µµ
µ µ
µ
µ
µ
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy. An underinf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
inf ormation display (see on page ).For example:
539
CONT INUED
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page ).
Improving Fuel Economy Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean Maintain proper tire inf lation
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks 543
Vehicle Maint enance
Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
477
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2012 TL
µµ·
Steps f or Determining Correct Load
Limit Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs. The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
f ive 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity
(1,400 750 (5 150) = 650 lbs.)
Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not saf ely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load f rom your trailer will
be transf erred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
Label Example
This f igure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
(1)
(2)
(3) (4)
(5)
(6)
Load Limits
Carrying Cargo
482
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.
11/01/14 19:18:54 31TK4630_487
Bef ore Drivingis 650 lbs.
2012 TL
In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).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.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
CONT INUED
Carrying Cargo in the Passenger
Compartment
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
483
Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68kgx2=136kg)
Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs
(68kgx4=272kg)
Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68kgx5=340kg)
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg)
Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg)
Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Cargo Weight
250 lbs
(113 kg)
Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)
11/01/14 19:19:11 31TK4630_488
Both are on a label on the
driver's doorjamb.
’
2012 TL
This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual and automatic transmissions.
It also includes important
information on parking your vehicle,
the braking system, the Super
Handling-All Wheel Drive
(SH-AWD
) system, the vehicle
stability assist (VSA
), aka
electronic stability control (ESC),
system, the tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS), and the blind spot
inf ormation system (BSI). ........................
Preparing to Drive .486
Starting the Engine (Models without Keyless .....................
Access System) .487
Starting the Engine (Models with Keyless .....................
Access System) .489
...................
Manual Transmission . 491
..............
Automatic Transmission . 494
Driving with the Paddle .......................................
Shif ters .499
Super Handling-All Wheel ...
Drive (SH-AWD
) System . 504
...........................................
Parking .506
.............................
Braking System .507
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) . 508
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability ........
Control (ESC), System . 510
.........................
Hill Start Assist .512
Tire Pressure Monitoring ........................
System (TPMS) .514
Blind Spot Inf ormation System ...........................................
(BSI) .519
...........................
Towing a Trailer .528
...................
Towing Your Vehicle . 528
Driving
Driving
485
TM
TM
11/01/14 19:19:27 31TK4630_490
2012 TL
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
607
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer Towing Your Vehicle
528
11/01/14 19:26:36 31TK4630_533
Driving
2012 TL
µµ
Î
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous. Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required. If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the f ront tires and lif t them of f
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. Start the engine.
Shif t to the D position and hold f or
5 seconds, then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
CONT INUED
On SH-AWD models
Except SH-AWD models
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t EquipmentT his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
607
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the
all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle
should be transported on a f lat-bed
truck or trailer.
11/01/14 19:40:14 31TK4630_612
Î Models equipped with the keyless access
system have an engine start/stop button instead
information, see pages
:
184 and 187.
of an ignition switch. ACCESSORY Mode is
the equivalent of ACCESSORY (I). For more
2012 TL
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the .581
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 617
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .468 USB Adapter
..................
Cable . 266,275,356,367
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 546
............
WARNING, Explanation of . iii
................................
Vanity Mirror .217
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 482
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .614
VEHICLE OFF Mode ...................
(Power Mode) . 184,185
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 612
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
),
aka Electronic Stability ....
Control (ESC), System . 510
...............
VSA Of f Indicator . 68,510
.......................
VSA OFF Switch .511
........
VSA System Indicator . 68,510
.............................
Vehicle Storage .578
.................................................
VIN .612
.........................
Viscosity, Oil .543, 544
...........
Voice Control System . 228,285
...............................................
Tires .568
......................
Air Pressure .568, 570
........................................
Chains .575
.........................
Checking Wear .571
..........................
Compact Spare .582
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 617
.
Glossary of Tire Terminology . 620
......................................
Inf lation .568
..................................
Inspection .571
...................................
Replacing .573
......................................
Rotating .573
................................
Service Lif e .572
...........................................
Snow .575
....................
Specif ications .574, 616
.......................
Traction Devices .575
..........................
Winter Driving .575
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 584
Torque Distribution Monitor ...............................
(SH-AWD
) .504
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .528
................
Emergency Wrecker . 607
...........................................
Hook .609
...........................
Traction Devices .575 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .549
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .551
..................
Fluid Selection . 550,551
..............
Identif ication Number . 613
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 495
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 491
.....................................
Treadwear .617
................................
Trip Computer .83
.......................................
Trip Meter .83
..............................................
Trunk .154
..................
Emergency Opener . 156
...............................
Opening the .154
............................
Open Indicator .71
.............
Open Monitor Indicator . 12
..................................
Turn Signals .139
U V
W
X
11/01/17 13:18:59 31TK4630_649
INDEXA B C D E F G H I J K L \℮M N O P Q R S T U V W X \℮Y Z
2012 TL