light Acura TL 2000 3.2 Repair Manual

Parking
Always use the parking brake whenyou park your car. The indicator onthe instrument panel shows that the
parking brake is not fully released; it does not indicate that the parking
brake is firmly set. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly or your car may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
Set the parking brake before you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the car from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism in the transmission — making it
easier to move the shift lever out of
Park when you want to drive away. If the car is facing uphill, turn the
front wheels away from the curb.
If the car is facing downhill, turn the
front wheels toward the curb.
Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes. Parking Tips
• Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
• Turn off the lights.
• Place any packages, valuables, etc., in the trunk or take them with you.
• Check the indicator on the driver'sdoor to verify that the security
system is set.
• Never park over dry leaves, tallgrass, or other flammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire.
Driving

The Braking System
Your Acura is equipped with discbrakes at all four wheels. A powerassist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when braking very hard.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing themto build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. Italso keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you. Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brake Wear Indicators
All four brakes have audible brake wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."
Driving

Traction Control System
Your Acura is equipped with a
Traction Control System (TCS) to assist you in maintaining traction
while driving slowly on loose or slippery surfaces. The TCS assists
only in low-speed, low-traction
conditions; up to approximately 18mph(30km/h).
The TCS monitors the speed of all four wheels. When it senses a front
wheel losing traction, it applies
braking to that wheel. The TCSindicator flashes when this occurs.
Driving with TCS requires no special
skills or technique. The TCS doesnot control your vehicle's whole
braking system and cannot prevent skidding if you enter a corner too
fast. It is still your responsibility to drive at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.
TCS INDICATOR
When starting out or driving at low speeds on a loose or slippery road
surface, you may notice that the
vehicle does not respond to the accelerator in the same way it does
at other times. This is a sign the TCSis activating. You will see the TCS
indicator light flash. You should still install winter tires on
your vehicle during the winter. Make
sure to use the same size originally
supplied with vehicle. Exercise the
same caution in winter driving as you
would if your vehicle was not equipped with TCS.
Driving with the compact spare tire
installed (see page 254) may
activate the TCS. You should turn off
the system.
If the brakes overheat while the TCS
is activating, the TCS indicator will
stop flashing and stay on temporarily.
This indicates that the TCS system has turned off. After the brakes have
cooled down (usually for about 10 minutes), the TCS will turn back onand the indicator will turn off.
Driving

Traction Control System
TCS ON/OFF SwitchThis switch is under the side vent. It lets you turn the Traction ControlSystem on and off. You cannot turn
off the TCS while the TCS indicator
light is flashing. Deactivate the system by pressing
the TCS On/Off switch. The TCS indicator light comes on as a
reminder. Pressing the switch again
turns the system back on.
The Traction Control System turns on every time you start the engine,
even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle. TCS Indicator
The TCS indicator comes on or flashes under the following condi-
tions:
• When you turn the ignition switch
to ON (II)
• When you manually turn off theTCS.
• It flashes when the TCS is
regulating wheelspin.
• If the system's diagnostics senses a problem in the TCS, the indica-
tor will come on and stay on.
Driving

Driving in Bad Weather
Visibility — Being able to seeclearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of theproper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defroster and air
conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see pages 112 and 118). Traction — Check your tires
frequently for wear and properpressure. Both are important in
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all four
wheels for the best handling.
Watch road conditions carefully, they can change from moment tomoment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when theoutside temperature is near freezing.
The road surface can become covered with areas of water puddlesmixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and cause
a skid. Be very cautious when passing, or
being passed by other vehicles. The spray from large vehicles reduces
your visibility, and the wind buffeting can cause you to lose control.
Driving

Towing a Trailer
Trailer Brakes
Honda recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle's hydraulic system. No matter how successful it may seem,any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle's hydraulic system
will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard. Trailer Lights
GROUND
(BLACK)
BACK-UP LIGHT
(GREEN/BLACK)
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/YELLOW) BRAKE LIGHT
(WHITE/BLACK) LEFT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/BLUE)
TAILLIGHT (RED/BLACK)
Your car has a trailer lighting
connector located behind the left
side panel in the trunk. Refer to the
drawing above for the wiring color
code and purpose of each pin.
If you use a converter, you can get
the connector and pins that mate
with the connector in your car from
your Acura dealer. Since lighting and wiring vary with
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualified technician
install a suitable connector between
the vehicle and the trailer.
CONTINUED
Driving

