2003 Acura TL Type S Owners Manual

The 2003 Acura TL Type S is a premium sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine producing 260 horsepower, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, leather-trimmed interior, Bose premium audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof, and advanced safety features including dual-stage front airbags and anti-lock brakes. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Instrument Panel 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Driving Your Vehicle 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Audio System 9. Climate Control 10. Technical Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, leather interior, Bose audio system, power accessories, and advanced safety systems.

FeatureDescription
Engine3.2L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Audio SystemBose 6-speaker premium system with CD player
Climate ControlDual-zone automatic temperature control
SeatingLeather-trimmed seats with 8-way power driver seat
SafetyDual-stage front airbags, ABS, side-impact protection
ExteriorFog lights, alloy wheels, power moonroof
InteriorWoodgrain trim, automatic dimming mirror
SteeringPower steering with tilt and telescope
Brakes4-wheel disc brakes with ABS

Safety Information

Always follow proper safety procedures when operating your vehicle.

  1. Always wear seat belts and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
  2. Adjust head restraints to proper position for all occupants.
  3. Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
  4. Follow proper child seat installation procedures.
  5. Maintain proper tire pressure and tread depth.

WARNING! Airbags are supplemental restraints only. Always wear your seat belt. Children under 12 should ride in the rear seat.

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with all instrument panel controls and indicators.

  1. Speedometer and tachometer: Monitor vehicle speed and engine RPM.
  2. Fuel gauge: Displays remaining fuel level.
  3. Temperature gauge: Monitors engine coolant temperature.
  4. Warning lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, and brake system indicators.
  5. Odometer and trip meter: Track total and trip distance.

CAUTION! If any warning light illuminates while driving, safely pull over and check the condition immediately.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Master the various controls for optimal vehicle operation.

Steering Wheel: Audio controls, cruise control, tilt/telescope adjustment.

Center Console: Climate controls, audio system, gear selector, parking brake.

Doors/Locks: Power door locks, remote keyless entry, child safety locks.

Windows: Power windows with auto-up/down driver's window.

Lighting: Headlight controls, fog lights, interior lighting, automatic-off feature.

Driving Your Vehicle

Proper driving techniques for optimal performance and safety.

  1. Starting: Insert key, press brake pedal, shift to Park or Neutral, start engine.
  2. Sequential SportShift: Move gear selector to manual gate for manual shifting.
  3. Cruise Control: Set desired speed using steering wheel controls.
  4. Braking: Apply steady pressure; ABS will pulse during hard braking.
  5. Parking: Apply parking brake, shift to Park, turn off engine.

Tip: Allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds before driving in cold weather.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

  1. Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
  2. Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles
  3. Air Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
  4. Spark Plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
  5. Timing Belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
  6. Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years
  7. Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles
  8. Transmission Fluid: Replace every 30,000 miles under severe conditions

WARNING! Failure to follow maintenance schedule may void warranty and cause premature component failure.

Audio System

Bose premium audio system operation and features.

  1. Power: Press POWER button to turn system on/off.
  2. Source Selection: Use SOURCE button to cycle through AM/FM/CD.
  3. Volume: Adjust with VOLUME knob or steering wheel controls.
  4. CD Operation: Insert CD, press CD button for playback.
  5. Presets: Store up to 18 AM/FM stations (6 AM, 12 FM).
  6. Bass/Treble: Adjust sound quality using TONE controls.
  7. Fader/Balance: Adjust speaker balance for optimal sound.
  8. Auto Volume: Automatically adjusts volume based on vehicle speed.

WARNING! Adjust audio controls only when vehicle is stopped. Avoid distractions while driving.

Climate Control

Dual-zone automatic climate control system operation.

Auto Mode: System automatically maintains set temperature.

Manual Controls: Override auto mode for specific fan speed or air distribution.

Dual Zone: Driver and passenger can set individual temperatures.

Defrost: Use front defroster for quick windshield clearing.

Rear Defogger: Clears rear window condensation.

Technical Information

Vehicle meets all applicable FMVSS standards. EPA estimated fuel economy: 19 city/28 highway MPG. Actual mileage may vary. Vehicle equipped with onboard diagnostic system (OBDII). For emissions warranty information, refer to separate warranty booklet.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startDead battery, security systemCheck battery connections; ensure key is recognized by security system.
Check engine lightVarious engine issuesHave system scanned for diagnostic trouble codes.
Poor fuel economyDriving habits, maintenanceCheck tire pressure; replace air filter; avoid aggressive driving.
Transmission issuesLow fluid, sensor problemsCheck transmission fluid level and condition.
Electrical problemsBattery, alternatorTest battery and charging system; check fuses.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset electronic systems.

Service: Contact Acura dealer or call 1-800-TO-ACURA for assistance.

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