Acura TL 3.2 2003 Manual

The Acura TL 3.2 2003 is a luxury sports sedan featuring a 3.2L V6 engine producing 225 horsepower, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, premium audio system, leather interior, power accessories, dual-zone climate control, and advanced safety features including ABS and side airbags. Below are key sections for maintenance, features, operation, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Operating Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instrument Panel 6. Audio and Climate Systems 7. Driving and Performance 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

Feature	Description
Engine	3.2L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission	5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Power Output	225 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic climate control
Seating	Leather-trimmed seats with 8-way power adjustment
Safety	Dual-stage airbags, ABS, side airbags
Exterior	Power moonroof, alloy wheels
Interior	Power windows, locks, and mirrors

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Replace every 60,000 miles
Spark plugs: Replace every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Replace every 105,000 miles

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

Operating Instructions

Familiarize yourself with vehicle controls before driving.

Starting: Insert key, press brake pedal, turn to START position
Transmission: Use D for normal driving, S for Sport mode with paddle shifters
Cruise control: Set speed with SET button on steering wheel
Climate control: Use AUTO for automatic temperature regulation
Audio system: Power on with VOL knob, select source with MODE button

CAUTION! Always wear seat belts. Never leave children unattended in vehicle.

Specifications

Engine: 3.2L SOHC V6 VTEC
Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Fuel Capacity: 17.1 gallons
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)
MPG: 19 city / 28 highway
Dimensions: 193.3" L x 70.6" W x 56.7" H
Curb Weight: 3,483 lbs

Controls and Instrument Panel

Instrument cluster includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights.

Steering Wheel Controls: Audio controls, cruise control, paddle shifters (SportShift).

Center Console: Climate controls, audio system, transmission shift lever, power window switches, moonroof control.

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

Audio and Climate Systems

Premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer and automatic climate control.

Audio Power: Turn VOL knob to power on/off and adjust volume
Source Selection: Press MODE to cycle through AM/FM/CD
CD Changer: Load up to 6 discs in magazine
Climate Control: Set desired temperature, press AUTO for automatic operation
Defrost: Press front/rear defroster buttons as needed

Tip: Use fresh air mode periodically to ventilate cabin.

Driving and Performance

The 3.2L V6 provides smooth acceleration and responsive handling.

Normal Driving: Select D position for automatic shifting
Sport Mode: Move shifter to S position for manual shifting with paddle shifters
Uphill Driving: Transmission automatically selects appropriate gear
Fuel Economy: Maintain steady speeds, avoid rapid acceleration
Braking: ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking

WARNING! Always drive according to road conditions. Sport mode provides more aggressive shifting.

Safety Features

Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, ABS, vehicle stability assist, and security system.

Care & Maintenance

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

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners on interior surfaces. Check tire pressure monthly.

Warranty Information

4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Rust-through coverage: 5 years/unlimited miles. For warranty claims, contact authorized Acura dealership.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/security system	Check battery connections; ensure key is recognized
Check engine light on	Emissions/system fault	Have system scanned at dealership
Transmission shifting hard	Fluid level/temperature	Check transmission fluid level and condition
Brake pedal pulsates	ABS activation/warped rotors	Normal during hard braking; have brakes inspected if persistent
CD player not working	Disc/magazine issue	Ensure disc is clean; magazine properly inserted

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealership for all service needs.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-TO-ACURA