climate control Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

ContentsThis owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 21For Safe Driving P. 22 Seat Belts P. 26 Airbags P. 332Instrument Panel P. 63Indicators P. 64 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 752Controls P. 87Setting the Clock P. 88 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 89
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 103
Adjusting the Seats P. 1162Features P. 137Audio System P. 138 Audio System Basic Operation P. 141
General Information on the Audio System P. 1612Driving P. 181Before Driving P. 182 Towing a Trailer P. 187
Refueling P. 215 Fuel Economy P. 2182Maintenance P. 221Before Performing Maintenance P. 222 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 225
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 257
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 270
2Handling the Unexpected P. 275Tools P. 276 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 277
Overheating P. 288 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 290
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 3002Information P. 303Specifications P. 304 Identification Numbers P. 308
Emissions Testing P. 311 Warranty Coverages P. 313

Contents
Child Safety P. 48 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 60 Safety Labels P. 61Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 95 Security System P. 98 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 100
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 104 Adjusting the Mirror P. 114
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 125 Climate Control System P. 133Audio Error Messages P. 158 Audio Remote Controls P. 160
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver P. 165Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 167 Compass
* P. 179
When Driving P. 191 Braking P. 210 Parking Your Vehicle P. 214
Accessories and Modifications P. 219Maintenance Under the Hood P. 229 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259 Battery P. 268 Remote Transmitter Care P. 269
Cleaning P. 271Engine Does Not Start P. 283 Jump Starting P. 284 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 287
Fuses P. 294 Emergency Towing P. 299
When You Cannot Open the Trunk P. 301Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 309 Reporting Safety Defects P. 310
Authorized Manuals P. 315 Client Service Information P. 316
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 21
Instrument Panel
P. 63
Controls
P. 87
Features
P. 137
Driving
P. 181
Maintenance
P. 221
Handling the Unexpected
P. 275
Information
P. 303
Index
P. 317

2Quick Reference Guide
Quick Reference GuideVisual Index
❙System Indicators
(P64)
❙Gauges
(P75)
❙Navigation System
*
() See Navigation System Manual❙Audio System
(P138)
❙Hazard Warning Button❙Climate Control System
(P133)
❙Rear Window Defogger/
Heated Door Mirror Button (P110)

❙Seat Heater Switches
(P132)
❙Steering Wheel Adjustments (P113)❙Multi-Information Display
(P76)
❙
(Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
System OFF) Button
(P204)
❙Ignition Switch
(P104)

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

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.

65
uuIndicatorsu
Continued
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
●
Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w
, and goes
off either when the engine starts
or after several seconds if the
engine is not started. If “readiness
codes” have not been set, it blinks
five times before it goes off.
●
Comes on if there is a problem
with the emissions control system.
●
Blinks when a misfire in the
engine’s cylinders is detected.
●
Readiness codes are part of the on board
diagnostics for the emissions control
systems.
2Testing of Readiness Codes P. 311
●
Comes on while driving - Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer.
●
Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe
place where there are no flammable
objects. Stop the engine for 10 minutes
or more, and wait for it to cool down.
Then, take the vehicle to a dealer.
2If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Comes On or Blinks P. 291
Charging System
Indicator
●
Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w
, and goes
off when the engine starts.
●
Comes on when the battery is not
charging.
●
Comes on while driving - Turn off the
climate control system and rear defogger
in order to reduce electricity
consumption.
2If the Charging System Indicator
Comes On P. 290
Transmission
Indicator
*
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w
, then goes off.
●
Blinks if the transmission system
has a problem.
●
Blinks while driving - Avoid sudden
starts and acceleration and have the
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
* Not available on all models

87
Controls
This chapter explains how to operate the various controls necessary for driving.
Setting the Clock................................ 88
Locking and Unlocking the Doors
Key Types and Functions .................... 89
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ............................................ 91
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ............................................... 93
Childproof Door Locks ....................... 94
Auto Door Lock/Unlock ...................... 94
Opening and Closing the Trunk......... 95
Security System.................................. 98
Immobilizer System ............................ 98
Security System Alarm ........................ 98
Opening and Closing the Windows... 100Opening and Closing the Moonroof.. 103
Operating the Switches Around the
Steering Wheel
Ignition Switch ................................. 104
Turn Signals ..................................... 105
Light Switches.................................. 105
Fog Lights ........................................ 107
Daytime Running Lights ................... 107
Wipers and Washers ........................ 108
Brightness Control ........................... 109
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
Button........................................ 110Driving Position Memory System
*.... 111
Adjusting the Steering Wheel........... 113Adjusting the Mirror........................ 114
Interior Rearview Mirror ................... 114
Power Door Mirrors ......................... 114
Adjusting the Seats.......................... 116
Adjusting the Seat Positions ............. 116
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience
Items................................................ 125
Interior Lights .................................. 125
Interior Convenience Items .............. 126
Climate Control System................... 133
Using Automatic Climate Control .... 133
Automatic Climate Control Sensors ... 136
* Not available on all models

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

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.