Acura TL 2011 Owner's Manual

If you believe that your vehicle has a def ect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inf orm the National Highway
Traf f ic Saf ety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to
notif ying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer, or
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety
Hotline toll-f ree at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153);go to ;
or write to: Administrator, NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE. Washington DC 20590
You can also obtain other inf ormation about motor
vehicle safety from .If you believe that your vehicle has a def ect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inf orm Honda Canada Inc. and you may also
inform Transport Canada.
To contact Transport Canada’s Def ect Investigations and
Recalls Division, you may call 1-800-333-0510. For more
inf ormation on reporting saf ety def ects or about motor
vehicle saf ety, go to
.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it f inds that a saf ety def ect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall and
remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot
become involved in individual problems between you,
your dealer, or Honda Canada Inc.
Reporting Saf ety Def ects
In the US
In Canada
598
http://www.saf ercar.gov
http://www.saf ercar.gov http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsaf ety
10/07/29 12:58:31 31TK4620_603
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

CONT INUED
.......
Keyless Access Remote . 168,173
Keyless Access Remote System ...............................
Main Switch .189
................
Keyless Access System . 167
..........
Keyless Memory Settings . 92
................................................
Keys .141
........................................
Built-In .195
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 578
Ignition ............................................
Keys .141
.........................................
Switch .145
............
Timing Control System . 590
......................
Immobilizer System .143
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
...............
Indicators/Messages . 64,88
......
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) . 66, 482
Brake (Parking and Brake ............................
System) .65, 563
................
Charging System . 65,561
.............................
Cruise Control .72
.............................
Door Open .12, 71
...................................
Fog Lights .71
...................................
High Beam .71
.................................
Hot Coolant .76
........
Key (Immobilizer System) . 65
..............
Keyless Access System . 74
.....................................
Lights On .71
......................................
Low Fuel .73
................
Low Oil Pressure . 64,561
.........
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS . 69
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 562.................................
Seat Belt .20, 64
.....................
Side Airbag Of f .33, 67
.........................................
SRS .32, 67
.................
Starting System . 462,464
...........................
Trunk Open .12, 71
Turn Signal and Hazard ...................................
Warning .70
........................................
VSA Off .68
.................................
VSA System .68
..................
Individual Map Lights . 213
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 64
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .42
......................................
Inf ant Seats .42
.........................................
LATCH .47
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 535
.................................
Inside Mirror .161
.............................
Inspection, Tire .537
....................
Installing a Child Seat .46
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
.............................
Using LATCH .47
............................
Instrument Panel .63
......
Instrument Panel Brightness . 137
...............................
Interior Lights .211
........................................
Introduction .i .................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 550
.......................................
Jack, Tire .550
................................
Jump Starting .557
.......................
Label, Certif ication .578
...............
Lane Change, Signaling . 133
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 16,21
...............................
LATCH System .47
................
Lights Control Buttons . 211
TM
Index
L
I
K J
INDEX
V
10/07/29 12:59:05 31TK4620_610
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