cooling Acura TSX 2010 Owner's Manual

This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom mark to about the
middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper zone. If it reaches the red
(hot) mark, pull saf ely to the side of
the road. Turn to page for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine cooling system. If the pointer of the temperaturegauge reaches to or above the red
mark, you will also see the ‘‘WATER
TEMP HOT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. This will alert
you that the engine should be cooled
down.
469
Gauges
Temperature Gauge
Inst rument s and Cont rols
69
2010 TSX

When the indicator in the dual
button is on, the driver’s side and
passenger’s side temperature can be
controlled independently (see page).
When you set the temperature to its
lower limit ( ) or its upper limit
( ), the system runs at f ull
cooling or heating only. It does not
regulate the interior temperature.
When you adjust a f an control, the
f an is taken out of AUTO mode.
In AUTO mode, the vehicle’s interior
temperature is independently
regulated f or the driver and f ront
passenger according to each
adjusted temperature. The system
also regulates each temperature
basedontheinformationof thesun
light sensor and the sun’s position
which is updated automatically by
the navigation’s global positioning system (GPS). If one side of the
vehicle is getting too much sun, the
system lowers the temperature only
on that side.
You can set the temperatures for the
driver’s side and the passenger’s side
separately when this button is
pressed (indicator is on). When the
indicator in the DUAL button is of f ,
the temperatures for both sides are
synchronized to the driver’s side set
temperature. When def rost mode is
selected, dual mode operation is
canceled.
If you press the OFF button, the
climate control system shuts of f
completely.
Keep the system completely of f
f or short periods only.
To keep stale air and mustiness
f rom collecting, you should have
the f an running at all times.
171
On models with navigation system Dual Button
To Turn Everything Off
Climate Control System
168
2010 TSX

Many states and Canadian
provinces/territories 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.
Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
Check with your local trailer sales or
rental agencies f or the requirements
in the area 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. When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. All weights and loads are within
limits. The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension and
the cooling system are in good
operating condition.
Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.
CONT INUED
T railer L ight s A ddit ional T owing Equipment
Towing a Trailer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Driving
397
2010 TSX

µµ
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks. If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causingthecoolingsystemto
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
To access the radiator reserve tank,
remove the right-side engine
compartment cover.
Always use Honda Long-Lif e
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 %
antif reeze and 50 % water. Never add
straight antif reeze or plain water.
Except 6-cylinder models
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
420
RESERVE TANK
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
If you regularly drive your vehicle
under severe conditions in very low
temperature (under 31°F, 35°C), a
higher concentration of coolant should
be used. Consult your Acura dealer f or
more inf ormation of the proper coolant.
2010 TSX

CONT INUED
Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.Remove the radiator cap cover.
Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
1.2.
3.6-cylinder models
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
421
RADIATOR CAP RADIATOR CAP COVER
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
2010 TSX

The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
Check the reservoir’s f luid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
4. 5.
6.
7.
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
Windshield Washers
422
LEVEL GAUGE
RADIATOR
CAP
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models
2010 TSX

If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month. Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
455
2010 TSX

Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator.
7. 6.
8.
9. 10.
11.
482
353
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
470
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
2010 TSX