2015 Acura TLX Owner's Guide

74 || 75
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Load Limits Example
Example 1
Max load
850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo
weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example 2
Max load
850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo
weight
100 lbs (45 kg)
Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.
WARNING
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo, and
trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory, and does not need to be
adjusted. However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the trunk, have the aiming
readjusted at your dealer or by a qualified technician.Remote Engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine using the two-way remote transmitter from extended
distances before you enter the vehicle.
Lock button
ENGINE button: After
pressing the Lock
button, press and hold
to start the engine.Red indicator: Remote
is out of range or
cannot communicate
with the vehicle, or the
engine is stopped.
Amber indicator: Remote
is communicating with
the vehicle.
Green indicator:
Confirms doors are
locked or engine is
running.
Starting the Engine
Press the Lock button, then press and hold the ENGINE button.
The engine runs for up to 10 minutes. To extend the time for another 10 minutes,
repeat the procedure during the initial 10 minutes.
While the engine is running, the climate control system adjusts the interior
temperature, the security system remains on, and lights and accessories remain
off.
Stopping the EnginePress and hold the ENGINE button.
The engine will also stop if it has been running for more than 10 minutes, or if any
door is opened without using the remote transmitter or keyless access.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can rapidly accumulate in closed or even
partly enclosed areas. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Never use the remote engine starter with the vehicle in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.
WARNING
*if equipped
Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location when using remote engine start (i.e., a
well ventilated area, away from flammable materials).

76 || 77
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the Engine
Press the brake pedal. Keep your foot firmly on
the brake pedal when starting the engine.
Brake
pedal
Changing the Power Mode
Accessory or On Mode: Press ENGINE
START/STOP once without pressing the brake
pedal for Accessory mode. Press it again for
On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake
pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep
your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to or select Park, then press ENGINE START/STOP.
If you press the button and the shift lever is not in Park, the vehicle goes into
Accessory mode. The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found at altitudes
above 8,000 feet (2,400 m). 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.
When you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a
complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed. Operating the shift
lever before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the
transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Shifting
Change your vehicle’s gears to begin driving.
Shift Lever*
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the
engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the release
button to shift.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving or sequential
shift mode (see page 78).
Release button
*if equipped
4-cylinder models

78 || 79
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Sequential Shift Mode*
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 8th gears without removing
your hands from the steering wheel.
When the shift lever is in D: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode
momentarily, and the gear indicator comes on. When you start driving at a
constant speed, sequential shift mode automatically switches off, and the gear
indicator goes off.
When the shift lever is in D (with SPORT+ mode): The vehicle goes into
sequential shift mode, and the M (sequential shift) indicator and gear indicator
come on. At speeds of 2 mph (4 km/h) or less, the vehicle automatically shifts
down into 1st gear.
To cancel this mode, press the IDS button (see page 84) to select a different
mode. When sequential shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear
indicator go off.
Second gear lock mode (in SPORT+ mode): If you pull the (+) paddle shifter
while stopped or driving at 6 mph (10 km/h) or less, the gear is locked in 2nd
gear. This makes it easier to pull away on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered
roads. To cancel 2nd gear lock mode, pull the (-) paddle shifter.
(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down
to a lower gear. (+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear.
Recommended shift points
Shift up Acceleration
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
5th to 6th 50 mph (80 km/h)
6th to 7th 55 mph (89 km/h)
7th to 8th 60 mph (97 km/h)
*if equipped
4-cylinder models
*if equipped
Electronic Gear Selector*
6-cylinder models
Select the vehicle’s gear using a simple button interface. Apply the brake pedal
and select a gear.
Park (P): Press to put the vehicle in Park. A
red indicator appears.
Reverse (R): Pull back to put the vehicle in
Reverse. A green indicator appears.
Neutral (N): Press to put the vehicle in
Neutral. A red indicator appears.
Drive (D): Press to put the vehicle in Drive.
A green indicator appears. Release the
electric parking brake to begin driving (see
page 81).
In freezing or sub-freezing conditions, the electronic gear selector response may
be slow. Always apply the brake pedal before shifting into Park (P), and confirm
that (P) is shown on the gear position indicator before releasing the brake.
Auto Park Mode
For your convenience, Park (P) is automatically engaged when the vehicle is
turned off, or when all of the following conditions are met: the vehicle is stopped,
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, and the driver’s door is opened. You should
always apply the brake and shift to Park when idling, or before exiting the vehicle.
If you select any gear other than Park when the driver’s door is opened and the
driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, Park is reengaged when the brake pedal is released.
When you change from D to R and vice versa, or want to change to Park (P),
come to a complete stop and keep the brake pedal applied. Operating the gear
buttons before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the
transmission.
NOTICE The vehicle can roll away if left unattended without confirming that Park
(P) is engaged. Always keep your foot on the brake pedal until you have
confirmed that (P) is shown on the gear position indicator.
WARNING

