engine overheat Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

16Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P 275)
Flat Tire
(P277)
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
trunk.
Indicators Come On (P290)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Engine Won’t Start (P283)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.Blown Fuse
(P294)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P288)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P299)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

72
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages
Instrument Panel
Multi-Information Display Warning and Information MessagesThe following messages appear only on the multi-information display. Press the (information) button to see the message again
with the system message indicator on.
Message
Condition
Explanation
●
Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.
2Overheating P. 288
●
Appears when the fuel fill cap is loose or is not
installed.
2Tighten Fuel Fill Cap Message P. 291
●
Appears if there is a problem with the DRL system.
●
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Daytime Running Lights P. 107
●
Appears when washer fluid gets low.
●
Refill washer fluid.
2Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 246
Canadian models

75Instrument Panel
Gauges and Multi-Information DisplayGaugesGauges include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.
They are displayed when the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
Displays your driving speed in mph (U.S.) or km/h (Canada).
Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
Displays the temperature of the engine coolant.
Shows the number of engine revolutions per minute.
■
Speedometer
■
Fuel Gauge
■
Temperature Gauge
■
Tachometer
1Fuel Gauge
NOTICEYou should refuel when the reading approaches .
Running out of fuel can cause the engine to misfire,
damaging the catalytic converter.
The actual amount of remaining fuel may differ from
the fuel gauge reading.
E
1Temperature Gauge
NOTICEDriving with the temperature gauge pointer in the
upper zone can cause serious engine damage. Pull
safely to the side of the road and allow engine
temperature to return to normal.
2Overheating P. 288

Continued
129
uuInterior Lights/Interior Convenience ItemsuInterior Convenience Items
Controls
There are two accessory power sockets; one in
the console compartment and the other at the
front of the center console. They can be used
when the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY
(q

or ON
(w
.
Open the cover to use it.
■
Accessory Power Sockets
1Accessory Power Sockets
NOTICEDo not insert an automotive type cigarette lighter
element.
This can overheat the power socket.
The accessory power socket is designed to supply
power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 120
watts or less (10 amps).
To prevent battery drain, only use the power socket
with the engine running.
When both sockets are being used, the combined
power rating of the accessories should not exceed
120 watts (10 amps).

247
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove all the engine compartment covers.
2Engine Compartment Covers P. 233
2.Remove the engine coolant reservoir.
High beam headlight:
60 W (HB3)
Low beam headlight:
55 W (H1 for halogen bulb Type)
35 W (D2S for high voltage discharge type)
■
High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The HB3 and H1 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Engine Coolant Reservoir
4-cylinder models
6-cylinder modelsPassenger sideAll models
6-cylinder models
Engine Coolant Reservoir

275
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools.................................................. 276
Types of Tools .................................. 276
If a Tire Goes Flat.............................. 277
Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 277
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 283
Jump Starting.................................... 284
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 287
Overheating...................................... 288
How to Handle Overheating ............. 288Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On.................................................. 290If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 290
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 291If the Brake System Indicator Comes On .. 292If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 292
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks........................ 293Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 294
Circuit Protected and Amps for Each
Fuse............................................ 296Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 298
Emergency Towing........................... 299
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill
Door................................................. 300
When You Cannot Open the Trunk.. 301

288Handling the Unexpected
OverheatingHow to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
•The temperature gauge needle is at the mark or the engine suddenly loses
power.
•Steam is coming out of the engine compartment.■
First thing to do
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
uMove the shift lever to
(P
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
uMove the shift lever to
(N
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. No steam coming out: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
Steam coming out: Turn off the engine and wait until steam goes away.
Then, open the hood.
1How to Handle Overheating
NOTICEContinuing to drive with the temperature gauge
needle at the mark may damage the engine.
3
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood or engine
compartment if steam is coming out.
H
H
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

289
uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■
Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle comes down.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2.Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
MAXReserve Tank
MIN

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