2011 Acura TSX gas

215
Refueling
Driving
Fuel Information
Fuel recommendation

Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
4-cylinder models Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of a gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage. 6-cylinder models Your vehicle is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 91 or higher.
If this octane grade is unavailable, regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane
of 87 or higher may be used temporally.
The use of regular unleaded gasoline can cause metallic knocking noises in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead to engine damage.
Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market,
Honda endorses the use of "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" where available to
help maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today's advanced engines.
Fuel Information NOTICE We recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system
and engine deposits. In addition, in order to
maintain good performance, fuel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly recommend, the
use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful
manganese-based fuel additives such as MMT, if
such gasoline is available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come
on. If this happens, contact your dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates
such as ethanol or MTBE. Your vehicle is designed
to operate on oxygenated gasoline containing up
to 10% ethanol by volume. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol. If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another service station or
switch to another brand of gasoline.

Refueling
How to Refuel
216Driving
How to Refuel
1. Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the
rear.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Unlock the driver's door using the master
door lock switch.
The fuel fill door on the outer side of
the vehicle will unlock.
How to Refuel
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and
explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, t
and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors. t
Wipe up spills immediately. t
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having
met "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" standards at the retail location. This fuel
is guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of
metallic additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful
metallic additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and
emission control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information
on gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit My Acura at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 US gal (70 liters)
To L o c k
To UnlockMaster Door Lock Switch

Before Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
223
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a
given task.
Maintenance SafetyTo reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames t
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not t
gasoline.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or t
compressed air.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you. t
Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
Vehicle Safet yThe vehicle must be in a stationary condition. t
Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set,
and the engine is off.
Be aware that hot parts can burn you. t Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
Be aware that moving parts can injure you. t Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs
away from moving parts.
WARNING
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 according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
WARNING
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.

Maintenance Under the Hood
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
239
Maintenance
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
If it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt. Tightening torque: 29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0
kgf∙m)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine. Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4-cylinder models 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) 6-cylinder models

4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely
and start the engine.
11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12 . Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
If necessary, add more engine oil.
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.

When installing the new oil filter follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine.
The low oil pressure indicator should go off within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and
check your work.
Oil Filter
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
Oil Filter Drain Bolt
Washer

Battery
268Maintenance
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look
at the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
The audio system is disabled. t
Entering the audio security code

P.14 0
The clock resets. t
Setting the Clock

P. 8 8
The navigation system is disabled. A PIN code will be required. t
Refer to the navigation system manual

Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical
system. Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first, and reconnect it last.
BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry
the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
WARNING
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 any
battery maintenance.
Test Indicator Window

271
Cleaning
Continued
Maintenance
Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove
dirt. Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Cleaning Seat Belts
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat
belts. Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a
clean cloth.
Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical
devices such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a
fire inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.
Depending on their composition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such
as benzene or gasoline.
After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe
them off using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.
Interior Care
Opening

Cleaning
Exterior Care
274Maintenance
Applying Wax
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth
and clean water.
Cleaning the Window
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners)
or a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
Applying Wax NOTICE Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe
up spills immediately. Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material
when you want to repair the painted surface of the
parts made of resin. Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
291
Handling the Unexpected
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or
Blinks
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks NOTICE If you drive with the malfunction indicator lamp on,
the emissions control system and the engine could
be damaged.
If the malfunction indicator lamp blinks again when
restarting the engine, drive to the nearest dealer
at 31 mph (50 km/h) or less. Have your vehicle
inspected.
Reasons for indicator lamp to come on or blink
Comes on when there is a problem with the engine emissions control t
system, or the fuel fill cap is missing, or loose.
Blinks when engine misfiring is detected. t What to do when the indicator lamp comes on
Avoid high speeds and immediately get your vehicle inspected at your
dealer. What to do when the indicator lamp blinks
Park the vehicle in a safe place with no flammable items and wait at
least ten minutes or more with the engine stopped until it cools.
Tighten Fuel Fill Cap Message The message appears on when:
An evaporative system leak is detected. This may be caused by the fuel fill cap
being loose or not being installed. What to do when the message appears:
1. Stop the engine.
2. Check that the fuel fill cap is fully installed.

If not, loosen the cap, and then retighten it until it clicks at least once.
3. Drive for several days of normal driving.
The message should go off.
When the malfunction indicator lamp comes on:
Malfunction indicator lamp comes on if the system continues to detect a leak
of gasoline vapor. If this happens, check the fuel fill cap using the procedures
described above.