2011 Acura TL check oil

Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Install the engine oil
f ill cap, and tighten it securely. Wait
a f ew minutes, and recheck the oil
level (see page ). Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine. Acura Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Acura Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certif ication Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
448
CONT INUED
Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
509
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
10/07/29 12:47:04 31TK4620_514
2011 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 antifreeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling
system flushed and refilled with
Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon
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.
508
A dding Engine Coolant
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant
512
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.
10/07/29 12:47:30 31TK4620_517
as possible.
2011 TL

Reinstall the under cover, tighten the
mounting bolt securely, then put the
holding clips back in place. Make
sure the under cover is installed
under the edge of the f ront bumper.
If Acura 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 according
to the Maintenance Minder (see
page ).
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
497
T ransmission Fluid
518
TM
10/07/29 12:48:17 31TK4620_523
2011 TL

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 it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon
).
Let the vehicle sit for a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other
driving maneuvers.
Go to a service station or
garage where you can get
technical assistance. If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the
engine is running, the battery
is not being charged.
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
1.
2.
3.
4.
448
509
Emergency Towing Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
561
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 vehicle stopped.
10/07/29 12:53:59 31TK4620_566
page 572
2011 TL

CONT INUED
................................
AAC .261, 301,348
....................................
Accessories .453
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .145
ACCESSORY Mode ...........................
(Power Mode) .178
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 207
................
Active Head Restraints . 159
....................................
AcuraLink
. 425
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 510
...........................
Advanced Airbags .28
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..........
Airbag System Components . 24
......
Air Conditioning System . 216,217
.........................................
Usage .218
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 535,536
......................................
Antif reeze .512
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66, 482
...................................
Operation .482
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 373
Anti-thef t Steering Column ....................................
Lock .145, 183
................................
Audio System .225 .
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 135
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 383
..............
Automatic Transmission . 468
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .580
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 515
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .473
.......................................
Shif ting .469
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .468
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 471
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .372
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65, 561
............................
Jump Starting .557
..............................
Maintenance .542
............................
Specif ications .581
..............................
Bef ore Driving .443
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .206
...................
Audio . 269,359
...............
HandsFreeLink. 389, 406
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 482
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 444
...........................................
Fluid .519
.......................................
Parking .204
.................
System Indicator . 65,563
........................
Wear Indicators .481
.............................
Braking System .481
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 444
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .137
....................................
Built-In Key .195
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .528
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 521
.................................
Fog Lights .526
.................................
Headlights .521
............................
Specif ications .581
............
Turn Signal Lights . 524,528
......................
Bulbs, Halogen .521, 526
Bluetooth Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
10/07/29 12:58:46 31TK4620_606
2011 TL

...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard .3, 62
..............
Daytime Running Lights . 136
.................................
Dead Battery .557
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 598
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window . 139
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 221
....................................
Dimensions .580
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 133
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 515
..................................
Engine Oil .448
........................
Directional Signals .133
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 481
.................................
Disc Changer .241
...
Disc Changer Error Messages . 251
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .512
............................
Capacities Chart .580
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 57
............................
Carrying, Cargo .455
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
.........................................
CD Care .364
...................................
CD Changer .241
.......................................
CD Player .295
........................
Certif ication Label .578
............................................
Chains .541
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .549
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .510
......................................
When to .497
...
Charging System Indicator . 65,561
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 460
.....................................
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 .....................
Warning Labels .39, 59
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 38
.......................................
Child Seats .45
.........................................
LATCH .47
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
................
Childproof Door Locks . 147
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 530
..........
Client Service Inf ormation . 596
.......
Climate Control System . 216,217
..........................
On/Off Button .219
..............................................
Clock .374
...................................
Clutch Fluid .520
..................
CO in the Exhaust . 57, 589
....
Cold Weather, Starting in . 461,463
......................
Compact Spare Tire .548
.........................................
Compass .379
.................
Console Compartment . 208
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 596
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 61
Coolant ........................................
Adding .512
....................................
Checking .449
.........................
Proper Solution .512
...................
Temperature Gauge . 76
........
Water Temp Hot Message . 76Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .589
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 72
............
Cruise Control Operation . 383
...................................
Cup Holders .206
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 596
Index
D
C
II
10/08/03 20:57:13 31TK4620_607
2011 TL

