check transmission fluid Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Manual

226
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way th at you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicl e, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicl e for damage or any fluid leaks.
■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK (0*1 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
( N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 mile s (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
1 Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehi cle correctly might result
in a crash or a roll over.
2 Important Handling Information P. 24
2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 220
*1: Models with the keyles s access system have an
ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition
switch.

269
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Mainte nance ............ 270
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 271Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 272
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 273
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 277Opening the Hood ........................... 278
Engine Compartment Covers ........... 279
Recommended Engine Oi l ................ 280
Oil Check ......................................... 281
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 282
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 283Engine Coolant ................................ 285
Transmission Fluid ............................ 287
Brake Fluid ....................................... 288
Power Steering Fluid Check.............. 289
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 290
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 291
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 298
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 300
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 301Tire Labeling .................................... 301
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ...... 303Wear Indicators ............................... 305
Tire Service Life ................................ 305
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 306
Tire Rotation .................................... 307
Winter Tires ..................................... 308
Battery ............................................... 309
Remote Transmitter Care ................. 310
Climate Control System Maintenance..... 312Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 313
Exterior Care.................................... 315

275
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, 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.
Maintenance Minder
Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*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.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and li nes (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#*4: 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/100,000 km.
*5: 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.
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*5

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

336
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the ECPS Indicator* Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with ECPS.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System In dicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe plac e. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indica tor and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada
1 If the ECPS Indicator* Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or ho ld the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, ECPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.
* Not available on all models

Index
361
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 255
Accessories and Modifications ................ 267
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 157
Active Head Restraints ............................. 148
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ................ 235
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 285
Engine Oil ............................................... 280
Washer ................................................... 290
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 280
Adjusting Armrest .................................................. 150
Front Seats.............................................. 143
Head Restraints ....................................... 145
Mirrors.................................................... 141
Rear Seats ............................................... 149
Steering Wheel ....................................... 140
Temperature ............................................. 91
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control System) ...................... 163
Changing the Mode................................ 163
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows................ ....................... 164
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 312
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mo de................... 163
Sensor .................................................... 166
Synchronized Mode ................................ 165
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 163
Air Pressure ...................................... 301, 350 Airbags
........................................................ 35
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 41
After a Collision... ................................ 30, 39
Airbag Care ............................................... 49
Event Data Recorder .................................. 19
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 38
Indicator ........................................ 46, 72, 75
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 47
Sensors...................................................... 35
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 44
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 48
Side Airbags .............................................. 42
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 45
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 173
Anti-lock Brak e System (ABS) .................. 255
Indicator .................................................... 71
Armrest ..................................................... 150
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 190
Audio System ............................................ 168
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 172
Auxiliary Input Jack ........ .......................... 169
Error Messages ........................................ 188
General Information ................................ 191
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 183
Reactivating............................................. 170
Recommended CDs ................................. 192
Recommended Devices ............................ 194
Remote Controls ..................................... 190
Security Code .......................................... 170
Theft Protection....................................... 170
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 169 USB Flash Drives ...................................... 194
Authorized Manuals ................................ 358
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 113
Automatic Lighting .................................. 132
Automatic Transmission ........................... 227
Creeping ................................................. 227
Fluid ........................................................ 287
Kickdown ................................................ 227
Operating the Shift Lever........... 13, 229, 231
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 230
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 331
Shifting ................................................... 228
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 169
Average Fuel Economy .............................. 91
Average Speed ........................................... 92
B
Battery...................................................... 309
Charging System Indicato r................. 69, 334
Jump Starting .......................................... 329
Maintenance (Checking th e Battery) ........ 309
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 310
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 27
Beverage Holders ..................................... 156
Blind Spot Information (BSI) .................... 246
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®..................... 197
Bluetooth ®Audio ...................................... 186
Booster Seats (For Children) ...................... 63
Brake System ............................................ 253
Anti-lock Brake System (A BS)................... 255

363
Index
Lockout Prevention System..................... 107
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 303
Driving ...................................................... 209
Automatic Transmission .......................... 227
Braking ................................................... 253
Cruise Control ........................................ 232
Shifting Gear .......................................... 228
Starting the Engine ................................. 223
Driving Position Memory System ............ 138
Dust and Po llen Filter.............................. 312
E
ECPS (Electric Contro lled Power Steering
System) .............................................. 73, 336
Elapsed Time .............................................. 92
Electric Controlled Po wer Steering System
(ECPS)
Indicator ........................................... 73, 336
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 243
Emergency ................................................ 344
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 354
Engine ....................................................... 351
Coolant .................................................. 285
Jump Starting ......................................... 329
Oil .......................................................... 280
Starting................................................... 223
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 127
Engine Coolant ........................................ 285
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 286
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 285 Overheating ............................................ 332
Temperature Gauge .................................. 87
Engine Oil ................................................. 280
Adding .................................................... 282
Checking ................................................. 281
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 273
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.................. 68, 334
Recommended Engine Oil........................ 280
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .. 64
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 315
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 142F
Features..................................................... 167
Filters Dust and Pollen ....................................... 312
Oil ........................................................... 283
Flat Tire ..................................................... 319
Floor Mats ................................................. 314
Fluids
Automatic Transmission.... ....................... 287
Brake....................................................... 288
Engine Coolant........................................ 285
Windshield Washer.................................. 290
Fog Light Indicator ..................................... 75
Folding Down the Rear Seats .................. 149
Foot Brake ................................................. 254
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 38
Front Seat Heaters
and Seat Ventilation .............................. 161 Front Seats
................................................ 143
Adjusting ................................................ 143
Fuel ...................................................... 14, 263
Economy ................................................. 266
Gauge ....................................................... 87
Instant Fuel Economy ....... ......................... 92
Low Fuel Indicator .......... ........................... 71
Range ....................................................... 92
Recommendation .................................... 263
Refueling................................................. 263
Fuel Economy ........................................... 266
Fuel Fill Cap ........................................ 14, 265
Message.................................................. 335
Fuel Fill Door ...................................... 14, 264
Fuses Locations................................................. 338
G
Gasoline (Fuel)Economy ................................................. 266
Gauge ....................................................... 87
Information ............................................. 263
Instant Fuel Economy ....... ......................... 92
Low Fuel Indicator .......... ........................... 71
Refueling................................................. 263
Gauges ........................................................ 87
Gear Shift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission .......................... 228
Glass (care) ................................................ 316
Glove Box .................................................. 153

