2013 Acura TSX ECO mode

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

239
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
8. 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)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely
and start the engine.
11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12. 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.
6-cylinder models6-cylinder models4-cylinder models
Washer Drain Bolt
Oil Filter
Oil Filter
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

240
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Remove the right-side engine compartment
cover.
2 Engine Compartment Covers P. 233
2.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
3. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
4. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■
Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICEIf temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are
expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to
a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for more
information.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.4-cylinder models
Reserve Tank
MAX MIN
6-cylinder modelsAll models
Reserve Tank

242
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
u Perform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
u It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.■
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle’s transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Acura’s new vehicle warranty.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
HOT

Range Upper
Lower
Marks
Rubber
Cap
Guide
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

267
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
• Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1034Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1038
1Winter Tires
NOTICETraction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
3
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruc tions in this owner’s
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

284Handling the Unexpected
Jump StartingTurn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.1.Slide out the battery terminal cover.
2. Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle’s battery + terminal.
3. Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle’s + terminal.
u Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the
assisting vehicle’s - terminal.■
Jump Starting Procedure
1Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
3
WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow
the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking
materials away from the battery.
Cover
6-cylinder models
6-cylinder models
4-cylinder modelsBooster Battery
All models

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285
uuJump Starting u
Handling the Unexpected
5.Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable:
Engine mounting bolt
Transmission mounting bolt
Engine hanger
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
1Jump Starting
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and
may prevent the engine from starting.
6-cylinder modelsBooster Battery4-cylinder models with
automatic transmission
4-cylinder models with automatic transmission4-cylinder models with manual transmission6-cylinder models
4-cylinder models with
manual transmission

292
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator 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 EPS System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS system.
• 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 Indicator 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 place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the 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 EPS System Indicator Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold 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, EPS system is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.