engine coolant Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

15Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P 221)
U
n
d
er t
h
e
H
oo
d
(P 229)
●Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
●Check brake fluid and clutch fluid.
●Check the battery regularly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P247)
●Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P257)
●Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P259)
●Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
●Check tire pressures regularly.
●Install snow tires for winter
driving.

72
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages
Instrument Panel
Multi-Information Display Warning and Information MessagesThe following messages appear only on the multi-information display. Press the (information) button to see the message again
with the system message indicator on.
Message
Condition
Explanation
●
Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.
2Overheating P. 288
●
Appears when the fuel fill cap is loose or is not
installed.
2Tighten Fuel Fill Cap Message P. 291
●
Appears if there is a problem with the DRL system.
●
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Daytime Running Lights P. 107
●
Appears when washer fluid gets low.
●
Refill washer fluid.
2Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 246
Canadian models

75Instrument Panel
Gauges and Multi-Information DisplayGaugesGauges include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.
They are displayed when the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
Displays your driving speed in mph (U.S.) or km/h (Canada).
Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
Displays the temperature of the engine coolant.
Shows the number of engine revolutions per minute.
■
Speedometer
■
Fuel Gauge
■
Temperature Gauge
■
Tachometer
1Fuel Gauge
NOTICEYou should refuel when the reading approaches .
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.
E
1Temperature Gauge
NOTICEDriving 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.
2Overheating P. 288

221
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 222
Safety When Performing Maintenance...223Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 224
Maintenance Minder
TM
..................... 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.......................................... 257Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 259
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 260
Tire Labeling .................................... 260
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ..262
Wear 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

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

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

240
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Maintenance
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.
1.Remove the right-side engine compartment
cover.
2Engine Compartment Covers P. 233
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 MAX mark.
4.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■
Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICEYou 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 cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.4-cylinder models
Reserve Tank
MAX MIN
6-cylinder modelsAll models
Reserve Tank

241
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Maintenance
1.Remove the radiator cap cover.
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 push 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 MAX mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
■
Radiator
1Radiator
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.
3
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.
Radiator Cap
6-cylinder modelsAll models

247
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove all the engine compartment covers.
2Engine Compartment Covers P. 233
2.Remove the engine coolant reservoir.
High beam headlight:
60 W (HB3)
Low beam headlight:
55 W (H1 for halogen bulb Type)
35 W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
■
High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen 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 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.
Engine Coolant Reservoir
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder modelsPassenger sideAll models
6-cylinder models
Engine Coolant Reservoir