towing Acura ILX 2013 Owner's Manual

ContentsThis owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 21For Safe Driving P. 22 Seat Belts P. 26 Airbags P. 332Instrument Panel P. 63Indicators P. 64 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 782Controls P. 91Setting the Clock P. 92 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 93
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 111
Adjusting the Seats P. 1232Features P. 141Audio System P. 142 Audio System Basic Operation P. 145
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
* P. 177
2Driving P. 209Before Driving P. 210 Towing a Trailer P. 215
Multi-View Rear Camera
* P. 242 Refueling P. 243
2Maintenance P. 247Before Performing Maintenance P. 248 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 251
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 284
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 297
2Handling the Unexpected P. 303Tools P. 304 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 305
Overheating P. 318 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 3202Information P. 329Specifications P. 330 Identification Numbers P. 334
Emissions Testing P. 337 Warranty Coverages P. 339

Contents
Child Safety P. 48 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 60 Safety Labels P. 61Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 102 Security System P. 106 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 108
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 112 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 121
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 131 Climate Control System P. 136Audio Error Messages
* P. 170 General Information on the Audio System P. 173
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 179
When Driving P. 216 Braking P. 237 Parking Your Vehicle P. 241
Fuel Economy P. 245 Accessories and Modifications P. 246Maintenance Under the Hood P. 256 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 274
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 286 Battery P. 295 Remote Transmitter Care P. 296
Cleaning P. 298Engine Does Not Start P. 311 Jump Starting P. 314 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 317
Fuses P. 324 Emergency Towing P. 327Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 335 Reporting Safety Defects P. 336
Authorized Manuals P. 341 Client Service Information P. 342
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 21
Instrument Panel
P. 63
Controls
P. 91
Features
P. 141
Driving
P. 209
Maintenance
P. 247
Handling the Unexpected
P. 303
Information
P. 329
Index
P. 343

16Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P 303)
Flat Tire
(P 305)
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
trunk.
Indicators Come On (P 320)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start
(P 311)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse
(P 324)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P 318)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P 327)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

209
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 210
Maximum Load Limit........................ 213
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 215
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 216
Precautions While Driving................. 220
Automatic Transmission ................... 221
Shifting .......................................... 222
Shifting .......................................... 226Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models
Cruise Control ................................. 229VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 232
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 234
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 235
Braking
Brake System ................................... 237
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 239
Brake Assist System.......................... 240
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped................................. 241Parking Your Vehicle........................ 241
Multi-View Rear Camera
*................ 242
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 243
How to Refuel ................................. 244
Fuel Economy.................................... 245
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 245
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 246
Modifications................................... 246
* Not available on all models

213
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, and all cargo.
2Specifications P. 330, 332
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 330, 332
3
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

214
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load
850 lbs
(385 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2
Max Load
850 lbs
(385 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)

215Driving
Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.2Emergency Towing P. 327

303
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 304
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 305
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 311
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak ............................................. 312
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 313
Jump Starting.................................... 314
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 317Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 318
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 320If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 320
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 321If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 322If the EPS System Indicator Comes On ..... 322
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 323
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 324
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 326
Emergency Towing........................... 327

311Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
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 brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 295
●If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 324
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
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. 216
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.2Immobilizer System P. 106Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 78
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 326If the problem continues:2Emergency Towing P. 327
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2Jump Starting P. 314

327Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1Emergency TowingNOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle's weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.