2002 Acura TL Type S Repair Manual

The 2002 Acura TL Type S is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine producing 260 horsepower, 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift, premium audio system, leather interior, and advanced suspension system. This repair manual covers comprehensive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for all major systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, and interior components.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine System 4. Transmission 5. Brake System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical System 8. Interior & Exterior 9. Diagnostic Procedures 10. Safety Precautions 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical specifications for the 2002 Acura TL Type S.

Specification	Details
Engine	3.2L J32A2 V6 SOHC
Horsepower	260 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	232 lb-ft @ 3500-5500 rpm
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Brakes	4-wheel disc with ABS
Suspension	4-wheel independent double wishbone
Fuel Capacity	17.1 gallons
Curb Weight	3,505 lbs
Wheelbase	108.1 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Transmission Fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Every 3 years regardless of mileage
Coolant: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years
Spark Plugs: Every 105,000 miles
Timing Belt: Every 105,000 miles or 7 years

WARNING! Always use genuine Acura parts and fluids for optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Engine System

Comprehensive engine repair and maintenance procedures.

Engine Removal: Requires proper support equipment and safety procedures
Cylinder Head: Torque sequence critical for proper sealing
Timing Belt: Precise alignment marks essential for correct installation
Fuel System: Use fuel pressure gauge for accurate diagnostics
Ignition System: Coil-on-plug design requires specific testing procedures

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

Transmission

Type: 5-speed automatic with SportShift manual mode
Fluid Capacity: 3.1 quarts for drain and fill
Fluid Type: Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 or equivalent
Shift Solenoids: Located in transmission valve body
Transmission Control Module: Integrated with PCM
Service Points: Regular fluid changes essential for longevity
Common Issues: Shift solenoid failures, torque converter shudder

Brake System

Front and rear brake system service procedures.

Front Brakes: 11.8-inch ventilated discs, dual-piston calipers. Rear Brakes: 11.1-inch solid discs, single-piston calipers.

Brake Pad Replacement: Remove caliper bolts, compress piston, install new pads. Rotor Service: Minimum thickness specifications must be followed. ABS System: Use scan tool for diagnostics; wheel speed sensors critical for operation.

Suspension & Steering

Double wishbone suspension system maintenance.

Front Suspension: Upper and lower control arms with ball joints
Rear Suspension: Multi-link design with toe adjustment
Shock Absorbers: Gas-charged for improved handling
Steering System: Power rack-and-pinion with variable assist
Alignment Specifications: Critical for tire wear and handling

Tip: Always replace suspension components in pairs and perform alignment after replacement.

Electrical System

Wiring diagrams and electrical component service.

Battery: Located in trunk for weight distribution
Alternator: 110-amp output capacity
Starter: Direct engagement with flywheel
Fuse Boxes: Under-hood and driver's side interior
Lighting Systems: HID headlights standard
Audio System: Premium Bose system with amplifier
Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic temperature control

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical work. Use proper circuit testing equipment.

Interior & Exterior

Body and interior component repair procedures.

Interior: Leather seat repair, dashboard component replacement, climate control service. Exterior: Body panel alignment, paint matching procedures, lighting assembly replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures

Using OBD-II system for trouble code retrieval and system diagnostics.

Safety Precautions

Always use jack stands when lifting vehicle. Wear safety glasses during repairs. Follow proper fluid disposal procedures.

CAUTION! Never work under vehicle supported only by jack. Use approved lifting equipment.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine misfire	Faulty spark plugs/coils	Replace spark plugs; test ignition coils; check fuel injectors.
Transmission slipping	Low fluid/worn components	Check fluid level and condition; inspect shift solenoids.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace brake rotors; check caliper operation.
Electrical issues	Battery/alternator	Test battery voltage; check alternator output; inspect grounds.
Steering pull	Alignment/suspension	Perform wheel alignment; inspect suspension components.

Reset Procedures: Various system resets available through specific button sequences.

Technical Support: Acura dealer network or certified independent shops recommended.