air condition Acura TSX 2011 User Guide

204Driving
When Driving
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic
Stability Control), System
VSA
® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
VSA
® Operation
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability
Control), System
The VSA
® may not function properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA
® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA
® cannot enhance stability in all driving
situations and does not control the entire braking
system. You still need to drive and corner at speeds
appropriate for the conditions and always leave a
sufficient margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA
® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
When VSA
® activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to the
accelerator. You may also notice some noise
from the hydraulic system. You will also see
the indicator blink.
VSA
® System
Indicator

219
Accessories and Modifications
Driving
AccessoriesWhen installing accessories, check the following:
Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and t
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows. t
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with t
proper operation of your vehicle.
Fuse

P. 2 9 4
Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for t
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.
ModificationsDo not modify your vehicle or use non-Acura components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment
is properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
Accessories and Modifications
Acura Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability,
and performance, and cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

Before Performing Maintenance
222Maintenance
Inspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your
vehicle in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell,
insufficient brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected
by a dealer. (Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep
your warranties in effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed
maintenance and inspection information.
Types of Inspection and Maintenance Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling. Periodic inspections
Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly. t
Automatic Transmission Fluid

P. 2 4 2
Check the brake fluid level monthly. t
Brake/Clutch Fluid

P. 2 4 4
Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign t
objects.
Checking and Maintaining Tires

P. 2 5 9
Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly. t
Replacing Light Bulbs

P. 2 4 7
Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. t
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades

P. 2 5 7
Inspection and Maintenance U.S. models Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment
or individuals using parts that are "certified"
to EPA standards.

According to state and federal regulations, failure
to perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services
should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display.
Maintenance Service Items


P. 2 2 7
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual.
Authorized Manual


P. 3 13

If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills
first.
After performing maintenance, update the records
in the separate maintenance booklet.

Before Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
223
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a
given task.
Maintenance SafetyTo reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames t
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not t
gasoline.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or t
compressed air.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you. t
Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
Vehicle Safet yThe vehicle must be in a stationary condition. t
Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set,
and the engine is off.
Be aware that hot parts can burn you. t Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
Be aware that moving parts can injure you. t Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs
away from moving parts.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause
you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.

227
Maintenance
Continued
Maintenance Minder™
Maintenance Service ItemsCODE Maintenance Main Items
A Replace engine oilt
*1
B Replace engine oilt
*1 and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes t
Check parking brake adjustment t
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots t
Inspect suspension components t
Inspect driveshaft boots t
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS) t
*OTQFDU
BMM
nVJE
MFWFMT
BOE
DPOEJUJPO
PG
nVJET t
Inspect exhaust system t
#
Inspect fuel lines and connections t
#
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1 Rotate tirest
2 Replace air cleaner elementt
*2
Replace dust and pollen filter t
*3
Inspect drive belt t
33FQMBDF
USBOTNJTTJPO
nVJE t
*4
4 Replace spark plugst
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump t
*5
Inspect valve clearance t
5 Replace engine coolantt
*4: If you drive regularly in mountainous areas or tow a trailer, replace the transmission fluid at 60,000
miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). (automatic transmission models only)
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C ), in very low temperatures (under
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km. (6-cylinder models only)
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty. *1: Change the engine oil according to the Maintenance Minder, or annually, whichever comes first.
*2: If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000
km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Service Items
Independent of the Maintenance Minder tinformation, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 tkm).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 tonly if they are noisy. Maintenance Minder
Message System Message
Indicator
Main Items
Sub Items

259
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Maintenance
Checking TiresTo safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the
specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazard,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any t
cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. t
Uneven tread wear. Have your dealer check the wheel alignment. t
Excessive tread wear. t
Wear Indicators

P. 2 6 4
Cracks or other damage around valve stem. t
WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance. Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
If necessary, add or release air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as mush
as 4 – 6 psi (30 – 40 kPa, 0.3– 0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher
than if checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly
balanced.

