tow Acura TSX 2009 User Guide

Your vehicle has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can also use it to
tow a trailer if you caref ully observe
the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and f ollow the guidelines
in this section.
The
maximum allowable weight of the
trailer and everything in or on it
must not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
Towing a load that is too heavy
can seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain.
The weight that
the tongue of a f ully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10% of the total
trailer weight. Too much tongue
load reduces front-tire traction and
steering control. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km)
(see page ).356
Load Limits
T otal T railer Weight: T ongue L oad:
Towing a Trailer
Break-In Period
400
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
beforestartingtodrive.
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To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60% of the load
toward the front of the trailer and
40% toward the rear, then re-adjust
the load as needed.The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle axles is:
The maximum allowable weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, all
accessories, all cargo, and the
tongue load is: Thebestwaytoconfirmthatall
loads are within limits is to check
them at a public scale. For public
scales in your area, check your local
phone book, or contact your trailer
dealer or rental agency for
assistance.
If you cannot get to a public scale,
you can estimate the total trailer
weight by adding the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the
manuf acturer) with everything in or
on the trailer.
If you normally pull the same load
each time you tow a trailer, you can
use a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge to check the
tongue load the f irst time you set up
a towing combination (a f ully loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.
on the f ront axle
on the rear axle
on the f ront axle
on the rear axle
Automatic transmission:
Manual transmission: Automatic transmission:
Manual transmission:
Checking L oads
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GA WR):
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
Towing a Trailer
Driving
401
4,395 lbs (1,995 kg) 2,325 lbs (1,055 kg)
2,090 lbs (950 kg)
4,475 lbs (2,030 kg) 2,410 lbs (1,095 kg)
2,090 lbs (950 kg)
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Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.
Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, how
much load you are towing, and
where you tow. If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
See your trailer dealer or rental
agency f or more inf ormation on
installing electric brakes.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and f ollow the
guidelines in this section. Also make
sure that all equipment is properly
installed and maintained, and that it
meets f ederal, state, province, and
local regulations.
To ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase Acura
equipment whenever possible. There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common f or boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
T owing Equipment and
A ccessories
Trailer Brakes
Hitches
Saf et y Chains
Towing a Trailer
402
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Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don’t,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check with
your local trailer sales or rental
agencies f or the requirements in the
area where you plan to tow, and use
only equipment designed f or your
vehicle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by
trailer type and brand, you should
have a qualif ied technician install a
suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer. Improper
equipment or installation can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical
system and af f ect your vehicle
warranty. Askyourtrailersalesorrental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required f or your
towing situation.When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension and
the cooling system are in good
operating condition.
CONT INUED
T railer L ight s A ddit ional T owing Equipment
Towing a Trailer
Pre-T ow Checklist
Driving
403
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The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated, and the trailer
tires and spare are inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
in this section. Driveslowerthannormalinall
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
Do not exceed the limited speed
when towing a trailer. At higher
speeds,thetrailermayswayor
affect vehicle handling (see ‘‘
’’ in the next page f or
additional gear information).
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, use the D position
when towing a trailer on level roads.
Towing a Trailer
Driving Saf ely With a T railerT owing Speeds and Gears
Driving
on Hills
404
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On models with automatic transmission
When driving uphill and downhill,
use the S position (without using the
paddle shif ters) to provide the
proper engine power and engine
braking on each gear. You can also
use the paddle shif ters. In this case,
select third, second, or f irst gear
with the paddle shif ter; depending on
the vehicle speeds and road
condition. Do not use f ourth and f if th
gears. The recommended speed
range f or each gear position is
showninthetable.
Gear position 1
2, 3 Speed range
042mph
(0 67 km/h)
19 62 mph
(30 100 km/h) If the automatic transmission f luid
temperature increases and exceeds
the specif ied limit, the transmission
will also automatically downshif t to
the first gear even with the
Sequential Sportshif t Mode. This
prevents the automatic transmission
f rom overheating. In this case, the
gear position ‘‘1’’ next to the ‘‘M’’
indicator in the instrument panel
blinks about f or f ive seconds, then it
stays on.
Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and always apply engine
braking by shif ting down. If your
vehicle has a manual transmission,
when going down a steep hill, use
the second gear to provide greater
engine braking.
CONT INUED
Towing a Trailer
Making T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Driving
405
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Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Make sure to set the parking brake
whenstartingoff onanincline.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, when driving down
hills, reduce your speed and use the
S mode. You can also use the paddle
shifters to change the gear position.
Select third, second or f irst gear
depending on the vehicle speeds and
road condition. When going down a
steep hill, use second gear to provide
greater engine braking. Shif t down
to f irst gear when driving up steep
hills.
Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering wheel,
then turn the wheel to the left to get
the trailer to move to the lef t. Turn
the wheel to the right to move the
trailer to the right.Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
481
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up Parking
Towing Your Vehicle
406
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Maintenance Minder
417
:If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12 months
after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first column
on page .
NOTE: 416
:
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and line (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission and transfer temperatures. This
requires transmission and transfer fluid changes
more frequently than recommended by the
maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your
vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
and transfer fluid changed at 60,000 miles (100,000
km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (For A/T
only.)
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Symbol
Symbol
B
A 1
2
3
4
5
Maintenance Minder
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CONT INUED
Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal
reinf orcement along the back
edge, remove the metal
reinf orcement strips f rom the old
wiper blade, and install them in
the slots along the edge of the new
blade.
Make sure the three rubber tabs
inside the blade f it to each notch of
the reinf orcement, as shown.
Remove the blade f rom its holder
by grabbing the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull f irmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
When replacing a wiper blade,
make sure not to drop the wiper
blade or wiper arm down on the
windshield.
Pivot the blade assembly toward
the wiper arm until it releases
from the wiper arm.
3. 4.
Wiper Blades
Maint enance
445
BLADE
BLADE
REINFORCEMENT
TOP
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Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f uture corrosion.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
The location of the test indicator
window varies between
manuf acturers.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
454
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
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