Towing a Trailer
Additional Trailer EquipmentMany states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don't,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your towing situation. Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the
following:
• The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
• All weights and loads are within limits (see pages 180 and 181).
• The hitch, safety chain, and any other attachments are secure.
• All items on and in the trailer areproperly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
• The lights and brakes on your vehicle and the trailer are workingproperly.
• Your vehicle tires and spare are properly inflated (see page 254),and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Driving

Maintenance
This section explains why it isimportant to keep your car wellmaintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See page 297 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Acuradealer. Maintenance Safety .................................188
Important Safety Precautions......189
Maintenance Schedule
.......................... 190
Maintenance Record ............................ 197
Owner Maintenance Checks.............. 199
Fluid Locations.................................... 200
Engine Oil...................................... 201
Adding Oil................................ 201
Recommended Oil...................... 201
Synthetic Oil................................ 203
Additives.................................. 203
Changing the Oil and Filter.......... 203
Cooling System ............................ 206
Adding Engine Coolant............ 206 Replacing Engine Coolant........ 208
Windshield Washers .................... 212
Transmission Fluid...................... 213
Automatic Transmission.......... 213
Brake Fluid................................ 214
Brake System .......................... 214
Power Steering ............................ 215
Hood Latch.................................. 215
Air Cleaner Element .................. 216
Spark Plugs................................ 217
Replacement............................ 217
Specifications............................ 219Battery..........................................
220
Wiper Blades.............................. 223 Air Conditioning System.............. 225
Air Conditioning Filter................ 226
Drive Belts.................................... 226
Timing Belt................................ 227
Tires............................................ 227
Inflation................................ 228
Inspection................................ 229
Maintenance............................ 230
Tire Rotation............................ 231
Replacing Tires and Wheels..... 231
Wheels and Tires.................... 232
Winter Driving...................... 233
Snow Tires.......................... 233
Traction Devices.................. 233
Lights........................................ 234
Replacing Bulbs...................... 236
Storing Your Car........................ 243
Maintenance

Service at the indicated
distance or time — whichever
comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean (o) or replace ( • ) air cleaner element Use normal schedule except in dusty conditons
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt*
1-*, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter*
2Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24 12 30
48
24 45
72
3660
96
48 75
120 60 90
144
72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
O •
O • O •
Adjust only if noisy
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
O •
•
•
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
•
• •
•
•
•
•
••
•
••
•
•
• •
•
•
••
•
•
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, Suspension components
Driveshaft boots and boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and conditions of fluids Cooling system hoses and connections
'Exhaust system
'Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls
Vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
U.S. Owners
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle MAINLY
under one or more of the
following conditions:
• Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
• Driving in extremely hot[over 90°F (32° C)] conditions.
• Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
• Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
• Driving on muddy, dusty, orde-iced roads.
Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, \
page 191.
* 1: See Timing Belt on page 227 to determine need for replacement.
* 2: See Air Conditioning Filter on page 226 for replacement information under special conditions.
Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions• • • • • • • \
•

NOTE:• Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.• Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, if noisy.# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 191.
* 1: See Timing Belt on page 227 to determine need for replacement.
* 2: See Air Conditioning Filter on page 226 for replacement
information under special conditions.
Maintenance
82,500 mi/132,000 km/5½ vrs
86,250 mi/138,000 km/-
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 vrs
93,750 mi/150,000 km/-
97,500 mi/156,000 km/6½ yrs101,250 mi/162,000 km/-
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
108,750 mi/174,000 km/-
112,500 mi/180,000 km/7½yrs 116,250 mi/186,000 km/-
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid. Do items in A, B, C, D. Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.

Replace timing belt*1, and inspect water pump. Replace coolant. Check idle speed. Clean air cleaner element. Replace spark
plugs. Inspect valve clearance.
Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt*
1, inspect water pump.
Do items in A, B, C, D.
C Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches.• Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
#Inspect exhaust system.
•' #Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody. Replace air cleaner element.
• Inspect and adjust drive belts.
• Replace transmission fluid.
• Replace air conditioning filter*
2.
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)