2004 Acura TSX maintenance

Canadian Models
U.S. Models
This shows your speed in kilometers
per hour (km/h). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in miles per
hour (mph).
The tachometer shows the engine
speed in revolutions per minute
(rpm). To protect the engine f rom
damage, never drive with the
tachometer needle in the red zone.
This shows your speed in miles per
hour (mph). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in kilometers
per hour (km/h). The gauges illuminate when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II). The odometer shows the total dis-
tance your car has been driven. It
measures miles in U.S. models and
kilometers in Canadian models.
It is illegal under U.S. f ederal law and
Canadian provincial regulations to
disconnect, reset, or alter the
odometer with the intent to change
the number of miles or kilometers
indicated.
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
T achometer
Speedometer Odometer
65
SPEEDOMETER
FUEL GAUGE
TRIP METER
U.S. model is shown. TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
SELECT/RESET KNOB MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
INDICATOR
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
TACHOMETER ODOMETER

µ
This shows how much f uel you have.
It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
whenyouaredrivingoncurvyor
hilly roads.
This indicator reminds you that it is
time to take your car in for
scheduled maintenance per the
Normal Conditions maintenance
schedule. The indicator light does
not ref lect severe maintenance
intervals.Ref er to the Maintenance Schedules
f or Normal and Severe Driving
Conditions on pages
.
For the f irst 8,000 miles (12,800 km)
after the Maintenance Required
Indicator is reset, it will come on f or
two seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II).
The needle returns to the bottom
after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the f uel level reading
immediately af ter you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II). 234 238
CONT INUED
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Maintenance Required Indicator
Fuel Gauge
67
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
INDICATOR
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.

Between 8,000 miles (12,800 km)
and 10,000 miles (16,000 km), this
indicator will light f or two seconds
when you first turn the ignition
switch to ON (II), and then flash for
ten seconds.
If you exceed 10,000 miles (16,000
km) without having the scheduled
maintenance perf ormed, this
indicator will remain on as a constant
reminder.Your dealer will reset this indicator
af ter completing the scheduled
maintenance. If this maintenance is
done by someone other than your
Acura dealer, reset the indicator as
f ollows.
Turn of f the engine.
Press and hold the Select/Reset
knob in the instrument panel, then
turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Hold the knob f or about ten sec-
onds until the indicator resets.
1.
2.
3.
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols68
SELECT/RESET KNOB

During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration. We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
f uel system and engine deposits.
Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use f or the f irst 200 miles (300
km).
Open the f uel f ill door by pushing
onthehandletotheleftof the
driver’s seat.
Help assure your car’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
Because the f uel f ill cap is on the
driver’s side of the car, park with
that side closest to the service
station pumps.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car’s emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
Youshouldfollowthesesamere-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined. Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
intervalshowninthemaintenance
schedule. Your Acura is designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause a persistent, heavy metallic
rapping noise in the engine that can
lead to mechanical damage.
In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emissions control system
perf ormance may deteriorate and
the Malf unction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Acura dealer f or service.
1.
2.
Bef ore Driving
Break-in Period
GasolineFilling the Fuel Tank
Break-in Period, Gasoline, Service Station Procedures
184
Push

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Acura.
249 242
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Owner Maintenance
Checks
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving189
RESERVE TANK
MIN MAX

A cold engine uses more f uel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it
idle f or a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up f aster, and you get
better f uel economy. To cut down on
the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to
combine several short trips into one.
You can improve f uel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and acceler-
ate smoothly.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Turnoff theA/Cto
cut down on air conditioning use.
Use the f low-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature is
moderate.
The condition of your car and your
driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Always maintain your car according
to the maintenance schedule. This
will keep it in top operating condition.
Depending on traf f ic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra f uel. Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to
increase f uel economy.
An important part of that mainte-
nance is the
(see page ). For
example, an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses f uel. It also wears out
f aster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your car’s underside adds weight and
rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your f uel mileage and reduces
thechanceof corrosion. 242 Driving Habits
Owner Maintenance
Checks Car Condition
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving190

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself . This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
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 .230
.
Important Safety Precautions . 231
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 232
...
Required Maintenance Record . 239
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 242
..............................
Fluid Locations .243
......................................
Engine Oil .244
..................................
Adding Oil .244
....................
Recommended Oil .244
..............................
Synthetic Oil .245
....................................
Additives .246
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 246
.............................
Cooling System .249
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 249
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 251
....................
Windshield Washers .255
.......................
Transmission Fluid .256
Automatic .........................
Transmission .256
6-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .257
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 259
............................
Brake System .259
...........................
Clutch System .260
..............................
Power Steering .260
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .261 ....................................
Hood Latch .262
....................................
Spark Plugs .262
..............................
Replacement .262
............................
Specif ications .264
...........................................
Battery .265
.................................
Wiper Blades .267
..............
Air Conditioning System . 269
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 270
.......................................
Drive Belt .272
...............................................
Tires .273
......................................
Inf lation .273
..................................
Inspection .275
..............................
Maintenance .275
.............................
Tire Rotation .276
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 276
......................
Wheels and Tires .277
..........................
Winter Driving .278
.............................
Snow Tires .278
............................
Tire Chains .278
.............................................
Lights .280
........................
Replacing Bulbs .282
...........................
Storing Your Car .293
351
Maintenance
Maint enance229

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.
Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to
your saf ety and the saf ety of your
passengers. It will also reward you
with more economical, trouble-f ree
driving, and help reduce air pollution. This section includes instructions f or
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be perf ormed by an Acura
technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance230
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.
Improperly maintaining this car
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 and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.