Acura TL 2012 Owner's Manual

Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.As you read this manual, you will
f ind inf ormation that is preceded by
a
symbol. This
inf ormation is intended to help you
avoid damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to
read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Af terwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the Maintenance Minder shown in
the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-f ree while it
preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in
mind that your dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many
systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisf action
and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns. Congratulations! Your selection of a
2012 Acura TLwas a wise investment. It
will give you years of driving pleasure.
Introduction
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Index
Bo ok Ta ble of Contents
Chapter Ta ble of Contents
Navigation Key
Your Vehicle at a Glance
2012 TL

Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment
or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems perf ormed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and saf ety systems f or a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
Whether or not the driver and passenger saf ety belts were buckled/f astened;
How f ar (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR
under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enf orcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identif ying
data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In
addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can
read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the
permission of the vehicle owner.
Introduction
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2012 TL

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Calif ornia Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
def ects or other reproductive harm.
Service Diagnostic Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record inf ormation about powertrain perf ormance. The data
can be used to verif y emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may
also be combined with data f rom other sources f or research purposes, but it remains conf idential.
Calif ornia Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act
The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials special
handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/
WARNING:
Introduction
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2012 TL

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Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.
You will f ind this important saf ety inf ormation in a variety of f orms,
including:
on the vehicle.
preceded by a saf ety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: , , or .
These signal words mean:
such as Important Saf ety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is f illed with important saf ety inf ormation please read it
caref ully.
To help you make inf ormed
decisions about saf ety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other inf ormation on labels and in
this manual. This inf ormation alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Saf ety L abels
Saf ety Messages
Saf ety Headings
Saf ety Section
Instructions
AFewWordsAboutSafety
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
iv
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
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2012 TL

(f luid capacities and tire pressures)
(main controls)
(seat belts, SRS, and child protection)
(indicators, gauges, multi-inf ormation display, dashboard, and steering column)
()
(fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading)
(engine and transmission operation)
(minder, f luid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)
(f lat tire, jump starting, overheating, and f uses)
(vehicle specif ications, tires, and emissions controls)
(warranty and contact inf ormation)
(how to order)
climate control, audio, steering wheel, security, cruise control, HomeLink, and other convenience items
Contents
................................................................................................................................................Index.I
Service Inf ormation Summary
...............................................................................................Your Vehicle at a Glance.3
............................................................Driver and Passenger Saf ety.5
.......Instruments and Controls.61
..............Features.225
.......................................................................Bef ore Driving.467
.........................................................................................Driving.485
.................................................Maintenance.529
........................................T aking Care of the Unexpected.581
..............................................T echnical Inf ormation.611
.......................Warranty and Client Relations (U.S. and Canada only).629
..................................................................................A uthorized Manuals (U.S. only).633
1
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Owner's Identification Form
Index
Book Table of Contents
Chapter Table of Contents
Navigation KeyYour Vehicle at a Glance00X31-TK4-6310

A convenient ref erence to the
sections in this manual.
A quick ref erence to the main
controls in your vehicle.ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Important inf ormation about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable inf ormation on how to
protect children with child restraints. A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual f or detailed
inf ormation.
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
A summary of the inf ormation you
need when you pull up to the f uel
pump.
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
the multi-information display, and
how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them. The Maintenance Minder shows
you when you need to take your
vehicle to the dealer for maintenance
service. There is also a list of things
to check and instructions on how to
check them. The proper way to start the engine,
shif t the transmission, and park. What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo. How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, and other
convenience f eatures.
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Instruments and Controls T echnical Inf ormation
Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Index
Service Inf ormation Summary
Features
T aking Care of the Unexpected Maintenance Driving Bef ore Driving
Overview of Contents
2
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HOME
2012 TL

Î
Î
Î
Î
: If equipped
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Your Vehicle at a Glance
3
MIRROR CONTROLS
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
BUTTONS
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCHPOWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
TRUNK RELEASE
BUTTON
INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY
(P.
63)
(P.9,26)
A/T model with navigation system is shown. PASSENGER’S FRONT
AIRBAG
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
CLOCK
AUDIO
COMPASS
AUXILIARY INPUT
JACK
GAUGES (P.
76)
(P.78)
(P. 170)
(P.152)
(P. 206)
(P. 154)
(P.389) (P.215) (P.
491 )
(P.
397)
(P.
391)
(P.
235 )
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (BSI) ALERT
INDICATOR
(P.
145)
(P. 522)
HOMELINK BUTTONS
(P. 404) MOONROOF SWITCH
(P.
210)
BSI ALERT INDICATOR HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P. 522)
(P. 470) (P.
494)
(P.
226)
(P.
168)
FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE
BUTTON HOOD RELEASE HANDLE AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET
(P.
215)
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKET USB ADAPTER CABLE
(P.
266, 275,356,367)
DRIVER’S FRONT AIRBAG (P.
9,26)
(P.
472)
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2012 TL

