tires Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Guide

266
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire Rotation
Maintenance
Tire RotationRotating tires according to the maintenance messages on the multi-information
display helps to distribute wear more evenly and increase tire life.■
Tires without rotation marks
Rotate the tires as shown here.
■
Tires with rotation marks
Rotate the tires as shown here.
1Tire Rotation
Tires with directional tread patterns should only be
rotated front to back (not from one side to the other).
Directional tires should be mounted with the rotation
indication mark facing forward, as shown below.
Front
Direction Mark
FrontFront

267
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWinter Tires
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.
•Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
•Install them on the front tires only.
•Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
•Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
•Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
•Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1034Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1038
1Winter Tires
NOTICETraction 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.
3
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.
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

277
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatChanging a Flat TireIf 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 a 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.
2.Put the shift lever in
(P
.
2.Put the shift lever in
(R
.
3.Set the parking brake.
4.Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
.
1Changing 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.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission modelsAll models

293
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks
Handling the Unexpected
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on or blink
A tire pressure is significantly low. If there is a problem with the TPMS or
the compact spare tire is installed, the indicator blinks for about one
minute, and then stays on.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure to the specified level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on
the driver side doorjamb.
■
What to do when the indicator blinks
Have the tire inspected by a dealer as soon as possible. If the compact
spare tire has triggered the indicator to blink, change the tire to a full
size tire. The indicator goes off after a while.
1If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks
NOTICEDriving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause
it to overheat. An overheated tire can fail. Always
inflate your tires to the prescribed level.

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.

314
uuWarranty Coveragesu
Information
Replacement Battery Limited Warranty – provides prorated coverage for a
replacement battery purchased from a dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty – provides coverage for as
long as the purchaser of the muffler owns the vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the 2012 Acura
warranty information booklet that came with your vehicle for precise information on
warranty coverages. Your vehicle’s original tires are covered by their manufacturer.
Tire warranty information is in a separate booklet.■
Canadian Owners
Please refer to the 2012 warranty manual that came with your vehicle.

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

322Index
Trunk......................................................... 95
Overheating.............................................. 288
PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)................................................ 13, 198
Panic Mode................................................. 99
Parking...................................................... 214
Parking Brake............................................ 210
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator............................................ 64, 292
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator................. 45
Passing Indicators..................................... 105
Power Windows........................................ 100
Precautions While Driving........................ 193
Rain ......................................................... 193
Pregnant Women....................................... 31
Puncture (Tire).......................................... 277RRadiator..................................................... 241
Radio (AM/FM).......................................... 143
Radio Data System (RDS).......................... 144
Range.......................................................... 78
RDS (Radio Data System).......................... 144
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing)....... 311
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
Button...................................................... 110
Rear Seats (Folding Down)....................... 123Rearview Mirror (Automatic Dimming).. 114
Refueling.................................................. 215
Fuel Gauge............................................ 8, 75
Gasoline .................................. 215, 304, 306
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Regulations............................... 208, 262, 309
Remote Transmitter................................... 91
Replacement
Battery .................................................... 269
Bulbs ....................................................... 247
Fuses ....................................................... 294
Tires ........................................................ 265
Wiper Blade Rubber ................................ 257
Reporting Safety Defects......................... 310
Resetting a Trip Meter............................... 77
Retractable Master Keys............................ 89
Reverse Tilt Mirror.................................... 115
SSafe Driving................................................ 21
Safety Check............................................... 25
Safety Labels............................................... 61
Safety Message........................................... 20
Seat Belts.................................................... 26
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor.................. 30
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners ................. 28
Checking................................................... 32
Fastening .................................................. 29
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 55Pregnant Women...................................... 31
Reminder .................................................. 27
Warning Indicator ............................... 27, 66
Seat Heaters............................................. 132
Seats.......................................................... 116
Adjusting ................................................ 116
Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support .................. 120
Front Seats.............................................. 116
Rear Seats ............................................... 123
Seat Heaters ........................................... 132
Security System.......................................... 98
Immobilizer System Indicator ..................... 70
Security System Alarm Indicator ................ 71
SEL/RESET Knob.......................................... 76
Select Lever................................ 13, 195, 199
Operation ................................. 13, 196, 199
Releasing ................................................ 287
Won’t Move ........................................... 287
Selecting a Child Seat................................ 52
Selector Knob (Audio)............................. 141
Sequential Shift Mode............................. 197
Setting the Clock........................................ 88
Shift Lever.................................. 13, 195, 199
Shift Position Indicator............................ 196
Shifting (Transmission).................... 195, 199
Shoulder Anchor........................................ 30
Side Airbags............................................... 40
Cutoff System ........................................... 42
Off Indicator ............................................. 42
Side Curtain Airbags.................................. 43
Snow Tires................................................ 267

323
Index
Spare Tire................................. 277, 305, 307
Spark Plugs....................................... 304, 306
Specifications........................................... 304
Specified Fuel........................... 215, 304, 306
Speedometer.............................................. 75
SRS Airbags (Airbags)................................ 36
Starting the Engine.................................. 191
Does Not Start ........................................ 283
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 104
Jump Starting ......................................... 284
Steering Wheel........................................ 113
Adjusting ................................................ 113
Stopping................................................... 214
Sunglasses Holder.................................... 131
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)....... 36
Switches (Around the Steering
Wheel)............................................ 2, 3, 104
SYNC Mode.............................................. 135
System Message Indicator......................... 69TTachometer................................................ 75
Temperature.............................................. 78
Gauge ........................................................ 8
Outside Temperature Display .................... 78
Temperature Sensor................................ 136
Time (Setting)............................................. 88
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)..................................................... 206
Indicator ........................................... 68, 293Tires........................................................... 259
Air Pressure ............................. 260, 305, 307
Checking and Maintaining ....................... 259
Inspection ................................................ 259
Labeling .................................................. 260
Puncture (Flat Tire) ................................... 277
Regulations ............................................. 262
Rotation .................................................. 266
Spare Tire ................................ 277, 305, 307
Tire Chains .............................................. 267
Wear Indicators ....................................... 264
Winter ..................................................... 267
Tools.......................................................... 276
Towing a Trailer....................................... 187
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 188
Load Limits .............................................. 187
Towing Your Vehicle................................ 190
Emergency .............................................. 299
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System).................................................... 206
Indicator ............................................ 68, 293
Transmission..................................... 195, 199
Automatic ............................................... 195
Fluid ................................................ 242, 243
Manual .................................................... 199
Number ................................................... 308
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 197
Shift Position Indicator ....................... 13, 196
Trip Meter................................................... 77
Trip/Reset Switch........................................ 77Troubleshooting....................................... 275
Blown Fuse.............................................. 294
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 17
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 18
Emergency Towing .................................. 299
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 283
Noise When Braking .................................. 18
Overheating ............................................ 288
Premium Gasoline ................... 215, 304, 306
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 277
Rear Door Won’t Open........................ 17, 94
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 287
Warning Indicators .................................... 64
Trunk........................................................... 95
Lid............................................................. 95
Light Bulb........................................ 304, 306
Main Switch .............................................. 97
Unable to Open....................................... 300
Turn Signals.............................................. 105
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 69
UUnlocking the Doors.................................. 91
USB Adapter Cable........................... 138, 139
USB Flash Drives....................................... 164VValet Key..................................................... 90
Vanity Mirrors............................................... 5