spark plugs replace Acura TL 2000 3.2 Owner's Manual

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

Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
Service at the indicated
distance or time — whichever
comes first.miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugsReplace 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*
2Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 15
24
12 30
48 24 45
72
36 60
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
•
•
Adjust only if noisy
•
•
•
• •
•
•
• •
•
•
• •
•
• •
•
• •
•
• •
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots Suspension components
Driveshaft bootsBrake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids Cooling system hoses and connections
#Exhaust system#Fuel lines and connections
U.S. Owners
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if thesevere driving conditions
specified in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a
"severe" condition, you should
follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule.
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 (listed by distance/time)Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the\
items in A, B, C as required for each distance/time interval. Follow thisschedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Condit\
ions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Canadian owners: Follow the schedule for Severe 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
7,500 mi/12,000 km/1 yr15,000 mi/24,000 km/-
22,500 mi/36,000 km/1½, yrs
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km/2½ yrs 45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km/3½ yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km/4½yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km/5½ yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km/6½ yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km/7½ yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.Do items in A.
Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Replace coolant. Replace brake fluid.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A. Replace coolant. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid. Replace transmissionfluid. Do items in A, B, C.
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt*1, inspect water pump. Replace coolant. lnspect valve clearance. Check idle speed. Replace spark plugs.Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B, C.
A Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on paqe 231 ).
B Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
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.
C Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.*
2

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)

Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your car shouldbe replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Replacement
1. Remove the cover on the front cylinder bank by turning the two
clips one quarter turn
counterclockwise.
2. Clean up any dirt and oil that have collected around the ignition coils. 3. Disconnect the wire connector
from the ignition coil by pushingon the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

Index
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... .......... 146
Odometer....................................... . 58
Odometer, Trip.............................. 59
Oil Change, How to.......... .................... 203
Change, When to...................... 192
Checking Engine...................... 150
Pressure Indicator......... ......... 54, 267
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart........................................ 202
ON (Ignition Key Position)......... ... 76
Opening the Hood........................ 148
Operation in Foreign Countries... 287
Outside Mirrors......... ....................... 98
Overheating, Engine...................... 265
Owner Maintenance Checks.......... 199
Parking Over Things that Burn... 290
PGM-FI System.......... .................... 289
Polishing and Waxing.................... 247
Power
Door Locks......... ....................... 77
Mirrors.......................................... 97
Steering.......... .............................. 215
Windows........................................ 95
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist.......... .. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 18
Protecting Adults......... ..................... 12
Additional Safety Precautions.... 19
Advice for Pregnant Women.......... 18
Protecting Children......... ..................... 20
Protecting Infants......... ............. 28
Protecting Larger Children.......... 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 32
Using Child Seats with
Tethers......... .............................. . 39Rear Seat Armrest.........
........... 92
Rear View Mirror......... ........... 97
Rear Window Defogger......... ........ 67
Reclining the Seat Backs.......... 90
Reminder Lights......... ..................... 53
Remote Transmitter......... ............. 78
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.......... .......... 216
Coolant.......... .............................. 208
Engine Oil and Filter.................... 203
Fuses........................................ 273
Light Bulbs.......... .................... 236
Schedule........................................ 192
Spark Plugs.......... .................... 217
Tires.................................................. 231
Wiper Blades.............................. 223
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash......... ................................ . 42
Reserve Tank, Coolant.......... .......... 151
Restraint, Child.............................. 20
Reverse Gear Position.......... .......... 164
Rotation, Tire.......... ...................... 231
P
Panel Brightness Control......... ........... 64
Park Gear Position...................... 164
Parking.......................................... 171
Parking Brake................................ 99
Parking Lights.................................... . 63R
S
Radiator Overheating..........
.......... 265
Radio/Cassette Sound System.... .. 123
Rear End Towing.......... .......... 277
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement.... 238 Safety Belts...................................... 8

Index
Safety Defects, Reporting*.................... 295
Safety Features................................ 7Airbags........ ................................ .. 9
Door Locks......................................... . 10
Head Restraints......... ............................. 10
Seat Belts.............................. .. 8
Seats & Seat-Backs......... ............. 10
Safety Labels, Location of......... ............. 50
Safety Messages................................ ii
Seat Belt, Additional Information. ..... 40
Lap/Shoulder Belt...................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance............ 42 Seat Belt System Components... 40
Seat Belts...................................... .. 8
Cleaning.......... .............................. 249
Maintenance......... ....................... 42
Reminder Light and Beeper......... .............................. . 54
System Components.................... 40
Tether Attachment Points.......... .. 39
Use During Pregnancy.................... 18
Seats, Adjusting the......... ............. 89
Security System.......... ...................... 143
Serial Number.............................. 280
Service Intervals.......... .................... 192
Service Manual*.......... .................... 297Service Station Procedures.........
... 146
Setting the Clock.......... ............ 100
Shifting The Automati c
Transmission.............................. 162
Shift Lever Position Indicator.......... .. 162
Side Airbags.................................... 9, 46
Side Airbag Indicator......... ........... 47
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in.............................. 238
Signaling Turns......... ..................... 65
Snow Tires.......... .............................. 233
Solvent-type Cleaners.......... .......... 246
Sound System.............................. 123
Spare Tire Inflating........................................ 254
Specifications.......... .................... 283
Spark Plugs, Replacing.......... .......... 217
Specifications Charts.......... .......... 282
Speed Control.............................. 69
Speedometer......... ........................ 58
SRS, Additional Information.......... 43 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48How Your Airbags Work.......... 43
How Your SRS Indicator Works....................................... . 45SRS Components.........
............. 43
SRS Service......... ..................... 48
SRS Indicator........................................ 45
START (Ignition Key Position).......... 76
Starting the Engine.......... ............ 161
In Cold Weather at High Altitude.......................................... 161
With a Dead Battery.................... 262
Steam Coming from Engine.......... 265 Steering Wheel Adjustment......... ....................... 68
Anti-theft Column Lock......... ........... 75
Stereo Sound System.................... 123
Storing Your Vehicle.................... 243
Sun Visor........................................ 104
Sunglasses Holder...................... 105
Supplemental Restrain t System
Servicing......... .............................. . 48
SRS Indicator.............................. 45
System Components.................... 43
CONTINUED
T
Tachometer......... .............................. . 58