2009 Acura TL ABS

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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
63
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORPARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
LOW FUEL INDICATOR IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
SH-AWD INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS INDICATOR
If equipped
: SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) INDICATOR
KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM INDICATOR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
(EPS) INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR DOOR/TRUNK OPEN INDICATOR
(P.65,595)
(P.64,595)
(P.64,596)(P.71)
(P.64)(P.68) (P.73)
(P.68)
(P.71) (P.72)
(P.74)(P.69) (P.72)
(P.72)
(P.67) (P.73)
(P.65,597)
(P.65)
(P.70)
(P.71)
(P.67) (P.66)
(P.73)
SYSTEM MESSAGE INDICATOR (P.72)
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (P.77)
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2009 TL

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If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a ‘‘LOW
BRAKE FLUID’’ or ‘‘CHECK
BRAKE SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display. For
more information, see page . This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It may also come on brief ly
when the ignition switch is turned to
the START (III) position.
If this indicator comes on at any
other time, there is a problem in the
ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock f unction. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. 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), and
START Mode is the equivalent
of START (III). For more
information, see pages and
.
2.
597
521:
178
180
Instrument Panel Indicators
Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
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2009 TL

The engine start/stop button may be
used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while
driving. If you must stop the engine,
do either of the f ollowing operations:
Press the engine start/stop button
twice with your f oot of f the brake
pedal to change the power mode to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).
Bef ore leaving the vehicle, make
sure it is of f . You can verif y if the
power is of f by checking the engine
start/stop button LED indicator.
If you open the driver’s door in the
ACCESSORY mode, a beeper will
sound. You will also see a ‘‘TO
TURN VEHICLE OFF:’’ message on
the multi-information display. Press and hold the engine start/
stop button for three seconds.
Firmly press the engine start/stop
button three times.
Do not press the button while driving
unless it is absolutely necessary f or
the engine to be switched of f . If you are driving, the power mode
switches f rom ON to ACCESSORY
or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK)
whenever you perf orm either
procedure. However, the steering
wheel will NOT lock.
Bef ore leaving the vehicle, make
sure it is in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK). If you cannot stop the engine by
pressing the engine start/stop
button once when the vehicle is
stopped and the shif t lever is in Park,
do either emergency engine stop
procedure. In this case, the power
mode will change to VEHICLE OFF
(LOCK), however, the steering
wheel may NOT lock.
K eyless A ccess System
Emergency Engine St op
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2009 TL

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the Super Handling-All
Wheel Drive (SH-AWD
)system,
vehicle stability assist (VSA
), aka
electronic stability control (ESC),
system and the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS). ........................
Preparing to Drive .502
Starting the Engine (Models without Keyless .....................
Access System) .503
Starting the Engine (Models with Keyless .....................
Access System) .505
..............
Automatic Transmission .507
Driving with the Paddle
.......................................
Shif ters .512
Super Handling-All Wheel ...
Drive (SH-AWD
) System .517
...........................................
Parking .519
.............................
Braking System .520
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .521
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability ........
Control (ESC), System .523
Tire Pressure Monitoring ........................
System (TPMS) .526
...........................
Towing a Trailer .531
...................
Towing Your Vehicle .531
Driving
Driving
501
TM
TM
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2009 TL

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The emergency
brake assist system increases the
stopping f orce when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, reduces their ef f ectiveness and
reduces brake pad lif e. In addition,
f uel economy can be reduced. It also
keeps your brake lights on all the
time, conf using drivers behind you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
Brake Wear Indicators
Braking System Design
Braking System
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2009 TL

The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
If the ABS indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as shown on
page .
When the ABS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.597
You should never pump the brake pedal.
CONT INUED
ABS Indicator
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
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2009 TL

If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
597 Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
522
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2009 TL

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Maintenance Minder
544
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Independent of the maintenance messages on the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during service 3 if they are noisy.
NOTE:
2:
542
1:
SH-AWD only
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under20°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada).
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher level of mechanical (shear)
stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the differential
fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
A
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Maintenance Minder
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2009 TL