2012 Acura TSX pg 195

13Quick Reference Guide
Driving
(P181)
Release Button
Shift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
(P
.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button. Press the release button to move
the shift lever.
Manua
l Transm
iss
ion
(P199)
Automatic Transmission
(P195)
●Shift to
(P
and depress the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
●Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving. D-paddle
shift mode can be used.
S Position
Sequential shift mode can be
used.
Paddle Shifters
(P197)
●Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual
transmission (1st through 5th). This is useful for engine braking.
●D-paddle shift mode: The
transmission will shift back
to automatic mode once the
system detects that the
vehicle is cruising.
●Sequential shift mode: Holds
the selected gear, and the M
indicator comes on.
●The selected gear position is
shown in the instrument
panel. Shift Down
(-

Paddle ShifterShift Up
(+

Paddle ShifterSelected Gear
Number
(M
Indicator

64Instrument Panel
IndicatorsIndicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Parking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w
, then goes off.
●
Comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and goes off when it is
released.
●
Come on when the brake fluid
level is low.
●
Comes on if there is a problem
with the brake system.
●
The beeper sounds and the
indicator comes on if you drive
with the parking brake not fully
released.
●
Comes on while driving - Make sure
the parking brake is released. Check the
brake fluid level.
2What to do when the indicator
comes on while driving P. 292
●
Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have the vehicle checked by
a dealer.
2If the Brake System Indicator
Comes On P. 292
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●
Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w
, and goes
off when the engine starts.
●
Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.
●
Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place.
2If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On P. 290
Shift Position
Indicator
*
●
Indicates the current shift lever
position.
2Shifting P. 195
—
U.S.Canada
U.S.
Canada
* Not available on all models

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

195
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Continued
Driving
ShiftingChange the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.■
Shift lever positionsAutomatic transmission models
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in
(P
.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N
while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for:●Normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 5th automatically)●Temporarily driving in the sequential
mode
Drive (S)
Used for:●Automatically changing gears
between 1st and 4th (4th gear is used
only at high speed)●Driving in the sequential mode

Index
317
Index
Index
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 212
Accessories and Modifications................ 219
Accessory Power Sockets......................... 129
Active Head Restraints............................. 122
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 240
Engine Oil ............................................... 234
Washer ................................................... 246
Additives, Engine Oil............................... 234
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 124
Front Seats.............................................. 116
Head Restraints ....................................... 118
Headlights .............................................. 247
Mirrors.................................................... 114
Rear Seats ............................................... 123
Steering Wheel ....................................... 113
Temperature ............................................. 78
Air Conditioning System (Climate Control
System).................................................... 133
Changing the Mode................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 134
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 270
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 133
Sensor .................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode ................................ 135
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 133
Air Pressure.............................. 260, 305, 307Airbags........................................................ 33
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 39
After a Collision ......................................... 37
Airbag Care ............................................... 47
Event Data Recorder .................................. 19
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 36
Indicator ........................................ 44, 67, 70
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 45
Sensors ...................................................... 33
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 42
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 46
Side Airbags .............................................. 40
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 43
AM/FM Radio............................................ 143
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).................. 212
Indicator .................................................... 66
Armrest..................................................... 124
Audio System............................................ 138
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 142
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 140
Error Messages ........................................ 158
General Information ................................ 161
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 153
Recommended CDs ................................. 162
Recommended Devices ............................ 164
Remote Controls ..................................... 160
Security Code .......................................... 140
Theft Protection ....................................... 140
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 139
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 164
Authorized Manuals................................. 315Auto Door Lock/Unlock.............................. 94
Customize ........................................... 81, 83
Automatic Lighting.................................. 106
Automatic Transmission........................... 194
Creeping ................................................. 194
Fluid ........................................................ 242
Kickdown ................................................ 194
Operating the Shift Lever................... 13, 196
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 197
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 287
Shifting ................................................... 195
Auxiliary Input Jack.................................. 140
Average Fuel Economy.............................. 78
Average Speed........................................... 79
BBattery...................................................... 268
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Jump Starting .......................................... 284
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 268
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 269
Belts (Seat).................................................. 26
Beverage Holders..................................... 128
Bluetooth® Audio..................................... 156
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 167
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 59
Brake System............................................ 210
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 212
Brake Assist System ................................. 213
Fluid ........................................................ 244

