2011 Acura TSX check engine

Maintenance Under the Hood
Engine Coolant
240Maintenance
6-cylinder models 1. Remove the right-side engine compartment
cover.
Engine Compartment Covers

P. 2 3 3
All models 2. Check the amount of coolant in the
reserve tank.
3. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MA X mark.
4. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Reserve Tank
Engine Coolant 4-cylinder models NOTICE You will need a more concentrated coolant if you
are driving in extremely cold temperature below
-31 °F (-35 °C). Consult your Acura dealer for details
about a suitable coolant mixture.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you
may use another major brand non-silicate coolant
as a temporary replacement. Check that it is a
high quality coolant recommended for aluminum
engines. Continued use of any non-Honda coolant
can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system
to malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system
flushed and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant
as soon as possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to
your vehicle's coolant system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or with the engine
components.
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check
the reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Reserve Tank MAX MIN Reserve Tank

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

Maintenance Under the Hood
Transmission Fluid
243
Maintenance
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove the bolts with a wrench, then
carefully remove the under cover.
3. Remove the transmission filler bolt and
washer. Carefully feel inside the bolt hole
with your fingers.
Check if the fluid level is up to the edge
of the bolt hole.
4. If the fluid level is not up to the edge
of the bolt hole, add Acura Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it runs out of
the hole.
5. Put a new washer on the filler bolt, then
reinstall the filler bolt. Tightening torque: 33 lbf∙ft (44 N∙m,
4.5 kgf∙m)
6. Reinstall the under cover with the bolts.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.Specified fluid: Acura Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Manual Transmission Fluid
If Acura MTF is not available, you may use the API
certificated SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 viscosity motor oil
as a temporary measure.
Replace with MTF as soon as possible. Motor
oil does not contain the proper additives for the
transmission and continued use can cause decreased
shifting performance and lead to transmission
damage. Under Cover
Bolt

Maintenance Under the Hood
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
246Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer Fluid NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.
Refilling Window Washer FluidCheck the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on
the cap.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
Level Gauge

Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
To o l s ..................................................... 276
Types of Tools .....................................276
If a Tire Goes Flat ................................ 277
Changing a Flat Tire ........................... 277
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine .......................... 283
Jump Starting ..................................... 284
Shift Lever Does Not Move ............... 287
Overheating ........................................ 288
How to Handle Overheating .............. 288Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 290
If the Charging System Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 290
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Comes On or Blinks .......................... 291
If the Brake System Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 292
If the EPS Indicator Comes On ........... 292
If the Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks .......................... 293Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................... 294
Inspecting and Changing Fuses .......... 297
Emergency Towing ............................. 298
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel
Fill Door ............................................. 299
When You Cannot Open the
Trunk .................................................. 300
275

283
Engine Does Not Start
Handling the Unexpected
Checking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START III
and check the
starter.
Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
Jump Starting


P. 2 8 4

Starter condition Checklist
Starter doesn't turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all t
 Battery Inspection and Maintenance P. 2 6 8
If the interior lights come on normally t
Fuse Inspection and Replacement
P. 2 9 4
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn't start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
Starting the Engine P.1 9 1
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
 Immobilizer System P. 9 8
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
Fuel Gauge P. 7 5
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 2 9 7
If the problem continues:
 Emergency Towing P. 2 9 8

285
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions
and may prevent the engine from starting. Jump Starting
5. Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable:
4 -cylinder models with automatic transmission

Engine mounting bolt
4 -cylinder models with manual transmission

Transmission mounting bolt
6-cylinder models

Engine hanger
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part of the engine.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle's engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle's engine. If
it turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Jump Starting
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models with
automatic transmission 4-cylinder models with
manual transmissionBooster Battery

Overheating
How to Handle Overheating
289
Handling the Unexpected
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not
gone down, contact a dealer for repairs.
How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure
only. Have a dealer flush the system with proper
antifreeze as soon as possible.
Next thing to do
1. Check that the cooling fan is operating
and stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the
MA X mark. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover
the radiator cap with a heavy cloth and
open the cap. If necessary, add coolant
up to the base of the filler neck, and put
the cap back on.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN