brake fluid Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Manual

U.S. Canada
Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
This indicator has two functions:1. It comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not fully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will
sound, and you will also see a
‘‘RELEASE PARKING BRAKE ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 90). 2. If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a ‘‘LOW
BRAKE FLUID ’’or ‘‘CHECK
BRAKE SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display (see
pages 90). For more information,
see page 594.
Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch. ON mode is the equivalent of
ON (II). For more information, see
pages 194 and 196.
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch
ꭧto the
ON (II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates a potential
problem with your front airbags. This
indicator will also alert you to a
potential problem with your airbag
system components. You will also
see a ‘‘CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 90). For more
information, see page 34.
ꭧ : Models equipped with the
keyless access system have an
engine start/stop button instead of
an ignition switch. ON mode is the
equivalent of ON (II), and START
mode is the equivalent of START
(III). For more information, see
pages 194 and 196.
Instrument Panel Indicators6609/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

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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Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.●Engine oil level－Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
458.●Engine coolant level －Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 459.●Automatic transmission －Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
551.●Brakes －Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 553.●Tires －Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
568.
●Lights －Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page 555.
Maintenance Minder
541
Maintenance
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SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
1
B
●Replace engine oil
1and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect these items:●Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Suspension components●Driveshaft boots●Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections
＃
1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW ’’does not appear more than
12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every
year.
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page
539.
NOTE:
●Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-
information display, 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. Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump 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 (U.S.)/
100,000 km (Canada).●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000
km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
54209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

WASHER FLUID
(Black cap with blue icon)
POWER STEERING FLUID
(Black cap with red
steering mark)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
DIPSTICK (Yellow loop)BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
RADIATOR CAP ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
Fluid Locations
543
Maintenance
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
You will also see the‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID ’’message on the multi-
information display when the brake
fluid level is low.
Independent of the maintenance
minder display, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years. Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT
3 as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
MIN MAX
Brake Fluid
553
Maintenance
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

U.S. Canada
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch. ON mode is the equivalent of
ON (II). See page 196 for ignition
switch and power mode comparison.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If
it does, check the brake fluid level
the next time you stop at a service
station (see page 553).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 90). If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system's dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 90). Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Emergency
Towing on page 602).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator59409/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
463
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
150
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
217
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
435
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.....................................
382
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
546
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....
145
Advanced Airbags
........................
30
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 26
Air Conditioning System
............
220
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
567, 568
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
454
Antifreeze
...................................
548
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator
............................
67, 496
Operation
................................
496
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
374
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
.......................................
150 Audio System
......................
228, 277
Automatic Climate Control.........
221
Automatic Lighting Off Feature
...................................
142
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
23
Automatic Speed Control
...........
379
Automatic Transmission
............
477
Capacity, Fluid
........................
608
Checking Fluid Level
..............
551
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
482
Shifting
...................................
478
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
477
Shift Lever Positions
...............
478
Shift Lock Release
...................
480
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
371
B
Battery Charging System Indicator
........................
65, 592
Jump Starting
..........................
587
Maintenance
...........................
573 Specifications
..........................
609
Before Driving
...........................
453
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 21
Beverage Holders
......................
213
Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
......................................
511
Bluetooth
®Audio
................
272, 360
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models with navigationsystem)
...............................
416
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models without navigation
system)
...............................
399
Booster Seats
...............................
55
Brakes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...........
496
Break-in, New Linings
.............
454
Bulb Replacement
...................
558
Fluid
.......................................
553
Parking
...................................
176
System Design
........................
495
System Indicator
...............
66, 594
Wear Indicators
.......................
495
Braking System
..........................
495
Break-in, New Vehicle
................
454
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
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EngineAdding Engine Coolant
...........
548
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
77
If it Won't Start
........................
585
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
65, 593
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
533
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
65, 591
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
545
Overheating
............................
589
Specifications
..........................
609
Speed Limiter
..........................
480
Engine Coolant
..........................
548
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
454
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
616
Exhaust Fumes
............................
58
Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
...................................
617
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by
....................................
19
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
223 Features
.....................................
219
Filters Dust and Pollen
.......................
562
Oil
...........................................
546
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
143
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
579
Floor Mats
.................................
563
Fluids Automatic Transmission
.........
551
Brake
......................................
553
Location
..................................
543
Power Steering
........................
554
Windshield Washer
.................
550
FM/AM Radio Reception
...........
369
Fog Lights
..................................
141
Four-way Flashers
......................
143
Front Airbags
.........................
10, 28
Front Seat
..................................
161
Adjusting
.................................
161
Front Seat Heaters and Seat Ventilation
..............................
168
Fuel
............................................
454
Economy
.................................
460
Fill Door and Cap
....................
455
Gauge
......................................
76
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
72 Octane Requirement
...............
454
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
602
Reserve Indicator
.....................
72
Tank, Filling the
......................
455
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
456
Fuel Economy
............................
460
Fuses, Checking the
..................
596
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
461
Gasoline
.....................................
454
Gauge
......................................
76
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
72
Octane Requirement
...............
454
Tank, Refueling
.......................
455
Gas Station Procedures
..............
455
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature...
77
Fuel
..........................................
76
Speedometer
............................
76
Tachometer
..............................
76
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
...................................
523
IndexIV09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Gasoline:
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or
higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
21.00 US gal (79.5 L)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page 545).
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Acura ATF-Z1 (automatic
transmission fluid) (see page 552).Rear Differential Fluid:
Use Acura ATF-Z1 (automatic
transmission fluid) only.
Capacity:
SH-AWD differential case
2.67 US qt (2.53 L)
Transfer Assembly Fluid:
SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90 viscosity
hypoid gear oil, API service
classified GL4 or GL5 only.
Power Steering Fluid:
Acura Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of
power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page 554).Brake Fluid:
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page 553).
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
Front/Rear:
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Compact Spare Tire: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2)
Service Information Summary09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu