radiator Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

61Safe Driving
Safety LabelsLabel LocationsThese labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels
carefully.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer
for a replacement.
Sun Visor
U.S. models
Canadian models
Radiator CapDoorjambs
U.S. models U.S. models onlyDashboard
Canadian
models

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

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

289
uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■
Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2.Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
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.
MAXReserve Tank
MIN

318Index
Foot Brake ............................................... 211
Indicator ............................................ 64, 292
Parking Brake .......................................... 210
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 109
Bulb Replacement..................................... 247
Back-Up Lights......................................... 254
Brake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal
Light and Rear Side Marker Lights .......... 253
Fog Lights ................................................ 251
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 252
Headlights ............................................... 247
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 256
Rear License Plate Light............................ 255
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Lights..................................................... 253
Bulb Specifications............................ 304, 306
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 60
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 130
Carrying Cargo.................................. 183, 185
CD Player................................................... 147
Certification Label.................................... 308
Changing Bulbs......................................... 247
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Child Safety................................................. 48
Childproof Door Locks ............................... 94
Emergency Trunk Opener .......................... 97Child Seat.................................................... 48
Booster Seats ............................................ 59
Child Seat for Infants................................. 50
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 51
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 55
Larger Children ......................................... 58
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 50
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 52
Using a Tether ........................................... 57
Childproof Door Locks............................... 94
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 273
Cleaning the Interior................................ 271
Client Service Information....................... 316
Climate Control System............................ 133
Changing the Mode ................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 134
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 270
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 133
Sensors ................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode................................. 135
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 133
Clock............................................................ 88
Clutch Fluid............................................... 245
Coat Hook................................................. 130
Compact Spare Tire.................. 277, 305, 307
Compass.................................................... 179
Console Compartment............................. 127
Controls....................................................... 87Coolant (Engine)...................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 194
Cruise Control.......................................... 201
Indicator ................................................... 71
Cup Holders.............................................. 128
Customized Features................................. 80
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 107
Dead Battery............................................ 284
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 134
Detachable Shelf...................................... 126
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 309
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 105
Rear View Mirror..................................... 114
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................ 235
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............. 105
Door Mirrors............................................. 114
Doors.......................................................... 89
Auto Door Lock ........................................ 94
Auto Door Unlock ..................................... 94
Door and Trunk Open Indicator ........... 25, 68
Keys.......................................................... 89

319
Index
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ...................................................... 93
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................... 91
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 92
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 262
Driving...................................................... 181
Automatic Transmission .......................... 194
Braking ................................................... 210
Cruise Control ........................................ 201
Shifting Gear .................................. 195, 199
Starting the Engine ................................. 191
Driving Position Memory System............ 111
Dust and Pollen Filter.............................. 270
EElapsed Time.............................................. 79
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)
Indicator ........................................... 68, 292
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............ 204
Emergency................................................ 299
Emergency Trunk Opener......................... 97
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)...... 311
Engine....................................................... 308
Coolant .................................................. 240
Jump Starting ......................................... 284
Oil .......................................................... 234
Starting................................................... 191
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 104Engine Coolant......................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Engine Oil................................................. 234
Adding .................................................... 237
Checking ................................................. 235
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 64, 290
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 234
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System).............................................. 68, 292
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide).. 60
Exterior Care (Cleaning)........................... 273
Exterior Mirrors........................................ 114
FFeatures..................................................... 137
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 270
Oil ........................................................... 238
Flat Tire..................................................... 277
Floor Mats................................................. 272
Fluids
Automatic Transmission ........................... 242
Brake/Clutch ............................................ 244
Engine Coolant ........................................ 240
Manual Transmission ............................... 243
Windshield Washer .................................. 246Fog Light Indicator..................................... 70
Folding Down the Rear Seats.................. 123
Foot Brake................................................ 211
Front Airbags (SRS)..................................... 36
Front Seats................................................ 116
Adjusting ................................................ 116
Fuel...................................................... 14, 215
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Range ....................................................... 78
Recommendation .................................... 215
Refueling................................................. 215
Fuel Economy........................................... 218
Fuel Fill Cap........................................ 14, 217
Message.................................................. 291
Fuel Fill Door...................................... 14, 216
Unable to Unlock .............................. 14, 216
Fuses.......................................................... 294
Inspecting and Changing......................... 298
Locations................................................. 294
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Information ............................................. 215
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66

321
Index
Number Tag.............................................. 90
Rear Door Won’t Open ............................. 94
Remote Transmitter .................................. 91
Retractable Master Keys ............................ 89
Types and Functions.................................. 89
Valet Key .................................................. 90
Won’t Turn ............................................... 17
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission)...... 194
LLanguage (HFL)........................................ 178
LATCH (Child Seats)................................... 53
Lights................................................ 105, 247
Automatic............................................... 106
Bulb Replacement ................................... 247
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 107
Fog Lights ............................................... 107
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 69
Interior.................................................... 125
Light Switches......................................... 105
Lights On Indicator.................................... 69
Turn Signals ............................................ 105
Load Limits............................................... 185
Locking/Unlocking..................................... 89
Auto Door Lock/Unlock ............................. 94
Childproof Door Locks .............................. 94
From Inside ............................................... 93
From Outside ............................................ 91
Keys.......................................................... 89
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 92Using a Key ............................................... 92
Lockout Prevention System........................ 92
Low Battery Charge.................................. 290
Low Fuel Indicator...................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. 64, 290
Lower Anchors............................................ 53
Lubricant Specifications Chart......... 304, 306
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)............. 185
MMaintenance............................................. 221
Battery .................................................... 268
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 244
Cleaning .................................................. 271
Climate Control ....................................... 270
Coolant ................................................... 240
Maintenance Minder
TM
............................ 225
Oil ........................................................... 235
Precautions .............................................. 222
Radiator .................................................. 241
Remote Transmitter ................................. 269
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 247
Safety ...................................................... 223
Service Items ........................................... 227
Tires ........................................................ 259
Transmission Fluid ................................... 242
Under the Hood ...................................... 229
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............. 65, 291
Manual Transmission................................ 199
Map Lights................................................ 125Maximum Load Limit............................... 185
Meters, Gauges........................................... 75
Mirrors...................................................... 114
Adjusting ................................................ 114
Automatic Dimming ................................ 114
Door ....................................................... 114
Exterior ................................................... 114
Interior Rearview ..................................... 114
Modifications (and Accessories).............. 219
Moonroof................................................. 103
MP3................................................... 147, 153
Multi-Information Display......................... 76
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 308OOdometer................................................... 77
Oil (Engine)............................................... 234
Adding .................................................... 237
Checking................................................. 235
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 64, 290
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 234
Viscosity .................................................. 234
Opening/Closing
Hood....................................................... 231
Moonroof ............................................... 103
Power Windows ...................................... 100