Anc Acura TSX 2009 Owner's Manual

Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter inef f ective.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on f ire any
combustible materials that come
near it. Park your vehicle away from
high grass, dry leaves, or other
f lammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine’s per-
f ormance. Follow these guidelines to
protect your vehicle’s three way
catalytic converter.
The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without af f ecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is ref erred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Acura part
or its equivalent.
Keep the engine well maintained.
Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misf iring, back-
f iring, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
Technical Inf ormation
497
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
\f—\f—\fy
y
)!
\f\fy\f\fy
2009 TSX

Acura dealership personnel are
trained prof essionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisf action, please discuss it with
the dealership’s management. The
service manager or general manager
can help. Almost all problems are
solved in this way.
U.S. Owners:
If you are dissatisf ied with the
decision made by the dealership’s
management, contact the Acura
Client Services Of f ice.Canadian Owners: When you call or write, please give
us this inf ormation:
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands: Vehicle Identif ication Number
(see page )
Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle
Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you484
Client Service Inf ormation
502
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Services
Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 382-2238 Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-ACURA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto (416) 287-4776
Vortex Motor Corp.
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 620-7546
Acura Client Services
\f—\f—\fy

y
)!
\f\fy\f\fy
2009 TSX

µµ
µ µ
µ µ
µ µ
µ
Your new vehicle is covered by these
warranties:
covers your new vehicle, except f or
the battery, emissions control
systems, and accessories, against
def ects in materials and
workmanship.
provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom your dealer.
these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s
emissions control systems. Time,
mileage, and coverage are
conditional. Please read your
warranty booklet f or exact
inf ormation. provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the
vehicle.
this warranty gives up
to 100% credit toward a replacement
battery. a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
covered by a limited warranty.
Please read your warranty booklet
f or details.
all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
Acura accessories are covered under
this warranty. Time and mileage
limits depend on the type of
accessory and other factors. Please
read your warranty manual f or
details.
covers all Acura
replacement parts against defects in
materials and workmanship. Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2009 Acura warranty inf ormation
booklet that came with your vehicle
f or precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your vehicle’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty
inf ormation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2009 warranty
manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty Coverages
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
New Vehicle L imit ed Warrant y Replacement Bat t ery L imit ed
Warranty
Emissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect s Warrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance Warranty Replacement Muf f ler L if et ime
Limited Warranty
Original Equipment Bat t ery L imit ed Warranty Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant yAccessory Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarranty
Warrant y and Client Relat ions
503
\f—\f—\fy

y
)!
\f\fy\f\fy
2009 TSX

T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
(U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
505
Form Description
2009 Acura TSX Service Manual 2009 Acura TSX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2009 Acura TSX Body Repair Manual 2009 Acura TSX Owner’s Manual 2009 Acura TSX NavigationSystem Owner’s Manual
2009 Acura TSX Maintenance Journal 2009 Acura TSX Quick Start GuideOrder Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61TL200
61TL100EL
61TL230
31TL1600
31TL1800
31TL1M00 31TL1Q00 ACU-R
www. helminc. com
\f—\f—\fy
y
)!
\f\fy\f
\fy
2009 TSX

CONT INUED
........................................
AAC .210,271
....................................
Accessories .365
ACCESSORY
............
(Ignition Key Position) .122
............
Accessory Power Sockets .156
................
Active Head Restraints .137
..................
AcuraLink (U.S. only) .337
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .420
...........................
Advanced Airbags .27
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,23
..........
Airbag System Components .23
..............
Air Conditioning System .166
.........................................
Usage .167
...............
Air Pressure, Tires .448,488
......................................
Antif reeze .423
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .62,390
...................................
Operation .390
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .289
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .122
................................
Audio System .174
Auto Door Locking/
..........................
Unlocking .100,106 ...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .21
.............
Automatic Speed Control .299
..............
Automatic Transmission .379
..........................
Capacity,Fluid.486
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .383
.......................................
Shif ting .379
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators .379
................
Shif t Lever Positions .380
....................
Shif t Lock Release .381
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack .288
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .61,470
............................
Jump Starting .466
..............................
Maintenance .454
............................
Specif ications .487
..............................
Bef ore Driving .355
....................................
Belts,Seat.8,19
.........................
Beverage Holders .155
..................
Bluetooth
Audio .217,279
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink.307
..................................
Booster Seats .52 Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .390
.............
Break-in, New Linings .356
....................
Bulb Replacement .436
...........................................
Fluid .428
.......................................
Parking .153
.................
System Indicator .61,472
........................
Wear Indicators .389
.............................
Braking System .389
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .356
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .115
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .437
..............................
Brake Lights .436
.................................
Fog Lights .440
................
Front Parking Lights .435
.................................
Headlights .430
.........
High-mount Brake Light .439
........................
Rear Lights .436,437
............................
Specif ications .487
............
Turn Signal Lights .434,436
......................
Bulbs, Halogen .430,440
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
\f—\f—\fy
y
)!
\f\fy\f
y
2009 TSX

