check transmission fluid Acura TSX 2007 Owner's Manual

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages on the multi-
info rmation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions for simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform 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. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .272
....................
Maintenance Minder . 274
....................
Maintenance Record .284
..............................
Fluid Locations .286
........................
Adding Engine Oil .287
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 289
..............................
Engine Coolant .291
....................
Windshield Washers .292
.......................
Transmission Fluid .293
Automatic .........................
Transmission .293
Manual .........................
Transmission .295
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 296
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 297
.............................................
Lights .298
.......................................
Seat Belts .306
.....................................
Floor Mats .306
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 307
.................................
Wiper Blades .308
...........................................
Wheels .310
...............................................
Tires .310
...................
Checking the Battery . 316
.............................
Vehicle Storage .317
361
Maintenance
Maint enance
271

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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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Î
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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

Canadian models only
If the washer f luid is low, a
‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine and let it run until
the radiator fan comes on, then
shut of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds
bef ore going to step 2, but don’t
wait longer than 90 seconds.
1.
CONT INUED
Automatic Transmission
Windshield Washers, T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
293
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). If it’s
not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is
convenient.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
2.
3. 5. 4.
6.
T ransmission Fluid
294
LOWER MARK UPPER MARK

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

Check the f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly. There are up to
two reservoirs, depending on the
model. They are: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.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid 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.
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.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission models
only)
Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of mileage. Brake Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid
296
MAX
MIN

Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL.Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible. 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. Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but 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.
Manual Transmission only
Clutch Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Maint enance
297
MAX
MIN UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .236
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .128
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 156
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 288
.....................
Adjusting the Sound .175
Adjust Outside Temp. ...................................
Display . 73, 96
........
Advice For Pregnant Women . 17
.....................................
Airbag (SRS) .9
.....
Airbag, Additional Information . 23
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 35
.............................
Airbag Service .34
Check Airbag System ...................................
Message .83
How the Passenger Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .33
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .32
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 32
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .26
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 30How Your Side Curtain
..........................
Airbags Work .31
........................
SRS Components .23
............................
Air Conditioning .160
.........................................
Usage .162
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .311
......................................
Alignment .312
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .230
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator . 65, 255
.......................................
Message .83
...................................
Operation .255
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 201
Anti-thef t Steering Column ............................................
Lock .128
................................
Audio System .170
................
Automatic Lighting Off . 122
.
Automatic Seat Belt Tensionners . 21
..............
Automatic Transmission . 246
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .346
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 293
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode . 248
.......................................
Shif ting .246
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 246
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 246
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 251......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .184
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 62, 332
.......................................
Message .84
............................
Jump Starting .327
..............................
Maintenance .316
............................
Specif ications .347
..............................
Bef ore Driving .229
..........................................
Belts, Seat .8
.........................
Beverage Holders .156
..................................
Booster Seats .52
Index
A
B
INDEX
I


Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 255
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 230
....................
Bulb Replacement .302
....
Check ABS System Message . 83
.
Check Brake System Message . 84
...........................................
Fluid .296
....................
Fluid Low Message .79
.......................................
Parking .151
.........................
System Indicator .63
.........................
System Message .84
........................
Wear Indicators .254
.........
Braking Fluid Low Message . 79
.............................
Braking System .254
.................
Brake-in, New Vehicle . 230
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .123
......................
Brights, Headlights .121
Bulb Replacement ..............................
Brake Lights .302
.................................
Fog Lights .304
................
Front Parking Lights . 301
.................................
Headlights .298
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 304
....................
Rear License Plate . 304
............................
Specif ications .347 .............
Turn Signal Light . 300, 302
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .298
............................
Capacities Chart .346
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 55
.............................
Carrying Cargo .238
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
.........................................
CD Care .194
...................................
CD Changer .185
.......................
CD Error Message .193
...............................
Center Pocket .155
........................
Certif ication Label .344
............................................
Chains .315
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .321
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .289
......................................
When to .274
...
Charging System Indicator . 62, 332
.......................................
Message .84
........
Check ABS System Message . 83
....
Check Airbag System Message . 83
.....
Check Brake System Message . 84
Check Charging System .......................................
Message .84 .......
Check DRL System Message . 85
Check Emission System .......................................
Message .84
Check Engine Oil Level .......................................
Message .82
...
Check Tire Pressure Message . 259
..
Check TPMS System Message . 260
......
Check Transmission Message . 83
........
Check VSA System Message . 82
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 242
.....................................
Child Saf ety .36
..............................
Booster Seats .52
...................................
Child Seats .44
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 36
..........................................
Inf ants .41
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .48
..........................
Larger Children .51
.........................................
LATCH .46
.........................
Risk with Airbag .37
.............................
Small Children .42
.........................................
Tethers .49
......
Where Should a Child Sit . 37
................
Childproof Door Locks . 130
Index
C
II