check transmission fluid Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Manual

193
Driving
When Driving
Precautions While Driving
Precautions While Driving
In Rain
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
Other Precautions
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe
location. Check the underside of the vehicle for damage any fluid leaks.
Precautions While Driving NOTICE Do not operate the shift lever while pressing
the accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
I or
LOCK
0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions
will stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
N
, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation
so as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brakes are
replaced.

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
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

Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
292Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Reasons for the indicator to come on
The brake fluid is low. t
There is a malfunction in the brake system. t What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop. t
If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the t
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If
there is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator
come on simultaneously, the brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
CanadaIf the EPS Indicator Comes On
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when there is a problem with EPS. t
If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the t
engine speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate. What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On NOTICE If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel
on the full left or right position for a while, the
system heats up. The system goes into a protective
mode, and limits its performance. The steering
wheel becomes harder and harder to operate. Once
the system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

315
Continued
Index
Index
A ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
...........................
212
Accessories and Modifications
.........................
219
Accessory Power Sockets
......................................
12 9
Active Head Restraints
...........................................
12 2
Adding
................................................................................
237
Coolant
..........................................................................
240
Engine Oil
......................................................................
237
Washer
...........................................................................
246
Additives, Engine Oil
..............................................
234
Adjusting
..........................................................................
113
Armrest
...........................................................................
124
Front Seats
....................................................................
11 6
Head Restraints
..........................................................
11 8
Headlights
.....................................................................
247
Mirrors
............................................................................
114
Rear Seats
.....................................................................
12 3
Steering Wheel
...........................................................
113
Temperature
..................................................................
78
Airbags
.................................................................................
33
Advanced Airbags
......................................................
39
After a Collision
...........................................................
37
Airbag Care
....................................................................
47
Event Data Recorder
..................................................
19
Front Airbags (SRS)
....................................................
36
Indicator
.............................................................
44,67,70
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
..........................
45
Sensors
..............................................................................
33
Side Airbag
.....................................................................
40
Side Airbag Cutoff System
....................................
42
Side Airbag Off Indicator
.......................................
42Side Curtain Airbag
...................................................
43
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control
System)
............................................................................
133
Changing the Mode
................................................
133
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows ..13 4
Dust and Pollen Filter
..............................................
270
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode
............................
133
Sensors
............................................................................
13 6
Synchronized Mode
.................................................
135
Using Automatic Climate Control
...................
133
Air Pressure
................................................
260,303,305
AM/FM Audio
...............................................................
143
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
...........................
212
Indicator
...........................................................................
66
Armrest
..............................................................................
124
Auto Door Lock /Unlock
...........................................
94
Customize
................................................................
81,83
Automatic Lighting
..................................................
10 6
Audio System
................................................................
13 8
Adjusting the Sound
...............................................
142
Auxiliary Input Jack
..................................................
14 0
Error Messages
...........................................................
15 8
General Information
................................................
161
MP3/ WMA /AAC
.......................................................
153
Recommended Devices
.........................................
16 4
Recommended CDs
.................................................
162
Remote Controls
.......................................................
16 0
Security Code
..............................................................
14 0
Theft Protection
.........................................................
14 0
USB Adapter Cable
..................................................
13 9
USB Flash Drives
........................................................
16 4
Authorized Manual
..................................................
313
Automatic Transmission
........................................
19 4
Creeping
........................................................................
19 4
Fluid
..................................................................................
242
Kickdown
......................................................................
19 4
Operating the Shift Lever
.....................
13 ,19 5 ,19 6
Sequential Shift Mode
...........................................
197
Shifting
...........................................................................
195
Shift Lever Dose Not Move
.................................
287
Auxiliary Input Jack
..................................................
14 0
Average Fuel Economy
............................................
78
Average Speed
...............................................................
79
BBattery
...............................................................................
268
Charging System Indicator
..........................
65,290
Jump Starting
.............................................................
284
Maintenance (Checking the Battery)
............
268
Replacing
.......................................................................
269
Belts (Seat)
........................................................................
26
Beverage Holders
.......................................................
128
Bluetooth
® Audio
......................................................
15 6
Bluetooth
® HandsFreeLink
® ...............................
167
Booster Seats (For Children)
................................
59
Brake System
.................................................................
210
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
............................
212
Brake Assist System
.................................................
213
Fluid
.................................................................................
24 4
Foot Brake
.....................................................................
211
Indicator
.................................................................
64,292

