lights Acura ZDX 2012 Service Manual

218
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 215
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains , and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the tra iler tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly an d with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

223Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
P, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
N, it is safer to start it in P.
3. You can start the engine in any power
mode. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button and the brake pedal.
1 Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitu des above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Insert the keyless access remo te into the slot if the
battery in the key is weak. 2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak P. 327
The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.
Models with keyless access remote
Brake Pedal
ENGINE START/STOP button
Brake Pedal
Models with keyless access remote

270
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenanc e booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmi ssion fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Tran smission Fluid P. 287
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.2 Brake Fluid P. 288
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 300
•Check the operation of th e exterior lights monthly.2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 291
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 298
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions contro l devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 275
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills an d tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Serv ice Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 358
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make
sure that you have the nece ssary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

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.

292
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFog Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Fog Light Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the clip using a flat-tip screwdriver,
and lower the under cover.
2. Remove the coupler.
u It can be removed by pushing the tab.
3. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4. Insert a new bulb into the fog light
assembly and turn it to the right.
5. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
Fog Light: 55 W (H11)
1Fog Light Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
The fog lights are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its plastic case,
and protect the glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Under Cover Clip
Bulb
Coupler
Tab

294
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uDaytime Running Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Daytime Running Light Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1. Driver side: Remove the holding clips by
pushing the center of the clips.
Lift the grommet over the stud bolt and
rotate the heat shield to the left.
Passenger side: Remove the power
steering fluid reservoir by pulling it out of its
stay.
2. Remove the bulkhead cover and engine
compartment covers.
2 Engine Compartment Covers P. 279
3.Remove the coupler.
u It can be removed by pushing the tab.
4. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
5. Insert a new bulb into hole and turn it to
the right.
6. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
Side Turn Signal/Emergen cy Indicator Light Bulbs
Door mirrors have the side turn lights. Ha ve an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light bulbs.
Daytime Running Light: 60 W
Clip
Heat Shield
Grommet
Stud Bolt
Bulb
Tab Coupler

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

329Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood. 1.Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle’s + terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle’s + terminal.
u Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
3. Connect the second ju mper cable to the
assisting vehicle’s - terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the engine hanger as
shown.
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part.
5. If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assi sting vehicle’s engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
6. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, ch eck that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
■Jump Starting Procedure1 Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the e ngine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and
may prevent the engine from starting.
3WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow
the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking
materials away from the battery.
Booster Battery

332
Handling the Unexpected
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating
Overheating symptoms are as follows:
•The temperature gauge needle is at the mark or the engine suddenly loses
power.
• Steam is coming out of the engine compartment.
■First thing to do
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
u Move the shift lever to
P and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. No steam coming out: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
Steam coming out: Turn off the engine and wait until steam goes away.
Then, open the hood.
1 How to Handle Overheating
NOTICEContinuing to drive with the temperature gauge
needle at the mark may damage the engine.
3WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
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