Download PDF Manual

07/06/12 16:51:45 31SEP640 0002 


Congratulations! Your selection of a 2008 Acura TL was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.


One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time.


As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.


symbol. This


Introduction


Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.


Maintaining your vehicle according to the maintenance minder shown in the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:51:49 31SEP640 0003 


Introduction


California Proposition 65 Warning


WARNING: defects or other reproductive harm.


This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth


Event Data Recorders This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These devices record front seat belt use, front passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the failure of any airbag system component. This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.


Service Diagnostic Recorders This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.


ii


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:51:59 31SEP640 0004 


A Few Words About Safety


Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.


To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.


Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.


You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:


Safety Labels − Safety Messages


on the vehicle. − three signal words: These signal words mean:


preceded by a safety alert symbol DANGER WARNING


, or


CAUTION


and one of


You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.


You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.


You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.


Safety Headings


− Safety Precautions.


such as Important Safety Reminders or Important


Safety Section Instructions −


such as Driver and Passenger Safety.


− how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.


This entire book is filled with important safety information carefully.



please read it


iii


2008 TL


Contents


2008 TL Online Reference Owner's Manual


Owner's Identification Form


Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5 Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, multi-information display, dashboard and steering column) .......... 55 Features (climate control,audio,steering wheel,security,cruise control,HomeLink®,and other convenience items) ........... 125 Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading) ...................................................................... 235 Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 251 Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 277 Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fuses) .................................... 317 Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 341 Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 357 Authorized Manuals (U. S. only) (how to order) ......................................................................................... 361 Index ............................................................................................................................... ........................................ I


Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)


00X31-TK4-6001


07/06/12 16:52:27 31SEP640 0007 


Overview of Contents


Contents A convenient reference to the sections in this manual.


Your Vehicle at a Glance A quick reference to the main controls in your vehicle.


Driver and Passenger Safety Important information about the proper use and care of your vehicle’s seat belts, an overview of the supplemental restraint system, and valuable information on how to protect children with child restraints.


Instruments and Controls Explains the purpose of each instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use the controls on the dashboard and steering column.


Features How to operate the heating and air conditioning system, the audio system, and other convenience features.


Before Driving What gasoline to use, how to break- in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.


Driving The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park.


Maintenance The maintenance minder shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer for maintenance service. There is also a list of things to check and instructions on how to check them.


Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and details how to handle them.


Technical Information ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.


Warranty and Client Relations (U.S. and Canada only) A summary of the warranties covering your new vehicle, and how to contact us for any reason. Refer to your warranty manual for detailed information.


Authorized Manuals (U.S. only) How to order manuals and other technical literature.


Index


Service Information Summary A summary of the information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.


2008 TL Your Vehicle at a Glance


CEILING CONSOLE *


DRIVER’S FRONT AIRBAG (P. 9)


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INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS GAUGES


(P. 57)


(P. 65)


MIRROR CONTROLS


(P. 107)


DRIVING POSITION MEMORY SYSTEM (P. 108)


POWER DOOR LOCKS (P. 96)


POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P. 112)


TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON(P. 97)


* CEILING LIGHT (P. 118) HOMELINK BUTTONS MOONROOF SWITCH


(P. 189)


(P. 115)


FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE HANDLE


(P. 237)


HOOD RELEASE (P. 239) HANDLE


Onmodelswithnavigationsystemshown


PASSENGER’S FRONT AIRBAG (P. 9)


CLOCK (P. 116)


CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (P. 126)


AUDIO SYSTEM (P. 133)


MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P. 256) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P. 259)


2008 TL 07/06/12 17:41:02 31SEP640 0009 


Your Vehicle at a Glance


HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS/ FOG LIGHTS (P. 86, 89)


WINDSHIELD WIPERS/ WASHERS (P. 85)


PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P. 60)


HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P. 90)


INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P. 89)


VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) OFF SWITCH


(P. 271)


REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER BUTTON (P. 90)


CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (P. 186)


HORN *


SEAT HEATER SWITCHES (P. 111)


MIRROR CONTROLS (P. 107)


STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT


(P. 91)


REMOTE AUDIO CONTROL BUTTONS


(P. 183)


BLUETOOTH HANDSFREELINK BUTTONS


(P. 192)


* To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:52:44 31SEP640 0010 


Driver and Passenger Safety


This section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts. It explains how your airbags work. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle.


Seat Belts Airbags


Protecting Adults and Teens


Important Safety Precautions Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


......... ....... ....................................... ........................................... ......... ..... ........... ............ ...


