2012 Acura TSX manual transmission

181
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 182
Maximum Load Limit........................ 185
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 187
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 189
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 190
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 191
Precautions While Driving................. 193
Automatic Transmission ................... 194Shifting ............................................ 195
Shifting ............................................ 199
Cruise Control ................................. 201
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 204
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 206
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ........... 208
Braking
Brake System ................................... 210
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 212Automatic transmissionManual transmission
Brake Assist System ......................... 213
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 214
Parking ............................................ 214
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 215
How to Refuel ................................. 216
Fuel Economy.................................... 218
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 218
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 219
Modifications................................... 219

191
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
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.
uThe clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting 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.
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models

199
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Continued
Driving
ShiftingFully depress the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears, then
slowly release the pedal.
Depress the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into
(R
, or
shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they do not
“grind.”
When you are not shifting, do not rest your
foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your
clutch to wear out faster.
■
Shift Lever Operation
Manual transmission models
1Shifting
NOTICEDo not shift to
(R
before the vehicle comes to a
complete stop.
Shifting to
(R
before stopping can damage the
transmission.
NOTICEBefore downshifting, make sure the engine will not
go into the tachometer’s red zone. Should this occur,
it can severely damage your engine.
There is a metallic part on the shift lever. If you leave
the vehicle parked outside for a long time on a hot
day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because
of heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the
outside temperature is low, the shift lever may feel
cold.
Recommended Shift Points
Driving in the highest gear that allows the engine to
run and accelerate smoothly helps to optimize fuel
economy and effective emissions control. The
following shift points are recommended:
If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you
are in, the engine speed will enter into the
tachometer’s red zone. When this happens, you may
experience a slight jolt.Shift Up Normal Acceleration1st to 2nd
17 mph (27 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 29 mph (46 km/h)
3rd to 4th
37 mph (59 km/h)
4th to 5th 43 mph (69 km/h)
5th to 6th
49 mph (79 km/h)

200
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally
shifting into
(R
from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed.
If you cannot shift to
(R
when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:
1.Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift
lever all the way to the left, and shift to
(R
.
2.If you still cannot shift into
(R
, apply the
parking brake, and turn the ignition switch
to ACCESSORY
(q
or LOCK
(0
.
3.Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
(R
.
4.Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start
the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you
have to go through this procedure repeatedly.
■
Reverse Lockout

210Driving
BrakingBrake SystemUse the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply:
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To release:
1.Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
the release button.
2.Lower the lever down all the way, then
release the button.■
Parking Brake
1Parking Brake
NOTICERelease the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE appears on the multi-information
display.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
To prevent the parking brake from freezing when the
outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply
it, but do the following:
Put the shift lever in
(P
, then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Put the shift lever in
(R
or
(1
, then use a block or
other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

211
uuBrakinguBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps
reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very
hard.
2Brake Assist System P. 213
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 212
■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

222Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 242
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 244
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 259
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 257
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 227
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, purchase the
service manual.
2Authorized Manuals P. 315
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

229
Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood4-cylinder models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Radiator Cap Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap) Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Manual transmission modelsEngine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Automatic transmission models