319
Index
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ...................................................... 93
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................... 91
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 92
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 262
Driving...................................................... 181
Automatic Transmission .......................... 194
Braking ................................................... 210
Cruise Control ........................................ 201
Shifting Gear .................................. 195, 199
Starting the Engine ................................. 191
Driving Position Memory System............ 111
Dust and Pollen Filter.............................. 270
EElapsed Time.............................................. 79
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)
Indicator ........................................... 68, 292
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............ 204
Emergency................................................ 299
Emergency Trunk Opener......................... 97
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)...... 311
Engine....................................................... 308
Coolant .................................................. 240
Jump Starting ......................................... 284
Oil .......................................................... 234
Starting................................................... 191
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 104Engine Coolant......................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Engine Oil................................................. 234
Adding .................................................... 237
Checking ................................................. 235
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 225
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 64, 290
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 234
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System).............................................. 68, 292
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide).. 60
Exterior Care (Cleaning)........................... 273
Exterior Mirrors........................................ 114
FFeatures..................................................... 137
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 270
Oil ........................................................... 238
Flat Tire..................................................... 277
Floor Mats................................................. 272
Fluids
Automatic Transmission ........................... 242
Brake/Clutch ............................................ 244
Engine Coolant ........................................ 240
Manual Transmission ............................... 243
Windshield Washer .................................. 246Fog Light Indicator..................................... 70
Folding Down the Rear Seats.................. 123
Foot Brake................................................ 211
Front Airbags (SRS)..................................... 36
Front Seats................................................ 116
Adjusting ................................................ 116
Fuel...................................................... 14, 215
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Range ....................................................... 78
Recommendation .................................... 215
Refueling................................................. 215
Fuel Economy........................................... 218
Fuel Fill Cap........................................ 14, 217
Message.................................................. 291
Fuel Fill Door...................................... 14, 216
Unable to Unlock .............................. 14, 216
Fuses.......................................................... 294
Inspecting and Changing......................... 298
Locations................................................. 294
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 218
Gauge ....................................................... 75
Information ............................................. 215
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 78
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66

320Index
Refueling ................................................. 215
Gauges......................................................... 75
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission ........................... 195
Manual Transmission ............................... 199
Glass (care)................................................ 274
Glove Box.................................................. 126
HHalogen Bulbs................................... 247, 251
Handling the Unexpected........................ 275
HandsFreeLink® (HFL)............................... 167
Change Language ................................... 178
Help Features........................................... 168
Information Display.................................. 168
Making a Call .......................................... 173
Menus ..................................................... 169
Muting a Call........................................... 174
Phone Setup ............................................ 171
Phonebook .............................................. 175
Receiving a Call ....................................... 174
Sending Numbers or Names During a
Call ........................................................ 174
Transferring a Call ................................... 174
Hazard Warning Button............................... 2
Head Restraints......................................... 118
Headlights................................................. 105
Aiming .................................................... 247
Automatic Operation ............................... 106
Dimming ......................................... 105, 107Operating................................................ 105
Heated Door Mirrors................................ 110
Heaters (Seat)........................................... 132
High-Beam Indicator.................................. 69
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver............ 165
IIdentification Numbers............................ 308
Engine and Transmission ......................... 308
Vehicle Identification ............................... 308
Ignition Switch......................................... 104
Illumination Control................................. 109
Knob ....................................................... 109
Immobilizer System.................................... 98
Indicator.................................................... 70
Indicators.................................................... 64
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................... 66
Charging System ............................... 65, 290
CRUISE CONTROL ............................. 71, 202
CRUISE MAIN .................................... 71, 201
Door and Trunk Open ......................... 25, 68
EPS (Electric Power Steering System) .. 68, 292
Fog Light ................................................... 70
High-Beam ................................................ 69
Immobilizer System ................................... 70
Lights On .................................................. 69
Low Fuel ................................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure ................................ 64, 290
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS ............. 68, 206, 208
Maintenance Minder ............................... 225Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 65, 291
Parking Brake and Brake System ............... 64
Seat Belt Reminder.............................. 27, 66
Security System Alarm............................... 71
Side Airbag Off ................................... 46, 70
Supplemental Restraint System ........... 44, 67
System Message ....................................... 69
Transmission ............................................. 65
Turn Signal ............................................... 69
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist)
System ............................................ 67, 204
VSA® OFF .......................................... 67, 205
Information.............................................. 303
Information Buttons.................................. 76
Instant Fuel Economy................................ 78
Instrument Panel........................................ 63
Brightness Control .................................. 109
Interior Lights........................................... 125
Interior Rearview Mirror......................... 114
JJack (Wheel Nut Wrench)........................ 280
Jump Starting........................................... 284KKey Number Tag........................................ 90
Keyless Lockout Prevention....................... 92
Keys............................................................. 89
Lockout Prevention ................................... 92

