Acura TLX (2021 year). Manual in english — page 33

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Maintenance Minder

TM

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

Continued

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1

Maintenance Service Items

•

Adjust the valves during services A, 0, 9, 1, 2, or 3
if they are noisy.

Canadian models

*1: If a Maintenance Minder Indicator and message does not appear more than 12 months after the

display is reset, change the engine oil every year.

*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
*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 24,000 km (15,000 miles).

*4: 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 12,000
km (7,500 miles), then every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).

*5: If a Maintenance Minder Indicator does not appear more than 36 months after the display for item 7 is

reset, change the brake fluid every 3 years.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.

CODE

Maintenance Main Items

A

●

Replace engine oil

*1

0

●

Replace engine oil

*1

and oil filter

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 and transfer fluid

4

●

Replace spark plugs

●

Inspect valve clearance

5

●

Replace engine coolant

6

●

Replace rear differential fluid

*4

7

●

Replace brake fluid

*5

9

●

Service front and rear brakes

●

Check expiration date for Temporary Tire Repair Kit bottle (If
equipped)

●

Inspect these items:

•

Tie rod ends, steering gearbox, 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

#

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Maintenance Minder

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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Reset the maintenance minder information display if you have performed the
maintenance service.

1.

Set the power mode to ON.

2.

Press the right selector wheel until the content is displayed.

3.

Roll the right selector wheel until the

Maintenance

screen is displayed.

4.

Press and hold the right selector wheel for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.

5.

Roll the right selector wheel to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select

All

Due Items

(You can also move the right selector wheel to the left to end the

process).

6.

Press the right selector wheel to reset the selected item.

7.

Repeat from step 4 for other items you wish to reset.

■

Resetting the Display

1

Resetting the Display

NOTICE

Failure to reset the Maintenance Minder

TM

display

after a maintenance service results in the system
showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can
lead to serious mechanical problems.

The dealer will reset the Maintenance Minder

TM

display after completing the required maintenance
service. If someone other than a dealer performs
maintenance service, reset the Maintenance
Minder

TM

display yourself.

You can also reset the Maintenance Minder

TM

display

using the audio/information screen.

2

Customized Features

P. 300

Right Selector Wheel

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Maintenance Items Under the Hood

Brake Fluid

(Black Cap)

Washer Fluid

(Black Cap)

Engine Oil Dipstick

(Orange)

Engine Oil Fill Cap

Engine Coolant Reserve Tank

Radiator Cap

Battery

P. 554

Trunk

Hood

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Opening the Hood

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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.

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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.

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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 press down firmly with
your hands.

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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 latched.

If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.

Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.

Pull

Hood Release Handle

Lever

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Engine Compartment Cover

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Engine Compartment Cover

The component parts in the engine compartment are protected by a cover.
You may need to remove the cover when you perform certain maintenance work.

Pull up on the engine compartment cover
carefully until all pins are removed from their
grommets.

Release the all holding clips, and then push up
the engine compartment cover.

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The holding clips shall remain attached
to the engine compartment cover.

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Engine Compartment Cover (B)

To release:
Push down the center pin of the clip.

To lock:
Before returning cover to engine compartment, push
until the center pin is raised. In that state, return the
engine compartment cover and then push the center
pin until the pin is flat.

Holding clip

Push

Remove the cover.

Push until

the pin is

flat.

Push until

the pin is

raised.

Return

the cover.

Engine Compartment Cover (A)

Engine Compartment Cover (A)

Engine Compartment Cover (B)

Engine Compartment Cover (B)

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Recommended Engine Oil

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Recommended Engine Oil

Use a genuine engine oil or another commercial engine oil of suitable type and
viscosity (for the ambient temperature) as shown in the image that follows.

Oil is a major contributor to your engine’s performance and longevity. If you drive
the vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil, the engine may fail or be damaged.

*1:Formulated to improve fuel economy.

■

Synthetic oil

You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is the specified viscosity grade.

Genuine Engine Oil

Commercial Engine Oil

●

Acura Genuine Motor Oil

●

Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
with an API Certification Seal on the
container.

1

Recommended Engine Oil

Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,
they may adversely affect the engine performance
and durability.

The following seal indicates the oil is energy
conserving and that it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.

Ambient Temperature

Ambient Temperature

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Oil Check

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Oil Check

We 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.

Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.

1

Oil Check

If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil, being careful not to overfill.

Upper Mark
Lower Mark

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Adding Engine Oil

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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.

1

Adding Engine Oil

NOTICE

Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil may result in leaks and
engine damage.

If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components.

Engine Oil Fill Cap

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.

Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display.

1.

Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.

2.

Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap.

3.

Remove the screws and bolts on the
undercarriage by turning
counterclockwise and remove the under
cover.

4.

Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.

1

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

NOTICE

You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.

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. If the
low oil pressure warning appears, turn off the
engine, and check your work.

Under Cover

Screws

Screws

Bolts

Drain Bolt

Washer

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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5.

Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.

6.

Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.

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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.

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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.

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Tightening torque:
30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)

9.

Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.

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Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.0 US qt (4.8 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.

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If necessary, add more engine oil.

Oil Filter

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Engine Coolant

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Engine Coolant

This 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. Make sure the engine and radiator are

cool.

2.

Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.

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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.

Specified coolant: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2

■

Reserve Tank

1

Engine Coolant

NOTICE

Genuine Acura engine coolant is a 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at
temperatures as low as about −31°F (−35°C). If your
vehicle is consistently subjected to temperatures
below this, the concentration of antifreeze in the
coolant should be increased. Consult a dealer for
details.

If Acura antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand of non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Acura coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction
or fail. Have the cooling system flushed and refilled
with Acura 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.

3

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.

MIN

Reserve Tank

MAX

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Engine Coolant

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1. Make sure the engine and radiator are

cool.

2.

Remove the engine compartment cover (A).

2

Engine Compartment Cover

P. 529

3.

Turn the radiator cap 1/8 turn counter-
clockwise and relieve any pressure in the
cooling system.

4.

Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to
remove it.

5.

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

6.

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

■

Radiator

1

Radiator

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.

Radiator Cap

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Transmission Fluid

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Transmission Fluid

Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.

Do not attempt to check or change the automatic transmission fluid yourself.

■

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Specified fluid: Acura ATF-type 2.0

1

Automatic Transmission Fluid

NOTICE

Do not mix Acura ATF-type 2.0 with other
transmission fluids.

Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF-type
2.0 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-type 2.0 is not covered
by Acura’s new vehicle limited warranty.

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Brake Fluid

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Brake Fluid

When checking the brake fluid, remove the
engine compartment cover (B).

2

Engine Compartment Cover

P. 529

The fluid level should be between the

MIN

and

MAX

marks on the side of the reserve

tank.

Refilling Window Washer Fluid

Check the amount of window washer fluid.

If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.

If the washer fluid is low, a message appears
on the multi-information display.

Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.

Specified fluid: Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3

■

Checking the Brake Fluid

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Brake Fluid

NOTICE

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.

If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.

Using any non-Acura brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Acura Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.

If the brake fluid level is at or below the

MIN

mark,

have a dealer inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn
brake pads as soon as possible.

Brake

Reserve

Tank

MIN

MAX

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Refilling Window Washer Fluid

NOTICE

Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.
Use only commercially available windshield washer
fluid.
Avoid prolonged use of hard water to prevent lime
scale build up.

Canadian models

All models

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Replacing Light Bulbs

Headlights

Headlights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.

Fog Lights

*

Fog lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.

Front Turn Signal, Parking/Daytime Running and
Front Side Marker Lights

Front turn signal, parking/daytime running and front side marker lights are LED type.
Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Lights

Door mirror side turn lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.

1

Headlights

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk, have the aiming readjusted
at a dealer or by a qualified technician.

* Not available on all models

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Replacing Light Bulbs

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Brake, Rear Turn Signal and Taillight/Rear Side Marker Lights

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Brake, Rear Turn Signal and Taillight/Rear Side
Marker Lights

Brake, rear turn signal and taillight/rear side marker lights are LED type. Have an
authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

Taillights and Back-Up Lights

Taillights and back-up lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.

Rear License Plate Light

Rear license plate light is LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.

High-Mount Brake Light

High-mount brake light is LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.

Puddle Lights

*

Puddle lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.

* Not available on all models