Î
CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .220
Doors
.....
Lock Button, Outer Handle . 170
..........
Lockout Prevention . 147,171
.................
Monitor Indicator . 12,71
....................
Power Door Locks . 146
.
Unlock Sensor, Outer Handle . 169
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 583
Downshif ting, ..............
Manual Transmission . 465
....................
D-Paddle Shif t Mode .473
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .459
....................................
Economy .450
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .164
Dual Temperature and Mode .......................................
Control .222
..................
Dual and Pollen Filter . 532
..............................
Economy, Fuel .450
Electronic Stability Control ............................
(ESC) System .484
..................................
Emergencies .547
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 557 ...........
Brake System Indicator . 563
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 549
.....
Charging System Indicator . 561
..................
Checking the Fuses . 565
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers . 139
.........
If the Engine Won’t Start . 554
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 574
............................
Jump Starting .557
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 561
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 562
Manually Opening Fuel Fill .......................................
Door .564
..................
Overheated Engine . 559
.......................................
Towing .572
.........................
Emergency Brake .204
..............
Emergency Engine Start . 464
....................
Emergency Flashers .139
......................
Emergency Towing .572
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 150
.......................
Emissions Controls .589
........................
Emissions Testing .592
Engine ............
Adding Engine Coolant . 512
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 76
.........................
If It Won’t Start .554 Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .64, 562
.................................
Oil Lif e .84, 497
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,561
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 509
...............................
Overheating .559
............................
Specif ications .581
....................
Speed Limiter . 466,471
.............
Start/Stop Button . 177,182
..............................
Starting .461, 463
Starting System .........................
Message .462, 464
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 508
..............................
Engine Coolant .512
............
Engine Start/Stop Button . 177
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .445
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 589
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
Index
F
EINDEX
III
10/07/29 12:58:55 31TK4620_608
2011 TL

...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 450
.........................................
Gasoline .444
...........................................
Gauge .75
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 444
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .445
................
Gas Station Procedures . 445
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 76
...............................................
Fuel .75
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 468
..............
Manual Transmission . 465
......................................
Glove Box .208
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .....................................
(GVWR) .457 .......................
Halogen Bulbs .521, 526
......
HandsFreeLink
(HFL) . 389,406
............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 139
Hard Disc Drive (HDD), ........................................
Playing .308
.....................................
Headlights .133
........................................
Aiming .521
............
Automatic Lighting Off . 135
............
Automatic Lighting On . 134
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 136
..................
High Beam Indicator . 71
.......................
Reminder Beeps .133
........................
Replacing Bulbs .521
.................................
Turning on .133
............................
Head Restraints .156
.............................
Heated Mirrors .163
...................................
Heater, Seat .196
...............
High-Low Beam Switch . 133
.............................
Hill Start Assist .486
HomeLink
Universal ................................
Transceiver .386
........
Hood, Opening and Closing . 447
...........................................
Horn .4,130
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .520
.........................................
Features .215
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 445
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .532
...............................................
Oil .510
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 139
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 549
.....................................
Floor Mats .531
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 515
..........................................
Brake .519
.........................................
Clutch .520
..............
Manual Transmission . 517
................
Windshield Washers . 514
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .368
.....................................
Fog Lights .137
........................
Four-way Flashers .139
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,26
....................................
Front Seats .155
....................................
Adjusting .155
.....................................
Airbags .9, 26
.......................................
Heaters .196
.................................................
Fuel .444
......................
Fill Door and Cap .446
...........................................
Gauge .75 .....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 444
...............................
Oxygenated .444
........................
Tank, Filling the .445
...............................
Fuel Economy .450
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .565
Index
H
G
IV
10/08/06 13:36:34 31TK4620_609
2011 TL