1. Close and Lock the Doors 2. Adjust the Front Seats 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs 4. Adjust the Head Restraints 5. Fasten and Position the


. 6
. 7
. 8
. 9
. 11
. 11
. 12
. 13
. 13


Seat Belts


.............................


. 14


6. Maintain a Proper Sitting


Position


. 16
. 16
Advice for Pregnant Women Additional Safety Precautions . 17


................................ ..... ...


Additional Information About


Your Seat Belts


....................... . 18
.. Seat Belt System Components . 18
Lap/Shoulder Belt ...................... . 19
Automatic Seat Belt


Tensioners


Seat Belt Maintenance


Additional Information About


............................... ...............


. 20
. 21


Your Airbags


........................... ......


. 22
. 22


Airbag System Components How Your Front Airbags


Work


Work


. 24
......................................... How Your Side Airbags Work . 27
... How Your Side Curtain Airbags ......................................... . 29
How the SRS Indicator Works . 29
.. How The Side Airbag Off


Indicator Works


...................... How the Passenger Airbag Off ...................... ............................. ...


. 30
Airbag Service . 31
Additional Safety Precautions . 32


Indicator Works


. 30


Protecting Children



General


Guidelines


................................


. 33


All Children Must Be


Restrained


...............................


. 33


All Children Should Sit in a


Back Seat


................................. The Passenger’s Front Airbag ......... If You Must Drive with Several ...................................


Can Pose Serious Risks


Children


If a Child Requires Close


. 34


. 34


. 36


Attention


. 36
Additional Safety Precautions . 37


.................................. ...


Protecting Infants and Small


Children


Selecting a Child Seat Installing a Child Seat


. 38
. 38
. 39
. 41
. 42
. 43
. 45
. 46
. 48
. 48
. 49


Protecting Infants Protecting Small Children


With LATCH With a Lap/Shoulder Belt With a Tether


................................... ....................... ......... ..................... .................... ............................... ......... .............................. ........... Checking Seat Belt Fit ............... Using a Booster Seat .................. When Can a Larger Child Sit in ......................................... ... ............. ...................................


. 50
Additional Safety Precautions . 51
. 52
. 53


Carbon Monoxide Hazard Safety Labels


Protecting Larger Children


Front


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:52:54 31SEP640 0011 


Important Safety Precautions


You’ll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important.


Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and 14
wear them properly (see page


).


Restrain All Children Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/ shoulder belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat (see pages


51


48


).



Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.


Don’t Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with


every additional drink. So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive, either.


Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.


Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance (see page


284


).


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:01 31SEP640 0012 


(8)


(10)


(3)


(9)


(4)


(1)


(9)


(7)


(8)


(11)


(2)


(6)


(7)


(5)


(2)


(1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Side Airbags (9) Side Curtain Airbags (10) Door Locks (11) Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash.


Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in a crash.


CONTINUED


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:10 31SEP640 0013 


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


However, you and your passengers can’t take full advantage of these features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and alwayswear . In fact, some safety yourseatbelts features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.


The following pages explain how you can take an active role in protecting yourself and your passengers.


Seat Belts Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions.


Your seat belt system also includes an indicator on the instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.


WhyWearSeatBelts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.)


Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.


In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.


Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.


Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.


When properly worn, seat belts:


Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the vehicle’s built-in safety features.


Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including frontal, side and rear impacts, and rollovers.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:19 31SEP640 0014 


Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants.


Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle.


Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag.


Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.


WhatYouShouldDo: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


Airbags


Your vehicle has a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe frontal collision (see page for more information on how 24
your front airbags work).


Your vehicle also has side airbags to help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact (see page information on how your side airbags work).


for more


27


CONTINUED


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:27 31SEP640 0015 


Your Vehicle’s Safety Features


The most important things you need to know about your airbags are:


Airbagsdonotreplaceseatbelts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.


Airbagsoffernoprotectioninrear impacts,orminorfrontalorside collisions.


Airbagscanposeserioushazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.


Always wear


Whatyoushoulddo: your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.


The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety.


Remember however, that no safety system can prevent all injures or deaths that can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.


In addition, your vehicle has side curtain airbags to help protect the heads of the driver, front passenger, and passengers in the outer rear seating positions during a moderate to severe side impact (see page for more information on how 29
your side curtain airbags work).


10


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:36 31SEP640 0016 


Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver, adult passengers and teenage children who are large enough and mature enough to drive or ride in the front seat.


Close and Lock the Doors 1. After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors and trunk are closed and locked.


37


33



for important


See pages guidelines on how to properly protect infants, small children, and larger children who ride in your vehicle.


