2012 Acura ZDX battery

223Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
P, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
N, it is safer to start it in P.
3. You can start the engine in any power
mode. Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button and the brake pedal.
1 Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitu des above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Insert the keyless access remo te into the slot if the
battery in the key is weak. 2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak P. 327
The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.
Models with keyless access remote
Brake Pedal
ENGINE START/STOP button
Brake Pedal
Models with keyless access remote

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

271
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safe ty 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.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or expl osion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• To clean parts, use a comm ercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and pr otective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if th ere is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u 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.
u Make sure to let the engine and exha ust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instruct ed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1 Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNING
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.
3WARNING
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.

277
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant Reservoir Radiator Cap
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Battery
Power Steering Fluid
(Black Cap)

309
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at the test indicator window and check
the terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2 Entering the audio security code P. 170
•The clock resets.2 Setting the Clock P. 102
•The navigation system* is disabled. A PIN code will be required.2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
When you find corrosion, cl ean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with wa ter. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conductin g any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
* Not available on all models

310
Maintenance
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery
If the indicator does not come on when the button is pushed, replace the battery.
1. Unscrew the cover with a small Phillips-
head screwdriver. Pu sh a button to pry
open the transmitter.
2. Open the keypad.
u Wrap the small flat-tip screwdriver with a
cloth to prevent scratching the
transmitter.
3. Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
■Retractable Master Key*
1Replacing the Button Battery
NOTICEAn improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always conf irm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Keypad
Screw
Battery type: CR1616
Battery
* Not available on all models

311
uuRemote Transmitter Care uReplacing the Button Battery
Maintenance
1. Remove the built-in key.
2. Remove the upper half by carefully prying
on the edge with a coin.
u Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent
scratching the transmitter.
3. Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
■Keyless Access Remote*
Press
Battery type: CR2032
* Not available on all models

uuCleaning uExterior Care
316
Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (inc luding some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum fro m corroding and tarnishing.
■Applying Wax
■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1Applying Wax
NOTICEChemical solvents and stro ng cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.
1 Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the pa inted surface of the parts
made of resin.
1 Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.