transmission Acura TSX 2013 Owner's Guide

200
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Driving
The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally
shifting into
(R
from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed.
If you cannot shift to
(R
when the vehicle is stopped, do the following: 1.Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift
lever all the way to the left, and shift to
(R
.
2. If you still cannot shift into
(R
, apply the
parking brake, and turn the ignition switch
to ACCESSORY
(q
or LOCK
(0
.
3. Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
(R
.
4. Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start
the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you
have to go through this procedure repeatedly.
■
Reverse Lockout

201
uuWhen Driving uCruise Control
Continued
Driving
Cruise ControlMaintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a
constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
1Cruise Control
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
3
WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can lead
to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.
■
Shift positions for cruise control:
In
(D
or
(S
, in 2nd gear or
higher
When to use
Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.
Automatic transmission models■
Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~
How to use CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.
■
Press the
CRUISE
button on
the steering wheel.

211
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
2 Brake Assist System P. 213
2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 212
■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

214Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1.Depress the brake pedal firmly.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Move the shift lever from
(D
to
(P
.
3. Move the shift lever to
(R
.
4. Turn off the engine.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in particular if you are parked on an incline.
1 Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.1 When Stopped
NOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P
before the vehicle
stops completely.
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

221
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection 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 ............................ 237 Engine 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

222Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your \
warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 242
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 244
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 257
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 227
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual. 2 Authorized Manuals P. 315
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

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, replace the dust and pollen filter every 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 Hood uMaintenance 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

242
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission 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.
u Perform 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.
u It 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

Range Upper
Lower
Marks
Rubber
Cap
Guide
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models