🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Acura

Model:

TL

Year:

2012

Chassis Code:

UA8/UA9

Engine Code Base:

J35Z2 (3.5L V6)

Engine Code Sh AWD:

J37A4 (3.7L V6)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size luxury sedan

Competitors:

BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Infiniti M

Usp:

Sporty handling (especially SH-AWD), strong V6 powertrains, Acura's reputation for reliability, premium interior, and advanced technology for the price point.

Available Drivetrains:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)

Available Engines:

3.5L V6 (280 hp, 254 lb-ft torque) for FWD, 3.7L V6 (305 hp, 273 lb-ft torque) for SH-AWD

Available Transmissions:

5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters (FWD), 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters (SH-AWD)

Technology Highlight:

Advanced navigation system with voice recognition, premium audio systems (ELS Surround), keyless access with push-button start, available adaptive cruise control.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2012 Acura TL (all trims and drivelines)

Secondary Coverage:

General Acura service procedures applicable to the model year

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (digital format, comprehensive)

Type:

Factory-Derived Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Online Software (Web Browser Accessible)

Access Duration:

1 Year (with discounts for extensions)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (3.5L V6 J35Z2, 3.7L V6 J37A4), fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), transmission (5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual for SH-AWD), drivetrain (FWD, SH-AWD)

Chassis:

Suspension (front double wishbone, rear multi-link), steering (power-assisted rack and pinion), brakes (front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors, seats), audio system, HVAC controls, body control module (BCM), multiplex integrated control unit (MICU)

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, airbags, seat belts

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control systems

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), scheduled maintenance intervals, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics

Repair:

Component removal and installation, system repairs, specific procedures for engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical components, bodywork

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic parameters

Depth:

Comprehensive, factory-level detail covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes wiring diagrams, schematics, and detailed component descriptions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Web-based application, accessible via standard web browsers on PC, laptop, smartphone, and tablet.

Printability:

Digital pages can typically be printed by the user for specific tasks.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 3.5L V6 J35Z2 Details:

Displacement: 3.5 liters (3471 cc), Bore x Stroke: 90.0 mm x 91.0 mm, Compression Ratio: 10.5:1, Valvetrain: SOHC VTEC, Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection), Horsepower: 280 hp @ 6200 rpm, Torque: 254 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm, Emissions: PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) compliant in California and some other states.

Engine 3.7L V6 J37A4 Details:

Displacement: 3.7 liters (3664 cc), Bore x Stroke: 91.0 mm x 92.4 mm, Compression Ratio: 11.2:1, Valvetrain: SOHC VTEC, Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection), Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6300 rpm, Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm, Emissions: ULEV-2 (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Coolant Type:

Honda Genuine All Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (Blue)

Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

Oil Capacity 3.5L:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Oil Capacity 3.7L:

4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change

Spark Plugs:

Iridium-tipped (e.g., NGK ILZKAR7L11S or equivalent)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2012 Tl Fwg:

5-Speed Automatic with Sequential SportShift

Transmission Type 2012 Tl Sh AWD:

6-Speed Manual (optional) or 5-Speed Automatic with Sequential SportShift

Optional Transmission Sh AWD:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Sh AWD System:

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive with torque-vectoring rear differentials for enhanced cornering stability and performance.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF DW-1 (Honda Genuine)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

SAE 75W-85 API GL-4 Manual Transmission Fluid

Atf Capacity:

Approximately 3.2 US quarts (3.0 liters) for a drain and fill.

Mtf Capacity:

Approximately 2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

194.0 inches (4928 mm)

Width:

75.2 inches (1910 mm)

Height:

57.5 inches (1460 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Front Track:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Rear Track:

62.8 inches (1595 mm) (FWD) / 63.2 inches (1605 mm) (SH-AWD)

Passenger Volume:

103.5 cubic feet (2931 liters)

Front Headroom:

38.5 inches (978 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.2 inches (1072 mm)

Rear Headroom:

36.5 inches (927 mm)

Rear Legroom:

34.0 inches (864 mm)

Trunk Volume:

14.0 cubic feet (396 liters)

Curb Weight Fwg:

3,748 lbs (1,700 kg)

Curb Weight Sh AWD Auto:

4,028 lbs (1,827 kg)

Curb Weight Sh AWD Manual:

4,005 lbs (1,816 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,960 lbs (2,250 kg)

Standard Wheel Size:

18-inch Alloy

Optional Wheel Size:

19-inch Alloy (for Technology Package and SH-AWD)

Standard Tire Size:

P245/45R18

Optional Tire Size:

P245/40R19

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Crash Test Rating:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-Star

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist

Vsa:

Standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control

Sh AWD:

Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and cornering stability.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available on Technology Package models

Airbags:

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, front dual-stage airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear)

Seat Belts:

3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Navigation System:

Available HDD-based Acura Navigation System with voice recognition, real-time traffic, and Zagat® restaurant guide. Features updated graphics and enhanced user interface for 2012.

Audio System:

Standard 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM tuner, CD/MP3/WMA player, USB port, auxiliary input jack, and Bluetooth® Audio. Available 10-speaker ELS Surround® premium audio system.

Keyless Entry Start:

Acura Keyless Access System with smart entry and push-button ignition.

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface and Bluetooth Streaming Audio.

Rearview Camera:

Standard Multi-view rearview camera integrated with the navigation screen.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional feature (part of the Technology Package) that automatically maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead.

Parking Sensors:

Available front and rear parking sensors (often part of premium packages or accessories).

Usb Aux Ports:

Standard USB audio interface with iPod® connectivity and an auxiliary audio input jack.

🔧 Maintenance

Maintenance Minders:

Features a Maintenance Minder system that indicates when service is due based on driving conditions, displaying codes like 'A' (replace engine oil) or 'B' (replace engine oil and filter, inspect various components).

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or as indicated by the Maintenance Minder, using the specified synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as indicated by Maintenance Minder.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, or as indicated by Maintenance Minder. Manual transmissions also have recommended change intervals.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4) High-Temperature Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water or approved windshield washer fluid concentrate

Common Issues Powertrain:

Potential for transmission shudder or hesitation (especially in early 4th gen models, though often addressed by software updates or fluid changes), occasional oil consumption issues in high-mileage engines.

Common Issues Chassis:

Some reports of premature wear on suspension components (e.g., ball joints, control arm bushings), particularly in areas with harsh road conditions. Brake pad and rotor wear can be moderate due to the car's performance.

Common Issues Electrical:

Infotainment system glitches or screen freezing (often resolved with software updates), rare reports of battery drain issues. HVAC blower motor resistor failures can occur.

Common Issues Body:

Minimal widespread issues reported. Some owners may experience normal wear and tear on interior trim or exterior paint.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Acura, Honda's luxury and performance division, established in 1986, known for reliability, performance, and technological innovation.

Third Generation Tl:

The 2009-2014 TL represents the fourth generation, with the 2012 model receiving a mid-cycle refresh featuring updated styling cues, improved interior materials, and enhanced technology features.

Manufacturing Location:

East Liberty, Ohio, USA

Model Years Covered:

Specifically targets the 2012 model year, but much of the information will be applicable to the 2009-2014 generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award:

Named a 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its excellent crash test performance.

Consumer Guide Recommendation:

Often received 'Recommended' ratings from automotive review publications for its blend of performance, luxury, and value.

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Likely received various awards from automotive journalists and organizations for its segment competitiveness and specific features like SH-AWD and the ELS audio system.