air condition Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

11Quick Reference Guide
Climate Control System
(P133)
●Press the AUTO button to activate the climate control system.
●Press the ON/OFF button to turn the system on or off.
●Press the button to defrost the windshield.
The climate control system is voice operable. See the navigation system manual for complete
details.
Models with navigation system
(Rear Window Defogger/
Heated Mirror) Button
(Windshield Defroster) Button
A/C (Air Conditioning)
Button
Air flows from dashboard
vents and back of the
center console
*. Air flows from floor and
dashboard vents, and back
of the center console
*. Air flows from floor vents. Air flows from floor and
windshield defroster vents.
(Recirculation) Button
(Fan Control) Bar
Passenger’s Side
Temperature
Control Switch SYNC (Synchronized) Button
AUTO Button
Driver’s Side
Temperature
Control Switch
ON/OFF ButtonMODE Control Button
Clock
(P88)
a
Press the CLOCK button until the
displayed time begins flashing.
b
Press Preset
(4
(Hour) or
(5
(Minute)
to set the time. Press Preset (6
(Reset)
to set the time to the nearest hour.
c
Press the CLOCK button again to set
the time.
The navigation system receives signals from
GPS satellites, updating the clock
automatically.
Models without navigation systemModels with navigation system
* Not available on all models

19Quick Reference Guide
California Proposition 65 WarningEvent Data RecordersThis vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s
systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related
to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were
buckled/fastened;
•How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator
and/or brake pedal; and,
•How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data
are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and
crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash
investigation.WARNING: This product contains or emits
chemicals known to the state of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required,
and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that
have the special equipment, can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.
The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by
anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the
vehicle owner.Service Diagnostic RecordersThis vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record
information about powertrain performance. The data can be used
to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians
diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with
data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains
confidential.California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention ActThe airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this
vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/
As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded
by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid
damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.
NOTICE

22Safe Driving
For Safe DrivingThe following pages explain your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them
properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the
most important.Important Safety Precautions■
Always wear your seat belt
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly.
■
Restrain all children
Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the
front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger
children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder seat belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat.
■
Be aware of airbag hazards
While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants
who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children,
and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
■
Don’t drink and drive
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to
changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink.
So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive, either.
1I
mportant
Safety
Precaut
ions
Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use
of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the
driver while driving.

Continued
45
uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators
Safe Driving
■
When the passenger airbag off
indicator comes on
The indicator comes on to alert you that the
passenger’s front airbag has been turned off.
This occurs when the weight sensors detect
65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant
or small child, on the seat.
Infants and small children should always ride properly restrained in a back seat.
2Child Safety P. 48
Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on.
If the front passenger seat is empty, the passenger’s front airbag will not deploy and
the indicator will not come on.■
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
1Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
If the indicator comes on with no front passenger and
no objects on the passenger’s seat, or with an adult
riding there, something may be interfering with the
weight sensors. Such as:•An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back
pocket.•A child seat or other object pressing against the
rear of the seat-back.•A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of
the front passenger’s seat.•The front seat or seat-back is forced back against
an object on the seat or floor behind it.•An object placed under the front passenger’s seat.
If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The passenger airbag off indicator may come on and
goes off repeatedly if the total weight on the seat is
near the airbag cutoff threshold.
U.S. Canada

60Safe Driving
Exhaust Gas HazardCarbon Monoxide GasThe engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.■
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever
•The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
•The exhaust system may have been damaged.
•The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When you operate a vehicle with the trunk open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk open,
open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.
1.Select the fresh air mode.
2.Select the mode.
3.Set the fan speed to high.
4.Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.
1Carbon Monoxide Gas
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed.
Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the
garage immediately after starting the engine.
3
WARNING
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

