Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Manual

Braking
210Driving
Brake System
Parking Brake
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To a p p l y :
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To r e l e a s e :
1. Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
the release button.
2. Lower the lever down all the way, then
release the button.
Parking Brake NOTICE Release the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.If you start driving without fully releasing the
parking brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and
"RELEASE PARKING BRAKE" appears on the multi-
information display.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
To prevent the parking brake from freezing when
the outside temperature is extremely cold, do not
apply it, but do the following: Automatic transmission models Put the shift lever in
P, then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Manual transmission models Put the shift lever in
R or
1, then use a block or
other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.

Braking
Brake System
211
Driving
Foot Brake
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps
reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking
very hard.
Brake Assist System

P. 2 13
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)


P. 2 12
Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound
when applying the brakes, the brake pads need to
be replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down
a long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to
a lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

Braking
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
212Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) NOTICE The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it
takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering
control during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without ABS:
When driving on rough road surfaces, including twhen driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel
or snow.
When tire chains are installed. tYou may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate
immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.

Braking
Brake Assist System
213
Driving
Brake Assist System
Brake Assist System
Designed to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.
Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.

214Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1. Always use the parking brake when you park your vehicle.
2. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly, or your vehicle may roll if parked on
an incline.
When Stopped Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire. NOTICE The following can damage the transmission:
Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals tsimultaneously.
Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by tdepressing the accelerator pedal.
Moving the shift lever into t
P before the vehicle
stops completely.
Parking
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected. Automatic transmission models
Parking Automatic transmission models 1. Depress the brake pedal firmly with the shift lever in D
.
2. Apply the parking brake while holding the brake pedal down.
3. Move the shift lever to P
.
4. Turn off the engine.

215
Refueling
Driving
Fuel Information
Fuel recommendation

Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
4-cylinder models Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of a gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage. 6-cylinder models Your vehicle is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 91 or higher.
If this octane grade is unavailable, regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane
of 87 or higher may be used temporally.
The use of regular unleaded gasoline can cause metallic knocking noises in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead to engine damage.
Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market,
Honda endorses the use of "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" where available to
help maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today's advanced engines.
Fuel Information NOTICE We recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system
and engine deposits. In addition, in order to
maintain good performance, fuel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly recommend, the
use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful
manganese-based fuel additives such as MMT, if
such gasoline is available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come
on. If this happens, contact your dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates
such as ethanol or MTBE. Your vehicle is designed
to operate on oxygenated gasoline containing up
to 10% ethanol by volume. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol. If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another service station or
switch to another brand of gasoline.

Refueling
How to Refuel
216Driving
How to Refuel
1. Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the
rear.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Unlock the driver's door using the master
door lock switch.
The fuel fill door on the outer side of
the vehicle will unlock.
How to Refuel
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and
explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, t
and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors. t
Wipe up spills immediately. t
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having
met "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" standards at the retail location. This fuel
is guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of
metallic additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful
metallic additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and
emission control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information
on gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit My Acura at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 US gal (70 liters)
To L o c k
To UnlockMaster Door Lock Switch

Refueling
How to Refuel
217
Driving
How to RefuelUse the master door lock switch to unlock the fuel
fill door.
The vehicle doors and fuel fill door automatically
relock if the remote unlock function is used. This
can be deactivated by briefly opening then closing
the driver's door. NOTICE The fuel fill door and its latching mechanism can be
permanently damaged if the fuel fill door is forced
closed when the driver's door is locked.
The filler nozzle automatically stops to leave space
in the fuel tank so that fuel does not overflow as a
result of changes in air temperature.
If the fuel nozzle keeps turning off when the tank
is not full, there may be a problem with the pump's
fuel vapor recovery system. Try filling at another
pump. If this does not fix the problem, consult a
dealer.
Do not continue to add fuel after the nozzle has
automatically stopped. Additional fuel can exceed
the full tank capacity.
6. Place the fuel fill cap in the holder.
7. Insert the filler nozzle fully.
When the tank is full, the fuel nozzle will
click off automatically. This leaves space
in the fuel tank in case the fuel expands
with a change in the temperature.
8. After filling, replace the fuel fill cap,
tightening it until you hear it click at least
once. Shut the fuel fill door by hand.
4. Press the area indicated by the arrow to
release the fuel fill door. You will hear a
click
5. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. If you hear
a release of air, wait until this stops, then
turn the knob slowly to open the fuel fill
cap.
Fuel Fill Door
Press
Cap
Holder
Cap

Fuel Economy
218Driving
Improving Fuel EconomyFuel economy depends on several conditions, including driving conditions, your
driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and loading. Depending on these
and other conditions, you may or may not achieve the rated fuel economy of this
vehicle.
Improving Fuel Economy
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please
visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/Miles driven
Gallons of
fuel
Miles per
Gallon
100
Liter
Kilometers
L per 100 km
Maintenance and Fuel Economy
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
multi-information display.
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal. t
Maintain the specified tire pressure. t
Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo. t
Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle's underside t
adds weight and increases wind resistance.

219
Accessories and Modifications
Driving
AccessoriesWhen installing accessories, check the following:
Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and t
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows. t
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with t
proper operation of your vehicle.
Fuse

P. 2 9 4
Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for t
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.
ModificationsDo not modify your vehicle or use non-Acura components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment
is properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
Accessories and Modifications
Acura Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability,
and performance, and cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.