engine Acura TL 2011 Owner's Manual

Then drive in city/suburban
traffic for at least 10 minutes.
When traf f ic conditions allow, let
the vehicle coast f or several
seconds without using the
accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
If the testing f acility determines the
readiness codes are still not set, see
your dealer. Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine of f f or 30
minutes.
Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80to97km/h)foratleast20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D (automatic) or 5th (manual). Do
notusethecruisecontrol.When
traffic allows, drive for 90 seconds
without moving the accelerator
pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary
slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot
do this f or a continuous 90
seconds because of traf f ic
conditions, drive f or at least 30
seconds, then repeat it two more
times (for a total of 90 seconds).
7.
8.
9.
Emissions T esting
Technical Inf ormation
593
10/07/29 12:58:06 31TK4620_598
2011 TL

T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only) Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
Authorized Manuals
599
Form Description
2009-2011 Acura TL Service Manual 2009-2011 Acura TL
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2009 Model Series Acura TL Body Repair Manual 2011 Acura TL Owner’s Manual
2011 Acura TL Navigation Manual
2011 Acura TL Maintenance Journal
2011 Acura TL Advanced Technology Guide Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61TK402
61TK402EL
61TK430
31TK4620
31TK4820
31TK4M20 31TK4Q20 ACU-R
www.helminc.com
10/07/29 12:58:39 31TK4620_604
2011 TL

CONT INUED
................................
AAC .261, 301,348
....................................
Accessories .453
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .145
ACCESSORY Mode ...........................
(Power Mode) .178
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 207
................
Active Head Restraints . 159
....................................
AcuraLink
. 425
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 510
...........................
Advanced Airbags .28
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..........
Airbag System Components . 24
......
Air Conditioning System . 216,217
.........................................
Usage .218
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 535,536
......................................
Antif reeze .512
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66, 482
...................................
Operation .482
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 373
Anti-thef t Steering Column ....................................
Lock .145, 183
................................
Audio System .225 .
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 135
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 383
..............
Automatic Transmission . 468
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .580
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 515
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .473
.......................................
Shif ting .469
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .468
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 471
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .372
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65, 561
............................
Jump Starting .557
..............................
Maintenance .542
............................
Specif ications .581
..............................
Bef ore Driving .443
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .206
...................
Audio . 269,359
...............
HandsFreeLink. 389, 406
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 482
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 444
...........................................
Fluid .519
.......................................
Parking .204
.................
System Indicator . 65,563
........................
Wear Indicators .481
.............................
Braking System .481
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 444
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .137
....................................
Built-In Key .195
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .528
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 521
.................................
Fog Lights .526
.................................
Headlights .521
............................
Specif ications .581
............
Turn Signal Lights . 524,528
......................
Bulbs, Halogen .521, 526
Bluetooth Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
10/07/29 12:58:46 31TK4620_606
2011 TL

...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard .3, 62
..............
Daytime Running Lights . 136
.................................
Dead Battery .557
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 598
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window . 139
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 221
....................................
Dimensions .580
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 133
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 515
..................................
Engine Oil .448
........................
Directional Signals .133
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 481
.................................
Disc Changer .241
...
Disc Changer Error Messages . 251
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .512
............................
Capacities Chart .580
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 57
............................
Carrying, Cargo .455
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
.........................................
CD Care .364
...................................
CD Changer .241
.......................................
CD Player .295
........................
Certif ication Label .578
............................................
Chains .541
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .549
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .510
......................................
When to .497
...
Charging System Indicator . 65,561
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 460
.....................................
Child Saf ety .37
..............................
Booster Seats .54
...................................
Child Seats .45
..........................................
Inf ants .42
............................
Large Children .53
.........................................
LATCH .47
......................
Risks with Airbags .38
.............................
Small Children .43
.........................................
Tethers .51 .....................
Warning Labels .39, 59
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 38
.......................................
Child Seats .45
.........................................
LATCH .47
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
................
Childproof Door Locks . 147
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 530
..........
Client Service Inf ormation . 596
.......
Climate Control System . 216,217
..........................
On/Off Button .219
..............................................
Clock .374
...................................
Clutch Fluid .520
..................
CO in the Exhaust . 57, 589
....
Cold Weather, Starting in . 461,463
......................
Compact Spare Tire .548
.........................................
Compass .379
.................
Console Compartment . 208
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 596
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 61
Coolant ........................................
Adding .512
....................................
Checking .449
.........................
Proper Solution .512
...................
Temperature Gauge . 76
........
Water Temp Hot Message . 76Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .589
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 72
............
Cruise Control Operation . 383
...................................
Cup Holders .206
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 596
Index
D
C
II
10/08/03 20:57:13 31TK4620_607
2011 TL