Your vehicle has a door and trunk open indicator on the multi- information display to indicate when a specific door or the trunk is not tightly closed.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Locking the doors reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent passengers from accidentally opening a door and falling out.


Locking the doors also helps prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop.


96


for how to lock the


See page doors, and page and trunk open monitor system works.


68


for how the door


Your vehicle has the auto door locking/unlocking feature. For more information, see page


79


11


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:42 31SEP640 0017 


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest. In addition to adjusting the seat, you can adjust the steering wheel up and down, and in and out (see page


91


).


If you cannot get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help.


Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.


Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.


See page front seats.


103


for how to adjust the


Protecting Adults and Teens


2.


Adjust the Front Seats


Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a front passenger adjust their seat as far to the rear as possible.


If you sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, you can be seriously injured by an inflating front airbag, or by striking the steering wheel or dashboard.


12


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:51 31SEP640 0018 


3.


Adjust the Seat-Backs


4.


Adjust the Head Restraints


Protecting Adults and Teens


Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.


Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.


Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant’s chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury.


See page seat-backs.


103


for how to adjust the


Adjust the driver’s head restraint so the center of the back of your head rests against the center of the restraint.


Have passengers adjust their head restraints properly as well. Taller persons should adjust their restraint as high as possible.


CONTINUED


13


Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel.


Passengers with adjustable seat- backs should also adjust their seat- back to a comfortable, upright position.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:53:58 31SEP640 0019 


Fasten and Position the Seat Belts


Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Also check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash.


Protecting Adults and Teens


5.


Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash.


Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving.


Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries.


See page head restraints.


104


for how to adjust the


14


Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:54:06 31SEP640 0020 


If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body.


RELEASE BUTTON


Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash.


Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.


If the seat belt touches or crosses your neck, or if it crosses your arm instead of your shoulder, you need to adjust the seat belt anchor height.


The front seats have adjustable seat belt anchors. To adjust the height of an anchor, press and hold the release button and slide the anchor up or down as needed (it has four positions).


Protecting Adults and Teens


Neverplacetheshoulderportionofa lap/shoulderbeltunderyourarmor behindyourback. very serious injuries in a crash.


This could cause


If a seat belt does not seem to work properly, it may not protect the occupant in a crash.


Nooneshouldsitinaseatwithan Using a seat inoperativeseatbelt. belt that is not working properly can result in serious injury or death. Have your dealer check the belt as soon as possible.


18


for additional


See page information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.


CONTINUED


15


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:54:12 31SEP640 0021 


Protecting Adults and Teens


In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured in a crash by striking interior parts of the vehicle or being struck by an inflating front airbag.


Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash.


Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor.


Advice for Pregnant Women


If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt, and keep the lap part of the belt as low as possible across the hips.


6.


Maintain a Proper Sitting Position


After all occupants have adjusted their seats and head restraints, and put on their seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is parked and the engine is off.


Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased.


16


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:54:20 31SEP640 0022 


When driving, remember to sit upright and adjust the seat as far back as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. When riding as a front passenger, adjust the seat as far back as possible.


This will reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating front airbag.


Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to drive.


Additional Safety Precautions


Twopeopleshouldneverusethe sameseatbelt. could be very seriously injured in a crash.


If they do, they


Donotputanyaccessoriesonseat Devices intended to improve belts. occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability of the belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.


Donotplacehardorsharpobjects betweenyourselfandafront Carrying hard or sharp airbag. objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your airbags inflate.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Keepyourhandsandarmsaway If your fromtheairbagcovers. hands or arms are close to an airbag cover, they could be injured if the airbags inflate.


Donotattachorplaceobjectson Objects on thefrontairbagcovers. the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.


Donotattachhardobjectsonor If a side airbag or a nearadoor. side curtain airbag inflates, a cup holder or other hard object attached on or near the door could be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone.


17


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:54:28 31SEP640 0023 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


Seat Belt System Components Your seat belt system includes lap/ shoulder belts in all five seating positions. The front seat belts are also equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners.


This system uses the same sensors as the front airbags to monitor whether the front seat belts are latched or unlatched, and how much weight is on the front passenger’s seat (see pages


and


26


27


).


The seat belt system includes an indicator on the


instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.


If either the driver or a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt while driving, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals.


This system monitors the front seat belts. If you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position before your seat belt is fastened, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash. If your seat belt is not fastened before the beeper stops, the indicator will stop flashing but remain on.


If a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the indicator will come on about 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position.


You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER SEAT BELT’’ message on the multi- information display (see page


68


).


