warning Acura TSX 2011 Service Manual

259
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Maintenance
Checking TiresTo safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the
specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazard,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any t
cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. t
Uneven tread wear. Have your dealer check the wheel alignment. t
Excessive tread wear. t
Wear Indicators

P. 2 6 4
Cracks or other damage around valve stem. t
WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance. Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
If necessary, add or release air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as mush
as 4 – 6 psi (30 – 40 kPa, 0.3– 0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher
than if checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly
balanced.

Checking and Maintaining Tires
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
263
Maintenance
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Trac tionWarning: The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics. TemperatureWarning: The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

Checking and Maintaining Tires
Tire and Wheel Replacement
265
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS and VSA
® (vehicle stability assist)
system to work incorrectly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS specified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle
can affect handling and stability. This can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires
recommended in this owner’s manual.

Checking and Maintaining Tires
Winter Tires
267
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked ”M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the
law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires. t
Mount the tires to all four wheels. t
For tire chains:
Install them on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire t
clearance, Acura strongly recommends using the chains listed below:
4-cylinder models Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1034 6-cylinder models Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1038 Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as t
tightly as you can.
Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension. t
Drive slowly. t
Winter Tires NOTICE Traction devices that are the wrong size or
improperly installed can damage your vehicle's
brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can
be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.

Battery
268Maintenance
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look
at the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
The audio system is disabled. t
Entering the audio security code

P.14 0
The clock resets. t
Setting the Clock

P. 8 8
The navigation system is disabled. A PIN code will be required. t
Refer to the navigation system manual

Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical
system. Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first, and reconnect it last.
BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry
the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery
to explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a face
shield, or have a skilled technician do any
battery maintenance.
Test Indicator Window

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
280Handling the Unexpected
WARNING
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack,
seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire
exactly, and never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the jack.
How to Set Up the Jack
How to Set Up the Jack
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the
vehicle.
Use the jack provided in your vehicle.
Other jacks may not support the weight
("load") or
their shape may not match.
The following instructions must be followed to use
the jack safely.
Do not use while the engine is running. tUse only where the ground is firm and level. tUse only at the jacking points. tDo not get in the vehicle while using the jack. tDo not put anything on top of or underneath the tjack.
1. Place the jack under the jacking point
closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket (as shown in the
image) clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point.
Make sure that the jacking point tab is
resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the extension bar
and the jack handle, until the tire is off the
ground.
Extension Bar
Wheel Nut
Wrench as Jack
Handle

If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
282Handling the Unexpected
WARNING
Loose items can fly around the interior
in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely
before driving.
Storing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the center cap and place the flat
tire face down in the spare tire well.
2. Remove the spacer cone from the wing
bolt, flip it over, and insert it back on the
bolt. Secure the flat tire with the wing
bolt.
3. Securely put the jack and wheel nut
wrench back in the tool case. Store the
case in the trunk.
Storing the Flat Tire
TPMS and the Spare Tire
If you replace a flat tire with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/ TPMS indicator
comes on while you are driving. After driving for a few miles (kilometers), the
indicator will start blinking for a short time and then stay on. "CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM" appears on the multi-information display, but this is normal.
If you replace the tire with a specified regular tire, the warning message on the
multi-information display and the TPMS indicator will go off after a few miles
(kilometers).
TPMS and the Spare Tire
The system cannot monitor the pressure of the
spare tire. Manually check the spare tire pressure to
be sure that it is correct.
Use TPMS specific wheels. Each is equipped with a
tire pressure sensor mounted inside the tire behind
the valve stem.
Wing
Bolt
For
normal
tire For
compact
spare tire Spacer
Cone

Jump Starting
284Handling the Unexpected
Jump Starting Procedure
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the
engine, then open the hood.
Jump Starting
6-cylinder models 1. Slide out the battery terminal cover. All models 2. Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle's battery
terminal.
3. Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle's
terminal.
Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the
assisting vehicle's
terminal.
WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow
the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking
materials away from the battery.Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models Booster Battery
Cover

Overheating
288Handling the Unexpected
How to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
The temperature gauge needle is at the tH
mark or the engine suddenly loses
power.
Steam is coming out of the engine compartment. t
First thing to do
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Automatic transmission models
Move the shift lever to P
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
Manual transmission models
Move the shift lever to N
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. No steam coming out: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
Steam coming out: Turn off the engine and wait until steam goes away.
Then, open the hood.
How to Handle Overheating NOTICE Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge
needle at the
H
mark may damage the engine.WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood or engine
compartment if steam is coming out.