Acura TLX (2021 year). Manual in english — page 23

365

Driving

This chapter discusses driving and refueling.

Before Driving

. . . . . . . . ... 366

Towing a Trailer

. . . . . . . . 371

When Driving

Starting the Engine . . . . . . .. 372
Precautions While Driving. . . . . 378
Automatic Transmission . . . . ... 379
Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Integrated Dynamics System. . . . 388
Auto Idle Stop. . . . . . . . .. 395

Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

(VSA

®

), aka

Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
System . . . . . . . . . . 402

Agile Handling Assist . . . . . ... 404

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

(SH-

AWD

®

)

*

. . . . . . . . . . . 405

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

with Tire Fill Assist. . . . . . .. 406

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -

Required Federal Explanation. . ... 408

Blind spot information System

*

. . 410

AcuraWatch

TM

. . . . . . . . ... 413

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

(CMBS

TM

) . . . . . . . . . ... 417

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low

Speed Follow . . . . . . . . . 428

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) .. 448

Traffic Jam Assist . . . . . . . . 457

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)

System. . . . . . . . . . 469

Traffic Sign Recognition System . ... 474
Front Sensor Camera . . . . . ... 480
Radar Sensor . . . . . . . . ... 482

Braking

. . . . . . . . . . . .. 483

Parking Your Vehicle

. . . . . . 492

Multi-View Rear Camera

*

. . . . 503

Surround View Camera System

*

. . 505

Refueling

. . . . . . . . . . ... 513

Fuel Economy and CO

2

Emissions

. 516

* Not available on all models

366

Driving

Before Driving

Driving Preparation

Check the following items before you start driving.

•

Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.

u

Remove any frost, snow, or ice.

u

Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.

u

When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.

•

Make sure the hood is securely closed.

u

If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.

•

Make sure the tires are in good condition.

u

Check air pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.

2

Checking and Maintaining Tires

P. 544

•

Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.

u

There are blind spots from the inside.

■

Exterior Checks

1

Exterior Checks

NOTICE

When 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.

Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert the key if the water
freezes in the hole.

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.

Continued

367

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Store or secure all items on board properly.

u

Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.

2

Maximum Load Limit

P. 369

•

Do not pile items higher than the seat height.

u

They can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden
braking.

•

Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat.

u

An object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.

•

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

u

They may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.

•

Securely close and lock all doors and the trunk.

2

Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside

P. 130

•

Adjust your seating position properly.

u

Adjust the head restraint, too.

2

Seats

P. 166

2

Adjusting the Head Restraint Positions

P. 172

•

Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly.

u

Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.

2

Adjusting the Steering Wheel

P. 162

2

Mirrors

P. 163

■

Interior Checks

1

Interior Checks

The headlight aim is 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 a dealer or by a qualified technician.

368

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the
seats.

u

They can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.

•

Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.

2

Fastening a Seat Belt

P. 39

•

Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.

u

Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.

2

Indicators

P. 78

369

uu

Before Driving

u

Maximum Load Limit

Continued

Driving

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 838 lbs (380 kg).
See the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.

Steps for Determining 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 resulting 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.)

1

Maximum Load Limit

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories and all cargo.

2

Specifications

P. 618

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.

2

Specifications

P. 618

3

WARNING

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.

Label Example

uu

Before Driving

u

Maximum Load Limit

370

Driving

(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 your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

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.

1

Maximum Load Limit

Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your
vehicle is designed to tow a trailer.

2

Towing a Trailer

P. 371

Load Limits Example

Example1

Max Load

838 lbs

(380 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs

(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)

Cargo Weight

538 lbs

(244 kg)

Example2

Max Load

838 lbs

(380 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs

(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)

Cargo Weight

88 lbs

(40 kg)

371

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.

Towing Behind a Motorhome

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

2

Emergency Towing

P. 612

372

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1.

Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u

The parking brake and brake system
indicator comes on for 30 seconds when
you press the electric parking brake
switch.

2.

Check that the transmission is in

(

P

, then

depress the brake pedal.

u

Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in

(

N

, it is safer to start it in

(

P

.

3.

Press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button

without depressing the accelerator pedal.

1

Starting the Engine

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.

The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).

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.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.

Bring the keyless access remote close to the

ENGINE

START/STOP

button if the battery in the keyless

access remote is weak.

2

If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak

P. 591

The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.

Electric Parking

Brake Switch

Brake Pedal

Continued

373

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

1

Starting the Engine

Do not hold the

ENGINE START/STOP

button to

start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds
before starting the engine again.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.

2

Immobilizer System

P. 137

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

374

Driving

You can remotely start the engine using the two-way keyless access remote from
extended distances.

■

To start the engine

The engine runs for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the

button, then press and hold the

button.

u

The amber LED blinks, then the green LED comes back on if a 10-minute
extension request was transmitted successfully.

