2011 Acura TSX Owner's Manual

Before Driving
Driving Preparation
184Driving
Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the t
seats.
They can interfere with the driver's ability to operate the pedals, the
operation of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.
Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt. t
Fastening a Seat Belt

P. 2 9
Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start t
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.
Indicators

P. 6 4

Before Driving
Maximum Load Limit
185
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed X X X kg or X X X lbs." on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from X X X
kg or X X X lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the "X X X" amount equals 1,400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
Maximum Load LimitGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GV WR):
The maximum allowable weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, all accessories, all
cargo, and the tongue load.
Specifications


P. 302, 304
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the
vehicle axle.
Specifications


P. 302, 304
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability and
cause a crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

Before Driving
Maximum Load Limit
186Driving
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to detemine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GV WR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a
label on the driver's doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Example2MaxLoad
850lbs
(385 kg)
MaxLoad
850lbs
(385 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)
Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
550lbs
(249 kg)
Cargo Weight
10 0lbs
(45 kg)

187
Towing a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Towing Load Limits
Your vehicle can tow a tralier if you carefully observe the load limits, use the
proper equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before
driving.
Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain. Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire t
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
To achieve a proper tongue load, start by t
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Tongue Load
Towing Preparation

Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
188Driving
Towing Equipment and Accessories
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are
towing, and where you are towing.
Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody. Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground. Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes
are common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric
brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer
brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and
create a potential hazard. Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way. Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory,
and local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed
and maintained, and that it meets federal, state,
province/territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any
other items are recommended or required for your
towing situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

Towing a Trailer
Driving Safely with a Trailer
189
Continued
Driving
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a TrailerHave the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition. t
Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within t
limits.
Towing Load Limits

P.1 8 7
Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer. t
Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while t
driving.
Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly. t
Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare. t Towing Speeds and GearsDrive slower than normal. t
Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers. t
Automatic transmission models
Use the tD
position when towing a trailer on level roads.
Turning and BrakingTurn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal. t
Allow more time and distance for braking. t
Do not brake or turn suddenly. t
Driving Safely with a Trailer
Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle
190Driving
Driving in Hilly TerrainMonitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the air t
conditioning and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
Automatic transmission models
Shift to the tS
position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle
needs to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
Emergency Towing

P. 2 9 8
Driving in Hilly Terrain
If you use the paddle shifters when driving
uphill and downhill, select 3rd, 2nd, or 1st
gear, depending on the vehicle speed and road
conditions. Do not use 4th and 5th gears. Automatic transmission models If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically downshift to the 1st gear, even in the
sequential shift mode. The gear position indicator
blinks for a few seconds, then stays on.Gear Position Speed Range
1st 0 - 42 mph (0 - 67 km/h)
2nd,3rd 19 - 62 mph (30 - 100 km/h)

191
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and
in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet
(2,400 meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off
all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate
control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If exhaust sounds abnormal or you can smell
exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Automatic transmission models 2. Check that the shift lever is in P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
Although it is possible to start the
vehicle in N
, it is safer to start it in P
.
Manual transmission models 2. Check that the shift lever is in N
. Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
Brake Pedal
Brake Pedal Clutch Pedal