2002 Acura TL Owners Manual

The 2002 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, premium audio system, leather interior, power accessories, climate control, and advanced safety features including dual-stage airbags and ABS. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Operating Controls 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Specifications 6. Driving & Performance 7. Audio & Climate Systems 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 3.2L SOHC V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, power windows/locks/mirrors, leather seats, premium audio system, dual-zone climate control.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.2L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission	5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with CD player and 6 speakers
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic temperature control
Seating	Leather-trimmed seats with 8-way power driver seat
Exterior	Projector beam headlights, alloy wheels
Safety	Dual-stage front airbags, ABS, side impact beams
Fuel System	Multi-port fuel injection
Steering	Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes	4-wheel disc brakes with ABS

Instrument Panel

Main gauges and indicators: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights.

Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h.
Tachometer: Displays engine RPM.
Fuel Gauge: Indicates fuel level.
Temperature Gauge: Shows engine coolant temperature.
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS, airbag indicators.

WARNING! If any warning light illuminates while driving, stop safely and investigate the cause immediately.

Operating Controls

Steering wheel controls: Audio controls, cruise control. Center console: Climate controls, audio system, gear selector.

Ignition: Insert key and turn to start position.
Gear Selector: P-R-N-D-D3-2-1 positions with Sequential SportShift mode.
Cruise Control: Set/resume/accelerate buttons on steering wheel.
Power Windows: Master switch on driver door.
Headlights: Rotary switch on left side of dashboard.

CAUTION! Always engage parking brake when parked on inclines.

Maintenance Schedule

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Filter: Replace with every oil change
Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 5 years or 60,000 miles
Transmission Fluid: Replace every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing Belt: Replace every 105,000 miles

Specifications

Engine: 3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC
Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Fuel Capacity: 17.1 gallons
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
MPG: 19 city / 28 highway
Dimensions: 190.1" L x 70.3" W x 55.7" H
Curb Weight: 3,461 lbs
Tires: P205/60R16 all-season

Driving & Performance

Sequential SportShift: Move gear selector to D position, then push to right for manual shifting.

Start engine: Foot on brake, shift to D or R.
Normal Driving: Keep selector in D position.
SportShift: Push selector right, then forward/back for upshift/downshift.
Hill Descent: Use lower gears (D3, 2, 1) for engine braking.
Cruise Control: Set speed above 25 mph using steering wheel controls.

Tip: Use premium fuel for optimal performance and fuel economy.

Audio & Climate Systems

Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player, 6 speakers. Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Audio Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off.
Source Selection: Use AM/FM or CD buttons.
Volume: Rotate knob or use steering wheel controls.
Climate Control: Set desired temperature, system automatically maintains.
Defrost: Press front/rear defroster buttons as needed.
Air Distribution: Use mode button to direct airflow.

WARNING! Adjust audio volume and climate settings only when safe to do so.

Safety Features

Dual-stage front airbags, side impact protection, ABS, security system with remote entry.

Care & Maintenance

Regular washing and waxing recommended. Use only approved cleaning products for interior surfaces.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners on painted surfaces or leather interior.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery connections; ensure adequate fuel; try jump start.
Check engine light on	Various engine issues	Have system scanned for diagnostic codes at service center.
Poor fuel economy	Dirty air filter, tire pressure	Replace air filter; check and adjust tire pressure.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have brake rotors inspected and resurfaced or replaced.
Transmission shifting hard	Low fluid, need service	Check transmission fluid level; have system serviced.

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealer for professional service and repairs.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-TO-ACURA