control Acura TLX 2016 Owner's Manual

uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
392
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially turn the VSA features on and off,
press and hold it until you hear a beep.
The traction control stops fully functioning,
allowing the wheels to sp in more freely at low
speed. The VSA ® OFF indicator will also come
on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA ® OFF)
button until you hear a beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■VSA ® OFF Button1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
With the button pressed, your vehicle will have
normal braking and corn ering ability, but VSA®
traction and stability enhancement becomes less
effective.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fr esh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the button pressed.
When the button is pressed, the traction control
function becomes less effective. This allows for the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should
only attempt to free your vehicle with the button
pressed if you are not able to free it without.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
press the button again. We do not recommend
driving your vehicle wi th the button pressed
(indicator on).
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF Indicator
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393
uuWhen Driving uAgile Handling Assist System
Driving
Agile Handling Assist System
Lightly brakes each of the front and rear wheels, as needed, when you turn the
steering wheel, and helps support the vehi cle’s stability and performance during
cornering.
Precision All-Wheel SteerTM (P-AWS ®) System*
Monitors your vehicle’s response to road conditions while you are driving. In
response to current driving conditions, the system automatically makes slight
adjustment to the relative rear wheel to e settings to help enhance vehicle control
and stability.
1 Agile Handling Assist System
The agile handling assist system cannot enhance
stability in all driving situat ions. You still need to drive
and corner at speeds appr opriate for the conditions
and always leave a sufficient margin of safety.
When the VSA ® system indicator comes on and stays
on while driving, the agil e handling assist system
does not activate.
You may hear a sound coming from the engine
compartment while the system is activated. This is
normal.
1 Precision All-Wheel SteerTM (P-AWS® ) System*
The Precision All-Wheel SteerTM (P-AWS®) system
cannot enhance vehicle cont rol and stability in all
driving situations. You still need to drive and corner
at speeds appropriate for the conditions and always
leave a sufficient margin of safety.
The toe setting of the rear wheels may get stuck in a
non-centered se tting if the system malfunctions
while driving. This can caus e the vehicle to pull to a
side even as you keep the steering wheel in the
center position. If this occurs, the system
automatically limits the vehicle speed to a maximum
of 50 mph (80 km/h). Reduce your speed and be
extra cautious, as handling may be difficult. Go to a
dealer immediately.
* Not available on all models
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396
uuWhen Driving uSuper Handling-All Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD ®)*
Driving
Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD® )*
The system controls and transfers varying amounts of engine torque to each wheel
in accordance with the driving conditions.
SH-AWD helps to enhance driving stability, and lets you handle situations like
sli ppe r y sur f a c es , suc h a s o n w e t, i cy , o r sno wy r oa ds , b e tt e r t ha n wh e n dr iv ing wi t h
two wheel drive. However, the system do es not help to enhance braking. Be
precautious about the following:
• It is still your responsibility to drive safely when you steer, accelerate, and apply
brakes.
• Leave a sufficient margin when braking on slippery surfaces.1Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM (SH-AWD ®)*
The SH-AWD ® system may not function properly if
tire type and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified. 2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 468
Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause damage to the tran smission and SH-AWD unit.
If the SH-AWD indicator blinks while driving, it
indicates the differential te mperature is too high. If
this happens, pull to the side of the road when it is
safe, change the gear position to
( P, and idle the
engine until the indicator goes out.
* Not available on all models
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uuBraking uBrake System
404
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wh eels. The brake assist system
increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an
emergency situation. The an ti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
2 Brake Assist System P. 408
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 407
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous me tallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by
high frequency vibration of the brake pads against
the rotating brake disc.
Constantly using the brak e pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pe dal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also conf use drivers behind you.
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407
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribu tion (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pu mp the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you w ill need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
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426
Driving
Refueling
Fuel Information
■Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.
■Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Deterg ent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard join tly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the need s of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most ca ses, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-rel ated information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit Acura Owners at owners.acura.com. In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional informatio n on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
■Fuel tank capacity: 17.2 US gal (65 liters)
Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICE
We recommend quality ga soline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly reco mmend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, a nd cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your inst rument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is ble nded with oxygenates such
as ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gaso line containing methanol.
If you notice any undesira ble operating symptoms, try
another service station or sw itch to another brand of
gasoline.
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431
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 432
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 433Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 434
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 435
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 440Opening the Hood ........................... 442
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 443
Oil Check ......................................... 444
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 446
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 447
Engine Coolant ................................ 449
Transmission Fluid ............................ 451
Brake Fluid ....................................... 452
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 452
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 453
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 460
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 462
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 463Tire Labeling .................................... 463DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 465Wear Indicators................................ 467 Tire Service Life ................................ 467
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 468
Tire Rotation .................................... 469
Winter Tires ..................................... 470
Battery ............................................... 471
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 473
Climate Control System Maintenance.... 475Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 476
Exterior Care.................................... 478
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432
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.)
■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■Periodic inspections
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake Fluid P. 452
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 462
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 453
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 460
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and fede ral regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordan ce with the intervals
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 438
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 539
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
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465
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Continued
Maintenance
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
The tires on your vehicle m eet all U.S. Federal Safety
Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction,
and temperature performance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on th e tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and maximum section width.
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested un der controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual co nditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practi ces and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
■Uniform Tire Quality Grading
■Treadwear
1 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
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uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
466
Maintenance
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction performance.
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate h eat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temp erature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
■Traction
■Temperature
1 Traction
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
1Temperature
Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is establishe d for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
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