engine Acura TSX 2004 User Guide

The valet key works only in the
ignition and the driver’s door lock.
You can keep the trunk release
handle, rear seat trunk access, and
glove box locked when you leave
your car and the valet key at a
parking f acility.
Youshouldhavereceivedakey
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keep
the tag stored in a safe place. If you
need to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys f rom direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy
objects on them.
Keep the keys away f rom liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a sof t cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart. Your car also comes with two remote
transmitters; see page for an
explanation of the operation.
80Remote Transmitter
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols78

The Immobilizer System protects
your car f rom thef t. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch f or the
engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine’s f uel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on f or a f ew
seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.
The system may not recognize your
key’s coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code:Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key f ob,
not metal.
Keep other keys away f rom your
car’s key and the ignition switch
while trying to start the engine.
The Immobilizer System indicator
will also blink several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your car undriveable. If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer. If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the f ollowing twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterf erence, and (2) this device mustaccept any interf erence that may causeundesired operation of the device.
Changes or modif ications not expressly
approved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thef ollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmf ul interf erence, and(2) this device must accept anyinterf erence received, includinginterf erence that may cause undesiredoperation.
Immobilizer System
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols79

µ
µ
µ In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the accessory power socket.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All f eatures
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch f rom
ACCESSORY to ON.
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key. You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
thedriver’sdoor.Removethekeyto
turn of f the beeper. The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page
).
Each f ront door has a master door
lock switch. Either switch locks and
unlocks all doors and the trunk. On
the driver’s door, push the top of the
master door lock switch to lock all
doors and the trunk, and push the
bottom to unlock them.
79
CONT INUED
A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
Power Door L ocks
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols81
MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

Do not use the seat heaters, even
on the LO setting, if the engine is
lef t idling f or an extended period.
Thiscanweakenthebattery,
causing hard starting. Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly. Select the LO
setting when the seats f eel warm.
The HI setting draws large
amounts of current f rom the
battery.
Follow these precautions whenever
you use the seat heaters:
Both f ront seats are equipped with
seat heaters. Because of the sensors
f or the side airbag system, there is
no heater in the passenger’s seat-
back. The ignition switch must be
ON (II) to use the heaters. Push the
f ront of the switch, HI, to rapidly
heat up the seat. After the seat
reaches a comf ortable temperature,
select LO by pushing the back of the
switch. This will keep the seat warm. TheHIorLOindicatorcomeson
and remains lit until you turn it of f by
pushing the opposite side of the
switch lightly.
In HI, the heater turns of f when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat’s temperature drops. It
continues to cycle as long as you
leave it set on HI. The HI indicator
remains lit as a reminder that you
have the heater on.
In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperature
changes.
Seat Heaters
Inst rument s and Cont rols96

If your car’s battery is disconnected
or goes dead, or the driver’s window
f use is removed, the AUTO f unction
will be disabled. The power window
system needs to be reset af ter
reconnecting the battery or installing
the f use. You should do the f ollowing.Start the engine. Push down on
the driver’s window switch until
the window is f ully open.
Pull back on the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely, then hold the switch
f or a second or two more.
If the power windows do not operate
properly af ter resetting, have your
car checked by an Acura dealer. The power window system has a key-
of f delay f unction. The windows will
stilloperateforupto10minutes
after you turn off the ignition.
Opening either f ront door cancels
the delay function. You must turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) again
bef ore you can raise or lower the
windows.
1.
2.
Power Windows
Inst rument s and Cont rols99

To apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up f ully. To release it, pull up
slightly, push the button, and lower
the lever. The parking brake light on
the instrument panel should go out
when the parking brake is f ully
released with the engine running
(see page ).60
Parking Brake
Inst rument s and Cont rols104
PARKING BRAKE LEVER
Driving the car with the parking brake
applied can damage the rear brakes
and hubs.

Thesideventscanbeopenedand
closed with the dials underneath
them.
The automatic climate control
system in your Acura picks the
proper combination of air condi-
tioning, heating, and ventilation to
maintain the interior temperature
you select. The system also adjusts
the fan speed and air flow levels.
The direction of air f low f rom the
vents in the center and each side of
the dashboard is adjustable.
The climate control system draws air
through the exterior vents at the
bottom of the windshield. Keep
these vents clear of leaves and other
debris.
For the climate control system to
provide heating and cooling, the
engine must be running.
To adjust the air f low f rom a vent,
move the tab up-and-down and side-
to-side.
Climat e Cont rol Syst em
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures114
CENTER VENTS
TAB
TABS
Close
SIDE VENT
Open

Bef ore you begin driving your Acura,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst..............................
Break-in Period .184
.........................................
Gasoline .184
.........
Service Station Procedures . 184
................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 184
....................
Opening the Hood .186
...............................
Oil Check .187
.........
Engine Coolant Check . 189
...............................
Fuel Economy .190
............................
Car Condition .190
...........................
Driving Habits .190
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 191
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving183

During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration. We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
f uel system and engine deposits.
Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use f or the f irst 200 miles (300
km).
Open the f uel f ill door by pushing
onthehandletotheleftof the
driver’s seat.
Help assure your car’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
Because the f uel f ill cap is on the
driver’s side of the car, park with
that side closest to the service
station pumps.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car’s emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
Youshouldfollowthesesamere-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined. Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
intervalshowninthemaintenance
schedule. Your Acura is designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause a persistent, heavy metallic
rapping noise in the engine that can
lead to mechanical damage.
In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emissions control system
perf ormance may deteriorate and
the Malf unction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Acura dealer f or service.
1.
2.
Bef ore Driving
Break-in Period
GasolineFilling the Fuel Tank
Break-in Period, Gasoline, Service Station Procedures
184
Push

Push the f uel f ill door closed until
it latches.
Remove the f uel f ill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as
pressure inside the tank escapes.
The fuel fill cap is attached to the
f uel f iller with a tether. Put the
attachment on the f uel f ill cap into
the slit on the f uel f ill door.
Stop f illing the tank af ter the f uel
nozzle automatically clicks of f . Do
not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank, leave
some room f or the f uel to expand
with temperature changes.
Your car has an on-board ref ueling
vapor recovery system to help
keep f uel vapors f rom going into
the atmosphere. If the fuel nozzle
keeps clicking of f even though the
tank is not f ull, there may be a
problem with this system. Consult
your dealer. Screw the f uel f ill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks at least
three times. If you do not properly
tighten the cap, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may come on (see
page ).
3.
4. 5.
6.
319
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving185
FUEL FILL CAP TETHER
Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
Stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors.
Wipe up spills immediately.