engine Acura TL 2012 Owner's Manual

The exhaust emissions controls
include f our systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, exhaust gas
recirculation, and three way catalytic
converter. These f our systems work
together to control the engine’s
combustion and minimize the
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate f rom the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.The emissions control systems are
designed and certif ied to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent f or repairs. Using lower
qualitypartsmayincreasethe
emissions f rom your vehicle.
The emissions control systems
The PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport f uel injection. It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and f uel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM) in
automatic transmission vehicles or
the engine control module (ECM) in
manual transmission vehicles uses
various sensors to determine how
much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much f uel to inject
under all operating conditions.
The three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO ), nitrogen
(N ), and water vapor. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system takes some of the exhaust
gas and routes it back into the intake
manif old. Adding exhaust gas to the
air/f uel mixture reduces the amount
of NOx produced when the fuel This system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.
2
2
Exhaust Emissions Controls Replacement Parts
PGM-FI System
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Exhaust Gas Recirculat ion (EGR)
Syst em
Ignit ion T iming Cont rol Syst em
Emissions Cont rols
624
11/01/14 19:43:13 31TK4630_629
Technical Inf ormation
are covered by warranties separate
from the rest of your vehicle. Read
your warranty manual for more
information.
is burned.
2012 TL

The three way catalytic converters
contain precious metals that serve as
catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without af f ecting the metals.
The catalytic converters are ref erred
to as three-way catalysts, since they
act on HC, CO, and NOx.
Replacement units must be original
Acura parts or their equivalent.
The three way catalytic converters
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. They can set on f ire any
combustible materials that come
near them. Park your vehicle away
f rom high grass, dry leaves, or other
f lammables.Defectivethreewaycatalytic
converters contribute to air pollution,
and can impair your engine’s
perf ormance. Follow these
guidelines to protect your vehicle’s
three way catalytic converters.
Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converters
inef f ective. Keep the engine well maintained.
Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misf iring, back-
f iring, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Three Way Catalytic Converters
Technical Inf ormation
625
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
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2012 TL

Make sure the gas tank
is nearly, but not completely, full
(around 3/4).Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine, and let it
idle f or 20 seconds.
If you take your vehicle for an
emissions test shortly after the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not pass the test.
This is because of certain
‘‘readiness codes’’ that must be set
in the on- board diagnostics for the
emissions systems. These codes
are erased when the battery is
disconnected, and set again only
after several days of driving under a
variety of conditions. If the testing f acility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle retested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle f or retesting by
doing the f ollowing.
Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine of f f or 6
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 40° and
95°F (4° and 35°C). Keep the vehicle in Park
(automatic) or neutral (manual).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000
rpm,andholditthereuntilthe
temperature gauge rises to at least
1/4of thescale(about3minutes).
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, let the engine idle f or 20
seconds.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
T esting of Readiness Codes
Emissions T esting
626
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Technical Inf ormation
2012 TL

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
627
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2012 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
633
Form Description
2009-2012 Acura TL Service Manual
2012 Acura TL Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2009-2011 Model Series Acura TLBody Repair Manual
2012 Acura TL Owner’s Manual
2012 Acura TL Navigation Manual
2012 Acura TL Maintenance Journal
2012 Acura TL Advanced Technology Guide Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61TK403
61TK403EL 61TK4300
31TK4630
31TK4820
31TK4M30 31TK4Q30 ACU-R
www.helminc.com
11/01/14 19:44:29 31TK4630_638
2012 TL

................................
AAC .273, 313,365
....................................
Accessories .479
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .151
ACCESSORY Mode ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 215
................
Active Head Restraints . 165
....................................
AcuraLink
. 449
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 544
...........................
Advanced Airbags .28
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..........
Airbag System Components . 24
......
Air Conditioning System . 226,227
.........................................
Usage .228
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 568,570
......................................
Antif reeze .546
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66, 508
...................................
Operation .508
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 390
Anti-thef t Steering Column ....................................
Lock .151, 189
................................
Audio System .235 .
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 141
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 401
..............
Automatic Transmission . 494
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .614
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 549
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .499
.......................................
Shif ting .495
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .494
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 497
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .389
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65, 596
............................
Jump Starting .591
..............................
Maintenance .577
.................
Management System . 87
............................
Specif ications .615
..............................
Bef ore Driving .467
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .214 Blind Spot Inf ormation System
...........................................
(BSI) .519
...................
Audio . 281,376
...............
HandsFreeLink. 407, 424
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 508
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 468
...........................................
Fluid .553
.......................................
Parking .212
.................
System Indicator . 65,598
........................
Wear Indicators .507
.............................
Braking System .507
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 468
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .143
....................................
Built-In Key .201
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
A
B
I
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2012 TL

Î
..............................
Economy, Fuel .476
Electronic Stability Control ............................
(ESC) System .510
..................................
Emergencies .581
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 591
...........
Brake System Indicator . 598
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 583
.....
Charging System Indicator . 596
..................
Checking the Fuses . 600
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers . 145
.........
If the Engine Won’t Start . 588
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 609
............................
Jump Starting .591
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 595
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 597
Manually Opening Fuel Fill .......................................
Door .599
..................
Overheated Engine . 593
.......................................
Towing .607
.........................
Emergency Brake .212
..............
Emergency Engine Start . 490
....................
Emergency Flashers .145 ......................
Emergency Towing .607
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 156
.......................
Emissions Controls .623
........................
Emissions Testing .626
Engine ............
Adding Engine Coolant . 546
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 77
.........................
If It Won’t Start .588
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .64, 597
.................................
Oil Lif e .85, 531
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,595
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 543
...............................
Overheating .593
............................
Specif ications .615
....................
Speed Limiter . 492, 497
.............
Start/Stop Button . 183, 188
..............................
Starting .487, 489
Starting System .........................
Message .488, 490
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 542
..............................
Engine Coolant .546
....
Engine Start/Stop Button . 183,188
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .469
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 139
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..................................
Engine Oil .474
........................
Directional Signals .139
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 507
.................................
Disc Changer .253
...
Disc Changer Error Messages . 263
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .546
Doors .....
Lock Button, Outer Handle . 176
..........
Lockout Prevention . 153,177
.................
Monitor Indicator . 12,71
....................
Power Door Locks . 152
.
Unlock Sensor, Outer Handle . 175
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 617
Downshif ting, ..............
Manual Transmission . 491
....................
D-Paddle Shif t Mode .499
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .485
....................................
Economy .476
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .170
Dual Temperature and Mode .......................................
Control .232 ..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 566
E
III
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INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
ÎU. S .
:
2012 TL

