2002 Acura TL warning light

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls
are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .56
...............................
Indicator Lights .57
.............................................
Gauges .64
...............................
Speedometer .64
.................................
Tachometer .64
.....................................
Odometer .65
...................................
Trip Meter .65
Outside Temperature ...................................
Indicator .66
...................
Temperature Gauge . 66
..................................
Fuel Gauge .66
Maintenance Required ...................................
Indicator .67
Controls Near the Steering .......................................
Wheel .68
...................................
Headlights .69 ...................................
Fog Lights .70
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .70
............
Daytime Running Lights . 70
....
Instrument Panel Brightness . 71
................................
Turn Signals .71
.....................
Windshield Wipers .72
..................
Windshield Washers . 73
..........................
Hazard Warning .73
.............
Rear Window Def ogger . 74
......
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 75
...............................
Keys and Locks .76
..............................................
Keys .76
....................
Immobilizer System . 77
............................
Ignition Switch .78
......................
Power Door Locks .79
...................
Remote Transmitter . 81
..............
Childproof Door Locks . 84
...........................................
Trunk .85
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 86
....................................
Glove Box .87
............................
Seat Adjustments .88
Driver’s Seat Full Power ............................
Adjustments .88
...........
Driver’s Lumbar Support . 90Front Passenger’s Seat
............................
Adjustments .90
..........................
Head Restraints .91
........................................
Armrest .92
.............................................
Mirrors .94
....
Adjusting the Power Mirrors . 94
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .96
....................................
Seat Heaters .99
............................
Power Windows .100
.......................................
Moonroof .103
...............................
Parking Brake .104
..................................
Digital Clock .105
.................
Console Compartment . 106
........................................
Coin Box .106
Armrest Storage ..........................
Compartments .107
...........................
Beverage Holder .108
........................................
Sun Visor .109
................................
Vanity Mirror .109
........................
Sunglasses Holder .110
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 110
...............................
Interior Lights .111
..................................
Storage Tray .112
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols55
00/12/25 14:02:33 31S0K630_058

Canadian models only
This indicator lights when you turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) with
the headlight switch of f and the
parking brake set. It should go of f if
youturnontheheadlightsorrelease
the parking brake. If it comes on at
any other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may
also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.
This light comes on with the high
beam headlights. See page f or
inf ormation on the headlight
controls.
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) are on (see page ).
The lef t or right turn signal light
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one
of the turn signal bulbs is burned out
(see page ). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.
The appropriate light comes on in
this display if the trunk or any door
is not closed tightly.
WhenyouturnontheHazard
Warning switch, both turn signal
lights blink. All turn signals on the
outside of the car should f lash.
All the lights in the monitor display
come on f or a f ew seconds when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). 260
69
70
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
‘‘Daytime Running
Lights’’ Indicator
High Beam Indicator
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
Door and T runk Open Monitor
62
00/12/25 14:03:53 31S0K630_065

To clean the windshield, pull back on
the wiper control lever. The washers
spray until you release the lever. The
wipers run at low speed while you’re
pulling the lever, then complete one
more sweep of the windshield af ter
you release it.
To operate the wipers in mist mode,
push the control lever down. The
wipers run at high speed until you
release the lever. This gives you a
quick way to clear the windshield.
Pushtheredbuttontoturnonthe
hazard warning lights (f our-way
flashers). This causes all four
outside turn signals and both
indicators in the instrument panel to
f lash. Use the hazard warning lights
if you need to park in a dangerous
area near heavy traffic, or if your car
is disabled.
CONT INUED
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Hazard Warning
Windshield Washers
73
C Ca arrss w
wi itth h o
ou
ut
t n
na
avviigg a
attiioo n
n s
syys stteem m
00/12/25 14:05:51 31S0K630_076

µµBeing able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in all weather conditions. This is
more dif f icult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights. Check your tires
f requently f or wear and proper
pressure. Both are important in
preventing ‘‘hydroplaning’’ (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all f our
wheels f or the best handling.
Watch road conditions caref ully,
they can change f rom moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. ‘‘Clear’’ roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near f reezing.
The road surf ace can become
covered with areas of water puddles
mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be caref ul when downshif ting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels f or a moment and cause
askid. Be very cautious when passing, or
beingpassedbyothervehicles.The
spray f rom large vehicles reduces
your visibility, and the wind buf f eting
can cause you to lose control.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers f requently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir f ull of the
proper f luid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the def roster and air
conditioning to keep the windows
f rom f ogging up on the inside (see
pages and ).
122 127
Visibility Traction
Driving in Bad Weather
Driving200
00/12/25 14:26:14 31S0K630_203

If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Stopping in traf f ic or on the shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Drive
slowly along the shoulder until you
gettoanexitoranareatostopthat
is far away from the traffic lanes.Open the trunk. Raise the trunk
f loor by lif ting up on the back edge.
To keep the trunk f loor out of the
way, attach the hook into the slot
in the trunk lid.
The tools are in the tool box on
the right side of the trunk. Take
the tools out of the tool box. Unscrew the wing bolt and take
the spare tire out of its well.
Park the car on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground away f rom
traf f ic. Put the transmission in
Park. Apply the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
the trailer.
Turn on the hazard warning lights
and turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0). Have all the
passengers get out of the car while
you change the tire. 5. 4. 3.
2. 1.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat T ire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed279
T T
O
OO OLL B
BOOX X
H
H
O
OO OKK T
T
R
RU UN NKK F
FLLOOO ORR
S
SP PA
A R
REE T
TI
IRRE E J
JA
A C
CKK
The car can easily roll off the
jack, seriously injuring anyone
underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the car when it
is supported only by the jack.
00/12/25 14:39:43 31S0K630_282

In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.If your car’s battery has run down,
you may be able to start the engine
by using a booster battery. Although
this seems like a simple procedure,
you should take several precautions.
You cannot start your Acura by
pushing or pulling it.
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ). Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Your car has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
77
179 297
302
T he Starter Operates Normally
Jump Starting
Emergency
Towing
Starting the
Engine
If Your Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed286
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
00/12/25 14:40:53 31S0K630_289

This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (See
on page .)
Letthecarsitforaminute.Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page ). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
1.
2.
3. 4.
168 223 302
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
291
L L O
OW W O
OIILL P
PR
RE ES
SS SUUR REE I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the car stopped.
00/12/25 14:41:46 31S0K630_294

CONT INUED
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 177
....................................
Economy . 170
.........................
In Bad Weather . 199
................
In Foreign Countries . 313
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System . 96
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 170
............
Emergencies on the Road . 277
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 286
...........
Brake System Indicator . 295
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 279
.....
Charging System Indicator . 292
..................
Checking the Fuses . 297
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 291
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 293
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 296
..................
Overheated Engine . 289
.........................
Emergency Brake .104
......................
Emergency Flashers .73
......................
Emergency Towing .302
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 86
.......................
Emissions Controls .314 .............
Emissions Testing, State . 317
Engine ............................................
Belts .249
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 66
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .59, 293
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 59, 291
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 223
...............................
Overheating .289
............................
Specif ications .309
............................
Speed Limiter .187
.......................................
Starting .179
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .312
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 314
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 270
..........................
Fan, Interior .120, 125
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .115
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 165Filter
................................
Air Cleaner .238
.......................
Air Conditioning .249
...............................................
Oil .225
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 279
.....................................
Floor Mats .272
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 234
..........................................
Brake .236
..........................
Power Steering .237
................
Windshield Washers . 233
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .135
........................................
Fog Lights .70
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 313
..........................
Four-way Flashers .73
..............................
Front Airbags .9, 47
.................................................
Fuel .164
......................
Fill Door and Cap .165
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement . 164
...............................
Oxygenated .312
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .165
Index
E
F
III
00/12/25 14:47:26 31S0K630_332