check engine Acura ILX Hybrid 2013 Owner's Guide

uuBrakinguBrake System
246Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.2Brake Assist System P. 248
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 247■Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower speed position.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

247
uuBrakinguABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.■ABS
1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

259
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 260Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 261Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 262
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 263
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 268Opening the Hood ........................... 269
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 270
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 272
Oil Check ......................................... 273
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 274
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter . 275Engine Coolant ................................ 277
Transmission Fluid ............................ 279
Brake Fluid ....................................... 280
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 281
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 282Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 292Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 294
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 295
Tire Labeling .................................... 295DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 297
Wear Indicators ............................... 299
Tire Service Life ................................ 299
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 300
Tire Rotation .................................... 301
Winter Tires ..................................... 302
12 Volt Battery.................................. 303
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 304Climate Control System Maintenance...... 305Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 306
Exterior Care.................................... 308

266
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message System Message
Indicator
Sub
Items Main
Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant

273
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark

274
uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1.Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2.Add oil slowly.
3.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4.Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine compartment components.NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil Fill Cap

uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
276Maintenance
5.Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
6.Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
uIf it is stuck, you must detach it.
7.Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
uApply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
8.Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
uTightening torque:
30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
9.Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
uEngine oil change capacity (including
filter):
3.8 US qt (3.6 L)
10.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
11.Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12.Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
uIf necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

277
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2.If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■Reserve Tank
1Engine CoolantNOTICEIf temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are
expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to
a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for more
information.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle's coolant system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
MAX
MIN
Reserve Tank

279
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2.Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3.Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4.Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
5.Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6.If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.■Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) FluidSpecified fluid: Acura CVTF (continuously variable transmission fluid)
1Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) FluidNOTICEDo not mix Acura CVTF with other transmission
fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura CVTF
may adversely affect the operation and durability of
your vehicle's transmission, and damage the
transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acura CVTF is not covered by
Acura's new vehicle warranty.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark HOT
Range

281
uuMaintenance Under the HooduRefilling Window Washer Fluid
Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer FluidCheck the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on the
cap.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
1Refilling Window Washer FluidNOTICEDo not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.
Level Gauge