2012 Acura TSX dead battery

16Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P 275)
Flat Tire
(P277)
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
trunk.
Indicators Come On (P290)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Engine Won’t Start (P283)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.Blown Fuse
(P294)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P288)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P299)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

91
uuLocking and Unlocking the DoorsuLocking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside
Continued
Controls
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside
■
Locking the doors
Press the lock button.
Once:
uSome exterior lights will flash, all the
doors, trunk, and fuel fill door will lock,
and the security system sets.
Twice (within five seconds after the first
push):
uA beeper sounds and verifies the security
system is set.
■
Unlocking the doors
Press the unlock button.
Once:
uSome exterior lights will flash twice, and
the driver’s door and fuel fill door unlocks.
Twice:
uThe remaining doors and the trunk
unlock.
■
Using the Remote Transmitter
1Using the Remote Transmitter
Open the door within 30 seconds.
If you do not open a door within 30 seconds of
unlocking the vehicle with the remote transmitter,
the doors will automatically relock.
If the interior light switch is in the door activated
position, the interior lights come on when you press
the unlock button.
No doors opened: The lights fade out after 30
seconds.
Doors relocked with the remote: The lights go off
immediately.
2Interior Lights P. 125
The remote transmitter uses low-power signals, so
the operating range may vary depending on the
surroundings.
The remote transmitter will not work when the key is
in the ignition switch. The remote will not lock the
vehicle when a door is open.
If the distance at which it works varies, the battery is
probably low.
If the LED does not come on when you press a
button, the battery is dead.
2Replacing the Battery P. 269
LED
Lock
Button Unlock
Button

99
uuSecurity SystemuSecurity System Alarm
Controls
■
Setting the security system alarm
The security system alarm automatically sets when the following conditions have
been met:
•The ignition switch is in LOCK
(0
, and the key has been removed from the
ignition switch.
•The hood and trunk are closed.
•All doors are locked with the remote transmitter.
■
When the security system alarm sets
The security system indicator in the instrument panel blinks. When the blinking
interval changes after about 15 seconds, the security system is set.
■
To cancel the security system alarm
The security system is canceled when the vehicle is unlocked using the key or remote
transmitter. The security system indicator goes off at the same time.
■
The panic button on the remote
transmitter
If you press the PANIC button for
approximately one second, the following will
occur:
•The horn sounds.
•Some exterior lights flash for about 30
seconds.
■
Canceling panic mode
Press any button on the remote transmitter, or turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
.
■
Panic Mode
1Security System Alarm
Do not set the security system alarm when someone
is in the vehicle or a window is open. The system can
accidentally activate when:•Unlocking the door with the lock tab or the master
door lock switch.•Opening the trunk with the release button on the
driver’s door or the emergency trunk opener.
If the battery goes dead after you have set the
security system alarm, the security alarm may go off
once the battery is recharged or replaced.
If this occurs, deactivate the security system alarm by
unlocking a door using the key or remote transmitter.
Do not attempt to alter this system or add another
device to it.
Panic
Button

140
uuAudio SystemuAuxiliary Input Jack
Features
Auxiliary Input JackUse the jack in the console compartment to connect standard audio devices.
1.Open the AUX cover.
2.Connect a standard audio device to the
input jack using a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo
miniplug.
uThe audio system automatically switches
to the AUX mode.Audio System Theft ProtectionThe audio system is disabled when it is disconnected from the power source, such as
when the battery is disconnected or goes dead.■
Entering the audio security code
ENTER CODE appears on the display when the power is reconnected.
1.Turn on the audio system.
2.Enter the audio security code using the preset buttons. If you enter an incorrect
digit, continue to the last digit, then try again. If you do not enter the code
correctly after 10 tries, you need to visit a dealer to have the system reset.
1Auxiliary Input Jack
To switch the mode, press any of the audio mode
buttons. You can return to the AUX mode by
pressing the AUX button.
You cannot use the auxiliary input jack if you replace
the audio system.
State or local laws may limit the circumstances in
which you can launch or control your attached audio
device.1Audio System Theft Protection
Find the audio system’s security code and serial
number on the radio code card.
Do not store the card in your vehicle. If you lose the
radio code card, you must obtain the information
from a dealer.

268Maintenance
BatteryChecking 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.
2Entering the audio security code P. 140
•The clock resets.
2Adjusting the Time P. 88
•The navigation system is disabled. A PIN code will be required.
2Refer 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.
1BatteryWARNING: 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.
3
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.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window

283
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START
(e
and check the
starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Checking the Battery P. 268
●
If the interior lights come on normally
2 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 298
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 191
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 98
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 75
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 298
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 299
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2Jump Starting P. 284

311
Continued
Information
Emissions TestingTesting of Readiness CodesYour vehicle uses “readiness codes,” as part of its onboard self diagnostic system.
Some states refer to these codes during testing to see if your vehicle’s emissions
components are working properly.
The codes may not be read if you go through the testing just after the battery has
gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
, without starting the
engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are
not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle tested before the readiness codes are ready,
prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1.Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2.Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3.Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40 °F and 95 °F (4 °C and 35 °C).
4.Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle for 20
seconds.
5.Keep the vehicle in
(P
(automatic transmission) or
(N
(manual transmission).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there until the temperature
gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the scale (about 3 minutes).
6.Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
1Testing of Readiness Codes
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is
disconnected, and set again only after several days of
driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness
codes are not set, you may be requested to return at
a later date to complete the test.
If the testing facility determines the readiness codes
are still not set, see a dealer.

318Index
Foot Brake ............................................... 211
Indicator ............................................ 64, 292
Parking Brake .......................................... 210
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 109
Bulb Replacement..................................... 247
Back-Up Lights......................................... 254
Brake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal
Light and Rear Side Marker Lights .......... 253
Fog Lights ................................................ 251
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 252
Headlights ............................................... 247
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 256
Rear License Plate Light............................ 255
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Lights..................................................... 253
Bulb Specifications............................ 304, 306
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 60
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 130
Carrying Cargo.................................. 183, 185
CD Player................................................... 147
Certification Label.................................... 308
Changing Bulbs......................................... 247
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Child Safety................................................. 48
Childproof Door Locks ............................... 94
Emergency Trunk Opener .......................... 97Child Seat.................................................... 48
Booster Seats ............................................ 59
Child Seat for Infants................................. 50
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 51
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 55
Larger Children ......................................... 58
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 50
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 52
Using a Tether ........................................... 57
Childproof Door Locks............................... 94
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 273
Cleaning the Interior................................ 271
Client Service Information....................... 316
Climate Control System............................ 133
Changing the Mode ................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 134
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 270
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 133
Sensors ................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode................................. 135
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 133
Clock............................................................ 88
Clutch Fluid............................................... 245
Coat Hook................................................. 130
Compact Spare Tire.................. 277, 305, 307
Compass.................................................... 179
Console Compartment............................. 127
Controls....................................................... 87Coolant (Engine)...................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 194
Cruise Control.......................................... 201
Indicator ................................................... 71
Cup Holders.............................................. 128
Customized Features................................. 80
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 107
Dead Battery............................................ 284
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 134
Detachable Shelf...................................... 126
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 309
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 105
Rear View Mirror..................................... 114
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................ 235
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............. 105
Door Mirrors............................................. 114
Doors.......................................................... 89
Auto Door Lock ........................................ 94
Auto Door Unlock ..................................... 94
Door and Trunk Open Indicator ........... 25, 68
Keys.......................................................... 89