maintenance Acura ZDX 2012 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2012, Model line: ZDX, Model: Acura ZDX 2012Pages: 645, PDF Size: 16.36 MB
Page 443 of 645

Delete-Select this option to delete
the current message.
Voice -Select this option to hear a
voice read the entire message. This
gives you more information than the
screen can display at one time. When
you select the Voice option, it
changes to a Stop Reading option.
Select the option again to stop the
voice.
Call -Select this option to call a
phone number embedded in the
message. When you select Call,theBluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®(HFL)
dials the number for you.
To make a call, your
Bluetooth
®compatible phone must be
paired to the vehicle's
HandsFreeLink system, powered on,
and located within the vehicle (see
page 423). Find Acura Dlr.
-Select this
option to find the nearest Acura
dealer using the navigation system.
Call Your Dealer -Select this
option to call the Acura dealer you
purchased your vehicle from.
AcuraLink also directs you to this
dealer so you can schedule a
maintenance appointment or receive
information about a message. If your
assigned servicing dealer changes,
AcuraLink will reset to call that
dealer. Diagnostic Info
-Select this option
to get more information about the
current diagnostic message. To use
this option, your cellphone must be
paired with the HFL. In addition, the
paired phone must have a compatible
data service and be set up with the
AcuraLink system to make a data
connection. Access the
handsfreelink.com website to find
out which data services are currently
compatible with AcuraLink.
Message Preferences
To set your AcuraLink preferences
(the types of messages you want to
receive, if any), visit the My Acura
website at
www.owners.acura.com,
and
choose what you would like to
receive. If you do not have internet
access, call Acura Client Services at
(800) 382-2238; they can set your
message preferences for you.
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
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Message Categories
There are six message categories in
AcuraLink: Feature Guide, Quick
Tips, Scheduled Dealer
Appointments, Diagnostic Info,
Maintenance Minder and Recall/
Campaigns. The system can store up
to 255 messages.
Message categories can be added,
revised, or deleted through
broadcast messages from Acura.Quick Tips
These messages, based on updated
vehicle information and comments
from other ZDX owners, supplement
your Owner's Manual. They provide
you with relevant information for a
safe and enjoyable ownership
experience. For additional
information, call Acura Client
Services directly through the HFL.Feature Guide
During the first 90 days of
ownership, one of up to 17 different
messages appears each day. These
messages help you to use and
understand the features of your
vehicle.
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
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Maintenance MinderThese messages provide detailed
information about the service needed
for your vehicle. When a
maintenance message appears on the
multi-information display, a list of
needed maintenance items is
provided through an AcuraLink
message. These messages tell you
the exact maintenance needed,
helping you to avoid unnecessary
maintenance costs.You can use the following message
options:
●Make an appointment from the
schedule at the dealer.●Reschedule the appointment with
the dealer.●Call your dealer for an
appointment.●Find the nearest dealer.
Automated AppointmentYou can make an appointment with
your dealer through the AcuraLink
when you receive a maintenance
minder message.
To use the automated appointment
function, you should visit the My
Acura website at
www.owners.acura.
com
, register some required settings,
and complete the Phone-Data
Connection set-up (see page 449).
YourBluetooth
®compatible phone
should also be paired and linked to
your vehicle's
Bluetooth
®HFL (see
page 423).CONTINUED
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
441
Features
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When you see the maintenance
minder message on the multi-
information display, you will also
receive a message in the navigation
screen. Select‘‘AcuraLink/
Messages ’’on the Setup screen, then
press ENTER.
Select the received message, then
press ENTER. You will see the
message as shown. To make an
appointment, select ‘‘Schedule
Dealer Appt. ’’then press ENTER. The system will automatically
connect to the Acura server, then
show you an appropriate
appointment date and time on the
navigation screen. If you accept this
appointment, select
‘‘Confirm
Appointment, ’’then press ENTER.
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
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If you select the cancel appointment,
you cannot try to reschedule the
appointment. If you want to change
or reschedule the appointment date,
call your dealer directly with the
HFL.
Using automated appointment, your
registered dealer through My Acura
is automatically selected. If you want
to select another dealer, such as in
case of an emergency, find the
nearest dealer and call the dealer
directly with the HFL.
When a maintenance appointment is
due soon, you will also receive an
appointment reminder message.Recall/Campaigns
If your vehicle is affected by a recall
or other important safety
information, a letter will be mailed to
you about the issue and how to fix it.
If you don't get your vehicle fixed,
you will also receive a reminder
message through AcuraLink. You
can then use the message options to
call your dealer for an appointment
or to find the nearest dealer.For this reason, it is important that
we retain your current phone
number. Please update your
information using My Acura at
www.
owners.acura.com
.
CONTINUED
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
445
Features
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Engine Coolant CheckLook at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeAdding
Engine Coolant on page 548 for
information on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to Owner's Maintenance
Checks on page 541 for information
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
RESERVE TANK
MIN MAX
Service Station Procedures
459
Before Driving
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Fuel Economy Factors
The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:●Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)●Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic●Cold engine operation (engines
are more efficient when warmed
up)●Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running●Improperly inflated tiresImproving Fuel EconomyVehicle MaintenanceA properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the information
display (seeOwner's Maintenance
Checks on page 541). For example:
●Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 545).●Maintain proper tire inflation
-
An under-inflated tire increases
‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which reduces
fuel economy.●Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle -It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.●Keep your vehicle clean -In
particular, a build-up of snow or mud
on your vehicle's underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.Drive Efficiently●Drive moderately -Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
●Observe the speed limit -
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.●Avoid excessive idling -Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
CONTINUED
Fuel Economy
461
Before Driving
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Check Out Your Vehicle
Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
for any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
carefully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsafe.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
Remember
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.Accelerating and Braking
For better traction on all surfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the shift
lever in the D position will help you
have a smoother start on snow or ice.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surfaces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not
‘‘pump ’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them for you.
Avoiding Obstacles
Debris in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over. Driving on Slopes
If you can't clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope before you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can safely drive on the slope, don't
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and find
that you cannot continue,
do not try to
turn around.
Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
following the same route you took up
the hill.
Crossing a Stream
Before driving through water, stop,
get out if necessary, and make sure
that:
●The water is not deep enough to
cover your wheel hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe. You could stall and
not be able to restart your engine.
The water can also damage
important vehicle components.
CONTINUED
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
529
Driving
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page 625 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards. Maintenance Safety
.....................
532
Maintenance Minder
..................
533
Fluid Locations
...........................
543
Engine Compartment Cover
........
544
Adding Engine Oil
......................
545
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
.......................................
546
Engine Coolant
...........................
548
Windshield Washers
...................
550
Automatic Transmission Fluid
....
551
Brake Fluid
.................................
553
Power Steering Fluid
..................
554
Timing Belt
.................................
554
Lights
..........................................
555
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
562
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
562
Floor Mats
..................................
563
Wiper Blades
..............................
564
Tires
...........................................
567
Checking the Battery
..................
573
Vehicle Storage
...........................
575
Interior Care
...............................
576
Maintenance
531
Maintenance
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All service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by a
certified technician or other qualified
mechanic.
Important Safety Precautions
To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions before you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.●Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is off.●To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.●To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all fuel-related parts.
●Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when working with the
battery or compressed air.Improperly maintaining this
vehicle, or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner's
manual.
Potential Vehicle Hazards●Carbon Monoxide poison from
engine exhaust. Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.
●Burns from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
down before touching any parts.●Injury from moving parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner's
manual.
Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety53209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu