light Acura TSX 2014 Workshop Manual

197
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.
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 197 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

199Continued

When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in (P
.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Cons ult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 199 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

203
uu When Driving u Shifting
Continued

Shifting
Change the shift positi on in accordance with your driving needs.
■Shift lever positions
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in (P
.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N
while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used:
●For normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 5th automatically)
●When temporarily driving in the
sequential mode
Drive (S)
Used for:
●Automatically changing gears
between 1st and 4th (4th gear is used
only at high speed)
●Driving in the sequential mode
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 203 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

uu When Driving u Shifting
204


■Shift Lever Operation1Shift Lever Operation
NOTICEWhen you change the shift lever from (D
to (R
and
vice versa, come to a co mplete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position before pulling away.
If the transmission indicator blinks when driving, in
any shift position, there is a problem with the
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration an d have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tac hometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.
Tachometer’s red zone
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal and press the
shift lever release button to shift.
Shift without pressing the shift lever
release button.
Press the shift lever release button
and shift.
M (Sequential Shift mode) Indicator/
Gear Position Indicator
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 204 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

uu When Driving u Shifting
206


■Second gear lock mode
If you pull the
(+
paddle shifter while stopped or driving at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less,
the gear position will be locked in 2nd gear. This makes it easier to pull away on
slippery surfaces such as snow covered roads.
To cancel the 2nd gear lock mode, pull the
(-
paddle shifter, or move the shift lever
from
(S
to (D .
■Sequential Shift Mode Operation1Sequential Shift Mode Operation
Each paddle shift operation makes a single gear
change.
To change gears continuo usly, release the paddle
shifter before pulling it again for the next gear.
Recommended Shift Points
Use this table as a guideline for efficient fuel
economy and effective emission control.
If the gear position indicator blinks when you try to
shift up or down, this means your vehicle speed is not
in its allowable gear shifting range.
Slightly accelerate to shift up and decelerate to shift
down while the indicator is blinking. Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
(-
Paddle Shifter
(Shift down) (+
Paddle Shifter
(Shift up)
Downshifting when pulling
the
(-
paddle shifter.
(Changes to a lower gear) Upshifting when pulling
the
(
+
paddle shifter
(Changes to a higher gear)
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 206 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

212
uu When Driving u Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)


Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure
becomes significantly low, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on and a
message appears on the mu lti-information display.
To select the tire pressure monitor, turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w
and press the
(information) button until you see
the tire pressure screen.
If all the tire pressures are normal, TI
RE
PRESSURE OK will be displayed.
To display the pressure of all four tires, press
the SEL/RESET button.
The pressure for each tire is displayed in PSI.
■Tire Pressure Monitor
1Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly a ffect tire pressure and can
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come
on.
2 If the Low Tire Pre ssure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 302
1Tire Pressure Monitor
The pressure displayed on the multi-information
display can be slightly different from the actual
pressure as measured by a gauge. If there is a
significant difference between the two values, or if
the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator and the message
on the multi-information display do not go off after
you have inflated the tire to the specified pressure,
have the system checked by a dealer.
SYSTEM FUNCTION ERROR may appear if there is a
problem with the TPMS.
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 212 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

216


Braking
Brake System
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.To apply:
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To release:
1. Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
the release button.
2. Lower the lever down all the way, then
release the button.
■Parking Brake1Parking Brake
NOTICERelease the parking brake fu lly before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE appears on the multi-information
display.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 216 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

217
uu Braking u Brake System

Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress th e brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain st eering control when
braking very hard.
2 Brake Assist System P. 219
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 218
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectivenes s over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 217 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

218
uu Braking u Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)


Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distri bution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake peda l. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you w ill need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the ti me or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.
•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 218 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon

219
uu Braking u Brake Assist System

Brake Assist System
Designed to assist the driver by generating greater braking fo rce when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.
■Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.
■Brake Assist System
14 ACURA TSX 5D-31TL76300.book 219 ページ ２０１３年６月１７日　月曜日　午後３時２１分
QRG
Index
DrivingTOC
2014 TSX Sport Wagon