automatic transmission fluid Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
190Driving
•Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the air
conditioning and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
•Shift to the
(S
position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 299
■
Driving in Hilly Terrain
1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If you use the paddle shifters when driving uphill and
downhill, select 3rd, 2nd, or 1st gear, depending on
the vehicle speed and road conditions. Do not use
4th and 5th gears.
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically downshift to the 1st gear, even in the
sequential shift mode. The gear position indicator
blinks for a few seconds, then stays on.Gear Position Speed Range
1st
0 - 42 mph (0 - 67 km/h)
2nd,3rd 19 - 62 mph (30 - 100 km/h)
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission models

222Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection 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.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 242
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 244
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 257
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
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.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 227
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual.
2Authorized Manuals P. 315
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.
U.S. models

229
Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood4-cylinder models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Radiator Cap Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap) Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Manual transmission modelsEngine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Automatic transmission models

230
uuMaintenance Under the HooduMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Maintenance
6-cylinder models
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
*
Radiator Cap
*
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Dipstick
(Yellow Loop)
*: Located under the cover

242
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2.Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform 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.
uIt 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
Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo 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.NOTICEPour 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 Mark
Lower Mark HOT
RangeUpper
Lower
MarksRubber
Cap
Guide
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

304Information
Specifications■Vehicle Specifications*1: Automatic transmission models
*2: Manual transmission modelsModel
Acura TSX
No. of Passengers:
Front 2
Rear 3
Total 5
Weights:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
U.S.: 4,475 lbs (2,030 kg)
*1
Canada: 2,030 kg
*1
U.S.: 4,395 lbs (1,995 kg)
*2
Canada: 1,995 kg
*2
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Front)
U.S.: 2,410 lbs (1,095 kg)
*1
Canada: 1,095 kg
*1
U.S.: 2,325 lbs (1,055 kg)
*2
Canada: 1,055 kg
*2
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Rear)
U.S.: 2,090 lbs (950 kg)
Canada: 950 kg
Air Conditioning:
Refrigerant Type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge Quantity 15.8 – 17.6 oz (450 – 500 g)
Lubricant Type SP-10
4-cylinder models
■Engine Specifications
■Fuel
■Battery
■Washer FluidDisplacement
144 cu-in (2,354 cm
3)
Spark PlugsNGK ILZKR7B-11S
DENSO SXU22HCR11S
Fuel:
Type
Unleaded gasoline, Pump octane number
of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 18.5 US gal (70 ℓ)
Capacity/Type
36AH(5)/45AH(20)
36AH(5)/47AH(20)
Tank Capacity
U.S.: 2.6 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
Canada: 4.8 US qt (4.5 ℓ)
■Light Bulbs*3: Vehicle with discharge headlights
*4: Vehicle with halogen bulb low beam headlightsHeadlights (Low Beam)
35W (D2S)
*3
55W (H1)
*4
Headlights (High Beam) 60W (HB3)Fog Lights
55W (H11)
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side
Marker Lights21/5W
Side Turn Signal Lights
(on Door Mirrors)
LED
Brake/Taillights 21/5W
Rear Turn Signal Lights
21W
Back-Up Lights 21W
Rear Side Marker Lights
3CP
High-Mount Brake Light 21W
License Plate Lights
5W
Trunk Light 5W
Interior Lights
Spotlight
8W
Ceiling Light
8W
Vanity Mirror Lights 2W
Courtesy Lights
3.8W

305
uuSpecificationsu
Continued
Information
■Brake/Clutch Fluid
■Transmission Fluid*1: Automatic transmission models
*2: Manual transmission modelsSpecified
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
Specified
*1
Acura ATF DW-1
(automatic
transmission fluid)
2.6 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
(Change)
Specified
*2
Acura Manual
Transmission Fluid2.0 US qt (1.9 ℓ)
(Change)
■Engine Oil
■Engine Coolant*1: Automatic transmission models
*2: Manual transmission modelsRecommended
·Acura Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
CapacityChange 4.0 US qt (3.8 ℓ)
Change
including
filter4.2 US qt (4.0 ℓ)
Specified
Honda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity
*1
1.64 US gal (6.2 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.196 US gal (0.74 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
Capacity
*2
1.66 US gal (6.3 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.196 US gal (0.74 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■TireRegular
Size
P225/50R17 93V
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2])
33 (230 [2.3])
Compact
SpareSize T135/80D16 101M
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2])60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel Size
Regular
17 x 7.5J
Compact Spare
16 x 4T

