towing Acura TSX 2014 Owner's Manual

Contents
This 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
desc riptions 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.
2 Safe Driving P. 21
For Safe Driving P. 22 Seat Belts P. 26 Airbags P. 33
2 Instrument Panel P. 63
Indicators P. 64 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 75
2 Controls P. 87
Setting the Clock P. 88 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 89
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 104
Adjusting the Seats P. 117
2 Features P. 139
Audio System P. 140 Audio System Basic Operation P. 143
HomeLink ® Universal Transceiver P. 167
2 Driving P. 183
Before Driving P. 184 Towing a Trailer P. 189
Refueling P. 217 Fuel Economy P. 220
2 Maintenance P. 223
Before Performing Maintenance P. 224 Maintenance MinderTM P. 227
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 259
Climate Control Sy stem Maintenance P. 273
2 Handling the Unexpected P. 279
Tools P. 280 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 281
Overheating P. 292 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 294
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 304
2 Information P. 307
Specifications P. 308 Identification Numbers P. 312
Emissions Testing P. 315 Warranty Coverages P. 317
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2014 TSX
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IndexIndex
Book Table of Contents
TOCChapter Table of Contents
Navigation Key
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Contents
Child Safety P. 48 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 60 Safety Labels P. 61
Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 96 Security System P. 99 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 101
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 105 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 115
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 126 Climate Control System P. 134
Audio Error Messages P. 161 General Information on the Audio System P. 163
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink ® P. 169 Compass * P. 181
When Driving P. 193 Braking P. 212 Parking Your Vehicle P. 216
Accessories and Modifications P. 221
Maintenance Under the Hood P. 231 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 249
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 261 Battery P. 270 Remote Transmitter Care P. 272
Cleaning P. 274
Engine Does Not Start P. 287 Jump Starting P. 288 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 291
Fuses P. 298 Emergency Towing P. 303
When You Cannot Open the Trunk P. 305
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 313 Reporting Safety Defects P. 314
Authorized Manuals P. 319 Client Service Information P. 320
Quick Reference GuideP. 2
Safe Driving P. 21
Instrument Panel P. 63
Controls P. 87
Features P. 139
Driving P. 183
Maintenance P. 223
Handling the Unexpected P. 279
Information P. 307
Index P. 321
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TOC
Chapter Table of Contents
Navigation Key
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Book Table of Contents
2014 TSX
* Not available on all models

16
Handling the Unexpected (P 279)
Flat Tire (P 281)
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
trunk.
Indicators Come On
(P294)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Engine Won’t Start (P 287)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse (P 298)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating (P 292)
● 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 (P 303)
● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.
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Quick Reference Guide - 2014 TSX

183
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 184
Maximum Load Limit........................ 187
Towing a Trailer Towing Preparation .......................... 189
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 191
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 192
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 193
Precautions While Driving................. 195
Automatic Transmission ................... 196Shifting ............................................
197
Shifting ............................................ 201
Cruise Control ................................. 203
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System ............... 206
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ... 208
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ........... 210
Braking
Brake System ................................... 212
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 214
Automatic transmission
Manual transmission
Brake Assist System ......................... 215
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 216
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 217
How to Refuel ................................. 218
Fuel Economy ..
.................................. 220
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 220
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 221
Modifications................................... 221
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187
uu Before Driving u Maximum Load Limit
Continued
Maximum Load Limit
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all a ccessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load. 2 Specifications P. 310
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications
3 WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
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P. 310
P. 310 P. 310
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DrivingTOC
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories,
and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capaci ty. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,4000 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
Label Example
or XXX lbs. be riding in your vehicle.

188
uu Before Driving u Maximum Load Limit

Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2 Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)
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(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That we ight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver's doorjamb.
DrivingTOC

189Continued
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the lo ad as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by th e manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 308
3 WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue Load
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P. 310
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uu Towing a Trailer u Towing Preparation
190

Towing equipment varies by the size of yo ur trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it w ill lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requ ire special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
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191
uu Towing a Trailer u Driving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly servic ed and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 189
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift
while driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D
position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Operating speed when towing a trailer is restricted
up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
Automatic transmission models
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uu Towing a Trailer u Towing Your Vehicle
192

• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the air
conditioning and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
•Shift to the (S
position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refe r to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 303
■Driving in Hilly Terrain1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If you use the paddle shifte rs when driving uphill and
downhill, select 3rd, 2nd, or 1st gear, depending on
the vehicle speed and road conditions. Do not use
4th and 5th gears.
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically downshift to the 1st gear, even in the
sequential shift mode. Th e gear position indicator
blinks for a few seconds, then stays on. Gear Position
Speed Range
1st0 - 42 mph (0 - 67 km/h)
2nd,3rd 19 - 62 mph (30 - 100 km/h)
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission models
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