stop start Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual

64Instrument Panel
IndicatorsIndicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Parking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w
, then goes off.
●
Comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and goes off when it is
released.
●
Come on when the brake fluid
level is low.
●
Comes on if there is a problem
with the brake system.
●
The beeper sounds and the
indicator comes on if you drive
with the parking brake not fully
released.
●
Comes on while driving - Make sure
the parking brake is released. Check the
brake fluid level.
2What to do when the indicator
comes on while driving P. 292
●
Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have the vehicle checked by
a dealer.
2If the Brake System Indicator
Comes On P. 292
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●
Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w
, and goes
off when the engine starts.
●
Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.
●
Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place.
2If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On P. 290
Shift Position
Indicator
*
●
Indicates the current shift lever
position.
2Shifting P. 195
—
U.S.Canada
U.S.
Canada
* Not available on all models

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

68
uuIndicatorsu
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Door and Trunk
Open Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds if you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
,
then goes off.
●
Comes on if the trunk or any door
is not completely closed.
●
Goes off if a door or the trunk is closed.
EPS (Electric
Power Steering
System) Indicator
●
Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w
, and goes
off when the engine starts.
●
Comes on if there is a problem
with the EPS (Electric Power
Steering System).
●
Stays on constantly or does not come
on at all - Have the vehicle checked by a
dealer.
2If the EPS Indicator Comes On P. 292
Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w
.
●
Comes on if the tire pressure of
any of the tires becomes
significantly low.
●
Blinks for about one minute, and
then stays on if there is a problem
with the TPMS, or when a compact
spare tire is temporarily installed.
●
Comes on while driving - Stop in a
safe place, check tire pressures, and
inflate the tire(s) if necessary.
●
Blinks and remains on - Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer. If the vehicle
is fitted with a compact spare, get your
regular tire repaired or replaced and put
back on your vehicle as soon as you can.

89
Continued
Controls
Locking and Unlocking the DoorsKey Types and FunctionsThis vehicle comes with the following keys:
Use the keys to start and stop the engine, and
to lock and unlock all the doors, trunk, and
fuel fill door. You can also use the remote
transmitter to lock and unlock the doors,
trunk, and fuel fill door.
The seat automatically moves to the preset
position when you unlock the door using the
remote transmitter on the master key.
2Driving Position Memory System P. 111
The master key folds up inside the remote
transmitter.
1.Press the release button to release the key
out from the transmitter.
uMake sure to fully extend the key.
2.To close the key, press the release button
then push the key inside the transmitter
until you hear a click.
■
Retractable Master Keys
1Key Types and Functions
All of the keys have an immobilizer system. The
immobilizer system helps to protect against vehicle
theft.
2Immobilizer System P. 98
The keys contain precision electronics.
Adhere to the following advice to prevent damage to
the electronics:•Do not leave the keys in direct sunlight, or in
locations with high temperature or high humidity.•Do not drop the keys or set heavy objects on them.•Keep the keys away from liquids.•Do not take the keys apart except for replacing the
battery.
If the circuits in the keys are damaged, the engine
may not start, and the remote transmitter may not
work.
If the keys do not work properly, have them
inspected by a dealer.
If the key is not fully extended, the immobilizer
system may not work properly, and the engine may
not start.
Avoid contact with the key whenever it extends or
retracts.
Panic Button Trunk Button
Lock
Button
Release ButtonUnlock
Button
Models with a driving position system
Release Button
Press

uuLocking and Unlocking the DoorsuKey Types and Functions
90Controls
Can be used to start and stop the engine, and
lock and unlock driver’s door.
Contains a number that you will need if you
purchase a replacement key.
■
Valet Key
1Valet Key
When you need to leave a key with a third party,
leave the valet key.
■
Key Number Tag
1Key Number Tag
Keep the key number tag separate from the key in a
safe place outside of your vehicle.
If you wish to purchase an additional key, contact a
dealer.
If you lose your key and you cannot start the engine,
contact a dealer.

