Continued489
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 an ti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering
control when brak ing very hard.
2Brake Assist System P. 493
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 492
■Brake squeal
To satisfy the performance under a wide range of driving conditions, a high
performance braking system is equipped on your vehicle. You may hear the brake
squeal under certain conditions, such as vehicle speed, deceleration, humidity, and
so on. This is not a malfunction.
■Foot Brake1 Foot 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 me tallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by
high frequency vibr ation of the brake pads against
the rotating brake disc.
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 pe dal 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 conf use drivers behind you.
3.0 L engine models
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 489 \b
492
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, a nd helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you can.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution 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 pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Depress the brake
pedal and keep holding the pedal firmly dow n. 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 yo u are trying to stop on snow or ice.
ABS may activate when you depress the brake pedal when driving on:
• Wet or snow covered roads.
• Roads paved with stone.
• Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.
When the vehicle speed goes unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use a tire of
the incorrect size or type.
If the ABS indicator comes on while driving, there
may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking will not be affected, there is a
possibility that the ABS wi ll not be operating. Have
your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS is not designed for the purpose of reducing
the time or distance it takes for a vehicle to stop: It is
designed to limit brake lo ckup which can lead to
skidding and loss of steering control.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
distance to stop than a vehicle without the ABS:
•You are driving on rough or uneven road surfaces,
such as gravel or snow.
•The tires are equipped with tire chains.
The following may be observed with the ABS system:
•Motor sounds coming from the engine
compartment when the brakes are applied, or
when system checks are being performed after the
engine has been started and while the vehicle
accelerates.
•Brake pedal and/or the vehicle body vibration when
ABS activates.
These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS
systems and are no cause for concern.
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 492 \b
521
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 522
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 523Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 524
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 525
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 532Opening the Hood ........................... 534
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 535
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 536
Oil Check ......................................... 537
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 539
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter.... 540Engine Coolant ........................ 544, 546
Transmission Fluid ............................ 548
Brake Fluid ....................................... 549
Refilling Window Wa sher Fluid......... 549
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 550
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 552
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 555
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 556Tire Labeling .................................... 556DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 558
Wear Indicators ............................... 560
Tire Service Life ................................ 560
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 561
Tire Rotation .................................... 562
Winter Tires ..................................... 563
Battery ............................................... 564
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Remote Battery .......... 568
Climate Control System Maintenance.... 570CleaningInterior Care .................................... 571
Exterior Care.................................... 573
Accessories and Modifications................ 576
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 521 \b
534
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
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
driver’s side lower corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push the hood latch lever (located under
the front edge of the hood to the center) to
the side and raise the hood. Once you have
raised the hood slightly, you can release the
lever.
4. Lift the hood up most of the way.
u The hydraulic supports will lift it up the
rest of the way and hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then pr ess down firmly with
your hands.1 Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised. The hood will strike the wipers, resulting in
possible damage to the hood and/or the wipers.
NOTICE
Do not press the engine cover forcibly. This may
damage the engine cover and component parts.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latchedM
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifti ng the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cl eaned and lubricatedM
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.
Pull
Hood Release Handle
Lever
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 534 \b
542
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
5. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
6. Check that the filter ga sket 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.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the filter gasket.
8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.0 US qt (4.8 L)
5.5 US qt (5.2 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oi l 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.
Oil Filter
2.0 L engine models
3.0 L engine models
Oil Filter
2.0 L engine models
3.0 L engine models
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 542 \b
603
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter conditionChecklist
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 for a message on the multi-information display.
●If the To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button message appears
2If the Keyless Remote Battery is Weak P. 604
uMake sure the keyless remote is in its operating range.
2ENGINE START/STOP Button Operating Range P. 146
Check the brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.
●If the interior lights do not come on at all
2Battery P. 564●If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 620
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with a
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. 374
Check the immobilize r system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2 Immobilizer System P. 139
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 97
Check the fuses.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 626
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 627
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehi cle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle or booster battery to jump start it.
2 If the Battery Is Dead P. 606
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 603 \b
uuIf the Battery Is Dead uJump Starting Procedure
608
Handling the Unexpected
5. Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the GND terminal 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. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, re move 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 jump start box + terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery +
terminal.
Have your vehicle inspected by a n earby service station or a dealer.1If the Battery Is Dead
The vehicle stability assist
TM (VSA ®) system, vehicle
stability assistTM (VSA ®) OFF, adaptive cruise control
(ACC) with low speed follow, and safety support
indicators may come on in amber along with a
message in the multi-information display when you
set the power mode to ON after reconnecting a
battery.
Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20
km/h).
Each indicator should go off. If any do not, have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.
All models
■What to Do After the Engine Starts
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 608 \b
612
Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Engine Oil Pressure Low Warning Appears
■Reasons for the warning to appear
Appears when the engine oil pressure is low.
■What to do as soon as the warning
appears
1. Immediately park the vehicle on level
ground in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights
on.
■What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for
approximately three minutes.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.
u Add oil as necessary.
2 Oil Check P. 537
3.Start the engine and check the Engine Oil
Pressure Low warning.
u The warning disappears: Start driving
again.
u The warning does not disappear within
10 seconds: Immediately stop the engine
and contact a dealer for repairs.
1If the Engine Oil Pressure Low Warning Appears
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediatelyM
22 ACURA TLX-31TGV6100.book 612 \b