2013 Acura TSX immobilizer

8Quick Reference Guide
Instrument Panel
(P63)
System Indicators
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator
Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA ®)
System Indicator
VSA ® OFF Indicator
Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator
Electric Power
Steering (EPS)
System Indicator Lights On Indicator
High Beam Indicator
Fog Light Indicator
Immobilizer System
Indicator Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
System Indicators
System Message
Indicator Parking Brake
and Brake System
Indicator
Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator
Side Airbag Off
Indicator
Door and Trunk
Open Indicator
CRUISE MAIN
Indicator
Tachometer
Low Fuel Indicator
Security System Alarm Indicator Shift Lever Position Indicator
*
Gauges
(P 75)
Multi-Information Display
(P 76)
System Indicators
(P 64)
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators Gear Position Indicator
*
Charging System
Indicator
CRUISE CONTROL
Indicator
Lights Reminders
Multi-Information DisplaySpeedometer
Fuel Gauge
Temperature Gauge
U.S.CanadaU.S.Canada

70
uuIndicators u
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Fog Light Indicator
●
Comes on when the fog lights are
on.
—
—
Side Airbag Off
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w
, then goes off.
●
Comes on when the passenger
side airbag system is automatically
shut off.
●
It does not mean there is a problem with
your side airbags.
●
Comes on when nobody is sitting in
the passenger seat - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.
●
Comes on when someone is sitting in
the seat - Have the passenger sit
properly.
Immobilizer
System Indicator
●
Comes on briefly when you turn
the ignition switch to ON
(w
, then
goes off.
●
Comes on if the immobilizer
system cannot recognize the key
information.
●
Blinks - You cannot start the engine.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
, pull
the key out, and then insert the key and
turn it to ON
(w
again.
●
Repeatedly blinks - The system may be
malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.
●
Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it. Electrical
problems can occur.
—
U.S.Canada
U.S.Canada

87
Controls
This chapter explains how to operate the various controls necessary for driving.
Setting the Clock................................ 88
Locking and Unlocking the Doors
Key Types and Functions .................... 89
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside ............................................ 91
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside ............................................... 93
Childproof Door Locks ....................... 94
Auto Door Lock/Unlock ...................... 94
Opening and Closing the Trunk......... 95
Security System .................................. 98
Immobilizer System ............................ 98
Security System Alarm ........................ 98
Opening and Closing the Windows ... 100Opening and Closi
ng the Moonroof.. 103
Operating the Switches Around the
Steering Wheel Ignition Switch ................................. 104
Turn Signals ..................................... 105
Light Switches.................................. 105
Fog Lights ........................................ 107
Daytime Running Lights ................... 107
Wipers and Washers ........................ 108
Brightness Control ........................... 109
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror Button........................................ 110Driving Position Memory System
*.... 111
Adjusting the Steering Wheel........... 113 Adjusting the Mirror
........................ 114
Interior Rearview Mirror ................... 114
Power Door Mirrors ......................... 114
Adjusting the Seats .......................... 116
Adjusting the Seat Positions ............. 116
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items ................................................ 125
Interior Lights .................................. 125
Interior Convenience Items .............. 126
Climate Control System ................... 133
Using Automatic Climate Control .... 133
Automatic Climate Control Sensors ... 136
* Not available on all models

89
Continued
Controls
Locking and Unlocking the DoorsKey Types and FunctionsThis vehicle comes with the following keys:Use the keys to start and stop the engine, and
to lock and unlock all the doors, trunk, and
fuel fill door. You can also use the remote
transmitter to lock and unlock the doors,
trunk, and fuel fill door.
The seat automatically moves to the preset
position when you unlock the door using the
remote transmitter on the master key.
2Driving Position Memory System
* P. 111
The master key folds up inside the remote
transmitter.
1.Press the release button to release the key
out from the transmitter.
u Make sure to fully extend the key.
2. To close the key, press the release button
then push the key inside the transmitter
until you hear a click.
■
Retractable Master Keys
1Key Types and Functions
All the keys have an immobilizer system. The
immobilizer system helps to protect against vehicle
theft.
2 Immobilizer System P. 98
The keys contain precision electronics.
Adhere to the following advice to prevent damage to
the electronics:•Do not leave the keys in direct sunlight, or in
locations with high temperature or high humidity.•Do not drop the keys or set heavy objects on them.•Keep the keys away from liquids.•Do not take the keys apa rt except for replacing the
battery.
If the circuits in the keys are damaged, the engine
may not start, and the re mote transmitter may not
work.
If the keys do not work properly, have them
inspected by a dealer.
If the key is not fully extended, the immobilizer
system may not work properly, and the engine may
not start.
Avoid contact with the key whenever it extends or
retracts.
Panic Button Trunk Button
Lock
Button
Release Button Unlock
Button
Models with a driving position system
Release Button
Press* Not available on all models

98Controls
Security SystemImmobilizer SystemThe immobilizer system prevents a key that has not been pre-registered from
starting the engine. Each key contains electronic transmitters that use electronic
signals to verify the key.
Pay attention to the following when inserting the key into the ignition switch.
•Do not allow objects that emit strong radio waves near the ignition switch.
• Make sure the key is not covered by or touching a metal object.
• Do not bring a key from another vehicle’s immobilizer system near the ignition
switch.Security System AlarmThe security system alarm activates when the doors, trunk, or hood are opened
without the key, or remote transmitter. It also activates if you turn the ignition
switch to ON
(w
after locking the doors with the remote transmitter.
■
When the security system alarm activates
The horn sounds intermittently, and all the exterior lights flash.
■
To deactivate the security system alarm
Unlock the vehicle using the key, or remote transmitter. The system, along with the
horn and flashing lights, are deactivated.
1 Immobilizer System
NOTICELeaving the ignition key in the vehicle can result in
theft or accidental movement of the vehicle.
Always take the ignition key with you whenever you
leave the vehicle unattended.
Do not alter the system or add other devices to it.
Doing so may damage the system and make your
vehicle inoperable.1Security System Alarm
The security alarm continues for a maximum of two
minutes until the security system deactivates.

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.
u Although 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.
u The 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 you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
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.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.
2 Immobilizer System P. 98
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models

uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
192Driving
3. Turn the ignition switch to START
(e

without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake indicator has gone off.
2 Parking Brake P. 210
2.Put the shift lever in
(D
. Select
(R
when reversing.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
1Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
(e
for more than 15
seconds.
•If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.•If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the acce lerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine’s fuel system is disabled. 2 Immobilizer System P. 98
■
Starting to Drive
Automatic transmission models

283
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, 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.
2 Jump Starting P. 284