80 || 81
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Car Wash Mode
Follow the procedure below to use a conveyor-style car wash where you or
an attendant do not remain in the vehicle. Make sure the wiper lever is in the
OFF position (see page 33). You should inform the car wash attendant of this
procedure.
1. When the engine is running, apply the brake pedal and select Neutral (N).
2. Within 5 seconds, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The vehicle goes
into Accessory mode.
This mode lasts for 15 minutes before the gear changes to Park and the vehicle
turns off.
Sequential Mode*
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 9th gears without removing your hands from the steering wheel.
When the gear is in D: The vehicle goes into sequential mode momentarily,
and the gear indicator comes on. When you start driving at a constant speed,
sequential mode automatically switches off, and the gear indicator goes off.
When the gear is in D (with SPORT+ mode): The vehicle goes into sequential
mode, and the M (sequential mode) indicator and gear indicator come on.
To cancel this mode, press the IDS button (see page 84) to select a different
mode. When sequential mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear indicator go
off.
6-cylinder models
(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down
to a lower gear. (+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear.
Recommended shift points
Shift up Acceleration
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
5th to 6th 50 mph (80 km/h)
6th to 7th 55 mph (89 km/h)
7th to 8th 60 mph (97 km/h)
8th to 9th 65 mph (105 km/h)
*if equipped
Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake
Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop your
vehicle from moving.
Brake Assist System During hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. The brake
pedal may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hold the
brake pedal firmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
During hard or emergency braking, the system rapidly pumps the brakes to
prevent wheel lockup and help you maintain steering control. The brake pedal
may pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the brake
pedal, and continue to hold it firmly down.
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size.
NOTICE
Brake pedal
Electric Parking Brake Keep your vehicle from moving while parked using a simple switch.
To apply: Pull up the switch. The PARK indicator
appears in the instrument panel.
To release: Press the brake pedal and make sure
your seat belt is fastened. Press the switch down to
release.
You can also lightly press the accelerator pedal if
your seat belt is fastened and the vehicle is on and in
Drive (D) or Reverse (R).
Pull
up to
apply
Press
down to
release

