2011 Acura TSX maintenance

Maintenance Under the Hood
Oil Check
235
Continued
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.

Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check
the oil.
4-cylinder models 1. Remove the dipstick (orange handle). 6-cylinder models 1. Remove the dipstick (orange loop). All models 2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
Oil Check
If it is near or below the lower mark, slowly add oil
being careful not to overfill.
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models

Maintenance Under the Hood
Oil Check
236Maintenance
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models
Upper Mark
Upper Mark Lower Mark
Lower Mark

Maintenance Under the Hood
Adding Engine Oil
237
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components. NOTICE Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Engine Oil Fill Cap

Maintenance Under the Hood
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
238Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil FilterYou must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain
the engine's lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed
regularly.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the
multi-information display.
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap. 4-cylinder models 3. Remove the bolts on the undercarriage
and remove the under cover. All models 4. Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the oil
into a suitable container.
5. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter NOTICE You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose
of the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and
take it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil
away into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Drain Bolt
Washer
4-cylinder models
Under Cover Bolt
4-cylinder models

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

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
Engine Coolant
241
Maintenance
Radiator 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.
6-cylinder models 1. Remove the radiator cap cover. All models 2. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
3. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not press the cap down when turning.
4. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
5. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
6. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten
it fully.
7. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MA X mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
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.
RadiatorRadiator Cap

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