Acura 2003 TL Type S Owners Manual

The Acura 2003 TL Type S is a premium sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine producing 260 horsepower, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system, leather-trimmed interior, and advanced safety features. 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 and Climate Systems 7. Safety Features 8. Driving Tips 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key features: 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, leather interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, premium audio system.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC engine
Horsepower	260 hp @ 6100 rpm
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Brakes	4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Suspension	4-wheel independent double-wishbone
Audio System	Bose 6-speaker system with CD player
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic temperature control
Seating	Leather-trimmed seats with driver power adjustment
Safety	Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags
Exterior	Fog lights, alloy wheels, Type S badging

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with gauges, indicators, and warning lights.

Tachometer: Engine RPM
Speedometer: Vehicle speed
Fuel Gauge: Fuel level
Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, brake system
Odometer/Trip Meter: Distance traveled

WARNING! Respond immediately to red warning lights. Pull over safely if engine temperature warning illuminates.

Operating Controls

Steering wheel controls, transmission operation, and driving modes.

Ignition: Insert key and turn to start
Transmission: Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, SportShift manual mode
Cruise Control: Set/Resume buttons on steering wheel
Power Windows: Driver auto-up/down feature
Power Door Locks: Central locking system
Headlights: Automatic on/off feature available

CAUTION! Always come to complete stop before shifting from Reverse to Drive.

Maintenance Schedule

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing Belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years
Transmission Fluid: Replace every 90,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC
Displacement: 3,210 cc
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Fuel Requirement: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc with ABS
Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels
Tires: P215/50R17 90V
Fuel Capacity: 17.1 gallons

Audio and Climate Systems

Bose audio system with AM/FM stereo, cassette player, and 6-disc CD changer. Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Audio Power: 225-watt Bose system
Speakers: 6 speakers including subwoofer
Climate Control: Separate driver and passenger temperature settings
Air Filtration: Micron air filtration system
Defogger: Rear window defogger with timer

Tip: Use automatic mode for optimal climate control performance.

Safety Features

Advanced safety systems including dual-stage airbags, ABS, and Vehicle Stability Assist.

Airbags: Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags
ABS: 4-channel anti-lock braking system
VSA: Vehicle Stability Assist
Seat Belts: 3-point seat belts with pretensioners
LATCH: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
Security: Anti-theft system with immobilizer

WARNING! Always wear seat belts. Children 12 and under should ride in back seat.

Driving Tips

Optimize performance and fuel economy with proper driving techniques.

SportShift: Use manual mode for sportier driving
Fuel Economy: Maintain steady speeds, avoid rapid acceleration
Braking: Apply steady pressure, allow ABS to pulsate
Cornering: Smooth steering inputs for best handling
Winter Driving: Use winter tires in snow conditions

CAUTION! VSA cannot overcome laws of physics. Drive appropriately for conditions.

Care & Maintenance

Exterior washing, interior cleaning, and protective measures.

Use mild soap and water for exterior. Clean leather with approved conditioner. Protect from extreme temperatures.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners on interior surfaces. Avoid high-pressure car washes.

Warranty Information

Limited warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles. Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited miles. For warranty claims, contact Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 or visit www.acura.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/security system	Check battery connections; ensure key is recognized by immobilizer
Check engine light	Emission control system	Have system diagnosed by Acura dealer
Transmission shifting hard	Fluid level/condition	Check transmission fluid level and color
Brake pedal pulsation	Warped rotors	Have brake rotors inspected and resurfaced
Audio system no sound	Fuse/settings	Check audio fuse; verify mute is off

Service: Contact Acura dealer for professional service. Emergency roadside assistance: 1-800-382-2238