check engine Acura TL 2008 Owner's Guide

Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See
on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
f rom a booster battery (see page ).
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page .
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, the shif t
lever must be in Park or neutral.
Check these things:
326 337
314
326
If theEngineWon’tStart
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Emergency T owing
Jump Starting
324
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In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page . There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the warning indicator may
not be working.
63
253 333
337
If theEngineWon’tStart
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
325
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µStart the vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the grounding strap
as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part of
the engine.
If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle. Once the vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable f rom
your vehicle, then f rom the
booster battery. Disconnect the
positive cable f rom your vehicle,
and then from the booster battery.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the vehicle until everything is
disconnected. Otherwise, you may
cause an electrical short.
7.
6.
5.
4.
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
327
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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 ).
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 on
tightly.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
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
(see on
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.
Start the engine, and set the
interior temperature to maximum
heat. 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
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
8. 9.
7.
11.
10.
6.
290
337
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
A dding Engine CoolantT aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
329
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.
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Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page).
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action. If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
1.
2.
3.
4. 240
287
337
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owingCharging System Indicator
330
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may go of f as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. You will also see a
‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message on
the multi-information display.
Tighten the cap until it clicks at least
once (see page ). Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving. If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
thesecodesmaybeerased.Ittakes
several days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, 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 ).
238 355
Malf unction Indicator L amp
Readiness Code
Emissions T estingT aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
331
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications .245
................................
Accessories .245
............................
Modif ications .246
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .95
............
Accessory Power Sockets .120
......................................
AcuraLink .219
................
Adding Engine Coolant .290
........................
Adding Engine Oil .287
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .288
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,22
...............
Additional Information .22
......................................
Servicing .31
...................
System Components .22
..............
Air Conditioning System .126
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .306
......................................
Antif reeze .290
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .60,268
...................................
Operation .268
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .184
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock .95
................................
Audio System .133
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature .88 ...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .20
.............
Automatic Speed Control .186
..............
Automatic Transmission .259
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .344
...............
Checking Fluid Level .292
.......................................
Shif ting .259
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .259
....................
Shif t Lock Release .264
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .59,330
............................
Jump Starting .326
..............................
Maintenance .314
............................
Specif ications .345
..............................
Bef ore Driving .235
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,18
...........................
Beverage Holder .120
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.192
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .268
.............
Break-in, New Linings .236
...........................................
Fluid .295
.......................................
Parking .117 .................
System Indicator .59,332
........................
Wear Indicators .267
.............................
Braking System .267
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .236
..
Brightness Control, Instruments .89
........................
Brights, Headlights .86
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights .301
.........
Daytime Running Lights .297
.................................
Fog Lights .299
............................
Specif ications .345
............
Turn Signal Lights .298,300
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .297
............................
Capacities Chart .344
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .52
............................
Carrying, Cargo .247
Cassette Player
....................................
Care .154,175
...........................
Operation .152,173
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
..................................
Ceiling Light .118
Index
A
BC
INDEX
I
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ÎÎ Î
........................
Certif ication Label .342
...................................
Chains, tires .312
Changing Oil
........................................
How to .288
......................................
When to .279
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .319
...
Charging System Indicator .59,330
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .252
..................
Childproof Door Locks .98
.....................................
Child Saf ety .33
..............................
Booster Seats .49
...................................
Child Seats .41
..........................................
Inf ants .38
............................
Large Children .48
.........................................
LATCH .43
......................
Risks with Airbags .34
.............................
Small Children .39
.........................................
Tethers .46
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? .34
Cleaning ...................................
Seat Belts .303
..........
Client Service Inf ormation .358
...............
Climate Control System .131
..............................................
Clock .116
..........................
CO in the Exhaust .52
.......................
Compact Spare tire .318 .........................................
Compass .230
.................
Console Compartment .121
...............
Consumer Inf ormation .358
.............
Controls, Instruments and .55
Coolant
........................................
Adding .290
....................................
Checking .241
.........................
