2011 Acura TSX automatic transmission

Braking
210Driving
Brake System
Parking Brake
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To a p p l y :
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To r e l e a s e :
1. Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
the release button.
2. Lower the lever down all the way, then
release the button.
Parking Brake NOTICE Release the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.If you start driving without fully releasing the
parking brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and
"RELEASE PARKING BRAKE" appears on the multi-
information display.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
To prevent the parking brake from freezing when
the outside temperature is extremely cold, do not
apply it, but do the following: Automatic transmission models Put the shift lever in
P, then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Manual transmission models Put the shift lever in
R or
1, then use a block or
other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.

214Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1. Always use the parking brake when you park your vehicle.
2. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly, or your vehicle may roll if parked on
an incline.
When Stopped Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire. NOTICE The following can damage the transmission:
Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals tsimultaneously.
Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by tdepressing the accelerator pedal.
Moving the shift lever into t
P before the vehicle
stops completely.
Parking
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected. Automatic transmission models
Parking Automatic transmission models 1. Depress the brake pedal firmly with the shift lever in D
.
2. Apply the parking brake while holding the brake pedal down.
3. Move the shift lever to P
.
4. Turn off the engine.

Before Performing Maintenance
222Maintenance
Inspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your
vehicle in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell,
insufficient brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected
by a dealer. (Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep
your warranties in effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed
maintenance and inspection information.
Types of Inspection and Maintenance Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling. Periodic inspections
Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly. t
Automatic Transmission Fluid

P. 2 4 2
Check the brake fluid level monthly. t
Brake/Clutch Fluid

P. 2 4 4
Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign t
objects.
Checking and Maintaining Tires

P. 2 5 9
Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly. t
Replacing Light Bulbs

P. 2 4 7
Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. t
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades

P. 2 5 7
Inspection and Maintenance U.S. models Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment
or individuals using parts that are "certified"
to EPA standards.

According to state and federal regulations, failure
to perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services
should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display.
Maintenance Service Items


P. 2 2 7
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual.
Authorized Manual


P. 3 13

If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills
first.
After performing maintenance, update the records
in the separate maintenance booklet.

227
Maintenance
Continued
Maintenance Minder™
Maintenance Service ItemsCODE Maintenance Main Items
A Replace engine oilt
*1
B Replace engine oilt
*1 and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes t
Check parking brake adjustment t
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots t
Inspect suspension components t
Inspect driveshaft boots t
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS) t
*OTQFDU
BMM
nVJE
MFWFMT
BOE
DPOEJUJPO
PG
nVJET t
Inspect exhaust system t
#
Inspect fuel lines and connections t
#
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1 Rotate tirest
2 Replace air cleaner elementt
*2
Replace dust and pollen filter t
*3
Inspect drive belt t
33FQMBDF
USBOTNJTTJPO
nVJE t
*4
4 Replace spark plugst
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump t
*5
Inspect valve clearance t
5 Replace engine coolantt
*4: If you drive regularly in mountainous areas or tow a trailer, replace the transmission fluid at 60,000
miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (automatic transmission models only)
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C ), in very low temperatures (under
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km. (6-cylinder models only)
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty. *1: Change the engine oil according to the Maintenance Minder, or annually, whichever comes first.
*2: If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000
km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Service Items
Independent of the Maintenance Minder tinformation, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 tkm).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 tonly if they are noisy. Maintenance Minder
Message System Message
Indicator
Main Items
Sub Items

229
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance
Maintenance Items Under the Hood 4-cylinder models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Radiator Cap
Manual transmission models Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap Automatic transmission models Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)

Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
230Maintenance
6-cylinder models
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir*
Radiator Cap*
* : Located under the coverBrake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic
Transmission
Fluid Dipstick
(Yellow Loop)

Maintenance Under the Hood
Transmission Fluid
242Maintenance
1. Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
Perform step 3 after waiting for about
60 seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid NOTICE Do not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and
damage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid
that is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not
covered by Acura's new vehicle warranty. NOTICE Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not
spill any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper
Lower
MarksRubber
Cap
Guide
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
HOT
RangeUpper Mark
Lower Mark

277
If a Tire Goes Flat
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with the compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or
replaced.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground. Automatic transmission models 2. Put the shift lever in P
.
Manual transmission models 2. Put the shift lever in R
.
All models 3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK 0
.
Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep
the vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace
with a full size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle
are specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one
of the full-size rear tires and replace it with the
compact spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and
replace it will the full size tire that was removed
from the rear. Mount the tire chains on the front
tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
Changing a Flat Tire