............................
Capacities Chart .486
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .55
.............................
Carrying Cargo .367
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
.........................................
CD Care .256
...................................
CD Changer .244
.......................................
CD Player .189
........................
Certif ication Label .484
..................................
Ceiling Light .161
............................................
Chains .453
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .459
Changing Oil
........................................
How to .421
......................................
When to .409
...
Charging System Indicator .61,470
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .374
.....................................
Child Saf ety .36
..............................
Booster Seats .52
.............................
Child Seats .43,44
Important Saf ety
..........................
Reminders .36-54
..........................................
Inf ants .41
..........................
Larger Children .51
.........................................
LATCH .46 ......................
Risks with Airbags .37
.............................
Small Children .42
..........................................
Tether .50
...........................
Warning Labels .56
..........
Where Should a Child Sit .37
.......................................
Child Seats .36
.........................................
LATCH .46
..........
Tether Anchorage Points .50
................
Childproof Door Locks .125
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .442
..........
Client Service Inf ormation .502
...............
Climate Control System .166
..............................................
Clock .290
...................................
Clutch Fluid .429
..................
CO in the Exhaust .55,495
............
Cold Weather, Starting in .375
..............................
Compact Spare .458
.........................................
Compass .295
.................
Console Compartment .156
.................
Consumer Inf ormation .502
.............
Controls, Instruments and .57
Coolant
........................................
Adding .423
....................................
Checking .361
.........................
Proper Solution .423
...................
Temperature Gauge .69 ............................
Courtesy Lights .162
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System .495
................
Cruise Control Indicator .66
............
Cruise Control Operation .299
.............
Customer Service Of f ice .502
.......................
Customized Settings .81
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,58
..............
Daytime Running Lights .114
.................................
Dead Battery .466
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .504
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .117
..............
Def rosting the Windows .170
....................................
Dimensions .486
.............
Dimming the Headlights .111
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .425
..................................
Engine Oil .361
........................
Directional Signals .111
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .389
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .422
Index
D
C
II
——y
y
)!
y
y
2009 TSX

CONT INUED
.......................
Label, Certif ication .484
...............
Lane Change, Signaling .111
........................
Language Selection .87
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .14,20
...............................
LATCH System .46
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .430
.......................................
Indicator .59
.......................................
Parking .111
................................
Turn Signal .111
....................................
Load Limits .368
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .122 .................
Jacking up the Vehicle .461
.......................................
Jack, Tire .460
................................
Jump Starting .466
................................................
Keys .119
...
Indicators, Messages (MID) .60,79
...............
ABS (Anti-lock Brake) .62
Brake (Parking and Brake
............................
System) .61,472
................
Charging System .61,470
.............................
Cruise Control .66
.................................
Cruise Main .66
................
Door/Trunk Open .11,65
DRL (Daytime Running
....................................
Lights) .114
.
EPS (Electric Power Steering) .65
.....................................
Fog Light .66
...................................
High Beam .66
....
High Temperature (Coolant) .69
........
Key (Immobilizer System) .61
.....................................
Lights On .66
......................................
Low Fuel .67
................
Low Oil Pressure .60,470
Low Tire Pressure/
...............................
TPMS .64,392
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .471
..........................
Security System .67
...........................
Side Airbag Of f .62
.................................
Seat Belt .19,60
.........................................
SRS .31,62
.........................
System Message .67 .................................
TPMS .392,395
Turn Signal and Hazard
...................................
Warning .64
............................
VSA Activation .63
.................................
VSA System .63
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel .60
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .41
......................................
Inf ant Seats .41
..........
Tether Anchorage Points .50
...........
Inf lation, Proper Tire .448,488
..................................
INFO Buttons .71
.................................
Inside Mirror .145
.............................
Inspection, Tire .449
....................
Installing a Child Seat .44
..........
Tether Anchorage Points .50
.............................
Using LATCH .46
............................
Instrument Panel .59
......
Instrument Panel Brightness .115
..............
Instruments and Controls .57
.................................
Interf ace Dial .222
...............................
Interior Lights .161
........................................
Introduction .i
.......................................
iPod
.199,259
Index
INDEX
J
K
L
V
——y

y
)!
y
y
2009 TSX

Locks.....
Anti-thef t Steering Column .122
........................
Childproof Door .125
............................
Fuel Fill Door .357
..................................
Glove Box .157
..................
Lockout Prevention .125
...............................
Power Door .124
.........................................
Trunk .130
........................
Low Coolant Level .361
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .67
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a .376
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .60,470
................................
Lower Anchors .46
Lubricant Specif ications
..........................................
Chart .486
...........
Luggage, Storing (Cargo) .367
...................
Neutral Gear Position .380
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .356
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds .377
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .484 ..............................
Paddle Shif ters .383
............
Panel Brightness Control .115
........................
Park Gear Position .380
...........................................
Parking .388
...............................
Parking Brake .153
Parking Brake and Brake
.................
System Indicator .61,472
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline .356 .........................................
Odometer .73
Oil
........................
Change, How to .421
......................
Change, When to .409
......................
Checking Engine .361
..............
Pressure Indicator .60,470
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart .420
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) .122
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
....................................
Recovery .495
............................
Outside Mirrors .145
.....................
Outside Temperature .74
....................
Overheating, Engine .468
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks .416
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .357
..................................
Maintenance .407
.........
Automated Appointment .343
........................................
Minder .409
......
Main Items and Sub Items .414
Owner’s Maintenance
...................................
Checks .416
..........................................
Saf ety .408 .......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .471
...................
Manual Transmission .376
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .427
...........
Memory, Driving Position .142
.........................
Meters, Gauges .59,68
....................
Methanol in Gasoline .357
...........................................
Mirrors .145
....................................
Adjusting .145
........................................
Heated .146
...............................
Reverse Tilt .146
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle .366
.......................................
Moonroof .151
........................
MP3 .190,210,251,271
..............
Multi-inf ormation Display .70
Index
N
O
M
P
VI
——y
y
)!
y
y
2009 TSX

