fuel Acura TSX 2004 User Guide

Push the f uel f ill door closed until
it latches.
Remove the f uel f ill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as
pressure inside the tank escapes.
The fuel fill cap is attached to the
f uel f iller with a tether. Put the
attachment on the f uel f ill cap into
the slit on the f uel f ill door.
Stop f illing the tank af ter the f uel
nozzle automatically clicks of f . Do
not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank, leave
some room f or the f uel to expand
with temperature changes.
Your car has an on-board ref ueling
vapor recovery system to help
keep f uel vapors f rom going into
the atmosphere. If the fuel nozzle
keeps clicking of f even though the
tank is not f ull, there may be a
problem with this system. Consult
your dealer. Screw the f uel f ill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks at least
three times. If you do not properly
tighten the cap, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may come on (see
page ).
3.
4. 5.
6.
319
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving185
FUEL FILL CAP TETHER
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.

A cold engine uses more f uel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it
idle f or a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up f aster, and you get
better f uel economy. To cut down on
the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to
combine several short trips into one.
You can improve f uel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and acceler-
ate smoothly.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Turnoff theA/Cto
cut down on air conditioning use.
Use the f low-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature is
moderate.
The condition of your car and your
driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Always maintain your car according
to the maintenance schedule. This
will keep it in top operating condition.
Depending on traf f ic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra f uel. Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to
increase f uel economy.
An important part of that mainte-
nance is the
(see page ). For
example, an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses f uel. It also wears out
f aster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your car’s underside adds weight and
rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your f uel mileage and reduces
thechanceof corrosion. 242 Driving Habits
Owner Maintenance
Checks Car Condition
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving190

Your Acura’s transmission has f ive
f orward speeds, and is electronically
controlled f or smoother shif ting. It
also has a ‘‘lock-up’’ torque converter
forbetterfueleconomy.Youmay
f eel what seems like another shif t
when the converter locks.The shift lever has five positions. It
must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, D , N, R or the manual mode,
press firmly on the brake pedal and
keep your f oot of f the accelerator
pedal.
This indicator on the instrument
panel shows which position the shif t
lever is in.
The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it f lashes
at any time (in any shif t position), it
indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid
acceleration and have the
transmission checked by an
authorized Acura dealer as soon as
possible.
3
Driving
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ever Position Indicator Shif t L ever Positions
204
SHIFT LEVER

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Maint enance234
Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240160
256170
272180
288
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect drive belt
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month) Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Rotate tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 72
60 84 96 108
12 24 36 48
M/T
A/T
:
: 233
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance235
A, B, C, D, E
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
AB
C
D E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use. Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, D. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace manual transmission fluid.
Replace automatic transmission fluid, then
replace every 90,000mi/144,000 km/5 yrs.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,E.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace engine coolant.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
10,000 mi/16,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km
3yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
130,000 mi/208,000 km
140,000 mi/224,000 km/7 yrs
150,000 mi/240,000 km
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs
170,000 mi/272,000 km
9yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/15 yrs,
then replace every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/9 yrs Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
276).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Inspect valve clearance (independent of time).
Replace spark plugs (independent of time).
Inspect idle speed.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
233
232
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance236
Visually inspect the following items:
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
8060
9670
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240160
256170
272180
288
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Service at the indicated distance
or time whichever comes first.
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect drive belt
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, vehicle underbody Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 yearEvery 3 years (independent of mileage)
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Lubricate every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year Rotate tires every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 72
60 84 96 108
12 24 36 48
M/T
A/T
:
: 233
270
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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Maint enance237
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
AB
C
D
EF
G
H
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in
as required for each distance/time interval.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use. Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A.Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E,F. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,G.
Do item in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E,F. Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
276).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect drive shaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Inspect all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks. Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect drive belt.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs.
Inspect idle speed.
5,000 mi/8,000 km
10,000 mi/16,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km
35,000 mi/56,000 km
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
50,000 mi/80,000 km
55,000 mi/88,000 km
3yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs,
then replace every 30,000mi/
48,000 km/2yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km
70,000 mi/112,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs,
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
95,000 mi/152,000 km
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
105,000 mi/168,000 km
110,000 mi/176,000 km
115,000 mi/184,000 km
6yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
: :
232
233270
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance238
Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Replace engine coolant.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A, C.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
Do item in A, B, C, E. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D,H.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E,F. Replace automatic transmission fluid.
Replace engine coolant.
120,000 mi/192,000 km/7 yrs,
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs,
then replace every 60,000mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs
125,000 mi/200,000 km
130,000 mi/208,000 km
135,000 mi/216,000 km
140,000 mi/224,000 km/7 yrs
145,000 mi/232,000 km
150,000 mi/240,000 km
150,000 mi/240,000 km/9 yrs,
then replace 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
155,000 mi/248,000 km
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs
165,000 mi/264,000 km
170,000 mi/272,000 km
175,000 mi/280,000 km
9yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/9 yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/11 yrs,
then replace every 30,000 mi/
48,000 km/2 yrs
180,000 mi/288,000 km/15 yrs,
then replace every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrsCheck engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE:
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Windshield washer f luid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers f requently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
f or f uel. See page .Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .187
189
255
256 259 273
280
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance242

Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers of ten,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
Check the reservoir’s f luid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
The low washer level indicator will
light when the level is low (see page).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather. The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the right headlight.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
64
Canadian Models
Windshield Washers
Maint enance255
LEVEL GAUGE
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antif reeze can damage your car’s paint,
while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer f luid.