307
uuSpecificationsu
Information
■Brake/Clutch Fluid
■Transmission FluidSpecified
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
Specified
Acura ATF DW-1
(automatic
transmission fluid)
3.5 US qt (3.3 ℓ)
(Change)
■Engine Oil
■Engine CoolantRecommended
·Acura Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
CapacityChange 4.2 US qt (4.0 ℓ)
Change
including
filter4.5 US qt (4.3 ℓ)
Specified
Honda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity
1.77 US gal (6.7 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.196 US gal (0.74 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■TireRegular
Size
P235/45R18 94V
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2])
33 (230 [2.3])
Compact
SpareSize T135/80D16 101M
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2])60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel Size
Regular
18 x 8J
Compact Spare
16 x 4T

Index
317
Index
Index
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 212
Accessories and Modifications................ 219
Accessory Power Sockets......................... 129
Active Head Restraints............................. 122
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 240
Engine Oil ............................................... 234
Washer ................................................... 246
Additives, Engine Oil............................... 234
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 124
Front Seats.............................................. 116
Head Restraints ....................................... 118
Headlights .............................................. 247
Mirrors.................................................... 114
Rear Seats ............................................... 123
Steering Wheel ....................................... 113
Temperature ............................................. 78
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control
System).................................................... 133
Changing the Mode................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 134
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 270
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 133
Sensor .................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode ................................ 135
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 133
Air Pressure.............................. 260, 305, 307Airbags........................................................ 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 Cutoff System ......................... 42
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 46
Side Airbags .............................................. 40
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 43
AM/FM Radio............................................ 143
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).................. 212
Indicator .................................................... 66
Armrest..................................................... 124
Audio System............................................ 138
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 142
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 140
Error Messages ........................................ 158
General Information ................................ 161
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 153
Recommended CDs ................................. 162
Recommended Devices ............................ 164
Remote Controls ..................................... 160
Security Code .......................................... 140
Theft Protection ....................................... 140
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 139
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 164
Authorized Manuals................................. 315Auto Door Lock/Unlock.............................. 94
Customize ........................................... 81, 83
Automatic Lighting.................................. 106
Automatic Transmission........................... 194
Creeping ................................................. 194
Fluid ........................................................ 242
Kickdown ................................................ 194
Operating the Shift Lever................... 13, 196
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 197
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 287
Shifting ................................................... 195
Auxiliary Input Jack.................................. 140
Average Fuel Economy.............................. 78
Average Speed........................................... 79
BBattery...................................................... 268
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Jump Starting .......................................... 284
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 268
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 269
Belts (Seat).................................................. 26
Beverage Holders..................................... 128
Bluetooth® Audio..................................... 156
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 167
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 59
Brake System............................................ 210
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 212
Brake Assist System ................................. 213
Fluid ........................................................ 244

318Index
Foot Brake ............................................... 211
Indicator ............................................ 64, 292
Parking Brake .......................................... 210
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 109
Bulb Replacement..................................... 247
Back-Up Lights......................................... 254
Brake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal
Light and Rear Side Marker Lights .......... 253
Fog Lights ................................................ 251
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 252
Headlights ............................................... 247
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 256
Rear License Plate Light............................ 255
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Lights..................................................... 253
Bulb Specifications............................ 304, 306
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 60
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 130
Carrying Cargo.................................. 183, 185
CD Player................................................... 147
Certification Label.................................... 308
Changing Bulbs......................................... 247
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Child Safety................................................. 48
Childproof Door Locks ............................... 94
Emergency Trunk Opener .......................... 97Child Seat.................................................... 48
Booster Seats ............................................ 59
Child Seat for Infants................................. 50
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 51
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 55
Larger Children ......................................... 58
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 50
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 52
Using a Tether ........................................... 57
Childproof Door Locks............................... 94
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 273
Cleaning the Interior................................ 271
Client Service Information....................... 316
Climate Control System............................ 133
Changing the Mode ................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 134
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 270
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 133
Sensors ................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode................................. 135
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 133
Clock............................................................ 88
Clutch Fluid............................................... 245
Coat Hook................................................. 130
Compact Spare Tire.................. 277, 305, 307
Compass.................................................... 179
Console Compartment............................. 127
Controls....................................................... 87Coolant (Engine)...................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 194
Cruise Control.......................................... 201
Indicator ................................................... 71
Cup Holders.............................................. 128
Customized Features................................. 80
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 107
Dead Battery............................................ 284
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 134
Detachable Shelf...................................... 126
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 309
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 105
Rear View Mirror..................................... 114
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................ 235
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............. 105
Door Mirrors............................................. 114
Doors.......................................................... 89
Auto Door Lock ........................................ 94
Auto Door Unlock ..................................... 94
Door and Trunk Open Indicator ........... 25, 68
Keys.......................................................... 89