Page 193 of 283

The Vehicle Stability Assist system
helps to stabilize the vehicle during
cornering if the vehicle turns more
or less than desired. It also assists
you in maintaining traction while
accelerating on loose or slippery
road surf aces. It does this by
regulating the engine’s output, and
by selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times.If the VSA system indicator comes
on while driving, pull to the side of
theroadwhenitissafe,andturnoff
the engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on, or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by an Acura dealer.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.
When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA Activation indicator blink.
In manual transmission models, if
the VSA system is of f and you
accelerate f rom a stop, the vehicle
may pull, and it may take extra effort
to return the steering wheel to
center. VSA A ctivation Indicator
VSA System Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
Driving190
Page 194 of 283

If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
ON(II),theremaybeaproblem
with the VSA system. Have an Acura
dealer inspect your vehicle as soon
as possible.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.This switch is under the lef t vent.
Press it to turn the Vehicle Stability
Assist system on and of f .
When VSA is off, the VSA Activation
Indicator comes on as a reminder.
Pressing the switch again turns the
system back on.VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
Deactivate the VSA system if you
need to drive with the compact spare
tire installed (see page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
224
230
VSA Of f Switch
VSA and Tire Sizes
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
Driving191
VSA OFF SWITCH
Page 195 of 283
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
Towing a Trailer
Driving192
Page 196 of 283

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the Multi-
Inf ormation Display, a Maintenance
Record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .194
....................
Maintenance Minder . 195
....................
Maintenance Record .200
..............................
Fluid Locations .202
......
Engine Compartment Covers . 203
........................
Adding Engine Oil .204
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 205
..............................
Engine Coolant .207
....................
Windshield Washers .208
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 209
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 210
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 211
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 212
....................................
Hood Latch .212
.............................................
Lights .213
.......................................
Seat Belts .218
.....................................
Floor Mats .218
.................................
Wiper Blades .219
...............................................
Tires .220
...................
Checking the Battery . 226
.............................
Vehicle Storage .227
269
Maintenance
Maint enance193
Page 197 of 283

All service items not detailed in this
sectionshouldbeperformedbyan
Acura technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions bef ore you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is of f .
To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.
To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and f lames away f rom the battery
and all f uel-related parts. Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
with the battery or compressed air.
Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
bef ore touching any parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.
Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance
Important Saf ety Precautions Potential Vehicle HazardsCarbon Monoxide poison f rom
engine exhaust.
Burns f rom hot parts. Injury f rom moving parts.
194
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations in this owner’s
manual.
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Page 198 of 283
One of the most convenient and
important f eatures of the Multi-
Inf ormation Display on your Acura is
the Maintenance Minder.
Based on engine operating
conditions and accumulated engine
revolutions, the onboard computer in
your Acura calculates the remaining
engine oil lif e.When the remaining engine oil lif e is
15 percent, you will see the message
‘‘SERVICE DUE SOON’’ along with
all maintenance items that are
needed at oil change time. Ref er to
page f or a complete list of the
maintenance main items and sub
items.
The system also displays the code
f or other scheduled maintenance
items needing service.
The remaining engine oil lif e is
displayed on the Multi-Inf ormation
Display as a percentage when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
199
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance195
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEMMAINTENANCE
SUB ITEMS
Page 199 of 283

»¼»¼
When the remaining oil lif e is less
than5percent,youwillseethe
message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’
with the same maintenance items
you saw when ‘‘SERVICE DUE
SOON’’ was displayed. When you
see this message, have the indicated
maintenance perf ormed as soon as
possible. Your Acura dealer will reset the
display af ter completing the required
maintenance service. You will see
‘‘OIL LIFE 100%’’ on the display the
next time you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II).
If maintenance service is done by
someone other than your Acura
dealer, reset the display as f ollows:
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Press the or button
repeatedly until the oil lif e is
displayed.
Press and hold the Select/Reset
button f or 10 seconds. The Multi-
Inf ormation Display will ask f or a
conf irmation.If you are sure you want to reset
the display, press the Select/
Reset button to select ‘‘OK’’.
If you do not want to reset the
display, press the or
button to select ‘‘Cancel’’.
1.
2.
3.
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance196
Page 200 of 283

If you have the required service
perf ormed but do not reset the
display, or reset the display without
perf orming the service, the system
will not show the proper
maintenance intervals. This can lead
to serious mechanical problems
because you will no longer have an
accurate record of when
maintenance is needed.If the indicated maintenance service
is not done and the remaining engine
oil lif e gets less than 0 percent, you
will see the message ‘‘SERVICE
PAST DUE’’ on the display.
Immediately have the service
perf ormed, and make sure to reset
the display as previously described.Your authorized Acura dealer knows
your vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all receipts
as proof of completion, and have the
person who does the work f ill out the
Maintenance Record. Check your
warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their performance and durability.
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance197