2009 Acura TL check engine light

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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page . 491
556
490
553 555
568
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maint enance
543
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2009 TL

Check these things:Check the transmission interlock.
The shift lever must be in Park or
neutral.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position or on models with
keyless access system, press the
engine start/stop button to set ON
Mode (see page ). Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page .
When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position or on
models with keyless access system,
press the engine start/stop button to
set START Mode (see page ),
you do not hear the normal noise of
the engine trying to start. You may
hear a clicking sound, a series of
clicks, or nothing at all.
Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position or on models with keyless
access system, press the engine
start/stop button to set START
Mode (see page ):
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. 591
180
180
180
If theEngineWon’tStart
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting
588
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2009 TL

In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position or on models with keyless
access system, press the engine
start/stop button to set START
Mode (see page ), but the engine
does not run.Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position or on models
with keyless access system, press
the engine start/stop button to set
STARTMode(seepage ).If
the headlights do not dim, check
the condition of the fuses. If the
f uses are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See
on page .If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
f rom a booster battery (see page
).
65
180
180
591577
606
CONT INUED
T he Starter Operates Normally
Emergency T owing
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
589
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2009 TL

Î
ÎIf the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a 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. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal. You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when this
indicator comes on.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position (set ON mode on models
with keyless access system), without
starting the engine. The malf unction
indicator lamp will come on f or 20
seconds. If it then goes of f , the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks
f ive times, the readiness codes are
not set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle f or an emissions test until the
readiness codes are set. Ref er to
for more
inf ormation (see page ). Models equipped with the
keyless access system have an
engine start/stop button instead
of an ignition switch. ON Mode
is the equivalent of ON (II). For
more inf ormation, see pages
and .
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and
as a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
555
626
:
178 180
CONT INUED
Malf unction Indicator L amp, Brake System Indicator
Brake System
Indicator
Emissions T esting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
597
Canada
U.S.
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2009 TL

Also check the combined f use box in
the under-hood f use box.
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
youshouldcheckforisablownfuse.
Determine f rom the chart on pages
, and , or the diagram on
thefuseboxlidorthefuselabel,
which f use or f uses control that
component. Check those f uses f irst,
but check all the f uses bef ore
deciding that a blown f use is not the
cause. Replace any blown f uses and
check if the device works.
Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are of f . Check each of the large f uses in
the under-hood f use box by
looking at the wire inside.
Removing these f uses requires a
Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.
Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine
start/stop button instead of an
ignition switch. VEHICLE OFF
(LOCK) Mode is the equivalent of
LOCK (0). See page for
ignition switch and power mode
comparison. 3.
1.
2.
603 604 605
180
Checking and Replacing Fuses
Fuses
600
FUSE
BLOWN BLOWN
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CONT INUED
............................
Capacities Chart .614
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .57
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65,595
............................
Jump Starting .591
..............................
Maintenance .577
............................
Specif ications .615
..............................
Bef ore Driving .485
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
...........................
Beverage Holder .203
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.392 Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .521
.............
Break-in, New Linings .486
...........................................
Fluid .555
.......................................
Parking .201
.................
System Indicator .65,597
........................
Wear Indicators .520
.............................
Braking System .520
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .486
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .137
....................................
Built-In Key .142
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .563
.........
Daytime Running Lights .556
.................................
Fog Lights .561
............................
Specif ications .345
............
Turn Signal Lights .559,563
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .556
................................
AAC .265,307,357
...
Accessories and Modif ications .495
................................
Accessories .495
............................
Modif ications .496
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .145
ACCESSORY Mode ...........................
(Power Mode) .178
............
Accessory Power Sockets .204
......................................
AcuraLink .467
................
Adding Engine Coolant .550
........................
Adding Engine Oil .547
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .548
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,24
...............
Additional Information .24
......................................
Servicing .35
...................
System Components .24
..............
Air Conditioning System .214
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .568
......................................
Antif reeze .550
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66,521
...................................
Operation .521
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .376 Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .145
................................
Audio System .223
.
Automatic Lighting Off Feature .135
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .22
.............
Automatic Speed Control .386
..............
Automatic Transmission .507
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .614
...............
Checking Fluid Level .553
.......................................
Shif ting .508
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .507
....................
Shif t Lock Release .510
Index
A
BC
INDEX
I
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..............................
Economy, Fuel .492
............................
Carrying, Cargo .497
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
..................................
Ceiling Light .209
........................
Certif ication Label .612
...................................
Chains, tires .575
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .548
......................................
When to .535
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .583
...
Charging System Indicator .65,595
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .502
................
Childproof Door Locks .147
.....................................
Child Saf ety .37
..............................
Booster Seats .54
...................................
Child Seats .45
..........................................
Inf ants .42
............................
Large Children .53
.........................................
LATCH .47
......................
Risks with Airbags .38
.............................
Small Children .43
.........................................
Tethers .51
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? .38
Cleaning ...................................
Seat Belts .564
..........
Client Service Inf ormation .630
...............
Climate Control System .214 ..............................................
Clock .377
..................
CO in the Exhaust .57,624
.......................
Compact Spare tire .582
.........................................
Compass .382
.................
Console Compartment .205
...............
Consumer Inf ormation .630
.............
Controls, Instruments and .61
Coolant
........................................
Adding .550
....................................
Checking .491
.........................
Proper Solution .550
...................
Temperature Gauge .76
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .623
................
Cruise Control Indicator .72
............
Cruise Control Operation .386
...................................
Cup Holders .203
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice .630
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,62
..............
Daytime Running Lights .136
.
Daytime Running Light Indicator .72
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .632 ..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .139
..............
Def rosting the Windows .219
....................................
Dimensions .614
.............
Dimming the Headlights .133
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .553
..................................
Engine Oil .490
........................
Directional Signals .133
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .520
.................................
Disc Changer .240
...
Disc Changer Error Messages .250
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .550
Doors ........
Door Lock Sensor Button .170
.................
Monitor Indicator .11,88
....................
Power Door Locks .146
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .617
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .501
....................................
Economy .492
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .164
Index
D
E
II
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CONT INUED
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving .492
Electronic Stability Control
..........................................
(ECS) .523
............
Emergencies on the Road .581
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .591
...........
Brake System Indicator .597
................
Changing a Flat Tire .583
.....
Charging System Indicator .595
..................
Checking the Fuses .599
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers .139
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .608
............................
Jump Starting .591
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .595
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .596
..................
Overheated Engine .593
.......................................
Towing .606
.........................
Emergency Brake .201
....................
Emergency Flashers .139
......................
Emergency Towing .606
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener .150
.......................
Emissions Controls .623
.............
Emissions Testing, State .626
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .76
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .64,596
.................................
Oil Lif e .84,535 ........
Oil Pressure Indicator .64,595
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .547
...............................
Overheating .593
............................
Specif ications .615
............................
Speed Limiter .510
.......................................
Starting .503
.................
Engine, if it won’t start .588
............
Engine Start/Stop Button .177
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .487
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .623
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
...................................
Fan, Interior .218
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .213
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .487
........................................
Filter, Oil .548
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning .139
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .583
.....................................
Floor Mats .565
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission .553 ..........................................
Brake .555
................
Windshield Washers .552
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .372
.....................................
Fog Lights .137
..............................
Front Airbags .9,26
....................................
Front Seats .155
....................................
Adjusting .155
.......................................
Heaters .193
.....................................
Airbags .9,26
.................................................
Fuel .486
......................
Fill Door and Cap .487
...........................................
Gauge .75
................
Octane Requirement .486
........................
Reserve Indicator .73
........................
Tank, Filling the .487
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .599
Index
F
G
INDEX
III
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2009 TL