maintenance Acura TSX 2009 Owner's Guide

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.
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.
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 bolts located on the
underside of the body with a
wrench, then remove the under
cover.
2.
1. 3. 4.
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Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
421
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT
BOLT UNDER COVER
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2009 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.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
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 Genuine
ATF-Z1 (automatic transmission
f luid).
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.
2.
3. 5.
4. 6.
T ransmission Fluid
426
LOWER MARK
UPPER MARKGUIDE
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Acura new vehicle warranty.
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.
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.
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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.
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.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground.
The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
To check the transmission f luid level,
remove the bolts with a wrench, then
remove the under cover caref ully. Reinstall the under cover and tighten
theboltssecurely.Makesurethe
under cover is installed under the
edge of the f ront bumper.
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission
Maint enance
427
Correct level
FILLER BOLT
BOLT UNDER COVER
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2009 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 when this
service is indicated on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
You will also see the ‘‘BRAKE
FLUID LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when the brake
f luid level is low. Brake Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid
428
MAX
MIN
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2009 TSX

If you remove a f loor mat, make sure
tore-anchoritwhenyouputitback
in your vehicle.
If you use a non-Acura f loor mat,
make sure it f its properly and that it
canbeusedwiththefloormat
anchors. Do not put additional f loor
mats on top of the anchored mats.This f ilter removes the dust and
pollenthatisbroughtinfromthe
outside through the climate control
system.
Have your dealer replace the filter
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the multi-
inf ormation display. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air, or if the f low f rom
theclimatecontrolsystembecomes
less than usual.
Make sure the rear f loor mats are
properly positioned. If not, the f loor
mat will prevent the seat operation
and make the front passenger’s
weight sensors inef f ective. Dust and Pollen Filter Exterior Care
Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter, Exterior Care
Maint enance
443
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and
plastic on your vehicle.
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2009 TSX

To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
Keeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort.
Underinf lated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehicleridemoreharshly,are
more prone to damage f rom road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)willwarnyouwhenatire
pressure is low. See page f or
inf ormation on the TPMS.
Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, we
recommend that you visually check
your tires every day. If you think a
tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf /cm ) per
month. Remember to check the
sparetireatthesametime.
Check the air pressures when the
tires are cold. This means the
vehicle has been parked f or at least 3
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km). Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures on the next page.
392
CONT INUED
Inf lation Guidelines
Tires
Maint enance
447
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
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Every time you check inf lation, you
should also examine the tires f or
damage, f oreign objects, and wear.
Youshouldlookfor:Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
youfindeitherof theseconditions.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see f abric or cord.
Excessive tread wear. Your tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down, you will see a 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread lef t on
the tire.
A tire this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see three
or more tread wear indicators. The service lif e of your tires is
dependent on many f actors,
including, but not limited to, driving
habits, road conditions, vehicle
loading, inf lation pressure,
maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even
when the tires are not in use).
In addition to your regular
inspections and inf lation pressure
maintenance, it is recommended that
you have annual inspections
perf ormed once the tires reach f ive
years old. It is also recommended
that all tires, including the spare, be
removed from service after 10 years
from the date of manufacture,
regardless of their condition or state
of wear.
Tires
Tire Inspection Tire Service Lif e
Maint enance
449
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR
INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
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2009 TSX

In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.
The last f our digits of the TIN (tire
identif ication number) are f ound on
the sidewall of the tire and indicate
the date of manufacture (See
on page ).491
Tires
T ire Maintenance
Tire
Labeling
450
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights f or balancing.
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CONT INUED
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back.
When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of each wheel.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can af f ect wheel speed and may
cause the system to activate.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.
Tires
T ire Rotation Replacing T ires and Wheels
Maint enance
451
Front
(For non-directional
tires and wheels) (For directional
tires and wheels)
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µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
The location of the test indicator
window varies between
manuf acturers.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
454
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
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