2004 Acura TL Repair Manual

The 2004 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, advanced safety systems, and premium interior amenities. This comprehensive repair manual covers maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, component replacement, and technical specifications for proper servicing and repair of your vehicle.

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. Diagnostic Codes 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications and component details for the 2004 Acura TL.

SpecificationDetails
Engine Type3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC
Horsepower270 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque238 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Fuel SystemProgrammed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brake System4-wheel disc with ABS
Suspension4-wheel independent double-wishbone
Fuel Capacity17.1 gallons
Curb Weight3583 lbs
Wheelbase108.1 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

  1. Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
  2. Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
  3. Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
  4. Brake fluid replacement: Every 3 years
  5. Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles
  6. Spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles
  7. Timing belt: Every 105,000 miles

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

Engine System

Comprehensive engine service procedures and component specifications.

  1. Engine removal and installation procedures
  2. Cylinder head service and valve adjustment
  3. Timing belt replacement procedure
  4. Oil pump and water pump service
  5. Fuel system maintenance and injector cleaning
  6. Cooling system flush and thermostat replacement
  7. Exhaust system inspection and repair

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery before performing electrical work. Allow engine to cool completely before servicing.

Transmission

Brake System

Brake system maintenance, repair procedures, and safety checks.

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

Brake Pad Replacement: Remove wheels, caliper bolts, compress pistons, install new pads, reassemble. Brake Rotor Service: Minimum thickness 0.94 inches front, 0.35 inches rear. ABS System: Wheel speed sensor testing, hydraulic modulator service, bleeding procedure.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension components and steering system service.

  1. Front strut replacement and alignment procedure
  2. Control arm and ball joint inspection
  3. Stabilizer bar and bushings replacement
  4. Power steering pump and rack service
  5. Wheel bearing replacement and hub assembly
  6. Tie rod ends and steering linkage

Tip: Always perform wheel alignment after suspension component replacement.

Electrical System

Electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, and component testing.

  1. Battery testing and replacement procedure
  2. Alternator output test and replacement
  3. Starter motor service and solenoid testing
  4. Fuse box locations and circuit protection
  5. Lighting system troubleshooting
  6. Power window and lock motor service
  7. Instrument cluster and gauge testing
  8. ECU and sensor diagnostics

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

Heating & AC

Climate control system service and refrigerant handling procedures.

AC Compressor: Replacement procedure and clutch gap adjustment. Heater Core: Dash removal and core replacement. Refrigerant: R-134a capacity 1.54 lbs. Blower Motor: Located under passenger side dash. Temperature Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control diagnostics.

Body & Interior

Body panel repair, interior component service, and trim replacement.

CAUTION! Use proper trim removal tools to avoid damage to plastic components.

Diagnostic Codes

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes and troubleshooting procedures specific to 2004 Acura TL.

CodeDescriptionPossible Causes
P0300Random/Multiple Cylinder MisfireIgnition coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors
P0420Catalyst System Efficiency Below ThresholdCatalytic converter, oxygen sensors
P1259VTEC System MalfunctionVTEC solenoid, oil pressure, ECM
P0700Transmission Control System MalfunctionTCM, transmission sensors
P1456EVAP Control System Leak DetectedGas cap, EVAP canister, purge valve

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery, starter, ignitionCheck battery voltage, test starter, verify spark and fuel delivery
Transmission slippingLow fluid, worn clutchesCheck fluid level and condition, test line pressure
Brake vibrationWarped rotorsResurface or replace brake rotors, check calipers
OverheatingCooling systemCheck thermostat, water pump, radiator, coolant level
Electrical issuesBattery, alternatorTest charging system, check grounds and connections

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU if needed.

Service: Contact Acura dealer or certified technician for complex repairs.

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