ECO mode Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Guide

Maintenance Under the Hood
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
239
Maintenance
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
If it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt. Tightening torque: 29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0
kgf∙m)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine. Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4-cylinder models 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) 6-cylinder models

4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely
and start the engine.
11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12 . Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
If necessary, add more engine oil.
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.

When installing the new oil filter follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine.
The low oil pressure indicator should go off within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and
check your work.
Oil Filter
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
Oil Filter Drain Bolt
Washer

Maintenance Under the Hood
Engine Coolant
240Maintenance
6-cylinder models 1. Remove the right-side engine compartment
cover.
Engine Compartment Covers

P. 2 3 3
All models 2. Check the amount of coolant in the
reserve tank.
3. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MA X mark.
4. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Reserve Tank
Engine Coolant 4-cylinder models NOTICE You will need a more concentrated coolant if you
are driving in extremely cold temperature below
-31 °F (-35 °C). Consult your Acura dealer for details
about a suitable coolant mixture.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you
may use another major brand non-silicate coolant
as a temporary replacement. Check that it is a
high quality coolant recommended for aluminum
engines. Continued use of any non-Honda coolant
can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system
to malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system
flushed and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant
as soon as possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to
your vehicle's coolant system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or with the engine
components.
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check
the reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Reserve Tank MAX MIN Reserve Tank

Maintenance Under the Hood
Transmission Fluid
242Maintenance
1. Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
Perform step 3 after waiting for about
60 seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid NOTICE Do not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and
damage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid
that is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not
covered by Acura's new vehicle warranty. NOTICE Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not
spill any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper
Lower
MarksRubber
Cap
Guide
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
HOT
RangeUpper Mark
Lower Mark

Checking and Maintaining Tires
Wear Indicators
264Maintenance
Tire Service LifeThe life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach
five years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after
10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of
wear.
Checking TiresHigh speed driving
We recommend that you do not drive faster than
the posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you
drive at sustained high speeds (over 118 mph or
190 km/h), adjust the tire pressures as shown below
to avoid excessive heat build up and sudden tire
failure. 6-cylinder models Tire Size P235/45R18 94V
Pressure 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm
2)
4-cylinder models Tire Size P225/50R17 93V
Pressure 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm
2)
If you do not, excessive heat can build up and cause
sudden tire failure.
The groove where the wear indicator is
located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than
elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn
so that the indicator is exposed, replace the
tire. Worn out tires have poor traction on
wet roads.
Wear Indicators
Example of a
Wear Indicator mark

Checking and Maintaining Tires
Winter Tires
267
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked ”M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the
law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires. t
Mount the tires to all four wheels. t
For tire chains:
Install them on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire t
clearance, Acura strongly recommends using the chains listed below:
4-cylinder models Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1034 6-cylinder models Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1038 Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as t
tightly as you can.
Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension. t
Drive slowly. t
Winter Tires NOTICE Traction devices that are the wrong size or
improperly installed can damage your vehicle's
brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can
be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.

Jump Starting
284Handling the Unexpected
Jump Starting Procedure
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the
engine, then open the hood.
Jump Starting
6-cylinder models 1. Slide out the battery terminal cover. All models 2. Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle's battery
terminal.
3. Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle's
terminal.
Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the
assisting vehicle's
terminal.
WARNING
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.Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models Booster Battery
Cover

285
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions
and may prevent the engine from starting. Jump Starting
5. Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable:
4 -cylinder models with automatic transmission

Engine mounting bolt
4 -cylinder models with manual transmission

Transmission mounting bolt
6-cylinder models

Engine hanger
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part of the engine.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle's engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle's engine. If
it turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Jump Starting
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models with
automatic transmission 4-cylinder models with
manual transmissionBooster Battery

Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
292Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Reasons for the indicator to come on
The brake fluid is low. t
There is a malfunction in the brake system. t What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop. t
If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the t
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If
there is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator
come on simultaneously, the brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
CanadaIf the EPS Indicator Comes On
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when there is a problem with EPS. t
If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the t
engine speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate. What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On NOTICE If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel
on the full left or right position for a while, the
system heats up. The system goes into a protective
mode, and limits its performance. The steering
wheel becomes harder and harder to operate. Once
the system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

303
Information
Specifications
4-cylinder models
O Brake/Clutch FluidSpecified Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3O Transmission FluidSpecified
*1
Acura ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission
fluid)2.6 US qt
(2.5 ℓ)
(Change)
Specified
*2
Acura Manual
Transmission Fluid2.0 US qt
(1.9 ℓ)
(Change)
*1: Automatic transmission models
*2: Manual transmission models
O Engine OilRecommendedAcura
Genuine
Motor OilAPI Premium grade
0W-20
CapacityChange 4.0 US qt (3.8 ℓ)
Change
including
filter4.2 US qt (4.0 ℓ)O Engine CoolantSpecifiedHonda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Ty pe2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity
*1
1.64 US gal (6.2 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.196 US gal (0.74 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
Capacity
*2
1.66 US gal (6.3 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.196 US gal (0.74 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
*1: Automatic transmission models
*2: Manual transmission models
O TireRegularSize P225/50R17 93V
Pressure
psi (kPa[kgf/cm
2])33 (230 [2.3])
Compact
SpareSize T135/80D16 101M
Pressure
psi (kPa[kgf/cm2])60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular 17 x 7.5J
Compact Spare 16 x 4T

305
Information
Specifications
6-cylinder models
O Brake/Clutch FluidSpecified Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3O Transmission FluidSpecifiedAcura ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission
fluid)3.5 US qt
(3.3 ℓ)
(Change)
O Engine OilRecommendedAcura
Genuine
Motor OilAPI Premium grade
0W-20
CapacityChange 4.2 US qt (4.0 ℓ)
Change
including
filter4.5 US qt (4.3 ℓ)O Engine CoolantSpecifiedHonda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Ty pe2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.77 US gal (6.7 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.196 US gal (0.74 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
O TireRegularSize P235/45R18 94V
Pressure
psi (kPa[kgf/cm
2])33 (230 [2.3])
Compact
SpareSize T135/80D16 101M
Pressure
psi (kPa[kgf/cm2])60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular 18 x 8J
Compact Spare 16 x 4T