lights Acura TL 2002 3.2 Owner's Guide

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 210
.
Important Safety Precautions . 211
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 212
...
Required Maintenance Record . 219
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 221
..............................
Fluid Locations . 222
......................................
Engine Oil .223
..................................
Adding Oil .223
....................
Recommended Oil .223
..............................
Synthetic Oil .224
....................................
Additives .225
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 225
.............................
Cooling System .228
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 228
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 230
....................
Windshield Washers .233
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 234
....................................
Brake Fluid .236
............................
Brake System .236
..............................
Power Steering .237
....................................
Hood Latch .237
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .238
....................................
Spark Plugs .240
..............................
Replacement .240
............................
Specif ications .242
...........................................
Battery .243 .................................
Wiper Blades .246
..............
Air Conditioning System . 248
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 249
.....................................
Drive Belts .249
....................................
Timing Belt .250
...............................................
Tires .250
......................................
Inf lation .251
..................................
Inspection .252
..............................
Maintenance .253
.............................
Tire Rotation .254
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 254
......................
Wheels and Tires .255
..........................
Winter Driving .256
.............................
Snow Tires .256
...................
Traction Devices . 256
.............................................
Lights .257
.....................
Headlight Aiming .259
........................
Replacing Bulbs .259
...........................
Storing Your Car .267
325
Maintenance
Maint enance209
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ÌDriving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
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, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions. Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions:
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
216
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft 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 Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Every 36 months (independent of mileage)
See Timing Belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, then every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
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
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page.
Adjust only if noisy
250 249 :
213
1:
2:
3: Premium model only
1
2
3
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditons
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
00/12/25 14:29:11 31S0K630_219

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CONT INUED
Maint enance217
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace transmission fluid.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
254).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches with
multipurpose grease.
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 air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years
(independent of mileage).
216
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
See Timing Belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving
conditions. Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 213
250 :
Premium model only
1:
2:
3 : 249
1
1
2
1 3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
00/12/25 14:29:24 31S0K630_220

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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page . Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . 168
169
233
234 236 250
257
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance221
00/12/25 14:30:01 31S0K630_224

Check the operation of your car’s
exterior lights at least once a month.
A burned out bulb can create an
unsaf e condition by reducing your
car’s visibility and the ability to
signal your intentions to other
drivers.
CONT INUED
Lights
Maint enance257
TURN SIGNAL/SIDE MARKER LIGHT/
PARKING LIGHT
FOG LIGHT
HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHT
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT
00/12/25 14:35:53 31S0K630_260

Check the f ollowing:Headlights (low and high beam)
Fog lights
Parking lights
Taillights
Brake lights
Turn signals
Back-up lights
Hazard light f unction
License plate light
Side marker lights
High-mount brake light
Daytime running lights (Canadian
models)
If youfindanybulbsareburnedout,
replace them as soon as possible.
Refer to the chart on page to
determinewhattypeof replacement
bulb is needed. 309
Lights
Maint enance258
H H
I
IGGH H-
-M
M O
OUUNNTT B
BRRAA K
KEE L
LI
IGGH HT
T
T
T U
UR RNN S
SIIGGN NAAL
L
L
L I
IGGH HT
T
B
BA
A C
CKK--U
UP P L
LIIGGH HT
T
L
L I
ICCE EN
NS SEE P
PL
LA
A T
TE
E L
LI
IGGH HT
T
S
STTO
OP P/
/T
T A
A I
ILL L
LI
IGGH HT
TS
S
00/12/25 14:36:01 31S0K630_261

The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
cartoyourdealertohaveitreplaced.
Halogen bulbs are used f or the high
beam headlight bulbs. When
replacing a high beam headlight bulb,
handle it by its base and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your car was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustment of the
headlights should be perf ormed by
an Acura technician or other
qualif ied mechanic.
CONT INUED
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Headlight A iming
Lights
Maint enance259
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
00/12/25 14:36:10 31S0K630_262

Insert the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb. Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Open the hood. Reinstall the radiator reserve tank.
If you need to change a bulb on
the driver’s side, remove the
radiator reserve tank.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by squeezing the
connector to unlock the tab, then
slide the connector of f the bulb. The f ront side marker/turn signal
light bulb and parking light bulb use
the same bulb.
If you are changing the bulb on
the driver’s side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger’s side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.
1.
3.
4.
7. 6. 5.
1.
2. Replacing Front Turn Signal and
Side Marker L ight Bulbs
Lights
Maint enance260
B BU
UL LBB
T
T A
A B
B
00/12/25 14:36:24 31S0K630_263

Remove the burned out bulb f rom
thesocketbypushingitinand
turning counterclockwise until it
unlocks.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the inner f ender cover away
f rom the f ender and bumper. Put the inner f ender cover in place.
Install the three holding clips.
Lock each clip in place by pushing
on the center.
Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the three holding clips
f rom the inner f ender.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
2.
3.
Lights
Maint enance261
H H
O
OL LDD I
INNG G C
CLLIIPP
00/12/25 14:36:35 31S0K630_264

Insert the new bulb into the hole
and turn it one-quarter turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb. Turn on the f ront
f og lights to test the new bulb.
Put the light assembly into the
bumper. Tighten the mounting
bolt.
Remove the light assembly f rom
the bumper. Use a wrench to loosen the light
assembly’s mounting bolt.
Your car uses halogen f og light
bulbs. See page f or inf ormation
on replacing a halogen bulb.
Remove the bulb by turning it
approximately one-quarter turn
counterclockwise. Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by squeezing the
connector to unlock the tab, then
slide the connector of f the bulb.5.
6.
7.
1.
2. 3.
4.
309
Lights
Maint enance
ReplacingaFogLightBulb
262
M M
O
OUUNNTTI
INNG G B
BOOL LT
T B
BU
UL LB
B C
COON NNNEEC
CT TO
OR R
00/12/25 14:36:47 31S0K630_265