check oil Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Manual

15Quick Reference Guide
Wiper Blades
P.257
Replace blades if they leave
streaks across the windshield.
Lights
P.247
Inspect all lights regularly.
Tires
P.259
Inspect tires and wheels regularly. Check tire pressures regularly. Install snow tires for winter driving.
Maintenance

P.221
Under the Hood
P.229
Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
Add when necessary. Check brake fluid and clutch fluid. Check the battery regularly.
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard. Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up the
hood. When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.

Indicators
64Instrument Panel
Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message
U.S.Canada
Parking Brake
and
Brake System
Indicatort
$PNFT
PO
CSJFnZ
XIFO
ZPV
UVSO

the ignition switch to ON
II
,
then goes off (comes on when
the parking brake is applied).
t
$PNFT
PO
XIFO
UIF
CSBLF
nVJE

level is low.
t
$PNFT
PO
JG
UIFSF
JT
B
QSPCMFN

with the brake system.
t
5IF
CFFQFS
TPVOET
BOE
UIF

indicator comes on if you drive
with the parking brake not fully
released.t
Comes on while driving - Make sure
the parking brake is released. Check the
CSBLF
nVJE
MFWFM
 What to do when it comes on while
driving P. 2 9 2
t
Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have the vehicle checked by
a dealer.
 If the Brake System Indicator Comes
On P. 2 9 2
Low Oil
Pressure
Indicatort
$PNFT
PO
XIFO
ZPV
UVSO
UIF

ignition switch to ON
II
, and
goes off when the engine starts.
t
$PNFT
PO
XIFO
UIF
FOHJOF
PJM

pressure is low.t
Comes on during driving -
Immediately stop in a safe place.
 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On P. 2 9 0
U.S.
Canada

Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance .............. 222
Safety When Performing
Maintenance .................................... 223
Parts and Fluids Used in
Maintenance Service ........................ 224
Maintenance Minder
™ ........................ 225
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 229
Opening the Hood ............................. 231
Recommended Engine Oil .................. 234
Oil Check ........................................... 235
Adding Engine Oil .............................. 237Engine Coolant .................................. 240
Transmission Fluid .............................. 242
Brake/Clutch Fluid .............................. 244
Refilling Window Washer Fluid ........... 246
Replacing Light Bulbs ......................... 247
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades ................................................ 257
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................... 259
Tire and Loading Information Label .... 260
Tire Labeling ...................................... 260
DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S. Vehicles)
.................................... 262Wear Indicators .................................. 264
Tire Service Life .................................. 264
Tire and Wheel Replacement ............. 265
Tire Rotation ...................................... 266
Winter Tires ....................................... 267
Battery ................................................. 268
Remote Transmitter Care ................... 269
Replacing the Battery ........................ 269
Climate Control System
Maintenance ..................................... 270
Cleaning
Interior Care ........................................271
Exterior Care ...................................... 273
221

Before Performing Maintenance
222Maintenance
Inspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your
vehicle in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell,
insufficient brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected
by a dealer. (Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep
your warranties in effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed
maintenance and inspection information.
Types of Inspection and Maintenance Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling. Periodic inspections
Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly. t
Automatic Transmission Fluid

P. 2 4 2
Check the brake fluid level monthly. t
Brake/Clutch Fluid

P. 2 4 4
Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign t
objects.
Checking and Maintaining Tires

P. 2 5 9
Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly. t
Replacing Light Bulbs

P. 2 4 7
Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. t
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades

P. 2 5 7
Inspection and Maintenance U.S. models Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment
or individuals using parts that are "certified"
to EPA standards.

According to state and federal regulations, failure
to perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services
should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display.
Maintenance Service Items


P. 2 2 7
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual.
Authorized Manual


P. 3 13

If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills
first.
After performing maintenance, update the records
in the separate maintenance booklet.

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
Oil Check
236Maintenance
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
Upper Mark
Upper Mark Lower Mark
Lower Mark

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
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