2007 Acura TL manual transmission

The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surfaces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output,
and by selectively applying the
brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety. If
the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehic le as
soon as possible.
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is safe, and turn off the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on, or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer. When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink (see
page ). On manual transmission models, if
the VSA system is of f and you
accelerate f rom a stop, the vehicle
may pull, and it may take extra effort
to return the steering wheel to
center.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
61
VSA System Indicator VSA A ctivation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
264
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform 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. This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages on the multi-
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself . ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .272
....................
Maintenance Minder . 273
....................
Maintenance Record .279
..............................
Fluid Locations .281
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 282
........................
Adding Engine Oil .283
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 284
..............................
Engine Coolant .286
....................
Windshield Washers .287
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 288
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 290
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 291
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 292
.............................................
Lights .293
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 299
.....................................
Floor Mats .300
.................................
Wiper Blades .300
...............................................
Tires .302
...................
Checking the Battery . 308
.............................
Vehicle Storage .309
355
Maintenance
Maint enance
271
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance
281
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAPENGINE COOLANT RESERVOIRBRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual Transmission
only)
RADIATOR CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
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If no f luid comes out, remove the
f iller bolt. Slowly add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the check bolt
hole. Let the f luid run out until it
stops, then reinstall the check bolt
and the f iller bolt.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the check
bolt, and look f or transmission f luid
coming out of the bolt hole. If a small
amount of f luid drips out of the bolt
hole, reinstall the check bolt.
Manual T ransmission Fluid
290
DRAIN BOLT FILLER BOLT
CHECK BOLT
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The fluid 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 for leaks or
worn brake pads. The
fluid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake fluid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low fluid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.
Brake
fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Check
the brake fluid level in the
reservoir monthly af ter removing the
engine compartment rear cover (see
page ).
Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of mileage.
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.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid 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. 282
Manual Transmission only
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Brake Fluid Brake System
Maint enance
291
MAX
MIN MAX
MIN
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If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry. Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f an cycles twice).
Pref erably, do this once a month.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
309
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Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or replaced,
and put it back on your vehicle as
soon as you can.
Check the inf lation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inf lated to:Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement should be the same size
and design tire, mounted on the
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed f or mounting a regular tire.
Follow these precautions:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surf aces. Use greater caution
while driving. Do not mount snow chains on the
compact spare tire.
Do not use your compact spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
thesamemakeandmodel.
On models with manual
transmission, do not drive f or a
long period with the compact
spare tire mounted on a f ront
wheel; it will damage the limited
slip dif f erential.
Compact Spare Tire
312
INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
(The Type S compact spare is shown.)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
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Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.Open the trunk. Raise the trunk
f loor by lif ting up on the back edge.
Take the tool case out of the spare
tire.
Unscrew the wing bolt and take
the spare tire out of its well.
Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic)
or reverse (manual). Apply the
parking brake.
If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area that is
far away from the traffic lanes.
5. 4.
3.
2. 1.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
313
TOOL CASE
JACK
SPARE TIRE TRUNK FLOOR
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
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