94 || 95
DRIVING
DRIVING
In addition:
•
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acc\
eleration or
full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
•
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). Y
ou should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling, and
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories
and modifications.
WARNING
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks •
Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exteri\
or
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•
remove any frost, snow
, or ice.
•
Make sure the hood is securely closed.
•
Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left u\
nder
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an exte\
nded period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried gra\
ss 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 aft\
er you or
someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
•
Make sure the tires are in good condition.
•
Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
Interior Checks •
Store or secure all items on board properly.
•
Do not pile items higher in the cargo area than the seat-back height.
•
Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure t\
he floor
mats.
•
If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely around in \
the
vehicle.
•
Securely close and lock all doors and the trunk.
•
Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•
Make sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll\
under the
seats.
•
everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
•
Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you s\
tart
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to me\
lt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim a\
r
ound the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
98 || 99
DRIVING
DRIVING
Remote Engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine using the remote transmitter before you enter the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location when using remote engine start (i.e., a
well-ventilated area, away from any flammable materials).
Starting the Engine
Press the Lock button, then press and hold the
engine button within 5 seconds to
remotely start the engine.
The engine runs for up to 10 minutes. T
o extend the run time for another 10
minutes, repeat the procedure during the initial 10 minutes.
While the engine is running, the climate control system adjusts the cabi\
n
temperature, the security system remains on, and lights and accessories remain
off.
Stopping the Engine
Press and hold the
engine button.
The engine will also stop if it has been running for more than 10 minute\
s
, or if any
door is opened without using the remote or smart entry.
engine exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or cause unconsciousness.
Never use the remote engine starter when the vehicle is parked in a gara\
ge or
other area with limited ventilation.
WARNING
Lock button
Engine button
*if equipped
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, \
use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the
owner’
s Manual on the
owner
Information CD or visit
owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.com (Canada) for more
information.
Total Trailer Weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, cargo, and
everything in or on it must not exceed 1,000 lbs (450
kg). Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and can
damage the engine and drivetrain.
Tongue LoadThe weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately 10% of the
total trailer weight.
•
excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction
and steering control. T
oo little tongue load can
make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
•
To achieve a proper tongue load, start by loading
60% of the load toward the front of the trailer and
40% toward the rear
.
readjust the load as needed.
Pre-tow ChecklistWhen preparing to tow, and before driving away, ensure the following:
•
The vehicle has been properly serviced, and the suspension and the cooli\
ng
system are in good operating condition.
•
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’
s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
•
The trailer has been properly serviced and is in good condition.
•
All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight r\
atings.
•
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale. If a public scal\
e is not
available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of \
your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
•
The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
•
All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift whi\
le you drive.
•
Trailer lights and brakes work properly
.
•
Trailer tire pressures (including spare tire) are correct.
exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer c\
an
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting \
to driv
e.
WARNING
To ngue Load
Total load
Tongue LoadTongue load
100 || 101
DRIVING
DRIVING
Changing the Power Mode*
Use the
eNGINe ST
A
rT/SToP button to cycle through power modes or start the
engine.
Accessory or On mode:
Press the
eNGINe ST
A
rT/
ST
oP button once without pressing the brake pedal
for Accessory mode. Press it again for
on mode.
Starting the engine:
Press and hold the brake pedal
or clutch, then press the
eNGINe ST
A
rT/SToP button.
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting
the engine.
T
urning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P) or apply the parking brake, then press the
eNGINe ST
A
rT/SToP button. If you press the button and the shift lever is not in
Park (P), the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
*if equipped
Shifting
Change the shift position based on your driving needs.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)*
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.
Drive (S): Used for better acceleration, increased
engine braking, driving in hilly terrain, or paddle
shifting*.
Low (L)*: Used for stronger engine power and
braking when driving in hilly terrain.
When you change the shift lever from D to
r and vice versa, come to a complet
e
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. Y
ou could
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Release button
Starting to Drive
Turn on the vehicle and start the engine to begin driving.
