automatic transmission Acura TSX 2012 User Guide

191
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(N
. Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
uThe clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If exhaust sounds abnormal or you can smell exhaust
gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle checked by a
dealer. There may be a problem with the engine or
exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
192Driving
3.Turn the ignition switch to START
(e

without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1.Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the brake system indicator has gone off.
2Parking Brake P. 210
2.Put the shift lever in
(D
. Select
(R
when reversing.
3.Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
1Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
(e
for more than 15
seconds.
•If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.•If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine’s fuel system is disabled.
2Immobilizer System P. 98
■
Starting to Drive
Automatic transmission models

194
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic TransmissionThe following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase
creeping:
•Immediately after the engine starts.
•When the climate control system is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.■
Creeping
■
Kickdown

195
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Continued
Driving
ShiftingChange the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.■
Shift lever positionsAutomatic transmission models
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in
(P
.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N
while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for:●Normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 5th automatically)●Temporarily driving in the sequential
mode
Drive (S)
Used for:●Automatically changing gears
between 1st and 4th (4th gear is used
only at high speed)●Driving in the sequential mode

197
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Continued
Driving
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 5th gears without removing your
hands from the steering wheel. The transmission will switch to the sequential shift
mode.■
When the shift lever is in
(D
:
The vehicle will go into the sequential shift mode momentarily, and the gear position
indicator will come on.
Once you start traveling at a constant speed, the sequential shift mode will
automatically switch off, and the gear position indicator will go off.
Hold the
(+
paddle shifter for two seconds to return to normal drive.
■
When the shift lever is in
(S
:
The vehicle will go into the sequential shift mode, and the
(M
(sequential shift)
indicator and gear position indicator will come on. At speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or
less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st gear. It will not automatically shift
up, even if vehicle speed increases.
You can only pull away in 1st or 2nd gear.
When switching out of the sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from
(S
to
(D
. When the sequential shift mode is canceled, the sequential shift mode indicator
and shift indicator go off.
■
Sequential Shift Mode

201
uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control
Continued
Driving
Cruise ControlMaintains 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.
1Cruise Control
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
3
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.
■
Shift positions for cruise control:
In
(D
or
(S
, in 2nd gear or
higher When to use
Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.
Automatic transmission models■
Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~
How to use
CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.
■
Press the
CRUISE
button on
the steering wheel.

210Driving
BrakingBrake SystemUse the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply:
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To release:
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
1Parking Brake
NOTICERelease 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:
Put the shift lever in
(P
, then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Put the shift lever in
(R
or
(1
, then use a block or
other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

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.Parking1.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.
1Parking 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.1When Stopped
NOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P
before the vehicle
stops completely.
Automatic transmission models
1Parking
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.
Automatic transmission models

222Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 242
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 244
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 257
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 227
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual.
2Authorized Manuals P. 315
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

229
Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood4-cylinder models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Radiator Cap Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap) Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Manual transmission modelsEngine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Automatic transmission models