2012 Acura TSX checking oil

221
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 222
Safety When Performing Maintenance...223Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 224
Maintenance Minder
TM
..................... 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.......................................... 257Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 259
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 260
Tire Labeling .................................... 260
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ..262
Wear 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

222Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection 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.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 242
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 244
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 257
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
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.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 227
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual.
2Authorized Manuals P. 315
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.
U.S. models

275
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools.................................................. 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.................................................. 290If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 290
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 291If the Brake System Indicator Comes On .. 292If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 292
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks........................ 293Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 294
Circuit Protected and Amps for Each
Fuse............................................ 296Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 298
Emergency Towing........................... 299
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill
Door................................................. 300
When You Cannot Open the Trunk.. 301

Index
317
Index
Index
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 212
Accessories and Modifications................ 219
Accessory Power Sockets......................... 129
Active Head Restraints............................. 122
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 240
Engine Oil ............................................... 234
Washer ................................................... 246
Additives, Engine Oil............................... 234
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 124
Front Seats.............................................. 116
Head Restraints ....................................... 118
Headlights .............................................. 247
Mirrors.................................................... 114
Rear Seats ............................................... 123
Steering Wheel ....................................... 113
Temperature ............................................. 78
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control
System).................................................... 133
Changing the Mode................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 134
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 270
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 133
Sensor .................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode ................................ 135
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 133
Air Pressure.............................. 260, 305, 307Airbags........................................................ 33
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 39
After a Collision ......................................... 37
Airbag Care ............................................... 47
Event Data Recorder .................................. 19
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 36
Indicator ........................................ 44, 67, 70
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 45
Sensors ...................................................... 33
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 42
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 46
Side Airbags .............................................. 40
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 43
AM/FM Radio............................................ 143
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).................. 212
Indicator .................................................... 66
Armrest..................................................... 124
Audio System............................................ 138
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 142
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 140
Error Messages ........................................ 158
General Information ................................ 161
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 153
Recommended CDs ................................. 162
Recommended Devices ............................ 164
Remote Controls ..................................... 160
Security Code .......................................... 140
Theft Protection ....................................... 140
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 139
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 164
Authorized Manuals................................. 315Auto Door Lock/Unlock.............................. 94
Customize ........................................... 81, 83
Automatic Lighting.................................. 106
Automatic Transmission........................... 194
Creeping ................................................. 194
Fluid ........................................................ 242
Kickdown ................................................ 194
Operating the Shift Lever................... 13, 196
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 197
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 287
Shifting ................................................... 195
Auxiliary Input Jack.................................. 140
Average Fuel Economy.............................. 78
Average Speed........................................... 79
BBattery...................................................... 268
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Jump Starting .......................................... 284
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 268
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 269
Belts (Seat).................................................. 26
Beverage Holders..................................... 128
Bluetooth® Audio..................................... 156
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 167
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 59
Brake System............................................ 210
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 212
Brake Assist System ................................. 213
Fluid ........................................................ 244

319
Index
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ...................................................... 93
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................... 91
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 92
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 262
Driving...................................................... 181
Automatic Transmission .......................... 194
Braking ................................................... 210
Cruise Control ........................................ 201
Shifting Gear .................................. 195, 199
Starting the Engine ................................. 191
Driving Position Memory System............ 111
Dust and Pollen Filter.............................. 270
EElapsed Time.............................................. 79
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)
Indicator ........................................... 68, 292
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............ 204
Emergency................................................ 299
Emergency Trunk Opener......................... 97
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)...... 311
Engine....................................................... 308
Coolant .................................................. 240
Jump Starting ......................................... 284
Oil .......................................................... 234
Starting................................................... 191
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 104Engine Coolant......................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Engine Oil................................................. 234
Adding .................................................... 237
Checking ................................................. 235
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 64, 290
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 234
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System).............................................. 68, 292
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide).. 60
Exterior Care (Cleaning)........................... 273
Exterior Mirrors........................................ 114
FFeatures..................................................... 137
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 270
Oil ........................................................... 238
Flat Tire..................................................... 277
Floor Mats................................................. 272
Fluids
Automatic Transmission ........................... 242
Brake/Clutch ............................................ 244
Engine Coolant ........................................ 240
Manual Transmission ............................... 243
Windshield Washer .................................. 246Fog Light Indicator..................................... 70
Folding Down the Rear Seats.................. 123
Foot Brake................................................ 211
Front Airbags (SRS)..................................... 36
Front Seats................................................ 116
Adjusting ................................................ 116
Fuel...................................................... 14, 215
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Range ....................................................... 78
Recommendation .................................... 215
Refueling................................................. 215
Fuel Economy........................................... 218
Fuel Fill Cap........................................ 14, 217
Message.................................................. 291
Fuel Fill Door...................................... 14, 216
Unable to Unlock .............................. 14, 216
Fuses.......................................................... 294
Inspecting and Changing......................... 298
Locations................................................. 294
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Information ............................................. 215
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66

321
Index
Number Tag.............................................. 90
Rear Door Won’t Open ............................. 94
Remote Transmitter .................................. 91
Retractable Master Keys ............................ 89
Types and Functions.................................. 89
Valet Key .................................................. 90
Won’t Turn ............................................... 17
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission)...... 194
LLanguage (HFL)........................................ 178
LATCH (Child Seats)................................... 53
Lights................................................ 105, 247
Automatic............................................... 106
Bulb Replacement ................................... 247
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 107
Fog Lights ............................................... 107
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 69
Interior.................................................... 125
Light Switches......................................... 105
Lights On Indicator.................................... 69
Turn Signals ............................................ 105
Load Limits............................................... 185
Locking/Unlocking..................................... 89
Auto Door Lock/Unlock ............................. 94
Childproof Door Locks .............................. 94
From Inside ............................................... 93
From Outside ............................................ 91
Keys.......................................................... 89
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 92Using a Key ............................................... 92
Lockout Prevention System........................ 92
Low Battery Charge.................................. 290
Low Fuel Indicator...................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. 64, 290
Lower Anchors............................................ 53
Lubricant Specifications Chart......... 304, 306
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)............. 185
MMaintenance............................................. 221
Battery .................................................... 268
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 244
Cleaning .................................................. 271
Climate Control ....................................... 270
Coolant ................................................... 240
Maintenance Minder
TM
............................ 225
Oil ........................................................... 235
Precautions .............................................. 222
Radiator .................................................. 241
Remote Transmitter ................................. 269
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 247
Safety ...................................................... 223
Service Items ........................................... 227
Tires ........................................................ 259
Transmission Fluid ................................... 242
Under the Hood ...................................... 229
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............. 65, 291
Manual Transmission................................ 199
Map Lights................................................ 125Maximum Load Limit............................... 185
Meters, Gauges........................................... 75
Mirrors...................................................... 114
Adjusting ................................................ 114
Automatic Dimming ................................ 114
Door ....................................................... 114
Exterior ................................................... 114
Interior Rearview ..................................... 114
Modifications (and Accessories).............. 219
Moonroof................................................. 103
MP3................................................... 147, 153
Multi-Information Display......................... 76
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 308OOdometer................................................... 77
Oil (Engine)............................................... 234
Adding .................................................... 237
Checking................................................. 235
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 64, 290
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 234
Viscosity .................................................. 234
Opening/Closing
Hood....................................................... 231
Moonroof ............................................... 103
Power Windows ...................................... 100