tow Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Guide

281
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turn ing the engine off before you check the
oil. 1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.1 Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark

291
Maintenance
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
High voltage can remain in th e circuit for a long period of time after the light is
switched off. Do not attempt to inspect or replace the high voltage discharge type
bulbs yourself. Ask a dealer to inspect and replace high/low beam headlights.
High/Low beam headlight:35W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
■High/Low Beam Headlights
1 Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEThe headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo ar ea or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The exterior lights’ inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the le nses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.

309
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at the test indicator window and check
the terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2 Entering the audio security code P. 170
•The clock resets.2 Setting the Clock P. 102
•The navigation system* is disabled. A PIN code will be required.2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
When you find corrosion, cl ean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with wa ter. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conductin g any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
* Not available on all models

317
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 318
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 319
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 326
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ..........................................327
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 328
Jump Starting .................................... 329
Shift Lever Do es Not Move.............. 331 Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 332
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 334
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 334
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 335
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................. 336
If the ECPS Indicator* Comes On ..... 336 If the Low Tire Pres
sure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 337
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 338
Circuit Protected and Amps for Each Fuse............................................ 340
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 343
Emergency Towing ........................... 344
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door ................................................. 346
When You Cannot Open or Close the Tailgate ............................................ 347
* Not available on all models

uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
320
Handling the Unexpected
1. Push the rear edge of the handle on the
front cargo floor lid and open the lid.
2. Take the jack, extension bar, and wheel nut
wrench out of the tool case.
3. Remove the cover on the cargo area lining
to access the shaft fo r the spare tire hoist.
■Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire1Changing a Flat Tire
NOTICEDo not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call
your dealer or a professional towing service.
The subwoofer, a large black enclosure, is located on
the right side under the lid. Do not store anything in
this area. Doing so may compromise vehicle audio
performance.
Handle
Tool Case
Spare Tire
Cover

325
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
1. Remove the center cap and place the flat
tire face up under the hoist.
2. Insert the hoist bracket into the center hole
of the flat tire.
3. Turn the extension bar with the wheel nut
wrench clockwise until the flat tire rests
against the underbody of the vehicle and
you hear the hoist click.
4. Securely put the jack and wheel nut wrench
back in the tool case. Store the case in the
cargo area.
If you replace a flat tire with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator
comes on while you are driving. After dr iving for a few miles (kilometers), the
indicator will start blinking for a short time and then stay on. CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM appears on the multi-information display, but this is normal.
If you replace the tire with a specified regular tire, the warning message on the
multi-information display and the TPMS indi cator will go off after a few miles
(kilometers).
■Storing the Flat Tire1 Storing the Flat Tire
Always raise the spare tire hoist, even if you are not
stowing a tire. If the hoist is left down, it will be
damaged during driving and need to be replaced.
3WARNING
Loose items can fly around the interior in a
crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely
before driving.
Extension Bar
Wheel Nut
Wrench
■TPMS and the Spare Tire
1TPMS and the Spare Tire
The system cannot monitor the pressure of the spare
tire. Manually check the spare tire pressure to be sure
that it is correct.
Use TPMS specific wheels. Each is equipped with a
tire pressure sensor mounted inside the tire behind
the valve stem.

326
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START e*1 and check the
starter.
*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button
instead of an ignition switch.
Starter conditionChecklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.
●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all2 Checking the Battery P. 309●If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 338
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 223
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 120
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 87
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 343
If the problem continues:2Emergency Towing P. 344
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehi cle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 329

344
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the only way you can safely to transport your vehicle.
For very short distances, su ch as freeing the vehicle, you can use the detachable
towing hook that mounts on the anchors in the front and rear bumpers. 1.Put cloth on the edge of the cover.
Carefully pry with a small flat-tip
screwdriver or a metal fingernail file to
remove the cover.
The cover is attached to the bumper with a
tether.
■Towing Hook
1Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.
NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.
1 Towing Hook
NOTICETo avoid damage to your vehicle, use the towing
hook for straight, flat ground towing only. Do not
tow at an angle. The hook should not be used to tow
the vehicle onto a flat bed. Do not use it as a tie
down.
Front
Cover
Cover Rear

345
uuEmergency Towing u
Handling the Unexpected
2.Remove the towing hook and wheel
wrench placed behind a cover under the
cargo area.
3. Screw the towing hook into the hole, and
tighten it with th e wheel nut wrench.
Rear
Towing
Hook
Front
Towing
Hook

346
Handling the Unexpected
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door
If you cannot unlock the fuel fill door, use the following procedure.1.Open the tailgate and remove the cover.
2. Pull the release lever towards you.
u The release lever unlocks the fuel fill door
when it is pulled.
■What to Do When Unable to Unlock the Fuel Fill Door1What to Do When Unable to Unlock the Fuel Fill Door
After taking these steps, contact a dealer to have the
vehicle checked.
Cover
Release Lever