trailer 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
descriptions 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.
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. 21For Safe Driving P. 22 Seat Belts P. 26 Airbags P. 34
2 Instrument Panel P. 63Indicators P. 64 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 74
2 Controls P. 85Setting the Clock P. 86 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 87
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 105
Adjusting the Seats P. 119
2 Features P. 145Audio System P. 146 Audio System Basic Operation P. 149
HomeLink ® Universal Transceiver P. 173
2 Driving P. 189Before Driving P. 190 Towing a Trailer P. 195
Refueling P. 221 Fuel Economy P. 224
2 Maintenance P. 227Before Performing Maintenance P. 228 Maintenance MinderTM P. 231
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 255
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 271
2 Handling the Unexpected P. 277Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire P. 278 Tools P. 286 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 287
Overheating P. 297 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 299
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 309
2 Information P. 311Specifications P. 312 Identification Numbers P. 314
Emissions Testing P. 317 Warranty Coverages P. 319
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2014 TSX Sport Wagon
Online Reference Owner's Manual
QRGQuick Reference Guide
IndexIndex
Book Table of Contents
TOCChapter Table of Contents
Navigation Key
00X31-TL7-6300
© 2013 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved
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189
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 190
Maximum Load Limit........................ 193
Towing a Trailer Towing Preparation .... ......................195
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 197
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 198
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 199
Precautions While Driv ing.................
201
Automatic Transmission ................... 202
Shifting ............................................ 203Cruise Control ................................
. 207Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System ............... 210
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ... 212
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ........... 214
Braking
Brake System ................................... 216
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 218
Brake Assist System......................... . 219
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped............ ..................... 220 Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 221
How to Refuel ................................. 222
Fuel Economy .................................... 224
Improving Fuel Econom y ..................224
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 225
Modifications................................... 225
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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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193
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 accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load. 2 Specifications P. 312
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 312
3 WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect hand ling 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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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.
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194
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.
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195Continued

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 lo ad toward the front
of the trailer and 40 % toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1 Towing 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 the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gr oss weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 312
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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uu Towing a Trailer u Towing Preparation
196


Towing equipment varies by the size of your 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 brakes: 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 wi ll lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/te rritories require 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 wi th 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 Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meet s federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tr ailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
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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.
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uu Towing a Trailer u Towing Your Vehicle
198


• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it n ears 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, refer to the emergency towing information.
2 Emergency Towing P. 308
■Driving in Hilly Terrain1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If you use the paddle shifters 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. The 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)
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233
uu Maintenance MinderTM u
Continued


■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).
•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main Items
*1: If message, SERVICE DUE NOW does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset,
change the engine oil every year.
*2: If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replac e the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000
km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Check expiration date for TRK bottle●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle sp eeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
temperatures. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid*4
4●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
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