2003 Acura TL Repair Manual

The 2003 Acura TL Repair Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the 2003 Acura TL luxury sedan. This manual covers the 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, suspension systems, electrical systems, brake systems, heating and air conditioning, body components, and routine maintenance procedures. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.

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

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical specifications for the 2003 Acura TL.

Specification	Description
Engine	3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC
Horsepower	225 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Fuel Capacity	17.1 gallons
Brakes	4-wheel disc with ABS
Suspension	4-wheel independent double-wishbone
Wheelbase	108.1 inches
Curb Weight	3,483 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Every 105,000 miles
Brake fluid: Every 3 years regardless of mileage
Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Cabin air filter: Every 15,000 miles

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

Engine System

3.2L V6 VTEC engine maintenance and repair procedures.

Oil change procedure: Drain plug torque 29 lb-ft, filter torque 13 lb-ft
Spark plug replacement: Gap 0.039-0.043 inches, torque 13 lb-ft
Timing belt replacement: Requires special tools, follow alignment marks
Valve adjustment: Cold engine, intake 0.008-0.009 in, exhaust 0.009-0.010 in
Cooling system: Capacity 7.4 quarts, use Honda Type 2 coolant

CAUTION! Engine must be cool before performing maintenance. Use proper safety equipment.

Transmission

Type: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Fluid Capacity: 3.2 quarts (drain and refill)
Fluid Type: Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent
Filter Replacement: Every 60,000 miles
Shift Solenoid Testing: Requires diagnostic tool
Transmission Control Module: Located under passenger dash
Shift Cable Adjustment: Critical for proper gear engagement

Brake System

4-wheel disc brakes with ABS maintenance procedures.

Front Brakes: Rotor minimum thickness 0.87 in, pad replacement indicator connected to wear sensor.

Rear Brakes: Rotor minimum thickness 0.35 in, includes parking brake mechanism.

Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4, bleed sequence RF-LR-LF-RR. ABS: Requires special bleeding procedure after component replacement. Parking Brake: Cable adjustment under center console.

Suspension & Steering

Double-wishbone suspension and power steering system.

Strut replacement: Requires spring compressor tool
Ball joint inspection: Check for play during tire rotation
Wheel alignment: Camber -0°30' ± 45', Caster +3°00' ± 45'
Tie rod ends: Inner and outer replacement procedures
Power steering: Fluid type Honda PSF-S, reservoir under battery

Tip: Always replace suspension components in pairs when possible.

Electrical System

Battery, charging, starting, and accessory systems.

Battery: 12V 60Ah, located in trunk, negative ground
Alternator: 110 amp output, belt tension 0.35-0.51 in deflection
Starter: 1.4 kW reduction gear type, requires intake manifold removal
Fuse boxes: Underhood and underdash locations
Lighting: Headlight adjustment procedures included
Power windows: Motor replacement and regulator service
Audio system: Premium sound system wiring diagrams

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical work. Use circuit diagrams for troubleshooting.

Heating & AC

Climate control system service and repair.

AC Refrigerant: R-134a, capacity 1.36-1.50 lbs. Compressor: 6-cylinder swash plate type. Heater Core: Requires dashboard removal. Blower Motor: Located under passenger dash. Control Head: Automatic climate control diagnosis procedures.

Body & Interior

Exterior and interior component service.

Door Panels: Removal procedures for window regulator service. Seats: Power seat motor replacement. Trunk: Lid adjustment and latch mechanism. Glass: Windshield replacement guidelines. Trim: Interior panel removal for accessory installation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/ignition/fuel	Check battery voltage, spark, fuel pressure, main relay
Transmission slips	Fluid level/solenoids	Check fluid level and condition, test shift solenoids
Brake vibration	Rotor warpage	Measure rotor runout, replace if exceeds 0.004 in
Electrical issues	Ground connections	Check engine and body grounds, clean connections
AC not cooling	Refrigerant/compressor	Check refrigerant pressure, compressor clutch operation

Diagnostic Codes: Use OBD-II scanner for engine and transmission codes.

Technical Support: Acura Technical Information System 1-800-382-2238

Safety Information

Always use proper safety equipment including eye protection, gloves, and jack stands. Disconnect battery before performing electrical work. Use factory service tools when specified. Follow all environmental regulations for fluid disposal.

CAUTION! Airbag system can deploy causing serious injury. Disable SRS system before working near airbag components.