Vsa Acura TSX 2009 Owner's Manual

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To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Ref er to the navigation system manual.
If equipped
1:
2:
3:
Your Vehicle at a Glance
4
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
HORN SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
MULTI-INFORMATION
BUTTONS
CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER/HEATED
MIRROR BUTTON
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
FRONT FOG LIGHTS
REMOTE AUDIO CONTROL
BUTTONS
(P.287)
NAVIGATION SYSTEM VOICE
CONTROL BUTTONS
Vehicle with navigation system is shown. INTERFACE DIAL
SELECTOR KNOB
(P.222)
(P.175)
CENTER DISPLAY
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/
WASHERS
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS (P. 118)
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS (P.111)/
(P.115)INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS (P.115)
(P.110)
(P.33)
(P.117)
(P.117,146) (P.299)
(P.71)
(P.141)
(P.399)
(P.308)
BLUETOOTH
HANDSFREELINKSYSTEM
VOICE CONTROL BUTTONS
1
3
2 2
32
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2009 TSX

The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
59
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM
INDICATOR VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
SYSTEM INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
ELECTRIC POWER
STEERING (EPS)
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
ACTIVATION INDICATOR
LOW FUEL INDICATORIMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
SYSTEM MESSAGE INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR
DOOR/TRUNK OPEN
INDICATOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE/TPMS
INDICATOR
(P.63)
(P.66)
(P.62) (P.66)
(P.60,471)
(P.61,470)
(P.65) (P.60,470)
(P.67) (P.63)
(P.61,472) (P.19,60)(P.65)
(P.67) (P.61)
(P.62)
(P.62) SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.64,392)(P.67)
(P.66)
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR (P.66)
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P.66)
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2009 TSX

This indicator has three f unctions:Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position.
If itcomesonandstaysonatany
other time, or it does not come on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, there is a
problem with the VSA system. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. Take your
vehicle to a dealer to have it checked.
Without VSA, your vehicle still has
normal driving ability, but will not
have VSA traction and stability
enhancement. For more inf ormation,
see page . It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and when the ignition
switch is turned to the START (III)
position. For more inf ormation, see
page .
1.
2.
3. 398
398 398
Instrument Panel Indicators
VSA A ctivation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
63
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2009 TSX

This indicator is in the f uel gauge. It
comesonasareminderthatyou
must ref uel soon. You will also see a
‘‘FUEL LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
When the needle reaches E, there is
a very small amount of f uel in the
tank.This indicator comes on when there
is a system message on the multi-
inf ormation display. Press the INFO
button on the steering wheel (see
page ) to see the message (see
page ).
Most of the time, this indicator
comes on along with other indicators
in the instrument panel such as the
seat belt reminder indicator, SRS
indicator, VSA system indicator, etc.
This indicator comes on when the
security system is set. For more
inf ormation, see page .
When the indicator comes on, there
are about 2.8 U.S. gal (10.5
)of fuel
remaining in the tank. 71
79
293
L ow Fuel Indicator System Message
IndicatorSecurity System Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols
67
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
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2009 TSX

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To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Ref er to the navigation system manual.
If equipped
1:
2:
3:
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
109
REMOTE AUDIO
CONTROL BUTTONS WINDSHIELD WIPERS/
WASHERS
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH
Vehicle without navigation system is shown. SEAT HEATER SWITCHESCENTER DISPLAY
INTERFACE DIAL
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER/
HEATED MIRROR BUTTON MULTI-INFORMATION
BUTTONS
CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
(P.115) (P.110)PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
(P.33)
(P.222) (P.175)
(P.117)
(P.117,146)
(P.299)
(P.71)
(P.287)
(P.399)
(P.118)(P.141)
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
SELECTOR KNOB
(P.111)/
NAVIGATION SYSTEM VOICE
CONTROL BUTTONS HORN
FRONT FOG LIGHTS (P.115)
(P.308)
BLUETOOTH
HANDSFREELINKSYSTEM
VOICE CONTROL BUTTONS
2
2 3
2 1
3
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2009 TSX

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual and automatic transmissions.
It also includes important
information on parking your vehicle,
the braking system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system, the tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
and f acts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer.........................
Preparing to Drive .374
.......................
Starting the Engine .375
...................
Manual Transmission .376
..............
Automatic Transmission .379
Driving with the Paddle
.......................................
Shif ters .383
...........................................
Parking .388
.............................
Braking System .389
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .390
Tire Pressure Monitoring
........................
System (TPMS) .392
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability ........
Control (ESC), System .398
...........................
Towing a Trailer .400
Driving
Driving
373
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2009 TSX

It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road. on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down. 472
Import ant Saf et y Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
391
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2009 TSX

This indicator and the warning
message on the multi-inf ormation
display will go of f , af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving, when the spare
tire is replaced with the specified
regular tire equipped with the tire
pressure monitor sensor.
Each wheel is equipped with a tire
pressure sensor mounted inside the
tire behind the valve stem. You must
use TPMS specif ic wheels. It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by your dealer or
a qualif ied technician.
If you have a f lat tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS and tire monitor
indicators will come on. Replace the
indicated f lat tire with the compact
sparetire(seepage).
After the flat tire is replaced with the
spare tire, the low tire pressure/
TPMS indicator stays on while
driving. Af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving, this indicator
begins to f lash, then stays on again.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. This is normal;
the system cannot monitor the spare
tire pressure. Manually check the
sparetirepressuretobesureitis
correct.
Also, the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator begins to f lash, then stays
on (see page ).
If the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on, or the multi-
inf ormation display shows a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’ message,
the VSA system automatically turns
on even when the VSA system is
turned of f by pressing the VSA OFF
switch (see page ). If this
happens, you cannot turn the VSA
system of f by pressing the VSA OFF
switch again.
When you restart the vehicle with
thecompactsparetire,theTPMS
system message will also be
displayed on the multi-inf ormation
display af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving. 393
399 458
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Changing a T ire with T PMS
396
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2009 TSX

The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surf aces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. There may also
be some noise f rom the VSA
hydraulic system. You will also see
the VSA activation indicator blink.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA Activation indicator blink.
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e, and turn of f the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
When the VSA system indicator
comes on, you will also see a
‘‘CHECK VSA SYSTEM’’ message
on the multi-information display.
The main f unction of the
VSA system is generally known as
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The system also includes a traction
control f unction.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on (see page ),
or the multi-information display
shows a ‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message with the indicator flashing
(see page ), the VSA system
automatically turns on even if the
VSA system is turned off with the
VSA OFF switch. In this case, you
cannot turn the VSA system of f by
pressing the VSA OFF switch again. 392
395
VSA A ctivation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
Vehicle Stability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
398
NOTE:
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2009 TSX

Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder. Press and hold the switch again. It
turns the system back on.
This switch is under the driver’s side
vent. To turn the VSA system on and
of f , press and hold it until you hear a
beep.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. 452
VSA and Tire Sizes
VSA Of f Switch
Vehicle Stability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
399
VSA OFF SWITCH
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2009 TSX