2015 Acura TLX check engine

386
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), SystemVSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When the VSA® system indicator comes on
and stays on while driving, there may be a
problem with the system. While this may not
interfere with normal driving, have your
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.■
VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the ai r pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® system indicator comes on and stays
on while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and cor ner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA ® System
Indicator

387
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially turn the VSA features on and off,
press and hold it until you hear a beep.
The traction control stops fully functioning,
allowing the wheels to spin more freely at low
speed. The VSA ® OFF indicator will also come
on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA ® OFF)
button until you hear a beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■
VSA ® OFF Button
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
With the button pressed, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability, but VSA ®
traction and stability enhancement becomes less
effective.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the button pressed.
When the button is pressed, the traction control
function becomes less effective. This allows for the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should
only attempt to free your vehicle with the button
pressed if you are not able to free it without.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
press the button again. We do not recommend
driving your vehicle with the button pressed
(indicator on).
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF Indicator

Continued
399
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. The brake assist system
increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an
emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.2 Brake Assist System P. 403
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 402■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

402
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and help s you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the 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.■
ABS
1 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)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 not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time 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 compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

425
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 426Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 427Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 428
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 429
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 434Opening the Hood ........................... 436
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 437
Oil Check ......................................... 438
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 440Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 441
Engine Coolant ................................ 443
Transmission Fluid ............................ 445
Brake Fluid ....................................... 446
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 446
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 447Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 454Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 456Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 457Tire Labeling .................................... 457DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 459Wear Indicators................................ 461 Tire Service Life ................................ 461
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 462
Tire Rotation .................................... 463
Winter Tires ..................................... 464
Battery ............................................... 465
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 467
Climate Control System Maintenance
.... 469
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 470
Exterior Care.................................... 472

432
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
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
Main Item
Sub Items
Main ItemSub Items
*1 *2
*1: Models with full color display
*2: Models without full color display*1: If a message Maintenance Due Now/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●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
●Check expiration information for Temporary Tire
Repair Kit bottle
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in higher transmission temperature. 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 40,000 miles (64,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under -20°F, -29°C), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
*6: 6-cylinder models
*7: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds 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 fluid
*4
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*5, *6
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6
●Replace rear differential fluid
*, *7
* Not available on all models

438
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
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).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

440
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine compartment components.NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil Fill Cap4-cylinder models6-cylinder modelsEngine Oil Fill Cap