Acura 3.2 TL 2003 Manual

The Acura 3.2 TL 2003 is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, premium leather interior, Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, and advanced safety features including ABS, traction control, and side airbags. Below are key sections for maintenance, features, operation, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Operation Controls 4. Specifications 5. Instrument Panel 6. Driving Features 7. Audio System 9. Safety Systems 10. Care & Maintenance 11. Warranty Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.2L V6 engine, automatic transmission, leather interior, power accessories, climate control, audio system.

FeatureDescription
Engine3.2L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission5-speed automatic with SportShift
Audio SystemBose 6-disc CD changer with 8 speakers
Climate ControlDual-zone automatic temperature control
SeatingLeather-trimmed with 8-way power driver seat
MoonroofPower tilt and slide
SafetyABS, traction control, side airbags
SteeringPower-assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes4-wheel disc with ABS
Fuel SystemProgrammed fuel injection

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance.

  1. Oil change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
  2. Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
  3. Air filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
  4. Transmission fluid: Replace every 30,000 miles
  5. Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
  6. Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 miles

WARNING! Use only recommended fluids and parts. Follow service intervals to maintain warranty.

Operation Controls

Familiarize yourself with vehicle controls before driving.

  1. Ignition: Insert key and turn to start position
  2. Transmission: Move shift lever through PRND positions
  3. SportShift: Move lever to right for manual shifting
  4. Cruise control: Set speed with steering wheel controls
  5. Climate control: Set temperature and fan speed automatically

CAUTION! Always fasten seat belts. Ensure all doors are closed securely.

Specifications

Instrument Panel

Dashboard features speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights.

Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS, airbag, brake, door ajar.

Controls: Steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, climate control, power window switches, mirror controls. Information display shows odometer, trip meter, outside temperature, and maintenance reminders.

Driving Features

SportShift transmission allows manual gear selection. Traction control prevents wheel slip.

  1. Start engine with foot on brake
  2. Select drive mode with shift lever
  3. Use SportShift for manual control
  4. Activate cruise control for highway driving
  5. Use parking brake when parked

Tip: Allow engine to warm up in cold weather for optimal performance.

Audio System

Bose audio system with AM/FM radio and 6-disc CD changer.

  1. Power: Press POWER button to turn on/off
  2. Source: Select AM/FM/CD with SOURCE button
  3. CD changer: Load up to 6 discs in magazine
  4. Sound: Adjust bass, treble, balance, fader
  5. Steering controls: Volume and station seek
  6. Presets: Store 6 AM and 12 FM stations

WARNING! Do not adjust audio system while driving. Keep volume at safe levels.

Safety Systems

Dual-stage airbags, side airbags, ABS, traction control, security system with immobilizer.

Care & Maintenance

Regular washing and waxing protects exterior. Use recommended cleaners for interior.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners. Follow maintenance schedule for mechanical components.

Warranty Information

4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty. Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) provides roadside assistance. For service, contact authorized Acura dealership.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery/security systemCheck battery connections; ensure key is recognized
Check engine lightEmission systemHave system diagnosed at dealership
Transmission shifts roughFluid levelCheck transmission fluid level and condition
Brake pedal pulsatesABS activationNormal during hard braking on slippery surfaces
CD player errorDisc/dirty lensUse clean CDs only; have lens cleaned if needed

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

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealership for all repairs and maintenance.

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