Acura TSX 2009-2014: General Information and Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Buying a car is a big investment, and you want to make sure the vehicle you purchased runs right for years to come. Read on to find out more about the 2009-2014 Acura TSX.
This article applies to the Acura TSX (2009-2014).
The Acura TSX is generally a reliable vehicle. As with most cars, however, certain model years and trims may be prone to issues. Before you spend a lot of money on your next ride, you'll want to check out this article.
Component Breakdown
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Needed | |
---|---|
Maintenance Minder A |
|
Maintenance Minder B |
|
Maintenance Minder 1 |
|
Maintenance Minder 2 |
|
Maintenance Minder 3 |
|
Maintenance Minder 4 |
|
Maintenance Minder 5 |
|
Oil Changes
Many newer Acura models have a Maintenance Minder system. Instead of performing an oil change based on recommendations in the owner's manual, your vehicle's oil life monitoring system will let you know when it's time for an oil change. Depending on the year and model, you may see a reminder when the oil has reached 15 percent, as well as five and zero percent. Any miles driven past the zero percent mark will be display in negative numbers. Remember to reset your oil life monitoring system after each oil change.
![Maintenance Minder oil life reset](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/cimg/www.acurazine.com/799x597_85/472/figure-1-oil-life-reminder-158472.jpg)
Air Cleaner Element and Pollen Filter
The air cleaner element should be replaced every 15,000 miles if you frequently drive in dusty conditions. Replace the dust and pollen filter at the same interval (every 15,000 miles) if you do most of your driving in urban areas with high soot concentrations.
![Replacing air cleaner element and pollen filter](https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/cimg/www.acurazine.com/1024x608_85/482/figure-3-replace-pollen-filter-158482.jpg)
Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, replace the fluid every 60,000 miles if you regularly tow a trailer or drive in mountainous areas. Replace the transmission fluid at subsequent 30,000 mile intervals.
![Transmission fluid](https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/cimg/www.acurazine.com/214x320_85/579/figure-4-transmisison-fluid-158579.jpg)
Common Questions
Should I use regular or premium fuel?
Although there is a debate among TSX owners about which type of fuel works best, the general agreement is that it's worth the extra expense to use premium fuel. Those who use premium fuel note slightly better gas mileage. Occasionally, drivers using regular fuel report hearing unusual engine noises also known as engine pinging.
Are there any hidden features?
One TSX owner lists a number of hidden features. Examples include:
- A membrane switch under the trunk lid above the license plate that will open the trunk from the outside without having to go to the trunk release button on the fob/door.
- The rear view mirror will automatically go down if you leave the mirror switch left in the far right position; it will not if you leave it any other way.
- The fuel door lid will not open if you have the car locked.
- You can disable the trunk switch on the door from inside the glove box.
- The car will re-lock itself if you activate the unlock button but do not open any doors within 30 seconds, thinking that you accidentally unlocked the car.
Related Discussions
- New '13 TSX owner Anything to Watch Out for Problem Wise? - AcuraZine.com
- List those Hidden Features! - AcuraZine.com
- 2nd Gen TSX Service Department (AKA GARAGE): Questions & Answers CHECK HERE FIRST! - AcuraZine.com