check engine Acura TLX 2020 Owner's Guide

uuWhen Driving uAutomatic Transmission*
370
Driving
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
Automatic Transmission*
The engine runs at a higher id le speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especi ally on slippery roads and curves.
Dual Clutch Transmission*
As with a conventional automatic tr ansmission, this vehicle will creep.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especi ally on slippery roads and curves.
■Other Precautions
■Creeping
■Kickdown
■Creeping
■Kickdown
1Precautions While Driving
Do not change the gear position to
(N, as you will
lose engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
* Not available on all models
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uuWhen Driving uShifting
372
Driving
■Shift Operation1Shift Operation
When shifting gears in extremely low temperatures
(−22°F/−30°C), there may be a short delay before the
shift is indicated in the di splay. Always confirm you
are in the correct gear before driving.
NOTICE
When you change ( D to (R and vice versa, come to
a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift button before the vehicle has
come to a complete standstill can damage the
transmission.
Use the gear position indicator and the shift button
indicator to check the gear position before selecting
a shift button.
If the indicator of the curren tly selected gear position,
or all the gear position indicators are blinking
simultaneously, there is a problem with the
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut of f if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tac hometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happe ns, you may experience a
slight jolt.
When the engine speed is increased while the
transmission is in
( N, (P or (R, the fuel supply may
be cut off even without the engine speed entering
the tachometer’s red zone.
Gear Position Indicator
Tachometer’s red zone
Press the ( P button.
Pull back the (R button.
Press the
( N button.
Press the
( D button.
Shift Button
Indicator
M (sequential mode) Indicator
Sequential Mode Gear
Selection Indicator
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Continued379
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Driving
■Shift Lever Operation1Shift Lever Operation
NOTICE
When you change the shift lever from (D to ( R and
vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever be fore the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position befo re pulling away.
Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving,
a blinking transmission syst em indicator indicates a
transmission problem.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut of f if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tac hometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happe ns, you may experience a
slight jolt.
When the engine speed is increased while the shift
lever is in
( N, (P or (R, the fuel supply may be cut
off even without the engine speed entering the
tachometer’s red zone.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.
Shift Lever Position Indicator
(transmission system indicator)
Depress the brake pedal
and press the shift lever
release button to shift.
Shift without pressing the
shift lever release button.
Press the shift lever
release button and
shift.
Tachometer’s red zone
M
(sequential mode) Indicator
Sequential Mode Gear
Selection Indicator
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418
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and select ively applying the brakes.
When VSA ® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properl y if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® system indicator comes on and stays
on while driving, there ma y be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator
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419
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially disable VSA ® functionality/
features, press and hold it until you hear a
beep.
Your vehicle will have normal braking and
cornering ability, but tra ction control function
will be less effective.
To restore VSA ® functionality/features, press
the (VSA ® OFF) button until you hear a
beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■VSA ® On and Off1 Vehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fr esh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA ® temporarily switched off.
When the button is pressed, the traction control
function becomes less effective. This allows for the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA ® off if
you are not able to free it when the VSA ® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA ® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA ® system switched off.
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.
VSA ® OFF Indicator
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uuBraking uBrake System
432
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps to 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.
2 Brake Assist System P. 436
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 435
■Foot Brake1Foot 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 me tallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by
high frequency vibr ation of the brake pads against
the rotating brake disc.
Constantly using the brak e 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 pe dal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
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 conf use drivers behind you.
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435
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
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 distribu tion (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 pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Depress the brake
pedal and keep holding the pedal firmly do wn. On dry pavement, you will need to
press on the brake pedal very hard before th e ABS activates. However, you may feel
the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
ABS may activate when you depres s the brake pedal when driving on:
• Wet or snow covered roads.
• Roads paved with stone.
• Roads with uneven surf aces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correc tly if you use a tire of
the wrong size or type.
If the ABS indicator comes on while driving, there
may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking will not be affected, there is a
possibility that the ABS wi ll not be operating. Have
your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS is not designed for the purpose of reducing
the time or distance it takes for a vehicle to stop: It is
designed to limit brake lo ckup which can lead to
skidding and loss of steering control.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
distance to stop than a vehicle without the ABS:
•You are driving on rough or uneven road surfaces,
such as gravel or snow.
•The tires are equipped with tire chains.
The following may be observed with the ABS system:
•Motor sounds coming from the engine
compartment when the brakes are applied, or
when system checks are being performed after the
engine has been started and while the vehicle
accelerates.
•Brake pedal and/or the ve hicle body vibration when
ABS activates.
These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS
systems and are no cause for concern.
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465
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 466
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 467Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 468
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 469
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 474Opening the Hood ........................... 476
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 477
Oil Check ......................................... 478
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 480
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 481
Engine Coolant ................................ 484
Transmission Fluid ............................ 486
Brake Fluid ....................................... 487
Refilling Window Wa sher Fluid......... 487
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 488
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 493
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 495
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 496Tire Labeling .................................... 496DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 498Wear Indicators................................ 500 Tire Service Life ................................ 500
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 501
Tire Rotation .................................... 502
Winter Tires ..................................... 503
Battery ............................................... 504
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 506
Climate Control System Maintenance.... 508Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 509
Exterior Care.................................... 511
Accessories and Modifications................ 514
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472
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.Maintenance Minder Message
System Message
Indicator
Main Item
Sub Items
*1: If a message Maintenance 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.
*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).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check expiration date for Temporary Tire Repair Kit
bottle (If equipped)
●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and li nes (Including ABS/VSA®)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in higher transmission temperature.
This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance
Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission fluid changed
at 40,000 miles (64,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
*5: 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.
*6: 6-cylinder models
*7: 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).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3
●Replace transmission and transfer* fluid*4
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5, *6
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *7
* Not available on all models
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476
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening 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
driver’s side lower corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Pull up the hood latch lever (located under
the front edge of the hood to the center)
and raise the hood. Once you have raised
the hood slightly, you can release the lever.
4. Lift the hood up most of the way.
u The hydraulic support will lift it up the
rest of the way and hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then pr ess down firmly with
your hands.1 Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised. The hood will strike the wipers, resulting in
possible damage to the hood and/or the wipers.
Do not press the engine cover forcibly. This may
damage the engine cover and component parts.
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 lifti ng the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.
6-cylinder models
Models with Auto Idle Stop
Pull
Hood Release Handle
Lever
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