82 || 83
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Automatic Brake Hold
Maintains rear brake hold even after the brake pedal is released. Make sure the
vehicle is on and your seat belt is fastened when operating this feature.
1. Press BRAKE HOLD. The BRAKE HOLD indicator
appears in the instrument panel.
2. With Drive (D) selected, press the brake pedal
and come to a complete stop. The HOLD
indicator appears, and brake hold is applied.
Release the brake pedal.
Press the accelerator pedal to cancel brake hold
and start moving.
To turn off brake hold: Press the brake pedal and press BRAKE HOLD again.
Automatic brake hold cancels when:
• Braking is applied for more than 10 minutes.
• The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
• The engine is turned off.
Automatic brake
hold button
Using the automatic brake hold system on steep hills or slippery roads may still
allow the vehicle to move if you remove your foot from the brake pedal.
If a vehicle unexpectedly moves, it may cause a crash resulting in serious injury
or death.
Never use the automatic brake hold system or rely on it to keep a vehicle from
moving when stopped on a steep hill or slippery roads.
WARNING
Using the automatic brake hold system to park the vehicle may result in the
vehicle unexpectedly moving.
If a vehicle moves unexpectedly, it may cause a crash, resulting in serious injury
or death.
Never leave the vehicle when braking is temporarily kept by automatic brake
hold and always park the vehicle by putting the transmission in Park (P) and
applying the parking brake.
WARNING
Auto Idle Stop*
Automatically stops and restarts the engine to help maximize fuel economy,
depending on environmental and vehicle conditions.
Activating Auto Idle Stop
When the vehicle stops with the gear position in
Drive (D) and the brake pedal is pressed, the engine
turns off and the auto idle stop indicator appears.
When you release the brake pedal, the engine
restarts and the vehicle begins to move.
Auto idle stop does not activate (or the engine may automatically restart) when
the driver’s seat belt is unfastened, the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill, the
windshield defroster is on, and other conditions. See the Owner’s Manual on the
Owner information CD or at owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) for
a full list of conditions.
Turning the System On or Off
Press the Auto Idle Stop Off button to turn the
system off. Press the button again to turn it on.
Climate Control Operation
When auto idle stop is activated, the air conditioning system is turned off.
The engine may restart automatically under the following conditions:
• You select MAX HEAT or MAX COOL on the climate control system.
• You turn on the windshield defroster.
• The interior humidity is high.
• There is a significant difference between the climate control set temperature
and the actual interior temperature.
*if equipped

84 || 85
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Cruise Control
Maintain a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can
travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
WARNING
Setting the Vehicle Speed1. Press CRUISE. The CRUISE MAIN indicator
appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed (above 25
mph/40 km/h). Press SET/- and take your foot
off the pedal to set the speed. The CRUISE
CONTROL indicator appears.
Adjusting the Vehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase or SET/- to decrease speed.
Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is
increased or decreased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
If you keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed
increases or decreases until you release it.
Canceling Cruise ControlPress CANCEL, CRUISE, or the brake pedal. The
CRUISE CONTROL indicator goes off.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still
resume the prior set speed by pressing RES/+ while
driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40 km/h).
Press CRUISE to turn the system off.
CRUISE button
RES/+ button
SET/- button
CANCEL button
Integrated Dynamics System (IDS)
Choose a driving mode for your preference based on road conditions, vehicle speed,
and handling.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by
regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or OffVSA is turned on every time you turn on the vehicle. If you turn VSA off, your
vehicle has normal braking and cornering ability, but VSA traction and stability
enhancement become less effective.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you
hear a beep to turn VSA on or off. The VSA OFF
indicator appears when the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which
allows the wheels to spin more freely at low
speed. This can be helpful when trying to free
your vehicle if it is stuck in mud or snow.
VSA OFF
button VSA OFF indicator
The selected mode
briefly appears
in the multi-
information display.
Econ: Maximizes fuel economy.
Normal: Balances fuel economy and sportiness for everyday driving.
Sport: Enhances vehicle response and feel through decreased steering assist and
increased throttle response and SH-AWD* and Precision All Wheel Steer* control.
Sport+: Adds to Sport mode and allows increased performance when using paddle
shifters (see page 78 or 80).
Press IDS to
cycle through
modes.
*if equipped

