152 || 153
DRIVINGDRIVING
driving. Ultimately, the decision whether to engage in high-performance driving is yours, and
depending on your NSX’s condition and prior usage, the items and protocols listed below may
or may not be sufficient to ensure a safe driving experience.
n
BEFORE DRIVING
•
With the vehicle park
ed on level ground, properly bleed brake system after replacing with
new Honda DOT 4 brake fluid or equivalent.
•
Inspect brake pad thickness and replace if 6.0mm
or less.
•
Burnish the brake pads so that
they have the performance characteristics necessary
to repeatedly and quickly slow the NSX when it is being operated at significantly high
speeds. (While the NSX’s brake pads are properly burnished for the demands expected in
ordinary day-to-day driving, high performance driving puts unique demands on the brake
system which require further burnishing.) A high performance burnish at the driving venue
prior to the first session of the day is highly recommended.
•
Inspect ALL cooling openings to confirm
they are open and free of debris such as leaves,
etc. Cooling openings include engine undercover ducts, heat resistance ducts, brake ducts,
radiators, and intercoolers.
•
Remove
Tire Repair Kit from the trunk, along with any other cargo area contents.
•
Check tire wear and
tire pressure, and make certain wheel lug bolts are properly torqued,
as driving at high speed puts additional strain on tires and wheels. Never use slick tires,
and do not use Summer Only tires and Ultra High Performance tires if temperatures will
be lower than 45°F (7°C).
•
If you anticipate sustained driving at speeds gr
eater than 168 mph/270 km/h, adjust the
cold tire pressure as shown on the driver door jamb warning label. This will help avoid heat
build-up and sudden tire failure.
If driving at high speeds (over 168mph/270km/h),
adjust cold tire pressure as show n below to avoid
ex cess heat buildup and sudden tire failur e.
DRIVING SPEED TIRE COLD TIRE PRESSUREOVER
168 mph/ 270 km/h FRONT
REAR 260
KPA, 38 PSI
260 KPA, 38 PSI
WARNINGIf driving at high\6 speeds (o ver 16\fmph/2\b0km/h),
adjust cold tire pr\6essure as shown be\6low to avoid
ex cess heat buildup a\6nd sudden tire fai\6lure. Pour conduire à gra\6nde vitesse (plus d\6e 16\f mph /
2\b0 km/h) ajuster la \6pression des pneus\6 à froid, comme
indiqué ci-dessous\6, afn d’éviter l’ac\6cumulation e xcessive
de chaleur et une d\6éfaillance soudaine \6du pneu.
DRIVING SPEED VITESSE DE CONDUITE COLD TIRE PRESSURE PRESSION DES PNEUS À FROIDTIRE/ PNEU
FRONT/AVANT
REAR/ARRIÈRE260 KPA, 38 PSI
260 KPA, 38 PSI
OVER/ PLUS DE
168 mph/ 270 km/h
WARNINGATTENTION
U.S. models Canadian models
Doorjamb
2DAAAA
Use of slick tires/racing slicks may subject the chassis and body components to
higher dynamic loads than they were designed for.
Higher than intended dynamic loads could result in component failure, loss of
control, and serious injury or death to you or others.
Do not install slick tires on the NSX.
WARNING
• Inspect all exhaust mounts for cracks or signs of
wear.
•
Inspect tailpipe active exhaust val
ves to ensure they are functioning correctly. You can
do this by cycling the IDS switch between SPORT and TRACK modes, while the engine is
idling.
154 || 155
DRIVINGDRIVING
n While Driving
•
You may see a brake warning message in
the Driver
Information Interface (and warning message chime) and/
or experience increased brake pedal stroke. If either occurs,
immediately slow down and allow for increased stopping
distances. The message will disappear once the brakes have
cooled and the system has returned to normal operating
condition.
• After high-performance driving, it is critical to allow your vehicle to properly cool down.
Do not immediately stop your vehicle. Instead, continue driving at reduced speeds,
allowing for increased braking distances until your vehicle returns to normal operating
temperatures. Once you stop and safely park the NSX, open the hatch to aid cooling. If
the engine oil temperature reaches the H mark during high-performance driving, have
your NSX inspected by an authorized Acura NSX dealer.
n
AFTER DRIVING
Check your NSX, and each of its r
elevant components, to make sure that it still is in a safe
operating condition (example: wheel lug bolt torque, tire pressure, etc.). We recommend
you repeat the Before Driving protocol. If any item shows excessive wear or appears to be
in an unusual condition, have it replaced, or exercise appropriate caution when driving and
see your authorized Acura NSX dealer
For more information, please contact your authorized Acura NSX dealer, and/or Acura Client
Relations (see page 213).
Cold or Rainy Weather Driving
Summer-only and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires are very sensitive to ambient
temperatures and are designed to be used at temperatures above 45°F (7°C). Below that
temperature, Summer-only and UHP tires provide decreasing amounts of grip and other
performance attributes. At temperatures below -4°F (-20°C), the tire treads may become
brittle, resulting in permanent damage to the tread. A damaged tire may fail during use.
Therefore, if you will operate the vehicle when temperatures are below 45°F (7°C), we
recommend you install other tires (e.g., mud+snow, winter) designed to perform under the
expected conditions.
Use of Summer-only or Ultra High Performance tires at temperatures below 45°F
(7°C) may lead to a loss of performance and control, which could result in a crash,
serious injury or death.
WARNING
Your NSX is equipped with ultra-high-performance summer-only tires that, due to their
decreased tread depth, are at greater risk of hydroplaning on wet roads compared to regular
tires. Exercise caution when driving on wet surfaces.
156 || 157
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTEDHANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Keyless Access Remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your keyless access remote is weak, a
message appears in the driver information interface with
information on how to start the engine.
Touch the back of the keyless access remote to the ENGINE
START/STOP button while the indicator is flashing.
With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE START/STOP
button within 10 seconds.
Emergency Power System Off
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to turn off the power system due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must turn off the power system, choose one of
the following operations:
Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for two seconds,
OR
Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button three times.
Turning off the engine disables the power assist to the steering and braking systems. Thus,
it will require significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehicle.
Downshift gears and use both feet on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop
immediately in a safe place.
Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the gear position automatically changes to (P) and
the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the engine to be
switched off.
NOTICE
158 || 159
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTEDHANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the power system, then
open the hood.
1.
Remove
the maintenance cover (see page 183), then slide
the terminal cover on your 12-volt battery’s (+) terminal
2.
Connect the first jumper
cable to your vehicle’s 12-volt
battery (+) terminal.
3.
Connect the other end of the first
jumper cable to the
booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt booster battery
only.
4.
Connect the second jumper cable to
the booster battery (-)
terminal.
5.
Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the
front frame (as shown). Do not connect this jumper cable to
any other part.
Booster Battery
Terminal Cover
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
WARNING
n After the Engine Starts
Once your
vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following order:
1.
Disconnect the jumper cable from
your vehicle’s ground.
2.
Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable
from the assisting vehicle’s (-) terminal.
3.
Disconnect the jumper cable from
the assisting vehicle’s (+) terminal.
4.
Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable
from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or an authorized Acura NSX
dealer.
If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase
its rpm slightly.
Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over slowly, make sure the jumper cables have
good metal-to-metal contact.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
160 || 161
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTEDHANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power, or steam or
spray comes out from under the hatch, your engine is overheating.
Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off all accessories and turn on the hazard
warning lights. Change the gear position to (P).
If no steam or spray is present: Keep the power system on and open the hatch.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the power system and wait until it subsides. Then, open
the hatch.
Check that the cooling fan is operating and turn the power system off once the temperature
gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediately turn the power
system off.
Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and
check the cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant
level in the reserve tank is low, or no coolant is in the tank, check
that the radiator is cool. Cover the reserve tank cap with a heavy
cloth and open the cap. Add coolant until it reaches the MAX
mark, and put the cap back on.
Reserve TankMAXMIN
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, turn the power system on and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone down,
contact an authorized Acura NSX dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hatch if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage the engine.
NOTICE
174 || 175
MAINTENANCEHANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
n Inspecting and Changing Fuses
Set the power mode to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK). Turn off the
headlights and all accessories.
Remove the fuse box cover.
Check the large fuse in the hood.
If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove
the screws and replace the fuse with a new one. Reinstall the
screws.
Inspect the small fuses in the hood and the vehicle interior.
If there is a burned out fuse, remove it with the fuse puller and
replace it with a new one.
Blown fuse
Combined fuse
Fuse puller
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging
the electrical system.
NOTICE
MAINTENANCE
Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourself, as well as
information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however, we cannot warn you
of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide
whether or not you should perform a given task.
n
Maintenance Safety
To reduce the possibility
of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from
the battery and all fuel-related parts.
Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects in the engine compartment.
To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or compressed
air.
Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.
n
Vehicle Safety
The vehicle must be stationary
, and parked on level ground with the parking brake set and
the engine off.
Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
176 || 177
MAINTENANCEMAINTENANCE
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according to
the schedules in this guide.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause
you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WARNING
Maintenance Minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the Maintenance
Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you turn the vehicle on. Press the
Info (p/q) buttons on the steering wheel to change displays.
See page 179 to check the indicated maintenance service(s).
Maintenance Service Items
Remaining Engine Oil Life
Righ t Selector Whee l
178 || 179
MAINTENANCEMAINTENANCE
Independent of the Maintenance Minder information:
•
Replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
•
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
•
Adjust the val
ves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
•
Inspect the fuel injection systems every 3
years.
•
Inspect tire condition every 3,
100 miles (5,000 km).
For U.S. models: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems may
be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using parts that are certified to EPA
standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the maintenance main items
marked with # will not void your emissions warranties. However, all maintenance services should be performed
in accordance with the intervals indicated by the multi-information display.
n Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the displ\
ay is reset,
CODE
change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
A Maintenance Main Items
B
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connections#
Inspect direct injection + port injection fuel system
Replace engine oi
l*1
Replace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check expiration date for temporary tire repair
kit bottle
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension components
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and li nes (Including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
#