Before Starting the Engine
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then press
the brake pedal. Keep your foot firmly on the brake
pedal when starting the engine.
Manual transmission
Check that the shift lever is in Neutral (N), then
press the brake pedal with your right foot and the
clutch pedal with your left foot. The clutch must be
fully pressed to start the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found a\
t 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, a\
nd rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Starting the Ignition*Insert the key into the ignition and turn to turn on the vehicle or star\
t the engine.
0 LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this position.
I ACCESSORY: operate the audio system and other
accessories in this position.
II ON: operate other electrical items, such as
wipers and power windows. This is also the position
when driving.
III START: This position is for starting the engine. The switch returns to oN when
you release the key.
Manual transmission models
*if equipped
Brake peda l
Brake pedal
Clutch pedal
removing the key from the ignition switch while driving locks the steerin\
g.
This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
remove the key from the ignition switch only when parked.
WARNING
102 || 103
DRIVING
DRIVING
Shift up
1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
5 to 6 Normal acceleration
17 mph (27 km/h)
29 mph (46 km/h)
37 mph (60 km/h)
43 mph (69 km/h)
49 mph (79 km/h)
Recommended shift points
(LX models)
Manual Transmission*
Fully press the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears\
.
Do not shift to
reverse (r) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Shift up 1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
5 to 6 Normal acceleration
15 mph (24 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
47 mph (76 km/h)
52 mph (84 km/h)
Recommended shift points
(except LX models)
Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachomete\
r’s red
zone. This can severely damage your engine.
NOTICE
*if equipped
Paddle Shifters*
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 manual shift mode temporarily,
and the gear number appears in the instrument panel. When you start trav\
eling at
a constant speed or accelerate, manual shift mode automatically turns of\
f, and the
gear number goes off.
To cancel manual shift mode, pull and hold the (+) paddle shifter for a\
few
seconds.
When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into manual shift mode, and the
M indicator and gear number appear in the instrument panel. When the veh\
icle
comes to a stop, it automatically shifts down into 1st gear. You can pull away only
in 1st gear. If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed approaches the
tachometer’s red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.
To cancel manual shift mode, move the shift lever from S to D. The M indi\
cator and
gear number go off.
*if equipped
(-) Paddle shifter (+) Paddle shifter Recommended shift points
Shift up 1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
5 to 6
6 to 7 Normal acceleration
15 mph (24 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
45 mph (72 km/h)
50 mph (80 km/h)
55 mph (89 km/h)
104 || 105
DRIVING
DRIVING
Eco Assist System
Can help improve fuel economy by adjusting the performance of the engine\
,
transmission, climate control system, and cruise control.
ECON Button
Press the
eCoN button to turn the system on or off.
The
eCoN Mode indicator and a message in the
multi-information display* appear when the system
is turned on.
Ambient Meter
Color-coded bars change based on your driving
style and brake or accelerator pedal operation.
Green: Fuel-efficient driving
Light green: Moderate acceleration/deceleration
White: Spirited acceleration/deceleration
*
Ambient meter
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
Also known as electronic Stability Control (eSC), vSA helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than what was intende\
d. It
assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by regulating engin\
e
output and
selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or Off
vSA is turned on every time you start the engine,
even if you previously turned it off. 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.
T
raction control becomes less effective, which may make it easier when trying to
free your vehicle if it is stuck in mud or snow.
VSA OFF indicator
*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.
Parking BrakeKeep the vehicle from moving when it is parked.
To apply: Pull the lever up fully without pressing the
release button.
To release: Press and hold the release button, then
lower the lever down all the way.
Brake peda l
Brake pedal
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and\
size.
NOTICE
release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle \
can be
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
NOTICE
114 || 115
DRIVING
DRIVING
Refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performan\
ce and
safety of your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded gasoline of 87 octane or higher is recommended.
•
Honda recommends ToP TIer Detergent Gasoline where available.
•
Do NoT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
•
Do NoT use gasoline containing methanol.
