warning Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Guide

Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items
Interior Convenience Items
126Controls
Interior Convenience Items
Glove Box
Pull the handle to open the glove box. You
can lock the glove box with the master key.
Glove Box
The glove box light comes on when the parking
lights are on.
WARNING
An open glove box can cause serious
injury to your passenger in a crash, even if
the passenger is wearing the seat belt.
Always keep the glove box closed while
driving.
Detachable shelf
The shelf in the glove box is detachable.
To remove it, disengage the tabs.
ShelfGlove Box
To L o c k

Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items
Interior Convenience Items
132Controls
Seat Heaters
If the ignition switch is in ON
II
. The HI
setting heats the seats faster than the LO
setting.
There is no heater in the passenger's seat-
back due to the side airbag cutoff system.
Seat Heaters
Do not use the seat heaters even in LO when the
engine is off. Under such conditions, the battery
may be weakened, making the engine difficult to
start.
In the LO setting, the heater runs continuously and
does not automatically turn off after a period of
time.
WARNING
Heat induced burns are possible when
using seat heaters.
Persons with a diminished ability to sense
temperature (e.g., persons with diabetes,
lower-limb nerve damage, or paralysis)
or with sensitive skin should not use seat
heaters.
While in HI, the heater cycles on and off. The appropriate indicator will be on while
the seat heater is on. Briefly press the
button on the opposite side to turn the
heater off. The indicator will be off.
When a comfortable temperature is
reached, select LO to keep the seat warm.

Before Driving
Maximum Load Limit
185
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed X X X kg or X X X lbs." on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from X X X
kg or X X X lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the "X X X" amount equals 1,400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
Maximum Load LimitGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GV WR):
The maximum allowable weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all
cargo, and the tongue load.
Specifications


P. 302, 304
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the
vehicle axle.
Specifications


P. 302, 304
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability and
cause a crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

187
Towing a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Towing Load Limits
Your vehicle can tow a tralier if you carefully observe the load limits, use the
proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before
driving.
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain. Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire t
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
To achieve a proper tongue load, start by t
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue Load
Towing Preparation

201
Continued
Driving
When Driving
Cruise Control
Cruise Control

Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at
a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Cruise Control
When the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY
I or
LOCK
0, cruise control automatically goes off.
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.
CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panelCruise control is ready to use.
OVehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~ Automatic transmission models OShift positions for cruise control:
In
D
or
S, in 2nd gear or higher
OPress the
CRUISE
button on
the steering wheel
How to use
WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can
lead to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.
When to use

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.

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

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.

Before Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
223
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a
given task.
Maintenance SafetyTo reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames t
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not t
gasoline.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or t
compressed air.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you. t
Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
Vehicle Safet yThe vehicle must be in a stationary condition. t
Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set,
and the engine is off.
Be aware that hot parts can burn you. t Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
Be aware that moving parts can injure you. t Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs
away from moving parts.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause
you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.

Maintenance Under the Hood
Engine Coolant
241
Maintenance
Radiator NOTICE Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not
spill any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
6-cylinder models 1. Remove the radiator cap cover. All models 2. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
3. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not press the cap down when turning.
4. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
5. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
6. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten
it fully.
7. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MA X mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
WARNING
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.
RadiatorRadiator Cap