CONT INUED
...................
Radiator Overheating .468
...........
Radio/Disc Sound System .174 .................
Radio Thef t Protection .289
........................................
RDS .179,227
.............................
Readiness Code .471
Rear Lights, Bulb
......................
Replacement .436,437
.......................
Rear Seats, Folding .138
..........................
Rearview Camera .353
...........................
Rearview Mirror .145
...............
Rear Window Def ogger .117
.............
Reclining the Seat Backs .134
.......
Recommended Shif t Speeds .377
........................................
Ref ueling .357
.......................
Reminder Indicators .60
................
Remote Audio Controls .287
.....................
Remote Transmitter .126
Replacement Inf ormation
................
Engine Oil and Filter .421
..........................................
Fuses .474
................................
Light Bulbs .430
...........................................
Tires .451
.............................
Wiper Blades .444
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .22
Reserve Tank, Engine ...............................
Coolant .361,423
...............................
Restraint, Child .36 ..................
Reverse Gear Position .380
...........................
Reverse Lockout .378
................................
Rotation, Tire .451
..................................
Saf ety Belts .8,19
............
Safety Defects, Reporting .504
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
...........................................
Airbags .9
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of .56
..............................
Saf ety Messages .iii
.............
Satellite Radio, XM
.183,236
...............................
Parking Lights .111
..
Parking Over Things that Burn .388
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator .33
.............................
PGM-FI System .496
...................................
Pollen Filter .443
........................
Power Door Locks .124
..............
Power Seat Adjustments .134
......
Power Socket Locations .154,156
............................
Power Windows .147
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .17
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens .11
...
Additional Safety Precautions .18
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women .17
........................
Protecting Children .36
.....................
General Guidelines .36
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .41
.......
Protecting Larger Children .51
.........
Protecting Small Children .42
Using Child Seats with
.....................................
Tethers .50
.............................
Using LATCH .46
Index
INDEX
S
R
VII
——y
y
)!
y
y
2009 TSX

.....................................
Seat Belts .8,19
...............
Additional Information .19
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................
Tensioners .21
.....................................
Cleaning .442
................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .15,20
................................
Maintenance .22
Reminder Indicator and
................................
Beeper .19,60
...................
System Components .19
...............
Use During Pregnancy .17
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt .20
Seats ....................................
Adjusting .134
.......................................
Folding .138
.......................................
Heaters .141
............................
Security System .293
.....................
Selecting a Child Seat .43
.......
Selector Knob (Disc Player) .175
......
Sequential SportsShif t Mode .385
..........................
Paddle Shif ters .383
...............................
Serial Number .484
..............................
Service Minder .409
.............................
Service Manual .505
.........
Service Station Procedures .357
..........................
Setting the Clock .290 ...
Shif t Lever Position Indicators .379
........................
Shif t Lock Release .381
................................
Side Airbags .9,29
...
How Your Side Airbags Work .29
How the Side Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works .32
..................
Side Curtain Airbags .9,31
How Your Side Curtain
..........................
Airbags Work .31
.............................
Signaling Turns .111
.....................................
Snow Tires .452
................................
Sound System .174
Spare Tire
......................................
Inf lating .458
............................
Specif ications .488
....................................
Spark Plugs .487
................................
Specif ications .486
................................
Speed Control .299
........................
Speed Limiter .377,381
...................................
Speedometer .68
.......................................
Spotlights .161
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation .23
...
Additional Safety Precautions .34
.............................
Airbag Service .34
......
Airbag System Components .23 How the Passenger Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works .33
How the Side Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works .32
..
How the SRS Indicator Works .31
How Your Front Airbags
.......................................
Works .25
.
How Your Side Airbags Works .29
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
Work .31
.............................
SRS Indicator .31,62
..
START (Ignition Key Position) .123
.......................
Starting the Engine .375
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .375
................
With a Dead Battery .466
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine .468
Steering Wheel
..............................
Adjustments .118
...........
Anti-thef t Column Lock .122
Steering Wheel ................
Buttons .71,287,299,309
...................
Stereo Sound System .174
......................................
Sun Visors .159
........................
Sunglasses Holder .158
Index
VIII
——y
y
)!
y
y
2009 TSX