engin Acura TSX 2009 Owners Manual

Î
ÎThe burning of gasoline in your
vehicle’s engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating f rom the tank
also produces hydrocarbons. Con-
trolling the production of NOx, CO,
and HC is important to the environ-
ment. Under certain conditions of
sunlight and climate, NOx and HC
react to f orm photochemical ‘‘smog.’’
Carbon monoxide does not contri-
bute to smog creation, but it is a
poisonous gas. The United States Clean Air Act
sets standards f or automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
workandwhattodotomaintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Your vehicle has a positive
crankcase ventilation system. This
keeps gasses that build up in the
engine’s crankcase f rom going into
the atmosphere. The positive
crankcase ventilation valve routes
them from the crankcase back to theintake manif old. They are then
drawn into the engine and burned.
As gasoline evaporates in the f uel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister f illed with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is of f . Af ter
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
The onboard ref ueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the f uel vapors during ref ueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
f illed with activated carbon. While
driving, the f uel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned of f .
In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specif ied in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manuf actured.
The Clean Air Act
Crankcase Emissions Control
System Evaporative Emissions Control
System
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
Recovery
Emissions Cont rols
Technical Inf ormation
495
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2009 TSX

The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more informa-
tion.
The emissions control systems are
designed and certif ied to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent f or repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions f rom your vehicle.
The exhaust emissions controls
include three systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, and three
way catalytic converter. These three
systems work together to control the
engine’s combustion and minimize
the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate f rom the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
The three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO ), nitrogen
(N ), and water vapor.
This system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.
The PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport f uel injection. It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and f uel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM) in
automatic transmission vehicles or
the engine control module (ECM) in
manual transmission vehicles uses
various sensors to determine how
much air is going into the engine. It
then controls how much f uel to inject
under all operating conditions.
2
2
Exhaust Emissions Controls Replacement Parts
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Ignit ion T iming Cont rol Syst em
PGM-FI System
Emissions Cont rols
496
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Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter inef f ective.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on f ire any
combustible materials that come
near it. Park your vehicle away from
high grass, dry leaves, or other
f lammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine’s per-
f ormance. Follow these guidelines to
protect your vehicle’s three way
catalytic converter.
The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without af f ecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is ref erred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Acura part
or its equivalent.
Keep the engine well maintained.
Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misf iring, back-
f iring, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Technical Inf ormation
497
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
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Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, f ull (around
3/4).Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine, and let it
idle f or 20 seconds.
If you take your vehicle f or an
emissions test shortly af ter the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not pass the test.
This is because of certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that must be set in the on-
board diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. These codes are erased
when the battery is disconnected,
and set again only after several days
of driving under a variety of
conditions. If the testing f acility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle retested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle f or retesting by
doing the f ollowing.
Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine of f f or 6
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 40° and
95°F (4° and 35°C). Keep the vehicle in Park
(automatic) or neutral (manual).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000
rpm,andholditthereuntilthe
temperature gauge rises to at least
1/4of thescale(about3minutes).
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, let the engine idle f or 20
seconds.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
T esting of Readiness Codes
Emissions T esting
498
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2009 TSX

Then drive in city/suburban
traffic for at least 10 minutes.
When traf f ic conditions allow, let
the vehicle coast f or several
seconds without using the
accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
If the testing f acility determines the
readiness codes are still not set, see
your dealer. Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine of f f or 30
minutes.
Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80to97km/h)foratleast20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D (automatic) or 5th (manual). Do
notusethecruisecontrol.When
traffic allows, drive for 90 seconds
without moving the accelerator
pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary
slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot
do this f or a continuous 90
seconds because of traf f ic
conditions, drive f or at least 30
seconds, then repeat it two more
times (for a total of 90 seconds).
7. 8.
9.
Emissions T esting
Technical Inf ormation
499
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2009 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
505
Form Description
2009 Acura TSX Service Manual 2009 Acura TSX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2009 Acura TSX Body Repair Manual 2009 Acura TSX Owner’s Manual 2009 Acura TSX NavigationSystem Owner’s Manual
2009 Acura TSX Maintenance Journal 2009 Acura TSX Quick Start GuideOrder Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61TL200
61TL100EL
61TL230
31TL1600
31TL1800
31TL1M00 31TL1Q00 ACU-R
www. helminc. com
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2009 TSX

