Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Manual
Page 101 of 324
100Controls
Opening and Closing the WindowsOpening/Closing the Power WindowsThe power windows can be opened and closed when the ignition switch is in ON (w
, using the switches on the doors. The driver’s side switches can be used to open 
and close all of the windows.
The power window lock button on the driver’s side must be switched off (not 
pushed in, indicator off) to open and close the windows from anywhere other than 
the driver’s seat.
When the power window lock button is turned on (pushed in, indicator on), you can 
only operate the driver’s window. Turn the power window lock button on when 
children are in the vehicle.
■
Automatic operation
To open: Push the switch down firmly.
To close: Pull the switch up firmly.
The window opens or closes completely. To 
stop the window at any time, push or pull the 
switch briefly.
■
Manual operation
To open: Push the switch down lightly.
To close: Pull the switch up lightly.
Release the switch when the window reaches 
the desired position.
■
Opening/Closing Windows with Auto-Open/Close Function
1Opening/Closing the Power Windows
The power windows can be operated for up to 10 
minutes after you turn the ignition switch off.
Opening either front door cancels this function.
Auto Reverse
If a power window senses resistance when closing 
automatically, it will stop closing and reverse 
direction.
The driver’s window auto reverse function is disabled 
when you continuously pull up the switch.
The auto reverse function stops sensing when the 
window is almost closed to ensure that it fully closes.
3
WARNING
Closing a power window on someone’s 
hands or fingers can cause serious injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from 
the windows before closing them.
On
Off
Indicator
Driver’s 
Window 
SwitchFront Passenger’s Window SwitchPower Window 
Lock Button 
Page 102 of 324
Continued
101
uuOpening and Closing the WindowsuOpening/Closing the Power Windows
Controls
To open: Push the switch down.
To close: Pull the switch up.
Release the switch when the window reaches 
the desired position.
To open: Press the unlock button twice 
within 10 seconds and hold it down for the 
second time. If the windows stop midway, 
repeat the procedure.
■
Opening/Closing Windows without Auto-Open/Close 
Function
Close
Open
■
Opening Windows and Moonroof with the Remote 
Transmitter
1Opening Windows and Moonroof with the Remote Transmitter
You cannot operate the power windows with the 
remote transmitter when the door is open.
Unlock 
Button 
Page 103 of 324
uuOpening and Closing the WindowsuOpening/Closing the Power Windows
102Controls
To open: Unlock the driver’s door with the 
key. Within 10 seconds of returning the key to 
the central position, turn the key in the unlock 
direction and hold it there.
To close: Lock the driver’s door with the key. 
Within 10 seconds of returning the key to the 
central position, turn the key in the lock 
direction and hold it there.
Release the key to stop the windows/
moonroof at the desired position. If you want 
further adjustment, repeat the same 
operation.
■
Opening/Closing the Windows/Moonroof with the Key
1Opening/Closing the Windows/Moonroof with the Key
You cannot close the power windows with the key 
when the door is open.
Close
Open 
Page 104 of 324
103
Controls
Opening and Closing the MoonroofYou can only operate the moonroof when the ignition switch is in ON 
(w
. Use the 
switch in the front of the ceiling to open and close the moonroof.
■
Automatic operation
To open: Pull the switch back firmly, then 
release.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly, then 
release.
The moonroof will automatically open or close 
all the way. To stop the moonroof midway, 
touch the switch briefly.
■
Manual operation
To open: Pull the switch back, and hold it 
until the desired position is reached.
To close: Push the switch forward, and hold it 
until the desired position is reached.
■
Tilting the moonroof up
To tilt: Push on the center of the moonroof 
switch.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly, then 
release.
■
Opening/Closing the Moonroof
1Opening/Closing the Moonroof
NOTICEOpening the moonroof in below freezing 
temperature or when it is covered with snow or ice 
can damage the moonroof panel or motor.
The power moonroof can be operated for up to 10 
minutes after you turn the ignition switch off.
Opening either front door cancels this function.
When resistance is detected, the auto reverse 
function causes the moonroof to change directions, 
then stop. Auto reverse stops sensing when the 
moonroof is almost closed to ensure that it fully 
closes. Make sure that all objects, including fingers, 
are clear of the moonroof.
3
WARNING
Opening or closing the moonroof on 
someone's hands or fingers can cause 
serious injury.
Make sure all hands and fingers are clear of 
the moonroof before opening or closing it. 
Page 105 of 324
104Controls
Operating the Switches Around the Steering WheelIgnition Switch
1Ignition Switch
You cannot take the key out unless the shift lever is 
in 
(P
.
If you open the driver’s door when the key is in LOCK 
(0
 or ACCESSORY 
(q
, a warning buzzer will sound 
to remind you to take the key out.
When this happens, the following messages appear 
on the multi-information display:
•In LOCK 
(0
: REMOVE KEY.
•In ACCESSORY 
(q
: REMOVE KEY. The buzzer will 
stop when you take the key out.
If the key won’t turn from LOCK 
(0
 to ACCESSORY 
(q
, turn the key while moving the steering wheel left 
and right. The steering wheel will unlock, allowing 
the key to turn.
3
WARNING
Removing the key from the ignition switch 
while driving locks the steering. This can 
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Remove the key from the ignition switch 
only when parked.Manual transmission modelsAutomatic transmission modelsAll models
(0
 LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this 
position.
(q
 ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and 
other accessories in this position.
(w
 ON: This is the position when driving.
(e
 START: This position is for starting the engine. 
The switch returns to ON 
(w
 when you let go of 
the key. 
Page 106 of 324
105
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluTurn SignalsContinued
Controls
Turn Signals
The turn signals can be used when the ignition 
switch is in ON 
(w
.
