indicator in the button is
on, air f rom the vehicle’s interior is
recirculated throughout the system.
When the indicator is off, air is
brought in f rom the outside of the
vehicle (fresh air mode).
The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep this
area clear of leaves and other debris.
Thesystemshouldbeleftinfresh
air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to recirculation mode when
driving through dusty or smoky
conditions, then return to fresh air
mode.
This button turns the rear window
def ogger of f and on (see page ).
The driver’s side temperature and
passenger’s side temperature can be
set separately. Press either side’s
button to increase the temperature
of airf low. Press either side’s
button to decrease it. When you set
the temperature to its lower limit or
its upper limit, it will be displayed as
‘‘Lo’’ or ‘‘Hi’’.
This button turns the air
conditioning on and of f . The A/C
ON indicator comes on in the display
when the A/C is on.
The climate control system in your
vehicle can also be operated using
the voice control system. See the
navigation section in your quick start
guide f or an overview of this system
and the navigation system manual
f or complete details.
Press the button to increase the
fanspeedandairflow.Pressthe
button to decrease it.
90
Only on models with navigation system
Voice Control System Recirculation Button
Rear Window Def ogger Button
Temperature Control Buttons
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button
Fan Control Buttons
Vents, Heating, and A/C
128
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Air conditioning, as it cools, removes
moisture from the air. When used in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry.Switch the f an on.
Turn on the air conditioning.
Select and fresh air mode.
Adjust the temperature to your
pref erence.
This setting is suitable f or all driving
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reading returns to normal.
To remove f og f rom inside the
windows:Set the f an to the desired speed, or
on high f or f aster def rosting.
Select . When you select , the system automatically
switches to f resh air mode and
turns on the A/C. The A/C ON indicator will not come on, if it was
previously of f .
Adjust the temperature so the
airflow feels warm.
Select to help clear the
rear window.
When you select or ,
the system automatically switches to
f resh air mode and turns on the A/C.
This helps to dehumidif y the air and
to def og the windshield. In either
mode, you cannot turn of f the A/C.
When you switch to another mode,
the A/C returns to its original setting,
either on or of f , as displayed by the
A/C ON or A/C OFF indicator.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button.
Set the temperature to the desired
level. For quick cooling set the
temperature to maximum cool.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select f resh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
you can
cool it down more rapidly by partially
opening the windows, turning on the
air conditioning, and setting the f an
to maximum speed in f resh air mode. 1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. 65
If the interior is very warm,
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Dehumidif y the Interior
Using the A/C
To Def og and Def rost
130
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When the AUTO button on the
driver’s side is pressed, the
temperature control buttons on the
passenger’s side are disabled, and
the interior temperature is regulated
to the temperature set on the driver’s
side.WhentheAUTObuttononthe
passenger’s side is pressed,
temperature can be set on the driver’s
side and passenger’s side separately.
The system automatically selects the
proper mix of conditioned and/or
heated air that will, as quickly as
possible, raise or lower the interior
temperature to your pref erence.
When you set the temperature to its
lower or its upper limit, the system
runs at f ull cooling or heating only. It
does not regulate the interior
temperature.
The automatic climate control
system adjusts the f an speed and
airflow levels to maintain the interior
temperature you select.
In AUTO mode, the vehicle’s interior
temperature is independently
regulated f or the driver and
passenger. If the driver’s side of the
vehicle is getting too much sun, the
system will adjust to a lower
temperature.
Press the AUTO button.
Set the desired temperature with
the temperature control buttons.
You will see AUTO in the system’s
display.
Select . The system
automatically switches to f resh air
mode and turns on the A/C. The
A/C indicator does not come on if
it was previously off.
Select .
Set the f an and temperature
controls to maximum level.
To clear the windshield f aster, you
can close the dashboard corner vents
by rotating the wheel below each
vent. This sends more warm air to
the windshield def roster vents. Once
the windshield is clear, select f resh
air mode to avoid fogging the
windows.
For your saf ety, make sure you have
a clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving. 1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
On models with navigation system
CONT INUED
Climat e Cont rol
T o Cool or Heat A utomatically
Using A utomatic Climate Control
T o Remove Exterior Frost or Ice
From the Windows
Features
131
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If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water. If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
290
RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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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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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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Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark
(see on
page ).
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Start the engine, and set the
interior temperature to maximum
heat. Add coolant to the radiator
up to the base of the f iller neck. If
you do not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
8. 9.
7.
11.
10.
6.
290
337
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
A dding Engine CoolantT aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
329
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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