emergency towing Acura TSX 2005 Owner's Manual

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .236
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .237
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 241
Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates ............................
Very Slowly .241
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally .242
................................
Jump Starting .243
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 245
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 247
..........
Charging System Indicator . 248
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 248
.......................
Readiness Codes .249
...............
Brake System Indicator . 250
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 251
......................
Emergency Towing .252
..............................................
Fuses .254
..........
Checking and Replacing . 254
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
235

Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the f uses. If
thefusesareOK,thereis
probably something wrong with
the electrical circuit f or the
ignition switch or starter motor.
You will need a qualif ied
technician to determine the
problem (see
on page ).In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ). Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery connections (see page
). You can then try jump
starting the vehicle from a booster
battery (see page ). 252
243
232 167
72 254
252
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing
242

Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Turn of f all accessories, and turn
on the hazard warning indicators.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running, and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
The pointer of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
1.
2.3.
4.
5.
252
CONT INUED
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
245
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.

Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
7. 6.
8.
9.10.
11.
252
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
246
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.

ÎÎ
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
If this indicator comes on while
driving, the brake f luid level is
probably low in the reservoir. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
f eels normal. If it does, check the
brake f luid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page ). If the f luid level is low, take
the vehicle to your dealer and have
the brake system inspected f or leaks
or worn brake pads. If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully. Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If the ABS indicator comes on with
this indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your Acura dealer
immediately. 252
212 Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
250
U.S. indicator shown BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

µµ
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
an organization. Never tow your
vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is
very dangerous.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront or rear) and lif t
them of f the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do the f ollowing:
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to Neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
ShifttoD,thentoN.
Turn of f the engine.
Manual Transmission
Automatic Transmission:
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
This is the best way to trans-
port your vehicle.
T his is
an acceptable way to tow your
vehicle.
Emergency T owing
252
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.

With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).If you decide to tow your vehicle
with all f our wheels on the ground,
make sure you use a properly-
designed and attached tow bar.
Prepare the vehicle for towing as
described above, and leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I) so
the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
socket are turned of f so they do not
rundownthebattery.
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
253
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing.
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.

.......................................
Child Seats .30
...........
Lower Anchorage Points . 39
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 43
..............
Climate Control Sensors . 111
.........................
Clock, Setting the .141
...................................
Clutch Fluid .213
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 167
..............................
Compact Spare .236
...................
Console Compartment . 97
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 274
Coolant ........................................
Adding .207
....................................
Checking .158
.........................
Proper Solution .207
...................
Temperature Gauge . 61
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .268
............
Cruise Control Operation . 143
.............
Customer Service Of f ice . 277
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .4, 52
................
Daytime Running Lights . 68
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 276................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 69
....................................
Dimensions .262
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 66
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 209
..................................
Engine Oil .157
..........................
Directional Signals .66
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 178
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .205
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 74
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 265
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual
.............................
Transmission .168
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .165
....................................
Economy .159
..........
Dual Temperature Control . 109
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 223
..............................
Economy, Fuel .159
............
Emergencies on the Road . 235
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 243
...........
Brake System Indicator . 250................
Changing a Flat Tire . 237
.....
Charging System Indicator . 248
..................
Checking the Fuses . 254
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 247
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 248
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 251
..................
Overheated Engine . 245
...........................
Emergency Brake .93
......................
Emergency Flashers .69
......................
Emergency Towing .252
.......................
Emissions Controls .268
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 61
Malf unction Indicator ......................................
Lamp .248
..............
Oil Pressure Indicator . 247
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 202
...............................
Overheating .245
............................
Specif ications .262
....................
Speed Limiter . 169,174
.......................................
Starting .167
..........
Engine Speed Limiter . 169,174
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 268
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .48
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
Index
DE
II

CONT INUED
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the .235
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 265
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .152
.....................
Upholstery Cleaning .223
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 205..................................
Vanity Mirror .94
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 163
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .262
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 260
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ....................................
System .181
.........
VSA Activation Indicator . 181
.........................
VSA Of f Switch .182
..............
VSA System Indicator . 181
.............................
Vehicle Storage .233
.................................................
VIN .260
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .203
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .270
.......................
Temperature Gauge .61
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 43
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 270
..........................
Time, Setting the .141
....................................
Tire Chains .231
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 237
.................................
Tire Labeling .267
...............................................
Tires .226
..............................
Air Pressure .227
.........................
Checking Wear .228
..........................
Compact Spare .236
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 265
......................................
Inf lation .226
..................................
Inspection .228
...................................
Replacing .229
......................................
Rotating .229
...........................................
Snow .230
............................
Specif ications .264
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 237
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .183
................
Emergency Wrecker . 252Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .209
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .211
..........
Fluid Selection . 210,211,212
..............
Identif ication Number . 260
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 170
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 168
.....................................
Treadwear .265
.......................................
Trip Meter .61
................................................
Trunk .80
....................
Emergency Opener .81
.................................
Main Switch .81
.................................
Opening the .80
...................
Open Monitor Light . 56
....................................
Turn Signals .66
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 49
....................
Warranty Coverages .275
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 206
.....................................
Operation .65
Index
U V
W
INDEX
VII

Wheels...............
Adjusting the Steering . 70
............
Alignment and Balance . 228
..........................
Compact Spare .236
......................................
Wrench .237
Windows ..................
Operating the Power . 89
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .69
Windshield .......................................
Cleaning .65
.......................................
Washers .65
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .224
.....................................
Operation .65
....................................
Worn Tires .228
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 252
Index
VIII