This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm 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 minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .534
....................
Maintenance Minder .535
..............................
Fluid Locations .545
......
Engine Compartment Covers .546
........................
Adding Engine Oil .547
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .548
..............................
Engine Coolant .550
....................
Windshield Washers .552
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .553
....................................
Brake Fluid .555
.............................................
Lights .556
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .564
.....................................
Floor Mats .565
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .566
.................................
Wiper Blades .566
...............................................
Tires .568
...................
Checking the Battery .577
.............................
Vehicle Storage .578
633
Maintenance
Maint enance
533
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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
B
Symbol
Symbol
3
4
5
1
2
61
1
2
2
Maintenance Minder
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2009 TL
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
inf ormation display. The oil and f ilter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals shown on the multi-
inf ormation display.
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect the engine or transmission
perf ormance and durability.
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
Changing the Oil and Filter
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives
548
Ambient Temperature
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2009 TL
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Refill the engine with the
recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container. 3.
5.
6.
4.
1.
2.
CONT INUED
Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance
549
OIL FILTER
DRAIN BOLT WASHER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
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2009 TL
Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent distilled
water. Never add straight antif reeze
or plain water.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.
To access the radiator reserve tank,
remove the right-side engine
compartment cover (see page ).
7.
8.
9.
546
Changing the Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant
A dding Engine Coolant
550
RESERVE TANK
MIN
MAX
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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Specif ications
614
Capacities
Weights
Dimensions
Seating Capacities
Air Conditioning 195.5 in (4,966 mm)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity: 0.182 US gal (0.69
)
6.1 US qt (5.8
)
2.6 US qt (2.5)
0.48 US qt (0.45
)
0.45 US qt (0.43)
2.93 US qt (2.77
)
2.67 US qt (2.53)
8.1 US qt (7.7)
7.9 US qt (7.5)
3.0 US qt (2.8
)
5.3 US qt (5.0
)
4.2 US qt (4.0)
4.5 US qt (4.3)
2.19 US gal (8.3
)
1.66 US gal (6.3)
18.5 US gal (70
)
3.5 US qt (3.3
)
Fuel tank
Engine coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Rear
differential
fluid (SH-AWD)
Transfer
assembly
fluid (SH-AWD)
Windshield
washer
reservoir
74.0 in (1,880 mm)
57.2 in (1,452 mm)
109.3 in (2,775 mm)
63.2 in (1,605.5 mm)
63.8 in (1,620 mm)
Gross vehicle weight rating
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Total
Front
Rear 5
2
3
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
17.6 19.4 oz (500 550 g) ND-OIL8 Approx.
Front
Rear
1:
2:Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Including filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Vehicle
Canada Vehicle 2WD
SH-AWD
2WD
SH-AWD
1
2
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2009 TL
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
Î
............
Panel Brightness Control .137
........................
Park Gear Position .508
...........................................
Parking .519
...............................
Parking Brake .201
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator .65,597
...............................
Parking Lights .133
..
Parking Over Things that Burn .519
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator .34
.............................
PGM-FI System .624
..................................
Power Mode .178
.................
ACCESSORY Mode .179
...................................
ON Mode .179
............................
START Mode .180
..............
VEHICLE OFF Mode .179
...............
Power Socket Locations .202
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .18
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens .11
...
Additional Safety Precautions .19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women .18
........................
Protecting Children .37
Installing a Child Seat Using ........................................
Latch .47Installing a Child Seat with a
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .49
Installing a Child Seat with a ......................................
Tether .51
.................
Selecting a Child Seat .45
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .42
.......
Protecting Larger Children .53
.........
Protecting Small Children .43
..........
Protecting Your Discs .251,313
...................
Radiator Overheating .593
...
Radio/Disc Sound System .225,278
...................
Readiness Codes .596,626
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement .563
........................
Rear Seat Armrest .160
.
Rear View Camera and Monitor .483
..........................
Rear View Mirror .161
...............
Rear Window Def ogger .139
.............
Reclining the Seat Backs .155
.............................
Reminder Lights .64
................
Remote Audio Controls .374
.....................
Remote Transmitter .151
Replacement Inf ormation ................
Engine Oil and Filter .548 ..........................................
Fuses .599
................................
Light Bulbs .556
...........................................
Tires .568
.............................
Wiper Blades .566
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .23
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant .491
...............................
Restraint, Child .37
..................
Reverse Gear Position .509
................................
Rotation, Tire .573
..................................
Saf ety Belts .8,20
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting .632
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
...........................................
Airbags .9
..................................
Door Locks .11
..........................
Head Restraints .15
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
...........
Seats and Seat-Backs .13,14
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of .59
..............................
Saf ety Messages .iii
.......................
Satellite Radio .234,293
Index
P
RS
VI
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