2013 Acura ZDX check transmission fluid

187
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingUtility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
•Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle■In Rain■Other Precautions
1Precautions While DrivingNOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE
OFF (LOCK) while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
1Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a roll over.
2Important Handling Information P. 24
2Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 182

227
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 228Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 229Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 230
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 231
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 235Opening the Hood ........................... 236
Engine Compartment Covers ........... 237
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 238
Oil Check ......................................... 239
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 240
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 241Engine Coolant ................................ 243
Transmission Fluid ............................ 245
Brake Fluid ....................................... 246
Power Steering Fluid Check.............. 247
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 248
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 249Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 256Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 258Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 259Tire Labeling .................................... 259
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ...... 261Wear Indicators ............................... 263
Tire Service Life ................................ 263
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 264
Tire Rotation .................................... 265
Winter Tires ..................................... 266
Battery............................................... 267
Remote Transmitter Care................. 268Climate Control System Maintenance
..... 269
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 270
Exterior Care.................................... 272

228Maintenance
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. 245
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake Fluid P. 246
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 258
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 249
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 256
■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. 233
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 314
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

233
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
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
Item
*1: If the message SERVICE DUE NOW does not appear more than 12 months after the display is
reset, change the engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2: If you drive 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 these items:
•Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
•Suspension components
•Driveshaft boots
•Brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
•All fluid levels and condition of fluids
•Exhaust system
#
•Fuel lines and connections
#
*4: If you regularly drive in very high (over 110 °F, 43 °C) or very low (-20 °F, -29 °C) temperatures, or
regularly tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles/12,000 km, then every 15,000 miles/24,000 km.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 and transfer fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6
●Replace rear differential fluid
*5

245
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission 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.
uPerform 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.
uIt 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 FluidSpecified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission FluidNOTICEDo 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

294
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf 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 Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks
■Reasons for the indicator to come on or blink
A tire pressure is significantly low. If there is a problem with the TPMS or
the compact spare tire is installed, the indicator blinks for about one
minute, and then stays on.■What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure to the specified level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on
the driver side doorjamb.■What to do when the indicator blinks
Have the tire inspected by a dealer as soon as possible. If the compact
spare tire causes the indicator to blink, change the tire to a full-size tire.
The indicator goes off after driving for a few miles (kilometers).
1If the Brake System Indicator (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 place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator 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
1If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or BlinksNOTICEDriving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause
it to overheat. An overheated tire can fail. Always
inflate your tires to the prescribed level.

Index
316Index
Index
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System)................... 214
Accessories and Modifications................. 225
Accessory Power Sockets.......................... 158
Active Head Restraints............................. 149
Additives
Coolant ................................................... 243
Engine Oil ................................................ 238
Washer .................................................... 248
Additives, Engine Oil................................ 238
Adjusting
Armrest ................................................... 151
Front Seats .............................................. 144
Head Restraints........................................ 146
Mirrors .................................................... 142
Rear Seats................................................ 150
Steering Wheel ........................................ 141
Temperature .............................................. 89
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control
System).................................................... 163
Changing the Mode ................................ 163
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 164
Dust and Pollen Filter ............................... 269
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode ................... 163
Sensor ..................................................... 166
Synchronized Mode ................................. 165
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 163
Air Pressure....................................... 259, 306Airbags........................................................ 34
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 40
After a Collision ........................................ 38
Airbag Care............................................... 48
Event Data Recorder .................................. 18
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 37
Indicator........................................ 45, 70, 74
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 46
Sensors ..................................................... 34
Side Airbag Cutoff System......................... 43
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 47
Side Airbags .............................................. 41
Side Curtain Airbags.................................. 44
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).................. 214
Indicator.................................................... 70
Armrest..................................................... 151
Audio System............................................ 168
Authorized Manuals................................ 314
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking................. 115
Automatic Lighting.................................. 133
Automatic Transmission........................... 188
Creeping ................................................. 188
Fluid ........................................................ 245
Kickdown ................................................ 188
Operating the Shift Lever........... 12, 190, 192
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 191
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 289
Shifting ................................................... 189
Average Fuel Economy.............................. 89
Average Speed........................................... 90
BBattery...................................................... 267
Charging System Indicator ................ 67, 292
Jump Starting ......................................... 287
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ....... 267
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 268
Belts (Seat).................................................. 27
Beverage Holders..................................... 157
Blind Spot Information (BSI)................... 205
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 62
Brake System............................................ 212
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 214
Brake Assist System................................. 215
Fluid ....................................................... 246
Foot Brake .............................................. 213
Indicator ........................................... 66, 294
Parking Brake.......................................... 212
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel)... 137
Bulb Replacement.................................... 249
Back-Up Lights ........................................ 254
Daytime Running Light............................ 252
Fog Lights ............................................... 250
Front Side Marker Lights ......................... 251
Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights .............. 251
Headlights .............................................. 249
High-Mount Brake Light.......................... 255
Rear License Plate Light ........................... 255
Side Turn Signal/
Emergency Indicator Lights.................... 252
Stop Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal Light and
Rear Side Marker Lights......................... 253

318Index
Engine Coolant......................................... 243
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 244
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 243
Overheating............................................. 290
Temperature Gauge................................... 86
Engine Oil.................................................. 238
Adding .................................................... 240
Checking ................................................. 239
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 231
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 66, 292
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 238
Exhaust Gas Hazard
(Carbon Monoxide)................................... 63
Exterior Care (Cleaning)........................... 272
Exterior Mirrors......................................... 143FFeatures..................................................... 167
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 269
Oil ........................................................... 241
Flat Tire..................................................... 277
Floor Mats................................................. 271
Fluids
Automatic Transmission ........................... 245
Brake ....................................................... 246
Engine Coolant ........................................ 243
Windshield Washer .................................. 248
Fog Light Indicator..................................... 73
Folding Down the Rear Seats................... 150Foot Brake................................................ 213
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)........... 196
Front Airbags (SRS)..................................... 37
Front Seat Heaters and Seat
Ventilation.............................................. 161
Front Seats................................................ 144
Adjusting ................................................ 144
Fuel...................................................... 13, 221
Economy ................................................. 224
Gauge ....................................................... 86
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 90
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 69
Range ....................................................... 90
Recommendation .................................... 221
Refueling................................................. 221
Fuel Economy........................................... 224
Fuel Fill Cap........................................ 13, 223
Message.................................................. 293
Fuel Fill Door...................................... 13, 222
Fuses
Locations................................................. 295
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 224
Gauge ....................................................... 86
Information ............................................. 221
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 90
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 69
Refueling................................................. 221Gauges........................................................ 86
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission .......................... 189
Glass (care)............................................... 273
Glove Box................................................. 154
HHalogen Bulbs.......................................... 250
Handling the Unexpected....................... 275
Hazard Warning Button.............................. 2
Head Restraints........................................ 146
Headlights................................................ 132
Aiming.................................................... 249
Automatic Operation .............................. 133
Dimming......................................... 132, 134
Operating ............................................... 132
Heaters (Seat)................................... 161, 162
High-Beam Indicator.................................. 73
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver........... 169IIdentification Numbers............................ 307
Engine and Transmission ......................... 307
Vehicle Identification............................... 307
Illumination Control................................ 137
Button .................................................... 137
Immobilizer System.................................. 122
Indicator ................................................... 74
Indicators.................................................... 66