2013 Acura TSX tow

223
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conc eivable 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 explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
u Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective 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 there 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 exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.■
Maintenance Safety
■
Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
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.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly fol low maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.

227
uuMaintenance Minder
TMu
Continued
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main Items
*1: If message, SERVICE DUE NOW does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset,
change the engine oil every year.
*2: If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●
Replace engine oil
*1
B
●
Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●
Inspect front and rear brakes
●
Check parking brake adjustment
●
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
●
Inspect suspension components
●
Inspect driveshaft boots
●
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS)
●
Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
●
Inspect exhaust system
#
●
Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission temperatures. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (For A/T only.)
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under -20°F, -29°C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km. (6-cylinder models only)
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●
Rotate tires
2
●
Replace air cleaner element
*2
●
Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●
Inspect drive belt
3
●
Replace transmission fluid
*4
4
●
Replace spark plugs
●
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*5
●
Inspect valve clearance
5
●
Replace engine coolant

231
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Continued
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1 Opening the Hood
NOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod
Grip
Clamp
4-cylinder models

235
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
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.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange handle).
1. Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
6-cylinder models4-cylinder models
4-cylinder models6-cylinder modelsAll models

247
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Remove all the engine compartment covers.
2 Engine Compartment Covers
* P. 233
2.Remove the engine coolant reservoir.
High beam headlight:
60 W (HB3)
Low beam headlight:
55 W (H1 for halogen bulb Type)
35 W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
■
High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The HB3 and H1 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Engine Coolant Reservoir
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder modelsPassenger sideAll models
6-cylinder models
Engine Coolant Reservoir
* Not available on all models

268Maintenance
BatteryChecking 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. 140
•The clock resets.
2 Adjusting the Time P. 88
•The navigation system is disabled. A PIN code will be required.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessori es contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator’s color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3
WARNING
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 conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window

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 ............. 288 Indicator, 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 System Indicator Comes On ... 292If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks........................ 293 Fuses
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

283
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
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 all
2Checking the Battery P. 268
●
If the interior lights come on normally
2 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 298
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. 191
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 98
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 75
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 298
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 299
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 284