2017 Acura TLX belt

14 || 15
S AFETY
S
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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S AFETY
S
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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S AFETY
S
AFETY
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

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S AFETY
S
AFETY
Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in the front can result in injury or
death if the passenger’s front airbag inflates.
If a larger child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as
possible, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly, using
a booster seat if needed.
WARNING
Safety Label Locations
Safety labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that
can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.
Reporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor
Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You
can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.
safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc., and you
may also inform Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall
and remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may
call 1-800-333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or about
motor vehicle safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety.
If a lap/shoulder belt cannot be used properly, position the child in a booster seat
in a rear seating position. For the child’s safety, check that the child meets the
booster seat manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories require children to use a
booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be
sure to check current laws in the state or province/territory where you intend to
drive.
Radiator cap
Doorjambs
Sun visors
U.S. models
Canadian models
Dashboard
(U.S. models)

22 || 23
I NSTRUMENT P
ANEL I
NSTRUMENT P
ANEL
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has
normal braking ability, but no anti-lock function.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
There is a problem with one of the airbag systems or seat belt
tensioners*.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
There is a problem with the electric power steering system. Stop in a
safe place and restart the engine.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
If the indicator blinks and stays on, there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system.
Keyless Access system
There is a problem with the keyless access system.
Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) system
There is a problem with the VSA system or hill start assist system.
Brake system
There is a problem with one of the braking systems. Avoid high speeds
and sudden braking. Your vehicle still has normal braking ability.

Blind spot information (BSI)*
There is a problem with the system, or the sensor is blocked.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow*
There is a problem with the ACC system.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
There is a problem with the LKAS.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)*/Collision Mitigation Braking
System™ (CMBS™)*
There is a problem with the system,
the system is turned off, the
camera temperature is too high, or the camera is blocked.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*/Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)*
There is a problem with the system, the camera temperature is too high,
or the camera is blocked.
Electric parking brake system
There is a problem with the electric parking brake system. Stop in a safe
place and avoid using the parking brake.
Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS®)*
There is a problem with the system. Vehicle speed may be limited to 50 mph (80 km/h) or less. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
Indicators briefly appear with each engine start and then go out. Red and amber
indicators are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general
information.
Malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or
at any other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
•

Brak
e fluid is low.
•

Ther
e is a malfunction in the brake system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check
the brake fluid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action.
If necessary, downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine
braking. Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check
the oil level, and add oil if necessary (see page 120). If the indicator does
not turn off, have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
•

The emissions contr
ol system may have a problem.
•

(Blinks)
A misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place,
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn all electrical items off, but do not turn the
vehicle off to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
Ca nada
U.S.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Learn about the indicators, gauges, and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Ca
nada
U.S.
*if equipped

24 || 25
I NSTRUMENT P
ANELI
NSTRUMENT P
ANEL
BSI* off
ACC* on
LKAS* on
SPORT mode on ECON mode on
Automatic brake hold on
Automatic brake activated
Auto idle stop* activated
Auto idle stop* off
Ca nada
U.S.
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action.
Electric parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive
with it not fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indicator
blinks and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has not
fastened your seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remains on
after seat belts are fastened, see your dealer.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with
the fuel gauge. See your dealer.
Low tire pressure
Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate tire(s) if necessary.
System message
When a condition or malfunction indicator comes on, a message also
appears on the multi-information display. Check the display for more
information.
Immobilizer
Your remote transmitter cannot be recognized by the vehicle. If the
indicator blinks, you may not be able to start the engine. Turn the vehicle
off, and then on again. If it continues to blink, there may be a problem with
the system. See your dealer.
Canada
U.S.
On/Off Indicators
These indicators remind you when an item is on or off.
*if equipped
*if equipped
Electric parking brake
If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with the electric parking brake.
Auto idle stop*
If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with the system.
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)*
There is a problem with the system. The engine drives only the front wheels.
If the indicator blinks, the differential temperature is too high. Stop in a safe
place, shift to Park (P), and idle until the indicator goes off.
VSA offVSA engaged (blinks)
CRUISE

MAIN on
CRUISE

CONTROL
on
Turn

signals/hazards on
Exterior lights on
Fog lights* on
High beams on
FCW*/CMBS
TM* off
U.S.
Canada

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.

78 || 79
DRIVING
DRIVING
*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. 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
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

Sequential Shift Mode*
4-cylinder models
Use the paddle shifters to change 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 (2
4 km/h)

2nd

to 3rd
25 mph (40 km/h)


3r

d to 4th
40 mph (64 km/h)


4th

to 5th
45 mph (7
2 km/h)

5th

to 6th
50 mph (80 km/h)

6th

to 7th
55 mph (89 km/h)

7th

to 8th
60 mph (9
7 km/h)
*if equipped