brake fluid Acura TL 2013 Owner's Manual

Î
If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a ‘‘LOW
BRAKE FLUID’’ or ‘‘CHECK
BRAKE SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display. For
more information, see page .This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If this indicator comes on at any
other time, there is a problem in the
ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock f unction. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. For more
inf ormation, see page .
2.
598 508
Instrument Panel Indicators
Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
66
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ÎModels equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch. ON Mode is the equivalent of
ON (II). For more information, see
pages
and .
:
184 187
Inst rument s and Cont rols
2013 TL

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
......................
Maintenance Saf ety .530
.................
Maintenance Minder . 531
..............................
Fluid Locations .541
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 542
........................
Adding Engine Oil .543
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .544
..............................
Engine Coolant .546
....................
Windshield Washers .548
.......................
Transmission Fluid .549
..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..............
Manual Transmission . 551
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 553
....................................
Timing Belt .554
.............................................
Lights .555
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 564
.....................................
Floor Mats .565
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 566
.................................
Exterior Care .566
.................................
Wiper Blades .566
...............................................
Tires .568
...................
Checking the Battery . 577
.............................
Vehicle Storage .578
..................................
Interior Care .579
633
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
529
TM
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2013 TL

µ
µ
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µ
µ
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Lights Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See
page .
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See
page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
474
475
549 553
568 555
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maint enance
539
TM
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2013 TL

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Maintenance Minder
540
:
TM
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km). Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
NOTE:
2:
1:
SH-AWD only
538
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under20°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada).
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher level of mechanical (shear)
stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the differential
fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
3
4
5 1
2
61
1
2
2
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Maint enance
2013 TL

ÎÎ
Î
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance
541
WASHER FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL FILL CAPAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow
loop)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange
loop)
RADIATOR CAP BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Light
graycap)
: Located under the cover
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2013 TL

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
You need to remove the lef t engine
compartment cover to check the
f luid level (see page ).
Check the f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly. There are up to
two reservoirs, depending on the
model. They are:
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission models
only)
To access the reservoirs, remove the
lef t engine compartment cover (see
page ).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage. Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Independent of the Maintenance
Minder inf ormation, replace the
brake f luid every 3 years. 542
542
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake Fluid
Maint enance
553
MAX
MIN
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2013 TL

µµ
Manual Transmission only
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.The timing belt should be replaced
according to the Maintenance
Minder (see page ).
Replace the timing belt every
60,000 miles (U.S.) or every 100,
000 km (Canada) if you regularly
drive your vehicle in any of the
following conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C). 531
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Timing Belt
Clutch Fluid
T iming Belt
554
MAX
MINTM
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Maint enance
2013 TL

ÎIf the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal. You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when this
indicator comes on.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position (set the power mode to ON,
on models with keyless access
system), without starting the engine.
The malf unction indicator lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks f ive times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle f or an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to
for
more information (see page ). If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and
as a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
626 553
Brake System
Indicator
Emissions T esting
Malf unction Indicator L amp, Brake System Indicator
598
Canada
U.S.
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Î
Mod els eq uip ped wit h th e keyless
a cce ss sy ste m have an en gin e sta rt/
s to p butto n in ste ad of an ignition
s w it c h .O N Mod e is th e eq uiv ale n t of
O N (II) . F or m ore in fo rm atio n ,se e
p ag es
and .
:
184 187
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
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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