2017 Acura TLX service

100 || 101
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1.

Disconnect
the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2.

Disconnect
the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (-)
terminal.
3.

Disconnect
the jumper cable from your vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
4.

Disconnect
the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (+)
terminal.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer. 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.
WARNING
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood (see page 118).
1.

6-cylinder models:

Remove the engine
cover. Start on the passenger side, and lift the
outermost edge of the cover, removing it from
the pins. Move towards the driver side while
applying uniform upward pressure. Open the
battery terminal cover.
2.


All models:

Connect the first jumper cable to
your vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
3.

C
onnect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use
a 12-volt booster battery only (i.e., an assisting
vehicle or a rechargeable 12-volt battery pack).
4.

C
onnect the second jumper cable to the
booster battery (-) terminal.
5.

C
onnect the other end of the second jumper
cable to the mounting bolt or engine hanger
as shown. 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.

A
ttempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, make sure the jumper cables
have good metal-to-metal contact.
6-cylinder models
Pin
Engine cover
6-cylinder models
Battery
terminal cover
4-cylinder models
Booster battery
6-cylinder models
Booster battery
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder models

102 || 103
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Emergency Engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, choose one of
the following operations:
•

Pr
ess and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for
two seconds, or
•

Firml
y press the ENGINE START/STOP button two
times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY, unless
the shift lever is in Park, in which case the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF.
Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides to
the steering and braking systems, it will require significantly more physical effort
and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet on the
brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the
engine to be switched off.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front
tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an
acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Overheating
Signs your engine is overheating: •
The
temperature gauge needle is at the H mark
•

The engine suddenl
y loses power
•

Steam
or spray comes out from under the hood
•

The message
Engine Temperature Too Hot appears on the display.
1.

Immediatel
y park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2.

If no steam
or spray is present: Keep the
engine running and open the hood (see page
118).
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood
(see page 118).
3.

Check that the
cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the
temperature gauge needle goes down. If the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.

4.


Once
the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
Reserve tank MAX
MIN
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator
cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may
damage the engine.
NOTICE

108 || 109
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Replacing the Flat Tire
1.
R
emove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2.

Mount the
compact spare tire. Replace the
wheel nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3.

Lower
the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten
the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not over tighten the
wheel nuts.
Storing the Flat Tire
1.
R
emove the center cap, and place the flat tire
face down in the spare tire well.
2.

R
emove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, flip
it over, and insert it back on to the bolt. Secure
the flat tire with the wing bolt.
3.

R
eturn the jack and wheel nut wrench to the
tool case. Store the case in the trunk, and close
the trunk.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Wing bolt
Spacer cone
Center cap
Setting Up the Jack
1.
Place
the jack under the jacking point closest to
the tire to be changed.
2.

Turn
the end bracket clockwise (as shown in
the image) until the top of the jack contacts
the jacking point. Make sure that the jacking
point tab is resting in the jack notch. Do not
overextend the jack.
3.

Raise
the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and
the jack handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•

Do not use
the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
•

Use
the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the weight
(“load”) or fit the jacking point.
•

Do not use
while the engine is running.
•

Use
only where the ground is firm and level.
•

Use
only at the jacking points.
•

Do not get in
the vehicle while using the jack.
•

Do
not put anything on top of or underneath the jack.
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
WARNING
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call your dealer or a professional
towing service.
NOTICE
Jack
handle bar
Wheel nut wrench
as jack handle
Jacking points

114 || 115
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder message
System message
indicator
Main item
Sub items
Main item
Sub item s*1
*2
*1: Models with full color display
*2: Models without full color display
Maintenance Minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the
Maintenance Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you
turn the vehicle on. Roll the right selector wheel on the steering wheel to change
displays.
•

Independent
of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake fluid
every 3 years.
•

Inspect idle speed ev
ery 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
•

A
djust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
U.S. models
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.
Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourself, as
well as information about how best to maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; 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.
Maintenance Safety
•
T
o reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
•

Nev
er leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood. Heat
from the engine and exhaust can ignite them, causing a fire.
•

T
o clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•

W
ear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•

Do not run
the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can
accumulate.
Vehicle Safety
•
The
vehicle must be in a stationary condition, and parked on level ground with
the parking brake set and the engine off.
•

