98 Acura TL Owner Manual

The 1998 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, premium audio system, leather interior, power accessories, advanced safety features including dual airbags and ABS, climate control system, and comprehensive onboard diagnostics. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Operating Controls 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Technical Specifications 6. Audio System 7. Climate Control 8. Safety Features 9. Emergency Procedures 10. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 3.2L V6 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, ABS brakes, dual airbags, power windows/locks, leather seats, premium audio system.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.2L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission	4-speed automatic with SportShift
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brakes	4-wheel disc with ABS
Airbags	Driver and front passenger dual-stage
Seating	Leather-trimmed with power adjustment
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD changer
Climate Control	Automatic temperature control
Power Features	Windows, door locks, mirrors, sunroof
Security	Theft-deterrent system with remote entry

Instrument Panel

Main gauges and indicators: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights.

Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h.
Tachometer: Displays engine RPM with redline at 6500 RPM.
Fuel Gauge: Indicates fuel level with low fuel warning light.
Temperature Gauge: Monitors engine coolant temperature.
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, brake system.

WARNING! If any warning light illuminates while driving, stop the vehicle safely and investigate the cause immediately.

Operating Controls

Steering wheel controls, gear selector, parking brake, light switches, wiper controls.

Ignition: Insert key and turn to start position.
Gear Selector: P-R-N-D4-D3-2-1 positions with SportShift capability.
Parking Brake: Pull up to engage, push button and lower to release.
Light Controls: Rotating switch for headlights, fog lights, and indicators.
Cruise Control: SET/RESUME buttons on steering wheel.

CAUTION! Always ensure vehicle is completely stopped before shifting between P, R, and D positions.

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 5 years or 60,000 miles
Transmission Fluid: Replace every 30,000 miles

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC
Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5600 RPM
Torque: 216 lb-ft @ 4700 RPM
Transmission: 4-speed automatic with SportShift
Fuel Capacity: 17.2 gallons
Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Curb Weight: 3,483 lbs
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches
Tire Size: P205/60R16
Brakes: Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs with ABS

Audio System

Premium sound system with AM/FM stereo, cassette player, and optional CD changer.

Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off.
Volume: Rotate knob or use steering wheel controls.
Source Selection: AM/FM, TAPE, CD buttons.
Preset Stations: Store up to 18 stations (6 AM, 12 FM).
Bass/Treble: Adjust using tone controls.
CD Changer: Load CDs in magazine (if equipped).

Tip: For best reception, extend antenna fully when using radio.

Climate Control

Automatic climate control system with temperature settings, fan speed, and mode selection.

Auto Mode: Set desired temperature, system adjusts automatically.
Manual Control: Adjust fan speed, temperature, and airflow direction.
Defrost: Front and rear defogger/defroster controls.
A/C: Air conditioning on/off for dehumidification and cooling.
Recirculation: Interior air recirculation for quick cooling.

WARNING! Do not operate climate system with blocked air vents to prevent overheating.

Safety Features

Dual airbags, ABS brakes, side impact protection, theft-deterrent system.

Safety Feature	Description
Airbags	Driver and front passenger dual-stage
ABS	4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Seat Belts	3-point ELR/ALR with pretensioners
Child Safety	Rear door child-proof locks
Security	Theft-deterrent system with remote entry
Crash Protection	Side impact beams and crumple zones

Emergency Procedures

Flat tire, dead battery, overheating, accident procedures.

Flat Tire: Use jack and spare tire in trunk, engage parking brake.
Dead Battery: Jump-start using proper procedure, avoid sparks.
Overheating: Turn off A/C, turn on heater to help cool engine.
Accident: Turn on hazard lights, check for injuries, call emergency services.
Towing: Use proper tow points, automatic transmission requires flatbed.

CAUTION! Never attempt to service airbag system components yourself.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery connections, fuel level, try jump-start.
Check engine light	Various engine issues	Have diagnostic code read at service center.
Overheating	Low coolant, thermostat	Check coolant level, inspect for leaks.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have brakes inspected and resurfaced/replaced.
Electrical issues	Blown fuse, alternator	Check fuse box, test charging system.
Transmission issues	Low fluid, sensor	Check fluid level and condition.

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

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-TO-ACURA