check engine Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Guide

282
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine co mpartment components.
NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil
Fill Cap

uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
284
Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely
and start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that ther e is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

285
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% an tifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve
TankMAX
MIN

287
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Check 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)
1 Automatic 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 affe ct the operation and
durability of your vehicle’s transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by usin g a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acur a 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

289
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uPower Steering Fluid Check
Maintenance
Power Steering Fluid Check
We recommend that you check the power steer ing fluid level every time you refuel.
Check when the engi ne is not running.
1.Look at the side of the reservoir. The fluid
should be between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL .
2. Add power steering fluid if necessary to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
u Inspect the system for a leak. If the fluid
level goes below the LOWER LEVEL
frequently, have the system inspected as
soon as possible.
Specified fluid: Acura Power Steering Fluid1 Power Steering Fluid Check
NOTICETurning the steering wheel to full left or right lock
and holding it there can damage the power steering
pump.
NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine compartment.
UPPER
LEVEL
LOWER
LEVEL

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

319Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe plac e. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground.
2. Put the shift lever in
P.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warn ing lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
0*1.
*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button
instead of an ig nition switch.
1Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can dama ge the tire pressure sensor.

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

333
uuOverheating uHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
u If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
u If the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
u If there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1 How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the syst em with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
MAX Reserve Tank
MIN

334
Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.
u Add oil as necessary.
3. Start the engine and check th e low oil pressure indicator.
u The light goes out: Start driving again.
u The light does not go out within 10 seconds: Stop the engine and
contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.
■What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the climate control system, rear defogger, and other electrical
systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICERunning the engine with lo w oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.
1 If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engi ne may rapidly discharge
the battery.