2009 Acura TSX engine cover

A convenient ref erence to the
sections in this manual.
A quick ref erence to the main
controls in your vehicle.ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Important inf ormation about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable inf ormation on how to
protect children with child restraints.
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
the multi-information display, and
how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, and other convenience f eatures.
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them.
The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance service.
There is also a list of things to check
and instructions on how to check
them.
The proper way to start the engine,
shif t the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you’re
planning to tow a trailer.
What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual f or detailed
inf ormation.
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
A summary of the inf ormation you
need when you pull up to the f uel
pump.
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Instruments and Controls
T echnical Inf ormation
T aking Care of the Unexpected
Maintenance
Driving
Bef ore Driving
Features Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Index
Service Inf ormation Summary
Overview of Contents
2
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2009 TSX

µThe automatic lighting
f eature turns on the headlights and
all other exterior lights, when it
senses low ambient light.
To turn on automatic lighting, turn
the light switch to AUTO at any time.
The lights will come on automatically
when the outside light level becomes
low (at dusk, f or example). The
lights on indicator comes on as a
reminder. The lights and indicator
will turn of f automatically when the
system senses high ambient light.
The lights will remain on when you
turn of f the ignition switch. They will
turn of f automatically when you
remove the key and open the driver’s
door. To turn them on again, either
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position or turn the light switch
to the position. Even with the automatic lighting
f eature turned on, we recommend
thatyouturnonthelightsmanually
when driving at night or in a dense
f og, or when you enter dark areas
such as long tunnels or parking
f acilities.
The automatic lighting f eature is
controlledbyasensorlocatedontop
of the dashboard. Do not cover this
sensor or spill liquids on it.
To change the ‘‘AUTO LIGHT
SENSITIVITY’’ setting, see page
.
Do not leave the light switch in
AUTO if you will not be driving the
vehicle f or an extended period (a
weekormore).Youshouldalsoturn
of f the lights if you plan to leave the
engine idling or of f f or a long time. 97
U.S. TSX and Canadian TSX Premium
AUTO
Headlights
112
LIGHT SENSOR
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2009 TSX

Insert the key in the shift lock
release slot.
Put a cloth on the edge of the shif t
lock release slot cover. Use a small
f lat-tipped screwdriver or metal
f ingernail f ile to caref ully pry up
the edge of the cover and remove
it f rom the slot.Remove the key from the shift
lock release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the right side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the
engine.
If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
Push down on the key while you
pressthereleasebuttononthe
shif t lever and move the shif t lever
out of Park to neutral.
3.
4. 5.6.
Automatic Transmission
382
COVER
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
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2009 TSX

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
CONT INUED
Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
419
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
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2009 TSX

Remove the oil drain bolt and
washer from the bottom of the
engine. Drain the oil into an
appropriate container.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
inf ormation display. The oil and f ilter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
Open the hood and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the bolts located on the
underside of the body with a
wrench, then remove the under
cover.
2.
1. 3. 4.
CONT INUED
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
421
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT
BOLT UNDER COVER
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2009 TSX

Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.
Remove the oil f ilter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter. Install the under cover and tighten
the bolts securely.
7.
8.
9.
6. 10.
11.
12.
5.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
422
OIL FILTER
4.2 US qt (4.0)
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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2009 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.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
If youarenotsurehowtoaddfluid,
contact your dealer.
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 Genuine
ATF-Z1 (automatic transmission
f luid).
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.
2.
3. 5.
4. 6.
T ransmission Fluid
426
LOWER MARK
UPPER MARKGUIDE
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Acura new vehicle warranty.
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.
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.
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2009 TSX

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.
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.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground.
The transmission should be drained
andrefilledwithnewfluidwhenthis
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
To check the transmission f luid level,
remove the bolts with a wrench, then
remove the under cover caref ully. Reinstall the under cover and tighten
theboltssecurely.Makesurethe
under cover is installed under the
edge of the f ront bumper.
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission
Maint enance
427
Correct level
FILLER BOLT
BOLT UNDER COVER
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2009 TSX