2011 Acura TSX engine

Braking
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
212Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) NOTICE The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it
takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering
control during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without ABS:
When driving on rough road surfaces, including twhen driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel
or snow.
When tire chains are installed. tYou may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate
immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.

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.

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

Fuel Economy
218Driving
Improving Fuel EconomyFuel economy depends on several conditions, including driving conditions, your
driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and loading. Depending on these
and other conditions, you may or may not achieve the rated fuel economy of this
vehicle.
Improving Fuel Economy
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please
visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/Miles driven
Gallons of
fuel
Miles per
Gallon
100
Liter
Kilometers
L per 100 km
Maintenance and Fuel Economy
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
multi-information display.
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal. t
Maintain the specified tire pressure. t
Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo. t
Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle's underside t
adds weight and increases wind resistance.

Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance .............. 222
Safety When Performing
Maintenance .................................... 223
Parts and Fluids Used in
Maintenance Service ........................ 224
Maintenance Minder
™ ........................ 225
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 229
Opening the Hood ............................. 231
Recommended Engine Oil .................. 234
Oil Check ........................................... 235
Adding Engine Oil .............................. 237Engine Coolant .................................. 240
Transmission Fluid .............................. 242
Brake/Clutch Fluid .............................. 244
Refilling Window Washer Fluid ........... 246
Replacing Light Bulbs ......................... 247
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades ................................................ 257
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................... 259
Tire and Loading Information Label .... 260
Tire Labeling ...................................... 260
DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S. Vehicles)
.................................... 262Wear Indicators .................................. 264
Tire Service Life .................................. 264
Tire and Wheel Replacement ............. 265
Tire Rotation ...................................... 266
Winter Tires ....................................... 267
Battery ................................................. 268
Remote Transmitter Care ................... 269
Replacing the Battery ........................ 269
Climate Control System
Maintenance ..................................... 270
Cleaning
Interior Care ........................................271
Exterior Care ...................................... 273
221

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.

225
Continued
Maintenance
If the engine oil life is less than 15%, you will see the Maintenance Minder
messages appear on the multi-information display every time you turn the ignition
switch to ON
II
. The messages notify you when to change the engine oil, or
when to bring your vehicle to a dealer for indicated maintenance services.
Displaying the Engine Oil Life
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON
II
.
2. Press the SEL /RESET button repeatedly until the engine oil life appears on the
multi-information display.
The system message indicator (
) comes on along with the Maintenance Minder
message.
Displaying the Engine Oil Life
Based on the engine operating conditions, the
remaining engine oil life is calculated and displayed
as a percentage.
Displayed Engine Oil
Life (%)Calculated Engine Oil
Life (%)
10 0 10 0 to 91
90 90 to 81
80 80 to 71
70 70 to 61
60 60 to 51
50 50 to 41
40 40 to 31
30 30 to 21
20 20 to 16
15 15 to 11
10 10 to 6
5 5 to 1
00
Maintenance Minder™
Maintenance
Service Items
Remaining
Engine Oil Life
SEL /RESET
Button