TQI Information (99-043)

Publication date: 1999-09-27
Reference number: 99-043

TQI INFORMATION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 99-043, Date of Issue: September 27, 1999

ACURA:	2000 3.2TL - ALL
SECTION:	General Information

SERVICE INFORMATION

Most of the features, equipment, and delivery preparation procedures for the 2000 3.2TL are the same as for previous models. This service bulletin describes things that are unique to the 2000 model and things you need to know before you perform any service on it.

5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard in the 2000 3.2TL. It is similar to the 4-speed transmission in the 1999 model, except when driving in Sequential Sport Shift mode. The driver may notice these differences:

The driver cannot manually upshift or downshift between first gear and second gear. The transmission automatically upshifts as it would in conventional A/T mode, and it automatically downshifts to first gear when the car comes to a complete stop.
If the driver shifts manually while the transmission is still in first gear, the transmission may end up in third gear. Depending on the driving conditions, the driver may be upshifting at the same time the PCM is making a 1-2 upshift. The PCM then "reads" the driver's input as a signal to shift again, and the transmission immediately shifts from second gear to third gear.

SIDE AIRBAGS

Side airbags are located in the outer bolsters of the front seats. The front passenger's side airbag system includes an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). This system consists of sensors and a control unit located in the front passenger's seat-back and an indicator on the instrument panel. The control unit sends occupant height and position information to the SRS unit.

The SRS unit automatically disables the passenger's side airbag if it determines that

A small child is sitting in the seat and the child's head is in the deployment path of the passenger's side airbag.
An object of a specified size/weight is sitting on the passenger's seat.

When the SRS unit senses either of these conditions for more than 3 seconds, it turns off the passenger's side airbag and turns on the Side Airbag indicator. This is normal . The indicator stays on for 3 seconds after the sensors detect that conditions have returned to normal. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Sensors, Control Unit, Indicator Lights

REMOVE TAG AT TQI

During TQI, make sure you remove the bar code tags from the front headrests. These tags were installed during assembly to identify the seats.

FUSE INSTALLATION

The Backup ACC (40A) fuse from the under-hood fuse box and the Clock (7.5A) fuse from the passenger's under-dash fuse box were removed and placed in the beverage holder before shipment. See Fig 2 . Reinstall both fuses before operating the power windows. If you operate the windows with just one of the fuses installed, you can damage the multiplex control system. Also, reinstall the passenger's fuse box cover; you'll find it in the glove box.

Fig 2: Under-dash, Underhood Fuse Box

REMOVING THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S FUSE/RELAY BOX COVER

To avoid breaking the driver's or passenger's under-dash fuse/relay box cover when you remove it, gently pull outward on the bottom, then pull outward on the rear, and let it swing out. See Fig 3 .

Fig 3: Fuse/Relay Box Cover

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE

The shift lock release is on the right side of the shift lever. For vehicle operation during shipment, the shift lock release cover is removed and stored in a small bag along with the Owner's Manual in the glove box. Remove the cover from the bag, and install it. See Fig 4 .

NOTE: If customers need to operate the shift lock release, they must remove the cover.

Fig 4: Shift Lock Release Cover

SERVICE CONNECTORS

The car has three service connectors: DLC (data link connector), MES (memory erase signal), and MPCS (multiplex control system).

The DLC is under the black plastic cover between the seat heater switches. See Fig 5 .

Fig 5: Service Connectors

The easiest way to retrieve DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) is by reading them on the PGM Tester screen.

To read flash codes, connect the PGM Tester to the DLC, select SCS on the Tester's menu screen, then follow the screen prompts. See Fig 6 . The SRS indicator will flash any stored codes.

Fig 6: Reading Flash Codes

The MES connector is on the back of the driver's side fuse/relay box. See Fig 7 . To erase SRS DTCs with the MES connector, connect the SCS service connector (T/N 07PAZ-0010100) to it, and follow the erasing procedure in section 23 of the Service Manual.

SRS DTCs can also be erased with the PGM Tester.

Fig 7: MES Connector

The MPCS connector is also on the back of the driver's fuse/relay box. See Fig 8 . To jump the connector when you troubleshoot the multiplex system, use the 3P service connector (T/N 07WAZ-001010A).

Fig 8: MPCS Connector

AUTO-OFF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION

Here are a few ways the auto-off function works:

If the driver removes the key from the ignition switch and exits the vehicle with the headlight switch on, the headlights go off after 15 seconds.
If the driver leaves the headlights on but uses the remote transmitter to lock the doors after exiting the vehicle, the headlights go off immediately. If the transmitter is then used to unlock the doors, the headlights come on again.
With the ignition key in the switch, the switch in the OFF position, the doors closed, and the headlight switch on, the headlights stay on for 15 minutes.

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT

This indicator light comes on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II), whether or not the parking brake is applied. After you start the engine, the light goes off if the parking brake is not applied.

ACCESSORY POWER SOCKETS

The car has two accessory power sockets: one in the back of the center console, and the other next to the coin box. The sockets can power 12-volt DC accessories rated at 120 watts or less.

Do not insert a cigarette lighter element in either socket; it would cause damage.

SPEED SYNCHRONIZED INTERMITTENT WIPERS

This feature is the same one used on the 3.5RL. When vehicle speed increases, the windshield wiper intermittent interval decreases. When vehicle speed decreases, the interval increases. If you set the wiper switch to its lowest intermittent interval, the wipers operate once every 4 seconds if the vehicle is stopped or barely moving, and they operate continuously at low vehicle speeds.

WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS

The windshield wiper arms are positioned below the hood line to eliminate wind noise and improve vehicle appearance. To avoid damaging the hood when you service or replace the wiper blades, turn the ignition switch ON (II), turn the wipers on, and then turn off the ignition switch when the wipers are in the middle of the windshield.

NAVIGATION SYSTEM

The navigation system for the 2000 model includes a DVD storage system that provides 48-state coverage without having to load multiple disks. For more information on the new system, refer to S/B 99-041, 2000 3.2TL and 3.5RL: TQI OF THE DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM