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

525

uu

Maintenance Minder

TM

u

To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

Continued

Main

tenan

ce

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

#

uu

Maintenance Minder

TM

u

To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

526

Main

tenan

ce

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

527

Main

tenan

ce

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

528

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Opening the Hood

Main

tenan

ce

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 press 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 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

529

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Engine Compartment Cover

Main

tenan

ce

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.

u

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

1

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)

530

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Recommended Engine Oil

Main

tenan

ce

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

531

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Oil Check

Main

tenan

ce

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

532

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Adding Engine Oil

Main

tenan

ce

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

533

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Continued

Main

tenan

ce

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

534

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Main

tenan

ce

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.

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)

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.

u

If necessary, add more engine oil.

Oil Filter

535

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Engine Coolant

Continued

Main

tenan

ce

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.

u

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

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Engine Coolant

536

Main

tenan

ce

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

537

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Transmission Fluid

Main

tenan

ce

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.

538

uu

Maintenance Under the Hood

u

Brake Fluid

Main

tenan

ce

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

1

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

1

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

539

Main

tenan

ce

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

540

uu

Replacing Light Bulbs

u

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

Main

tenan

ce

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