When no one is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, or a child or small adult is riding there, the indicator should not come on and the beeper should not sound.


18


2008 TL 07/06/12 19:42:50 31SEP640 0024 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


If the indicator comes on or the beeper sounds when the driver’s seat belt is latched and there is no front seat passenger and no items on the front seat, something may be interfering with the monitoring system. Look for and remove:


Any items under the front passenger’s seat.


Any object(s) hanging on the seat or in the seat-back pocket.


Any object(s) touching the rear of the seat-back.


If no obstructions are found, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.


Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belt goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips.


To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched (see page for how to properly position the belt).


14


To unlock the belt, press the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body so that it retracts completely. After exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door.


All seat belts have an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.


The seat belts in all positions except the driver’s have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat (see page


45


).


If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the lockable retractor will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely.


CONTINUED


19


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:54:45 31SEP640 0025 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


To deactivate the lockable retractor, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the seat belt, pull it out only as far as needed.


Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners


For added protection, the front seat belts are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. When activated, the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a front passenger in position.


20


The tensioners are designed to activate in any collision severe enough to cause the front airbags to deploy.


If a side airbag or side curtain airbag deploys during a side impact, the tensioner on that side of the vehicle will also deploy.


The tensioners can also be activated during a collision in which the front airbags . In this case, the airbags would not be needed, but the additional restraint could be helpful.


donotdeploy


When the tensioners are activated, the seat belts will remain tight until they are unbuckled.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:54:50 31SEP640 0026 


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


Seat Belt Maintenance For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly.


Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem (see page ). Any belt that is not in good 303
condition or working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.


If a seat belt is worn during a crash, it must be replaced by your dealer. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash.


The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed. If the automatic seat belt tensioners activate during a crash, they must be replaced.


Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.


Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.


Acura provides a limited warranty on seat belts. See your Information


booklet for details.


AcuraWarranty


21


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:54:56 31SEP640 0027 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Airbag System Components


(13)


(8)


(9)


(2)


(13)


(12)


(1)


(8)


(3)


(1) Driver’s Front Airbag (2) Passenger’s Front Airbag (3) Control Unit (4) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (5) Side Airbags (6) Driver’s Seat Position Sensor (7) Front Passenger’s Weight Sensors (8) Front Impact Sensors (9) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator (10) Side Impact Sensors (11) Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) Sensors (12) SRS Indicator (13) Side Curtain Airbags (14) Front Passenger’s Weight Sensors Control Unit/


OPDS Sensors Control Unit


22


(14)


(11)


(5)


(4)


(10)


(6)


(5)


(4)


(10)


(7)


(7)


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:55:06 31SEP640 0028 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Your airbag system includes:


Two SRS (supplemental restraint system) front airbags. The driver’s airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger’s airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ (see page


24


).


Two side airbags, one for the driver and one for a front passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the seat- backs. Both are marked ‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page


27


).


Two side curtain airbags, one for each side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored in the ceiling, above the side windows. The front and rear pillars are marked ‘‘SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG’’ (see page 29


).


Automatic front seat belt 20
). tensioners (see page


Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe front impact or side impact.


Sensors that can detect whether a child is in the passenger’s side airbag path and signal the control unit to turn the airbag off (see page


28


).


Sensors that can detect whether the driver’s seat belt and the front passenger’s seat belt are latched or unlatched (see page


18


).


A driver’s seat position sensor that monitors the distance of the seat from the front airbag. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force (see page 26


).


Weight sensors that monitor the weight on the front passenger’s seat. If the weight is about 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant or small child), the passenger’s front airbag will be turned off (see page


26


).


A sophisticated electronic system that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, the seat belt tensioners, and driver and front passenger seat belt use when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position.


An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you that the passenger’s side airbag has been turned off (see page


30


).


23


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:55:15 31SEP640 0029 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem with your airbags, sensors, or seat belt tensioners (see page


29


).


An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the passenger’s front airbag has been turned off (see page


30


).


Emergency backup power in case your vehicle’s electrical system is disconnected in a crash.


24


How Your Front Airbags Work


If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, sensors will detect the vehicle’s rapid deceleration.


If the rate of deceleration is high enough, the control unit will instantly inflate the driver’s and front passenger’s airbags, at the time and with the force needed.


During a frontal crash, your seat belt restrains your lower body and torso, and the front airbag helps protect your head and chest.


Although both airbags normally inflate within a split second of each other, it is possible for only one airbag to deploy.


This can happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.


Only the driver’s airbag can deploy if there is no passenger in the front seat, or if the advanced airbag system has turned the passenger’s airbag off (see page


26


).


