2017 Acura TLX ECU

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S AFETY
V
ISUAL I NDEX
99
97910911959894
93969192
SAFETY INFORMATION
Your safety—and the safety of others—is very important, and operating this vehicle
safely is an important responsibility. While we strive to help you make informed
decisions about safety, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. Therefore, you must
use your own good judgment.
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display
2 On-Demand Multi-Use Display p. 46
3 Hazard warning button
4 Climate control buttons p. 42
5 USB port p. 44
6 Moonroof switch p. 31
Map lights p. 32
AcuraLink®* buttons p. 64
7 Power window switches p. 30
Door lock switches
p. 29


Door mirr
or controls p. 39
8 Hood release handle p. 118
9 Driving Position Memory System
buttons

p. 37
10 Integrated Dynamics System
(IDS) button

p. 84
Electric parking brake p. 81
Electronic gear selector* p. 79
Shift lever* p. 77
Brake hold button p. 82
Auto idle stop button*

p. 83
Audio/phone/navigation*

buttons

p. 46, p. 56, p. 65
11
*if equipped
Important Safety Information
This guide explains many of your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them.
Please read this information carefully. Following the instructions below will also
help to keep you and your passengers safe.
Important Safety Precautions•
Al
ways wear your seat belt.
•

Secur
e all children in the proper restraint system.
•

Be awar
e of airbag hazards.
•

Don’t drink
and drive.
•

P
ay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely.
•

C
ontrol your speed.
•

K
eep your vehicle in safe condition.
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying
close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe
to divert some attention away from driving.
Safety Messages When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to
your vehicle, other property, or the environment.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE

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S AFETY
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AFETY
Seat Belt Inspection
Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:
•

Pull each belt
out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
•

Check
that the latch plates and buckles work smoothly and the belts retract
easily. If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the
problem. Only use a mild soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning
solvents. Make sure the belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.
Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a dealer after
any collision.
Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if
the seat belts do not work properly when needed.
Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Fastening a Seat BeltAdjust your seat to the proper position (see page 35), and then follow the
below steps.
1.

Pull
the seat belt out slowly.
2.

Insert the
latch plate into the buckle, then tug
on the belt to make sure the buckle is secure.
Make sure that the belt is not twisted or caught
on anything.
On models with CMBS
TM, the front seat belts
retract automatically.
3.

P

osition the lap part of the belt as low as
possible across your hips, then pull up on the
shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits
snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take
the force of a crash and reduces the chance of
internal injuries.
4.

If necessary

, pull up on the belt again to remove
any slack, then make sure that the belt rests
across the center of your chest and over your
shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over
the strongest bones in your upper body.
5.

T

o release the belt, push the red PRESS button
then guide the belt by hand until it has retracted
completely.
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor
The front seats have adjustable shoulder anchors to accommodate taller and
shorter occupants.
1.

Mo
ve the anchor up and down while holding the
release button.
2.

P
osition the anchor so that the belt rests across
the center of your chest and over your shoulder.
Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.
WARNING
Push
Pull out
slowl
y.
Lap belt
as low as
possible
Latch
plate
Buckle
Pull out
slowly.
Lap belt
as low as
possible
Latch
plate
Buckle
Pull out
slowly.
Lap belt
as low as
possible
Latch
plate
Buckle

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S AFETY
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AFETY
Child Safety
Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle collisions are the
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada
recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear seat.
Some states or provinces/territories have laws restricting where children may ride.
To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province,
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they
ride in a vehicle.
Protecting Child Passengers – Important Considerations
•
An inflating
front or side airbag can injure or kill a child sitting in the front seat.
•

A child in
the front seat is more likely to interfere with the driver’s ability to
safely control the vehicle.
•

Statistics show
that children of all sizes and ages are safer when they are
properly restrained in a rear seat.
•

An
y child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the lap
belt portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.
•

Nev
er hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the
event of a collision.
•

Nev
er put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.
•

Nev
er let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very
seriously injured in a crash.
•

Do
not allow children to operate the doors, windows, or seat adjustments.
•

Do not leav
e children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather
when the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also
activate vehicle controls, causing it to move unexpectedly.
Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.
Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child
seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt, using a
booster seat if necessary.
WARNING
Protecting Infants An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until
the infant reaches the seat maker’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the
infant is at least one year old. Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat
for a child up to two years old if the child’s height and weight are appropriate for
a rear-facing seat.
Child seats must be placed and secured in a rear
seating position. Rear-facing child seats should
never be installed in a forward-facing position.
When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-
back in the desired position. If this occurs, we recommend that you install the
child seat directly behind the front passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward
as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing
child seat. Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or wrap one around their neck can
result in serious injury or death.
Instruct children not to play with any seat belt and make sure any unused
seat belt a child can reach is buckled, fully retracted, and locked.
WARNING
Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or
death during a crash.
Always place a rear-facing child seat in the rear seat, not the front.
WARNING

