Acura ZDX 2013 Owner's Manual

220Driving
Rearview CameraAbout Your Rearview CameraSee the Navigation Manual.

221
Continued
Driving
RefuelingFuel Information■Fuel recommendation
Your vehicle is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with 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 temporally.
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.■Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Honda
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.■Gasoline containing ethanol
Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as ethanol. Your vehicle is
designed to operate on oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol 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.Premium Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel InformationNOTICEWe recommend quality gasoline 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 the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
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 a dealer for service.

uuRefuelinguHow to Refuel
222Driving
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit My Acura at owners.acura.com. In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.■Fuel tank capacity: 21.0 US gal (79.5 liters)How to Refuel
1.Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the
rear.
2.Turn off the engine.
3.Unlock the driver’s door using the master
door lock switch.
uThe fuel fill door on the outer side of the
vehicle will unlock.
1How to Refuel
3
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
•Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks,
and flame away.
•Handle fuel only outdoors.
•Wipe up spills immediately.
Master Door
Lock SwitchTo UnlockTo Lock

223
uuRefuelinguHow to Refuel
Driving
4.Press the area indicated by the arrow to
release the fuel fill door. You will hear a
click.
5.Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. If you hear a
release of air, wait until this stops, then turn
the knob slowly to open the fuel fill cap.
6.Place the fuel fill cap in the holder.
7.Insert the filler nozzle fully.
uWhen the tank is full, the fuel nozzle will
click off automatically. This leaves space
in the fuel tank in case the fuel expands
with a change in the temperature.
8.After filling, replace the fuel fill cap,
tightening it until you hear it click at least
once.
uShut the fuel fill door by hand.
1How to Refuel
Use the master door lock switch to unlock the fuel fill
door.
The vehicle doors and fuel fill door automatically
relock if the remote unlock function is used. This can
be deactivated by briefly opening then closing the
driver’s door.NOTICEThe fuel fill door and its latching mechanism can be
permanently damaged if the fuel fill door is forced
closed when the driver’s door is locked.
The filler nozzle automatically stops to leave space in
the fuel tank so that fuel does not overflow as a result
of changes in air temperature.
If the fuel nozzle keeps turning off when the tank is
not full, there may be a problem with the pump’s fuel
vapor recovery system. Try filling at another pump. If
this does not fix the problem, consult a dealer.
Do not continue to add fuel after the nozzle has
automatically stopped. Additional fuel can exceed
the full tank capacity.
Fuel Fill Door
Press
Cap
Cap
Holder

224Driving
Fuel EconomyImproving Fuel EconomyFuel economy depends on several conditions, including driving conditions, your
driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and loading. Depending on these and
other conditions, you may or may not achieve the rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
multi-information display.
•Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
•Maintain the specified tire pressure.
•Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
•Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.■Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/
Miles drivenGallons of
fuelMiles per
Gallon
100 Liter of fuelKilometers
drivenL per 100 km

225Driving
Accessories and ModificationsAccessoriesWhen installing accessories, check the following:
•Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
2Forward Collision Warning (FCW) P. 196
2Lane Departure Warning (LDW) P. 199
•Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
•Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2Fuses P. 295
•Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.ModificationsDo not modify your vehicle or use non-Acura components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1Accessories and Modifications
Acura Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
3
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

226

227
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 228Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 229Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 230
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 231
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 235Opening the Hood ........................... 236
Engine Compartment Covers ........... 237
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 238
Oil Check ......................................... 239
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 240
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 241Engine Coolant ................................ 243
Transmission Fluid ............................ 245
Brake Fluid ....................................... 246
Power Steering Fluid Check.............. 247
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 248
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 249Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 256Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 258Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 259Tire Labeling .................................... 259
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ...... 261Wear Indicators ............................... 263
Tire Service Life ................................ 263
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 264
Tire Rotation .................................... 265
Winter Tires ..................................... 266
Battery............................................... 267
Remote Transmitter Care................. 268Climate Control System Maintenance
..... 269
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 270
Exterior Care.................................... 272

228Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor 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 maintenance 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 transmission fluid level monthly.2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 245
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake Fluid P. 246
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 258
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 249
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 256
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control 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.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 233
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 314
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models

229
uuBefore Performing MaintenanceuSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
•To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
•Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
uHeat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
•To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
uOnly operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
•The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
uMake sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
•Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
uMake sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
•Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
uDo not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.■Maintenance Safety■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.