service Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Guide

286
uuJump Startingu
Handling the Unexpected
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order.
1.Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2.Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s battery
- terminal.
3.Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s battery + terminal.
4.Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s battery
+ terminal.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.6-cylinder models■
What to Do After the Engine Starts

299
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■
Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■
Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

303
Information
This chapter includes your vehicle’s specifications, locations of identification numbers, and other
information required by regulation.
Specifications.................................... 304
Identification Numbers
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).. 308
Engine Number and Transmission
Number ...................................... 308
Devices that Emit Radio Waves....... 309
Reporting Safety Defects................. 310
Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes.............. 311
Warranty Coverages........................ 313
Authorized Manuals......................... 315
Client Service Information............... 316

315
Information
Authorized Manuals■
For U.S. Owners:
The publications listed below can be purchased from Helm Incorporated. You can
order a manual by phone at (800) 782-4356 (credit card orders only), or online at
www.helminc.com.
Make an inquiry to Helm Inc. at (800) 782-4356 if you are interested in ordering
other models’ or other years’ manuals.Publication
Form Number
Form Description
61TL203
2011-2012 Acura TSX L4 Sedan/Sport Wagon Service Manual
61TP102
2012 Acura TSX V6 Service Manual
61TL203EL
2011-2012 Acura TSX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61TP102EL
2012 Acura TSX V6
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61TL231
2009-2012 Acura TSX Body Repair Manual
31TL1630
2012 Acura TSX Owner’s Manual
31TL1830
2012 Acura TSX
Navigation System Owner’s Manual
31TL1M30
2012 Acura TSX Maintenance Journal
31TL1Q30 2012 Acura TSX Advanced Technology Guide
ACU-R
Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
1Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures
for repair to engine and chassis components. It is
written for the journeyman technician, but it is simple
enough for most mechanically inclined owners to
understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-
depth troubleshooting information for each electrical
circuit in your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
For Canadian Owners:
Si vous avez besoin d’un Manuel du propriétaire en
français, veuillez demander à votre concessionnaire
de commander le numéro de pièce 33TL1C30

316Information
Client Service InformationAcura dealer personnel are trained professionals.
They should be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that
your dealership does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the
dealership’s service manager or general manager. If you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership’s management, contact Acura Client Relations.
U.S. Owners:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Relations
Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 382-2238Canadian Owners:
Honda Canada Inc.
Acura Client Services
180 Honda Boulevard
Markham, ON
L6C 0H9
Tel: 1-888-9-ACURA-9
Fax: 1-877-939-0909
E-Mail: [email protected]
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands:
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 620-7546
1Client Service Information
When you call or write, please give us the following
information:•Vehicle Identification Number
2Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
P. 308•Date of purchase•Odometer reading of your vehicle•Your name, address, and telephone number•A detailed description of the problem•Name of the dealer who sold the vehicle to you

318Index
Foot Brake ............................................... 211
Indicator ............................................ 64, 292
Parking Brake .......................................... 210
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 109
Bulb Replacement..................................... 247
Back-Up Lights......................................... 254
Brake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal
Light and Rear Side Marker Lights .......... 253
Fog Lights ................................................ 251
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 252
Headlights ............................................... 247
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 256
Rear License Plate Light............................ 255
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Lights..................................................... 253
Bulb Specifications............................ 304, 306
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 60
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 130
Carrying Cargo.................................. 183, 185
CD Player................................................... 147
Certification Label.................................... 308
Changing Bulbs......................................... 247
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Child Safety................................................. 48
Childproof Door Locks ............................... 94
Emergency Trunk Opener .......................... 97Child Seat.................................................... 48
Booster Seats ............................................ 59
Child Seat for Infants................................. 50
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 51
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 55
Larger Children ......................................... 58
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 50
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 52
Using a Tether ........................................... 57
Childproof Door Locks............................... 94
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 273
Cleaning the Interior................................ 271
Client Service Information....................... 316
Climate Control System............................ 133
Changing the Mode ................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 134
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 270
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 133
Sensors ................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode................................. 135
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 133
Clock............................................................ 88
Clutch Fluid............................................... 245
Coat Hook................................................. 130
Compact Spare Tire.................. 277, 305, 307
Compass.................................................... 179
Console Compartment............................. 127
Controls....................................................... 87Coolant (Engine)...................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 194
Cruise Control.......................................... 201
Indicator ................................................... 71
Cup Holders.............................................. 128
Customized Features................................. 80
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 107
Dead Battery............................................ 284
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 134
Detachable Shelf...................................... 126
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 309
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 105
Rear View Mirror..................................... 114
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................ 235
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............. 105
Door Mirrors............................................. 114
Doors.......................................................... 89
Auto Door Lock ........................................ 94
Auto Door Unlock ..................................... 94
Door and Trunk Open Indicator ........... 25, 68
Keys.......................................................... 89

321
Index
Number Tag.............................................. 90
Rear Door Won’t Open ............................. 94
Remote Transmitter .................................. 91
Retractable Master Keys ............................ 89
Types and Functions.................................. 89
Valet Key .................................................. 90
Won’t Turn ............................................... 17
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission)...... 194
LLanguage (HFL)........................................ 178
LATCH (Child Seats)................................... 53
Lights................................................ 105, 247
Automatic............................................... 106
Bulb Replacement ................................... 247
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 107
Fog Lights ............................................... 107
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 69
Interior.................................................... 125
Light Switches......................................... 105
Lights On Indicator.................................... 69
Turn Signals ............................................ 105
Load Limits............................................... 185
Locking/Unlocking..................................... 89
Auto Door Lock/Unlock ............................. 94
Childproof Door Locks .............................. 94
From Inside ............................................... 93
From Outside ............................................ 91
Keys.......................................................... 89
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 92Using a Key ............................................... 92
Lockout Prevention System........................ 92
Low Battery Charge.................................. 290
Low Fuel Indicator...................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. 64, 290
Lower Anchors............................................ 53
Lubricant Specifications Chart......... 304, 306
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)............. 185
MMaintenance............................................. 221
Battery .................................................... 268
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 244
Cleaning .................................................. 271
Climate Control ....................................... 270
Coolant ................................................... 240
Maintenance Minder
TM
............................ 225
Oil ........................................................... 235
Precautions .............................................. 222
Radiator .................................................. 241
Remote Transmitter ................................. 269
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 247
Safety ...................................................... 223
Service Items ........................................... 227
Tires ........................................................ 259
Transmission Fluid ................................... 242
Under the Hood ...................................... 229
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............. 65, 291
Manual Transmission................................ 199
Map Lights................................................ 125Maximum Load Limit............................... 185
Meters, Gauges........................................... 75
Mirrors...................................................... 114
Adjusting ................................................ 114
Automatic Dimming ................................ 114
Door ....................................................... 114
Exterior ................................................... 114
Interior Rearview ..................................... 114
Modifications (and Accessories).............. 219
Moonroof................................................. 103
MP3................................................... 147, 153
Multi-Information Display......................... 76
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 308OOdometer................................................... 77
Oil (Engine)............................................... 234
Adding .................................................... 237
Checking................................................. 235
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 64, 290
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 234
Viscosity .................................................. 234
Opening/Closing
Hood....................................................... 231
Moonroof ............................................... 103
Power Windows ...................................... 100