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AFETY
Protecting Smaller Children
If a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicated by the
child seat manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly
secured forward-facing child seat.
We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing
child seat in a rear seating position.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat
can be hazardous, even with advanced front airbags
that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag
off. A rear seat is the safest place for a child.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious
injury or death if the front airbag inflates.
If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat
as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.
WARNING
Selecting a Child Seat
Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren). Some have a rigid-type connector, while others have a flexible-type
connector. Both are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned
child seats can only be installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose,
follow the child seat manufacturer’s use and care instructions as well as the
instructions in this guide. Proper installation is key to maximizing your child’s
safety.
In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be
secured with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the
child seat manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-
compatible seat once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child
seat owner’s manual for proper installation instructions.
Important considerations when selecting a child seat
Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:
•

The child seat is
the correct type and size for the child.
•

The child seat is
the correct type for the seating position.
•

The child seat is compliant
with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat
A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear
seats. A child seat is attached to the lower anchors in the outer seats with either
the rigid or flexible type of connectors. The center seat only has an upper tether
anchorage point.
1.

Locate
the lower anchors under the marks.
2.

Place the
child seat on the vehicle seat, then
attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came with
the child seat. Make sure that the lower anchors
are not obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object.
3.

Open
the tether anchor cover behind the head
restraint.
4.

Raise
the head restraint to its highest position,
then route the tether strap between the head
restraint legs, and secure the tether strap hook
onto the anchor.
5.

Tighten
the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat maker.
6.

Mak
e sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side;
little movement should be felt.
7.
Mak

e sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is
activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked.
Marks
Flexible type
Lower anchors
Rigid type
Tether strap hook
Anchor

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Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt
1.
Place the
child seat on the vehicle seat.
2.

R
oute the seat belt through the child seat
according to the seat maker’s instructions, and
insert the latch plate into the buckle. Insert the
latch plate fully until it clicks.
3.

Slowl
y pull the shoulder part of the belt all the
way out until it stops. This activates the lockable
retractor.
4.

Let
the seat belt completely wind up into the
retractor, then try to pull it out to make sure
the retractor is locked. If you are able to pull the
shoulder belt out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way out, and
repeat steps 3 – 4.
5.

Grab
the shoulder part of the seat belt near the
buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. When doing this, place your
weight on the child seat and push it into the
vehicle seat.
6.

Mak
e sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side;
little movement should be felt.
7.
Mak

e sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is
activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked.
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle and allow the seat belt to
wind up all the way.
Protecting Larger Children When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the
lap/shoulder seat belt.
Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then ensure the following:
•

The child’
s knees bend comfortably over the edge
of the seat.
•

The shoulder belt cr
osses between the child’s neck
and arm.
•

The lap part
of the seat belt is as low as possible,
touching the child’s thighs.
•

The child can stay seated
for the whole trip.
Adding Security with a Tether
A tether anchorage point is provided behind each rear seating position. If you
have a child restraint system that comes with a tether but can be installed with a
seat belt, the tether may be used for additional security.
1.

Locate
the appropriate tether anchorage point
and lift the cover.
2.

Raise
the head restraint to its highest position,
then route the tether strap through the head
restraint legs. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
3.

Secur
e the tether strap hook onto the anchor.
4.

Tighten
the tether strap as instructed by the
child seat manufacturer.
Tether
strap
hook
AnchorOuter position
Tether strap hook
AnchorCenter position
Tether anchorage points
Anchor
Cover

40 || 41
V EHICLE C ONTROLS
V
EHICLE C ONTROLS
Customized Features
You can easily customize many features of your vehicle. The customized settings
are recalled every time you unlock the driver’s door with the remote (Driver 1 or
Driver 2). Settings are unique to each remote.
How to
Change a Setting
The vehicle must be in Park (P) to select Vehicle Settings. Use the interface dial to
make and enter selections.
1.

Pr
ess the SETTINGS button.
2.

Select an
option (System, Vehicle, Camera, Audio, Phone, Info, and Navi*).
3.

Select a setting
option, and make your preferred changes.
4.

Pr
ess the BACK button to exit out of the menus.
Setting the Clock
On vehicles without navigation, use the interface dial to adjust the time in the
clock display. On vehicles with navigation, the time is automatically set using
GPS signals.
1.

Pr
ess the SETTINGS button.
2.

Select S
ystem Settings
3.

Select
Clock Adjustment.
4.

R
otate the interface dial to change the hour value. Press the interface dial to
select minutes, and rotate to change the value. Press the interface dial to exit
the screen.
5.