104Controls
Operating the Switches Around the Steering WheelIgnition Switch
1Ignition Switch
You cannot take the key out unless the shift lever is
in
(P
.
If you open the driver’s door when the key is in LOCK
(0
or ACCESSORY
(q
, a warning buzzer will sound
to remind you to take the key out.
When this happens, the following messages appear
on the multi-information display:
•In LOCK
(0
: REMOVE KEY.
•In ACCESSORY
(q
: REMOVE KEY. The buzzer will
stop when you take the key out.
If the key won’t turn from LOCK
(0
to ACCESSORY
(q
, turn the key while moving the steering wheel left
and right. The steering wheel will unlock, allowing
the key to turn.
3
WARNING
Removing the key from the ignition switch
while driving locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Remove the key from the ignition switch
only when parked.Manual transmission modelsAutomatic transmission modelsAll models
(0
LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this
position.
(q
ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and
other accessories in this position.
(w
ON: This is the position when driving.
(e
START: This position is for starting the engine.
The switch returns to ON
(w
when you let go of
the key.

108
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluWipers and Washers
Controls
Wipers and Washers
The windshield wipers and washers can be
used when the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
■
MIST
The wipers run at high speed until you release
the lever.
■
Wiper switch (OFF, INT, LO, HI)
Change the wiper switch setting according to
the amount of rain.
■
Adjusting the delay
Turn the adjustment ring to adjust the wiper
delay.
■
Washer
Sprays while you pull the lever toward you.
When you release the lever, the wipers make
two or three more sweeps before stopping.
■
Front Wiper/Washer
1Wipers and Washers
NOTICEDo not use the wipers when the windshield is dry.
The windshield will get scratched, or the rubber
blades will get damaged.NOTICEIn cold weather, the blades may freeze to the
windshield, becoming stuck.
Operating the wipers in this condition may damage
the wipers. Use the defroster to warm the
windshield, then turn the wipers on.
If the vehicle speeds up while the wipers are
operating intermittently, the length of the wipe
interval shortens. When the vehicle starts moving, the
wipers make a single sweep.
The wiper operation of the shortest delay setting ( )
and the LO setting become the same when the
vehicle speeds up.
Turn the washers off if no washer fluid comes out.
The pump may get damaged.
Intermittent Time
Adjustment Ring
a MIST
b OFF
c INT: Low speed with
intermittent
d LO: Low speed wipe
e HI: High speed wipePull to
use
washer.
a
b
c
d
e
Long delay
Short delay

113
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluAdjusting the Steering Wheel
Controls
Adjusting the Steering WheelThe steering wheel height and distance from your body can be adjusted so that you
can comfortably grip the steering wheel in an appropriate driving posture.
1.Pull the steering wheel adjustment lever up.
uThe steering wheel adjustment lever is
under the steering column.
2.Move the steering wheel up or down, and
in or out.
uMake sure you can see the instrument
panel gauges and indicators.
3.Push the steering wheel adjustment lever
down to lock the steering wheel in position.
uAfter adjusting the position, make sure
you have securely locked the steering
wheel in place by trying to move it up,
down, in, and out.
1Adjusting the Steering Wheel
Make any steering wheel adjustments before you
start driving.
3
WARNING
Adjusting the steering wheel position while
driving may cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and be seriously injured in a crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only when the
vehicle is stopped.
To adjustTo lock
Lever

181
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 182
Maximum Load Limit........................ 185
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 187
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 189
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 190
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 191
Precautions While Driving................. 193
Automatic Transmission ................... 194Shifting ............................................ 195
Shifting ............................................ 199
Cruise Control ................................. 201
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 204
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 206
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ........... 208
Braking
Brake System ................................... 210
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 212Automatic transmissionManual transmission
Brake Assist System ......................... 213
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 214
Parking ............................................ 214
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 215
How to Refuel ................................. 216
Fuel Economy.................................... 218
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 218
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 219
Modifications................................... 219

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
192Driving
3.Turn the ignition switch to START
(e

without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1.Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the brake system indicator has gone off.
2Parking Brake P. 210
2.Put the shift lever in
(D
. Select
(R
when reversing.
3.Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
1Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
(e
for more than 15
seconds.
•If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.•If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine’s fuel system is disabled.
2Immobilizer System P. 98
■
Starting to Drive
Automatic transmission models