check engine Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Guide

227
Maintenance
Continued
Maintenance Minder™
Maintenance Service ItemsCODE Maintenance Main Items
A Replace engine oilt
*1
B Replace engine oilt
*1 and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes t
Check parking brake adjustment t
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots t
Inspect suspension components t
Inspect driveshaft boots t
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS) t
*OTQFDU
BMM
nVJE
MFWFMT
BOE
DPOEJUJPO
PG
nVJET t
Inspect exhaust system t
#
Inspect fuel lines and connections t
#
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1 Rotate tirest
2 Replace air cleaner elementt
*2
Replace dust and pollen filter t
*3
Inspect drive belt t
33FQMBDF
USBOTNJTTJPO
nVJE t
*4
4 Replace spark plugst
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump t
*5
Inspect valve clearance t
5 Replace engine coolantt
*4: If you drive regularly in mountainous areas or tow a trailer, replace the transmission fluid at 60,000
miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (automatic transmission models only)
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C ), in very low temperatures (under
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km. (6-cylinder models only)
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty. *1: Change the engine oil according to the Maintenance Minder, or annually, whichever comes first.
*2: If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000
km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Service Items
Independent of the Maintenance Minder tinformation, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 tkm).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 tonly if they are noisy. Maintenance Minder
Message System Message
Indicator
Main Items
Sub Items

Maintenance Under the Hood
Oil Check
235
Continued
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.

Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check
the oil.
4-cylinder models 1. Remove the dipstick (orange handle). 6-cylinder models 1. Remove the dipstick (orange loop). All models 2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
Oil Check
If it is near or below the lower mark, slowly add oil
being careful not to overfill.
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models

Maintenance Under the Hood
Adding Engine Oil
237
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components. NOTICE Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Engine Oil Fill Cap

Maintenance Under the Hood
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
239
Maintenance
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
If it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt. Tightening torque: 29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0
kgf∙m)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine. Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4-cylinder models 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) 6-cylinder models

4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely
and start the engine.
11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12 . Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
If necessary, add more engine oil.
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.

When installing the new oil filter follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine.
The low oil pressure indicator should go off within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and
check your work.
Oil Filter
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
Oil Filter Drain Bolt
Washer

Maintenance Under the Hood
Engine Coolant
240Maintenance
6-cylinder models 1. Remove the right-side engine compartment
cover.
Engine Compartment Covers

P. 2 3 3
All models 2. Check the amount of coolant in the
reserve tank.
3. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MA X mark.
4. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Reserve Tank
Engine Coolant 4-cylinder models NOTICE You will need a more concentrated coolant if you
are driving in extremely cold temperature below
-31 °F (-35 °C). Consult your Acura dealer for details
about a suitable coolant mixture.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you
may use another major brand non-silicate coolant
as a temporary replacement. Check that it is a
high quality coolant recommended for aluminum
engines. Continued use of any non-Honda coolant
can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system
to malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system
flushed and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant
as soon as possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to
your vehicle's coolant system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or with the engine
components.
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check
the reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Reserve Tank MAX MIN Reserve Tank

Maintenance Under the Hood
Transmission Fluid
242Maintenance
1. Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
Perform step 3 after waiting for about
60 seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid NOTICE Do not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and
damage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid
that is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not
covered by Acura's new vehicle warranty. NOTICE Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not
spill any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper
Lower
MarksRubber
Cap
Guide
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
HOT
RangeUpper Mark
Lower Mark

Maintenance Under the Hood
Transmission Fluid
243
Maintenance
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove the bolts with a wrench, then
carefully remove the under cover.
3. Remove the transmission filler bolt and
washer. Carefully feel inside the bolt hole
with your fingers.
Check if the fluid level is up to the edge
of the bolt hole.
4. If the fluid level is not up to the edge
of the bolt hole, add Acura Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it runs out of
the hole.
5. Put a new washer on the filler bolt, then
reinstall the filler bolt. Tightening torque: 33 lbf∙ft (44 N∙m,
4.5 kgf∙m)
6. Reinstall the under cover with the bolts.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.Specified fluid: Acura Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Manual Transmission Fluid
If Acura MTF is not available, you may use the API
certificated SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 viscosity motor oil
as a temporary measure.
Replace with MTF as soon as possible. Motor
oil does not contain the proper additives for the
transmission and continued use can cause decreased
shifting performance and lead to transmission
damage. Under Cover
Bolt

Maintenance Under the Hood
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
246Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer Fluid NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.
Refilling Window Washer FluidCheck the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on
the cap.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
Level Gauge

Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
To o l s ..................................................... 276
Types of Tools .....................................276
If a Tire Goes Flat ................................ 277
Changing a Flat Tire ........................... 277
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine .......................... 283
Jump Starting ..................................... 284
Shift Lever Does Not Move ............... 287
Overheating ........................................ 288
How to Handle Overheating .............. 288Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 290
If the Charging System Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 290
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Comes On or Blinks .......................... 291
If the Brake System Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 292
If the EPS Indicator Comes On ........... 292
If the Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks .......................... 293Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................... 294
Inspecting and Changing Fuses .......... 297
Emergency Towing ............................. 298
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel
Fill Door ............................................. 299
When You Cannot Open the
Trunk .................................................. 300
275

283
Engine Does Not Start
Handling the Unexpected
Checking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START III
and check the
starter.
Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
Jump Starting


P. 2 8 4

Starter condition Checklist
Starter doesn't turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all t
 Battery Inspection and Maintenance P. 2 6 8
If the interior lights come on normally t
Fuse Inspection and Replacement
P. 2 9 4
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn't start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
Starting the Engine P.1 9 1
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
 Immobilizer System P. 9 8
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
Fuel Gauge P. 7 5
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 2 9 7
If the problem continues:
 Emergency Towing P. 2 9 8