tow Acura TL 2009 User Guide

Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every 6 months.
Replace them if you f ind signs of
cracking in the rubber, areas that are
getting hard, or if they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.Raise each wiper arm of f the
windshield, lif ting the driver’s side
first, then the passenger’s side.
This f ilter removes the dust and
pollenthatisbroughtinfromthe
outside through the climate control
system.
Have your dealer replace the filter
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the multi-
inf ormation display. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air, or if the f low f rom
theclimatecontrolsystembecomes
less than usual.
Disconnect the blade assembly
fromthewiperarmbypushingin
the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in
while you push the blade assembly
toward the base of the arm.
1.
2.
Dust and Pollen Filter, Wiper Blades
Wiper Blades
Dust and Pollen Filter
566
LOCK TAB
Do not open the hood when the wiper
arms are raised, or you will damage the
hood and wiper arms.
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Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder) af ter
removing all engine compartment
covers (see page ). To remove it,
cover the terminals with a solution of
baking soda and water. It will bubble
upandturnbrown.Whenthisstops,
wash it of f with plain water. Dry of f
the battery with a cloth or paper
towel. Coat the terminals with grease
to help prevent f urther corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your Acura dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. 546
Checking the Battery
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Maint enance
577
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
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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.
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.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected, or goes dead, the time
setting may be lost. To reset the time,
see page .
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself . The next
timeyouturnontheradio,youwill
see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the
f requency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the code (see page
).
The navigation system will also
disableitself.Thenexttimeyouset
to the ON mode, the system will
require you to enter a PIN bef ore it
can be used. Ref er to the navigation
system manual. 377
376On models without navigation system
On models with navigation system
Vehicle Storage
578
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .582
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .583
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .588
................................
Jump Starting .591
..............
If the Engine Overheats .593
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .595
..........
Charging System Indicator .595
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .596
...............
Brake System Indicator .597
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
....................................
Manually .598
..............................................
Fuses .599
..............................
Fuse Locations .603
......................
Emergency Towing .606
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .608
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
581
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Do you have your keyless access
system remote with you? The
vehicle will not start without the
remote within operating range.
The vehicle will not start without
the remote within operating range
and with the keyless access main
switch in the glove box turned on.
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the warning indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
If you are unable to stop the
engine normally while in the Park
position, see on page .
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on pages and .
600 606
184
505
503
On models with keyless access system
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency
Towing
Emergency Engine
Stop
Starting the
Engine
590
NOTE:
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If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
The pointer of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If the vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Park, and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning lights.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.
606
CONT INUED
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
593
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to the engine.
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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
(seeon
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. 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.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). 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.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 (see
on 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.
8.
9.
7. 6.
10.
11.
550
606
A dding Engine Coolant
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
594
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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If the f uel f ill door release button
does not work, use the release lever
inside the lef t maintenance lid in the
trunk.To open the f uel f ill door, pull the
release lever rearward.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired by
your dealer as soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately. 606
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
Emergency T owing
Brake System Indicator, Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
598
RELEASE LEVER
MAINTENANCE LID
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The vehicle’s f uses are contained in
threefuseboxes.
The interior f use box is located
under the dashboard on the driver’s
side. The f use label is attached
under the steering column.The passenger’s side interior f use
box is on the lower passenger’s side
panel. To remove the f use box lid,
put your f inger in the notch on the
lid, and pull it upward slightly, then
pull it toward you and take it out of
its hinges.The under-hood f use box is on the
driver’s side next to the air cleaner
housing.
To access the under-hood f use box,
remove the lef t-side engine
compartment cover (see page ).
546
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
599
DRIVER’S SIDE
PASSENGER’S SIDE
NOTCH TAB
FUSE LABEL UNDER-HOOD
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
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If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock. Turn of f the engine. Shif t to D position f or 5 seconds,
then to N. Start the engine. Release the parking brake.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required. If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch. ACCESSORY Mode is the
equivalent of ACCESSORY (I). See
page f or ignition switch and
power mode comparison.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the f ront tires and lif t them of f
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground.
180
(On SH-AWD models)(Except SH-AWD models)
Emergency Towing
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
T his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle.
606
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the
all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle
should be transported on a f lat-bed
truck or trailer.
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