check transmission fluid Acura TSX 2010 Owner's Manual

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

µ
µ
Î
Î
Ì Ì
Ì Î
Maintenance Minder
411
: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 on 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: :
410
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 temperatures. This requires
transmission fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the transmission fluid changed at 60,000 miles
(100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
(For A/T only.)
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
(6-cylinder models only) If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under 20°F,29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every 60,000
miles (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada).
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/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Symbol
Symbol
B A 1
2
3
4
5
Maintenance Minder
2010 TSX

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.
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.
If the washer f luid is low, a
‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display. 1.
CONT INUED
Canadian models only
Automatic Transmission
Windshield Washers, T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
423
DIPSTICK
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder modelsDo 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.
2010 TSX

Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
2.
3.4.
T ransmission Fluid
424
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
DIPSTICK UPPER MARK
LOWER MARKGUIDE
6-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
4-cylinder models
2010 TSX

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 f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly. There are up to
two reservoirs, depending on the
model. They are: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 reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission models
only)
You will also see the ‘‘BRAKE
FLUID LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when the brake
f luid level is low.
Replace the brake f luid every 3 years,
independent of the maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display. Always use Acura Heavy Duty Brake
Fluid DOT 3. If it is not available,
you should use only DOT 3 or DOT
4 fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement.
Using any non-Acura brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
CONT INUED
Brake Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
427
MAX
MIN
4-cylinder models
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

Fluids..........
Automatic Transmission . 423
..........................................
Brake .427
.........................................
Clutch .428
..............
Manual Transmission . 426
..........
Windshield Washer . 110,423
.....................................
Fog Lights .115
........................
Folding Rear Seats .138
........................
Four-way Flashers .117
..............................
Front Airbags .9 ,25
.................................................
Fuel .346
......................
Fill Door and Cap .347
...........................................
Gauge .68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
................
Octane Requirement . 346
...............................
Oxygenated .347
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .347
.....
Tighten Fuel Cap Message . 349
...............................
Fuel Economy .354
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .475
......
Gas Mileage, Improving . 354,355
.........................................
Gasoline .346
...........................................
Gauge .68 .....................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
................
Octane Requirement . 346
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .347
................
Gas Station Procedures . 347
Gauges ...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 69
...............................................
Fuel .68
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 373
..............
Manual Transmission . 370
......................................
Glove Box .157
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............................
(GVWR) .361, 395
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 429
...........................
HandsFreeLink
. 304
............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 117
.....................................
Headlights .111
........................................
Aiming .429
............
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 .429, 439
.................................
Turning on .111
......................
Head Restraints .14, 135
.............................
Heated Mirrors .146
.................................
Heaters, Seat .141
HomeLink
Universal ................................
Transceiver .301
........
Hood, Opening and Closing . 350
...........................................
Horn .4,109
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .428
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 486
Ignition ............................................
Keys .119
.........................................
Switch .122
............
Timing Control System . 501
......................
Immobilizer System .121
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
Index
G H
I
IV
2010 TSX

Locks.....
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 122
........................
Childproof Door .125
............................
Fuel Fill Door .347
..................................
Glove Box .157
..................
Lockout Prevention . 125
...............................
Power Door .124
.........................................
Trunk .130
........................
Low Coolant Level .353
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 370
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 60,471
................................
Lower Anchors . 46
Lubricant Specif ications ..................................
Chart .488, 491
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) . 359
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 346.........................................
Odometer .73
Oil ........................
Change, How to .417
......................
Change, When to .403
......................
Checking Engine .352
..............
Pressure Indicator . 60,471
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .416
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 122
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .500
............................
Outside Mirrors .145
.....................
Outside Temperature .74
....................
Overheating, Engine .469
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 410
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .347
..............................
Paddle Shif ters .377
............
Panel Brightness Control . 115
........................
Park Gear Position .374
...........................................
Parking .382
...............................
Parking Brake .153
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 61,473
..................................
Maintenance .401
.........
Automated Appointment . 334
........................................
Minder .403
......
Main Items and Sub Items . 408
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .410
..........................................
Saf ety .402 .......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 472
...................
Manual Transmission . 370
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 426
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 142
.........................
Meters, Gauges .59, 68
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 347
...........................................
Mirrors .145
....................................
Adjusting .145
........................................
Heated .146
...............................
Reverse Tilt .146
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 358
.......................................
Moonroof .151
........................
MP3 .190, 210,251,271
..............
Multi-inf ormation Display . 70
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 374
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 346
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds .371
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 486
Index
N
O
M
P
VI
2010 TSX

CONT INUED
Steering Wheel..............................
Adjustments .118
...........
Anti-thef t Column Lock . 122
Steering Wheel ................
Buttons . 71,286, 298,304
...................
Stereo Sound System . 174
......................................
Sun Visors .159
........................
Sunglasses Holder .158
Supplemental Restraint ..................................
System .9,23
......................................
Servicing .34
.........................
SRS Indicator .31 ,62
...................
System Components . 23
SVC (Speed-sensitive ...
Volume Compensation) . 182,235
..................................
Synthetic Oil .416
............
System Message Indicator . 67
System Warning Messages, ..........
Multi-inf ormation Display . 78
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 457
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 494
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 500Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .502
.......................
Temperature Gauge .69
....................
Temperature, Outside . 74
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 50
................
Thef t Protection, Radio . 288
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 502
.........
Tighten Fuel Cap Message . 349
..........................
Time, Setting the .289
....................................
Timing Belt .428
....................................
Tire Chains .452
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 459
...................
Tire Inf ormation . 494,496
.................................
Tire Labeling .496
Tire Pressure Monitoring ............
System (TPMS) . 386,498
.............................
Check TPMS .389
Low Tire Pressure/ ..............
TPMS Indicator . 64, 386
Required Federal ............................
Explanation .498
...............................................
Tires .446
..............
Air Pressure . 447,490,493
........................................
Chains .452
.........................
Checking Wear .448
..........................
Compact Spare .458 ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 494
......................................
Inf lation .446
..................................
Inspection .448
................
Pressure Monitor . 76,387
...................................
Replacing .450
......................................
Rotating .450
................................
Service Lif e .449
...........................................
Snow .451
....................
Specif ications .447, 451
..............................
Terminology .497
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 460
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .394
................
Emergency Wrecker . 482
.....................
Weight Limit .394, 395
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .423
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .426
..................
Fluid Selection . 425,426
..............
Identif ication Number . 487
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 373
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 370
Index
INDEX
T
IX
2010 TSX