check transmission fluid Acura TSX 2008 Owner's Manual

2008 TSX Online Reference Owner's Manual
Contents

Owner's Identification Form

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii
Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5
Instruments and Controls
(indicators, gauges, multi-information display, dashboard and steering column)
.......... 59
Features (
climate control,audio,steering wheel,security,cruise control,HomeLink®,and other convenience items
) ........... 159
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading) ...................................................................... 231
Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 247
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 277
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, and fuses) .............................. 323
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 347
Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 365
Authorized Manuals (U. S. only) (how to order) ......................................................................................... 369
Index ............................................................................................................................... ........................................ I

Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)

1
00X31-TL1-6000

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages on the multi-
inf ormation display and instructions
for simple maintenance tasks you
may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf 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.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .278
....................
Maintenance Minder .280
..............................
Fluid Locations .290
........................
Adding Engine Oil .291
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .293
..............................
Engine Coolant .295
....................
Windshield Washers .296
.......................
Transmission Fluid .297
..........
Automatic Transmission .297
..............
Manual Transmission .299
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .300
....................
Power Steering Fluid .301
.............................................
Lights .302
.......................................
Seat Belts .310
.....................................
Floor Mats .310
..................
DustandPollenFilter .311
.................................
Wiper Blades .312
...........................................
Wheels .314
...............................................
Tires .314
...................
Checking the Battery .320
.............................
Vehicle Storage .321
369
Maintenance
Maint enance
277
\f—\f—
y
\fy
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX

Î
Î
Ì Ì
Ì
Î
Maintenance Minder
289
:
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display 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, last column, page
.
NOTE: 1:
287
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
Symbol
Symbol
B A 1
2
3
4
51
1
Maintenance Minder
——
y

y
(yy
2008 TSX

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, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
CONT INUED
Automatic Transmission
Windshield Washers, T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
297
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.
\f—\f—
y
y
(\fy\f\fy
2008 TSX

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).
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
2.
3.
5.
4.
6.
T ransmission Fluid
298
LOWER MARK
UPPER MARK
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Honda new vehicle warranty.
\f—\f—
y
y
(\fy\f\fy
2008 TSX

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
299
FILLER BOLT
Correct level
BOLT
UNDER COVER
BOLT
\f—\f—
y
\fy
(\fy\f\fy
2008 TSX

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
300
MAX
MIN
\f—\f—
y

y
(\fy\f\fy
2008 TSX

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
301
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.
\f—\f—
y
y
(\fy\f\fy
2008 TSX

CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .240
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) .128
............
Accessory Power Sockets .156
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .291
.....................
Adjusting the Sound .175
Adjust Outside Temperature ...................................
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 .30 How Your Side Curtain
..........................
Airbags Work .31
........................
SRS Components .23
............................
Air Conditioning .160
.........................................
Usage .162
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .315
......................................
Alignment .317
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .232
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .65,261
.......................................
Message .83
...................................
Operation .261
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .203
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .128
................................
Audio System .170
................
Automatic Lighting Off .122
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .21
..............
Automatic Transmission .252
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .350
...............
Checking Fluid Level .297
..............
Engine Speed Limiter .251
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode .254
.......................................
Shif ting .252
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .252
................
Shif t Lever Positions .252 ....................
Shif t Lock Release .257
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .184
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .62,336
.......................................
Message .84
............................
Jump Starting .331
..............................
Maintenance .320
............................
Specif ications .351
..............................
Bef ore Driving .231
..........................................
Belts, Seat .8
.........................
Beverage Holders .156
.....
Bluetooth
Hands Free Link.213
..................................
Booster Seats .52
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
\f—\f—
y


y
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX

Brakes...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .261
.............
Break-in, New Linings .232
....................
Bulb Replacement .306
....
Check ABS System Message .83
.
Check Brake System Message .84
...........................................
Fluid .300
....................
Fluid Low Message .79
.......................................
Parking .151
.................
System Indicator .63,338
.........................
System Message .84
........................
Wear Indicators .260
.........
Braking Fluid Low Message .79
.............................
Braking System .260
.................
Brake-in, New Vehicle .232
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .123
......................
Brights, Headlights .122
Bulb Replacement ..............................
Brake Lights .306
.................................
Fog Lights .308
................
Front Parking Lights .305
.................................
Headlights .302
.........
High-mount Brake Light .308
....................
Rear License Plate .308
............................
Specif ications .351.............
Turn Signal Light .304,306
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .302
............................
Capacities Chart .350
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .55
.............................
Carrying Cargo .242
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
.........................................
CD Care .194
...................................
CD Changer .185
.....................
CD Error Messages .193
...............................
Center Pocket .155
........................
Certif ication Label .348
............................................
Chains .319
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .325
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .293
......................................
When to .280
...
Charging System Indicator .62,336
.......................................
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 .81,265
Check TPMS System ...............................
Message .80,267
......
Check Transmission Message .83
........
Check VSA System Message .82
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .248
.....................................
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
——
y

y
(yy
2008 TSX