Brakes Acura TSX 2008 User Guide

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.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.
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.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’ When the ABS indicator comes on,
you will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
ABS Indicator
Driving
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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.
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.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
338
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Import ant Saf et y Reminders
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. A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
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If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
When the VSA system indicator
comes on, you will also see a
‘‘CHECK VSA SYSTEM’’ message
on the multi-information display.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink (see
page ).
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e, and turn of f the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surf aces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. You will also see
the VSA activation indicator blink.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety. 65
VSA A ctivation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
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If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
See your trailer dealer or rental
agency f or more inf ormation on
installing electric brakes.
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.
Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
Acura recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment,
depending on the size of your trailer,
how much load you are towing, and
where you tow. To ensure the best
quality, we recommend that you
purchase Acura equipment
whenever possible.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and f ollow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.
Also make sure that all equipment is
properly installed and maintained,
and that it meets f ederal, state,
province, and local regulations.
T owing Equipment and
A ccessories
Trailer Brakes
Hitches
Saf et y Chains
Towing a Trailer
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When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing: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 vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension,
cooling system, and lights are in
good operating condition.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the 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.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.
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 ).
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition. 270 315
271
bottom
Pre-T ow ChecklistBacking Up
Parking
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Towing a Trailer
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The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D .If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shif t down to second
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use D position when
towing a trailer on level roads. D is
the proper shif t lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain.
(See ‘‘ ’’ in the next
column f or additional gear
inf ormation.)
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.
3
3
Driving Saf ely With a T railerMaking T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Driving on Hills
T owing Speeds and Gears
Towing a Trailer
Driving
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µµµ
µ µ
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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 fill the fuel 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.
See page .
236 236
297 298 300
316 302
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
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Ì
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Maintenance Minder
289
:
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).
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.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page
.
NOTE: 1:
287
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
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 gearbox, 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
Symbol
Symbol
B A 1
2
3
4
51
1
Maintenance Minder
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CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .240
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) .128
............
Accessory Power Sockets .156
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .291
.....................
Adjusting the Sound .175
Adjust Outside Temperature ...................................
Display .73,96
........
Advice For Pregnant Women .17
.....................................
Airbag (SRS) .9
.....
Airbag, Additional Information .23
...
Additional Safety Precautions .35
.............................
Airbag Service .34
Check Airbag System ...................................
Message .83
How the Passenger Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .33
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .32
..
How the SRS Indicator Works .32
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work .26
...
How Your Side Airbags Work .30 How Your Side Curtain
..........................
Airbags Work .31
........................
SRS Components .23
............................
Air Conditioning .160
.........................................
Usage .162
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .315
......................................
Alignment .317
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .232
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .65,261
.......................................
Message .83
...................................
Operation .261
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .203
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .128
................................
Audio System .170
................
Automatic Lighting Off .122
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .21
..............
Automatic Transmission .252
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .350
...............
Checking Fluid Level .297
..............
Engine Speed Limiter .251
....
Sequential SportShif t Mode .254
.......................................
Shif ting .252
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .252
................
Shif t Lever Positions .252 ....................
Shif t Lock Release .257
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .184
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .62,336
.......................................
Message .84
............................
Jump Starting .331
..............................
Maintenance .320
............................
Specif ications .351
..............................
Bef ore Driving .231
..........................................
Belts, Seat .8
.........................
Beverage Holders .156
.....
Bluetooth
Hands Free Link.213
..................................
Booster Seats .52
Index
A
B
INDEX
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Brakes...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .261
.............
Break-in, New Linings .232
....................
Bulb Replacement .306
....
Check ABS System Message .83
.
Check Brake System Message .84
...........................................
Fluid .300
....................
Fluid Low Message .79
.......................................
Parking .151
.................
System Indicator .63,338
.........................
System Message .84
........................
Wear Indicators .260
.........
Braking Fluid Low Message .79
.............................
Braking System .260
.................
Brake-in, New Vehicle .232
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .123
......................
Brights, Headlights .122
Bulb Replacement ..............................
Brake Lights .306
.................................
Fog Lights .308
................
Front Parking Lights .305
.................................
Headlights .302
.........
High-mount Brake Light .308
....................
Rear License Plate .308
............................
Specif ications .351.............
Turn Signal Light .304,306
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .302
............................
Capacities Chart .350
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .55
.............................
Carrying Cargo .242
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
.........................................
CD Care .194
...................................
CD Changer .185
.....................
CD Error Messages .193
...............................
Center Pocket .155
........................
Certif ication Label .348
............................................
Chains .319
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .325
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .293
......................................
When to .280
...
Charging System Indicator .62,336
.......................................
Message .84
........
Check ABS System Message .83
....
Check Airbag System Message .83
.....
Check Brake System Message .84
Check Charging System
.......................................
Message .84 .......
Check DRL System Message .85
Check Emission System
.......................................
Message .84
Check Engine Oil Level .......................................
Message .82
Check Tire Pressure ...............................
Message .81,265
Check TPMS System ...............................
Message .80,267
......
Check Transmission Message .83
........
Check VSA System Message .82
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .248
.....................................
Child Saf ety .36
..............................
Booster Seats .52
...................................
Child Seats .44
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders .36
..........................................
Inf ants .41
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .48
..........................
Larger Children .51
.........................................
LATCH .46
.........................
Risk with Airbag .37
.............................
Small Children .42
.........................................
Tethers .49
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? .37
................
Childproof Door Locks .130
Index
C
II
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