maintenance Acura TSX 2012 Repair Manual

271
Continued
Maintenance
CleaningInterior CareUse a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt.
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts.
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.■
Cleaning Seat Belts
1Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical devices
such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a fire
inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.
Depending on their composition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as
benzene or gasoline.
After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe them
off using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.
Opening

uuCleaninguInterior Care
272Maintenance
The front floor mats hook over the floor
anchors, which keep the mats from sliding
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn
the anchor knobs to the unlock position.
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of
the anchored mats.
Vacuum dirt and dust from the leather frequently. Pay close attention to the pleats
and seams. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a 90% water and
10% neutral soap solution. Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Remove any dust or
dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
■
Floor Mats
1Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they are
not properly positioned, the floor mats can interfere
with the front seat functions.
To unlock
Driver’s floor mat is shown.■
Maintaining Genuine Leather
*
* Not available on all models

273
uuCleaninguExterior Care
Continued
Maintenance
Exterior CareDust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
•If driving on roads with road salt.
•If driving in coastal areas.
•If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.
Fold in the door mirrors. Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the
automated vehicle wash.
•Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.
•Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior. Do not spray water into the engine compartment.■
Washing the Vehicle
■
Using an Automated Vehicle Wash
■
Using High Pressure Cleaners
1Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents or engine
compartment. It can cause a malfunction.
Air Intake Vents

uuCleaninguExterior Care
274Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.■
Applying Wax
■
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■
Cleaning the Window
■
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1Applying Wax
NOTICEChemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.1Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

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

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

320Index
Refueling ................................................. 215
Gauges......................................................... 75
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission ........................... 195
Manual Transmission ............................... 199
Glass (care)................................................ 274
Glove Box.................................................. 126
HHalogen Bulbs................................... 247, 251
Handling the Unexpected........................ 275
HandsFreeLink® (HFL)............................... 167
Change Language ................................... 178
Help Features........................................... 168
Information Display.................................. 168
Making a Call .......................................... 173
Menus ..................................................... 169
Muting a Call........................................... 174
Phone Setup ............................................ 171
Phonebook .............................................. 175
Receiving a Call ....................................... 174
Sending Numbers or Names During a
Call ........................................................ 174
Transferring a Call ................................... 174
Hazard Warning Button............................... 2
Head Restraints......................................... 118
Headlights................................................. 105
Aiming .................................................... 247
Automatic Operation ............................... 106
Dimming ......................................... 105, 107Operating................................................ 105
Heated Door Mirrors................................ 110
Heaters (Seat)........................................... 132
High-Beam Indicator.................................. 69
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver............ 165
IIdentification Numbers............................ 308
Engine and Transmission ......................... 308
Vehicle Identification ............................... 308
Ignition Switch......................................... 104
Illumination Control................................. 109
Knob ....................................................... 109
Immobilizer System.................................... 98
Indicator.................................................... 70
Indicators.................................................... 64
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................... 66
Charging System ............................... 65, 290
CRUISE CONTROL ............................. 71, 202
CRUISE MAIN .................................... 71, 201
Door and Trunk Open ......................... 25, 68
EPS (Electric Power Steering System) .. 68, 292
Fog Light ................................................... 70
High-Beam ................................................ 69
Immobilizer System ................................... 70
Lights On .................................................. 69
Low Fuel ................................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure ................................ 64, 290
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS ............. 68, 206, 208
Maintenance Minder ............................... 225Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 65, 291
Parking Brake and Brake System ............... 64
Seat Belt Reminder.............................. 27, 66
Security System Alarm............................... 71
Side Airbag Off ................................... 46, 70
Supplemental Restraint System ........... 44, 67
System Message ....................................... 69
Transmission ............................................. 65
Turn Signal ............................................... 69
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist)
System ............................................ 67, 204
VSA® OFF .......................................... 67, 205
Information.............................................. 303
Information Buttons.................................. 76
Instant Fuel Economy................................ 78
Instrument Panel........................................ 63
Brightness Control .................................. 109
Interior Lights........................................... 125
Interior Rearview Mirror......................... 114
JJack (Wheel Nut Wrench)........................ 280
Jump Starting........................................... 284KKey Number Tag........................................ 90
Keyless Lockout Prevention....................... 92
Keys............................................................. 89
Lockout Prevention ................................... 92

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