2000 Acura TL 3.2 Owner's Manual

Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distancerecommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule. Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as
soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking
system and can cause extensive
damage. Brake System
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
Maintenance

Power Steering, Hood Latch
Power Steering
MAX
Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL. Always use Genuine Honda Power
Steering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering
fluid as an emergency replacement. However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Hood Latch
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts, including the pivot.
Follow the time and distance
recommendations in the
Maintenance Schedule. If you are
not sure how to clean and grease the
latch, contact your Acura dealer.
Maintenance
NOTICE

Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should becleaned or replaced according to thetime and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air
flow. If you do not have access to
compressed air (such as a service station), ask your Acura dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.
Replacement
The air cleaner element is inside the air cleaner housing on the driver's
side of the engine compartment
To replace it:BOLTS
1. Loosen the four bolts and remove the air cleaner housing cover.
2. Remove the old air cleaner element.
3. Carefully clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
4. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing.
5. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, tighten the four bolts.
Maintenance

Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your car shouldbe replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Replacement
1. Remove the cover on the front cylinder bank by turning the two
clips one quarter turn
counterclockwise.
2. Clean up any dirt and oil that have collected around the ignition coils. 3. Disconnect the wire connector
from the ignition coil by pushingon the lock tab and pulling on the
connector. Pull on the plastic
connector, not the wires.
CONTINUED
Maintenance

Spark Plugs
4. Use a wrench to remove thehexagon socket head cap bolt
holding the ignition coil. Removethe ignition coil by pulling itstraight out
5. Remove the spark plug with a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket 6. Put the new spark plug into the
socket; then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not crossthread it. 7. Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 Ibf-ft(18N-m,1.8kgf-m)
Maintenance

Spark Plugs
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head. 8. Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the hexagon socket head cap bolt.
9. Push the wire connector onto the ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.
10.Repeat this procedure for the other five spark plugs.
11.Reinstall the cover on the front cylinder bank. Specifications:
NGK:
DENSO: PZFR5F-11
PKJ16CR-L11
Spark Plug Gap:
0.04 in (1.1 mm)
Maintenance
NOTICE
+0—0.1 mm

Battery
Check the condition of your car's
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and for corrosion on the terminals.TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
Remove the battery cover.
Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the test indicator's colors. Check the battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish
powder). To remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
Maintenance

Battery
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from the terminals. Always disconnect the
negative (—) cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damage to the car's
electrical system. The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
CONTINUED
Maintenance