oil change Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Manual

Your vehicle's exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide should not enter the
vehicle in normal driving if you
maintain your vehicle properly and
follow the information on this page.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:●The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.●You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.●The vehicle was in a collision that
may have damaged the underside.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage. With the tailgate open, airflow can
pull exhaust gas into your vehicle's
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows,
and set the climate control system as
shown below.
If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconfined area, adjust the climate
control system as follows:
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the
mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard5809/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Break-in Period
Help assure your vehicle's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:●Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.●Avoid hard braking for the first 200
miles (300 km).●Do not change the oil until the
multi-information display indicates
it is needed.●Do not tow a trailer.
You should also follow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Fuel Recommendation
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with
a pump octane of 91 or higher. If this
octane grade is unavailable, regular
unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 87 or higher may be used
temporarily. The use of regular
unleaded gasoline can cause metallic
knocking noises in the engine and
will result in decreased engine
performance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead to
engine damage.
We recommend quality gasolines
containing detergent additives that
help prevent fuel system and engine
deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
performance, fuel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT.Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely affect performance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with
oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on oxygenated gasoline
containing up to 10% ethanol by
volume and up to 15% MTBE by
volume. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation45409/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

The remaining engine oil life is
shown on the multi-information
display according to this table:Calculated Engine OilLife (%) Displayed Engine
Oil Life (%)
100% －91% 100%
90% －81% 90%
80% －71% 80%
70% －61% 70%
60% －51% 60%
50% －41% 50%
40% －31% 40%
30% －21% 30%
20% －16% 20%
15% －11% 15%
10% －6% 10%
5% －1% 5%
0% 0%
When the remaining engine oil life is
15 to 6 percent, the multi-information
display shows a‘‘SERVICE DUE
SOON ’’message along with the
maintenance item code(s) indicating
the main and sub items required at
the time of the oil change. Refer to
page 542 for a complete list of the
maintenance main items and sub
items. Pressing either INFO button (▲
/▼ )
switches the display from the
message to another display. Once
you switch the display, this message
will go off.
Along with the message, the system
message indicator comes on (see
page 69).
The message appears on the multi-
information display each time you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position.
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 for 196 ignition
switch and power mode comparison.
MAINTENANCE
SUB ITEM CODE(S)
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEM CODE
Maintenance Minder53409/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

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

Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the multi-
information display.
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
information display. The oil and filter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove theengine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
WASHER
DRAIN BOLT
Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter54609/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

3. Remove the oil filter, and let theremaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil filter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it before installing a
new oil filter. 4. Install a new oil filter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean off any dirt and
dust on the connecting surface of a
new oil filter.
5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
29 lbf·ft (39.2 N·m, 4.0 kgf·m)
6. Refill the engine with the recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L) 7. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.
8. Let the engine run for several minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine and let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
OIL FILTER
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
547
Maintenance
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

