brake system Acura TSX 2004 Owner's Guide

Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ).
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. The car has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
The lights and brakes on your car
and the trailer are working
properly. Your car tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
221 222 274
Additional Trailer EquipmentPre-T ow Checklist
Towing a Trailer
Driving225

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

Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
bef ore touching any parts.
Do
not run the engine unless in-
structed to do so. Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have the
tools and skills required.
Bef ore you begin any maintenance,
make sure your car is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also, be sure the engine
is of f . This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards:
You should wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
near the battery or when using
compressed air. To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, be caref ul when working
around gasoline or batteries. Use a
commercially available degreaser or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and all
f uel-related parts.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance
Important Saf ety Precautions
Carbon monoxide poisoning
f rom engine exhaust.
Burns f rom hot parts.
Injury f rom moving parts.
231

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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
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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)

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.
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. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid 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.
Check the f luid level in the reser-
voirs 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 only)
The brake f luid should be replaced
according to the time recommenda-
tion in the maintenance schedule.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car’s braking
system and can cause extensive
damage. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled f luid could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Brake System
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance259
MAX MIN

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The f luid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
f luid to the UPPER LEVEL.Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering f luid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Clutch System
Power Steering
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
Maint enance260
MINMAX
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their cars. It gives
you inf ormation about how to saf ely
evaluate the problem and what to do
to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your car towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .304
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .305
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 310
Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates ............................
Very Slowly .310
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally .311
................................
Jump Starting .312
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 315
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 317
..........
Charging System Indicator . 318
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 319
.......................
Readiness Codes .320
...............
Brake System Indicator . 321
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 322
..............................................
Fuses .323
..........
Checking and Replacing . 324
......................
Emergency Towing .328
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed303