97 Acura TL Owners Manual

The 1997 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 2.5L V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, leather interior, power accessories, climate control, premium audio system, and advanced safety features including dual airbags and ABS. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 2.5L V6 engine, automatic transmission, power windows/locks/mirrors, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, AM/FM cassette with CD changer compatibility.

Instrument Panel

Main gauges: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, odometer/trip meter.

1. Warning lights: Check engine, battery, oil pressure, brake system, ABS, airbag.
2. Indicator lights: Turn signals, high beams, cruise control, security system.
3. Information display: Outside temperature, trip computer, maintenance reminder.
4. Controls: Headlights, wipers, cruise control, audio system, climate control.

WARNING! Never ignore warning lights; stop vehicle safely if red warning lights illuminate.

Operating Controls

Starting procedure: Insert key, press brake pedal, shift to Park, turn ignition.

1. Transmission: P-R-N-D4-D3-2-1; use SportShift for manual control.
2. Cruise control: SET/DECEL, RES/ACCEL, CANCEL buttons on steering wheel.
3. Power windows: Master switch on driver door; auto-down for driver window.
4. Power locks: Remote keyless entry with panic feature.
5. Sunroof: Tilt and slide functions with one-touch open.

CAUTION! Always engage parking brake when parked on inclines.

Maintenance Schedule

• Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
• Oil Filter: Replace with every oil change
• Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
• Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
• Timing Belt: Replace every 90,000 miles
• Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years
• Coolant: Replace every 36 months or 45,000 miles
• Transmission Fluid: Replace every 30,000 miles

Specifications

• Engine: 2.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve
• Horsepower: 176 hp @ 6300 rpm
• Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic with SportShift
• Fuel Capacity: 17.2 gallons
• Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded (91 octane)
• Tire Size: P205/60R16
• Curb Weight: 3,417 lbs
• Dimensions: 193.7" L x 70.6" W x 55.7" H

Audio System

AM/FM stereo cassette with 6 speakers, automatic volume control, seek/scan functions.

Controls: Power/volume, bass/treble, balance/fader, station presets, tape functions.

Optional CD changer: Compatible with 6-disc trunk-mounted changer. Audio settings: Loudness control, AVC (Automatic Volume Control) for speed-compensated volume.

Climate Control

Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration.

1. Set desired temperature: 65°F to 85°F range for driver and passenger.
2. Auto mode: System automatically adjusts fan speed and air distribution.
3. Manual controls: Fan speed, air flow direction, A/C, recirculation.
4. Defogger: Front and rear window defogging with automatic A/C engagement.

Tip: Use recirculation mode in heavy traffic to reduce outside odors.

Safety Features

Dual airbags (driver and front passenger), 3-point seat belts, ABS, side-impact protection.

1. Airbag system: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with diagnostic unit.
2. Seat belts: Emergency locking retractors, adjustable shoulder anchors.
3. Child safety: Rear door child-proof locks, proper child seat installation.
4. Anti-lock brakes: Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking.

WARNING! Children under 12 should ride in back seat; never place rear-facing child seats in front.

Emergency Procedures

Flat tire: Use jack and spare tire in trunk. Jump starting: Connect cables properly to battery terminals.

CAUTION! Always carry emergency kit: flares, flashlight, first aid.

Troubleshooting

Service: Contact Acura dealer for professional service and genuine parts.

Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty; 5-year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty.