Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

310Information
Reporting Safety DefectsIn the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists
in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-
9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://
www.safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform Honda Canada Inc. and you may also inform Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall and remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada
cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may call 1-800-333-0510. For
more information on reporting safety defects or about motor vehicle safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/
roadsafety.

311
Continued
Information
Emissions TestingTesting of Readiness CodesYour vehicle uses “readiness codes,” as part of its onboard self diagnostic system.
Some states refer to these codes during testing to see if your vehicle’s emissions
components are working properly.
The codes may not be read if you go through the testing just after the battery has
gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
, without starting the
engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are
not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle tested before the readiness codes are ready,
prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1.Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2.Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3.Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40 °F and 95 °F (4 °C and 35 °C).
4.Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle for 20
seconds.
5.Keep the vehicle in
(P
(automatic transmission) or
(N
(manual transmission).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there until the temperature
gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the scale (about 3 minutes).
6.Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
1Testing of Readiness Codes
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is
disconnected, and set again only after several days of
driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness
codes are not set, you may be requested to return at
a later date to complete the test.
If the testing facility determines the readiness codes
are still not set, see a dealer.

312
uuEmissions TestinguTesting of Readiness Codes
Information
7.Select a nearby, lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed
of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the highway in
(D
(automatic) or 5th (manual). Do not use cruise control. When traffic allows,
drive for 90 seconds without moving the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may
vary slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds
because of traffic conditions, drive for at least 30 seconds, then repeat it two
more times (for a total of 90 seconds).
8.Drive in city/suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions
allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator pedal
or the brake pedal.
9.Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 30 minutes.

313
Continued
Information
Warranty Coverages■
U.S. Owners
Your new vehicle is covered by these warranties:
New Vehicle Limited Warranty – covers your new vehicle, except for the
emissions control systems, and accessories, against defects in materials and
workmanship.
Emissions Control Systems Defects Warranty and Emissions Performance
Warranty – these two warranties cover your vehicle’s emissions control systems.
Time, mileage, and coverage are conditional. Please read your warranty booklet for
exact information.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty – a seat belt that fails to function properly is covered
by a limited warranty. Please read your warranty booklet for details.
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty – all exterior body panels are covered for
rust-through from the inside for the specified time period with no mileage limit.
Accessory Limited Warranty – Acura accessories are covered under this warranty.
Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors. Please
read your warranty booklet for details.
Replacement Parts Limited Warranty – covers all Acura replacement parts
against defects in materials and workmanship.

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.

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

Index
317
Index
Index
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 212
Accessories and Modifications................ 219
Accessory Power Sockets......................... 129
Active Head Restraints............................. 122
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 240
Engine Oil ............................................... 234
Washer ................................................... 246
Additives, Engine Oil............................... 234
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 124
Front Seats.............................................. 116
Head Restraints ....................................... 118
Headlights .............................................. 247
Mirrors.................................................... 114
Rear Seats ............................................... 123
Steering Wheel ....................................... 113
Temperature ............................................. 78
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control
System).................................................... 133
Changing the Mode................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 134
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 270
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 133
Sensor .................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode ................................ 135
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 133
Air Pressure.............................. 260, 305, 307Airbags........................................................ 33
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 39
After a Collision ......................................... 37
Airbag Care ............................................... 47
Event Data Recorder .................................. 19
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 36
Indicator ........................................ 44, 67, 70
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 45
Sensors ...................................................... 33
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 42
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 46
Side Airbags .............................................. 40
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 43
AM/FM Radio............................................ 143
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).................. 212
Indicator .................................................... 66
Armrest..................................................... 124
Audio System............................................ 138
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 142
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 140
Error Messages ........................................ 158
General Information ................................ 161
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 153
Recommended CDs ................................. 162
Recommended Devices ............................ 164
Remote Controls ..................................... 160
Security Code .......................................... 140
Theft Protection ....................................... 140
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 139
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 164
Authorized Manuals................................. 315Auto Door Lock/Unlock.............................. 94
Customize ........................................... 81, 83
Automatic Lighting.................................. 106
Automatic Transmission........................... 194
Creeping ................................................. 194
Fluid ........................................................ 242
Kickdown ................................................ 194
Operating the Shift Lever................... 13, 196
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 197
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 287
Shifting ................................................... 195
Auxiliary Input Jack.................................. 140
Average Fuel Economy.............................. 78
Average Speed........................................... 79
BBattery...................................................... 268
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Jump Starting .......................................... 284
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 268
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 269
Belts (Seat).................................................. 26
Beverage Holders..................................... 128
Bluetooth® Audio..................................... 156
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 167
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 59
Brake System............................................ 210
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 212
Brake Assist System ................................. 213
Fluid ........................................................ 244

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

319
Index
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ...................................................... 93
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................... 91
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 92
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 262
Driving...................................................... 181
Automatic Transmission .......................... 194
Braking ................................................... 210
Cruise Control ........................................ 201
Shifting Gear .................................. 195, 199
Starting the Engine ................................. 191
Driving Position Memory System............ 111
Dust and Pollen Filter.............................. 270
EElapsed Time.............................................. 79
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)
Indicator ........................................... 68, 292
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............ 204
Emergency................................................ 299
Emergency Trunk Opener......................... 97
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)...... 311
Engine....................................................... 308
Coolant .................................................. 240
Jump Starting ......................................... 284
Oil .......................................................... 234
Starting................................................... 191
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 104Engine Coolant......................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Engine Oil................................................. 234
Adding .................................................... 237
Checking ................................................. 235
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 64, 290
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 234
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System).............................................. 68, 292
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide).. 60
Exterior Care (Cleaning)........................... 273
Exterior Mirrors........................................ 114
FFeatures..................................................... 137
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 270
Oil ........................................................... 238
Flat Tire..................................................... 277
Floor Mats................................................. 272
Fluids
Automatic Transmission ........................... 242
Brake/Clutch ............................................ 244
Engine Coolant ........................................ 240
Manual Transmission ............................... 243
Windshield Washer .................................. 246Fog Light Indicator..................................... 70
Folding Down the Rear Seats.................. 123
Foot Brake................................................ 211
Front Airbags (SRS)..................................... 36
Front Seats................................................ 116
Adjusting ................................................ 116
Fuel...................................................... 14, 215
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Range ....................................................... 78
Recommendation .................................... 215
Refueling................................................. 215
Fuel Economy........................................... 218
Fuel Fill Cap........................................ 14, 217
Message.................................................. 291
Fuel Fill Door...................................... 14, 216
Unable to Unlock .............................. 14, 216
Fuses.......................................................... 294
Inspecting and Changing......................... 298
Locations................................................. 294
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Information ............................................. 215
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66