engine oil Acura TSX 2007 Owner's Guide

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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform
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 fill the fuel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See pages
.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
. Lights
Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and licen se plate lights monthly.
See page .
234
293 234
312 298
294 296
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
282

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Maintenance Minder
283
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the disp lay is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
Independent
of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
See
information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first column
on page .
NOTE: 1:
361
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 Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This
requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000
km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (For A/T
only.)
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
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 gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
51
1
Maintenance Minder

Fluid Locations
286
RADIATOR CAPCLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Light gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange handle)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR

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 any. Clean up any
spills immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. 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
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. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
as long as you own it.
CONT INUED
Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
287
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

µYour vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect the engine or transmission
perf ormance and durability.
Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’ An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is
pref erred f or improved f uel economy
and year-round protection in your
vehicle. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below
0°F ( 20 °C). Y ou may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals shown on the multi-
inf ormation display. Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditives
A dding Engine Oil
288
API CERTIFICATION SEAL Ambient Temperature

Remove the oil f ilter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required. Remove the oil drain bolt and
washer from the bottom of the
engine. Drain the oil into an
appropriate container.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
inf ormation display. The oil and f ilter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Open the hood and remove the
engine oil f ill cap.
Remove the bolt located on the
underside of the body with a
wrench, then remove the
maintenance cover.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.
2. 1.
3.4.
5.
CONT INUED
Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance
289
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT
BOLT MAINTENANCE COVER

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.
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter): Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
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.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter. Check the oil f ilter to make sure
its gasket did not stick to the f ilter
base. A stuck gasket could cause
an oil leak.
6.
7. 8.
9.
11. 12.
13.
10.
Changing the Oil and Filter
290
OIL FILTER
33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)
4.4 US qt (4.2
) 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 stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
Manual Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
295
FILLER BOLT
Correct level
BOLT
UNDER COVER
BOLT

Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry. Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
317

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely 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 vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .320
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .321
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 325
................................
Jump Starting .327
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 329
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 331
..........
Charging System Indicator . 332
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 332
.......................
Readiness Codes .333
...............
Brake System Indicator . 334
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 335
..............................................
Fuses .336
..............................
Fuse Locations .339
......................
Emergency Towing .341
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
319