2000 Acura TL engine

Gauges
Trip Meter
SELECTBUTTON
RESET
BUTTON
This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it. There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays by pressing the Select
button repeatedly. Each trip meter
works independently, so you can keep track of two different distances.
When you turn the ignition switch ON (II), what you last selected is
displayed.
To reset a trip meter, display it and then press and hold the Reset buttonuntil the number resets to "0.0".Both trip meters will reset if the
vehicle's battery goes dead or is disconnected. Outside Temperature Indicator
This indicator displays the outside temperature in Fahrenheit in U.S.models, and in Centigrade inCanadian models.
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper. Therefore, the
temperature reading can be affected
by heat reflection from the road sur-
face, engine heat, and the exhaustfrom the surrounding traffic. This can cause the temperature reading
not to be correct when your speed is
under 19 mph (30 km/h).
In certain weather conditions,
temperature readings near freezing (32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is
forming on the road surface.
Instruments and Controls

Gauges
Temperature Gauge
This shows the temperature of theengine's coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about the middle of the gauge. In severedriving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill driving, the pointer may rise to near
the upper red mark. If it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to theside of the road. Turn to page 265 for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine's cooling system. Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads.
The needle returns to the bottom after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the fuel level reading
immediately after you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II). Maintenance Required Indicator
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
INDICATOR
This indicator reminds you that it is
time to take your car in forscheduled maintenance.Refer to the Maintenance Schedules
for Normal and Severe Driving Conditions on pages 192 — 196.
Instruments and Controls

Gauges
For the first 6,000 miles (9,600 km)
after the Maintenance Required
Indicator is reset, it will come on for
two seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Between 6,000 miles (9,600 km) and
7,500 miles (12,000 km) this
indicator will light for two seconds
when you first turn the ignition switch ON (II), and then flash for
ten seconds.
If you exceed 7,500 miles (12,000
km) without having the scheduled maintenance performed, this
indicator will remain on as a constant
reminder. Your dealer will reset this indicator
after completing the scheduled
maintenance. If this maintenance is done by someone other than your
Acura dealer, reset the indicator as follows.
SELECT BUTTON
RESET BUTTON
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Press and hold the select and reset buttons on the instrument panel,
then turn the ignition switch ON
(II).
3. Hold the buttons for about ten sec- onds, until the indicator resets.
Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks
Keys
KEY MASTER
NUMBER KEY
PLATE (BLACK) VALET KEY
(GREY)
Your car comes with two master
keys and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on your car: • Ignition
• Doors• Glove box
• Trunk pass-through cover The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk, trunk pass-throughcover, and glove box locked when
you leave your car and the valet key at a parking facility.
You should have received a key number plate with your set of keys.
You will need this number if you have to get a lost key replaced. Keepthe plate stored in a safe place.
When replacing keys, use only
Acura-approved key blanks.
These keys contain electronic circuits that are activated by theImmobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged.
• Protect the keys from direct sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
• Do not drop the keys or set heavy objects on them.
• Keep the keys away from liquids.If they get wet, dry them immedi-
ately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries. Do not try to take them apart.
Remote Transmitter
Your car also comes with two remote transmitters; see page 78 for anexplanation of the operation.
Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks
Immobilizer System
The Immobilizer System protects your car from theft. A properly-coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch for theengine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine's starting circuit is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II) again. The system may not recognize your
key's coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system recognizes the key code:
• Do not keep other immobilizer keys on the same key ring.
• Use a plastic or leather key fob, not metal.
• Keep other keys away from yourcar's key and the ignition switch
while trying to start the engine.
If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer. This indicator will also blink several
times when you turn the ignitionswitch from ON (ID to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your car undriveable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer.
Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks
ACCESSORY (I) - In this position,you can operate the audio systemand the accessory power socket.
ON (II) — This is the normal key
position when driving. All features
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to ON. START (III) - Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key's coding (see page
74).
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open the driver's door. Remove the key to
turn off the beeper.
Instruments and Controls

Seat Heaters
Both front seats are equipped withseat heaters. The ignition switch
must be ON (II) to use them. Push
the front of the switch, HI, to rapidly
heat up the seat. After the seat
reaches a comfortable temperature, select LO by pushing the back of the
switch. This will keep the seat warm. The HI or LO indicator lights and
remains lit until you turn it off by
pushing the opposite side of theswitch lightly. The indicator will turn
off.
In HI, the heater turns off when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat's temperature drops. It
continues to cycle as long as you
leave it set on HI. The HI indicator
remains lit as a reminder that you
have the heater on.
In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperaturechanges. Follow these precautions whenever
you use the seat heaters:
• Use the HI setting only to heat the seats quickly. Select the LO
setting when the seats feel warm.
The HI setting draws large amounts of current from the
battery.
• Do not use the seat heaters, even on the LO setting, if the engine is
left idling for an extended period.
They can weaken the battery, causing hard starting.
Because of the sensors for the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger's seat-back.
Instruments and Controls

Mirrors, Parking Brake
HEATED MIRROR BUTTON
The outside mirrors are heated to re-move fog and frost. With the ignition
switch ON (II), turn on the heaters
by pressing the button. The light in
the button comes on as a reminder. Press the button again to turn theheaters off. Parking Brake
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL
To apply the parking brake, push the
parking brake pedal down with your
foot. To release the parking brake, push on the pedal again. The parking
brake light on the instrument panel should go out when the parking
brake is fully released with the engine running. (see page 54.)
NOTICE
Driving the car with the parking brake
applied can damage the rear brakes
and axles.
Instruments and Controls