ÎÎ
Î
ÎÎ Î
Î
Î ÎÎ
Î
Î
Î
ÎTo use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
Ref er to the navigation system owner’s manual. If equipped
1
:
2 :
3 :
4 : S w i t c h l o c a t ion v ar i e s on m odel s .
Your Vehicle at a Glance
4
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS
CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS/
FOG LIGHTS
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER/
HEATED MIRROR BUTTON
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
INTERFACE DIALKEYLESS ACCESS
REMOTE SLOT ENGINE START/
STOP BUTTON
IGNITION SWITCH
(P.
139, 143)
(P. 143)
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY BUTTONS (P.
401) (P.
197)
(P.
184)
(P.
499)
(P. 525) PHONE BUTTON (P.
424)
(P. 138)
BLUETOOTH HANDSFREELINK
SYSTEM VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS (P.
34)
PASSENGER
AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
(P. 511)
(P. 407)
(P.151)
(P.79)
SELECTOR KNOB (P.
236)
(P.
285) (P.
425)
(P.
137)
(P.145/ 169)
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
SEAT HEATER/VENTILATION BUTTONS (P.
202)
(P.204)
VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS for
NAVIGATION SYSTEM /
BLUETOOTH
HANDSFREELINK
SYSTEM
BLIND SPOT
INFORMATION
SYSTEM (BSI) OFF
BUTTON
HEADLIGHT WASHER
BUTTON
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS(P. 146)
HORN HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P.
145)
PADDLE SHIFTERS
REMOTE AUDIO
CONTROL BUTTONS
(P. 387)
A/T model is shown. : Models with keyless access
system
3 2
4
22 3
2
2 12
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Your Vehicle at a Glance
2012 TL

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This section gives you important
inf ormation about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It
shows you how to use seat belts. It
explains how your airbags work. And
it tells you how to properly restrain
inf ants and children in your vehicle.
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.......
Your Vehicle’s Saf ety Features . 7
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
...........................................
Airbags .9
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
.....
1. Close and Lock the Doors . 11
...........
2. Adjust the Front Seats . 13
............
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 14
...
4. Adjust the Head Restraints . 15
5. Fasten and Position the .............................
Seat Belts .16
6. Maintain a Proper Sitting ................................
Position .18
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19Additional Inf ormation About
.......................
Your Seat Belts .20
..
Seat Belt System Components . 20
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .21
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners .22
...............
Seat Belt Maintenance . 23
Additional Inf ormation About ...........................
Your Airbags .24
......
Airbag System Components . 24
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .26
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 30
How Your Side Curtain Airbags .........................................
Work .32
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 32
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .33
How the Passenger Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .34
.............................
Airbag Service .35
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 36
Protecting Children General ................................
Guidelines .37
All Children Must Be ...............................
Restrained .37 All Children Should Sit in a
.................................
Back Seat .38
The Passenger’s Front Airbag .........
Can Pose Serious Risks . 38
If You Must Drive with Several ...................................
Children .40
If a Child Requires Close ..................................
Attention .40
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 40
Protecting Inf ants and Small ...................................
Children .42
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .42
.........
Protecting Small Children . 43
.....................
Selecting a Child Seat .45
....................
Installing a Child Seat .46
...............................
With LATCH .47
.........
With a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 49
..............................
With a Tether .51
...........
Protecting Larger Children . 53
...............
Checking Seat Belt Fit . 53
..................
Using a Booster Seat . 54
When Can a Larger Child Sit in .........................................
Front .55
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 56
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 57
...................................
Saf ety Labels .58
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
5
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2012 TL

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You’ll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
The recommendations on this page
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with airbags,
make sure you and your passengers
always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly (see page ).
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat, not the front seat. Infants and
smallchildrenshouldberestrained
in a child seat. Larger children
should use a booster seat and a lap/
shoulder belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat
(see pages ). While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Inf ants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to f ollow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don’t drink
and drive, and don’t let your f riends
drink and drive, either.
Engaging in mobile phone
conversation or other activities that
keep you f rom paying close attentionto the road, other vehicles and
pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change
quickly, and only you can decide
when it is saf e to divert attention
away f rom driving.
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical f ailure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition f requently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance (see page ). Excessive speed is a major f actor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
f aster than is saf e f or current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
16
37 56 531
Important Saf ety Precautions
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
Restrain All ChildrenBe Aware of Airbag Hazards
Don’t Drink and Drive
Pay Appropriate Attention to the
Task of Driving Saf ely
K eep Your Vehicle in Saf e
Condition Control Your Speed
6
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Driver and Passenger Saf ety
2012 TL