light Acura TSX 2006 Workshop Manual
Page 253 of 366
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, increases wear, and reduces
their ef f ectiveness. It also keeps
your brake lights on all the time,
conf using drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Braking System
Braking System Design Brake Wear Indicators
252
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Page 261 of 366
Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.Ask your trailer sales or rental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.
Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check the
requirements f or the areas where
you plan to tow, and use only
equipment designed f or your vehicle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by
trailer type and brand, you should
have a qualif ied technician install a
suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer. Improper
equipment or installation can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical
system and af f ect your vehicle
warranty.
T railer L ight s
A ddit ional T owing Equipment
Towing a Trailer
260
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Page 262 of 366
When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the left,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in f irst or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly. All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure. All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ). Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
258 259 304
bottom
Pre-T ow ChecklistBacking Up
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Towing a Trailer
Driving
261
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Page 264 of 366
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the multi-
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .264
....................
Maintenance Minder .266
....................
Maintenance Record .275
..............................
Fluid Locations .277
........................
Adding Engine Oil .278
.......
Recommended Engine Oil .278
..............................
Synthetic Oil .279
................
Engine Oil Additives .279
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .280
....................
Windshield Washers .282
..............................
Engine Coolant .283
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 283
.......................
Transmission Fluid .285
Automatic .........................
Transmission .285
Manual .........................
Transmission .287
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 288
................................
Brake Fluid .288
...............................
Clutch Fluid .289
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 289
.............................................
Lights .291
.......................................
Seat Belts .299
.....................................
Floor Mats .299
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 300
.................................
Wiper Blades .301 ...............................................
Tires .303
..................
Inf lation Guidelines . 303
...
Recomended Tire Pressures . 304
..........................
Tire Inspection .305
.....................
Tire Maintenance .305
.............................
Tire Rotation .306
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 306
Wheel and Tire ........................
Specif ications .307
..........................
Winter Driving .307
.............................
Snow Tires .307
............................
Tire Chains .308
...................
Checking the Battery . 309
.............................
Vehicle Storage .310
353
Maintenance
Maint enance
263
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Page 274 of 366
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U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See pages
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all receipts
as proof of completion, and have the
person who does the work f ill out the
maintenance record. Check your
warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability. 232
232
285 286 288
303
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Important Maintenance
Precautions
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
273
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Page 278 of 366
Fluid Locations
Maint enance
277
RADIATOR CAPCLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Light gray cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange handle)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVE TANK
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Page 292 of 366
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be perf ormed by your dealer
or other qualif ied mechanic.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs, one on each side. When
replacing a bulb, handle it by its steel
base and protect the glass from
contactwithyourskinorhard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
CONT INUED
Headlight A iming
L ow Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
Lights
Maint enance
291
NOTE:
Halogen headlight bulbs get
very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a
scratch on the glass can cause the bulb
to overheat and shatter.
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Page 293 of 366
Open the hood. To change a bulb
on the driver’s side, undo the
three fasteners and remove the air
intake cover.Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire f rom its slot. Pivot it out of
the way, and remove the bulb
socket.
Pull the burned out bulb straight
out of its socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Make sure
the bulb is installed correctly by
looking through the headlight lens.
Pivot the hold-down wire back in
place, and clip the end into the slot.
Install the rubber weather seal
over the back of the headlight
assembly.Makesureitisright
side up; it is marked with an arrow.
1.
2.
3.6. 4.
5.
7.
Lights
292
FASTENER
AIR INTAKE COVER
HOLD-DOWN WIREBULB
CONNECTOR
RUBBER WEATHER SEAL
SOCKET
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Page 294 of 366
Open the hood.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the lights to test the new
bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
On the driver’s side, reinstall the
air intake cover. Reinstall the
three fasteners and secure them
by pushing on the heads until they
lock. Push the electrical connector onto
the socket. Make sure it is
connected securely.
3.
4.
5.
2. 1.
8.
9.
10.
Lights
Replacing the Turn Signal L ight
Bulb
Maint enance
293
SOCKET
BULB
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Page 295 of 366
To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, and turn of f the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender.
Pull the inner f ender cover away
f rom the f ender and bumper.Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. 5.
2.
1.
3.
Lights
Replacing a Front Side Marker/
FrontParkingLightBulb
294
HOLDING CLIPS
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