battery Acura TL 2011 Owner's Guide

µ
To see the battery label, remove the
lef t side engine compartment cover
(see page ).
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder) af ter
removing all engine compartment
covers (see page ). To remove
corrosion, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f urther corrosion. 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.
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
time you turn on the radio, you will
see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the
frequency 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.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your Acura dealer or a
qualif ied technician. 373
372
508
508
On models without navigation system
On models with navigation system
Checking the Battery
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Maint enance
543
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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2011 TL

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 reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic). 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.
Vehicle Storage
544
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2011 TL

Check these things:
When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position or on
models with keyless access system,
press the engine start/stop button to
set START Mode (see page ),
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.
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 or on models with keyless
access system, press the engine
start/stop button to set START
Mode (see page ):
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. You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly. 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, it must be
in Park or neutral.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position or on models with
keyless access system, press the
engine start/stop button to set ON
Mode (see page ). 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 .
178
178
178557
If theEngineWon’tStart
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting
554
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2011 TL

In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position or on models with keyless
access system, press the engine
start/stop button to set START
Mode (see page ), but the engine
does not run.
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position or on models
with keyless access system, press
the engine start/stop button to set
STARTMode(seepage ).If
the headlights do not dim, check
the condition of the fuses. If the
f uses are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for 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
).
Are you using a properly coded
key or keyless access remote (on
models with keyless access
system)? An improperly coded key
or keyless access remote will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).65
178
178
542
572 557
CONT INUED
T he Starter Operates Normally
Emergency T owing
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
555
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2011 TL

Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
You cannot start a vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it.Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or like ice, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
To jump start your vehicle:
Turn of f all the electrical
accessories: climate control, audio
system, lights, etc. Put the
transmission in neutral (manual)
or Park (automatic), and set the
parking brake. Pull up the battery terminal cover
to remove. The battery terminal
cover can be removed without
removing the lef t side engine
compartment cover.
1.
2.
3.
CONT INUED
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
557
BATTERY TERMINAL COVER
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
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2011 TL

´´ µStart the vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
The numbers in the illustration
show you the order to connect the
jumper cables.
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
battery. Connect the other end to
the positive ( ) terminal on the
booster battery. Once the vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable f rom
your vehicle, then f rom the
booster battery. Disconnect the
positive cable f rom your vehicle,
and then from the booster battery.
Install the battery terminal cover.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the vehicle until everything is
disconnected. Otherwise, you may
cause an electrical short.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the engine hanger as
shown. Do not connect this jumper
cable to any other part of the
engine.
4. 5.
6.7.
8.
9.
Jump Starting
558
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2011 TL

Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon
).
Let the vehicle sit for a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other
driving maneuvers.
Go to a service station or
garage where you can get
technical assistance. If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the
engine is running, the battery
is not being charged.
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
1.
2.
3.
4.
448
509
Emergency Towing Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
561
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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page 572
2011 TL

If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may go off as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage. Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
thesecodesmaybeerased.Ittakes
several days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the malf unction
indicator lamp may also come on
with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display.Readiness Code
Malf unction Indicator L amp
562
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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as possible.
2011 TL

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No. Amps.
No.
CONT INUED
Circuits Protected
No.
Amps. Amps.
Circuits Protected Circuits Protected
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21 40 A
40 A
15 A
20 A
7.5 A
15 A
15 A
10 A
7.5 A 15 A
15 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
7.5 A
11
12
21
22
23
24
25
26 IG Main
Sub Fan Motor
Sub Fan Motor
Driver’s Side Fuse Box
Main Fan Motor
Driver’s Side Light Main
Wiper Motor
Passenger’s Side Light Main
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
120 A
40 A
70 A
40 A
30 A
40 A
30 A
30 A 50 A
40 A
30 A
60 A
40 A
30 A
30 A
30 A
30 A
Battery
Passenger’s Side Fuse Box
EPS
ABS/VSA MTR
ABS/VSA
Passenger’s Side Fuse Box
Option
Headlight Washer
SH-AWD Rear Defroster
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Heater Motor
Hazard
Horn and Stop
Keyless Access System
Not Used
IG Coil
FI Sub
Back Up
Interior Lights
FI Main
DBW
Back Up FI ECU
MG, Clutch
Radiator Fan Timer
If equipped Used on SH-AWD models
1:
2:
3: Used on 2WD models
1
2
1
2
3
1 1
Fuse Locations
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
569
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
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2011 TL

To use the towing hook:Remove the cover f rom the f ront
bumper using your f ingers, or pry
it of f using a cloth and a f lat-tip
screwdriver to prevent scratches.
If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service
to pull it out (see page ).
For very short distances, such as
f reeing the vehicle, you can use the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on the anchor in the f ront bumper.
When you need to release the
steering lock while your vehicle’s
battery is dead, do this:
Follow the proper jump starting
procedures, Step 1 through Step 5,
to apply the power to your vehicle
(see pages and ).
Follow the jump starting
procedures, Step 8 and Step 9, and
the instructions to disconnect the
jumpercable(seepage ).The
steering will remain unlocked even
if the battery is dead.
Failure to comply means the steering
lockmaybedamaged. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button to set the power mode to
ACCESSORY (see page ) and
verif y the steering lock is released.
Remove the towing hook and
wheel nut wrench f rom the tool
case in the spare tire (see).
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
178
557 558
558 572
On models with keyless access systemIf Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
574
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page
550
2011 TL