Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Manual

Climate Control System Maintenance
270Maintenance
The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder
â„¢ messages will
let you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
Dust and Pollen Filter
Dust and Pollen Filter
Using an air freshener may reduce the deodorizing
effect of the dust and pollen filter, and may reduce
its life.
If the air flow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

271
Cleaning
Continued
Maintenance
Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove
dirt. Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Cleaning Seat Belts
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat
belts. Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a
clean cloth.
Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical
devices such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a
fire inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.
Depending on their composition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such
as benzene or gasoline.
After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe
them off using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.
Interior Care
Opening

Cleaning
Interior Care
272Maintenance
Maintaining Genuine Leather
*
Vacuum dirt and dust from the leather frequently. Pay close attention to the pleats
and seams. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a 90% water and
10% neutral soap solution. Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Remove any dust
or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they
are not, the floor mat can interfere with the front
passenger seat's weight sensors.
Floor Mats
The front floor mats hook over the floor
anchors, which keep the mats from sliding
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn
the anchor knobs to the unlock position.
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional floor mats on top
of the anchored mats.
* Not available on all models
Driver's floor mat is shown.To unlock

Cleaning
Exterior Care
273
Continued
Maintenance
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Washing the Vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
If driving on roads with road salt. t
If driving in coastal areas. t
If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces. t
Using an Automated Vehicle Wash
Fold in the door mirrors. Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the
automated vehicle wash.
Using High Pressure CleanersKeep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body. t
Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water t
to enter the vehicle interior. Do not spray water into the engine compartment.
Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents or
engine compartment. It can cause a malfunction.
Air Intake Vents
Exterior Care

Cleaning
Exterior Care
274Maintenance
Applying Wax
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth
and clean water.
Cleaning the Window
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners)
or a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
Applying Wax NOTICE Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe
up spills immediately. Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material
when you want to repair the painted surface of the
parts made of resin. Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
To o l s ..................................................... 276
Types of Tools .....................................276
If a Tire Goes Flat ................................ 277
Changing a Flat Tire ........................... 277
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine .......................... 283
Jump Starting ..................................... 284
Shift Lever Does Not Move ............... 287
Overheating ........................................ 288
How to Handle Overheating .............. 288Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 290
If the Charging System Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 290
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Comes On or Blinks .......................... 291
If the Brake System Indicator
Comes On ........................................ 292
If the EPS Indicator Comes On ........... 292
If the Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks .......................... 293Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................... 294
Inspecting and Changing Fuses .......... 297
Emergency Towing ............................. 298
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel
Fill Door ............................................. 299
When You Cannot Open the
Trunk .................................................. 300
275

To o l s
276Handling the Unexpected
Types of Tools
Using a Jack


P. 2 8 0
Types of Tools
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle
Jack Handle BarJack

277
If a Tire Goes Flat
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with the compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or
replaced.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground. Automatic transmission models 2. Put the shift lever in P
.
Manual transmission models 2. Put the shift lever in R
.
All models 3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK 0
.
Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep
the vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace
with a full size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle
are specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one
of the full-size rear tires and replace it with the
compact spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and
replace it will the full size tire that was removed
from the rear. Mount the tire chains on the front
tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
Changing a Flat Tire

If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
278Handling the Unexpected
2. Take the tool case out of the trunk. Take
the jack and wheel nut wrench out of the
tool case.
3. Unscrew the wing bolt, and remove the
spacer cone. Then, remove the spare tire. 1. Pull the handle on the trunk floor lid and
open the lid. Hook the handle to the edge
of the trunk opening.
Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire
4. Place a wheel block or rock in front and
rear of the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
The tire to be replaced.
Wheel
Blocks
Tool Case
Spare Tire

If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
279
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
6. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn
using the wheel nut wrench. 5. Place the compact spare tire (wheel side
up) under the vehicle body, near the tire
that needs to be replaced.