2012 Acura TL check engine

If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark
(seeon
page ).
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before
checking the radiator. If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back
on tightly. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
Start the engine, and set the
interior temperature to maximum
heat (each temperature control
sets to ‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to
the radiator up to the base of the
f iller neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture
as soon as you can.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down
8.
9.
7. 6.
10.
11.
546
607
A dding Engine Coolant
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
594
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
11/01/14 19:38:04 31TK4630_599
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
on the cap, and turn it until it
comes off.
2012 TL

Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
outwithin10seconds,turnoff the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon
).
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ). Let the vehicle sit f or 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. Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing 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.
The indicator notif ies you of low oil
pressure and does not measure the
oil level. Check your vehicle’s oil
level at each ref ueling. 2.
3.4.
1. 474
543 607
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
595
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.
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page
2012 TL

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.
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.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display.
If you see a ‘‘REPLACE BATTERY’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display, along with this indicator on,
you may need to replace the battery.
Have your vehicle’s battery checked
andreplacedbyyourdealer.
Charging System Indicator
596
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
2012 TL

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.
11/01/14 19:38:32 31TK4630_602
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

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
11/01/14 19:39:15 31TK4630_606
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

................................
AAC .273, 313,365
....................................
Accessories .479
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .151
ACCESSORY Mode ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 215
................
Active Head Restraints . 165
....................................
AcuraLink
. 449
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 544
...........................
Advanced Airbags .28
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..........
Airbag System Components . 24
......
Air Conditioning System . 226,227
.........................................
Usage .228
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 568,570
......................................
Antif reeze .546
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66, 508
...................................
Operation .508
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 390
Anti-thef t Steering Column ....................................
Lock .151, 189
................................
Audio System .235 .
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 141
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 401
..............
Automatic Transmission . 494
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .614
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 549
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .499
.......................................
Shif ting .495
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .494
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 497
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .389
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65, 596
............................
Jump Starting .591
..............................
Maintenance .577
.................
Management System . 87
............................
Specif ications .615
..............................
Bef ore Driving .467
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .214 Blind Spot Inf ormation System
...........................................
(BSI) .519
...................
Audio . 281,376
...............
HandsFreeLink. 407, 424
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 508
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 468
...........................................
Fluid .553
.......................................
Parking .212
.................
System Indicator . 65,598
........................
Wear Indicators .507
.............................
Braking System .507
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 468
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .143
....................................
Built-In Key .201
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
A
B
I
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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

Î
..............................
Economy, Fuel .476
Electronic Stability Control ............................
(ESC) System .510
..................................
Emergencies .581
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 591
...........
Brake System Indicator . 598
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 583
.....
Charging System Indicator . 596
..................
Checking the Fuses . 600
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers . 145
.........
If the Engine Won’t Start . 588
......
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 609
............................
Jump Starting .591
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 595
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 597
Manually Opening Fuel Fill .......................................
Door .599
..................
Overheated Engine . 593
.......................................
Towing .607
.........................
Emergency Brake .212
..............
Emergency Engine Start . 490
....................
Emergency Flashers .145 ......................
Emergency Towing .607
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 156
.......................
Emissions Controls .623
........................
Emissions Testing .626
Engine ............
Adding Engine Coolant . 546
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 77
.........................
If It Won’t Start .588
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .64, 597
.................................
Oil Lif e .85, 531
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 64,595
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 543
...............................
Overheating .593
............................
Specif ications .615
....................
Speed Limiter . 492, 497
.............
Start/Stop Button . 183, 188
..............................
Starting .487, 489
Starting System .........................
Message .488, 490
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 542
..............................
Engine Coolant .546
....
Engine Start/Stop Button . 183,188
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .469
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 139
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..................................
Engine Oil .474
........................
Directional Signals .139
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 507
.................................
Disc Changer .253
...
Disc Changer Error Messages . 263
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .546
Doors .....
Lock Button, Outer Handle . 176
..........
Lockout Prevention . 153,177
.................
Monitor Indicator . 12,71
....................
Power Door Locks . 152
.
Unlock Sensor, Outer Handle . 175
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 617
Downshif ting, ..............
Manual Transmission . 491
....................
D-Paddle Shif t Mode .499
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .485
....................................
Economy .476
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .170
Dual Temperature and Mode .......................................
Control .232 ..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 566
E
III
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ÎU. S .
:
2012 TL