CONT INUED
........................................
AAC .210,271
....................................
Accessories .365
ACCESSORY
............
(Ignition Key Position) .122
............
Accessory Power Sockets .156
................
Active Head Restraints .137
..................
AcuraLink (U.S. only) .337
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .420
...........................
Advanced Airbags .27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,23
..........
Airbag System Components .23
..............
Air Conditioning System .166
.........................................
Usage .167
...............
Air Pressure, Tires .448,488
......................................
Antif reeze .423
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .62,390
...................................
Operation .390
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .289
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .122
................................
Audio System .174
Auto Door Locking/
..........................
Unlocking .100,106 ...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .21
.............
Automatic Speed Control .299
..............
Automatic Transmission .379
..........................
Capacity,Fluid.486
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .383
.......................................
Shif ting .379
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators .379
................
Shif t Lever Positions .380
....................
Shif t Lock Release .381
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .288
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .61,470
............................
Jump Starting .466
..............................
Maintenance .454
............................
Specif ications .487
..............................
Bef ore Driving .355
....................................
Belts,Seat.8,19
.........................
Beverage Holders .155
..................
Bluetooth
Audio .217,279
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.307
..................................
Booster Seats .52 Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .390
.............
Break-in, New Linings .356
....................
Bulb Replacement .436
...........................................
Fluid .428
.......................................
Parking .153
.................
System Indicator .61,472
........................
Wear Indicators .389
.............................
Braking System .389
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .356
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .115
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .437
..............................
Brake Lights .436
.................................
Fog Lights .440
................
Front Parking Lights .435
.................................
Headlights .430
.........
High-mount Brake Light .439
........................
Rear Lights .436,437
............................
Specif ications .487
............
Turn Signal Lights .434,436
......................
Bulbs, Halogen .430,440
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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............................
Capacities Chart .486
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .55
.............................
Carrying Cargo .367
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
.........................................
CD Care .256
...................................
CD Changer .244
.......................................
CD Player .189
........................
Certif ication Label .484
..................................
Ceiling Light .161
............................................
Chains .453
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .459
Changing Oil
........................................
How to .421
......................................
When to .409
...
Charging System Indicator .61,470
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .374
.....................................
Child Saf ety .36
..............................
Booster Seats .52
.............................
Child Seats .43,44
Important Saf ety
..........................
Reminders .36-54
..........................................
Inf ants .41
..........................
Larger Children .51
.........................................
LATCH .46 ......................
Risks with Airbags .37
.............................
Small Children .42
..........................................
Tether .50
...........................
Warning Labels .56
..........
Where Should a Child Sit .37
.......................................
Child Seats .36
.........................................
LATCH .46
..........
Tether Anchorage Points .50
................
Childproof Door Locks .125
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .442
..........
Client Service Inf ormation .502
...............
Climate Control System .166
..............................................
Clock .290
...................................
Clutch Fluid .429
..................
CO in the Exhaust .55,495
............
Cold Weather, Starting in .375
..............................
Compact Spare .458
.........................................
Compass .295
.................
Console Compartment .156
.................
Consumer Inf ormation .502
.............
Controls, Instruments and .57
Coolant
........................................
Adding .423
....................................
Checking .361
.........................
Proper Solution .423
...................
Temperature Gauge .69 ............................
Courtesy Lights .162
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .495
................
Cruise Control Indicator .66
............
Cruise Control Operation .299
.............
Customer Service Of f ice .502
.......................
Customized Settings .81
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,58
..............
Daytime Running Lights .114
.................................
Dead Battery .466
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .504
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .117
..............
Def rosting the Windows .170
....................................
Dimensions .486
.............
Dimming the Headlights .111
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .425
..................................
Engine Oil .361
........................
Directional Signals .111
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .389
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .422
Index
D
C
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CONT INUED
Doors................
Auto Door Lock .100,124
............
Auto Door Unlock .106,124
............
Childproof Door Locks .125
............
Locking and Unlocking .124
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .489
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission .376
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .373
....................................
Economy .362
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .142
..........
Dual Temperature Control .171
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .443 ...................................
Fan, Interior .169
.........................................
Features .165
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .357
Filters
........................
Dust and Pollen .443
...............................................
Oil .421
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning .117
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .459
.....................................
Floor Mats .442
..............................
Economy, Fuel .362
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
.......................................
Indicator .65
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ........................................
System .398
..................................
Emergencies .457
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .466
...........
Brake System Indicator .472 ................
Changing a Flat Tire .459
.....
Charging System Indicator .470
..................
Checking the Fuses .474
Fuel Fill Door, Opening
................................
Manually .473
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers .117
............................
Jump Starting .466
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .470
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .471
..................
Overheated Engine .468
.......................................
Towing .481
.........................
Emergency Brake .153
....................
Emergency Flashers .117
......................
Emergency Towing .481
.......................
Emissions Controls .495
........................
Emissions Testing .498
Engine
............
Adding Engine Coolant .423
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .69
.........................
If It Won’t Start .464
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .471
.........................
Oil Lif e Display .409
..............
Oil Pressure Indicator .470
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .419
...............................
Overheating .468
............................
Specif ications .487 ....................
Speed Limiter .377,381
.......................................
Starting .375
..........
Engine Speed Limiter .377,381
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .357
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .495
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .55
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .17
Index
INDEX
E F
III
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Fluids..........
Automatic Transmission .425
..........................................
Brake .428
.........................................
Clutch .429
..............
Manual Transmission .427
..................
Windshield Washer .110
.....................................
Fog Lights .115
........................
Folding Rear Seats .138
........................
Four-way Flashers .117
..............................
Front Airbags .9,25
.................................................
Fuel .356
......................
Fill Door and Cap .357
...........................................
Gauge .68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
................
Octane Requirement .356
...............................
Oxygenated .357
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .357
.....
Tighten Fuel Cap Message .358
...............................
Fuel Economy .362
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .474
......
Gas Mileage, Improving .362,363
.........................................
Gasoline .356
...........................................
Gauge .68 .....................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
................
Octane Requirement .356
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .357
................
Gas Station Procedures .357
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .69
...............................................
Fuel .68
Gearshif t Lever Positions
..........
Automatic Transmission .379
..............
Manual Transmission .376
......................................
Glove Box .157
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.............................
(GVWR) .369,401
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .430
...........................
HandsFreeLink
.307
............
Hazard Warning Flashers .117
.....................................
Headlights .111
........................................
Aiming .430
............
Automatic Lighting Off .113
............
Automatic Lighting On .112
.........
Daytime Running Lights .114
..................
High Beam Indicator .66
....................
Lights On Indicator .66 .......................
Reminder Chime .111
Replacing Halogen
..............................
Bulbs .430,440
.................................
Turning on .111
......................
Head Restraints .14,135
.............................
Heated Mirrors .146
.................................
Heaters, Seat .141
HomeLink
Universal
................................
Transceiver .302
........
Hood, Opening and Closing .359
...........................................
Horn.4,109
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch .429
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle .484
Ignition
............................................
Keys .119
.........................................
Switch .122
............
Timing Control System .496
......................
Immobilizer System .121
.........
Important Safety Precautions .6
Index
G H
I
IV
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