emergency towing Acura TL 2013 Owner's Manual

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
607
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer Towing Your Vehicle
528
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Driving
2013 TL

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .582
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .583
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 588
................................
Jump Starting .591
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 593
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 595
..........
Charging System Indicator . 596
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 597
...............
Brake System Indicator . 598
Opening the Fuel Fill Door ....................................
Manually .599
..............................................
Fuses .600
..............................
Fuse Locations .604
......................
Emergency Towing .607
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 609
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
581
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2013 TL

Do you have your keyless access
system remote with you? The
vehicle will not start without the
remote within operating range and
with the keyless access main
switch in the glove box turned on.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to
on pages and .
If you are unable to stop the
engine normally while in the Park
position, see on page .
You may need to hold the start/
stop button down or hold the key
in the START (III) position until
the engine starts. It can be held
forupto15seconds.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ). Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the warning indicator may
not be working. If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
487 489
600 192 607
On models with keyless access system
If theEngineWon’tStart
Starting the
Engine
Emergency Engine
Stop Emergency
Towing
590
NOTE:
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
2013 TL

If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
The pointer of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral
(manual) or Park (automatic), and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning lights.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
If the vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood. You will also see a ‘‘WATER TEMP
HOT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
1.
2.3.
4.
5.
607
77
CONT INUED
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
593
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to the engine.
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2013 TL

If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark
(seeon
page ).
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator. If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
Start the engine, and set the
interior temperature to maximum
heat (each temperature control
sets to ‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to
the radiator up to the base of the
f iller neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon
as you can.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pushing down, to the first stop.
After the pressure releases,
push down on the cap, and turn it
until it comes off.
8.
9.
7. 6.
10.
11.
546
607
A dding Engine Coolant
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
594
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
12/07/20 11:46:40 31TK4640_599
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
on t ig h tly.
2013 TL

µµ
Î
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous. Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required. If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the f ront tires and lif t them of f
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. Start the engine.
Shif t to the D position and hold f or
5 seconds, then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
CONT INUED
On SH-AWD models
Except SH-AWD models
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t EquipmentT his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
607
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the
all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle
should be transported on a f lat-bed
truck or trailer.
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ACCESSORY Mode is the
equivalent of ACCESSORY (I).
For more inf ormation, see pages and .
184 187
Î
Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
:
switch.
2013 TL

Î
With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Emergency Towing
608
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight. Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
On models with the Keyless Access
system, the ENGINE START/STOP
BUTTON indicator will conf irm that
the power mode is in the ACCESSORY
mode and that the steering lock is
released. If the steering wheel does not
turn f reely, rotate the wheel right and
lef t while pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP BUTTON. This
inf ormation also appears on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
189
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
ACCESSO RY Mode isthe
e quiv ale n t of A CCESSO RY (I).
F or m or einf or ma tion, se e pa ge s
an d .
184 187
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
:
sw it c h.
2013 TL

To use the towing hook:Remove the cover f rom the f ront
bumper using your f ingers, or pry
it of f using a cloth and a f lat-tip
screwdriver to prevent scratches.
If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service
to pull it out (see page ).
When you need to release the
steering lock while your vehicle’s
battery is dead, do this:
Follow the proper jump starting
procedures, Step 1 through Step 5,
to apply the power to your vehicle
(see pages and ).
Follow the jump starting
procedures, Step 8 and Step 9, and
the instructions to disconnect the
jumpercable(seepage ).The
steering will remain unlocked even
if the battery is dead.
Failure to comply means the steering
lockmaybedamaged. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button to set the power mode to
ACCESSORY (see page ) and
verif y the steering lock is released.
Remove the towing hook and
wheel nut wrench from the tool
case in the spare tire (see
page).
For very short distances, such as
f reeing the vehicle, you can use the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on the anchor in the f ront bumper. If you slip the clutch f or a long time
while trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat and damage the
transmission. Use a tow service to
prevent transmission damage.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
591 592
184
592 607
584
CONT INUED
On models with keyless access systemIf Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
609
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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
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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
Î U.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
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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
T
Î U.S.
:
2013 TL