This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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 .
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.U.S. Vehicles:
......................
Maintenance Saf ety .530
.................
Maintenance Minder . 531
..............................
Fluid Locations .541
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 542
........................
Adding Engine Oil .543
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .544
..............................
Engine Coolant .546
....................
Windshield Washers .548
.......................
Transmission Fluid .549
..........
Automatic Transmission . 549
..............
Manual Transmission . 551
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 553
....................................
Timing Belt .554
.............................................
Lights .555
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 564
.....................................
Floor Mats .565
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 566
.................................
Exterior Care .566
.................................
Wiper Blades .566
...............................................
Tires .568
...................
Checking the Battery . 577
.............................
Vehicle Storage .578
..................................
Interior Care .579
633
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
529
TM
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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
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.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 filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.
Acura Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. 5W-
20 oil is f ormulated f or year-round
protection of your vehicle to improve
cold weather starting and f uel
economy.
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditivesChanging the Engine
Oil and Filter
SH-AWD models:
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
544
Ambient Temperature
11/01/14 19:29:07 31TK4630_549
Maint enance
2012 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 contacting surface
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 contacting surface
of the engine. 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 Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
545
OIL FILTER
DRAIN BOLT
WASHER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
11/01/14 19:29:21 31TK4630_550
2012 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
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.
542
A dding Engine Coolant
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant
546
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.
11/01/14 19:29:32 31TK4630_551
Maint enance
as possible. it is a high-quality coolant a temporary replacement. Make sure
2012 TL
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Specif ications
614
Capacities
Dimensions
Weights
Seating Capacities
Air Conditioning 194.0 in (4,928 mm)
18.5 US gal (70
)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity: 0.182 US gal (0.69
)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
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)
1.66 US gal (6.3
)
2.19 US gal (8.3)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
4.2 US qt (4.0)
5.3 US qt (5.0)
3.3 US qt (3.1
)
3.3 US qt (3.1)
7.5 US qt (7.1
)
8.5 US qt (8.0)
2.2 US qt (2.1)
2.6 US qt (2.5)
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Manual
transmission
fluid
Rear
differential
fluid (SH-AWD)
Transfer
assembly
fluid (SH-AWD)
Windshield
washer
reservoir
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
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 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)
17.8 19.6 oz (505 555 g) ND-OIL8 Approx.
Front
Rear
Change
Total
Change
Total Change
Total
ChangeIncluding filter
Without filter
Total
Change
Total
U.S. Vehicle
Canada Vehicle 2WD
SH-AWD
2WD
SH-AWD
1
:
2 :
Change
Total
1
2
11/01/17 13:16:16 31TK4630_619
Technical Inf ormation
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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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
ÎU. S .
:
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