maintenance Acura TSX 2008 Owner's Guide

Every time you check inf lation, you
should also examine the tires f or
damage, f oreign objects, and wear.
Youshouldlookfor:Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
youfindeitherof theseconditions.
A tire this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see three
or more tread wear indicators.
Excessive tread wear.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see f abric or cord. Your tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down, you will see a 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread lef t on
the tire. The service lif e of your tires is
dependent on many f actors,
including, but not limited to, driving
habits, road conditions, vehicle
loading, inf lation pressure,
maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even
when the tires are not in use).
In addition to your regular
inspections and inf lation pressure
maintenance, it is recommended that
you have annual inspections
perf ormed once the tires reach f ive
years old. It is also recommended
that all tires, including the spare, be
removed from service after 10 years
from the date of manufacture,
regardless of their condition or state
of wear.
The last four digits of the TIN (tire
identif ication number) are f ound on
the sidewall of the tire and indicate
the date of manufacture (See
on page ).355
Tire Inspection
Tire Service Lif e
Tire
Labeling
Tires
316
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
\f—\f—
y
\fy
(\fy\f
y
2008 TSX

CONT INUED
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).
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.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back.
When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.
In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.
Tires
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tire Rotation
T ire Maintenance
Maint enance
317
Front
(For non-directional
tires and wheels) (For directional
tires and wheels)
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only genuine Acura wheels weights f or
balancing.
\f—\f—
y
y
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX

µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
320
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
\f—\f—
y
\fy
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX

µ
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inf lated to
the inf lation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manuf acturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inf lation
pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a
dif f erent size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire
inf lation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inf lation
pressure f or those tires.)Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure.Driving on a signif icantly under-
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inf lation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale
when one or more of your tires is
signif icantly under-inf lated.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Required Federal Explanation
Technical Inf ormation
357
\f—\f—
y

y
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX

T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
(U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
369
Publication
Form Number 61SEA04
61SEA04EL
61SEA30
31SEA640
31SEA810
31SEAM10 31SEAQ40 ACU-R Form Description
2008 Acura TSX Service Manual 2004-2008 Acura TSX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2004-2008 Acura TSX Body Repair Manual 2008 Acura TSX Owner’s Manual2008 Acura TSX NavigationSystem Owner’s Manual
2008 Acura TSX Maintenance Journal 2008 Acura TSX Quick Start GuideOrder Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
www. helminc. com
\f—\f—
y
\f
y
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX

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
I
\f—\f—
y


y
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX

CONT INUED
Locks.....
Anti-thef t Steering Column .128
........................
Childproof Door .130
............................
Fuel Fill Door .233
..................................
Glove Box .158
..................
Lockout Prevention .130
...............................
Power Door .129
.........................................
Trunk .135
........................
Low Coolant Level .236
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .66
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a .250
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .62,335
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart .350
..........................
Luggage, Storing .242
..................................
Maintenance .277
...
Owner Maintenance Checks .288
................................
Main Items .289
.....................................
Messages .74
........................................
Minder .280
..........................................
Saf ety .278
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .62,336
...................
Manual Transmission .250
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .299 ...........
Memory, Driving Position .143
.................
Memory Position Link .104
..........................
Messages, System .75
...............................
Meters, Gauges .68
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .146
.................................
Modif ications .241
.......................................
Moonroof .150
......................
Closing Manually .339
...................................
Operation .150
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display .69
............................
Change Setting .92
...................
Customized Settings .86
....................................
Def ault All .90
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline .232
.........................................
Odometer .70Oil
........................
Change, How to .293
......................
Change, When to .280
......................
Checking Engine .236
................
Level Check Message .82
.................................
Life Display .73
..............
Pressure Indicator .62,335
......................
Pressure Message .82
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .292
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) .128
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
....................................
Recovery .359
............................
Outside Mirrors .146
.....................
Outside Temperature .73
....................
Overheating, Engine .333
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks .288
...................
Neutral Gear Position .253
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .232
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds .250
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .348 ............
Panel Brightness Control .123
........................
Park Gear Position .253
...............................
Parking Brake .151
Index
INDEX
M N
OP
VII
——
y
y
(yy
2008 TSX

CONT INUED
.....................................
Seat Belts .8,19
...............
Additional Information .19
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................
Tensioners .21
.....................................
Cleaning .310
.........
Fasten Seat Belt Message .78
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .20
................................
Maintenance .22
Reminder Indicator and ................................
Beeper .19,62
...................
System Components .19
...............
Use During Pregnancy .17
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt .20
..................................
Seat Heaters .137
..................
Seat Position Memory .143
......................
Seats, Adjusting the .138
............................
Security System .205
.......................................
Indicator .67
.................
Security Relock Timer .115
.....................
Selecting a Child Seat .44
.......................
Select/Reset Button .72
...............................
Serial Number .348
.............................
Service Manual .369
...........
Service Station Procedure .233
..........................
Setting the Clock .204
........
Sequential SportShif t Mode .254 .....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .252
........................
Shif t Lock Release .257
................................
Side Airbags .9,30
...
How Your Side Airbags Work .30
How the Side Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works .32
..................
Side Curtain Airbags .9,31
How Your Side Curtain ..........................
Airbags Work .31
Side Marker Lights, Bulb .................
Replacement in .305,306
.............................
Signaling Turns .121
.....................................
Snow Tires .319
...........
Sockets, Accessory Power .156
................................
Sound System .175
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .324
............................
Specif ications .352
....................
Specif ications Charts .350
........................
Speed Limiter .251,257
...................................
Speedometer .68
.......................................
Spotlights .153
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation .23
...
Additional Safety Precautions .35
.............................
Airbag Service .34
How the Passenger Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .33
..
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
..................................
SRS Service .34
.............................
SRS Indicator .32,63
.......................................
Message .83
..
START (Ignition Key Position) .128
.......................
Starting the Engine .249
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .249
................
With a Dead Battery .331
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine .333
Steering Wheel
................................
Adjustment .125
...........
Anti-thef t Column Lock .128
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .321
........................................
Sun Visor .152
........................
Sunglasses Holder .158
Index
INDEX
IX
\f—\f—
y
\fy
(\fy\fy
2008 TSX