2008 Acura TSX engine

Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
Check the reservoir’s f luid level by
removing the cap and looking at the
level gauge attached to the cap.
4.
1.
2.
3. 5.
6.
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
Windshield Washers
296
RADIATOR CAP
LEVEL GAUGE
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2008 TSX

Canadian models only
If the washer f luid is low, a
‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
CONT INUED
Automatic Transmission
Windshield Washers, T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
297
DIPSTICK
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
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2008 TSX

Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid).
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
2.
3.
5.
4.
6.
T ransmission Fluid
298
LOWER MARK
UPPER MARK
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Honda new vehicle warranty.
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2008 TSX

Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt, and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt, and tighten it securely.
To check the transmission f luid level,
remove the two bolts, then pull the
lef t part of the under cover down. Af ter checking and adding the f luid,
put the under cover back in place
and tighten the bolts securely.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
Manual Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance
299
FILLER BOLT
Correct level
BOLT
UNDER COVER
BOLT
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2008 TSX

Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not, add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL.Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible.
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system. Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Manual Transmission only
Clutch Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Maint enance
301
MAX
MIN UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
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2008 TSX

To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn of f the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.Use a f lat-tipped screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender.
Pull the inner f ender cover away
f rom the f ender and bumper.Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. 5.
2.
1.
3.
CONT INUED
Replacing a Front Side Marker/
FrontParkingLightBulb
Lights
Maint enance
305
HOLDING CLIPS BULBSOCKET
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2008 TSX

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank. Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Block the rear wheels. If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
321
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2008 TSX

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .324
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .325
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .329
................................
Jump Starting .331
..............
If the Engine Overheats .333
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .335
..........
Charging System Indicator .336
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .336
.......................
Readiness Codes .337
...............
Brake System Indicator .338
..................
Closing the Moonroof .339
..............................................
Fuses .340
..............................
Fuse Locations .343
......................
Emergency Towing .345
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
323
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2008 TSX