steering Acura TSX 2011 Owner's Guide

197
Continued
Driving
When Driving
Shifing
Sequential Shift Mode
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 5th gears without removing
your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission will switch to the sequential
shift mode.
When the shift lever is in
D
:
The vehicle will go into the sequential shift mode momentarily, and the gear
position indicator will come on.
Once you start traveling at a constant speed, the sequential shift mode will
automatically switch off, and the gear position indicator will go off.
Hold the
+ paddle shifter for two seconds to return to normal drive.
When the shift lever is in
S
:
The vehicle will go into the sequential shift mode, and the
M
(sequential shift)
indicator and gear position indicator will come on. At speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h)
or less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st gear. It will not automatically
shift up, even if vehicle speed increases.
You can only pull away in 1st or 2nd gear.
When switching out of the sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from
S

to
D
. When the sequential shift mode is canceled, the sequential shift mode
indicator and shift indicator go off.

201
Continued
Driving
When Driving
Cruise Control
Cruise Control

Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at
a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Cruise Control
When the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY
I or
LOCK
0, cruise control automatically goes off.
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.
CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panelCruise control is ready to use.
OVehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~ Automatic transmission models OShift positions for cruise control:
In
D
or
S, in 2nd gear or higher
OPress the
CRUISE
button on
the steering wheel
How to use
WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can
lead to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.
When to use

203
Driving
When Driving
Cruise Control
To Adjust the Vehicle Speed
Increase or decrease the vehicle speed using the accelerator and brake pedals, and
set the vehicle speed with the DECEL /SET button on the steering wheel.
To Adjust the Vehicle Speed
Vehicle speed can be increased or decreased also
using the RES/ACCEL or DECEL /SET buttons on the
steering wheel.
RES/ACCEL Button
Each time you press the button, vehicle speed is tincreased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
If you keep it pressed, vehicle speed increases tuntil you release it. This speed is then set.
DECEL /SET Button
Each time you press it, vehicle speed decreases by tabout 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
If you keep it pressed, vehicle speed decreases tuntil you release it. This speed is then set.
DECEL /SET
Button
Press and Release
To decrease speed To increase speed
Decrease vehicle speed with the
brake pedal, then take your foot
off the brake pedal.Use the accelerator pedal
to increase vehicle speed.
The vehicle speed is
set when the button is
released.

Braking
Brake System
211
Driving
Foot Brake
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps
reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking
very hard.
Brake Assist System

P. 2 13
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)


P. 2 12
Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound
when applying the brakes, the brake pads need to
be replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down
a long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to
a lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

Braking
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
212Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) NOTICE The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it
takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering
control during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without ABS:
When driving on rough road surfaces, including twhen driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel
or snow.
When tire chains are installed. tYou may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate
immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.

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

Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
250Maintenance
Low Beam Headlights
1. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the headlight being
replaced.
Passenger side: Turn the steering wheel
to the left.
Driver side: Turn the steering wheel to
the right.
2. Remove the holding clips and screws, and
pull the inner fender back.
3. Rotate the cover to the left, and remove.
Low Beam Headlights
High voltage can remain in the circuit for a long period of time after the light is
switched off. Do not attempt to inspect or replace the high voltage discharge type
bulbs yourself. Ask a dealer to inspect and replace low beam headlights.
Low Beam Headlights
When removing the clip, insert a flat-tip screwdriver,
and lift and remove the central pin.
High Voltage Discharge Type Halogen Type
Inner Fender
Screw
Cover Clip

Replacing Light Bulbs
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Light Bulbs
252Maintenance
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker: 21/5WTurn the steering wheel and pull the inner fender back in the same way as when
replacing the low beam headlights.
Changing the Low Beam Headlight

P. 2 5 0
1. Turn the socket to the left and remove it.
2. Push in the old bulb, rotate to the left until
it unlocks, and remove.
3. Insert a new bulb.2. Remove the coupler.
It can be removed by pushing the tab.
3. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4. Insert new bulb.
BulbSocket
Bulb
Ta b
Coupler

Checking and Maintaining Tires
Winter Tires
267
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked ”M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the
law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires. t
Mount the tires to all four wheels. t
For tire chains:
Install them on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire t
clearance, Acura strongly recommends using the chains listed below:
4-cylinder models Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1034 6-cylinder models Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1038 Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as t
tightly as you can.
Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension. t
Drive slowly. t
Winter Tires NOTICE Traction devices that are the wrong size or
improperly installed can damage your vehicle's
brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can
be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.

277
If a Tire Goes Flat
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with the compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or
replaced.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground. Automatic transmission models 2. Put the shift lever in P
.
Manual transmission models 2. Put the shift lever in R
.
All models 3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK 0
.
Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep
the vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace
with a full size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle
are specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one
of the full-size rear tires and replace it with the
compact spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and
replace it will the full size tire that was removed
from the rear. Mount the tire chains on the front
tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
Changing a Flat Tire