2012 Acura ZDX check engine light

255
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, an d helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) sy stem, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump th e 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 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.
■ABS1 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe 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 no t affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me 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 the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartmen t while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

269
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Mainte nance ............ 270
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 271Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 272
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 273
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 277Opening the Hood ........................... 278
Engine Compartment Covers ........... 279
Recommended Engine Oi l ................ 280
Oil Check ......................................... 281
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 282
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 283Engine Coolant ................................ 285
Transmission Fluid ............................ 287
Brake Fluid ....................................... 288
Power Steering Fluid Check.............. 289
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 290
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 291
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 298
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 300
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 301Tire Labeling .................................... 301
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ...... 303Wear Indicators ............................... 305
Tire Service Life ................................ 305
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 306
Tire Rotation .................................... 307
Winter Tires ..................................... 308
Battery ............................................... 309
Remote Transmitter Care ................. 310
Climate Control System Maintenance..... 312Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 313
Exterior Care.................................... 315

uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
284
Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely
and start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that ther e is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.1Changing 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

319Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe plac e. Replace the flat tire with a 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.
2. Put the shift lever in
P.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warn ing lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
0*1.
*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button
instead of an ig nition switch.
1Changing 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
with 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 dama ge the tire pressure sensor.

326
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START e*1 and check the
starter.
*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button
instead of an ignition switch.
Starter conditionChecklist
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 all2 Checking the Battery P. 309●If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 338
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.
2 Starting the Engine P. 223
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 120
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 87
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 343
If the problem continues:2Emergency Towing P. 344
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehi cle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 329

334
Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.
u Add oil as necessary.
3. Start the engine and check th e low oil pressure indicator.
u The light goes out: Start driving again.
u The light does not go out within 10 seconds: Stop the engine and
contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.
■What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the climate control system, rear defogger, and other electrical
systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICERunning the engine with lo w oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.
1 If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engi ne may rapidly discharge
the battery.

336
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the ECPS Indicator* Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with ECPS.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System In dicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe plac e. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indica tor and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.U.S.
Canada
1 If the ECPS Indicator* Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or ho ld the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, ECPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.
* Not available on all models

343
uuFuses uInspecting and Changing Fuses
Handling the Unexpected
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK 0*1. Turn
headlights and all accessories off.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Check the large fuse in the engine
compartment.
u If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-head
screwdriver to remo ve the screw and
replace it with a new one.
4. Inspect the small fuses in the engine
compartment and the vehicle interior.
u If there is a burned out fuse, remove it
with the fuse puller an d replace it with a
new one.
*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button
instead of an ig nition switch.1Inspecting and Changing Fuses
NOTICEReplacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating
greatly increases the chances of damaging the
electrical system.
Replace fuse with a spare fuse of the same specified
amperage.
Use the charts to locate the fuse in question and
confirm the specified ampe rage on the fuse label.
2 Fuse Locations P. 338
There is a fuse puller on the back of the engine
compartment fuse box.
Blown Fuse
Fuse
Combined Fuse
Blown Fuse
Fuse Puller