transmission Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Guide

242
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2.Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform 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.
uIt 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
Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo 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.NOTICEPour 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 Mark
Lower Mark HOT
RangeUpper
Lower
MarksRubber
Cap
Guide
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

277
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatChanging a Flat TireIf a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or
replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground.
2.Put the shift lever in
(P
.
2.Put the shift lever in
(R
.
3.Set the parking brake.
4.Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
.
1Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it will
the full size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission modelsAll models

Continued
285
uuJump Startingu
Handling the Unexpected
5.Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable:
Engine mounting bolt
Transmission mounting bolt
Engine hanger
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part.
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.
1Jump Starting
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and
may prevent the engine from starting.
6-cylinder modelsBooster Battery4-cylinder models with
automatic transmission4-cylinder models with
manual transmission
4-cylinder models with automatic transmission4-cylinder models with manual transmission6-cylinder models

287
Handling the Unexpected
Shift Lever Does Not MoveFollow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of the
(P

position.
1.Set the parking brake.
2.Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3.Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-
tip screwdriver and remove the cover of the
shift lock release slot.
uPut the tip of the flat-tip screwdriver into
the slot and remove it as shown in the
image.
4.Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5.While pushing on the key, press the shift
lever release button and place the shift lever
into
(N
.
uThe lock is now released. Have the shift
lever checked by a dealer as soon as
possible.
■
Releasing the Lock
Automatic transmission models
Slot
Cover
Release ButtonShift Lock
Release Slot

288Handling the Unexpected
OverheatingHow to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
•The temperature gauge needle is at the mark or the engine suddenly loses
power.
•Steam is coming out of the engine compartment.■
First thing to do
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
uMove the shift lever to
(P
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
uMove the shift lever to
(N
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. No steam coming out: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
Steam coming out: Turn off the engine and wait until steam goes away.
Then, open the hood.
1How to Handle Overheating
NOTICEContinuing to drive with the temperature gauge
needle at the mark may damage the engine.
3
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood or engine
compartment if steam is coming out.
H
H
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

292
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
•The brake fluid is low.
•There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■
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.
•If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
•Comes on when there is a problem with EPS.
•If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the 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.
1If 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.
Canada
1If the EPS Indicator Comes On
NOTICEIf 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.

299
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■
Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■
Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

303
Information
This chapter includes your vehicle’s specifications, locations of identification numbers, and other
information required by regulation.
Specifications.................................... 304
Identification Numbers
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).. 308
Engine Number and Transmission
Number ...................................... 308
Devices that Emit Radio Waves....... 309
Reporting Safety Defects................. 310
Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes.............. 311
Warranty Coverages........................ 313
Authorized Manuals......................... 315
Client Service Information............... 316

304Information
Specifications■Vehicle Specifications*1: Automatic transmission models
*2: Manual transmission modelsModel
Acura TSX
No. of Passengers:
Front 2
Rear 3
Total 5
Weights:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
U.S.: 4,475 lbs (2,030 kg)
*1
Canada: 2,030 kg
*1
U.S.: 4,395 lbs (1,995 kg)
*2
Canada: 1,995 kg
*2
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Front)
U.S.: 2,410 lbs (1,095 kg)
*1
Canada: 1,095 kg
*1
U.S.: 2,325 lbs (1,055 kg)
*2
Canada: 1,055 kg
*2
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Rear)
U.S.: 2,090 lbs (950 kg)
Canada: 950 kg
Air Conditioning:
Refrigerant Type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge Quantity 15.8 – 17.6 oz (450 – 500 g)
Lubricant Type SP-10
4-cylinder models
■Engine Specifications
■Fuel
■Battery
■Washer FluidDisplacement
144 cu-in (2,354 cm
3)
Spark PlugsNGK ILZKR7B-11S
DENSO SXU22HCR11S
Fuel:
Type
Unleaded gasoline, Pump octane number
of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 18.5 US gal (70 ℓ)
Capacity/Type
36AH(5)/45AH(20)
36AH(5)/47AH(20)
Tank Capacity
U.S.: 2.6 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
Canada: 4.8 US qt (4.5 ℓ)
■Light Bulbs*3: Vehicle with discharge headlights
*4: Vehicle with halogen bulb low beam headlightsHeadlights (Low Beam)
35W (D2S)
*3
55W (H1)
*4
Headlights (High Beam) 60W (HB3)Fog Lights
55W (H11)
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side
Marker Lights21/5W
Side Turn Signal Lights
(on Door Mirrors)
LED
Brake/Taillights 21/5W
Rear Turn Signal Lights
21W
Back-Up Lights 21W
Rear Side Marker Lights
3CP
High-Mount Brake Light 21W
License Plate Lights
5W
Trunk Light 5W
Interior Lights
Spotlight
8W
Ceiling Light
8W
Vanity Mirror Lights 2W
Courtesy Lights
3.8W