Acura RLX HYBRID (2020 year). Manual in english - page 31

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Maintenance Minder

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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Maintenance Service Items

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Maintenance Service Items

•

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

•

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

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Maintenance Minder

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*1: If a message 

Maintenance 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.

CODE

Maintenance Main Items

A

•

Replace engine oil

*1

B

•

Replace engine oil

*1

 and oil filter

•

Inspect front and rear brakes

•

Check expiration date for temporary tire repair kit 
bottle (if equipped)

•

Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, 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

#

*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).

*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 this condition, have the transmission fluid changed at 
30,000 miles (48,000 km), then every 25,000 miles (40,000 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: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in higher level of mechanical (Shear) 

stress to fluid. This requires Twin Motor Unit fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the 
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under this condition, have the Twin Motor Unit 
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

•

Inspect valve clearance

5

•

Replace engine coolant

6

•

Replace Twin Motor Unit fluid

*6

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Maintenance Minder

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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 

SETTINGS

 button.

3.

Select 

Vehicle Settings

 by rotating the interface dial, then press 

ENTER

.

4.

Move the interface dial right or left to select 

Maintenance Info.

 tab.

5.

Rotate the interface dial to select 

Maintenance Reset

, then press 

ENTER

.

6.

Move the interface dial down to select 

RESET

, then press 

ENTER

.

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A confirmation message appears on the audio/information screen.

7.

Rotate the interface dial to select 

Reset

, then press 

ENTER

.

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The displayed maintenance items disappear, and the engine oil life returns to 
100%.

To cancel the maintenance reset mode, select 

Cancel

, then press 

ENTER

.

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Resetting the Display

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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.

SETTINGS

 Button

Audio/Information Screen

501

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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

12-Volt Battery

Engine Coolant Reserve 
Tank

Radiator Cap

Inverter Coolant 
Filler Tank

502

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Maintenance Under the 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 left 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 
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.

Pull

Hood Release Handle

Lever

503

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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.
To remove the cover:

1.

Remove the holding clips.

2.

Move the hood seal rubber back and forth to remove it from the fender garnish.

3.

Pull up on the engine compartment cover, remove it from the pins.

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Engine Compartment Cover

Insert a flat-tip screwdriver, lift and remove the center 
pin to remove the clip.

Insert the clip with the center pin raised, and push 
until it is flat.

Holding clip

Push until the 
pin is flat

Engine Compartment Cover

Clip

Fender Garnish

Hood Seal Rubber

504

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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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.

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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

•

Genuine Acura Motor Oil

•

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

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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

0W-20

Ambient Temperature

505

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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.
Turn off the power system. You can check the oil level without the engine having 
run beforehand. If the engine has been running, wait approximately three minutes 
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.

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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

506

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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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.

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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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Maintenance Under the Hood

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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.

Turning the power system on automatically starts the engine if the following 
conditions are met:

•

The SPORT mode is on.

2

SPORT Mode

 P. 393

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

4.

Remove the oil filter and dispose of the 
remaining oil.

5.

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.

6.

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.

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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. The 
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five 
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check 
your work.

Drain Bolt

Washer

Oil Filter

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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7.

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)

8.

Pour the recommended engine oil into the engine.

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Engine oil change capacity (including filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)

9.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and start the engine.

10.

Run the engine for a few minutes, and then check that there is no leak from the 
drain bolt or oil filter.

11.

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.

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Cooling System

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Cooling System

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

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Reserve Tank

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Cooling System

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.

Reserve 
Tank

MAX

MIN

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Cooling System

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1. Make sure the engine and radiator are 

cool.

2.

Remove the engine compartment cover.

2

Engine Compartment Cover

 P. 503

3.

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

4.

Push down and turn the radiator cap 
counter-clockwise 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.

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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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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Inverter Coolant

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Inverter Coolant

This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any 
straight antifreeze or water.

We recommend you check the inverter coolant level every time you refuel.

Have a dealer replace the inverter coolant.

1.

Check the fluid level in the tank.

2.

If the coolant level has dropped below the 

MIN

 level, have your vehicle serviced at a 

dealer.

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Only a properly trained technician can 
refill the coolant and check the system 
for leaks.

Specified coolant: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2

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Checking the Coolant

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Inverter 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 motor components.

MAX

MIN

Filler 
Tank

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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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.

Brake Fluid

The fluid level should be between the 

MIN

 

and 

MAX

 marks on the side of the reserve 

tank.

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Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid

Specified fluid: Acura Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF DW-1

Specified fluid: Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3

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Checking the Brake Fluid

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Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid

NOTICE

Acura ATF DW-1 must not be mixed 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 limited warranty.

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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.

MIN

Reserve Tank

MAX

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Refilling Window Washer Fluid

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Refilling Window Washer Fluid

If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.

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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.