2011 Acura TSX maintenance

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.

Battery
268Maintenance
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look
at the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
The audio system is disabled. t
Entering the audio security code

P.14 0
The clock resets. t
Setting the Clock

P. 8 8
The navigation system is disabled. A PIN code will be required. t
Refer to the navigation system manual

Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical
system. Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first, and reconnect it last.
BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry
the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery
to explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a face
shield, or have a skilled technician do any
battery maintenance.
Test Indicator Window

269
Remote Transmitter Care
Maintenance
Replacing the Battery NOTICE An improperly disposed of battery can hurt the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Replacing the BatteryIf the indicator does not come on when the button is pushed, replace the battery.
Battery type: CR1616
1. Unscrew the cover with a small Phillips-
head screwdriver. Push a button to pry
open the transmitter.2. Open the keypad.
Wrap the small flat-tip screwdriver
with a cloth to prevent scratching the
transmitter.
3. Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
Keypad
Screw
Battery

Climate Control System Maintenance
270Maintenance
The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder
™ messages will
let you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
Dust and Pollen Filter
Dust and Pollen Filter
Using an air freshener may reduce the deodorizing
effect of the dust and pollen filter, and may reduce
its life.
If the air flow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

271
Cleaning
Continued
Maintenance
Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove
dirt. Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Cleaning Seat Belts
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat
belts. Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a
clean cloth.
Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical
devices such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a
fire inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.
Depending on their composition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such
as benzene or gasoline.
After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe
them off using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.
Interior Care
Opening

Cleaning
Interior Care
272Maintenance
Maintaining Genuine Leather
*
Vacuum dirt and dust from the leather frequently. Pay close attention to the pleats
and seams. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a 90% water and
10% neutral soap solution. Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Remove any dust
or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they
are not, the floor mat can interfere with the front
passenger seat's weight sensors.
Floor Mats
The front floor mats hook over the floor
anchors, which keep the mats from sliding
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn
the anchor knobs to the unlock position.
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional floor mats on top
of the anchored mats.
* Not available on all models
Driver's floor mat is shown.To unlock

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

Cleaning
Exterior Care
274Maintenance
Applying Wax
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth
and clean water.
Cleaning the Window
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners)
or a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
Applying Wax NOTICE Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe
up spills immediately. Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material
when you want to repair the painted surface of the
parts made of resin. Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.