brake fluid Acura TSX 2009 Owner's Manual

If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ or
‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display. For more inf ormation, see
page .
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged, and you will also see
a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display. For more inf ormation, see
page .
This indicator comes on brief ly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine’s f uel system will be
disabled (see page). This indicator has two f unctions:
Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not f ully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will sound,
and you will also see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page).
1.
2.
470
121 472
153
Instrument Panel Indicators
Charging System
Indicator
Immobilizer System
Indicator Parking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
U.S. Canada
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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 minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .408
....................
Maintenance Minder .409
..............................
Fluid Locations .418
........................
Adding Engine Oil .419
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .421
..............................
Engine Coolant .423
....................
Windshield Washers .424
.......................
Transmission Fluid .425
..........
Automatic Transmission .425
..............
Manual Transmission .427
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .428
.............................................
Lights .430
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .442
.....................................
Floor Mats .442
..................
DustandPollenFilter .443
.................................
Exterior Care .443
.................................
Wiper Blades .444
...............................................
Tires .447
...................
Checking the Battery .454
.............................
Vehicle Storage .455
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.
505
Maintenance
Maint enance
407
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Maintenance Minder
417
: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 in the first column
on page .
NOTE: 416
:
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 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
Symbol
Symbol
B
A 1
2
3
4
5
Maintenance Minder
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Fluid Locations
418
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)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
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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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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.A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.
Manual Transmission only
Clutch Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
429
MAX
MIN
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If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeon page ).
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when this
indicator comes on.
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. 481
428 Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
472
U.S. Canada
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CONT INUED
........................................
AAC .210,271
....................................
Accessories .365
ACCESSORY
............
(Ignition Key Position) .122
............
Accessory Power Sockets .156
................
Active Head Restraints .137
..................
AcuraLink (U.S. only) .337
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .420
...........................
Advanced Airbags .27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,23
..........
Airbag System Components .23
..............
Air Conditioning System .166
.........................................
Usage .167
...............
Air Pressure, Tires .448,488
......................................
Antif reeze .423
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .62,390
...................................
Operation .390
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .289
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .122
................................
Audio System .174
Auto Door Locking/
..........................
Unlocking .100,106 ...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .21
.............
Automatic Speed Control .299
..............
Automatic Transmission .379
..........................
Capacity,Fluid.486
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .383
.......................................
Shif ting .379
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators .379
................
Shif t Lever Positions .380
....................
Shif t Lock Release .381
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .288
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .61,470
............................
Jump Starting .466
..............................
Maintenance .454
............................
Specif ications .487
..............................
Bef ore Driving .355
....................................
Belts,Seat.8,19
.........................
Beverage Holders .155
..................
Bluetooth
Audio .217,279
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.307
..................................
Booster Seats .52 Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .390
.............
Break-in, New Linings .356
....................
Bulb Replacement .436
...........................................
Fluid .428
.......................................
Parking .153
.................
System Indicator .61,472
........................
Wear Indicators .389
.............................
Braking System .389
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .356
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .115
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .437
..............................
Brake Lights .436
.................................
Fog Lights .440
................
Front Parking Lights .435
.................................
Headlights .430
.........
High-mount Brake Light .439
........................
Rear Lights .436,437
............................
Specif ications .487
............
Turn Signal Lights .434,436
......................
Bulbs, Halogen .430,440
Index
A
B
INDEX
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............................
Capacities Chart .486
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .55
.............................
Carrying Cargo .367
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
.........................................
CD Care .256
...................................
CD Changer .244
.......................................
CD Player .189
........................
Certif ication Label .484
..................................
Ceiling Light .161
............................................
Chains .453
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .459
Changing Oil
........................................
How to .421
......................................
When to .409
...
Charging System Indicator .61,470
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .374
.....................................
Child Saf ety .36
..............................
Booster Seats .52
.............................
Child Seats .43,44
Important Saf ety
..........................
Reminders .36-54
..........................................
Inf ants .41
..........................
Larger Children .51
.........................................
LATCH .46 ......................
Risks with Airbags .37
.............................
Small Children .42
..........................................
Tether .50
...........................
Warning Labels .56
..........
Where Should a Child Sit .37
.......................................
Child Seats .36
.........................................
LATCH .46
..........
Tether Anchorage Points .50
................
Childproof Door Locks .125
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .442
..........
Client Service Inf ormation .502
...............
Climate Control System .166
..............................................
Clock .290
...................................
Clutch Fluid .429
..................
CO in the Exhaust .55,495
............
Cold Weather, Starting in .375
..............................
Compact Spare .458
.........................................
Compass .295
.................
Console Compartment .156
.................
Consumer Inf ormation .502
.............
Controls, Instruments and .57
Coolant
........................................
Adding .423
....................................
Checking .361
.........................
Proper Solution .423
...................
Temperature Gauge .69 ............................
Courtesy Lights .162
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .495
................
Cruise Control Indicator .66
............
Cruise Control Operation .299
.............
Customer Service Of f ice .502
.......................
Customized Settings .81
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,58
..............
Daytime Running Lights .114
.................................
Dead Battery .466
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .504
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .117
..............
Def rosting the Windows .170
....................................
Dimensions .486
.............
Dimming the Headlights .111
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .425
..................................
Engine Oil .361
........................
Directional Signals .111
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .389
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .422
Index
D
C
II
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Fluids..........
Automatic Transmission .425
..........................................
Brake .428
.........................................
Clutch .429
..............
Manual Transmission .427
..................
Windshield Washer .110
.....................................
Fog Lights .115
........................
Folding Rear Seats .138
........................
Four-way Flashers .117
..............................
Front Airbags .9,25
.................................................
Fuel .356
......................
Fill Door and Cap .357
...........................................
Gauge .68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
................
Octane Requirement .356
...............................
Oxygenated .357
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .357
.....
Tighten Fuel Cap Message .358
...............................
Fuel Economy .362
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .474
......
Gas Mileage, Improving .362,363
.........................................
Gasoline .356
...........................................
Gauge .68 .....................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
................
Octane Requirement .356
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .357
................
Gas Station Procedures .357
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .69
...............................................
Fuel .68
Gearshif t Lever Positions
..........
Automatic Transmission .379
..............
Manual Transmission .376
......................................
Glove Box .157
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.............................
(GVWR) .369,401
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .430
...........................
HandsFreeLink
.307
............
Hazard Warning Flashers .117
.....................................
Headlights .111
........................................
Aiming .430
............
Automatic Lighting Off .113
............
Automatic Lighting On .112
.........
Daytime Running Lights .114
..................
High Beam Indicator .66
....................
Lights On Indicator .66 .......................
Reminder Chime .111
Replacing Halogen
..............................
Bulbs .430,440
.................................
Turning on .111
......................
Head Restraints .14,135
.............................
Heated Mirrors .146
.................................
Heaters, Seat .141
HomeLink
Universal
................................
Transceiver .302
........
Hood, Opening and Closing .359
...........................................
Horn.4,109
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .429
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle .484
Ignition
............................................
Keys .119
.........................................
Switch .122
............
Timing Control System .496
......................
Immobilizer System .121
.........
Important Safety Precautions .6
Index
G H
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