engine oil Acura TSX 2012 User Guide

227
uuMaintenance Minder
TMu
Continued
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message System Message
Indicator
Sub Items Main Items
*1: If message, SERVICE DUE NOW does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset,
change the engine oil every year.
*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, re
place the dust and
pollen filter ever
y 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●
Replace engine oil
*1
B
●
Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●
Inspect front and rear brakes
●
Check parking brake adjustment
●
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
●
Inspect suspension components
●
Inspect driveshaft boots
●
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS)
●
Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
●
Inspect exhaust system
#
●
Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*4: 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.)
*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.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●
Rotate tires
2
●
Replace air cleaner element
*2
●
Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●
Inspect drive belt
3
●
Replace transmission fluid
*4
4
●
Replace spark plugs
●
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*5
●
Inspect valve clearance
5
●
Replace engine coolant

uuMaintenance Minder
TMu
228Maintenance
Reset the engine oil life display if you have performed the maintenance service.
1.Turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
.
2.Display the engine oil life by repeatedly pressing the SEL/RESET button.
3.Press and hold the SEL/RESET button for 10 seconds or more.
uThe oil life reset mode is displayed on the multi-information display.
4.Select RESET with the button.
uThe service code will disappear and the engine oil life display will return to
100%.
To cancel the oil life reset mode, select CANCEL, then press the SEL/RESET button.
■
Resetting the Display
1Resetting the Display
NOTICEFailure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance
service results in the system showing incorrect
maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious
mechanical problems.
The dealer will reset the engine oil life display after
completing the required maintenance service. If
someone other than a dealer performs maintenance
service, reset the engine oil life display yourself.
Maintenance
Item Codes
Engine Oil Life
SEL/RESET Button (Information)
Button

229
Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood4-cylinder models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Radiator Cap Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap) Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Manual transmission modelsEngine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Automatic transmission models

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

234
uuMaintenance Under the HooduRecommended Engine Oil
Maintenance
Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your engine’s
performance and longevity. If you drive the
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil,
the engine may fail or be damaged.
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving
and that it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
Use Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for
the ambient temperature as shown below.
■
Synthetic oil
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is the specified viscosity grade.•Genuine Acura Motor Oil
•Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the
container.
1Recommended Engine Oil
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,
they may adversely affect the engine performance
and durability.
Ambient Temperature

235
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Continued
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange handle).
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
6-cylinder models4-cylinder models
4-cylinder models6-cylinder modelsAll models

237
uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1.Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2.Add oil slowly.
3.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4.Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine compartment components.
NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil Fill Cap
4-cylinder models
Engine Oil Fill Cap
6-cylinder models

238
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil FilterYou must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display.
1.Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2.Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap.
3.Remove the bolts on the undercarriage
and remove the under cover.
4.Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
5.Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
NOTICEYou may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Under Cover Bolt
4-cylinder models4-cylinder models
Drain Bolt
Washer
4-cylinder modelsAll models

239
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
6.Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
uIf 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.
uTightening torque: 29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m,
4.0 kgf∙m)
9.Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
uEngine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
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.
uIf necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing 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.
6-cylinder models6-cylinder models4-cylinder models
WasherDrain Bolt
Oil Filter
Oil Filter
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

243
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park the vehicle on level ground.
2.Remove the bolts with a wrench, then
carefully remove the under cover.
3.Remove the transmission filler bolt and
washer. Carefully feel inside the bolt hole
with your fingers.
uCheck if the fluid level is up to the edge
of the bolt hole.
4.If the fluid level is not up to the edge of the
bolt hole, add Acura Manual Transmission
Fluid (MTF) until it runs out of the hole.
5.Put a new washer on the filler bolt, then
reinstall the filler bolt.
uTightening torque:
33 lbf∙ft (44 N∙m, 4.5 kgf∙m)
6.Reinstall the under cover with the bolts.■
Manual Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Acura Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
1Manual Transmission Fluid
If Acura MTF is not available, you may use the API
certificated SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 viscosity motor oil
as a temporary measure.
Replace with MTF as soon as possible. Motor oil does
not contain the proper additives for the transmission
and continued use can cause decreased shifting
performance and lead to transmission damage.
Under Cover
Bolt