brake Acura RLX 2014 Repair Manual

407
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 408Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 409Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 410
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 411
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 416Opening the Hood ........................... 417
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 418
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 419
Oil Check ......................................... 420
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 421
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 422Engine Coolant ................................ 424
Transmission Fluid ............................ 426
Brake Fluid ....................................... 427
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 427
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 428Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 434Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 437Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 438Tire Labeling .................................... 438DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 440
Wear Indicators ............................... 442
Tire Service Life ................................ 442
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 443
Tire Rotation .................................... 444
Winter Tires ..................................... 445
Battery............................................... 446
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 447Climate Control System Maintenance
.... 448
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 449
Exterior Care.................................... 451

408Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.■Periodic inspections
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.2Brake Fluid P. 427
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 437
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 428
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 434
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 414
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 505
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models

409
uuBefore Performing MaintenanceuSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
•To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
•Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
uHeat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
•To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
uOperate the engine only when there is sufficient ventilation.
•The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
uMake sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
•Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
uMake sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
•Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
uDo not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.■
Maintenance Safety
■
Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.

414
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 ItemModels with
navigation
system
Models without
navigation
system
Sub ItemsMain Item
*1: If a message Maintenance Due Now/SERVICE DUE NOW 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●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, boots, and
drain plug●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
#
●Check expiration information for TRK bottle
*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).
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under
-20°F, -29°C), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 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●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant

416Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Washer Fluid
(Black Cap) Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop) Engine Oil Fill Cap
Battery
Engine Coolant Reservoir
Radiator Cap

417
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2.Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
uThe hood will pop up slightly.
3.Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4.Lift the hood up most of the way.
uThe hydraulic supports will lift it up the
rest of the way and hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then press down firmly with
your hands.
1Opening the HoodNOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Pull
Hood Release Handle
Lever

427
uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Refilling Window Washer FluidIf the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.Specified fluid: Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3■
Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake FluidNOTICEBrake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Acura brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Acura Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
MIN
MAX
Brake 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.

428Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsHeadlight bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace
the light assembly.
1Headlight Bulbs
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk, have the aiming readjusted
at a dealer or by a qualified technician.
The exterior lights’ inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a car wash or
while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.

431
uuReplacing Light BulbsuRear Turn Signal Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Rear Turn Signal Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Turn the socket to the left and remove it,
then remove the old bulb.
3.Insert a new bulb.Brake/Taillight and Rear Side Marker Light BulbsBrake/taillight and rear side marker light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized
Acura dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.Rear Turn Signal Light: 21 W
Cover
BulbSocket

433
uuReplacing Light BulbsuRear License Plate Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Rear License Plate Light BulbsRear license plate light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.High-Mount Brake Light BulbsHigh-mount brake light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.Door Outer Handle Ambient Light BulbsDoor outer handle ambient light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura
dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.