engine Acura TL 2013 Owner's Manual

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.
For electronic copies of service publications, you can
purchase a subscription to Service Express. Visit
f or pricing and options.
www.techinfo.honda.com
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.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
Service Express
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
633
Form Description
2009-2013 Acura TL Service Manual
2012-2013 Acura TL Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 2012 Model Series Acura TL Body Repair Manual 2013 Acura TL Owner’s Manual
2013 Acura TL Navigation Manual
2013 Acura TL Maintenance Journal
2013 Acura TL Advanced Technology Guide (Base) 2013 Acura TL
Advanced Technology Guide (Tech/Advance) Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61TK404
61TK403EL 61TK431Z31TK4640
31TK4830
31TK4M40 31TK4A4031TK4B40
ACU-R
www.helminc.com
12/08/10 10:34:54 31TK4640_638
2013 TL

CONT INUED
................................
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
............................
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
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .562
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 555
.................................
Fog Lights .560
.................................
Headlights .555
............................
Specif ications .615
............
Turn Signal Lights . 558,562
......................
Bulbs, Halogen .555, 560
Bluetooth
BluetoothA
B
I
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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
2013 TL

............................
Capacities Chart .614
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 57
............................
Carrying, Cargo .481
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iv
.........................................
CD Care . 381
...................................
CD Changer .253
.......................................
CD Player .307
........................
Certif ication Label .612
............................................
Chains .575
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .583
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .544
......................................
When to . 531
...
Charging System Indicator . 65,596
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 486
.....................................
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 . 153
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 564
..........
Client Service Inf ormation . 630
.......
Climate Control System . 226,227
..........................
On/Off Button .229
..............................................
Clock .391
...................................
Clutch Fluid .554
..................
CO in the Exhaust . 57,623
....
Cold Weather, Starting in . 487,489
......................
Compact Spare Tire .582
.........................................
Compass .397
.................
Console Compartment . 216
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 630
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 61
Coolant ........................................
Adding .546
....................................
Checking .475
.........................
Proper Solution .546
...................
Temperature Gauge . 77
........
Water Temp Hot Message . 77Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .623
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 72
............
Cruise Control Operation . 401
...................................
Cup Holders .214
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 630
........................
Customized Settings .94
...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iv
...................................
Dashboard .3, 62
..............
Daytime Running Lights . 142
.................................
Dead Battery .591
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 632
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window . 145
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 231
..
Devices that Emit Radio Waves . 628
....................................
Dimensions .614
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 139
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..................................
Engine Oil .474
........................
Directional Signals .139
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 507
.................................
Disc Changer .253
D
C
II
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2013 TL

Î
CONT INUED
...
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
..............................
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 .86, 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
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 623
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
E
III
12/08/03 21:02:01 31TK4640_642
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
Î U.S.
:
2013 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 .601
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 476
.........................................
Gasoline .468
...........................................
Gauge .76
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 468
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .470
................
Gas Station Procedures . 470
Gauges ...
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
.......................
Halogen Bulbs .555, 560
......
HandsFreeLink
(HFL) . 407,424
............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 145
Hard Disc Drive (HDD), ........................................
Playing .320
.....................................
Headlights .139
........................................
Aiming .555
............
Automatic Lighting Off . 141
............
Automatic Lighting On . 140
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 142
..................
High Beam Indicator . 71
.......................
Reminder Beeps .139
........................
Replacing Bulbs .555
.................................
Turning on .139
.....................................
Washers .138
............................
Head Restraints .162
.............................
Heated Mirrors .169
...........................
Heater, Seat .202, 204
...............
High-Low Beam Switch . 140
.............................
Hill Start Assist .512
H
G
F
IV
12/08/03 21:02:05 31TK4640_643
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
2013 TL

.......................
Label, Certif ication .612
...............
Lane Change, Signaling . 139
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 16,21
...............................
LATCH System .47
................
Lights Control Buttons . 220
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement .555
.......................................
Indicator .63
.......................................
Parking .139
..........................
Turn Signal . 70, 139
....................................
Load Limits .482
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 151
LOCK VEHICLE OFF ...................
(Power Mode) . 184, 185
..............
Lockout Prevention . 153, 177
Locks Anti-thef t Steering ...........................
Column .151, 189
........................
Childproof Door . 153
............................
Fuel Fill Door .470
..................................
Glove Box . 216
...............................
Power Door .152
.........................................
Trunk .154
......
Trunk Pass-through Cover . 166........................
Low Coolant Level .475
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator . 73
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,595
................................
Lower Anchors .47
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 614
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 481
..................................
Maintenance .529
Main Items and Sub ..............................
Items .536, 540
........................................
Minder . 531
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .539
..........................................
Saf ety .530
Malf unction Indicator ....................................
Lamp .64, 597
...................
Manual Transmission . 491
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 551
....................................
Map Lights .221
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 170
.........................
Meters, Gauges .63, 76
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting . 167
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 480
.......................................
Moonroof .210 .............
Multi-Inf ormation Display . 78
..............................
Music by Voice . 334
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 496
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 468
............
Normal Shif t Speeds . 492,503
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 612
...
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
VI
12/08/03 21:02:16 31TK4640_645
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
M N
L
O
2013 TL

CONT INUED
..............................
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
...........................
Operating Range .174
............................
Outside Mirrors .168
.....................
Outside Temperature .86
....................
Overheating, Engine . 593
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 539
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .469
...................
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
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
VII
12/08/03 21:02:21 31TK4640_646
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
P
R
2013 TL

Î
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
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 24
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 36
.............................
Airbag Service .35
......
Airbag System Components . 24
How 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) . 151
START Mode ...................
(Power Mode) . 184, 185
...
Start/Stop Button, Engine . 183,188
VIII
12/08/03 21:02:26 31TK4640_647
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
S
ÎU.S.
:
2013 TL

Î
CONT INUED
..............
Starting the Engine . 487,489
....
Check Starting System . 488,490
In Cold Weather at High ..........................
Altitude .487, 489
................
With a Dead Battery . 591
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 593
Steering Wheel ..............................
Adjustments .146
...
Anti-thef t Column Lock . 151,189
Steering Wheel ..............
Buttons . 387,401,407,425
...................
Stereo Sound System . 235
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .578
......................................
Sun Visors .217
........................
Sunglasses Holder . 218
Super Handling All-Wheel ...
Drive (TM) (SH-AWD
) . 73,504
....
Supplemental Restraint System . 24
......................................
Servicing .35
...............................
SRS Indicator .32
...................
System Components . 24
..................................
Synthetic Oil .544
.....................................
Tachometer .76 .
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 581
Technical Descriptions ....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 617
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 623
Three Way Catalytic .......................
Converter .624, 625
.......................
Temperature Gauge . 77
....................
Temperature, Outside . 86
........
Temperature, Inside Sensor . 234
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
................
Thef t Protection, Radio . 390
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 625
.........
Tighten Fuel Cap Message . 471
................
Tilt the Steering Wheel . 146
..........................
Time, Setting the .391
....................................
Tire Chains .575
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 583
...........................
Tire Inf ormation .617
.................................
Tire Labeling .619
Tire Pressure Monitoring ....................
System (TPMS) .514
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS ...........................
Indicator .69, 514
......................
Pressure Monitor . 515
Required Federal ............................
Explanation .621 ..............
TPMS System Failure . 517
...............................................
Tires .568
......................
Air Pressure .568, 570
........................................
Chains .575
.........................
Checking Wear .571
..........................
Compact Spare .582
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 617
.
Glossary of Tire Terminology . 620
......................................
Inf lation .568
..................................
Inspection .571
...................................
Replacing .573
......................................
Rotating .573
................................
Service Lif e .572
...........................................
Snow .575
....................
Specif ications .574, 616
.......................
Traction Devices .575
..........................
Winter Driving .575
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 584
Torque Distribution Monitor ...............................
(SH-AWD
) .504
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .528
................
Emergency Wrecker . 607
...........................................
Hook .609
IX
12/08/03 21:02:31 31TK4640_648
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
T
Î U.S.
:
2013 TL

Service Inf ormation Summary
Gasoline:Transfer Assembly Fluid: Rear Differential Fluid:
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Recommended Engine Oil: Tire Pressure (measured cold): Brake Fluid:
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid: SpareTirePressure:
Capacity:
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or
higher required (see ‘‘Fuel
Recommendations’’ on page ).
18.5 US gal (70
) Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (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.
Capacity:
2.2 US qt (2.1
)
Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission fluid) (see page ). 4.5 US qt (4.3)
Oil change capacity
(including filter): API Premium grade 0W-20
detergent oil (see page ).
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page ).
Acura Manual Transmission Fluid
preferred, or an SAE 0W-20 or
5W-20 motor oil as a temporary
replacement (see page ). 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
)
Front/Rear:
34 psi (235 kPa , 2.4 kgf/cm
)
Front/Rear:
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm
)
468
552 553
544 543
550 All models except SH-AWD with
Advance Package and Canadian
SH-AWD Elite Package
SH-AWD with Advance Package
and Canadian SH-AWD Elite
Package
2WD models
SH-AWD modelsAll models SH-AWD models
12/07/20 11:52:54 31TK4640_653
2013 TL