tires Acura TSX 2006 Owner's Manual

This indicator has two f unctions:Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not f ully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires. If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ or
‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’
message in the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , ). For
more information, see page .
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will sound,
and you will also see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message in
the multi-information display (see
page ). This indicator comes on f or several
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your f ront airbags. This indicator will
also alert you to a potential problem
with your 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 also see a
‘‘CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM’’
message in the multi-inf ormation
display (see page ). For more
inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
78 8379
326
8234
Instrument Panel Indicators
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
63
U.S. Canada
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Some examples are:Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with non-
Acura components could seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and reliability.
Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Acura suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a non-
Acura suspension kit can af f ect
the handling and stability.
Non-Acura wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components. If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
saf ety systems could make the
systems inef f ective.
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
235
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Your vehicle has several convenient
storage areas:Glove box
Trunk, including the back seats
when f olded down
Center pocket
Console compartment
Roof -rack (if installed)
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can af f ect
your vehicle’s handling, stability,
stopping distance, and tires, and
make it unsaf e. Bef ore carrying any
type of cargo, be sure to read the
f ollowing pages. Door pockets
Carrying Cargo
236
GLOVE BOX
CENTER POCKET
DOOR POCKET
CONSOLE
COMPARTMENT
TRUNK
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Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ). Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that the trunk is f ully
closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
pages and ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel and the
messages in the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages and ).
Check the seat adjustment (see
pages and ).
3. 2. 1.
4.
5. 6.
7.
8.
9.
11.
10. 17
145 146
124 61 76
139
138
Preparing to Drive
240
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This switch is under the lef t vent.
Press it to turn the vehicle stability
assist system on and of f .
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
Deactivate the VSA system if you
need to drive with the compact spare
tire installed (see page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
307
312
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA Of f Switch VSA and Tire Sizes
256
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When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the left,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in f irst or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly. All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure. All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ). Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
258 259 304
bottom
Pre-T ow ChecklistBacking Up
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Towing a Trailer
Driving
261
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If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the multi-
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .264
....................
Maintenance Minder .266
....................
Maintenance Record .275
..............................
Fluid Locations .277
........................
Adding Engine Oil .278
.......
Recommended Engine Oil .278
..............................
Synthetic Oil .279
................
Engine Oil Additives .279
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter .280
....................
Windshield Washers .282
..............................
Engine Coolant .283
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 283
.......................
Transmission Fluid .285
Automatic .........................
Transmission .285
Manual .........................
Transmission .287
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 288
................................
Brake Fluid .288
...............................
Clutch Fluid .289
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 289
.............................................
Lights .291
.......................................
Seat Belts .299
.....................................
Floor Mats .299
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 300
.................................
Wiper Blades .301 ...............................................
Tires .303
..................
Inf lation Guidelines . 303
...
Recomended Tire Pressures . 304
..........................
Tire Inspection .305
.....................
Tire Maintenance .305
.............................
Tire Rotation .306
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 306
Wheel and Tire ........................
Specif ications .307
..........................
Winter Driving .307
.............................
Snow Tires .307
............................
Tire Chains .308
...................
Checking the Battery . 309
.............................
Vehicle Storage .310
353
Maintenance
Maint enance
263
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µµ
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U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See pages
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
Your authorized dealer knows your
vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all receipts
as proof of completion, and have the
person who does the work f ill out the
maintenance record. Check your
warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability. 232
232
285 286 288
303
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Important Maintenance
Precautions
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
273
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Î
Î
Ì Ì
Ì
Î
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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Keeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort.Underinf lated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehicleridemoreharshly,are
more prone to damage f rom road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
We recommend that you visually
check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
Check the air pressures when the
tires are cold. This means the
vehicle has been parked f or at least 3
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km). Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures on the next page. Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf /cm ) per
month. Remember to check the
sparetireatthesametime.
CONT INUED
Inf lation Guidelines
Tires
Maint enance
303
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
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