2012 Acura TL gear

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.
Braking System Design Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Braking System
Driving
507
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2012 TL

VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if
you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would
Your vehicle is equipped with a hill
start assist f eature to help prevent
the vehicle f rom rolling on inclines
as you move your f oot f rom the
brake pedal to the accelerator.
To activate hill start assist, you must
come to a complete stop and make
sure the shif t lever is either in D or S
when f acing uphill, or reverse when
f acing downhill. This f eature begins
working a few seconds after you are
in the correct gear position. Release
thebrakepedal.Thebrakesremain
engaged brief ly to keep the vehicle
f rom rolling f orward or backward.
Gently apply the accelerator pedal as
in normal driving. Hill start assist will
release brake pressure gradually as
you accelerate.
574
On models with SH-AWD
Vehicle Stability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA and Tire Sizes
Hill Start Assist
512
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if your vehicle was not equipped
wiht VSA.
Driving
2012 TL

Hillstartassistmaynotpreventyour
vehicle f rom rolling downhill on a
very steep or slippery slope, and will
not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement
f or the parking brake. If parking
your vehicle, ensure that the
transmission is in park, and/or the
parking brake is f ully applied bef ore
exiting the vehicle. For vehicles with
manual transmission, it is
recommended that you turn of f the
engine bef ore exiting the vehicle.If the VSA system indicator comes
on with a ‘‘CHECK HILL START
ASSIST SYSTEM’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display, there may
be a problem with the hill start assist.
The VSA also may not f unction.
Have your vehicle inspected by your
dealer.
Hill start assist will still operate even
when VSA is switched off.
On manual transmission models:
You must come to a complete stop,
press the clutch pedal, and shif t to
f irst gear when f acing uphill, or
reverse when f acing downhill.
Release the brake pedal. The brakes
remain engaged brief ly to keep the
vehicle f rom rolling f orward or
backward while you move your f oot
f rom the brake pedal to the
accelerator pedal. Gently apply the
accelerator pedal while
simultaneously releasing the clutch
pedal, as in normal driving. Hill start
assist will release brake pressure
gradually as you accelerate.
Hill start assist will also hold braking
brief ly if you select the neutral gear
position with the clutch pedal
depressed when f acing uphill.
Vehicle Stability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
513
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2012 TL

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Maintenance Minder
540
:
TM
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 .
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km). Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
NOTE:
2:
1:
SH-AWD only
538
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/VSA)
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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2012 TL

If the f uel f ill door release button
does not work, use the release lever
inside the lef t maintenance lid in the
trunk.To open the f uel f ill door, pull the
release lever rearward.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired by
your dealer as soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
If you also cannot unlock the trunk
due to the power door lock system
malf unction, see page and open
the trunk manually.
607
155
Opening the Fuel Fill
Door Manually
Emergency T owing
Brake System Indicator, Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
599
RELEASE LEVER
MAINTENANCE LID
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2012 TL

...................................
Fan, Interior .230
.........................................
Features .225
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 470
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .566
...............................................
Oil .544
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 145
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 583
.....................................
Floor Mats .565
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..........................................
Brake .553
.........................................
Clutch .554
..............
Manual Transmission . 551
................
Windshield Washers . 548
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .385
.....................................
Fog Lights .143
........................
Four-way Flashers .145 ..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,26
....................................
Front Seats .161
....................................
Adjusting .161
.....................................
Airbags .9, 26
..............................
Heaters .202, 204
.................................
Ventilation .204
.................................................
Fuel .468
......................
Fill Door and Cap .470
...........................................
Gauge .76
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 468
...............................
Oxygenated .469
........................
Tank, Filling the .470
...............................
Fuel Economy .476
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .600
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 623
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .57
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
.......................
Halogen Bulbs .555, 560
......
HandsFreeLink
(HFL) . 407,424
............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 145
Hard Disc Drive (HDD), ........................................
Playing .320
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 476
.........................................
Gasoline .468
...........................................
Gauge .76
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
................
Octane Requirement . 468
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .470
................
Gas Station Procedures . 470Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 77
...............................................
Fuel .76
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 494
..............
Manual Transmission . 491
......................................
Glove Box .216
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............................
(GVWR) .483, 614
H
G
F
IV
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INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
2012 TL

.................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 584
.......................................
Jack, Tire .584
................................
Jump Starting .591
.......
Keyless Access Remote . 174,179
Keyless Access Remote System ...............................
Main Switch .195
................
Keyless Access System . 173
................................................
Keys .147
........................................
Built-In .201 ..................................
Maintenance .529
Main Items and Sub ..............................
Items .536, 540
........................................
Minder .531
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .539
..........................................
Saf ety .530
Malf unction Indicator ....................................
Lamp .64, 597
...................
Manual Transmission . 491
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 551
....................................
Map Lights .221
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 170
.........................
Meters, Gauges .63, 76
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .167
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 480
.......................................
Moonroof .210
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display . 78
..............................
Music by Voice .334
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 496
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 468
.......................
Label, Certif ication .612
...............
Lane Change, Signaling . 139
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 16,21
...............................
LATCH System .47
................
Lights Control Buttons . 220
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement .555
.......................................
Indicator .63
.......................................
Parking .139 ..........................
Turn Signal .70, 139
....................................
Load Limits .482
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 151
LOCK VEHICLE OFF ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
..............
Lockout Prevention . 153,177
Locks Anti-thef t Steering ...........................
Column .151, 189
........................
Childproof Door .153
............................
Fuel Fill Door .470
..................................
Glove Box .216
...............................
Power Door .152
.........................................
Trunk .154
......
Trunk Pass-through Cover . 166
........................
Low Coolant Level .475
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .73
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,595
................................
Lower Anchors .47
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 614
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 481
M
N
L J
K
VI
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INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
2012 TL

............
Normal Shif t Speeds . 492,503
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 612..............................
Paddle Shif ters .499
............
Panel Brightness Control . 143
........................
Park Gear Position .495
...........................................
Parking .506
...............................
Parking Brake .212
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 65,598
...............................
Parking Lights .139
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 506
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator . 34
.............................
PGM-FI System .624
..................
Phonetic Modif ication . 335
...................................
Pollen Filter .566
..................................
Power Mode .184
.................
ACCESSORY Mode . 185
...................................
ON Mode .185
....................
START Mode .187, 188
..............
VEHICLE OFF Mode . 185
...............
Power Socket Locations . 213
............................
Power Windows .206
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 18
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18........................
Protecting Children .37
.....................
General Guidelines .37
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .42
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 53
.........
Protecting Small Children . 43
Using Child Seats with .....................................
Tethers .51
.............................
Using LATCH .47
..................
Protecting Your Discs . 381
...................
Radiator Overheating . 593
...
Radio/Disc Sound System . 236,285
.................
Radio Thef t Protection . 390
............................
Radio, XM
. 246, 299
...................
Readiness Codes . 597,626
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 562
........................
Rear Seat Armrest .166
...
Rearview Camera and Monitor . 465
...........................
Rearview Mirror .167
...............
Rear Window Def ogger . 145
.............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 161
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 468
.........................................
Odometer .82
Oil ........................
Change, How to .544
......................
Change, When to .531
......................
Checking Engine .474
..............
Pressure Indicator . 64,595
Selecting Proper Viscosity ..............................
Chart .543, 544
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 151
....
ON Mode (Power Mode) . 184,185
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .623
...........................
Operating Range .174
............................
Outside Mirrors .168
.....................
Outside Temperature .85
....................
Overheating, Engine .593
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 539
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .469 P
R
O
VII
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INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
2012 TL