2013 Acura TSX chain

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
188Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how mu ch load you are towing,
and where you are towing.■
Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■
Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■
Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■
Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■
Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
■
Towing Equipment and Accessories
1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

189
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 187
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D
position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Towing Speeds and Gears
■
Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
Automatic transmission models

212
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and help s you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■
ABS
1 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

267
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
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.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1034Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1038
1Winter Tires
NOTICETraction 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.
3
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 instruc tions in this owner’s
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

277
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatChanging a Flat TireIf a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface and apply the parking
brake.
2. Move the shift lever in
(P
.
2. Move the shift lever in
(R
.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
.
1Changing a Flat Tire
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it will
the full-size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission modelsAll models

299
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■
Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■
Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

323
Index
Spare Tire................................. 277, 305, 307
Spark Plugs ....................................... 304, 306
Specifications ........................................... 304
Specified Fuel ........................... 215, 304, 306
Speedometer .............................................. 75
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................ 36
Starting the Engine .................................. 191
Does Not Start ........................................ 283
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 104
Jump Starting ......................................... 284
Steering Wheel ........................................ 113
Adjusting ................................................ 113
Stopping ................................................... 214
Sunglasses Holder .................................... 131
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 36
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ............................................ 2, 3, 104
SYNC Mode .............................................. 135
System Message Indicator ......................... 69TTachometer................................................ 75
Temperature .............................................. 78
Gauge ........................................................ 8
Outside Temperature Display .................... 78
Temperature Sensor ................................ 136
Time (Setting) ............................................. 88
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................................................... 206
Indicator ........................................... 68, 293 Tires
........................................................... 259
Air Pressure ............................. 260, 305, 307
Checking and Maintaining ....................... 259
Inspection ................................................ 259
Labeling .................................................. 260
Puncture (Flat Tire) ................................... 277
Regulations ............................................. 262
Rotation .................................................. 266
Spare Tire ................................ 277, 305, 307
Tire Chains .............................................. 267
Wear Indicators ....................................... 264
Winter ..................................................... 267
Tools .......................................................... 276
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 187
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 188
Load Limits .............................................. 187
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 190
Emergency .............................................. 299
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) .................................................... 206
Indicator ............................................ 68, 293
Transmission ..................................... 195, 199
Automatic ............................................... 195
Fluid ................................................ 242, 243
Manual .................................................... 199
Number ................................................... 308
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 197
Shift Position Indicator ....................... 13, 196
Trip Meter ................................................... 77
Trip/Reset Switch ........................................ 77 Troubleshooting
....................................... 275
Blown Fuse.............................................. 294
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 17
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 18
Emergency Towing .................................. 299
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 283
Noise When Braking .................................. 18
Overheating ............................................ 288
Premium Gasoline ................... 215, 304, 306
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 277
Rear Door Won’t Open........................ 17, 94
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 287
Warning Indicators .................................... 64
Trunk ........................................................... 95
Lid............................................................. 95
Light Bulb........................................ 304, 306
Main Switch .............................................. 97
Unable to Open....................................... 301
Turn Signals .............................................. 105
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 69
UUnlocking the Doors .................................. 91
USB Adapter Cable ........................... 138, 139
USB Flash Drives ....................................... 164VValet Key..................................................... 90
Vanity Mirrors ............................................... 5

324Index
Vehicle Identification Number................. 308
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®).................. 204
Off Button ............................................... 205
Off Indicator .............................................. 67
System Indicator ........................................ 67
Ventilation ................................................ 133
Viscosity (Oil) ............................. 234, 305, 307
VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist) .................. 204WWarning and Information Messages ......... 72
Warning Indicator On/Blinking ................ 290
Warning Labels ........................................... 61
Warranties (Warranty Manual provided separately) ............................................... 313
Watts ................................................. 304, 306
Wear Indicators (Tire) ............................... 264
Wheel Nut Wrench (Jack Handle) ............ 280
Window Washers ...................................... 108
Adding/Refilling Fluid ............................... 246
Switch ..................................................... 108
Windows (Opening and Closing) ............. 100
Windshield ................................................ 108
Cleaning .................................................. 274
Defrosting/Defogging .............................. 134
Washer Fluid............................................ 246
Wiper Blades ........................................... 257
Wipers and Washers ................................ 108
Winter Tires ............................................... 267
Snow Tires ............................................... 267 Tire Chains .............................................. 267
Wipers and Washers ................................. 108
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades ..... 257
WMA ................................................. 147, 153
Worn Tires ................................................ 259
XXM® Radio ................................................ 145