Light Switches
Rotating the light switch turns the lights on 
and off, regardless of the position of the 
ignition switch.■
High beams
Push the lever forward until you hear a click.
■
Low beams
When in high beams, pull the lever back to 
return to low beams.
■
Flashing the high beams
Pull the lever back, and release it.
Right Turn
Left Turn
■
Manual Operation
1Light Switches
If you remove the key from the ignition switch while 
the light is on, a chime sounds when the driver’s door 
is opened.
When the lights are on, the lights on indicator in the 
instrument panel will be on.
2Indicators P. 64
Repeatedly turning the headlights on and off reduces 
the life of the HID headlight bulbs.
If you sense that the level of the headlights is 
abnormal, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer.
Do not leave the lights on when the engine is off 
because it will cause the battery to discharge.
High Beams
Flashing the high beams
Low Beams
Turns on parking, side marker, 
tail and license plate lights
Turns on headlights, parking, side 
marker, tail, and license plate 
lights 
Page 107 of 324
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluLight Switches
106Controls
Automatic lighting control can be used when 
the ignition switch is in ON 
(w
.
When you turn the light switch to AUTO, the 
headlights and other exterior lights will switch 
on and off automatically depending on the 
ambient brightness.
uYou can change the auto light sensitivity 
setting.
2Customized Features P. 80
■
Automatic lighting off feature
The headlights, all other exterior lights, and the instrument panel lights turn off 
within 15 seconds after you remove the key and close the driver’s door.
uYou can change the headlight auto off timer setting.
2Customized Features P. 80
If you turn the ignition switch to LOCK 
(0
 with the headlight switch on, but do not 
open the door, the lights turn off after 10 minutes (3 minutes, if the switch is in the 
AUTO position).
The lights turn on again when you unlock or open the driver’s door. If you unlock 
the door, but do not open it within 15 seconds, the lights go off. If you open the 
driver’s door, you will hear a lights on reminder chime.
■
Automatic Operation (automatic lighting control)
1Automatic Operation (automatic lighting control)
We recommend that you turn on the lights manually 
when driving at night, in a dense fog, or in dark areas 
such as long tunnels or parking facilities.
The light sensor is in the location shown below.
Do not cover this light sensor with anything; 
otherwise, the automatic lighting system may not 
work properly.
Adjust the auto light sensitivity as follows:
2Customized Features P. 80
Light Sensor
Setting
Sensor Sensitivity
Ambient Light at
More Sensitive
Less SensitiveBright
Dark
MAXMINMIDHIGHLOW 
Page 108 of 324
107
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluFog Lights
Controls
Fog Lights
When the low beam headlights are on, turn 
the fog light switch on to use the fog lights.
Daytime Running LightsThe high beam headlights come on slightly dimmer than normal when the following 
conditions have been met:
•The ignition switch is in ON 
(w
.
•The headlight switch is off, or in  .
•The parking brake is released.
The lights remain on even if you set the parking brake. Turning off the ignition 
switch will turn off the daytime running lights.
The high beam headlights return to the original brightness once the headlight 
switch is turned on.
1Fog Lights
When the fog lights are on, the indicator in the 
instrument panel will be on.
They go off when the headlights turn off, or when 
the daytime running lights are on.
2Indicators P. 64
Fog Light Switch 
Page 109 of 324
108
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluWipers and Washers
Controls
Wipers and Washers
The windshield wipers and washers can be 
used when the ignition switch is in ON 
(w
.
■
MIST
The wipers run at high speed until you release 
the lever.
■
Wiper switch (OFF, INT, LO, HI)
Change the wiper switch setting according to 
the amount of rain.
■
Adjusting the delay
Turn the adjustment ring to adjust the wiper 
delay.
■
Washer
Sprays while you pull the lever toward you.
When you release the lever, the wipers make 
two or three more sweeps before stopping.
■
Front Wiper/Washer
1Wipers and Washers
NOTICEDo not use the wipers when the windshield is dry.
The windshield will get scratched, or the rubber 
blades will get damaged.NOTICEIn cold weather, the blades may freeze to the 
windshield, becoming stuck.
Operating the wipers in this condition may damage 
the wipers. Use the defroster to warm the 
windshield, then turn the wipers on.
If the vehicle speeds up while the wipers are 
operating intermittently, the length of the wipe 
interval shortens. When the vehicle starts moving, the 
wipers make a single sweep.
The wiper operation of the shortest delay setting ( ) 
and the LO setting become the same when the 
vehicle speeds up.
Turn the washers off if no washer fluid comes out.
The pump may get damaged.
Intermittent Time 
Adjustment Ring
a MIST
b OFF
c INT: Low speed with 
             intermittent
d LO: Low speed wipe
e HI: High speed wipePull to 
use 
washer.
a
b
c
d
e
Long delay
Short delay 
Page 110 of 324
109
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluBrightness Control
Controls
Brightness Control
When the parking lights are turned on and the 
ignition switch is in ON 
(w
, you can use the 
brightness control knob to adjust instrument 
panel brightness.
Brighten: Turn the knob to the right.
Dim: Turn the knob to the left.
You will hear the beeper when the brightness 
reaches minimum or maximum. The multi-
information display will return to its original 
state several seconds after you adjust the 
brightness.
■
Brightness level indicator
The brightness level is shown on the multi-
information display while you are adjusting it. 
As the brightness level increases to the right, 
the instrument panel gets brighter.
1Brightness Control
Instrument panel brightness varies, depending on 
whether the exterior lights are on or off. The 
instrument panel dims to reduce glare when they are 
on.
Pressing either   (information) button 
switches the display.
If you turn the knob to the right until the brightness 
display is up to max, the beeper sounds. This cancels 
the reduced instrument panel brightness when the 
parking lights are on.
The brightness can be set differently for when the 
exterior lights are on, and when they are off.
Control Knob