Î
CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .220
Doors
.....
Lock Button, Outer Handle . 170
..........
Lockout Prevention . 147,171
.................
Monitor Indicator . 12,71
....................
Power Door Locks . 146
.
Unlock Sensor, Outer Handle . 169
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 583
Downshif ting, ..............
Manual Transmission . 465
....................
D-Paddle Shif t Mode .473
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .459
....................................
Economy .450
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .164
Dual Temperature and Mode .......................................
Control .222
..................
Dual and Pollen Filter . 532
..............................
Economy, Fuel .450
Electronic Stability Control ............................
(ESC) System .484
..................................
Emergencies .547
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 557 ...........
Brake System Indicator . 563
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 549
.....
Charging System Indicator . 561
..................
Checking the Fuses . 565
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers . 139
.........
If the Engine Won’t Start . 554
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 574
............................
Jump Starting .557
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 561
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 562
Manually Opening Fuel Fill .......................................
Door .564
..................
Overheated Engine . 559
.......................................
Towing .572
.........................
Emergency Brake .204
..............
Emergency Engine Start . 464
....................
Emergency Flashers .139
......................
Emergency Towing .572
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 150
.......................
Emissions Controls .589
........................
Emissions Testing .592
Engine ............
Adding Engine Coolant . 512
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 76
.........................
If It Won’t Start .554 Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .64, 562
.................................
Oil Lif e .84, 497
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,561
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 509
...............................
Overheating .559
............................
Specif ications .581
....................
Speed Limiter . 466,471
.............
Start/Stop Button . 177,182
..............................
Starting .461, 463
Starting System .........................
Message .462, 464
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 508
..............................
Engine Coolant .512
............
Engine Start/Stop Button . 177
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .445
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 589
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
Index
F
EINDEX
III
10/07/29 12:58:55 31TK4620_608
2011 TL

...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 450
.........................................
Gasoline .444
...........................................
Gauge .75
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 444
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .445
................
Gas Station Procedures . 445
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 76
...............................................
Fuel .75
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 468
..............
Manual Transmission . 465
......................................
Glove Box .208
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .....................................
(GVWR) .457 .......................
Halogen Bulbs .521, 526
......
HandsFreeLink
(HFL) . 389,406
............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 139
Hard Disc Drive (HDD), ........................................
Playing .308
.....................................
Headlights .133
........................................
Aiming .521
............
Automatic Lighting Off . 135
............
Automatic Lighting On . 134
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 136
..................
High Beam Indicator . 71
.......................
Reminder Beeps .133
........................
Replacing Bulbs .521
.................................
Turning on .133
............................
Head Restraints .156
.............................
Heated Mirrors .163
...................................
Heater, Seat .196
...............
High-Low Beam Switch . 133
.............................
Hill Start Assist .486
HomeLink
Universal ................................
Transceiver .386
........
Hood, Opening and Closing . 447
...........................................
Horn .4,130
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .520
.........................................
Features .215
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 445
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .532
...............................................
Oil .510
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 139
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 549
.....................................
Floor Mats .531
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 515
..........................................
Brake .519
.........................................
Clutch .520
..............
Manual Transmission . 517
................
Windshield Washers . 514
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .368
.....................................
Fog Lights .137
........................
Four-way Flashers .139
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,26
....................................
Front Seats .155
....................................
Adjusting .155
.....................................
Airbags .9, 26
.......................................
Heaters .196
.................................................
Fuel .444
......................
Fill Door and Cap .446
...........................................
Gauge .75 .....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 444
...............................
Oxygenated .444
........................
Tank, Filling the .445
...............................
Fuel Economy .450
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .565
Index
H
G
IV
10/08/06 13:36:34 31TK4620_609
2011 TL

