maintenance Acura TSX 2010 User Guide

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Select this option to delete
the current message.
Select this option to hear a
voice read the entire message. This
gives you more inf ormation than the
screen can display at one time. When
you select the Voice option, it
changes to a Stop Reading option.
Select the option again to stop the
voice.
Select this option to call a
phone number embedded in the
message. When you select , the
HandsFreeLink(HFL)
dials the number f or you. Select this
option to get more inf ormation about
the current diagnostic message. To
use this option, your cellphone must
be paired with the HFL. In addition,
the paired phone must have a
compatible data service and be set
up with the AcuraLink system to
make a data connection. Access the
handsf reelink.com website to f ind
out which data services are currently
compatible with AcuraLink.
To set your AcuraLink pref erences
(thetypesof messagesyouwantto
receive, if any), visit the My Acura
website at , and
choose what you would like to
receive. If you do not have internet
access, call Acura Client Services at
(800) 382-2238; they can set your
message pref erences f or you.
To make a call, your
compatible phone must be paired to
the vehicle’s HandsFreeLink system,
powered on, and located within the
vehicle(seepage ). Select this
option to f ind the nearest Acura
dealer using the navigation system.
Select this
option to call the Acura dealer you
purchased your vehicle f rom.
AcuraLink also directs you to this
dealer so you can schedule a
maintenance appointment or receive
inf ormation about a message. If your
assigned servicing dealer changes,
AcuraLink will reset to call that
dealer.
311
Bluetooth www.owners.acura.com
Bluetooth
Delete
Voice
Call
Call Diagnostic Inf o
Message Pref erences
Find Nearest Dealer
Call Your Dealer
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
Features
331
2010 TSX

There are six message categories in
AcuraLink: Quick Tips, Feature
Guide, Maintenance Minder,
Recalls/Campaigns, Diagnostic Inf o,
and Scheduled Dealer Appointment.
The system can store up to 255
messages.
Message categories can be added,
revised, or deleted through
broadcast messages f rom Acura.These messages, based on updated
vehicle inf ormation and comments
f rom other TSX owners, supplement
your Owner’s Manual. They provide
you with relevant inf ormation f or a
safe and enjoyable ownership
experience. For additional
inf ormation, call Acura Client
Services directly through HFL.During the f irst 90 days of
ownership, a number of messages
appears each day. These messages
help you to use and understand the
f eatures of your vehicle. Feature Guide
Quick T ips
Message Categories
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
Features
333
2010 TSX

These messages provide detailed
inf ormation about the service
needed f or your vehicle. When a
maintenance message appears on
the multi-information display, a list of
needed maintenance items is
provided through an AcuraLink
message. These messages tell you
the exact maintenance needed,
helping you to avoid unnecessary
maintenance costs.You can use the f ollowing message
options:
Make an appointment f rom the
schedule at the dealer.
Reschedule the appointment with
the dealer.
Call your dealer f or an
appointment.
Find the nearest dealer. You can make an appointment with
your dealer through the AcuraLink
when you receive a maintenance
minder message.
To use the automated appointment
f unction, you should visit the My
Acura website at
, register some
required settings, and complete the
Phone-Data Connection set-up (see
page ). Your
compatible phone should also be
paired and linked to your vehicle’s
HFL (see page ).
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311
www.owners.acura.com
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Maintenance MinderA ut omat ed A ppoint ment
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
334
2010 TSX

The system will automatically
connect to the Acura server, then
show you an appropriate
appointment date and time on the
navigation screen. If you accept this
appointment, select ‘‘Conf irm
Appointment,’’ then press ENTER.
Select the received message, then
press ENTER. You will see the
message as shown. To make an
appointment, select ‘‘Schedule
Dealer Appt.’’ then press ENTER.
When you see the maintenance
minder message on the multi-
inf ormation display, you will also
receive a message in the navigation
screen. To open the message, press
ENTER. Select ‘‘New Messages,’’
then press ENTER. You will see the
list of all messages. The most recent
message is listed at the top.
CONT INUED
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
Features
335
2010 TSX

When a maintenance appointment is
due soon, you will also receive an
appointment reminder message.If your vehicle is af f ected by a recall
or other important saf ety
inf ormation, a letter will be mailed to
you about the issue and how to f ix it.
If you don’t get your vehicle f ixed,
you will also receive a reminder
message through AcuraLink. You
canthenusethemessageoptionsto
call your dealer f or an appointment
or to f ind the nearest dealer.
If you select the cancel appointment,
you cannot try to reschedule the
appointment. If you want to change
or reschedule the appointment date,
call your dealer directly with HFL.
Using automated appointment, your
registered dealer through My Acura
is automatically selected. If you want
to select another dealer, such as in
case of an emergency, f ind the
nearest dealer and call the dealer
directly with HFL.Recall/Campaigns
AcuraLink(U.S. models only)
338
2010 TSX

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not tow a trailer.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause occasional metallic knocking
noises in the engine and will result in
decreased engine perf ormance. Use
of a gasoline with a pump octane
number less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane of 91 or higher. If this
octane grade is unavailable, regular
unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 87 or higher may be used
temporarily. The use of regular
unleaded gasoline can cause metallic
knocking noises in the engine and
will result in decreased engine
perf ormance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead toengine damage.
We recommend using quality
gasolines containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.4-cylinder models
6-cylinder models On all models
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period
Fuel Recommendation
346
2010 TSX

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see
on page . See page f or the engine coolant
location.
420
410
415
413
Service Station Procedures
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
A dding Engine Oil
Bef ore Driving
353
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK MAX
MIN RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN RESERVE TANK
6-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
4-cylinder models
2010 TSX

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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy. It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption. An underinf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
410
CONT INUED
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page ).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
K eep your vehicle clean A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle Maintain proper tire inf lation
416
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
355
2010 TSX

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 .
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 .402
....................
Maintenance Minder . 403
..............................
Fluid Locations .412
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 414
........................
Adding Engine Oil .415
Changing the Engine Oil and ...........................................
Filter .417
..............................
Engine Coolant .420
....................
Windshield Washers .422
.......................
Transmission Fluid .423
..........
Automatic Transmission . 423
..............
Manual Transmission . 426
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 427
....................................
Timing Belt .428
.............................................
Lights .429
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 441
.....................................
Floor Mats .441
..................
DustandPollenFilter . 442
.................................
Exterior Care .442
.................................
Wiper Blades .443
...............................................
Tires .446
...................
Checking the Battery . 453
.............................
Vehicle Storage .454
509
Maintenance
Maint enance
401
2010 TSX

All service items not detailed in this
section should be perf ormed by a
certif ied technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions bef ore you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is of f .
Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
down bef ore touching any parts. Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the
engine.
Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
with the battery or compressed air. To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all f uel-related parts. To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.
Maintenance Saf ety
Important Saf ety Precautions Injury f rom moving parts.
Burns f rom hot parts. Carbon Monoxide poison
f rom engine exhaust.
Potential Vehicle Hazards
402
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle, or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.
2010 TSX