check transmission fluid Acura TL 2011 Owner's Manual

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
......................
Maintenance Saf ety .496
.................
Maintenance Minder . 497
..............................
Fluid Locations .507
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 508
........................
Adding Engine Oil .509
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .510
..............................
Engine Coolant .512
....................
Windshield Washers .514
.......................
Transmission Fluid .515
..........
Automatic Transmission . 515
..............
Manual Transmission . 517
..................
Brake and Cluth Fluid . 519
....................................
Timing Belt .520
.............................................
Lights .521
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 530
.....................................
Floor Mats .531
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 532
.................................
Exterior Care .532
.................................
Wiper Blades .532
...............................................
Tires .534
...................
Checking the Battery . 542
.............................
Vehicle Storage .544
..................................
Interior Care .545
599
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
495
TM
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2011 TL

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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See .
448
449
515 519 521
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maint enance
505
TM
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Check the fluid level monthly.
See page
page 534
2011 TL

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Maintenance Minder
506
:
TM
If the message ‘‘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 on page .
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during service 3 if they are noisy. Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
NOTE:
2:
1:
SH-AWD only
504
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), or in very low temperatures (under20°F, 29°C), replace every 60,000 miles (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada).
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher level of mechanical (shear)
stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the differential
fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
3
4
5 1
2
61
1
2
2
Maintenance Minder
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2011 TL

CONT INUED
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
2.3.
4.
Automatic Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
515
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
DIPSTICK
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2011 TL

Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the level between the
upperandlowermarks.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Acura ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission f luid). The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the Maintenance Minder (see
page ).
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
5.
6.
497
T ransmission Fluid
516
TM
Use only Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission f luid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Acura ATF DW-1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Acura
AT F DW-1 is not covered by the Acura
new vehicle warranty.
10/07/29 12:48:03 31TK4620_521
2011 TL

Remove the check bolt and look for
transmission f luid coming out of the
bolt hole. If a small amount of f luid
drips out of the bolt hole, reinstall
the check bolt.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground.
To check the transmission f luid level,
remove the mounting bolt and the
under cover holding clips, then pull
out the driver’s side under cover
caref ully. If no f luid comes out, remove the
f iller bolt. Slowly add Acura Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) untilPour the f luid into the f iller hole
slowly and caref ully so you do not
spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Let the f luid run out until it stops,
then reinstall the check bolt and the
f iller bolt.
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission
Maint enance
517
WASHER
CHECK BOLT
FILLER BOLT
10/07/29 12:48:12 31TK4620_522
it starts to run out of the check
bolt hole.
2011 TL

Reinstall the under cover, tighten the
mounting bolt securely, then put the
holding clips back in place. Make
sure the under cover is installed
under the edge of the f ront bumper.
If Acura MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication Seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the Maintenance Minder (see
page ).
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
497
T ransmission Fluid
518
TM
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2011 TL

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
You need to remove the lef t engine
compartment cover to check the
f luid level (see page ).
Check the f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly. There are up to
two reservoirs, depending on the
model. They are:
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission models
only)
To access the reservoirs, remove the
lef t engine compartment cover (see
page ).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage. Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Independent of the Maintenance
Minder inf ormation, replace the
brake f luid every 3 years. 508
508
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake Fluid
Maint enance
519
MAX
MIN
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2011 TL

CONT INUED
................................
AAC .261, 301,348
....................................
Accessories .453
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .145
ACCESSORY Mode ...........................
(Power Mode) .178
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 207
................
Active Head Restraints . 159
....................................
AcuraLink
. 425
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 510
...........................
Advanced Airbags .28
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..........
Airbag System Components . 24
......
Air Conditioning System . 216,217
.........................................
Usage .218
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 535,536
......................................
Antif reeze .512
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .66, 482
...................................
Operation .482
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 373
Anti-thef t Steering Column ....................................
Lock .145, 183
................................
Audio System .225 .
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 135
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 383
..............
Automatic Transmission . 468
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .580
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 515
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .473
.......................................
Shif ting .469
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .468
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 471
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .372
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65, 561
............................
Jump Starting .557
..............................
Maintenance .542
............................
Specif ications .581
..............................
Bef ore Driving .443
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .206
...................
Audio . 269,359
...............
HandsFreeLink. 389, 406
..................................
Booster Seats .54
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 482
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 444
...........................................
Fluid .519
.......................................
Parking .204
.................
System Indicator . 65,563
........................
Wear Indicators .481
.............................
Braking System .481
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 444
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .137
....................................
Built-In Key .195
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .528
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 521
.................................
Fog Lights .526
.................................
Headlights .521
............................
Specif ications .581
............
Turn Signal Lights . 524,528
......................
Bulbs, Halogen .521, 526
Bluetooth Bluetooth
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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2011 TL

...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard .3, 62
..............
Daytime Running Lights . 136
.................................
Dead Battery .557
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 598
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window . 139
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 221
....................................
Dimensions .580
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 133
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 515
..................................
Engine Oil .448
........................
Directional Signals .133
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 481
.................................
Disc Changer .241
...
Disc Changer Error Messages . 251
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .512
............................
Capacities Chart .580
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 57
............................
Carrying, Cargo .455
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
.........................................
CD Care .364
...................................
CD Changer .241
.......................................
CD Player .295
........................
Certif ication Label .578
............................................
Chains .541
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .549
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .510
......................................
When to .497
...
Charging System Indicator . 65,561
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 460
.....................................
Child Saf ety .37
..............................
Booster Seats .54
...................................
Child Seats .45
..........................................
Inf ants .42
............................
Large Children .53
.........................................
LATCH .47
......................
Risks with Airbags .38
.............................
Small Children .43
.........................................
Tethers .51 .....................
Warning Labels .39, 59
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 38
.......................................
Child Seats .45
.........................................
LATCH .47
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
................
Childproof Door Locks . 147
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 530
..........
Client Service Inf ormation . 596
.......
Climate Control System . 216,217
..........................
On/Off Button .219
..............................................
Clock .374
...................................
Clutch Fluid .520
..................
CO in the Exhaust . 57, 589
....
Cold Weather, Starting in . 461,463
......................
Compact Spare Tire .548
.........................................
Compass .379
.................
Console Compartment . 208
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 596
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 61
Coolant ........................................
Adding .512
....................................
Checking .449
.........................
Proper Solution .512
...................
Temperature Gauge . 76
........
Water Temp Hot Message . 76Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .589
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 72
............
Cruise Control Operation . 383
...................................
Cup Holders .206
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 596
Index
D
C
II
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2011 TL