2001 Acura TL brake fluid

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .192
.
Important Safety Precautions . 193
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 194
...
Required Maintenance Record . 201
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 203
..............................
Fluid Locations .204
......................................
Engine Oil .205
..................................
Adding Oil .205
....................
Recommended Oil .205
..............................
Synthetic Oil .206
....................................
Additives .207
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 207
.............................
Cooling System .210
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 210
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 212
....................
Windshield Washers .215
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 216
....................................
Brake Fluid .218
............................
Brake System .218
..............................
Power Steering .219
....................................
Hood Latch .219
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .220
....................................
Spark Plugs .221
..............................
Replacement .221
............................
Specif ications .223
...........................................
Battery .224 .................................
Wiper Blades .227
..............
Air Conditioning System . 229
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 230
.....................................
Drive Belts .230
....................................
Timing Belt .231
...............................................
Tires .231
......................................
Inf lation .232
..................................
Inspection .233
..............................
Maintenance .234
.............................
Tire Rotation .235
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 235
......................
Wheels and Tires .236
..........................
Winter Driving .237
.............................
Snow Tires .237
...................
Traction Devices . 237
.............................................
Lights .238
.....................
Headlight Aiming .240
........................
Replacing Bulbs .240
...........................
Storing Your Car .247
305
Maintenance
Maint enance191

µ
Ì
Ì
Ì
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you onlydrive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
196
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
12
30
48
24 60
96
48 120
192
96
75
120 60 105
168
84
45
72
36 90
144 72
Every 36 months (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months, thereafter every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 60 months
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months, thereafter every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
: 195
Adjust only if noisy
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

µµ
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ì
Ì
Ì
Maint enance197
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page235).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years
(independent of mileage).
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump.
Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Replace spark plugs.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, thereafter replace
every 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace transmission fluid, thereafter replace
every 90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs 196
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
195
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
Ì
Î
Î
Ì
Ì Î
Î
µ
ÌDriving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions. Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your car under
one or more of the f ollowing
conditions:
MAINLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
198
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and conditions of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Every 36 months (independent of mileage)
See Timing Belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Clean ( ) or replace ( ) air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace air conditioning filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month) 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months, thereafter every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, thereafter every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
:
1:
2: 195
Adjust only if noisy
231 230
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditons
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

µµ
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ì
Ì
Î
ÌÎ
Ì
Î
Î
CONT INUED
Maint enance199
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A
B
C
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use. Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page235).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace air conditioning filter .
Replace brake fluid every 3 years
(independent of mileage).
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace transmission fluid, thereafter replace
every 30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Clean air cleaner element.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
198
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
See Timing Belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
See Air Conditioning Filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions.
NOTE: :
1:
2: 195
231
230
2
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the lif e of the
system. Have the brake system
f lushed and ref illed with Honda
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as
soon as possible.
Check the f luid level in the brake
f luid reservoir monthly.
The brake f luid should be replaced
according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car’s braking
system and can cause extensive
damage.Brake System
Maint enance
Brake Fluid
218
M M
A
AX
X
M
M I
INN

If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the car’s
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low f luid level in the
brake f luid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it f eels
normal. If it does, check the brake
f luid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page ). If the
fluid level is low, take the car to your
dealer and have the brake system
inspected f or leaks or worn brake
pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system’s dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will f eel the brake pedal
go down much f arther bef ore the car
begins to slow down, and you will
have to press harder on the pedal.
The distance needed to stop will be
much longer.Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See
on page .)
If you must drive the car a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
The Brake System Indicator
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
f ully release the parking brake. 218
282Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed275
B BR RAA K
KEE S
SYYSSTTE
EM
M I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 157
................................
Accessories .157
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 158
............................
Modif ications .158
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .79
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 109
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 207
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 45
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .220
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 230
......
Air Conditioning System . 114,121
..............................
Maintenance .229
.................................
Usage .116, 121
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .232
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .292
......................................
Antif reeze .210
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .57, 178
...................................
Operation .177
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 146
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 78
..........................
Appearance Care .249
................................
Audio System .127 ...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 66
...............
Automatic Speed Control . 72
..............
Automatic Transmission . 166
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .288
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 216
.......................................
Shif ting .166
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 166
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 167
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 173
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .56, 272
............................
Jump Starting .266
..............................
Maintenance .224
............................
Specif ications .289
..............................
Bef ore Driving .149
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,42
...........................
Beverage Holder .107
...................................
Body Repair .256
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 177
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 150
....................
Bulb Replacement .243 ...........................................
Fluid .218
.......................................
Parking .103
.................
System Indicator . 56,275
........................
Wear Indicators .176
.............................
Braking System .176
........................
Break-in, New Car .150
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 67
........................
Brights, Headlights .65
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .243
..............................
Brake Lights .243
..............................
Ceiling Light .245
........................
Courtesy Lights .245
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 241
.................................
Headlights .240
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 244
...................
License Plate Light . 244
............................
Specif ications .289
...................................
Spotlights .245
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 241
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .240
Index
A
B
I