1996 Acura 3.2 TL Service Manual

The 1996 Acura 3.2 TL Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintenance, repair, and service procedures for the Acura 3.2 TL luxury sedan. This manual covers engine specifications, transmission systems, electrical systems, suspension, brakes, heating and air conditioning, body components, and troubleshooting guides. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, and technical data.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine System 4. Transmission 5. Electrical System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Brake System 8. Heating & A/C 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting 11. Technical Data

Vehicle Specifications

Key specifications for the 1996 Acura 3.2 TL including engine, dimensions, and performance data.

Specification	Description
Engine Type	3.2L V6 SOHC 24-valve
Displacement	3,215 cc
Horsepower	200 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Torque	210 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gallons
Curb Weight	3,417 lbs
Wheelbase	111.9 inches
Overall Length	194.0 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 60,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 90,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Change every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 5 years or 60,000 miles

WARNING! Always use genuine Acura parts for replacement. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine System

Detailed service procedures for the 3.2L V6 engine components and systems.

Engine removal and installation procedures
Cylinder head service and valve adjustment
Timing belt replacement procedure
Fuel system service and injector cleaning
Ignition system maintenance
Cooling system service and radiator replacement
Exhaust system inspection and repair

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical components. Use proper lifting equipment.

Transmission

Type: 4-speed automatic with Grade Logic Control
Fluid Capacity: 7.2 quarts (drain and refill)
Fluid Type: Honda/Acura ATF-Z1
Shift Solenoids: A, B, C, and D with individual testing procedures
Transmission Control Module: Located under passenger side dashboard
Shift Cable Adjustment: Critical for proper gear selection
Torque Converter: Lock-up clutch operation and testing

Electrical System

Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, and component locations.

Battery: 12V 60Ah, located in trunk. Alternator: 90 amp output. Starter: 1.4 kW reduction type.

Fuse boxes: Main under-hood (80A main fuse), secondary in driver's side kick panel. Relay locations: Under-dash and engine compartment. Wiring harness routing and connector identification. Ground point locations throughout vehicle body.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension components with service procedures and alignment specifications.

Front suspension: Double wishbone with coil springs
Rear suspension: Multi-link with trailing arms
Shock absorber replacement procedures
Stabilizer bar and bushing replacement
Power steering system service
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures

Tip: Always replace suspension components in pairs. Use alignment pins during reassembly.

Brake System

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and service procedures.

Front brakes: 11.1-inch ventilated discs, single-piston calipers
Rear brakes: 10.2-inch solid discs, single-piston calipers
Brake pad replacement procedure
Rotor machining and replacement specifications
ABS system diagnostics and component testing
Brake fluid bleeding procedure
Parking brake adjustment

WARNING! Always bleed brakes in correct sequence. Test brake operation before road use.

Heating & A/C

Climate control system service including compressor, evaporator, and heater core.

Body & Interior

Body panel alignment, interior trim removal, and electrical accessory service.

CAUTION! Use proper trim removal tools to avoid damage to plastic components.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, ignition	Check battery voltage, test starter, verify spark
Transmission slips	Fluid level, bands, solenoids	Check fluid level and condition, test shift solenoids
ABS light on	Wheel sensors, modulator	Scan for codes, test wheel speed sensors
Overheating	Thermostat, radiator, fan	Check coolant level, test thermostat and fan operation
Electrical issues	Fuses, grounds, alternator	Check all fuses, clean ground connections, test alternator output

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU.

Service: Contact Acura dealer or certified technician for complex diagnostics.

Technical Data

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, and special service tools required.

Engine Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity: 7.4 quarts
Spark Plug Gap: 0.039-0.043 inches
Wheel Lug Nut Torque: 80 ft-lbs
Oil Pressure: 50-65 psi at 3,000 rpm
Fuel Pressure: 38-46 psi
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Bore x Stroke: 89 mm x 86 mm