Be awar
e that hot parts can burn you.
•

Be awar
e that moving parts can injure you.
•

Do not
open the hood during auto idle stop operation* (see page 83).
MAINTENANCE
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 guide.
WARNING
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 guide.
WARNING
*if equipped

116 || 117
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Under the Hood
4-cylinder models
Engine oil
fill cap
Engine oil
fill cap Engine oil dipstick (orange)
Engine oil
dipstick
(orange)
Washer fluid
(black cap)
Washer fluid
(black cap) Brake fluid
(black cap)
Brake fluid
(black cap)
Engine coolant
reserve tank
Engine coolant
reserve tank Radiator cap
Radiator cap Battery
Battery
6-cylinder models
Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1:If a message Maintenance Due No w/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 1\
5,000 miles (24,000 km).*3:If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of so\
ot from industry and
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every 15,0\
00 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
AReplace engine oi l*1
BReplace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boot s
Inspect suspension components
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
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 highe\
r transmission temperature.
This requires transmission uid changes more frequently than recommen\
ded by the Maintenance
Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission uid
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 highe\
r level of mechanical (shear) stress to uid. This requires differential uid changes more frequ\
ently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these cond\
itions, have the differential
uid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (\
24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Item s
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lter*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transfer-case uid and transmission uid*4
4Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5, *6
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolan t
6Replace rear differential ui d*, *7
*
*if equipped

120 || 121
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant level in the
radiator. Use Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the Reserve Tank
1.
Open
the hood (see page 118). Check the
amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
2.

If
the coolant level is below the MIN mark, add
the specified coolant until it reaches the MAX
mark.
3.

Inspect
the cooling system for leaks.
Adding Coolant1.
Mak
e sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2.

Turn
the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system. Do
not push the cap down when turning.
3.

Push down
and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4.

The coolant lev
el should be up to the base of the
filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5.

Put
the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
6.

P
our coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the
reserve tank.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator
cap.
WARNING
For vehicles used in temperatures below -31°F (-35°C), change the coolant from
the standard 50:50 antifreeze:water mix to one with added antifreeze. Consult a
dealer for more information.
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder models
Radiator cap
Radiator cap
MAX
MINReserve tank
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. Overfilling the engine oil can
result in leaks and engine damage.
NOTICE
Adding Oil 1.
Unscr
ew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2.

A
dd oil slowly.
3.

R
einstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten it
securely.
4.

W
ait for three minutes and recheck the engine
oil dipstick.
6-cylinder models
4-cylinder models
Engine oil fill cap
Engine oil fill cap
Resetting the Engine Oil Life
If you change or replace the vehicle’s engine oil yourself, you must reset the
engine oil life. Use the right selector wheel on the steering wheel to make
selections in the MID.
1.

Scr
oll to Maintenance Info and select it to display the
oil life reset mode.
2.

Select R
eset. The service code disappears and the oil
life returns to 100%.
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance service results in the
system showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious
mechanical problems.
NOTICE

126 || 127
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you
should be aware of are described below.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number (TIN)
is a group of numbers and letters that
look like the example below. TIN is
located on the sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Cold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the
tire can hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure
recommended by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal
grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the
tread.
Tire size Tire
Identication
Number (TIN)
Maximum
tire load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire size
DOT B97R FW6X 2209
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufacturer’s identication mark.
FW6X: Tire type code.
22 09: Date of manufacture.
Year
Week
Here is an example of what each
marking means:
P215/70R16 100S
•

P: tir
e type (passenger vehicle)
•

215:
tire width in millimeters
•

7
0: aspect ratio (tire section height as
a percentage of its width)
•

R:
tire construction code (radial)
•

16: rim
diameter in inches
•

100: load index (code indicating
maximum load

tire can carry)
•

S: speed symbol (code indicating
maximum speed rating)
Tire Service Life
The life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach
five years old. All tires, including the spare*, should be removed from service after
10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of
wear.
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire Chains
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains:
Cable type: QCC Premium Cobra 1042P with tensioner.
Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they do not touch the
brake lines or suspension.
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 instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of tire
chains.
WARNING
Traction 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.
NOTICE
*if equipped

128 || 129
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.DOT Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are
also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to
Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.