365
Index
Keys........................................................... 103
Lockout Prevention .......... ....................... 107
Number Tag............................................ 105
Rear Door Won’t Open ...... ..................... 112
Remote Transmitter ................................ 106
Types and Functions................................ 103
Valet Key ................................................ 105
Won’t Turn ............................................... 17
Kickdown .................................................. 227
L
LATCH (Child Seats) ................................... 55
Lights .............. .................................. 131, 291
Automatic............................................... 132
Bulb Replacement ................................... 291
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 133
Fog Lights ............................................... 133
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 75
Interior.................................................... 151
Light Switches......................................... 131
Lights On Indicator.................................... 75
Turn Signals ............................................ 131
Load Limits ............................................... 213
Locking/Unlocking ................................... 103
Auto Door Locking/Unlock ing ................. 113
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 112
From Inside ............................................. 111
From Outside .......................................... 106
Keys........................................................ 103
Using a Key.......... ........................... 107, 108 Lockout Preven
tion System...................... 107
Low Battery Charge .................................. 334
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 71
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 68, 334
Lower Anchors ............................................ 55
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 213
M
Maintenance............................................. 269
Battery .................................................... 309
Brake....................................................... 288
Cleaning.................................................. 313
Climate Control ....................................... 312
Coolant ................................................... 285
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 273
Oil ........................................................... 281
Precautions.............................................. 270
Radiator .................................................. 286
Remote Transmitter ................................. 310
Replacing Light Bulbs..... .......................... 291
Safety ...................................................... 271
Service Items ........................................... 275
Tires ........................................................ 300
Transmission Fluid ......... .......................... 287
Under the Hood ...................................... 277
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 69, 335
Map Lights ................................................ 152
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 213
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 87 Mirrors
...................................................... 141
Adjusting ................................................ 141
Door ....................................................... 142
Exterior ................................................... 142
Interior Rearview ..................................... 141
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 267
MP3 ................................................... 177, 183
Multi-Information Display ......................... 88
N
Numbers (Identification).......................... 351
O
Odometer................................................... 90
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 280
Adding .................................................... 282
Checking................................................. 281
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 273
Low Oil Pressure Indicato r ................. 68, 334
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 280
Viscosity .................................................. 280
Opening/Closing Hood....................................................... 278
Panoramic Glass Roof .............................. 126
Power Windows ...................................... 123
Tailgate ........................................... 114, 347
Outside Temperature Display .................... 91
Overheating .............................................. 332

367
Index
Off Indicator ............................................. 44
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 45
Side Storage Compartment ..................... 155
Snow Tires ................................................ 308
Spare Tire ..................................... .... 319, 350
Spark Plugs ............................................... 350
Specifications ........................................... 350
Specified Fuel ....................... ............ 263, 350
Speedometer .............................................. 87
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................ 38
Starting the Engine .................................. 223
Does Not Start ........................................ 326
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 127
Jump Starting ......................................... 329
Steering Wheel ........................................ 140
Adjusting ................................................ 140
Stopping ................................................... 261
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM
(SH-AWD ®) System ................................ 245
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 38
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ....... 2, 3, 127
SYNC Mode .............................................. 165
System Message Indicator ......................... 74
T
Tachometer................................................ 87
Tailgate ..................................................... 114
Unable to Open ...................................... 347 Temperature
Outside Temperature Display ..................... 91
Temperature Sensor ................................. 166
Time (Setting) ........................................... 102
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .................................................... 248
Indicator ............................................ 74, 337
Tires ........................................................... 300
Air Pressure ..................................... 301, 350
Checking and Maintaining....................... 300
Compact Spare Tire ....... .......................... 319
Inspection................................................ 300
Labeling .................................................. 301
Puncture (Flat Tire)................................... 319
Regulations ............................................. 303
Rotation .................................................. 307
Tire Chains .............................................. 308
Wear Indicators ....................................... 305
Winter ..................................................... 308
Tools .......................................................... 318
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 215
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 216
Load Limits .............................................. 215
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 219
Emergency .............................................. 344
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ........ 248
Indicator ............................................ 74, 337
Transmission ............................................. 228
Automatic ............................................... 228
Fluid ........................................................ 287 Number................................................... 351
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 230
Shift Position Indicator....
................... 70, 229
Trip Meter ................................................... 91
Troubleshooting ....................................... 317
Blown Fuse.............................................. 338
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 17
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 18
Emergency Towing .................................. 344
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 326
Noise When Braking .................................. 18
Overheating ............................................ 332
Premium Gasoline ........................... 263, 350
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 319
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 17, 112
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 331
Warning Indicators .................................... 68
Turn Signals .............................................. 131
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 75
U
Under-floor Storage Area ........................ 155
Unlocking the Doors ................................ 106
USB Adapter Cable ........................... 168, 169
USB Flash Drives ....................................... 194
V
Valet Key................................................... 105
Vanity Mirrors ............................................... 5