2013 Acura TL Repair Manual

The 2013 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.5L V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), advanced safety systems, and premium interior amenities. This repair manual covers comprehensive maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and technical specifications for proper servicing and repair.

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

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data and dimensions for the 2013 Acura TL.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	3.5L SOHC V6 VTEC
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	254 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Drivetrain	FWD or SH-AWD
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gallons
Curb Weight	3,694 lbs (FWD)
Wheelbase	109.3 inches
Overall Length	195.3 inches
Overall Width	74.0 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for optimal vehicle 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
Brake fluid replacement: Every 3 years
Transmission fluid: Every 60,000 miles
Spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles
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 specifications.

Engine removal and installation procedures
Cylinder head service and valve adjustment
Timing belt replacement procedure
Oil pump and water pump service
Fuel system maintenance and injector service
Cooling system flushing and thermostat replacement
Exhaust system inspection and repair

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

Transmission

Transmission Type: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Fluid Capacity: 3.1 quarts (drain and refill)
Fluid Type: ATF DW-1 or equivalent
Service Procedures: Fluid change, filter replacement, solenoid testing
SH-AWD System: Rear differential service and fluid specifications
Shift Cable Adjustment: Proper adjustment procedures
Transmission Control Module: Diagnostics and programming

Brake System

Brake system maintenance and repair procedures.

Front Brakes: Disc brakes with dual-piston calipers, 12.6-inch rotors. Rear Brakes: Disc brakes with single-piston calipers, 12.2-inch rotors.

Brake Pad Replacement: Front and rear pad replacement procedures. Rotor Service: Resurfacing and replacement specifications. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid requirements. ABS System: Diagnostic procedures and component testing. Parking Brake: Adjustment and cable replacement.

Electrical System

Wiring diagrams, component locations, and electrical troubleshooting.

Battery: Testing and replacement procedures
Alternator: Output testing and replacement
Starter: Removal and installation
Lighting Systems: Headlight, taillight, and interior light service
Power Accessories: Window, lock, and seat motor service
Audio/Navigation: System diagnostics and component replacement
Fuse Box Locations: Under-hood and interior fuse panels

Tip: Always disconnect battery negative terminal before electrical work to prevent short circuits.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension components and steering system service.

Front Strut Assembly: Removal and replacement
Rear Shock Absorbers: Service procedures
Control Arms and Bushings: Inspection and replacement
Stabilizer Bar and Links: Service guidelines
Wheel Bearings: Diagnosis and replacement
Power Steering: Fluid service and pump replacement
Alignment Specifications: Factory recommended settings
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Reset procedures and sensor replacement

WARNING! Use proper jack stands when working under vehicle. Never rely solely on hydraulic jacks.

Heating & AC

Climate control system maintenance and repair.

AC Compressor: Removal and installation procedures. Condenser and Evaporator: Service and replacement. Blower Motor: Testing and replacement. Heater Core: Replacement procedure. Refrigerant: R-134a capacity and charging procedures. Climate Control Unit: Diagnostics and programming.

Body & Interior

Exterior and interior component service procedures.

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

Diagnostic Procedures

Using diagnostic tools and interpreting trouble codes.

OBD-II Connector Location: Under dashboard, driver's side. Common Trouble Codes: P0300 (random misfire), P0420 (catalyst efficiency), U codes (communication errors). Scanner Use: Live data interpretation and system tests. Component Testing: Sensor and actuator testing procedures.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery voltage; test starter; listen for fuel pump prime
Rough idle	Spark plugs, coils, vacuum leak	Inspect plugs and coils; check for vacuum leaks
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn clutches	Check fluid level and condition; scan for codes
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace rotors; check calipers
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Load test battery; check alternator output; inspect ground connections

Reset Procedures: Maintenance minder reset, TPMS reset, power window reset.

Technical Support: Acura Technical Service Bulletins available through dealer network.