Lights....................
Bulb Replacement .521
.......................................
Indicator .63
.......................................
Parking .133
..........................
Turn Signal .70, 133
....................................
Load Limits .456
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 145
LOCK VEHICLE OFF ...........................
(Power Mode) .178
..............
Lockout Prevention . 147,171
Locks Anti-thef t Steering ...........................
Column .145, 183
........................
Childproof Door .147
............................
Fuel Fill Door .446
..................................
Glove Box .208
...............................
Power Door .146
.........................................
Trunk .148
......
Trunk Pass-through Cover . 160
........................
Low Coolant Level .449
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,561
................................
Lower Anchors .47
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 580
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 455..................................
Maintenance .495
Main Items and Sub ..............................
Items .502, 506
........................................
Minder .497
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .505
..........................................
Saf ety .496
Malf unction Indicator ....................................
Lamp .64, 562
...................
Manual Transmission . 465
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 517
....................................
Map Lights .213
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 164
.........................
Meters, Gauges .63, 75
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .161
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 454
.......................................
Moonroof .202
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display . 77
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 470
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 444
............
Normal Shif t Speeds . 466,477 ...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 578
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 444
.........................................
Odometer .81
Oil ........................
Change, How to .510
......................
Change, When to .497
......................
Checking Engine .448
..............
Pressure Indicator . 64,561
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .510
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 145
.............
ON Mode (Power Mode) . 178
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .589
...........................
Operating Range .168
............................
Outside Mirrors .162
.....................
Outside Temperature .84
....................
Overheating, Engine .559
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 505
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .444
Index
M
N O
VI
10/08/06 13:36:39 31TK4620_611
2011 TL

CONT INUED
..............................
Paddle Shif ters .473
............
Panel Brightness Control . 137
........................
Park Gear Position .469
...........................................
Parking .480
...............................
Parking Brake .204
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 65,563
...............................
Parking Lights .133
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 480
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator . 34
.............................
PGM-FI System .590
...................................
Pollen Filter .532
..................................
Power Mode .178
.................
ACCESSORY Mode . 179
...................................
ON Mode .179
............................
START Mode .181
..............
VEHICLE OFF Mode . 179
...............
Power Socket Locations . 205
............................
Power Windows .198
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 18
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18........................
Protecting Children .37
.....................
General Guidelines .37
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .42
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 53
.........
Protecting Small Children . 43
Using Child Seats with .....................................
Tethers .51
.............................
Using LATCH .47
..................
Protecting Your Discs . 364
...................
Radiator Overheating . 559
...
Radio/Disc Sound System . 226,273
.................
Radio Thef t Protection . 373
............................
Radio, XM
. 235, 287
...................
Readiness Codes . 562,592
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 528
........................
Rear Seat Armrest .160
...
Rearview Camera and Monitor . 441
...........................
Rearview Mirror .161
...............
Rear Window Def ogger . 139
.............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 155
Recommended Shif t ................................
Speeds .466, 477
........................................
Ref ueling .445 .......................
Reminder Indicators .64
Remote, Keyless Access ................................
System .168, 173
................
Remote Audio Controls . 370
.....................
Remote Transmitter .151
Replacement Inf ormation ..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 532
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 510
..........................................
Fuses .565
................................
Light Bulbs .521
........................................
Minder .497
................................
Timing Belt .520
...........................................
Tires .539
.............................
Wiper Blades .532
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .23
.............
Reporting Saf ety Def ects . 598
Reserve Tank, Engine ...............................
Coolant .449, 512
......................
Reverse Tilt Mirror .162
...............................
Restraint, Child .37
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 470
................................
Rotation, Tire .539
Index
INDEX
P
R
VII
10/07/29 12:59:15 31TK4620_612
2011 TL

Î..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 20
............
Safety Defects, Reporting . 598
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
...........................................
Airbags .9
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 58
..............................
Saf ety Messages .iii
.....................................
Seat Belts .8, 20
...............
Additional Information . 20
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners .22
.....................................
Cleaning .530
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .21
................................
Maintenance .23
Reminder Indicator and ................................
Beeper .20, 64
...................
System Components . 20
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 18
..................................
Seat Heaters .196
......................
Seats, Adjusting the .155
............................
Security System .377
.....................
Selecting a Child Seat .45
...
Selector Knob (Disc Changer) . 226
..................
Sequential Shif t Mode . 475...............................
Serial Number .578
..............................
Service Minder .497
...........................
Service Manual .599
.........
Service Station Procedures . 445
..........................
Setting the Clock .374
........................
SH-AWD
Indicator .73
...
Shif t Lever Position Indicators . 468
........................
Shif t Lock Release .471
................................
Side Airbags .9 ,30
........
Side Airbag Of f Indicator . 33,67
......................
Side Curtain Airbags .32
.............................
Signaling Turns .133
.....................................
Snow Tires .541
................................
Sound System .225
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .548
....................
Specif ications .548, 582
....................................
Spark Plugs .581
................................
Specif ications .580
................................
Speed Control .383
...................................
Speedometer .75
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 24
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 36
.............................
Airbag Service .35
......
Airbag System Components . 24How the Passenger Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works .34
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .33
How the SRS Indicator .......................................
Works .32
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .26
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 30
How Your Side Curtain Airbags .........................................
Work .32
.............................
SRS Indicator .32 ,67
..
START (Ignition Key Position) . 145
......
START Mode (Power Mode) . 178
...
Start/Stop Button, Engine . 177,182
..............
Starting the Engine . 461,463
....
Check Starting System . 462,464
In Cold Weather at High ..........................
Altitude .461, 463
................
With a Dead Battery . 557
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 559
Steering Wheel ..............................
Adjustments .140
...
Anti-thef t Column Lock . 145,183
Steering Wheel ..............
Buttons . 370,383,389,406
Index
S
VIII
10/07/29 12:59:19 31TK4620_613
2011 TL

Service Inf ormation Summary
Gasoline:
Automatic Transmission Fluid:Transfer Assembly Fluid: Rear Differential Fluid:
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Recommended Engine Oil:
SpareTirePressure: Tire Pressure (measured cold): Brake Fluid:
Manual Transmission Fluid:
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
Oil change capacity (including
filter): Capacity:
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or
higher required (see ‘‘Fuel
Recommendations’’ on page ).
18.5 US gal (70
)
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page ).
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm
)
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
)
Rear: 37 psi (255 kPa , 2.55 kgf/cm
)
Front: 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
)
Front/Rear:
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page ).
Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission fluid) (see page ). Use Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid
(DPSF) only.
SH-AWD differential case
2.67 US qt (2.53
)
SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90 viscosity
hypoid gear oil, API service
classified GL4 or GL5 only.
Acura Manual Transmission Fluid
preferred, or an SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 motor oil as a temporary
replacement (see page ).
Capacity:
2.2 US qt (2.1
)
444
509
516 519
All models except SH-AWD with
High Performance Tires and
SH-AWD TECH HPT models
SH-AWD with High Performance
Tires, SH-AWD TECH HPT, and
Canadian A-Spec models
518
On models with SH-AWD
10/08/03 20:57:32 31TK4620_617
2011 TL