2011 Acura TL Service Manual

The 2011 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.5L V6 or 3.7L V6 engine, front-wheel drive or SH-AWD system, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, advanced navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and premium audio options. This service manual covers maintenance procedures, technical specifications, troubleshooting, and repair guidelines for certified technicians and qualified mechanics.

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for 2011 Acura TL models including engine options, dimensions, and performance data.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	3.5L V6 (Base) / 3.7L V6 (SH-AWD)
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6200 rpm (3.5L) / 305 hp @ 6300 rpm (3.7L)
Torque	254 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (3.5L) / 273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (3.7L)
Transmission	5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive / SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gallons
Curb Weight	3,694 lbs (FWD) / 3,969 lbs (SH-AWD)
Wheelbase	109.3 inches
Overall Length	195.3 inches
Overall Width	74.0 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures for optimal vehicle performance.

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 60,000 miles (severe conditions: 30,000 miles)
6. Spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles
7. Timing belt: Every 105,000 miles or 7 years

WARNING! Always use Acura-approved fluids and genuine parts. Failure to follow maintenance schedule may void warranty.

Engine System

Detailed service procedures for J35 and J37 engine series including diagnostics and repair.

• Engine Codes: J35A8 (3.5L), J37A1 (3.7L)
• Compression Ratio: 11.2:1 (3.5L), 11.1:1 (3.7L)
• Fuel System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
• Ignition System: Direct ignition system with individual coil packs
• Valve Clearance: Hydraulic adjusters - no adjustment required
• Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts (with filter)
• Coolant Capacity: 7.4 quarts

Transmission

Service procedures for 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and SH-AWD system.

Transmission Fluid: Acura ATF-Z1 or equivalent. Capacity: 3.1 quarts (drain and refill)

Shift Points: 1-2: 15 mph, 2-3: 25 mph, 3-4: 40 mph, 4-5: 50 mph

SH-AWD System: Electronically controlled torque vectoring rear differential. Service requires special tools and software.

Electrical System

Electrical system specifications and service procedures including battery, charging, and starting systems.

1. Battery: 12V, 70Ah capacity. Replacement procedure with memory saver.
2. Alternator: 150A output. Testing and replacement guidelines.
3. Starter: 1.4 kW. Removal requires intake manifold disassembly on 3.7L models.
4. Fuse boxes: Under-hood (main) and driver's side (secondary).

Tip: Always disconnect battery before electrical service. Use memory saver to preserve ECU settings.

Brake System

Brake system specifications and service procedures including ABS and VSA systems.

1. Front brakes: 12.6-inch ventilated discs, dual-piston calipers
2. Rear brakes: 13.1-inch ventilated discs, single-piston calipers
3. Brake fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Replace every 3 years.
4. Pad replacement: Front - 0.157 inches minimum thickness
5. Rotor specifications: Front - 1.102 inches minimum thickness
6. ABS/VSA: Vehicle Stability Assist with electronic brake distribution

WARNING! Always bleed brake system after service. Use scan tool to cycle ABS pump when necessary.

Suspension & Steering

Front MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension with variable power steering.

Front Suspension: MacPherson strut with lower L-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar

Rear Suspension: Multi-link double-wishbone with coil springs, stabilizer bar

Steering: Variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion. 2.8 turns lock-to-lock

Alignment Specifications: Front camber: -0°30' ± 45', Front toe: 0°00' ± 0°12', Rear camber: -1°00' ± 45'

HVAC System

Dual-zone automatic climate control system service and repair procedures.

Refrigerant: R-134a, Capacity: 17.6 ± 0.9 oz

Compressor: 10-cylinder swash plate type. Oil: ND-OIL 8, 4.8 oz capacity

Blower motor: Located behind glove box. Replacement requires dashboard disassembly.

Body & Interior

Body structure specifications and interior component service procedures.

• Body Construction: Unit-body with front and rear crumple zones
• Paint Codes: Located on driver's door jamb sticker
• Airbag System: Dual-stage front, side, and side curtain airbags
• Seat Belt Pretensioners: Pyrotechnic devices - replace after deployment
• Navigation System: Hard drive-based with voice recognition
• Audio Systems: Base 7-speaker or optional 10-speaker ELS Surround

Diagnostic Procedures

Using Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) for system diagnostics and programming.

1. Connect HDS to DLC under driver's dashboard
2. Select vehicle model and system to diagnose
3. Follow on-screen instructions for system tests
4. Record DTCs and freeze frame data
5. Perform required system resets and adaptations

CAUTION! Always follow safety procedures when working with hybrid systems (if equipped).

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine misfire	Faulty spark plugs/coils	Check compression; replace plugs/coils; inspect ignition system
Transmission shudder	Low fluid/worn clutch packs	Check fluid level/condition; perform adaptation reset
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors	Measure rotor thickness; replace if below specification
Electrical drain	Faulty module/short circuit	Perform parasitic draw test; isolate circuit
HVAC no cold air	Low refrigerant/compressor	Check pressures; leak test; recharge system

Reset Procedures: Power window reset: Roll down completely, then up while holding switch. Sunroof reset: Close completely, then hold close button for 5 seconds.

Technical Support: Acura Technical Information System: 1-888-ACURA-TS