check engine Acura TSX 2010 Owner's Guide

Remove the transmission f iller bolt,
and caref ully f eel inside the bolt hole
with your f inger.
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 indicated by a maintenance
message on 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.
The f luid level should be up to the
edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add
Acura Manual Transmission Fluid
(MTF) until it starts to run out of the
hole. Reinstall the f iller bolt, and
tighten it securely. If Acura 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.
Manual Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
426
Correct level
FILLER BOLT
BOLT UNDER COVER
2010 TSX

Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.
The location of the test indicator
window varies between
manuf acturers.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.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
To see the battery label, remove the
lef t side engine compartment cover
(see page ).
414
CONT INUED
6-cylinder models
Checking the Battery
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Maint enance
453
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
2010 TSX

When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:
Check these things:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page .
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or neutral. Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See
on page .
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of the
battery connections (see page ).
You can then try jump starting the
vehicle from a booster battery (see
page ).
466 466 482
453
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting Emergency T owing
If theEngineWon’tStart
464
2010 TSX

In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
121475
482
367
T he Starter Operates Normally
Emergency
Towing
Starting the
Engine
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
465
2010 TSX

Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
To jump start your vehicle:
You cannot start your vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it. Turn of f all the electrical
accessories: climate control, audio
system, lights, etc. Put the
transmission in neutral (manual)
or Park (automatic), and set the
parking brake.Slide out the battery terminal
cover. The battery terminal cover
can be removed without removing
theleftsideenginecompartment
cover.
1.
2.
3.
6-cylinder models
Jump Starting
466
COVER
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
2010 TSX

µIf the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Start the vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
Once your vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable f rom
your vehicle, then f rom the
booster battery. Disconnect the
positive cable f rom your vehicle,
then from the booster battery.
Connect the second jumper cable to
thenegative( )terminalonthe
booster battery. Connect the other
end to the engine hanger as shown.
Do not connect this jumper cable to
any other part of the engine. Install the battery terminal cover.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the vehicle until everything is
disconnected. Otherwise, you may
cause an electrical short. 6.
7.
8.
9.
6-cylinder models
6-cylinder models
Jump Starting
468
4-cylinder models with manual
transmission
6-cylinder models
2010 TSX

Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator.
7. 6.
8.
9. 10.
11.
482
353
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
470
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
2010 TSX

Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon page
).
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on.
If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, the battery is not being
charged.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
61
352
415
482 Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
471
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
2010 TSX

If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving. To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malf unction indicator lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks f ive times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle f or an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to
for
more information (see page ).
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn of f as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the malf unction
indicator lamp may also come on
with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are notset, the test cannot be completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
thesecodesmaybeerased.Itcan
take several days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
60 503
Emissions T esting
Readiness Code
Malf unction Indicator L amp
472
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
2010 TSX

...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard .3, 58
..............
Daytime Running Lights . 114
.................................
Dead Battery .466
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 508
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window . 117
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 170
............................
Dimensions .488, 491
.............
Dimming the Headlights . 111
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 423
..................................
Engine Oil .352
........................
Directional Signals .111
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 383
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .419
...................
Capacities Chart . 488,491
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 55
.............................
Carrying Cargo .359
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
.........................................
CD Care .256
...................................
CD Changer .244
.......................................
CD Player .189
........................
Certif ication Label .486
..................................
Ceiling Light .161
............................................
Chains .452
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .459
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .417
......................................
When to .403
...
Charging System Indicator . 61,471
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 366
.....................................
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 . 441
..........
Client Service Inf ormation . 506
...............
Climate Control System . 166
..............................................
Clock .289
...................................
Clutch Fluid .428
..................
CO in the Exhaust . 55,500
....
Cold Weather, Starting in . 367,368
..............................
Compact Spare .458
.........................................
Compass .294
.................
Console Compartment . 156
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 506
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 57
Coolant ........................................
Adding .420
....................................
Checking .353
.........................
Proper Solution .420
...................
Temperature Gauge . 69............................
Courtesy Lights .162
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .500
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 66
............
Cruise Control Operation . 298
.........................
Customer Service .506
.......................
Customized Settings .81
Index
D
C
II
2010 TSX