Cleaning
Exterior Care
273
Continued
Maintenance
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Washing the Vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
If driving on roads with road salt. t
If driving in coastal areas. t
If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces. t
Using an Automated Vehicle Wash
Fold in the door mirrors. Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the
automated vehicle wash.
Using High Pressure CleanersKeep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body. t
Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water t
to enter the vehicle interior. Do not spray water into the engine compartment.
Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents or
engine compartment. It can cause a malfunction.
Air Intake Vents
Exterior Care

Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
292Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Reasons for the indicator to come on
The brake fluid is low. t
There is a malfunction in the brake system. t What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop. t
If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the t
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If
there is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator
come on simultaneously, the brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
CanadaIf the EPS Indicator Comes On
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when there is a problem with EPS. t
If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the t
engine speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate. What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On NOTICE If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel
on the full left or right position for a while, the
system heats up. The system goes into a protective
mode, and limits its performance. The steering
wheel becomes harder and harder to operate. Once
the system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

Specifications
302Information
4-cylinder models O Vehicle SpecificationsModel Acura TSX
No. of Passengers:
Front
Rear
Tot al2
3
5
Weights:
Gross Vehicle Weight
RatingU.S.: 4,475 lbs (2,030 kg)
*1
Canada: 2,030 kg
*1
U.S.: 4,395 lbs (1,995 kg)
*2
Canada: 1,995 kg
*2
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Front) U.S.: 2,410 lbs (1,095 kg)
*1
Canada: 1,095 kg
*1
U.S.: 2,325 lbs (1,055 kg)
*2
Canada: 1,055 kg
*2
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Rear) U.S.: 2,090 lbs (950 kg)
Canada: 950 kg
Air Conditioning:
Refrigerant Type
Charge Quantity
Lubricant TypeH F C-13 4 a ( R -13 4 a)
15.8 – 17.6 oz (450 – 500 g)
SP-10*1: Automatic transmission models
*2: Manual transmission models
O Engine SpecificationsDisplacement 144 cu-in (2,354 cm
3)
Spark PlugsNGK ILZKR7B-11S
DENSO SXU22HCR11S
O FuelFuel:
Ty peUnleaded gasoline, Pump octane
number of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 18.5 US gal (70 ℓ)O BatteryCapacity/Type 36AH(5)/45AH(20)/47AH(20)O Washer FluidTank CapacityU.S.: 2.6 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
Canada: 4.8 US qt (4.5 ℓ)
O Light BulbsHeadlights (Low Beam)35W (D2S)*
3
55W (H1)*
4
Headlights (High Beam) 60W (HB3)
Fog Lights 55W (H11)
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side
Marker Lights21/5W
Side Turn Signal Lights
(on Door Mirrors)LED
Brake/Taillights 21/5W
Rear Turn Signal Lights 21W
Back-Up Lights 21W
Rear Side Marker Lights 3CP
High-Mount Brake Light 21W
License Plate Lights 5W
Trunk Light 5W
Interior Lights
Spotlight
Ceiling Light 8W
8W
Vanity Mirror Lights 2W
Courtesy Lights 3.8W*3: Vehicle with discharge headlights
*4: Vehicle with halogen bulb low beam headlights

Specifications
304Information
6-cylinder models O Vehicle SpecificationsModel Acura TSX
No. of Passengers:
Front
Rear
Tot al2
3
5
Weights:
Gross Vehicle Weight
RatingU.S.: 4,630 lbs (2,100 kg)
Canada: 2,100 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Front) U.S.: 2,557 lbs (1,160 kg)
Canada: 1,160 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Rear) U.S.: 2,083 lbs (945 kg)
Canada: 945 kg
Air Conditioning:
Refrigerant Type
Charge Quantity
Lubricant TypeH F C-13 4 a ( R -13 4 a)
15.8 – 17.6 oz (450 – 500 g)
SP-10
O Engine SpecificationsDisplacement 212 cu-in (3,471 cm
3)
Spark PlugsNGK ILZKR7B11
DENSO SXU22HCR11
O FuelFuel:
Ty peUnleaded gasoline, Pump octane
number of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 18.5 US gal (70 ℓ)O BatteryCapacity/Type 55AH(5)/72AH(20)O Washer FluidTank CapacityU.S.: 2.6 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
Canada: 4.8 US qt (4.5 ℓ)
O Light BulbsHeadlights (Low Beam) 35W (D2S)
Headlights (High Beam) 60W (HB3)
Fog Lights 55W (H11)
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side
Marker Lights21/5W
Side Turn Signal Lights
(on Door Mirrors)LED
Brake/Taillights 21/5W
Rear Turn Signal Lights 21W
Back-Up Lights 21W
Rear Side Marker Lights 3CP
High-Mount Brake Light 21W
License Plate Lights 5W
Trunk Light 5W
Interior Lights
Spotlight
Ceiling Light 8W
8W
Vanity Mirror Lights 2W
Courtesy Lights 3.8W