ignition Acura TL 2012 Owner's Manual

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 or on models with keyless
access system, press the engine
start/stop button to set START
Mode (see page ), but the engine
does not run.
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position or on models
with keyless access system, press
the engine start/stop button to set
STARTMode(seepage ).If
the headlights do not dim, check
the condition of the fuses. If the
f uses are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for 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
).
Are you using a properly coded
key or keyless access remote (on
models with keyless access
system)? An improperly coded key
or keyless access remote will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).65
184
184
607 591
577
CONT INUED
T he Starter Operates Normally
Emergency T owing
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
589
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2012 TL

ÎIf the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does
not feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down,
and you will have to press harder
on the pedal. You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when this
indicator comes on.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position (set the power mode to ON,
on models with keyless access
system), 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 ). If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and
as a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
626 553Brake System
Indicator
Emissions T esting
Malf unction Indicator L amp, Brake System Indicator
598
Canada
U.S.
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Î
Models equipped with the keyless access
system have an engine start/stop button
instead of an ignition switch. ON Mode
is the equivalent of ON (II). For more
information, see
page s 184 and 187.
:
2012 TL

Î
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
youshouldcheckforisablownfuse.
Determine f rom the chart on pages, and , or the diagram on
thefuseboxlidorthefuselabel,
which f use or f uses control that
component. Check those f uses f irst,
but check all the f uses bef ore
deciding that a blown f use is not the
cause. Replace any blown f uses and
check if the device works. Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.
Check each of the large f uses in
the under-hood f use box by
looking at the wire inside.
Removing these f uses requires a
Phillips-head screwdriver.
Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position.
Make sure the headlights and all
other accessories are of f .
3.
1.
2.
604 605 606
CONT INUED
Checking and Replacing Fuses
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
601
FUSE
BLOWN
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ÎModels equipped with the keyless access
system have an engine start/stop button
instead of an ignition switch. VEHICLE OFF
(LOCK) Mode is the equivalent of LOCK (0).
For more information, see pages 184 and 187.
:
2012 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.
11/01/14 19:40:14 31TK4630_612
Î Models equipped with the keyless access
system have an engine start/stop button instead
information, see pages
:
184 and 187.
of an ignition switch. ACCESSORY Mode is
the equivalent of ACCESSORY (I). For more
2012 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
11/01/14 19:40:23 31TK4630_613
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
ÎModels equipped with the keyless access
system have an engine start/stop button instead
is the equivalent of ON (II). For more information,
see pages
:
184 and 187.
of an ignition switch. ACCESSORY Mode is
the equivalent of ACCESSORY (I), and ON Mode
2012 TL

The exhaust emissions controls
include f our systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, exhaust gas
recirculation, and three way catalytic
converter. These f our systems work
together to control the engine’s
combustion and minimize the
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate f rom the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.The emissions control systems are
designed and certif ied to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent f or repairs. Using lower
qualitypartsmayincreasethe
emissions f rom your vehicle.
The emissions control systems
The PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport f uel injection. It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and f uel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM) in
automatic transmission vehicles or
the engine control module (ECM) in
manual transmission vehicles uses
various sensors to determine how
much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much f uel to inject
under all operating conditions.
The three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO ), nitrogen
(N ), and water vapor. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system takes some of the exhaust
gas and routes it back into the intake
manif old. Adding exhaust gas to the
air/f uel mixture reduces the amount
of NOx produced when the fuel This system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.
2
2
Exhaust Emissions Controls Replacement Parts
PGM-FI System
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Exhaust Gas Recirculat ion (EGR)
Syst em
Ignit ion T iming Cont rol Syst em
Emissions Cont rols
624
11/01/14 19:43:13 31TK4630_629
Technical Inf ormation
are covered by warranties separate
from the rest of your vehicle. Read
your warranty manual for more
information.
is burned.
2012 TL

................................
AAC .273, 313,365
....................................
Accessories .479
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .151
ACCESSORY Mode ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 215
................
Active Head Restraints . 165
....................................
AcuraLink
. 449
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 544
...........................
Advanced Airbags .28
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..........
Airbag System Components . 24
......
Air Conditioning System . 226,227
.........................................
Usage .228
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 568,570
......................................
Antif reeze .546
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66, 508
...................................
Operation .508
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 390
Anti-thef t Steering Column ....................................
Lock .151, 189
................................
Audio System .235 .
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 141
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 401
..............
Automatic Transmission . 494
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .614
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 549
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .499
.......................................
Shif ting .495
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .494
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 497
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .389
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65, 596
............................
Jump Starting .591
..............................
Maintenance .577
.................
Management System . 87
............................
Specif ications .615
..............................
Bef ore Driving .467
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .214 Blind Spot Inf ormation System
...........................................
(BSI) .519
...................
Audio . 281,376
...............
HandsFreeLink. 407, 424
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 508
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 468
...........................................
Fluid .553
.......................................
Parking .212
.................
System Indicator . 65,598
........................
Wear Indicators .507
.............................
Braking System .507
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 468
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .143
....................................
Built-In Key .201
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
A
B
I
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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
2012 TL