•
Do NoT use gasoline containing MMT
.
How to Refuel1.
The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the
vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is
most accessible.
2.
Turn off the engine.
3.
Push the fuel fill door release handle near the
bottom of the driver’s seat. The fuel fill door
opens.
4.
Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to open. Place the fuel
fill cap in the holder
.
5.
Insert the filler nozzle fully. When the tank is full,
the fuel nozzle clicks off automatically
.
6.
replace the fuel fill cap. T
ighten it until you hear
at least one click. Close the fuel fill door.
Push
Cap
Holder
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
•
Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
•
Handle fuel only outdoors.
•
Wipe up spills immediately.
WARNING
We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help
prevent fuel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to mainta\
in good
performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the
use of gasoline that does N
oT contain harmful manganese-based fuel additives
such as MMT
, if such gasoline is available.
NOTICE
Multi-View Rear Camera
When you shift into reverse (r), a real-time image of the area behind your vehicle is
shown in the upper display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
Changing Camera Settings
Turn the guidelines on or off.
1.
Models with one display: Press the SeTTINGS button.
Models with touchscreen:
From the H
oMe screen, select Settings.
2.
Select Camera.
3.
Select rear Camera.
4.
Select an option.
Fixed Guidelines:
Guidelines appear when you shift into
reverse.
Dynamic Guidelines:
Guidelines move as you turn the steering wheel.
5.
Select on or off.
6.
Press BACK to exit the menu.
Wide view
Press the selector knob or touch icons on the screen to change views.
Normal viewTop down view
The rear camera view is restricted. You cannot see the corner ends of the bumper or what is
underneath the bumper. Its unique lens also makes objects appear closer or farther than they \
actually are.
Visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up. Certain c\
onditions (such as weather,
lighting, and high temperatures) may also restrict the rear view. Do not rely on the rearview display,
which does not give you all information about conditions at the rear of \
your vehicle.
116 || 117
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1.
Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s
battery (+) terminal.
2.
Connect the other end of the first jumper cable
to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt
booster battery only.
3.
Connect the second jumper cable to the booster
battery (-) terminal.
4.
Connect the other end of the second jumper cable
to the engine mounting bolt as shown. Do not
connect this jumper cable to any other part.
5.
If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle,
start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly
.
6.
Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns
over slowly
, make sure that 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.
Booster battery
4-cylinder model s
6-cylinder models
Booster battery
4-cylinder
models
6-cylinder
models
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriou\
sly
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the batt\
ery.
WARNING
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Smart Entry Remote Battery Strength*
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, a beep sounds an\
d the eNGINe
STA
rT/SToP button indicator flashes. A message appears in the multi-information\
display with information on how to start the engine.*
1.
Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the
eNGINe ST
A
rT/SToP button while the indicator is
flashing.
2.
With the brake pedal or clutch pedal pressed,
press the
eNGINe ST
A
rT/SToP button within 10
seconds.
Shift Lever Does Not Move*
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Par\
k (P).
1.
Set the parking brake.
2.
remove the key from the ignition, or remove the
built-in key from the remote transmitter
.
3.
Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-tip
screwdriver
. Put it into the shift lock release slot as
shown in the image, and remove the cover.
4.
Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5.
While pushing the key down, press the shift lever
release button and place the shift lever into Neutral
(N). The lock is now released. Have the shift lever
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
*if equipped
Slo t
Cove r
Release button
Shift lock
release slot
FPO
118 || 119
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly lo\
ses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheat\
ing.
1.
Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2.
If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: T
urn off the engine and
wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3.
Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the tem\
perature
gauge needle goes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediately\
stop the
engine.
4.
o
nce the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the \
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve\
t
ank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in t\
he
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator ca\
p with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
once the engine has cooled sufficiently
, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has\
not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
Reserve
tank
MAXMIN
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant t\
o
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiato\
r cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
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 booster battery’\
s (-)
terminal.
3.
Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle battery’s (+) terminal.
4.
Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery’\
s (+)
terminal.
5.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.