check engine Acura TSX 2008 User Guide
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If the passenger’s side airbag has
automatically shut of f , you will see
‘‘PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF’’
on the multi-inf ormation display. See
page f or more inf ormation.If there is a problem with the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system, you
will see ‘‘CHECK VSA SYSTEM’’ on
the multi-information display. If you
see this message, have the VSA
system checked by your dealer (see
page ).If the engine oil is very low or has
lost pressure, you will see ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ on the multi-
inf ormation display. You will also see
the low oil pressure indicator in the
instrument panel f lashing or staying
on. If you see this message, you
should take immediate action since
serious engine damage is possible.
Follow the procedure on page .
32
268
335
Passenger Side A irbag Of f Check Engine Oil L evel
Check VSA Syst em
Multi-Inf ormation Display
82
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If you see ‘‘CHECK CHARGING
SYSTEM’’ on the multi-inf ormation
display, it means the battery is not
being charged. See page f or
more inf ormation.If you see ‘‘CHECK EMISSION
SYSTEM’’ on the multi-inf ormation
display, it means one of the engine’s
emission systems may have a
problem. Have your vehicle checked
by your dealer (see page ).If there is a problem with the brake
system, you will see ‘‘CHECK
BRAKE SYSTEM’’ on the multi-
inf ormation display. The parking
brake and brake system indicator in
the instrument panel will also come
on. See page f or more
inf ormation.
336
336338
Check Charging Syst em Check Emission Syst em Check Brake Syst em
Multi-Inf ormation Display
84
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µIf the driver’s
window senses any obstacle while it
is closing automatically, it will
reverse direction, and then stop. To
close the window, remove the
obstacle, then use the window switch
again.
Auto reverse stops sensing when the
window is almost closed. You should
always check that all passengers and
objects are away from the window
bef ore closing it. The power window system has a key-
of f delay f unction. The windows will
still operate f or up to 10 minutes
after you turn off the ignition switch.
Opening either f ront door cancels
the delay function. You must turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position again bef ore you can raise
or lower the windows.
If the power windows do not operate
properly af ter resetting, have your
vehicle checked by your dealer. Pull and hold the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely, then hold the switch
f or about 2 seconds.
Start the engine. Push down and
hold the driver’s window switch
until the window is f ully open.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, or the
driver’s window f use is removed, the
AUTO f unction may be disabled. If
this happens, the power window
system will need to be reset af ter
reconnecting the battery or installing
the fuse.
1.
2.
AUTO REVERSE
Power Windows
148
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Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to 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 vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period .232
.................
Fuel Recommendation .232
...........
Service Station Procedure .233
....................................
Ref ueling .233
OpeningandClosingthe .......................................
Hood .234
...................................
Oil Check .236
.............
Engine Coolant Check .236
...............................
Fuel Economy .237
...
Accessories and Modif ications .240
.............................
Carrying Cargo .242
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
231
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Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
informationonaddingtheproper
coolant.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see
on page .
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole.
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.
Park the vehicle on a level surf ace.
1.
2.
3. 4.
291288295
Oil Check
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
A dding Engine Oil
Service Station Procedure
236
UPPER MARK
DIPSTICK (orange handle) LOWER MARKRESERVE TANK
MAX
MIN
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µµµ
µ
µ
µ
µ µ
µ
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption. In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
Combine several short trips into
one. A warmed-up engine is more
f uel ef f icient than a cold one.The A/C
puts an extra load on the engine
which makes it use more f uel. Use
the f resh-air ventilation when
possible. Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon. If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: 288
Fuel Economy Factors
Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page ).
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
Improving Fuel Economy
Plan and combine trips
Minimize the use of the air
conditioning system
Avoid excessive idling
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Observe the speed limit
Drive moderately
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks 291
Drive Ef f icient ly
Vehicle Maint enance
Fuel Economy
238
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Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ). Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that the trunk is f ully
closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
pages and ).
Youshoulddothesechecksand
adjustments bef ore you drive your
vehicle:
Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and
).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. 11.
61
76
3. 2. 1.
4.
5. 6.
7.
8.
9.
10. 145
15
146
138
125 68
Preparing to Drive
248
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If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
rpm below the red zone.The 6-speed manual transmission
has an electric lockout so you cannot
accidentally shif t f rom f if th to
reverse instead of sixth while the
vehicle is moving. If you cannot shif t
to reverse when the vehicle is
stopped:
Apply the parking brake, and turn
the ignition key to the
ACCESSORY (I) or the LOCK (0)
position.
Press the clutch pedal, and shif t to
reverse.
With the clutch pedal still pressed,
start the engine.
If you need to use this procedure to
shif t to reverse, your vehicle may be
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by your dealer.
The engine speed limiter only works
when you upshif t; engine speed is
not limited during downshif ts.
Bef ore downshif ting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer’s red zone. 1.
2.
3.
Manual T ransmission
Engine Speed L imiter
Reverse L ockout
Driving
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Insert the key in the shift lock
release slot.
Push down on the key while you
move the shift lever out of Park to
neutral.
To release the reverse lockout, move
the shift lever from neutral to
reverse, then to Park. Remove the key from the shift
lock release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the driver’s side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the
engine.
If you need to use the shif t lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
6.
5.
4.
Automatic Transmission
258
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
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Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, increases wear, and reduces
their ef f ectiveness. It also keeps
your brake lights on all the time,
conf using drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear. Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
Braking System
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
260
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