2012 Acura TL engine

If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may go of f as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage. Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
thesecodesmaybeerased.Ittakes
several days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the malf unction
indicator lamp may also come on
with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display.
CONT INUED
Readiness Code
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
597
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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2012 TL

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 feel 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 feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
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 the power mode to ON,
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.
Refer to
for
more information (see page ). 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.
626 553Brake System
Indicator
Emissions T esting
Malf unction Indicator L amp, Brake System Indicator
598
Canada
U.S.
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Î
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
information, see
page s 184 and 187.
:
2012 TL

The vehicle’s f uses are contained in
threefuseboxes.
The interior f use box is located
under the dashboard on the driver’s
side. The f use label is attached
under the steering column.The passenger’s side interior f use
box is on the lower passenger’s side
panel. To remove the f use box lid,
put your f inger in the notch on the
lid, and pull it upward slightly, then
pull it toward you and take it out of
its hinges.The under-hood f use box is on the
driver’s side next to the air cleaner
housing.
To access the under-hood f use box,
remove the lef t-side engine
compartment cover (see page ).
Toaccessthefusebox,turnthe
knob on the under cover one-quarter
turn and pull the f ront of the cover
straight down to remove it from the
dashboard. 542
Fuses
600
FUSE LABEL
NOTCH
DRIVER’S SIDE
PASSENGER’S SIDE
UNDER-HOOD
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
TAB
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
2012 TL

Î
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. Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.
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.
Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position.
Make sure the headlights and all
other accessories are of f .
3.
1.
2.
604 605 606
CONT INUED
Checking and Replacing Fuses
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
601
FUSE
BLOWN
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ÎModels 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).
For more information, see pages 184 and 187.
:
2012 TL

µµ
Î
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous. Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required. If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the f ront tires and lif t them of f
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. Start the engine.
Shif t to the D position and hold f or
5 seconds, then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
CONT INUED
On SH-AWD models
Except SH-AWD models
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t EquipmentT his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
607
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the
all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle
should be transported on a f lat-bed
truck or trailer.
11/01/14 19:40:14 31TK4630_612
Î Models equipped with the keyless access
system have an engine start/stop button instead
information, see pages
:
184 and 187.
of an ignition switch. ACCESSORY Mode is
the equivalent of ACCESSORY (I). For more
2012 TL

Î
With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Emergency Towing
608
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight. Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
On models with the Keyless Access
system, the ENGINE START/STOP
BUTTON indicator will conf irm that
the power mode is in the ACCESSORY
mode and that the steering lock is
released. If the steering wheel does not
turn f reely, rotate the wheel right and
lef t while pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP BUTTON. This
inf ormation also appears on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
189
11/01/14 19:40:23 31TK4630_613
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
ÎModels equipped with the keyless access
system have an engine start/stop button instead
is the equivalent of ON (II). For more information,
see pages
:
184 and 187.
of an ignition switch. ACCESSORY Mode is
the equivalent of ACCESSORY (I), and ON Mode
2012 TL

To use the towing hook:Remove the cover f rom the f ront
bumper using your f ingers, or pry
it of f using a cloth and a f lat-tip
screwdriver to prevent scratches.
If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service
to pull it out (see page ).
When you need to release the
steering lock while your vehicle’s
battery is dead, do this:
Follow the proper jump starting
procedures, Step 1 through Step 5,
to apply the power to your vehicle
(see pages and ).
Follow the jump starting
procedures, Step 8 and Step 9, and
the instructions to disconnect the
jumpercable(seepage ).The
steering will remain unlocked even
if the battery is dead.
Failure to comply means the steering
lockmaybedamaged. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button to set the power mode to
ACCESSORY (see page ) and
verif y the steering lock is released.
Remove the towing hook and
wheel nut wrench f rom the tool
case in the spare tire (see).
For very short distances, such as
f reeing the vehicle, you can use the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on the anchor in the f ront bumper. If you slip the clutch f or a long time
while trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat and damage the
transmission. Use a tow service to
prevent transmission damage.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
591 592
184
592 607
CONT INUED
On models with keyless access systemIf Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
609
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page
584
2012 TL

Your vehicle has several identif ying
numbers located in various places.
The vehicle identif ication number
(VIN) is the 17-digit number your
dealer uses to register your vehicle
f or warranty purposes. It is also
necessary f or licensing and insuring
your vehicle. The easiest place to
find the VIN is on a plate fastened to
the top of the dashboard. You can
seeitbylookingthroughthe
windshield on the driver’s side. It is
also on the certification label
attached to the driver’s doorjamb,
and is stamped on the engine
compartment bulkhead. The VIN is
also provided in bar code on the
certif ication label.
Identif ication Numbers
612
CERTIFICATION LABEL
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)
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Technical Inf ormation
2012 TL