86 || 87
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
When in Operation
If a vehicle detected ahead of you slows down
abruptly, or if another vehicle cuts in front of
you, a beep sounds and BRAKE appears on the
multi-information display to alert you.
When a vehicle detected ahead is within ACC
with low speed follow range and stops, your
vehicle also stops. The Stopped message
appears on the multi-information display.
When the vehicle ahead of you starts again, the vehicle icon on the multi-
information display blinks. Press RES/+/SET/– up or down, or press the
accelerator pedal to resume the prior set speed.
Canceling ACCYou can press CANCEL or MAIN, or press the brake
pedal. The ACC indicator goes off.
Certain conditions may cause ACC to cancel
automatically. When this happens, a beep sounds
and a message appears on the multi-information
display.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still
resume the prior set speed by pressing RES/ACCEL.
Improper use of ACC with LSF can lead to a crash.
Use ACC with LSF only when driving on expressways or freeways and in good
weather conditions.
WARNING
Exiting a vehicle that has been stopped while the ACC with LSF system is
operating can result in the vehicle moving without operator control. Always
make sure Park (P) is selected before exiting the vehicle.
A vehicle that moves without operator control can cause a crash, resulting in
serious injury or death.
Never exit a vehicle when the vehicle is stopped by ACC with LSF.
WARNING
ACC with LSF has limited braking capability and may not stop your vehicle in
time to avoid a collision with a vehicle that quickly stops in front of you.
Always be prepared to apply the brake pedal if the conditions require.
WARNING
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)*
Helps maintain a constant vehicle speed and a set following distance behind a
vehicle detected ahead of yours. When the vehicle ahead changes speed, ACC
senses the change and accelerates or decelerates to maintain a set interval.
MAIN button
RES/+ button
SET/- button
CANCEL button
Distance button
Activating and Setting the Vehicle Speed
1. Press MAIN. The ACC indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
Above 25 mph (40 km/h): Press RES/+/SET/- and
take your foot off the pedal to set the speed
Below 25 mph (40 km/h) (Low Speed Follow):
Press SET/- to set the speed at 25 mph (40
km/h) or below.

Adjusting the Vehicle Speed Press RES/+ to increase or SET/- to decrease.
Each time you press the switch up or down, the
vehicle speed is increased or decreased by about 1
mph (1 km/h). If you keep the switch pressed up or
down, the vehicle speed increases or decreases by
10 mph (16 km/h) until you release it.
Adjusting the Vehicle Distance Press the Distance button to change the following
distance. Each time you press the button, the
following distance setting cycles through short,
middle, long, and extra long following distances.
Switching to Standard Cruise ControlPress and hold the Distance button.
*if equipped

88 || 89
DRIVING
DRIVING
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
A camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror determines if
your vehicle begins to move away from the center of a detected lane while driving
between 45–90 mph (72–145 km/h).
If you cross a detected lane line
without using the turn signal, a
message appears in the MID and a
beep sounds continuously.
Turning LDW On or Off
Press LDW to turn the system on or off. A
green indicator light appears on the button
when the system is on.
Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, LDW has limitations. Over-reliance on LDW may result
in a collision. It is always your responsibility to keep the vehicle within your lane.
LDW only alerts you when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW
may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on
weather, speed, and lane marker condition. It is always your responsibility to safely
operate the vehicle and avoid collisions.
Lane departure
message
Audible
beep
LDW
button Indicator
*if equipped
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Pedestrian Detection*
Warns you if the system determines there is likelihood of a frontal collision when
a vehicle is detected in front of you when your vehicle speed is 10 mph (16 km/h)
or higher, or a pedestrian is detected in front of you when your vehicle speed is
between 10–62 mph (16–100 km/h).
If you do not brake in time or
take preventive action, a visual
warning flashes*, BRAKE flashes
in the MID, and a beep sounds
continuously.
Changing Settings
Determine the warning timing, or turn the system off. Use the interface dial to
make selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings. The vehicle must be in
Park (P).
3. Select Forward Collision Warning Distance.
4. Select Long, Normal (default), Short, or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety Reminder
FCW cannot detect all pedestrians and vehicles ahead; accuracy of the system will
vary based on weather, speed, extreme interior heat, and other factors. FCW does
not include a braking function. It is always your responsibility to safely operate the
vehicle and avoid collisions.
BRAKE message
Audible
beep Visual warning*
*if equipped