ABS Acura TSX 2006 Owner's Manual

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Î The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
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Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
FOG LIGHT
INDICATOR
LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM INDICATOR
MULTI-INFORMATION
DISPLAY
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
CHARGING
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
CRUISE MAIN
INDICATOR
SEAT BELT
REMINDER
INDICATOR
SECURITY INDICATOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) INDICATORPARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR
SYSTEM
MESSAGE
INDICATOR (P.64)
(P.66)
(P.69)
(P.62)
(P.67)
(P.67)(P.62)
(P.62) (P.66)(P.62)
(P.64)
(P.63)(P.63)
(P.66)
(P.66)
(P.65)
(P.65)
(P.66)
(P.64)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR
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This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
inf ormation, see page .This indicator is in the f uel gauge. It
comesonasareminderthatyou
must ref uel soon. You will also see a
‘‘FUEL LOW’’ message in the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
When the indicator comes on, there
is about 2.3 U.S. gal (8.6
)of fuel
remaining in the tank bef ore the
needle reaches E.
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button on the
steering wheel (see page ). This indicator comes on when you
turn on the f og lights. For more
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock f unction. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message in the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
For more inf ormation, see page .
On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the daytime running lights
(DRL) are on (see page ).
120
204 80
121
82
253 121
Instrument Panel Indicators
High Beam Indicator L ow Fuel Indicator
Fog L ight Indicator
Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
Cruise Main Indicator
66
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
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If there is a problem in the anti-lock
brake system (ABS), you will see
‘‘CHECKABSSYSTEM’’inthe
multi-inf ormation display. If you see
this message, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer (see page ).
If there is a problem with the
automatic transmission, you will see
‘‘CHECK TRANSMISSION’’ in the
multi-inf ormation display. Avoid
rapid acceleration, and have the
transmission checked by a dealer as
soon as possible. If there is a problem with your f ront
airbags, side airbags, passenger’s
side airbag automatic cutoff system,
automatic seat belt tensioners, side
curtain airbags, driver’s seat position
sensor, or the f ront passenger’s
weight sensors, you will see
‘‘CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM’’ in the
multi-inf ormation display. Take your
vehicle to a dealer as soon as
possible(seepage ).
253
34Automatic transmission:
Multi-Inf ormation Display
Check T ransmission Check A BS Syst emCheck A irbag Syst em
82
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........................
Preparing to Drive .240
.......................
Starting the Engine .241
...................
Manual Transmission .242
.....
Recommended Shif t Points .242
..............
Engine Speed Limiter .243
.......................
Reverse Lockout .243
..............
Automatic Transmission .244
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .244
.......................................
Shif ting .244
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode .246
..............
Engine Speed Limiter .249
....................
Shif t Lock Release .249
...........................................
Parking .251
..............................
Parking Tips .251
.............................
Braking System .252
...............
Brake System Design .252
.............
Brake Wear Indicators .252
...........
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .253
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ....................................
System .255
.......................
VSA OFF Switch .256
...................
VSA and Tire Sizes .256
...........................
Towing a Trailer .257
This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual and automatic transmissions.
It also includes important
information on parking your vehicle,
the braking system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system, and
f acts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer.
Driving
Driving
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Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, increases wear, and reduces
their ef f ectiveness. It also keeps
your brake lights on all the time,
conf using drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Braking System
Braking System Design Brake Wear Indicators
252
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CONT INUED
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
When the ABS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message in the multi-
inf ormation display.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the front-to-rear braking
distribution system may also be shut
down.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes f rom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The ABS also balances the f ront-to-
rear braking distribution according
to vehicle loading.
this def eats the purpose of the ABS.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal as you steer away from
the hazard. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
You should never pump the brake pedal;
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
Driving
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on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down, and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
326
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.Import ant Saf et y Reminders
254
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Maintenance Minder
274
: Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This
requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000
km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (For A/T
only.)
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
1
1
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the center
column on page .
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy. Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
NOTE: 1:
273
Maintenance Minder
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Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Move the tires to the positions
shown in the illustration each time
they are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed in
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the chart each time they are rotated.
If you purchase directional tires,
rotate only front-to-back. Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.
T ire Rotation
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tires
306
Front
(For non-directional
tires and wheels) (For directional
tires and wheels)
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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 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 brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. You will see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ message in
the multi-information display. 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
). You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message in the multi-
inf ormation display when this
indicator comes on. If the ABS indicator comes on with
this indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your dealer
immediately.328
288 Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
326
U.S. Canada
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