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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA2012TL BASEREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE MECHANICALCOOLING SYSTEM (MECHANICAL)ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMCOOLANT REPLACEMENT
2012 Acura TL Base

Coolant Replacement

2012 Acura TL BaseSECTION Coolant Replacement
  1. Remove the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).
  2. Wait until the engine is cool, then carefully remove the radiator cap.
  3. Loosen the drain plug (A), and drain the coolant.
    Fig 1: Identifying Drain Plug
    G08069226Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Install a rubber hose (A) on the drain bolt (B) located at the rear of the engine block, then loosen the drain bolt.
    Fig 2: Rubber Hose And Drain Bolt With Torque Specifications
    G08069227Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain bolt. Remove the rubber hose.
  6. Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.
  7. Remove, drain, and reinstall the coolant reservoir.
  8. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX mark (A) with Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
    Fig 3: Identifying MAX Mark With Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
    G08069228Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. Pour Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck.
    NOTE:
    • Always use Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. Using a non-Acura coolant can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail.
    • Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 is a mixture of 50 % antifreeze and 50 % water. Do not add water.

    Engine Coolant Refill Capacities (Including the coolant reservoir capacity of 0.69 L (0.182 US gal)) At Coolant Change: 

    6.3 L (1.66 US gal) 

    After Engine Overhaul: 

    8.3 L (2.19 US gal) 

    Fig 4: Refilling Coolant Reservoir With Acura Long Life Antifeeze/Coolant
    G08069229Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  10. Loosely install the radiator cap.
  11. Set the heater temperature control to maximum heat.
  12. Start the engine, and let it run until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at least twice).
  13. Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, and add the recommended coolant, if needed.
  14. Put the radiator cap on securely, then run the engine again, and check for leaks.
  15. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
  16. Install the engine compartment covers (see ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT ).
  17. If the Maintenance Minder required replacing the engine coolant, reset the Maintenance Minder (see RESETTING THE MAINTENANCE MINDER ), and this procedure is complete. If the Maintenance Minder did not require engine coolant replacement, go to step 18.
  18. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.
  19. Connect the HDS to the DLC (see HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).
  20. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode.
  21. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the ECM/PCM. If it does not communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
  22. Select GAUGES in the BODY ELECTRICAL with the HDS.
  23. Select ADJUSTMENT in the GAUGES with the HDS.
  24. Select MAINTENANCE MINDER in the ADJUSTMENT with the HDS.
  25. Select RESET in the MAINTENANCE MINDER with the HDS.
  26. Select MAINTENANCE SUB ITEM 5 RESET with the HDS.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.