317
Index
E to H
Continued
Index
Cruise Control
.............................................................
201
Shifting Gear
...............................................................
19 9
Starting the Engine
..................................................
191
Driving Position Memory System
..................
111
Dust and Pollen Filter
.............................................
270
EElapsed Time
....................................................................
79
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)
..68,292
Indicator
.................................................................
68,292
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
..................
204
Emergency
......................................................................
298
Emergency Trunk Opener
.....................................
97
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)
..........
309
Engine
................................................................................
306
Coolant
..........................................................................
240
Jump Starting
.............................................................
284
Oil
.....................................................................................
234
Starting
...........................................................................
191
Switch Buzzer
..............................................................
10 4
Engine Coolant
...........................................................
240
Adding to the Radiator
..........................................
241
Adding to the Reserve Tank
..............................
240
Overheating
................................................................
288
Temperature Gauge
..................................................
75
Engine Oil
.......................................................................
234
Adding
............................................................................
237
Checking
........................................................................
235
Displaying Oil Life
.....................................................
225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
64,290
Recommended Engine Oil
..................................
234
EPS (Electric Power Steering System)
..68,292
Exhaust Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .............
60
Exterior Mirrors
...........................................................
114
Exterior Care (Cleaning)
.......................................
273
FFeatures
.............................................................................
137
Filters
Dust and Pollen
..........................................................
270
Oil
.....................................................................................
238
Flat Tire
..............................................................................
277
Floor Mats
........................................................................
272
Fluids
Automatic Transmission
........................................
242
Brake/Clutch
...............................................................
24 4
Engine Coolant
..........................................................
240
Manual Transmission
..............................................
243
Windshield Washer
.................................................
246
Fog Light Indicator
.....................................................
70
Folding Down the Rear Seats
...........................
12 3
Foot Brake
.......................................................................
211
Front Airbags (SRS)
.....................................................
36
Front Seats
.......................................................................
11 6
Adjusting
.......................................................................
11 6
Fuel
................................................................................
14 , 215
Economy
........................................................................
218
Gauge
................................................................................
75
Instant Fuel Economy
...............................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
......................................................
66
Range
.................................................................................
78
Recommendation
.....................................................
215
Refueling
........................................................................
215
Fuel Economy
................................................................
218
Fuel Fill Cap
.............................................................
14 , 217
Message
.........................................................................
291
Fuel Fill Door
..........................................................
14 , 217
Unable to Unlock
...............................................
14 , 216
Fuses
....................................................................................
294
Inspecting and Changing
.....................................
297
Locations
..................................................
294,295,296
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy
........................................................................
218
Gauge
................................................................................
75
Information
..................................................................
215
Instant Fuel Economy
...............................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
......................................................
66
Refueling
........................................................................
215
Gauges
.................................................................................
75
Gear Shift Lever Positions
...................................
19 9
Automatic Transmission
........................................
195
Manual Transmission
..............................................
19 9
Glass (care)
......................................................................
274
Glove Box
.........................................................................
126
HHalogen Bulbs
..............................................................
247

319
Index
M to P
Continued
Index
Bulb Replacement
.....................................................
247
Daytime Running Lights
........................................
107
Fog Lights
......................................................................
107
High Beam Indicator Light
.....................................
69
Interior
............................................................................
125
Light Switches
.............................................................
105
Lights On Indicator
....................................................
69
Turn Signals
..................................................................
105
Load Limits
......................................................................
185
Locking/Unlocking
.....................................................
89
Auto Door Lock /Unlock
..........................................
94
Childproof Door Locks
.............................................
94
From Inside
.....................................................................
93
From Outside
..................................................................
91
Keys
....................................................................................
89
Lockout Prevention System
...................................
92
Using a Key
.....................................................................
92
Lockout Prevention System
..................................
92
Low Battery Charge
................................................
290
Lower Anchors
...............................................................
53
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................................................
66
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
..........................
64,290
Lubricant Specifications Chart
..............
303,305
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)
....................
185
MMaintenance
..................................................................
221
Battery
............................................................................
268
Brake/Clutch Fluid
....................................................
24 4
Cleaning
.........................................................................
271Climate Control
..........................................................
270
Coolant
..........................................................................
240
Maintenance Minder
™ ............................................
225
Oil
.....................................................................................
235
Precautions
..................................................................
222
Radiator
..........................................................................
241
Remote Transmitter
.................................................
269
Replacing Light Bulbs
.............................................
247
Safety
..............................................................................
223
Service Items
................................................................
226
Tires
..................................................................................
259
Transmission Fluid
.....................................................
242
Under the Hood
........................................................
229
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.....................
65,291
Manual Transmission
...............................................
19 9
Map Lights
.......................................................................
125
Maximum Load Limit
..............................................
185
Meters, Gauges
.............................................................
75
Mirrors
................................................................................
114
Adjusting
.......................................................................
114
Automatic Dimming
................................................
114
Door
.................................................................................
114
Exterior
...........................................................................
114
Interior Rearview
.....................................................
114
Modifications (and Accessories)
.....................
219
Moonroof
.........................................................................
103
MP3
..............................................................................
147,153
Multi-information Display
.....................................
76
NNumbers (Identification)
.....................................
306
OOdometer
..........................................................................
77
Oil (Engine)
....................................................................
234
Adding
............................................................................
237
Checking
........................................................................
235
Displaying Oil Life
.....................................................
225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
64,290
Recommended Engine Oil
..................................
234
Viscosity
........................................................................
234
Opening/Closing
Hood
................................................................................
231
Moonroof
......................................................................
103
Power Windows
........................................................
10 0
Tr u n k
..................................................................................
95
Outside Temperature Display
.............................
78
Overheating
..................................................................
288
PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)
........................................................................
13,197
Panic Mode
.......................................................................
99
Parking
...............................................................................
214
Parking Brake
................................................................
210
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
.................................................................
64,292
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
........................
45