After pressing the

button, wait for the green LED to blink. This indicates that

the all the doors and the trunk are locked.

■

Remote Engine Start

*

1

Remote Engine Start

*

The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote engine start, check your
local laws.

If there are buildings and obstacles between your
vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.
The engine may not start by the remote engine start if:

•

You have disabled a remote engine start setting
using the audio/information screen.

2

Customized Features

P. 300

•

The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).

•

The transmission is in a position other than

(

P

.

•

The hood is open, or any door or the trunk is
unlocked.

•

You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.

3

WARNING

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 parked in a garage or other
areas with limited ventilation.

Press the

button, then press and hold

the

button.

Amber LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Continues to blink
during a vehicle
self check until the
engine starts.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Green LED: Comes on while
the engine is running.

Red LED: Blinks when the
remote is out of the keyless
access system range.

* Not available on all models

Continued

375

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

■

To stop the engine

Press and hold the

button

for one second.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Amber LED: Blinks when any
button is pressed.

Red LED:

●

Comes on for one second to let you
know that the engine has stopped.

●

Blinks when the remote is out of
the keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.

1

Remote Engine Start

*

•

Another registered keyless access remote is in the
vehicle.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

•

The keyless access remote is left in the vehicle
when you get out.

Before starting the engine, make sure to check the
door lock status using the remote. When you press
the

button, wait for the green LED to blink. If

the red LED turns on, the doors and trunk did not
lock, and the engine does not start.

While the engine is running, the vehicle will
automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:

•

The climate control system is activated.

•

The seat ventilation is activated

*

.

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.

•

The rear defogger and door mirror heaters are
activated.

•

The seat heaters and heated steering wheel are
activated

*

.

2

Heated Steering Wheel

*

P. 194

2

Front Seat Heaters and Ventilation

*

P. 192

* Not available on all models

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

376

Driving

1.

Depress and hold the brake pedal, then press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button.

2.

Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the transmission into

(

D

. Select

(

R

when reversing.

3.

With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the
accelerator pedal.

u

Make sure the parking brake and brake system indicator goes off.

2

Parking Brake

P. 483

2

If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning
Message

P. 604

■

Starting to Drive

1

Starting to Drive

You can also release the parking brake by pulling the
electric parking brake switch while depressing the
brake pedal.
When facing downhill, you can start your vehicle
more smoothly by manually releasing it with the
electric parking brake switch than by releasing it with
the accelerator pedal.

The engine stops when the transmission is taken out
of

(

P

before the

ENGINE START/STOP

button is

pressed. Follow step 1 when starting to drive.

When the engine was started using the keyless access

remote

*

When the engine was started using the keyless access remote

*

When the engine was started in any case

* Not available on all models

377

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

■

Hill Start Assist System

Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

Put the transmission into

(

D

or

(

S

when facing uphill, or

(

R

when facing downhill,

then release the brake pedal.

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.

1.

Put the transmission into

(

P

.

2.

Press the

ENGINE START/STOP

button.

■

Stopping the Engine

1

Hill Start Assist System

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
will not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist will operate even when VSA

®

is

switched off.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.

378

uu

When Driving

u

Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.

■

In Rain

1

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not select a shift button while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.

NOTICE

If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in
the full left or right position for a while, the electric
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system
goes into a protective mode, and limits its
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down,
the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.

If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering
and brake power assist functions will stop, making it
difficult to control the vehicle.

379

uu

When Driving

u

Automatic Transmission

Driving

If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.

Automatic Transmission

When the engine runs at higher idle speeds, the creeping force increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.

■

Other Precautions

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

1

Precautions While Driving

Do not select

(

N

while driving as you will lose engine

braking (and acceleration) performance.

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

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

380

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the gear position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift button positions

1

Shifting

To prevent malfunction and unintended
engagement:

•

Do not spill any liquids on or around shift buttons.

•

Do not place or drop any objects on or around shift
buttons.

•

Do not let passengers or children operate the shift
buttons.

The beeper sounds and the message appears on the
multi-information display when you depress the
accelerator pedal with the gear position in

(

N

.

Change the gear position to

(

D

or

(

R

with the brake

pedal depressed.

3

WARNING

The vehicle can roll away if left unattended
without confirming that Park is engaged.

A vehicle that rolls away could cause a crash
resulting in serious injury or death.

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal
until you have confirmed that

(

P

is shown

on the gear position indicator.

Park

Used when parking, before turning off or

starting the engine

Reverse

Used when reversing

Neutral

Transmission is not locked

Drive/S Position

Each time you press the

button, the

mode switches between Drive and S Position

mode.
Used for:

●

Normal driving (gears change between
1st and 10th automatically)

●

Temporarily driving in the sequential
mode

●

Automatically changing gears between
1st and 8th (8th gear is used only at high
speed)

●

Driving in the sequential mode

D/S

Drive

S Position