DimensionsLength 193.1 in (4,904 mm)
Width 78.5 in (1,993 mm)
Height 62.8 in (1,596 mm)
Wheelbase 108.3 in (2,750 mm)
Track Front 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
Rear 67.7 in (1,719 mm)
Weights Gross vehicle weight rating See the tire information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
Gross combined weight
ꭧ 1
rating (GCWR) 6,593 lbs (2,990 kg)
ꭧ 1: The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge quantity 16.9 －18.7 oz (480 －530 g)
Lubricant type ND-OIL 8
Seating Capacities Total 5
Front 2
Rear 3 Capacities
Fuel tank Approx. 21.00 US gal (79.5 L)
Engine
coolant Change
ꭧ
1
1.77 US gal (6.7 L)
Total 2.27 US gal (8.6 L)
Engine oil Change
ꭧ 2
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
Including
filter
Without
filter 4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Total 5.3 US qt (5.0 L)
Automatic
transmission
fluid Change 3.3 US qt (3.1 L)
Total 8.5 US qt (8.0 L)
Rear
differential
fluid Change 2.67 US qt (2.53 L)
Total 2.93 US qt (2.77 L)
Transfer
assembly
fluid Change 0.45 US qt (0.43 L)
Total 0.48 US qt (0.45 L)
Windshield washer reservoir 5.2 US qt (4.9 L)
ꭧ 1: Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:
0.18 US gal (0.675 L)
ꭧ 2: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
Specifications60809/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Cruise Main Indicator
..................
71
Cup Holders
...............................
213
Customize Settings
......................
94
D
DANGER, Explanation of
.............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3, 62
Daytime Running Lights
............
141
Dead Battery
..............................
587
Defects, Reporting Safety
...........
624
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
143
Defrosting the Windows
............
225
Dimensions
................................
608
Dimming the Headlights
............
139
Dipstick Automatic Transmission
.........
551
Engine Oil
...............................
458
Directional Signals
...............
68, 139
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
495
Disc Care
...................................
365
Disc Changer
.............................
244
Disc Changer Error
Messages
...............................
254
Disc Player
..........................
244, 300 Disc Player Error Messages
......
311
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
547
Doors Childproof Door Locks
............
153
Locking and Unlocking
...........
151
Lockout Prevention
.................
152
Power Door Locks
..................
151
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
610
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
471
Economy
.................................
460
Driving Guidelines
.....................
472
Driving Position Memory System
...................................
180
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
...................................
482
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
562
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
460
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Indicator
...................................
74 Emergencies on the Road
..........
577
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
587
Brake System Indicator
.....
66, 594
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
579
Charging System Indicator
........................
65, 592
Checking the Fuses
................
596
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
578
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
143
Jump Starting
..........................
587
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
........................
65, 591
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
65, 593
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
602
Overheated Engine
.................
589
Towing
....................................
602
Emergency Brake
......................
176
Emergency Flashers
..................
143
Emergency Towing
....................
602
Emissions Controls
....................
616
Emissions Testing
......................
619
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Side Airbag Off
....................
35, 67
SRS
.....................................
34, 66
System Message
.................
69, 89
Tire Pressure Monitor
..............
69
Turn Signal and Hazard Warning
...............................
68
VSA OFF
..................................
68
VSA System
.............................
67
Individual Map Lights
................
209
Infant Restraint
............................
44
Infant Seats
..................................
44
Tether Anchorage Point
...........
53
Inflation, Proper Tire
..................
567
Inside Mirror
.............................
177
Inspection, Tire
..........................
569
Installing a Child Seat
..................
48
Instrument Panel
..........................
63
Instrument Panel Brightness
.....
144
Instruments and Controls
.............
61
Integrated Dynamics System (IDS)
......................................
519
Interface Dial
.............................
277
Interior Care
..............................
576
Interior Lights
............................
208
Courtesy Lights
.......................
209
Introduction
...................................
i iPod
®...................................
255, 340
iPod
®Error Messages
.........
263, 348
J
Jacking up the Vehicle
...............
579
Jack, Tire
...................................
579
Jump Starting
.............................
587
K
Keyless Access System
..............
183
Keys
...........................................
147
L
Label, Certification
.....................
606
Lane Change, Signaling
.............
139
Lap/Shoulder Belt
.................
16, 22
LATCH Anchorage System
..........
49
Light Control Buttons
................
208
Lights Bulb Replacement
...................
555
Indicator
...................................
63 Interior
....................................
208
Parking
...................................
139
Load Limit
...........................
466, 522
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....
150
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column
......
150
Childproof Door
......................
153
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
455
Glove Box
...............................
215
Lockout Prevention
.................
152
Power Door
.............................
151
Tailgate
...................................
153
Low Coolant Level
......................
459
Lower Anchors
.............................
49
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
72
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
65, 591
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
608
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
465
M
Maintenance
..............................
531
Main Items and Sub Items
......
538
Minder
....................................
533
IndexVI09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Owner's MaintenanceChecks
................................
541
Safety
......................................
532
Schedule
.................................
542
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................
65, 593
Memory, Driving Position
..........
180
Message Display
..........................
89
Message Indicator
.......................
69
Meters, Gauges
............................
76
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
454
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
178
Modifications
.............................
464
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
464
Multi-Information Display
............
78
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
479
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
454
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
606 O
Octane Requirement,
Gasoline
.................................
454
Odometer
.....................................
82
Odometer, Trip
............................
82
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
528
Off-Road Precautions
..................
528
Oil Change, How to
......................
546
Change, When to
....................
533
Checking Engine
....................
458
Life, Engine
.............................
533
Pressure Indicator
.............
65, 591
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
...................................
545
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
150
Outside Mirrors
.........................
177
Outside Temperature
...................
83
Overheating, Engine
..................
589
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
541
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
454 P
Panel Brightness Control
...........
144
Panoramic Glass Roof
................
174
Park Gear Position
.....................
478
Parking
......................................
489
Parking Brake
............................
176
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
...........................
66, 594
Parking Lights
...........................
139
Parking Over Things that Burn
................................
489, 618
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
....
36
PGM-FI System
..........................
617
Playing a Disc
.....................
244, 300
Playing an iPod
®..................
255, 340
Playing a USB Flash Memory
Device
.............................
264, 349
Playing Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio (Models with navigationsystem)
...............................
312
Playing the AM/FM Radio
...............................
230, 278
Playing the XM
®Radio
........
238, 291
Pollen Filter
...............................
562
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu