ECU Acura TSX 2014 Owner's Guide

190


Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check 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.
u Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
u Remove 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.
u When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
• Make sure the hood
is securely closed.
u If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
u Check air pressure, check for damage and excessive wear.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
u There are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior 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.
Heat from the engine an d exhaust can ignite
flammable materials left under the hood, causing a
fire. If you’ve parked y our vehicle for an extended
period, inspect and remove any debris that may have
collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have
fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a
small animal. Also check under the hood for leftover
flammable materials after you or someone else has
performed maintenance on your vehicle.
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Continued191
uu Before Driving u Driving Preparation

• Store or secure all items on board properly.
u Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2 Maximum Load Limit P. 193
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
u They can block your view and may be th rown forward in the event of sudden
braking.
• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat.
u An obj
ect or unsecured floor mat can inte rfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
u They may interfere with driv ing and a crash could occur.
• Securely close and lock a ll doors and the tailgate.
2Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 91
•Adjust your seating position properly.
u Adjust the head restraint, too.
2 Adjusting the Seats P. 119
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 121
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
u Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 117
2 Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 116
■Interior Checks1Interior Checks
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo ar ea or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
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uu Towing a Trailer u Driving Safely with a Trailer
Continued

Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 195
• 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 trailer 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.
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uu Maintenance Under the Hood u Opening the Hood



Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latc h lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.1Opening the Hood
NOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cl eaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod Grip
Clamp
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uu Maintenance Under the Hood u Adding Engine Oil


Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the en gine compartment components.
NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil Fill Cap
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uu Maintenance Under the Hood u Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter


6. Check that the filter ga sket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque: 29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m,
4.0 kgf∙m)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into
the engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12. Stop the engine, wait for three
minutes, and then check the oil level on
the dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine.
The low oil pressure indicator should go off within
five seconds. If it does not , turn off the engine, and
check your work.
Oil Filter
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uu Maintenance Under the Hood u Transmission Fluid



Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
u Perform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely, as shown
in the image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the
fluid level. u It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark,
add fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it
to the level between the upper and lower
marks, and have your vehicle checked by
a dealer immediately.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF
DW-1 may adversely af fect the operation and
durability of your vehicle’s transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Acura’s new vehicle warranty.
NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in th e engine compartment.
Upper
Lower
MarksRubber
Cap
Guide
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Battery
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The a
udio system is disabled.
2Entering the audio security code P. 148
• The clock resets.2 Adjusting the Time P. 86
• The navigation system is disabled . A PIN code will be required.2Refer to the navigation system manual
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
The test indicator’s color information is on the
battery.
3 WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conductin g any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window
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uu Cleaning u Interior Care


The front floor mats hook over the floor
anchors, which keep the mats from sliding
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn
the anchor knobs to the unlock position.
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of
the anchored mats.
Vacuum dirt and dust from the leather frequently. Pay close attention to the pleats
and seams. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a 90% water and
10% neutral soap solution. Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Remove any dust or
dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
■Floor Mats1Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehi cle, make sure they are
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they are
not properly positioned, the floor mats can interfere
with the front seat functions.To unlock
Driver’s floor mat is shown.
■Maintaining Genuine Leather
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uu If a Tire Goes Flat u Changing a Flat Tire
292




1. Remove the center cap and place the flat
tire face down in the spare tire well.
2. Remove the spacer cone from the wing
bolt, flip it over, and insert it back on the
bolt. Secure the flat tire with the wing bolt.
3. Securely put the jack and wheel nut wrench
back in the tool case. Store the case in the
cargo area.
If you replace a flat tire with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator
comes on while you are driving. After dr iving for a few miles (kilometers), the
indicator will start blinking for a short time and then stay on. CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM appears on the multi-information display, but this is normal.
If you replace the tire with a specified regular tire, the warning message on
the multi-information display and the TPMS indicator will go off after a few
miles (kilometers).
■Storing the Flat Tire1Storing the Flat Tire
3 WARNING
Loose items can fly around the interior
in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely
before driving.
Spacer
Cone Wing
Bolt
For
compact
spare tire For

full-size
tire
■TPMS and the Spare Tire1 TPMS and the Spare Tire
The system cannot monitor the pressure of the spare
tire. Manually check the spare tire pressure to be sure
that it is correct.
Use TPMS specific wheels. Each is equipped with a
tire pressure sensor mount ed inside the tire behind
the valve stem.
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