check engine Acura TSX 2004 User Guide

Your Acura’s transmission has f ive
f orward speeds, and is electronically
controlled f or smoother shif ting. It
also has a ‘‘lock-up’’ torque converter
forbetterfueleconomy.Youmay
f eel what seems like another shif t
when the converter locks.The shift lever has five positions. It
must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, D , N, R or the manual mode,
press firmly on the brake pedal and
keep your f oot of f the accelerator
pedal.
This indicator on the instrument
panel shows which position the shif t
lever is in.
The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it f lashes
at any time (in any shif t position), it
indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid
acceleration and have the
transmission checked by an
authorized Acura dealer as soon as
possible.
3
Driving
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ever Position Indicator Shif t L ever Positions
204
SHIFT LEVER

Set the Parking brake.
Make sure the key is in the
ignition switch LOCK (0) position.Push down on the key while you
move the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral.Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then install a
new cover. Depress the brake
pedal and restart the engine.
If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Acura dealer.
This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal does not work. This procedure
is also used to release the Reverse
Lockout.
[To release the Reverse Lockout,
make sure the ignition switch is in
the ACCESSORY (I) position.]
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover next to
theshiftlever.Useasmallflat-
tipped screwdriver or small metal
plate (neither are included in the
tool kit) to remove the cover by
caref ully prying on its edge. Insert the ignition key in the Shif t
Lock Release slot.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
6.
Shif t L ock Release
Automatic Transmission
Driving210
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT

Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
Your Acura is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brakewearindicators.Theymakea
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driver and Passenger Saf ety212

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .230
.
Important Safety Precautions . 231
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 232
...
Required Maintenance Record . 239
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 242
..............................
Fluid Locations .243
......................................
Engine Oil .244
..................................
Adding Oil .244
....................
Recommended Oil .244
..............................
Synthetic Oil .245
....................................
Additives .246
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 246
.............................
Cooling System .249
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 249
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 251
....................
Windshield Washers .255
.......................
Transmission Fluid .256
Automatic .........................
Transmission .256
6-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .257
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 259
............................
Brake System .259
...........................
Clutch System .260
..............................
Power Steering .260
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .261 ....................................
Hood Latch .262
....................................
Spark Plugs .262
..............................
Replacement .262
............................
Specif ications .264
...........................................
Battery .265
.................................
Wiper Blades .267
..............
Air Conditioning System . 269
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 270
.......................................
Drive Belt .272
...............................................
Tires .273
......................................
Inf lation .273
..................................
Inspection .275
..............................
Maintenance .275
.............................
Tire Rotation .276
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 276
......................
Wheels and Tires .277
..........................
Winter Driving .278
.............................
Snow Tires .278
............................
Tire Chains .278
.............................................
Lights .280
........................
Replacing Bulbs .282
...........................
Storing Your Car .293
351
Maintenance
Maint enance229

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Maint enance234
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240160
256170
272180
288
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect drive belt
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month) Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Rotate tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 72
60 84 96 108
12 24 36 48
M/T
A/T
:
: 233
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance235
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
AB
C
D E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use. Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, D. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace manual transmission fluid.
Replace automatic transmission fluid, then
replace every 90,000mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,E.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace engine coolant.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
10,000 mi/16,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km
3yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
130,000 mi/208,000 km
140,000 mi/224,000 km/7 yrs
150,000 mi/240,000 km
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs
170,000 mi/272,000 km
9yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/15 yrs,
then replace every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/9 yrs Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
276).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect valve clearance (independent of time).
Replace spark plugs (independent of time).
Inspect idle speed.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
233
232
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
Ì
Î
Î
Ì Ì
Maint enance236
Visually inspect the following items:
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240160
256170
272180
288
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect drive belt
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, vehicle underbody Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 yearEvery 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Lubricate every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year Rotate tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 72
60 84 96 108
12 24 36 48
M/T
A/T
:
: 233
270
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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Maint enance237
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
AB
C
D
EF
G
H
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time interval.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use. Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A.Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E,F. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,G.
Do item in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E,F. Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
276).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect drive shaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Inspect all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect idle speed.
5,000 mi/8,000 km
10,000 mi/16,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km
35,000 mi/56,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
50,000 mi/80,000 km
55,000 mi/88,000 km
3yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs,
then replace every 30,000mi/
48,000 km/2yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km
70,000 mi/112,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs,
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
95,000 mi/152,000 km
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km
110,000 mi/176,000 km
115,000 mi/184,000 km
6yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
: :
232
233270
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Ø
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Ø
Ø
Ø
Maint enance238
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Replace engine coolant.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
Do item in A, B, C, E. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D,H.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E,F. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Replace engine coolant.
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs,
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs,
then replace every 60,000mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
125,000 mi/200,000 km
130,000 mi/208,000 km
135,000 mi/216,000 km
140,000 mi/224,000 km/7 yrs
145,000 mi/232,000 km
150,000 mi/240,000 km
150,000 mi/240,000 km/9 yrs,
then replace 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
155,000 mi/248,000 km
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs
165,000 mi/264,000 km
170,000 mi/272,000 km
175,000 mi/280,000 km
9yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/9 yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/11 yrs,
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/15 yrs,
then replace every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrsCheck engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE:
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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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 page given.
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 .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .187
189
255
256 259 273
280
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance242