2003 Acura TL Type S Owners Manual Engine Oil

The 2003 Acura TL Type S requires premium unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 91 or higher. The engine oil system is designed for optimal performance and longevity. Below are key sections for oil specifications, maintenance intervals, procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. Engine Oil Specifications 2. Oil Change Intervals 3. Checking Engine Oil Level 4. Oil Change Procedure 5. Oil Filter Replacement 6. Recommended Oil Types 7. Oil Capacity 8. Oil Pressure Warning 9. Maintenance Minder System 10. Troubleshooting

Engine Oil Specifications

The 2003 Acura TL Type S uses API certified SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM grade engine oil. Viscosity should be selected based on ambient temperatures.

Specification	Description
Oil Grade	API certified SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM
Viscosity 5W-30	Recommended for all temperatures
Viscosity 10W-30	Acceptable for temperatures above -18°C (0°F)
Synthetic Oil	Approved for use if meets specifications
Oil Capacity	4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Oil Change Intervals

Follow the Maintenance Minder system or use standard intervals.

Normal driving: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Severe conditions: Every 3,750 miles or 6 months
Maintenance Minder: Follow displayed codes (A1, B1, etc.)
First oil change: Within first 600 miles for new engine break-in

WARNING! Used engine oil is hazardous; dispose of properly at recycling center.

Checking Engine Oil Level

Check oil level regularly to ensure proper lubrication.

Park on level surface and turn off engine
Wait 2-3 minutes for oil to settle in oil pan
Pull out dipstick and wipe clean with lint-free cloth
Reinsert dipstick fully, then remove to check level
Oil should be between upper and lower marks
Add oil if level is at or below lower mark

CAUTION! Do not overfill; excess oil can damage engine components.

Oil Change Procedure

Tools Required: Socket set, oil filter wrench, drain pan, funnel
Materials: 4.5 quarts 5W-30 oil, new oil filter, drain plug washer
Time Required: Approximately 30-45 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate

Oil Filter Replacement

Always replace oil filter with each oil change.

Locate oil filter on engine block
Place drain pan beneath filter
Use oil filter wrench to remove old filter
Clean filter mating surface on engine
Apply thin film of new oil to new filter gasket
Hand-tighten new filter (3/4 turn after gasket contact)
Do not overtighten

Tip: Use genuine Acura oil filter for optimal performance.

Recommended Oil Types

Acura recommends using premium quality engine oils.

Oil Type	Application
Genuine Acura Motor Oil	Factory recommended
5W-30 Synthetic Blend	All-season performance
Full Synthetic 5W-30	Extended drain intervals
High Mileage Oil	For vehicles over 75,000 miles

Oil Pressure Warning

The oil pressure warning light indicates low oil pressure.

If light comes on while driving: Stop immediately
Turn off engine and check oil level
Do not drive with oil pressure warning light on
Have vehicle towed to service center if problem persists

WARNING! Driving with low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage.

Maintenance Minder System

The Maintenance Minder displays service codes when maintenance is due.

Code A: Oil change required
Code B: Oil and filter change plus inspections
Code 1: Tire rotation
Code 2: Air cleaner element replacement
Code 3: Transmission fluid replacement
Code 4: Spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Oil consumption high	Worn piston rings/valve seals	Check for leaks; perform compression test
Oil pressure light on	Low oil level/pump failure	Check oil level; inspect oil pump
Oil leaks	Gaskets/seals worn	Inspect valve cover, oil pan gaskets
Dark oil quickly	Fuel dilution/overheating	Check cooling system; inspect injectors
Engine noise	Low oil pressure	Check oil level and pressure

Service: Contact Acura dealer for professional service

Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty