2002 Acura TL Repair Manual

The 2002 Acura TL is a luxury midsize sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, and advanced safety systems. This comprehensive repair manual covers maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, component replacement, and service specifications for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, engine repair, transmission service, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, and diagnostic procedures.

1. Maintenance Schedules 2. Engine Repair 3. Transmission Service 4. Electrical Systems 5. Brake Systems 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Heating & AC 8. Body & Interior 9. Specifications 10. Diagnostic Codes 11. Troubleshooting

Maintenance Schedules

Regular maintenance intervals to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Service Required
7,500 miles	Oil and filter change, tire rotation
15,000 miles	Replace air filter, inspect brakes
30,000 miles	Replace spark plugs, coolant flush
60,000 miles	Transmission fluid change, timing belt
90,000 miles	Replace fuel filter, brake fluid flush

Engine Repair

Procedures for J32A2 3.2L V6 engine maintenance and repair.

Oil change: Drain plug torque 29 ft-lbs, filter torque 12 ft-lbs
Spark plug replacement: Gap 0.039-0.043 inches, torque 13 ft-lbs
Timing belt replacement: Every 105,000 miles or 7 years
Cooling system: Radiator cap pressure 1.1 bar, thermostat opening 76-80°C

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical components. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Transmission Service

5-speed automatic transmission (B7XA) maintenance procedures.

Fluid change: Use Honda ATF-Z1, capacity 2.9 quarts
Filter replacement: Every 60,000 miles
Shift solenoid testing: Resistance 12-25 ohms at 68°F
Transmission control module: Located under passenger dashboard

CAUTION! Use only specified transmission fluid to prevent damage.

Electrical Systems

Battery: 12V 60Ah, located in trunk
Alternator: 110A output, belt tension 0.35-0.51 inches deflection
Starter: 1.4kW, draw current 90A maximum
Fuse boxes: Under dashboard and engine compartment
Lighting: Headlights 55W, brake lights 21W

Brake Systems

Front disc brakes and rear disc brakes with ABS.

Front brakes: Rotor thickness 1.02 inches minimum, pad thickness 0.12 inches minimum

Rear brakes: Rotor thickness 0.39 inches minimum, pad thickness 0.12 inches minimum

Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4, replace every 3 years

ABS system: Wheel speed sensor resistance 450-2100 ohms

Suspension & Steering

Double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Strut replacement: Torque mounting nuts 47 ft-lbs
Ball joint inspection: Check for play every 15,000 miles
Power steering: Fluid type Honda PSF-S, reservoir capacity 1.1 quarts
Alignment specs: Front camber -0°30' ± 45', toe 0°00' ± 0°12'

Tip: Always check alignment after suspension component replacement.

Heating & AC

Automatic climate control system service procedures.

AC refrigerant: R-134a, capacity 1.54-1.65 lbs
Compressor oil: PAG 46, 5.4 oz total system capacity
Blower motor: Located under passenger dashboard
Heater core: Access through dashboard removal

WARNING! AC system under high pressure. Use proper recovery equipment.

Body & Interior

Body panel replacement and interior component service.

Specifications

Complete technical specifications for 2002 Acura TL.

Engine: 3.2L V6 J32A2, 225 hp @ 5600 rpm, 216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Fuel system: Multi-port fuel injection
Fuel capacity: 17.1 gallons
Curb weight: 3,483 lbs
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches
Tire size: P205/60R16

Diagnostic Codes

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes and troubleshooting procedures.

Code	Description	Probable Cause
P0300	Random misfire	Spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors
P0420	Catalyst efficiency	Oxygen sensors, catalytic converter
P0700	Transmission control	TCM communication, transmission issues
P1259	VTEC system	VTEC solenoid, oil pressure

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery voltage, listen for fuel pump hum, test starter
Transmission slips	Low fluid, worn clutch	Check fluid level and condition, scan for codes
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace rotors, check calipers
Electrical issues	Alternator, battery	Test charging system, check ground connections
Overheating	Thermostat, radiator	Check coolant level, test thermostat, inspect radiator

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to clear adaptive memory.

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