2003 Acura 3.2 TL Service Manual

The 2003 Acura 3.2 TL Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for the 3.2-liter V6 luxury sedan, covering maintenance procedures, repair instructions, specifications, and troubleshooting for the J32A2 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, suspension systems, electrical systems, and all major components. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, technical specifications, repair procedures, and diagnostic information.

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

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 2003 Acura 3.2 TL including engine, transmission, dimensions, and capacities.

Specification	Description
Engine Type	3.2L SOHC V6 (J32A2)
Displacement	3,210 cc (196 cu in)
Horsepower	225 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	216 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Fuel Capacity	17.1 gallons
Curb Weight	3,483 lbs
Wheelbase	108.1 inches
Overall Length	193.2 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 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Replace every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles

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

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for the J32A2 3.2L V6 engine and related systems.

Engine Removal: Complete step-by-step procedure with torque specifications
Cylinder Head: Removal, inspection, and installation procedures
Timing Belt: Replacement procedure with alignment marks
Fuel System: Fuel pump, injectors, and pressure regulator service
Ignition System: Spark plug replacement and coil testing
Cooling System: Radiator, thermostat, and water pump service
Exhaust System: Manifold, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensors

Transmission

Service procedures for the 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift.

Fluid drain and refill procedure
Transmission filter replacement
Shift solenoid testing and replacement
Transmission control module diagnostics
SportShift mechanism service
Transmission mount inspection and replacement

CAUTION! Use only Honda ATF-Z1 automatic transmission fluid.

Brake System

Complete brake system service including ABS and traction control.

Component	Service Procedure
Front Brakes	Pad replacement, rotor service, caliper rebuild
Rear Brakes	Pad replacement, rotor service, parking brake adjustment
ABS System	Wheel speed sensor testing, modulator service
Brake Fluid	Bleeding procedure, fluid replacement
Master Cylinder	Testing and replacement procedure

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension components and power steering system service.

Front strut replacement and alignment procedure
Rear suspension component inspection and replacement
Power steering pump service and fluid replacement
Steering gear and linkage service
Wheel bearing replacement procedure
Alignment specifications and adjustment procedures

Electrical System

Wiring diagrams, component locations, and electrical system diagnostics.

Battery: Testing, replacement, and charging system diagnostics
Starting System: Starter motor testing and replacement
Charging System: Alternator testing and replacement
Lighting Systems: Headlight, taillight, and interior lighting
Power Accessories: Windows, locks, and seat motors
Instrument Cluster: Gauge testing and replacement

Heating & AC

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

AC system evacuation and recharge procedure
Compressor clutch testing and replacement
Condenser and evaporator service
Heater core replacement procedure
Blower motor and resistor testing
Climate control module diagnostics

WARNING! AC system service requires proper refrigerant handling certification.

Body & Interior

Body panel alignment, interior trim, and accessory service procedures.

Door Panels: Removal and installation procedures
Seats: Power seat motor testing and replacement
Dashboard: Component access and removal procedures
Exterior Trim: Bumper, moldings, and emblem replacement
Glass: Windshield and window replacement procedures

Diagnostic Codes

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes and troubleshooting procedures.

DTC Code	Description	Probable Cause
P0135	HO2S Heater Circuit Malfunction	Oxygen sensor heater circuit
P0300	Random Misfire Detected	Ignition system, fuel delivery
P0420	Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold	Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors
P0700	Transmission Control System Malfunction	TCM communication error
P1456	EVAP Control System Leak Detected	Fuel vapor leak, purge valve

Troubleshooting

Common issues and their solutions for the 2003 Acura 3.2 TL.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine misfire	Spark plugs, coils, fuel injectors	Check ignition components; test fuel pressure; scan for codes.
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn clutches	Check fluid level and condition; perform pressure test.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, worn pads	Inspect rotors for runout; replace pads and resurface rotors.
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Test charging system; check battery connections and grounds.
AC not cooling	Refrigerant leak, compressor	Check refrigerant pressure; test compressor clutch operation.

Technical Support: 1-800-382-2238; www.acura.com