...................................
Fan, Interior .230
.........................................
Features .225
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 470
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .566
...............................................
Oil .544
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 145
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 583
.....................................
Floor Mats .565
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..........................................
Brake .553
.........................................
Clutch .554
..............
Manual Transmission . 551
................
Windshield Washers . 548
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .385
.....................................
Fog Lights .143
........................
Four-way Flashers .145 ..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,26
....................................
Front Seats .161
....................................
Adjusting .161
.....................................
Airbags .9, 26
..............................
Heaters .202, 204
.................................
Ventilation .204
.................................................
Fuel .468
......................
Fill Door and Cap .470
...........................................
Gauge .76
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 468
...............................
Oxygenated .469
........................
Tank, Filling the .470
...............................
Fuel Economy .476
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .600
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 623
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
.......................
Halogen Bulbs .555, 560
......
HandsFreeLink
(HFL) . 407,424
............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 145
Hard Disc Drive (HDD), ........................................
Playing .320
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 476
.........................................
Gasoline .468
...........................................
Gauge .76
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 468
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .470
................
Gas Station Procedures . 470Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 77
...............................................
Fuel .76
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 494
..............
Manual Transmission . 491
......................................
Glove Box .216
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............................
(GVWR) .483, 614
H
G
F
IV
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INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
2012 TL

............
Normal Shif t Speeds . 492,503
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 612..............................
Paddle Shif ters .499
............
Panel Brightness Control . 143
........................
Park Gear Position .495
...........................................
Parking .506
...............................
Parking Brake .212
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 65,598
...............................
Parking Lights .139
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 506
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator . 34
.............................
PGM-FI System .624
..................
Phonetic Modif ication . 335
...................................
Pollen Filter .566
..................................
Power Mode .184
.................
ACCESSORY Mode . 185
...................................
ON Mode .185
....................
START Mode .187, 188
..............
VEHICLE OFF Mode . 185
...............
Power Socket Locations . 213
............................
Power Windows .206
.........
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 . 381
...................
Radiator Overheating . 593
...
Radio/Disc Sound System . 236,285
.................
Radio Thef t Protection . 390
............................
Radio, XM
. 246, 299
...................
Readiness Codes . 597,626
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 562
........................
Rear Seat Armrest .166
...
Rearview Camera and Monitor . 465
...........................
Rearview Mirror .167
...............
Rear Window Def ogger . 145
.............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 161
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 468
.........................................
Odometer .82
Oil ........................
Change, How to .544
......................
Change, When to .531
......................
Checking Engine .474
..............
Pressure Indicator . 64,595
Selecting Proper Viscosity ..............................
Chart .543, 544
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 151
....
ON Mode (Power Mode) . 184,185
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .623
...........................
Operating Range .174
............................
Outside Mirrors .168
.....................
Outside Temperature .85
....................
Overheating, Engine .593
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 539
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .469 P
R
O
VII
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2012 TL

Î
Recommended Shif t................................
Speeds .492, 503
........................................
Ref ueling .470
.......................
Reminder Indicators .64
Remote, Keyless Access ................................
System .174, 179
................
Remote Audio Controls . 387
.....................
Remote Transmitter .157
Replacement Inf ormation ..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 566
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 544
..........................................
Fuses .600
................................
Light Bulbs .555
........................................
Minder .531
................................
Timing Belt .554
...........................................
Tires .573
.............................
Wiper Blades .566
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .23
.............
Reporting Saf ety Def ects . 632
Reserve Tank, Engine ...............................
Coolant .475, 546
......................
Reverse Tilt Mirror .168
...............................
Restraint, Child .37
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 496
................................
Rotation, Tire .573 ..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 20
............
Safety Defects, Reporting . 632
.................................
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 .564
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .21
................................
Maintenance .23
Reminder Indicator and ................................
Beeper .20, 64
...................
System Components . 20
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 18
..........................
Seat Heaters .202, 204
......................
Seats, Adjusting the .161
.............................
Seat Ventilation .204
............................
Security System .395
.....................
Selecting a Child Seat .45
...
Selector Knob (Disc Changer) . 236..................
Sequential Shif t Mode . 501
...............................
Serial Number .612
..............................
Service Minder .531
...........................
Service Manual .633
.........
Service Station Procedures . 470
..........................
Setting the Clock .391
........................
SH-AWD
Indicator .73
...
Shif t Lever Position Indicators . 494
........................
Shif t Lock Release .497
................................
Side Airbags .9 ,30
........
Side Airbag Of f Indicator . 33,67
......................
Side Curtain Airbags .32
.............................
Signaling Turns .139
.....................................
Snow Tires .575
................................
Sound System .235
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .582
....................
Specif ications .582, 616
....................................
Spark Plugs .615
................................
Specif ications .614
................................
Speed Control .401
...................................
Speedometer .76
S
VIII
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Î
U. S
:
2012 TL