.....................................
Headlights .139
........................................
Aiming .555
............
Automatic Lighting Off . 141
............
Automatic Lighting On . 140
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 142
..................
High Beam Indicator . 71
.......................
Reminder Beeps .139
........................
Replacing Bulbs .555
.................................
Turning on .139
.....................................
Washers .138
............................
Head Restraints .162
.............................
Heated Mirrors .169
...........................
Heater, Seat .202, 204
...............
High-Low Beam Switch . 140
.............................
Hill Start Assist .512
HomeLink
Universal ................................
Transceiver .404
........
Hood, Opening and Closing . 472
...........................................
Horn .4,136
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .554
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 612
Ignition ............................................
Keys .147 .........................................
Switch .151
............
Timing Control System . 624
......................
Immobilizer System .149
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
...............
Indicators/Messages . 64, 90
......
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) . 66,508
...................
Battery Charge Low . 87
Blind Spot Inf ormation ...................
System (BSI) . 75,521
Brake (Parking and Brake ............................
System) .65, 598
................
Charging System . 65,596
.............................
Cruise Control .72
.............................
Door Open .12, 71
...................................
Fog Lights .71
...................................
High Beam .71
.................................
Hot Coolant .77
........
Key (Immobilizer System) . 65
..............
Keyless Access System . 74
.....................................
Lights On .71
......................................
Low Fuel .73
................
Low Oil Pressure . 64,595
.........
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS . 69
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 597
.................................
Seat Belt .20, 64
.....................
Side Airbag Of f .33, 67 .........................................
SRS .32, 67
.................
Starting System . 488,490
...........................
Trunk Open .12, 71
Turn Signal and Hazard ...................................
Warning .70
........................................
VSA Off .68
.................................
VSA System .68
..................
Individual Map Lights . 221
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 64
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .42
......................................
Inf ant Seats .42
.........................................
LATCH .47
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 568
.................................
Inside Mirror .167
.............................
Inspection, Tire .571
....................
Installing a Child Seat .46
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
.............................
Using LATCH .47
............................
Instrument Panel .63
......
Instrument Panel Brightness . 143
...............................
Interior Lights .220
........................................
Introduction .i
I
V
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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
2012 TL

.................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 584
.......................................
Jack, Tire .584
................................
Jump Starting .591
.......
Keyless Access Remote . 174,179
Keyless Access Remote System ...............................
Main Switch .195
................
Keyless Access System . 173
................................................
Keys .147
........................................
Built-In .201 ..................................
Maintenance .529
Main Items and Sub ..............................
Items .536, 540
........................................
Minder .531
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .539
..........................................
Saf ety .530
Malf unction Indicator ....................................
Lamp .64, 597
...................
Manual Transmission . 491
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 551
....................................
Map Lights .221
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 170
.........................
Meters, Gauges .63, 76
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .167
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 480
.......................................
Moonroof .210
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display . 78
..............................
Music by Voice .334
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 496
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 468
.......................
Label, Certif ication .612
...............
Lane Change, Signaling . 139
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 16,21
...............................
LATCH System .47
................
Lights Control Buttons . 220
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement .555
.......................................
Indicator .63
.......................................
Parking .139 ..........................
Turn Signal .70, 139
....................................
Load Limits .482
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 151
LOCK VEHICLE OFF ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
..............
Lockout Prevention . 153,177
Locks Anti-thef t Steering ...........................
Column .151, 189
........................
Childproof Door .153
............................
Fuel Fill Door .470
..................................
Glove Box .216
...............................
Power Door .152
.........................................
Trunk .154
......
Trunk Pass-through Cover . 166
........................
Low Coolant Level .475
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,595
................................
Lower Anchors .47
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 614
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 481
M
N
L J
K
VI
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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
2012 TL

............
Normal Shif t Speeds . 492,503
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 612..............................
Paddle Shif ters .499
............
Panel Brightness Control . 143
........................
Park Gear Position .495
...........................................
Parking .506
...............................
Parking Brake .212
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 65,598
...............................
Parking Lights .139
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 506
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator . 34
.............................
PGM-FI System .624
..................
Phonetic Modif ication . 335
...................................
Pollen Filter .566
..................................
Power Mode .184
.................
ACCESSORY Mode . 185
...................................
ON Mode .185
....................
START Mode .187, 188
..............
VEHICLE OFF Mode . 185
...............
Power Socket Locations . 213
............................
Power Windows .206
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 18
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18........................
Protecting Children .37
.....................
General Guidelines .37
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .42
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 53
.........
Protecting Small Children . 43
Using Child Seats with .....................................
Tethers .51
.............................
Using LATCH .47
..................
Protecting Your Discs . 381
...................
Radiator Overheating . 593
...
Radio/Disc Sound System . 236,285
.................
Radio Thef t Protection . 390
............................
Radio, XM
. 246, 299
...................
Readiness Codes . 597,626
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 562
........................
Rear Seat Armrest .166
...
Rearview Camera and Monitor . 465
...........................
Rearview Mirror .167
...............
Rear Window Def ogger . 145
.............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 161
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 468
.........................................
Odometer .82
Oil ........................
Change, How to .544
......................
Change, When to .531
......................
Checking Engine .474
..............
Pressure Indicator . 64,595
Selecting Proper Viscosity ..............................
Chart .543, 544
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 151
....
ON Mode (Power Mode) . 184,185
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .623
...........................
Operating Range .174
............................
Outside Mirrors .168
.....................
Outside Temperature .85
....................
Overheating, Engine .593
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 539
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .469 P
R
O
VII
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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
2012 TL