Proper Solution .290
...................
Temperature Gauge .65
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .352
................
Cruise Control Indicator .61
............
Cruise Control Operation .186
...................................
Cup Holders .120
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice .358
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,56
................
Daytime Running Lights .88
.
Daytime Running Light Indicator .62
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .360
................
Def ogger, Rear Window .90
..............
Def rosting the Windows .130
....................................
Dimensions .344 ...............
Dimming the Headlights .86
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .292
..................................
Engine Oil .240
..........................
Directional Signals .86
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .267
........................
Disc Changer .145,165
...
Disc Changer Error Messages .176
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .289
Doors
.................
Monitor Indicator .11,68
......................
Power Door Locks .96
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .346
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .251
....................................
Economy .242
Driving Position Memory
........................................
System .108
..............................
Economy, Fuel .242
Index
D
E
II
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CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .128
Features, Comfort and
..............................
Convenience .125
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .237
........................................
Filter, Oil .288
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .90
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .319
.....................................
Floor Mats .304
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .292
..........................................
Brake .295
.........................................
Clutch .296
..............
Manual Transmission .294 ..........................
Power Steering .296
................
Windshield Washers .291
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .180
........................................
Fog Lights .89
..........................
Four-way Flashers .90
..............................
Front Airbags .9,24
....................................
Front Seats .103
....................................
Adjusting .103
.......................................
Heaters .111
.....................................
Airbags .9,24
.................................................
Fuel .236
......................
Fill Door and Cap .237
...........................................
Gauge .65
................
Octane Requirement .236
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .237
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .333
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving .243
............
Emergencies on the Road .317
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .326
...........
Brake System Indicator .332
................
Changing a Flat Tire .319
.....
Charging System Indicator .330
..................
Checking the Fuses .333
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .90
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .338
............................
Jump Starting .326
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .330
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .331
..................
Overheated Engine .328
.......................................
Towing .337
.........................
Emergency Brake .117
......................
Emergency Flashers .90
......................
Emergency Towing .337
............
Emergency Trunk Opener .98
.......................
Emissions Controls .352
.............
Emissions Testing, State .355
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .65
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .59,331
.................................
Oil Lif e .72,279
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .59,330
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .287 ...............................
Overheating .328
............................
Specif ications .345
....................
Speed Limiter .257,264
..............................
Starting .253,254
.................
Engine, if it won’t start .324
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .237
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .352
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .16
Index
F
G
INDEX
III
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CONT INUED
..................................................
Keys .92
...............
Keyless Memory Setting .76
...................
Neutral Gear Position .260
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .236
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .342
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline .236
.........................................
Odometer .70
...............................
Odometer, Trip .70
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle .320
.......................................
Jack, Tire .319
................................
Jump Starting .326
..................................
Maintenance .277
........................................
Minder .279
...
Owner Maintenance Checks .283
..........................................
Saf ety .278
Malf unction Indicator ....................................
Lamp .59,331
...................
Manual Transmission .256
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .294
...........
Memory, Driving Position .108
...............................
Meters, Gauges .65
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .106
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle .246
.......................................
Moonroof .115
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display .66
.....
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.73
............................
Engine Oil Lif e .72 .........................
HandsFreeLink
.73
.........
Keyless Memory Settings .76
................
Maintenance Minder .279
.....................................
Odometer .70
.................
Outside Temperature .71
............................
Trip Computer .73
...................................
Trip Meter .70
.......................
Label, Certif ication .342
.................
Lane Change, Signaling .86
........................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .19
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .297
.......................................
Indicator .62
.........................................
Parking .86
..................................
Turn Signal .86
.....................................
Load Limit .248
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .95
........................
Lockout Prevention .96
Locks
.......
Anti-thef t Steering Column .95 ..................................
Glove Box .121
.................................
Power Door .96
...........................................
Trunk .97
........................
Low Coolant Level .241
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .59,330
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart .344
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) .247
Index
L N
M
K J
O
INDEX
V
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