maintenance Acura TL 2012 User Guide

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Select this option to delete
the current message.
Select this option to hear
a voice read the entire message.
This gives you more information
than the screen can display at one
time. When you select the Voice
option, it changes to a Stop
Reading option. Select the option
again to stop the voice.
To set your AcuraLink pref erences
(thetypesof messagesyouwantto
receive, if any), visit the My Acura
website at, and
choose what you would like to
receive. If you do not have internet
access, call Acura Client Relations at
(800) 382-2238; they can set your
message pref erences f or you.
To make a call, your
compatible phone must be paired to
the vehicle’s HandsFreeLink system,
powered on, and located within the
vehicle(seepage ). Select this
option to call the Acura dealer you
purchased your vehicle f rom.
AcuraLink also directs you to this
dealer so you can schedule a
maintenance appointment or receive
inf ormation about a message. If your
assigned servicing dealer changes,
AcuraLink will reset to call that
dealer.
Select this option to call a
phone number embedded in the
message. When you select ,
HandsFreeLink(HFL)
dials the number f or you. Select this
option to get more inf ormation about
the current diagnostic message. To
use this option, your cell phone must
be paired with HFL. In addition, the
paired phone must have a compatible
data service and be set up with the
AcuraLink system to make a data
connection. Go to to f ind out which data
services are currently compatible
with AcuraLink.
Select this
option to f ind the nearest Acura
dealer using the navigation system.
432
www.owners.acura.com
Bluetooth
Bluetooth www.acura.com/
handsf reelink
Delete
Voice
Message Pref erences
Call Your Dealer
Call Call Diagnostic Inf o
Find Acura Dlr.
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
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Features
2012 TL

Message categories can be added,
revised, or deleted through
broadcast messages f rom Acura.These messages, based on updated
vehicle inf ormation and comments
f rom other TL owners, supplement
your Owner’s Manual. They provide
you with relevant inf ormation f or a
safe and enjoyable ownership
experience. For additional
inf ormation, call Acura Client
Services directly through HFL.During the f irst 90 days of
ownership, a number of messages
appears each day. These messages
help you to use and understand the
f eatures of your vehicle.
There are six message categories in
AcuraLink: Feature Guide, Quick
Tips, Scheduled Dealer
Appointments, Recalls/Campaigns,
Diagnostic Inf o, and Maintenance
Minder . The system can store up
to 255 messages.
Feature Guide
Quick T ips
Message Categories
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
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Features
2012 TL

These messages provide detailed
inf ormation about the service
needed f or your vehicle. When a
maintenance message appears on
the multi-information display, a list of
needed maintenance items is
provided through an AcuraLink
message. These messages tell you
the exact maintenance needed,
helping you to avoid unnecessary
maintenance costs.You can use the following
message options:
Reschedule the appointment with
the dealer.
Call your dealer f or an
appointment.
Find the nearest dealer. You can make an appointment with
your dealer through AcuraLink
when you receive a Maintenance
Minder message.
To use the automated appointment
f unction, you should visit the My
Acura website at
, register some
required settings, and complete the
Phone-Data Connection set-up (see
page ). Your
compatible phone should also be
paired and linked to your vehicle
(see page ).
Make an appointment f rom the
schedule at the dealer.
432
463
www.owners.acura.com
Bluetooth
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Maintenance MinderA ut omat ed A ppoint ment
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
Features
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2012 TL

The system will automatically
connect to the Acura server, then
show you an appropriate
appointment date and time on the
navigation screen. If you accept this
appointment, select ‘‘Conf irm
Appointment,’’ then press ENTER.
When you see the Maintenance
Minder message on the multi-
inf ormation display, you will also
receive a message in the navigation
screen. To open the message, press
ENTER. Select ‘‘New Messages,’’
then press ENTER. You will see the
list of all messages. The most recent
message is listed at the top. Select the received message, then
press ENTER. You will see the
message as shown. To make an
appointment, select ‘‘Schedule
Dealer Appt.’’ then press ENTER.
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
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Features
2012 TL

Using automated appointments, your
registered dealer through My Acura
is automatically selected. If you want
to select another dealer, such as in
case of an emergency, f ind the
nearest dealer and call the dealer
directly with HFL.
When a maintenance appointment is
due soon, you will also receive an
appointment reminder message.If your vehicle is af f ected by a recall
or other important saf ety
inf ormation, a letter will be mailed to
you about the issue and how to f ix it.
You will also receive a reminder
message through AcuraLink. You
canthenusethemessageoptionsto
call your dealer f or an appointment
or to f ind the nearest dealer.For this reason, it is important that
we retain your current phone
number. Please update your
inf ormation using My Acura at
www.owners.acura.com.
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
Recall/Campaigns
Features
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2012 TL

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. To access the radiator reserve tank,
remove the right-side engine
compartment cover (see page ).
See page f or the engine coolant
location.
Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
546 542
539
541
Service Station Procedures
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Bef ore Driving
475
MAX RESERVE TANK
MIN
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2012 TL

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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy. An underinf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
inf ormation display (see on page ).For example:
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Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page ).
Improving Fuel Economy Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean Maintain proper tire inf lation
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks 543
Vehicle Maint enance
Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
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2012 TL

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
......................
Maintenance Saf ety .530
.................
Maintenance Minder . 531
..............................
Fluid Locations .541
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 542
........................
Adding Engine Oil .543
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .544
..............................
Engine Coolant .546
....................
Windshield Washers .548
.......................
Transmission Fluid .549
..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..............
Manual Transmission . 551
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 553
....................................
Timing Belt .554
.............................................
Lights .555
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 564
.....................................
Floor Mats .565
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 566
.................................
Exterior Care .566
.................................
Wiper Blades .566
...............................................
Tires .568
...................
Checking the Battery . 577
.............................
Vehicle Storage .578
..................................
Interior Care .579
633
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
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2012 TL

To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions bef ore you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required. All service items not detailed in this
section should be perf ormed by a
certif ied technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is of f .
To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.
To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all f uel-related parts.
Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
with the battery or compressed air. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.
Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
down bef ore touching any parts. Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.
Maintenance Saf ety
Important Saf ety Precautions Injury f rom moving parts.
Burns f rom hot parts. Carbon Monoxide poison f rom
engine exhaust.
Potential Vehicle Hazards
530
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle, or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.
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Maint enance
2012 TL

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Your vehicle displays engine oil lif e
and maintenance service items on
the multi-information display to show
youwhenyoushouldhaveyour
dealer perf orm engine oil
replacement and indicated
maintenance service.To see the current engine oil lif e
displayed on the multi-inf ormation
display, turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, and press the
SEL/RESET button on the steering
wheel repeatedly until the engine oil
lif e is displayed.
Based on the engine operating
conditions, the onboard computer in
your vehicle calculates the remaining
engine oil lif e and displays it as a
percentage.
Maintenance Minder
Engine Oil L if e Display
Maint enance
531
REMAINING ENGINE OIL LIFE
U.S. model is shown.
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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