Continued
127
uuInterior Lights/Interior Convenience ItemsuInterior Convenience Items
Controls
Pull the handle to open the console
compartment.
To use the console lid as an armrest, slide it to
the desired position while pulling up the
release lever.
You can keep beverage bottles and cans cool
with the air conditioning system.
1.Turn the dial counterclockwise to open the
air vent in the console compartment.
2.Turn on the climate control system and
adjust the temperature to cool.
3.Set the mode control or .
uThe cool air is diverted through the air
vent.
■
Console Compartment
1Console Compartment
Use only resealable containers or keep unopened
cans in the console compartment.
Spilled liquids can damage the upholstery and
electrical components in the console compartment.
When the heater begins to divert warm air, the
airflow into the console compartment is shut off.
Close
Open

uuInterior Lights/Interior Convenience ItemsuInterior Convenience Items
132Controls
The ignition switch must be in ON
(w
to use
the seat heaters. The HI setting heats the seats
faster than the LO setting.
There is no heater in the passenger’s seat-
back due to the side airbag cutoff system.
While in HI, the heater cycles on and off.
uThe appropriate indicator will be on
while the seat heater is on. Briefly press
the button on the opposite side to turn
the heater off. The indicator will be off.
When a comfortable temperature is
reached, select LO to keep the seat
warm.
■
Seat Heaters
1Seat Heaters
Do not use the seat heaters even in LO when the
engine is off. Under such conditions, the battery may
be weakened, making the engine difficult to start.
In the LO setting, the heater runs continuously and
does not automatically turn off after a period of time.
3
WARNING
Heat induced burns are possible when
using seat heaters.
Persons with a diminished ability to sense
temperature (e.g., persons with diabetes,
lower-limb nerve damage, or paralysis) or
with sensitive skin should not use seat
heaters.

133
Continued
Controls
Climate Control SystemUsing Automatic Climate ControlThe automatic climate control system maintains the interior temperature you select.
The system also selects the proper mix of heated or cooled air that will as quickly as
possible, raise or lower the interior temperature to your preference.
Use the system when the engine is running.
1.Press the AUTO button.
2.Adjust the interior temperature using the driver’s side or passenger’s side control
switch.
3.Press the ON/OFF button to cancel.■
Switching between the recirculation and fresh air modes
Press the (recirculation) button and switch the mode depending on
environmental conditions.
Recirculation Mode (indicator on): Recirculates air from the vehicle’s interior through
the system.
Fresh Air Mode (indicator off): Maintains outside ventilation. Keep the system in
fresh air mode in normal situations.
1Using Automatic Climate Control
If any buttons are pressed while using the climate
control system in auto, the function of the button
that was pressed will take priority.
The AUTO indicator will go off, but functions
unrelated to the button that was pressed will be
controlled automatically.
To prevent cold air from blowing in from outside, the
fan may not start immediately when the AUTO
button is pressed.
Once you have set the desired temperature, do not
use the temperature control switches more than
necessary.
Doing so may delay the time it takes to reach the set
temperature.
If the interior is very warm, you can cool it down
more rapidly by partially opening the windows,
turning the system on auto, and setting the
temperature to low. Change the fresh mode to
recirculation mode until the temperature cools down.
When you set the temperature to the lower or upper
limit, Lo or Hi is displayed.
Pressing the ON/OFF button switches the climate
control system between on and off. When turned on,
the system returns to your last selection.
Floor and
defroster
vents Floor vents Dashboard and floor
vents, and back of
the center console
*
Dashboard vents
and back of the
center console
*
AUTO Button
Driver’s Side
Temperature
Control Switch
(Recirculation) Button
(Fan Control) Bar
A/C (Air Conditioning)
Button
Passenger’s Side
Temperature
Control Switch
* Not available on all models

uuClimate Control SystemuUsing Automatic Climate Control
134Controls
Pressing the button turns the air
conditioner system on and automatically
switches the system to fresh air mode.
Press the button again to turn off, the
system returns to the previous settings.
■
To rapidly defrost the windows
1.Press the button.
2.Press the button.
■
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
1Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
For your safety, make sure you have a clear view
through all the windows before driving.
Do not set the temperature near the upper or lower
limit.
When cold air hits the windshield, the outside of the
windshield may fog up.
If the side windows fog up, adjust the vents so that
the air hits the side windows.1To rapidly defrost the windows
After defrosting or defogging the windows, switch
over to fresh air mode. If you keep the system in
recirculation mode, the windows may fog up from
humidity. This impedes visibility.

182Driving
Before DrivingDriving PreparationCheck the following items before you start driving.
•Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
uRemove any frost, snow, or ice.
uRemove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.
uWhen removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
•Make sure the hood is securely closed.
uIf the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
•Make sure the tires are in good condition.
uCheck air pressure, check for damage and excessive wear.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259
•Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
uThere are blind spots from the inside.■
Exterior Checks
1Exterior Checks
NOTICEWhen doors are frozen shut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid
further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert key if the water freezes in
the hole.