322Index
Trunk......................................................... 95
Overheating.............................................. 288
PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)................................................ 13, 198
Panic Mode................................................. 99
Parking...................................................... 214
Parking Brake............................................ 210
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator............................................ 64, 292
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator................. 45
Passing Indicators..................................... 105
Power Windows........................................ 100
Precautions While Driving........................ 193
Rain ......................................................... 193
Pregnant Women....................................... 31
Puncture (Tire).......................................... 277RRadiator..................................................... 241
Radio (AM/FM).......................................... 143
Radio Data System (RDS).......................... 144
Range.......................................................... 78
RDS (Radio Data System).......................... 144
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing)....... 311
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
Button...................................................... 110
Rear Seats (Folding Down)....................... 123Rearview Mirror (Automatic Dimming).. 114
Refueling.................................................. 215
Fuel Gauge............................................ 8, 75
Gasoline .................................. 215, 304, 306
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Regulations............................... 208, 262, 309
Remote Transmitter................................... 91
Replacement
Battery .................................................... 269
Bulbs ....................................................... 247
Fuses ....................................................... 294
Tires ........................................................ 265
Wiper Blade Rubber ................................ 257
Reporting Safety Defects......................... 310
Resetting a Trip Meter............................... 77
Retractable Master Keys............................ 89
Reverse Tilt Mirror.................................... 115
SSafe Driving................................................ 21
Safety Check............................................... 25
Safety Labels............................................... 61
Safety Message........................................... 20
Seat Belts.................................................... 26
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor.................. 30
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners ................. 28
Checking................................................... 32
Fastening .................................................. 29
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 55Pregnant Women...................................... 31
Reminder .................................................. 27
Warning Indicator ............................... 27, 66
Seat Heaters............................................. 132
Seats.......................................................... 116
Adjusting ................................................ 116
Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support .................. 120
Front Seats.............................................. 116
Rear Seats ............................................... 123
Seat Heaters ........................................... 132
Security System.......................................... 98
Immobilizer System Indicator ..................... 70
Security System Alarm Indicator ................ 71
SEL/RESET Knob.......................................... 76
Select Lever................................ 13, 195, 199
Operation ................................. 13, 196, 199
Releasing ................................................ 287
Won’t Move ........................................... 287
Selecting a Child Seat................................ 52
Selector Knob (Audio)............................. 141
Sequential Shift Mode............................. 197
Setting the Clock........................................ 88
Shift Lever.................................. 13, 195, 199
Shift Position Indicator............................ 196
Shifting (Transmission).................... 195, 199
Shoulder Anchor........................................ 30
Side Airbags............................................... 40
Cutoff System ........................................... 42
Off Indicator ............................................. 42
Side Curtain Airbags.................................. 43
Snow Tires................................................ 267