emergency towing Acura TSX 2009 Owner's Manual

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.
Make sure to set the parking brake
whenstartingoff onanincline.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, when driving down
hills, reduce your speed and use the
S mode. You can also use the paddle
shifters to change the gear position.
Select third, second or f irst gear
depending on the vehicle speeds and
road condition. When going down a
steep hill, use second gear to provide
greater engine braking. Shif t down
to f irst gear when driving up steep
hills.
Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the lef t. Turn
the wheel to the right to move the
trailer to the right.Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
481
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up Parking
Towing Your Vehicle
406
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .458
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .459
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .464
................................
Jump Starting .466
..............
If the Engine Overheats .468
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .470
..........
Charging System Indicator .470
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .471
.........................
Readiness Code .471
...............
Brake System Indicator .472
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
....................................
Manually .473
..............................................
Fuses .474
..............................
Fuse Locations .478
......................
Emergency Towing .481
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
457
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In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page .
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
121
375 474
481
T he Starter Operates Normally
Emergency
Towing
Starting the
Engine
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
465
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If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral
(manual) or Park (automatic), and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning indicators.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
The pointer of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
You will also see a ‘‘WATER TEMP
HOT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indicationmaybethetemperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
69
481
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
468
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to the engine.
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Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator.
7.
6. 8.
9.
10.
11.
481
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
469
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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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 (seeon page ).
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
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.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when this
indicator comes on.
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. 481
428 Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
472
U.S. Canada
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µµ
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle: If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to neutral.
With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the f ront tires and lif t them of f
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. Start the engine.
Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shif t lever through all its
positions.
Shif t to D position f or 5 seconds,
then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Manual transmission:
Automatic transmission:
CONT INUED
Flat -bed EquipmentWheel-lif t Equipment
T his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
481
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.
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Emergency Towing
482
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
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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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Supplemental Restraint..................................
System.9,23
......................................
Servicing .34
.........................
SRS Indicator .31,62
...................
System Components .23
SVC (Speed-sensitive ...
Volume Compensation) .182,235
..................................
Synthetic Oil .420
............
System Message Indicator .67
System Warning Messages,
..........
Multi-inf ormation Display .78
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected .457
Technical Descriptions
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .489
.....
Emissions Control Systems .495
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .497
.......................
Temperature Gauge .69
....................
Temperature, Outside .74
..............
Tether Anchorage Points .50
................
Thef t Protection, Radio .289
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter .497
.........
Tighten Fuel Cap Message .358 ..........................
Time, Setting the .290
....................................
Tire Chains .453
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .459
...................
Tire Inf ormation .489,491
.................................
Tire Labeling .491
Tire Pressure Monitoring
............
System (TPMS) .392,493
.............................
Check TPMS .395
Low Tire Pressure/
..............
TPMS Indicator .64,392
Required Federal ............................
Explanation .493
...............................................
Tires .447
......................
Air Pressure .448,488
........................................
Chains .453
.........................
Checking Wear .449
..........................
Compact Spare .458
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .489
......................................
Inf lation .447
..................................
Inspection .449
................
Pressure Monitor .76,393
...................................
Replacing .451
......................................
Rotating .451
................................
Service Lif e .449
...........................................
Snow .452
....................
Specif ications .448,452 ...................
Tools, Tire Changing .460
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .400
................
Emergency Wrecker .481
.....................
Weight Limit .400,401
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .425
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .427
..................
Fluid Selection .426,427
..............
Identif ication Number .485
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .379
..................
Shif ting the Manual .376
.....................................
Treadwear .449
................................
Trip Computer .74
.......................................
Trip Meter .73
..............................................
Trunk .130
..................
Emergency Opener .132
...............................
Main Switch .131
......................................
Opening .130
......................
Open Indicator .11,65
....................
Opening Manually .132
..................................
Turn Signals .111
CONT INUED
Index
INDEX
T
IX
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