Pr
ess the BACK button to exit out of the menus.
Settings screen
NAVAUDIOAUDIONAV
SETTINGS
button
BACK
button Interface
dial
HomeLink®
Universal Transceiver
Program your vehicle to operate up to three remote-controlled devices around your
home—such as garage doors, lighting, or home security systems—using the buttons
on the ceiling.
Training a Button
Park near the system you want to program, and follow the instructions in the
flowchart below.
To retrain a button or erase codes, see the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.acura.com (U.S.) or www.myacura.ca (Canada). If
you need help, call HomeLink at (800) 355-3515 or visit www.homelink.com.
Press and release the HomeLink
button. Press and release the button on
the remote every 2 seconds.
Does the LED change from slowly blinking
to constantly on or rapidly blinking? This
should take less than one minute.
Press and hold the
HomeLink button
again. Training
complete
YES
NO
HomeLink indicator
rapidly blinks. HomeLink LED
remains on.
YES
NO
YES
NO
Position the remote transmitter you wish to link 1–3 inches (3–8 cm) from the
HomeLink button you want to program.1
Press and release the desired HomeLink
button. Hold the button on the remote
transmitter.
Does the HomeLink indicator (LED) change
from slowly blinking to constantly on or
rapidly blinking? This should take less than
one minute.
2
aThe remote has a rolling code. Press the
“learn” button on the remote-controlled
device (e.g., garage door opener) .
Press and hold the HomeLink button
again; the remote-controlled device
should operate. Within 30 seconds, press and hold the
programmed HomeLink button for
2 seconds.a
Press and hold the programmed HomeLink button for about a second.Does the device (garage door opener) work?
3
b
4
5
HomeLink indicator
HomeLink buttons
*if equipped

| 65
NAVIGATION64 |
Learn how to enter a destination and operate the navigation system.
Basic Navigation Operation
A real-time navigation system uses GPS and a map database to show your current
location and help guide you to a desired destination. You can operate the system
using voice commands or the system controls.
To reduce the potential for driver distraction, certain manual functions may
be inoperable or grayed out while the vehicle is moving. Voice commands are
always available.

Steering Wheel Controls
Use the steering wheel controls to give voice
commands.
Hang-Up/Back button: Press to cancel a
command or operation.
Talk button: Press to say navigation commands
from the Voice Portal screen.
Voice Command Tips
•
When using
the Talk button, wait for the beep before saying a command.
•

T
o bypass the system prompts, simply press the Talk button again to say your
command.
•

Speak in a clear
, natural voice.
•

R
educe all background noise.
•

A
djust the dashboard and side vents away from the microphone in the ceiling.
Fan speed may be temporarily reduced during voice recognition operation.
•

Close
the windows and moonroof.
Using the navigation system while driving can take your attention away from
the road, causing a crash in which you could be seriously injured or killed.
Only operate system controls when the conditions permit you to safely do
so.
WARNING
NAVIGATION*
Talk
button Back
button
*if equipped
Subscription Features
Subscription-based services that provide convenient features, such as collision
notification, emergency assistance, online security, and important messages about
your vehicle. Requires enrollment and privacy agreement. To subscribe or get more
information, contact a dealer or visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or www.myacura.ca
(Canada).
Emergency Assistance
If your vehicle’s airbags deploy or if the unit detects that the vehicle is severely
impacted, your vehicle automatically attempts to connect to the AcuraLink
operator if there is cellular coverage. Once connected, information about your
vehicle, its positioning*, and its condition will be sent to the operator. You can
also speak to the operator when connected.
To manually connect to the operator, open the
cover on the ceiling console and press ASSIST
when the vehicle is on.
ASSIST button
Security Features
To use security features, you need your user ID and personal identification
number (PIN). Some of these features are also available with the AcuraLink
smartphone app. Visit owners.acura.com/apps to download the app.
•

S
tolen vehicle tracking: Searches and tracks down your vehicle position.
•

R
emote door lock/unlock: Remotely lock or unlock doors.
•

V
ehicle finder: Locate your vehicle in large areas, such as a parking lot.
•

S
ecurity alarm notification: If your vehicle’s security system detects tampering,
the provider notifies you.
Operator Assistance
Connect to the AcuraLink operator when trying to
find a destination or for roadside assistance.
Press LINK to connect to an operator.
LINK button
*Transmission of vehicle location information may be limited by cellular technology used.
ACURALINK®

72 || 73
DRIVING
DRIVING
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
vehicle warranties.
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg). See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label Example
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1.

Locate
the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.

Determine the
combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3.

Subtract the
combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.

The r
esulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.)
5.

Determine
the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6.

If y
our vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•
Mak
e sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•

R
emove any frost, snow, or ice.
•

Mak
e sure the hood is securely closed.
•

Heat
from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover flammable materials after you
or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
•

Mak
e sure the tires are in good condition.
•

Mak
e sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around
the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
Interior Checks•
Stor
e or secure all items on board properly.
•

Do not pile items higher
than the seat height.
•

Do not place an
ything in the front seat footwells. Secure the floor mats.
•

If
you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•

Secur
ely close and lock all doors and the trunk.
•

A
djust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•

Mak
e sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under
the seats.
•

Ev
eryone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
In addition:
•

During
the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration
or full throttle operation so as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
•

A
void hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.