98 Acura TL Power Manual

The 1998 Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine with VTEC technology, producing 225 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, power steering, ABS brakes, and comprehensive power systems including power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and power seats. Below are key sections for engine specifications, power systems, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.

Engine Power Specifications

Key power components: 3.2L V6 VTEC engine, automatic transmission, power steering system, electrical power distribution.

Component	Specification
Engine Type	3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC
Horsepower	225 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Transmission	4-speed automatic with SportShift
Power Steering	Vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Electrical System	12-volt with 80-amp alternator
Battery	12V 60Ah maintenance-free
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
VTEC System	Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control
Compression Ratio	9.8:1

Power System Components

Comprehensive power systems for comfort and convenience features.

1. Power Windows: Front and rear with auto-up/down driver's window
2. Power Door Locks: Central locking system with remote entry
3. Power Mirrors: Electrically adjustable side mirrors with defogger
4. Power Seats: 8-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory
5. Power Sunroof: One-touch open/close with tilt feature
6. Power Antenna: Automatic retractable antenna

WARNING! Disconnect battery before servicing electrical components to prevent short circuits.

Installation & Setup

Proper installation procedures for power system components.

1. Battery installation: Connect positive terminal first, then negative
2. Power window motor: Align regulator mechanism before securing
3. Power seat installation: Ensure proper rail alignment and wiring
4. Electrical connections: Use dielectric grease on all connectors
5. System testing: Verify all functions before final assembly

CAUTION! Always wear safety glasses when working with electrical systems.

Technical Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 3.2 liters (3210 cc)
• Bore x Stroke: 89 mm x 86 mm
• Valve Train: SOHC VTEC, 4 valves per cylinder
• Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
• Transmission Ratios: 1st: 2.785, 2nd: 1.609, 3rd: 1.071, 4th: 0.765
• Final Drive Ratio: 4.266:1
• Steering Ratio: 16.7:1
• Brake System: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc with ABS
• Electrical Load: Maximum 120 amps continuous

Controls and Operation

Power system controls located on driver's door panel and center console.

Driver Controls: Power window switches, power lock switch, power mirror controls, seat memory buttons.

Power Window Operation: Auto-down feature on driver's window, express closing with anti-pinch protection. Power Seat Adjustment: 8-way power with 2-position memory. Power Mirror Control: Separate L/R selection with heating element. Central Locking: Remote keyless entry with panic feature.

Electrical Connections

12-volt electrical system with multiple power distribution points.

1. Battery connections: Clean terminals regularly to prevent corrosion
2. Fuse box locations: Under-hood and under-dash fuse panels
3. Relay centers: Power window relay, door lock relay, seat relay
4. Ground points: Multiple chassis ground connections
5. Wiring harness: Color-coded for easy identification

Tip: Use circuit tester to verify power before replacing components.

Power System Maintenance

Regular maintenance schedule for power system components.

1. Battery: Check terminals monthly, test voltage quarterly
2. Power windows: Lubricate tracks every 6 months
3. Power seats: Vacuum tracks monthly, check operation
4. Electrical system: Load test annually
5. Alternator: Check output during routine service
6. Starter: Test cranking voltage during battery service
7. Fuses: Visual inspection during oil changes
8. Relays: Test operation if systems malfunction

WARNING! Disable airbag system before working near steering column.

Safety Features

Integrated safety systems with power components. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking. Power-assisted steering: Speed-sensitive assistance for better control. Seat belt pretensioners: Automatic tensioning during collision. Airbag system: Dual front airbags with sensors.

Care & Maintenance

Regular care procedures to maintain power system performance.

Monthly: Check battery terminals, test all power accessories, inspect wiring for damage.

Quarterly: Lubricate window tracks, test alternator output, check ground connections.

Annually: Complete electrical system test, load test battery, inspect all relays and fuses.

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery before performing electrical work.

Regulatory Information

Complies with FMVSS standards for passenger vehicles. EPA estimated fuel economy: 18 city/26 highway. California emissions certification: LEV compliant. Copyright © 1998 Acura Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. All rights reserved. For technical support, contact Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 or visit www.acura.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Power windows inoperative	Blown fuse, bad switch, motor failure	Check fuse #22 (20A), test switch operation, verify motor power
Power seats not working	Circuit breaker, switch failure, motor issue	Reset circuit breaker, test switch continuity, check motor voltage
Battery drains quickly	Parasitic draw, alternator issue	Perform parasitic draw test, check alternator output (13.5-14.5V)
Power locks intermittent	Actuator failure, wiring issue	Test actuator operation, check door harness connections
Engine lacks power	Fuel filter, air filter, sensor issues	Replace filters, check MAF sensor, verify fuel pressure

Reset Procedures: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset computer systems.

Service: 1-800-382-2238; www.acura.com