maintenance Acura TSX 2009 User Guide

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Select this option to delete
the current message.
Select this option to hear a
voice read the entire message. This
gives you more inf ormation than the
screen can display at one time. When
you select the Voice option, it
changes to a Stop Reading option.
Select the option again to stop the
voice.
Select this option to call a
phone number embedded in the
message. When you select , the
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink(HFL)
dials the number f or you. Select this
option to get more inf ormation about
the current diagnostic message. To
use this option, your cellphone must
be paired with the HFL. In addition,
the paired phone must have a
compatible data service and be set
up with the AcuraLink system to
make a data connection. Access the
handsf reelink.com website to f ind
out which data services are currently
compatible with AcuraLink.
To set your AcuraLink pref erences
(thetypesof messagesyouwantto
receive, if any), visit the Owner Link
website at , and
choose what you would like to
receive. If you do not have internet
access, call Acura Client Services at
(800) 382-2238; they can set your
message pref erences f or you.
To make a call, your Bluetooth
compatible phone must be paired to
the vehicle’s HandsFreeLink system,
powered on, and located within the
vehicle(seepage ). Select this
option to f ind the nearest Acura
dealer using the navigation system.
Select this
option to call the Acura dealer you
purchased your vehicle f rom.
AcuraLink also directs you to this
dealer so you can schedule a
maintenance appointment or receive
inf ormation about a message. If your
assigned servicing dealer changes,
AcuraLink will reset to call that
dealer.
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www.owners.acura.com
Delete
Voice
Call Call Diagnostic Inf o
Message Pref erences
Find Nearest Dealer
Call Your Dealer
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These messages, based on updated
vehicle inf ormation and comments
f rom other TSX owners, supplement
your Owner’s Manual and Quick
Start Guide. They provide you with
relevant information for a safe and
enjoyable ownership experience. For
additional inf ormation, call Acura
Client Services directly through the
HFL.
There are six message categories in
AcuraLink: Quick Tips, Feature
Guide, Maintenance Minder,
Recalls/Campaigns, Diagnostic Inf o,
and Scheduled Dealer Appointment.
The system can store up to 255
messages.
During the f irst 90 days of
ownership, one of up to 17 dif f erent
messages appears each day. These
messages help you to use and
understand the f eatures of your
vehicle.
Message categories can be added,
revised, or deleted through
broadcast messages f rom Acura. Feature Guide
Quick T ips
Message Categories
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These messages provide detailed
inf ormation about the service
needed f or your vehicle. When a
maintenance message appears on
the multi-information display, a list of
needed maintenance items is
provided through an AcuraLink
message. These messages tell you
the exact maintenance needed,
helping you to avoid unnecessary
maintenance costs.You can use the f ollowing message
options:
Make an appointment f rom the
schedule at the dealer.
Reschedule the appointment with
the dealer.
Call your dealer f or an
appointment.
Find the nearest dealer. You can make an appointment with
your dealer through the AcuraLink
when you receive a maintenance
minder message.
To use the automated appointment
f unction, you should visit the Owner
Link website at
, register some
required settings, and complete the
Phone-Data Connection set-up (see
page ). Your Bluetooth
compatible phone should also be
paired and linked to your vehicle’s
Bluetooth
HFL (see page ).
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Maintenance MinderA ut omat ed A ppoint ment
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Features
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When you see the maintenance
minder message on the multi-
inf ormation display, you will also
receive a message in the navigation
screen. Select ‘‘AcuraLink/
Messages’’ on the Setup screen, then
press ENTER.The system will automatically
connect to the Acura server, then
show you an appropriate
appointment date and time on the
navigation screen. If you accept this
appointment, select ‘‘Conf irm
Appointment,’’ then press ENTER.
Select the received message, then
press ENTER. You will see the
message as shown. To make an
appointment, select ‘‘Schedule
Dealer Appt.’’ then press ENTER.
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If you select the cancel appointment,
you cannot try to reschedule the
appointment. If you want to change
or reschedule the appointment date,
call your dealer directly with the
HFL.Using automated appointment, your
registered dealer through Owner
Link is automatically selected. If you
want to select another dealer, such
as in case of an emergency, f ind the
nearest dealer and call the dealer
directly with the HFL.
When a maintenance appointment is
due soon, you will also receive an
appointment reminder message.
If your vehicle is af f ected by a recall
or other important saf ety
inf ormation, a letter will be mailed to
you about the issue and how to f ix it.
If you don’t get your vehicle f ixed,
you will also receive a reminder
message through AcuraLink. You
canthenusethemessageoptionsto
call your dealer f or an appointment
or to f ind the nearest dealer.
Recall/Campaigns
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Features
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If you want the information now,
select the Check Now option. (If the
navigation screen is not active, you
must select OK f rom the navigation
disclaimer screen bef ore you can
check the inf ormation.)
Depending on the severity of the
problem, the message will let you
know if you should see your dealer
immediately or if you can wait until a
later date.
You can then use the message
options to call your dealer f or an
appointment or to f ind the nearest
dealer.When viewing a diagnostic inf o
message through the INFO menu,
you can use the Diagnostic Inf o
option to connect to the Acura server
and retrieve the latest inf ormation
regarding the problem.
There may not be any
additional inf ormation, depending on
thetimeelapsedsincetheprevious
time you retrieved the inf ormation
f rom the Acura server. When you make an appointment
through the Owner’s Link Online
Maintenance Appointment Service,
you can be reminded in advance
about that appointment through
AcuraLink.
If you need to reschedule or cancel
the appointment, see page .
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Reminder Message
Features
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NOTE:
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Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not tow a trailer.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause occasional metallic knocking
noises in the engine and will result in
decreased engine perf ormance. Use
of a gasoline with a pump octane
number less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.
We recommend using quality
gasolines containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.
You may hear a knocking noise from
the engine if you drive the vehicle at
low engine speed (below about 1,000
rpm) in a higher gear. To stop this,
raise the engine speed by shif ting to
a lower gear.
On vehicles with manual transmission
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
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Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
informationonaddingtheproper
coolant.
Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole.
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.
Park the vehicle on a level surf ace.
1.
2.
3. 4.
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Oil Check Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
A dding Engine Oil
Service Station Procedure
Bef ore Driving
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UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
MIN
DIPSTICK (orange handle) MAXRESERVE TANK
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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy. It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption. An under inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
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Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page
).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
K eep your vehicle clean
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
Maintain proper tire inf lation
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Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
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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 minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .408
....................
Maintenance Minder .409
..............................
Fluid Locations .418
........................
Adding Engine Oil .419
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .421
..............................
Engine Coolant .423
....................
Windshield Washers .424
.......................
Transmission Fluid .425
..........
Automatic Transmission .425
..............
Manual Transmission .427
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .428
.............................................
Lights .430
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .442
.....................................
Floor Mats .442
..................
DustandPollenFilter .443
.................................
Exterior Care .443
.................................
Wiper Blades .444
...............................................
Tires .447
...................
Checking the Battery .454
.............................
Vehicle Storage .455
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.
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Maintenance
Maint enance
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