display Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Manual
Page 558 of 645
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir monthly.
You will also see the‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID ’’message on the multi-
information display when the brake
fluid level is low.
Independent of the maintenance
minder display, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years. Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT
3 as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
MIN MAX
Brake Fluid
553
Maintenance
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Page 567 of 645
Dust and Pollen Filter
This filter removes the dust and
pollen that is brought in from the
outside through the climate control
system.
Have your dealer replace the filter
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the multi-
information display. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air, or if the flow from
the climate control system becomes
less than usual.Cleaning the Seat Belts
If your seat belts get dirty, use a soft
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air-dry before
you use the vehicle.Dirt build-up around the openings of
the seat belt anchors can cause the
belts to retract slowly. Wipe the
openings with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
Dust and Pollen Filter, Cleaning the Seat Belts56209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
Page 575 of 645
Tire Maintenance
In addition to proper inflation, correct
wheel alignment helps to decrease
tire wear. If you find a tire is worn
unevenly, have your dealer check the
wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you feel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed from the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comfort and tire life. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights for
balancing.Tire Rotation
To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back.
When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.Replacing Tires and Wheels
Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire's sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a different
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can affect wheel speed and may
cause the system to activate.
Front Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
Tires57009/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
Page 578 of 645
The sensor on the negative terminal
monitors your vehicle's battery
condition.
If there is a problem with the sensor,
you will see a‘‘CHECK BATTERY
SENSOR’’ message on the multi-
information display. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer.
Check the terminals for corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it off with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a cloth
or paper towel. Coat the terminals
with grease to help prevent further
corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualified technician. WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle's
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative (- ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt
you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
If your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may disable itself. The next
time you turn on the radio, you will
see ‘‘ENTER CODE ’’in the
frequency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the code (see page
374).
CONTINUED
Checking the Battery
573
Maintenance
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Page 583 of 645
Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or
replaced, and put it back on your
vehicle as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inflated to:
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
Follow these precautions:
●Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).●This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surfaces. Use greater caution while
driving.
●Do not mount snow chains on a
compact spare tire.●Do not use your compact spare tire
on another vehicle unless it is the
same make and model.●After the flat tire is replaced with
the spare tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS indicator stays on.
After several miles (kilometers)
driving with the spare, this
indicator begins to flash, then
stays on again. You will also see a
‘‘ CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 493).
Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement should be the same size
and design tire, mounted on the
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
Compact Spare Tire57809/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
Page 596 of 645
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle stopped. 1. Safely pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page 458). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers. 3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 545).
4. Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(see Emergency Towing on page
602).
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
591
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Page 597 of 645
If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 90). Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.If you see a
‘‘REPLACE BATTERY ’’
message on the multi-information
display, along with this indicator on,
you may need to replace the battery.
Have your vehicle's battery checked
and replaced by your dealer.
Charging System Indicator59209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
Page 598 of 645
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. You will also see a
‘‘ TIGHTEN FUEL CAP ’’message on
the multi-information display.
Tighten the cap until it clicks at least
once. Tightening the cap will not turn
the indicator off immediately; it can
take several days of normal driving. If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the malfunction
indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emissions controls and
engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 90).
Readiness CodeYour vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes ’’that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions systems.
In some states, part of the emissions
testing is to make sure these codes are
set. If they are not set, the test cannot
be completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes may be erased. It takes several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II) position
(set ON mode on models with keyless
access system), without starting the
engine. The malfunction indicator lamp
will come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set. If
it blinks five times, the readiness codes
are not set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle for an emissions test until the
readiness codes are set. Refer to
Emissions Testing for more
information (see page 619).Malfunction Indicator Lamp
593
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Page 599 of 645
U.S. Canada
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch. ON mode is the equivalent of
ON (II). See page 196 for ignition
switch and power mode comparison.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If
it does, check the brake fluid level
the next time you stop at a service
station (see page 553).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 90). If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system's dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 90). Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Emergency
Towing on page 602).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator59409/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
Page 638 of 645
Owner's MaintenanceChecks
................................
541
Safety
......................................
532
Schedule
.................................
542
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................
65, 593
Memory, Driving Position
..........
180
Message Display
..........................
89
Message Indicator
.......................
69
Meters, Gauges
............................
76
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
454
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
178
Modifications
.............................
464
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
464
Multi-Information Display
............
78
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
479
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
454
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
606 O
Octane Requirement,
Gasoline
.................................
454
Odometer
.....................................
82
Odometer, Trip
............................
82
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
528
Off-Road Precautions
..................
528
Oil Change, How to
......................
546
Change, When to
....................
533
Checking Engine
....................
458
Life, Engine
.............................
533
Pressure Indicator
.............
65, 591
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
...................................
545
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
150
Outside Mirrors
.........................
177
Outside Temperature
...................
83
Overheating, Engine
..................
589
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
541
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
454 P
Panel Brightness Control
...........
144
Panoramic Glass Roof
................
174
Park Gear Position
.....................
478
Parking
......................................
489
Parking Brake
............................
176
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
...........................
66, 594
Parking Lights
...........................
139
Parking Over Things that Burn
................................
489, 618
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
....
36
PGM-FI System
..........................
617
Playing a Disc
.....................
244, 300
Playing an iPod
®..................
255, 340
Playing a USB Flash Memory
Device
.............................
264, 349
Playing Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio (Models with navigationsystem)
...............................
312
Playing the AM/FM Radio
...............................
230, 278
Playing the XM
®Radio
........
238, 291
Pollen Filter
...............................
562
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX
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