engine coolant Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Manual

15Quick Reference Guide
Wiper Blades
P.257
Replace blades if they leave
streaks across the windshield.
Lights
P.247
Inspect all lights regularly.
Tires
P.259
Inspect tires and wheels regularly. Check tire pressures regularly. Install snow tires for winter driving.
Maintenance

P.221
Under the Hood
P.229
Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
Add when necessary. Check brake fluid and clutch fluid. Check the battery regularly.
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard. Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up the
hood. When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.

75
Gauges and Multi-Information Display
Instrument Panel
GaugesGauges include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.
They are displayed when the ignition switch is in ON
II
.
Speedometer
Displays your driving speed in mph (U.S.) or km/h (Canada).
Fuel Gauge
Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
Temperature Gauge
Displays the temperature of the engine coolant.
Ta c h o m e t e r
Shows the number of engine revolutions per minute.
Fuel Gauge NOTICE You should refuel when the reading approaches
E.
Running out of fuel can cause the engine to misfire,
damaging the catalytic converter.
The actual amount of remaining fuel may differ
from the fuel gauge reading.
Temperature Gauge NOTICE If the engine is in danger of overheating.
Driving with the temperature gauge pointer in the
upper zone can cause serious engine damage. Pull
safely to the side of the road and allow engine
temperature to return to normal.
Overheating


P. 2 8 8

Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance .............. 222
Safety When Performing
Maintenance .................................... 223
Parts and Fluids Used in
Maintenance Service ........................ 224
Maintenance Minder
™ ........................ 225
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 229
Opening the Hood ............................. 231
Recommended Engine Oil .................. 234
Oil Check ........................................... 235
Adding Engine Oil .............................. 237Engine Coolant .................................. 240
Transmission Fluid .............................. 242
Brake/Clutch Fluid .............................. 244
Refilling Window Washer Fluid ........... 246
Replacing Light Bulbs ......................... 247
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades ................................................ 257
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................... 259
Tire and Loading Information Label .... 260
Tire Labeling ...................................... 260
DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S. Vehicles)
.................................... 262Wear Indicators .................................. 264
Tire Service Life .................................. 264
Tire and Wheel Replacement ............. 265
Tire Rotation ...................................... 266
Winter Tires ....................................... 267
Battery ................................................. 268
Remote Transmitter Care ................... 269
Replacing the Battery ........................ 269
Climate Control System
Maintenance ..................................... 270
Cleaning
Interior Care ........................................271
Exterior Care ...................................... 273
221

227
Maintenance
Continued
Maintenance Minder™
Maintenance Service ItemsCODE Maintenance Main Items
A Replace engine oilt
*1
B Replace engine oilt
*1 and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes t
Check parking brake adjustment t
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots t
Inspect suspension components t
Inspect driveshaft boots t
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS) t
*OTQFDU
BMM
nVJE
MFWFMT
BOE
DPOEJUJPO
PG
nVJET t
Inspect exhaust system t
#
Inspect fuel lines and connections t
#
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1 Rotate tirest
2 Replace air cleaner elementt
*2
Replace dust and pollen filter t
*3
Inspect drive belt t
33FQMBDF
USBOTNJTTJPO
nVJE t
*4
4 Replace spark plugst
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump t
*5
Inspect valve clearance t
5 Replace engine coolantt
*4: If you drive regularly in mountainous areas or tow a trailer, replace the transmission fluid at 60,000
miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (automatic transmission models only)
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C ), in very low temperatures (under
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km. (6-cylinder models only)
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty. *1: Change the engine oil according to the Maintenance Minder, or annually, whichever comes first.
*2: If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000
km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Service Items
Independent of the Maintenance Minder tinformation, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 tkm).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 tonly if they are noisy. Maintenance Minder
Message System Message
Indicator
Main Items
Sub Items

229
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance
Maintenance Items Under the Hood 4-cylinder models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Radiator Cap
Manual transmission models Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap Automatic transmission models Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)

Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
230Maintenance
6-cylinder models
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir*
Radiator Cap*
* : Located under the coverBrake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic
Transmission
Fluid Dipstick
(Yellow Loop)

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
Engine Coolant
241
Maintenance
Radiator 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.
6-cylinder models 1. Remove the radiator cap cover. All models 2. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
3. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not press the cap down when turning.
4. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
5. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
6. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten
it fully.
7. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MA X mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
WARNING
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.
RadiatorRadiator Cap

247
Replacing Light Bulbs
Continued
Maintenance
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
High beam headlight: 60W (HB3)
Low beam headlight: 55W (H1 for halogen bulb Type)
35W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
High Beam Headlight
6-cylinder models 1. Remove all the engine compartment
covers.
Engine Compartment Covers

P. 2 3 3
Passenger side
All models 2. Remove the engine coolant reservoir.
Headlight Bulbs NOTICE Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and typically
does not need to be adjusted. However, if you
regularly carry heavy items in the trunk or tow a
trailer, have the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by
a qualified technician.
The HB3 and H1 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Headlight Bulbs
Engine Coolant
ReservoirEngine Coolant
Reservoir
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models

Cleaning
Exterior Care
274Maintenance
Applying Wax
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth
and clean water.
Cleaning the Window
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners)
or a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
Applying Wax NOTICE Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe
up spills immediately. Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material
when you want to repair the painted surface of the
parts made of resin. Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.