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:55:25 31SEP640 0030 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


After a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag’s surface. Although the powder is not harmful, people with respiratory problems may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.


Dual-StageAirbags Your front airbags are dual-stage airbags. This means they have two inflation stages that can be ignited sequentially or simultaneously, depending on crash severity.


moresevere


In a crash, both stages will ignite simultaneously to provide the quickest and greatest protection.


Dual-ThresholdAirbags Your front airbags are also dual- threshold airbags. Airbags with this feature have two deployment thresholds that depend on whether sensors detect the occupant is wearing a seat belt or not.


notlatched


If the occupant’s belt is the airbag will deploy at a slightly lower threshold, because the occupant would need extra protection.


latched


If the occupant’s belt is , the airbag will inflate at a slightly higher threshold, when the airbag would be needed to supplement the protection provided by the seat belt.


lesssevere


crash, one stage will


In a ignite first, then the second stage will ignite a split second later. This provides longer airbag inflation time with a little less force.


CONTINUED


25


After inflating, the front airbags immediately deflate, so they won’t interfere with the driver’s visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls.


The total time for inflation and deflation is one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:55:34 31SEP640 0031 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


AdvancedAirbags Your front airbags are also advanced airbags. The main purpose of this feature is to help prevent airbag- caused injuries to short drivers and children who ride in front.


For both advanced airbags to work properly:


Occupants must sit upright and wear their seat belts properly.


Do not spill any liquids on or under the seats, cover the sensors, or put any cargo or metal objects under the front seats.


Back-seat passengers should not put their feet under the front seats.


Failure to follow these instructions could damage the sensors or prevent them from working properly.


26


DRIVER’S SEAT POSITION SENSOR


PASSENGER’S SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR


The driver’s advanced front airbag system includes a seat position sensor under the seat. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force, regardless of the severity of the impact.


If there is a problem with the sensor, the SRS indicator will come on, and the airbag will inflate in the normal manner regardless of the driver’s seating position.


The passenger’s advanced front airbag system has weight sensors under the seat. Although Acura does not encourage carrying an infant or small child in front, if the sensors detect the weight of an infant or small child (up to about 65 lbs or 29
kg), the system will automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:55:43 31SEP640 0032 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Be aware that objects placed on the passenger’s seat can also cause the airbag to be turned off.


Moving the front seat or seat-back forcibly back against cargo on the seat or floor behind it.


How Your Side Airbags Work


When the airbag is turned off, a ‘‘passenger airbag off’’ indicator in the center of the dashboard comes on (see page


30


).


If the weight sensors detect there is no passenger in the front seat, the airbag will be off. However, the passenger airbag off indicator will not come on.


To ensure that the passenger’s advanced front airbag system will work properly, donotdoanything thatwouldincreaseordecreasethe weightonthefrontpassenger’sseat. This includes:


A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger’s seat.


Hanging heavy items on the front passenger seat, or placing heavy items in the seat-back pocket.


Also, make sure the floor mat behind the front passenger’s seat is hooked to the floor mat anchor (see page 304
interfere with the proper operation of the sensors and operation of the seat.


). If it is not, the mat may


If you ever have a moderate to severe side impact, sensors will detect rapid acceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate either the driver’s or the passenger’s side airbag and activate the seat belt tensioner on the affected side.


CONTINUED


27


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:55:51 31SEP640 0033 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Only one airbag will deploy during a side impact. If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the passenger’s side airbag will deploy even if there is no passenger.


SideAirbagCutoffSystem Your vehicle has a side airbag cutoff system designed primarily to protect a child riding in the front passenger’s seat.


To get the best protection from the side airbags, front seat occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.


Although Acura does not encourage children to ride in front, if the position sensors detect a child has leaned into the side airbag’s deployment path, the airbag will shut off.


The side airbag may also shut off if a short adult leans sideways, or a larger adult slouches and leans sideways into the airbag’s deployment path.


Objects placed on the front passenger seat can also cause the side airbag to be shut off.


28


30


), have the


If the side airbag off indicator comes on (see page passenger sit upright. Once the passenger is out of the airbag’s deployment path, the system will turn the airbag back on, and the indicator will go out.


There will be some delay between the moment the passenger moves into or out of the airbag deployment path and when the indicator comes on or goes off.


A front seat passenger should not use a cushion or other object as a backrest. It may prevent the cutoff system from working properly.


2008 TL 07/06/12 16:56:00 31SEP640 0034 


Additional Information About Your Airbags


How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work


If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.


To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.


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