2009 Acura TSX ECU

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Do not put any items on top of the
trunk panel. They can block your
view and be thrown around the
vehicle during a crash.Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the driver’s ability to operate the
pedals, the proper operation of the
seats, or the proper operation of
the sensors under the seats.
Also, keep all cargo below the
bottom of the windows. If it is
higher, it could interf ere with the
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags. Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the trunk, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible.
If youfolddownthebackseat,tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
If you carry large items that
prevent you f rom closing the trunk
lid, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of
, f ollow the instructions
on page . 55
Carrying Cargo
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment Carrying Cargo in the T runk
carbon monoxide
poisoning
370
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2009 TSX

To secure cargo, use the f our f loor
hooks in the trunk. Make sure all
stored items are secured bef ore
driving.The cargo net can be used to help
hold down items stored in the trunk.
Optional
Carrying Cargo
Cargo Hooks Cargo Net
Bef ore Driving
371
HOOK
HOOK
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2009 TSX

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ). Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that the trunk is f ully
closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
Youshoulddothesechecksand
adjustments bef ore you drive your
vehicle:
Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and
).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
3. 2. 1.
4.
5. 6.
7.
8.
9.
15 68
134
118 59
70
145
10. 11.
Preparing to Drive
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2009 TSX

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Parking T ips
Parking
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2009 TSX

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
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2009 TSX

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
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2009 TSX

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
CONT INUED
Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
419
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
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2009 TSX

Turn of f the engine, let it sit f or
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.
Remove the oil f ilter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter. Install the under cover and tighten
the bolts securely.
7.
8.
9.
6. 10.
11.
12.
5.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
422
OIL FILTER
4.2 US qt (4.0)
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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2009 TSX