check oil Acura TSX 2005 Owner's Manual

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
inf ormation about your vehicle.If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more inf ormation,
see page .
See page .This indicator has two f unctions:
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II). It
reminds you and your passengers to
f asten your seat belts. A beeper also
sounds if you have not f astened your
seat belt.
If you turn the ignition switch to ON
(II) bef ore f astening your seat belt,
the beeper sounds and the indicator
f lashes. If you do not f asten your
seat belt bef ore the beeper stops, the
indicator stops f lashing but remains
on.
If you continue driving without
f astening your seat belt, the beeper
sounds and the indicator f lashes
again at regular intervals. Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking
brake. A beeper sounds if you try
to drive with the parking brake not
f ully released. Driving with the
parking brake not f ully released
can damage the brakes and tires.
If it remains lit af ter you f ully
release the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the brake
system. For more inf ormation, see
page .
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator f lashes or stays on
when the engine is running. For
more inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
247
248 248
250
Instrument Panel L ights
Seat Belt Reminder L ight L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
LampParking Brake and Brake
System Indicator
54
U.S. Canada

Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period .152
.................
Fuel Recommendation . 152
.........
Service Station Procedures . 154
....................................
Ref ueling .154
Opening and Closing the .......................................
Hood .155
...................................
Oil Check .157
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 158
...............................
Fuel Economy .159
........
Improving Fuel Economy . 159
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 160
................................
Accessories .160
...........
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 161
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 161
.............................
Carrying Cargo .162
................................
Load Limits .163
Carrying Cargo in the Trunk .................
or on a Roof Rack . 164
Carrying Items in the .....
Passenger Compartment . 164
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
151

Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle). Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert it all the way back in its hole.
1. 2.
3.
4.202
Oil Check
A dding Oil
Service Station Procedure
Bef ore Driving
157
UPPER MARK
DIPSTICK (orange handle) LOWER MARK

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 .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f 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. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .190
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 191
............
Servicing Your Vehicle . 192
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .192
....................
Maintenance Record .197
..............................
Fluid Locations .201
........................
Adding Engine Oil .202
.......
Recommended Engine Oil . 202
..............................
Synthetic Oil .203
................
Engine Oil Additives . 203
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 204
....................
Windshield Washers .206
..............................
Engine Coolant .207
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 207
.......................
Transmission Fluid .209
Automatic .........................
Transmission .209
Manual .........................
Transmission .211
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 212
................................
Brake Fluid .212
...............................
Clutch Fluid .213
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 213
....................................
Hood Latch .214
.............................................
Lights .215 .......................................
Seat Belts .223
.....................................
Floor Mats .223
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 223
.................................
Wiper Blades .224
...............................................
Tires .226
..................
Inf lation Guidelines . 226
...
Recomended Tire Pressures . 227
..........................
Tire Inspection .228
.....................
Tire Maintenance .228
.............................
Tire Rotation .229
.........................
Replacing Tires .229
......................
Wheels and Tires .230
..........................
Winter Driving .230
.............................
Snow Tires .230
............................
Tire Chains .231
...................
Checking the Battery . 232
.............................
Vehicle Storage .233
277
Maintenance
Maint enance
189

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Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done.
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. 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 Check
the f luid level monthly. See pages
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly. 157
158
210209 212
226
Maintenance Schedule
Servicing Your Vehicle 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.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
192

Ì
ÌÌ
NOT E: If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under ‘‘severe’’ conditions, you
should f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
CONT INUED
Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the severe driving
conditions specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance Schedule on
page do not apply.195
Maint enance
193
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
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Check inflation and condition once a month Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
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70
112 90
144
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10
16 20
3230
4840
6450
8060
96 80
128 120
192150
240
100
160 140
224
110
176 130
208
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 175)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, 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
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
: 192
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

ÌÌ
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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle. Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
CONT INUED
T railer towing, driving with a roof
rack, or driving in mountainous
conditions. Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions. Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads.
Maint enance
For Canadian Owners
195
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
175)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule
except in dusty conditions)
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10
16 20
3230
4840
6450
8060
96
( (
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70
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
1:
: 223
192
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Install the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level.
Do not f ill above the upper mark; you
could damage the engine.
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-30
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
A dding Engine Oil
Recommended Engine Oil
202
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to: Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Install the maintenance cover and
tighten the bolt securely.
9. 8.
7. 6. 10. 12. 11.
Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance
205
OIL FILTER
4.4 US qt (4.2)
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m) Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.

Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt, and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt, and tighten it securely.
To check the transmission f luid level,
remove the two bolts, then pull the
lef t part of the under cover down. Af ter checking and adding the f luid,
put the under cover back in place
and tighten the bolts securely.
If Honda 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 stif f er shif ting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
Manual Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
211
FILLER BOLT
Correct level
BOLT
UNDER COVER
BOLT