Acura RLX (2018 year). Manual - part 28

441

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When Driving

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Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Continued

Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic 
Stability Control (ESC), System

VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. 
It does so by regulating engine and motor output and selectively applying the 
brakes.

When VSA® activates, you may notice that the 
engine and motor do not respond to the 
accelerator. You may also notice some noise 
from the hydraulic system. You will also see 
the indicator blink.

■

VSA® Operation

1

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System

The VSA® may not function properly if tire type and 
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and 
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.

When the VSA® system indicator comes on and stays 
on while driving, there may be a problem with the 
system. While this may not interfere with normal 
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer 
immediately.

VSA® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations 
and does not control the entire braking system. You 
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate 
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient 
margin of safety.

The main function of the VSA® system is generally 
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The 
system also includes a traction control function.

VSA® System 
Indicator

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Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

442

Driving

This button is on the driver side control panel. 
To partially disable VSA® functionality/
features, press and hold it until you hear a 
beep.

Your vehicle will have normal braking and 
cornering ability, but traction control function 
will be less effective.

To restore VSA® functionality/features, press 
the  

(VSA® OFF) button until you hear a 

beep.

VSA® is turned on every time you turn the 
power system on, even if you press the button 
the last time you drove the vehicle.

■

VSA® On and Off

1

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System

In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets 
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier 
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.

When the   button is pressed, the traction control 
function becomes less effective. This allows for the 
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should 
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA® off if 
you are not able to free it when the VSA® is on.

Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to 
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving 
your vehicle with the VSA® system switched off.

You may hear a motor sound coming from the 
engine compartment while system checks are being 
performed immediately after turning the power 
system on or while driving. This is normal.

VSA® OFF Indicator

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Agile Handling Assist

Driving

Agile Handling Assist

Lightly brakes each of the front and rear wheels, as needed, when you turn the 
steering wheel, and helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during 
cornering.

1

Agile Handling Assist

The agile handling assist cannot enhance stability in 
all driving situations. You still need to drive and 
corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and 
always leave a sufficient margin of safety.

When the VSA® system indicator comes on and stays 
on while driving, the agile handling assist does not 
activate.

You may hear a sound coming from the engine 
compartment while the agile handling assist is 
activated. This is normal.

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SPORT HYBRID Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 (SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD®)

Driving

SPORT HYBRID Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 

(SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD®)

The system controls and transfers varying amounts of motor and/or engine torque 
to each wheel in accordance with the driving conditions.

SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD® helps to enhance driving stability, and lets you handle 
situations like slippery surfaces, such as snow, sand, mud, and steep hills, better 
than when driving with standard two wheel drive. However, the system does not 
help to enhance braking. Be cautious about the following:
• It is still your responsibility to drive safely when you steer, accelerate, and apply 

brakes.

• Leave a sufficient margin when braking on slippery surfaces.

1

SPORT HYBRID Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 (SPORT 

HYBRID SH-AWD®)

Do not drive through deep water.

The SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD® system may not 
function properly if tire type and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and 
the air pressures as specified.

2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 527

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When Driving

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Blind spot information (BSI) System

Continued

Driving

Blind spot information (BSI) System

Is designed to detect vehicles in specified alert zones adjacent to your vehicle, 
particularly in harder to see areas commonly known as “blind spots.” When the 
system detects vehicles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes, the appropriate 
indicator comes on for a few seconds, providing assistance when you change lanes.

■

How the system works

1

Blind spot information (BSI) System

Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, BSI has limitations. Over 
reliance on BSI may result in a collision.

The system is for your convenience only. Even if an 
object is within the alert zone, the following 
situations may occur.

•

The BSI alert indicator may not come on due to 
obstruction (splashes, etc.) even without the Blind 
Spot Info Not Available multi-information 
display appearing.

•

The BSI alert indicator may come on even with the 
message appearing.

The BSI alert indicator may not come on under the 
following conditions:

•

A vehicle does not stay in the alert zone for more 
than two seconds.

•

A vehicle is parked in a side lane.

•

The speed difference between your vehicle and the 
vehicle you are passing is greater than 6 mph (10 km/h).

3

WARNING

Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to 
change lanes before doing so may result in 
a crash and serious injury or death. 
Do not rely only on the blind spot 
information system when changing lanes.

Always look in your mirrors, to either side 
of your vehicle, and behind you for other 
vehicles before changing lanes.

Alert zone range
A: Approx. 1.6 ft. (0.5 m)
B: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m)
C: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m)

Radar Sensors: 
underneath the 
rear bumper 
corners

Alert Zone

A

B

C

●

The transmission is in 

(

D.

●

Your vehicle speed is 
between 20 mph (32 km/h) 
and 100 mph (160 km/h).

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When Driving

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Blind spot information (BSI) System

446

Driving

■

When the system detects a vehicle

BSI Alert Indicator: Located near the outside 
rearview mirror on both sides.

Comes on when:
• A vehicle enters the alert zone from behind 

to overtake you with a speed difference of 
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your 
vehicle.

• You pass a vehicle with a speed difference 

of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).

Blinks and a beeper sounds when:
You move the turn signal lever in the direction 
of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds 
three times.

1

Blind spot information (BSI) System

•

An object not detected by the radar sensors 
approaches or passes your vehicle.

•

A vehicle running in the adjacent lane is a 
motorcycle or other small vehicle.

The system does not operate when in 

(

R.

You can turn off the audible alert, or all the BSI alert 
using the audio/information screen.

2 Customized Features P. 297

BSI may be adversely affected when:

•

Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc.) are detected.

•

An object that does not reflect radio waves well, 
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.

•

Driving on a curved road.

•

A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent 
lane.

•

The system picks up external electrical interference.

•

The rear bumper or the sensors have been improperly 
repaired or the rear bumper has been deformed.

•

The orientation of the sensors has been changed.

•

In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).

For proper BSI operation:

•

Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.

•

Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with 
labels or stickers of any kind.

•

Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear 
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be repaired, 
or the rear bumper corner area is strongly impacted.

Comes On

Blinks

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When Driving

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Continued

Driving

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Monitors the tire pressure while you are 
driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes 
significantly low, the low tire pressure/TPMS 
indicator comes on and a message appears on 
the multi-information display.

1

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Conditions such as low ambient temperature and 
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can 
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come 
on.

2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator 

Comes On or Blinks P. 572

Tire pressure checked and inflated in:

•

Warm weather can become under-inflated in 
colder weather.

•

Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer 
weather.

The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will not come 
on as a result of over inflation.

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

448

Driving

To select the tire pressure monitor, set the power 
mode to ON, and roll the right selector wheel 
until you see the tire pressure screen.

The pressure for each tire is displayed in psi 
(U.S.) or kPa (Canada).

Tire Pressures Low is displayed when a tire 
has significantly low pressure. The specific tire 
is displayed on the screen.

■

Tire Pressure Monitor

1

Tire Pressure Monitor

The pressure displayed on the multi-information 
display can be slightly different from the actual 
pressure as measured by a gauge. If there is a 
significant difference between the two values, or if 
the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator and the message 
on the multi-information display do not go off after 
you have inflated the tire to the specified pressure, 
have the system checked by a dealer.

Tire Pressure Monitor Problem may appear if you 
drive with the compact spare tire

*

, or there is a 

problem with the TPMS.

ᵑᵔ

* Not available on all models

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

Continued

Driving

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required 
Federal Explanation

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked 
monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure 
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard 
or tire inflation pressure label.

(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated 
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should 
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with 
a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low 
tire pressure telltale 

when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you 
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate 
them to the proper pressure.

Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to 
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces 
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s 
handling and stopping ability.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

Driving

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire 
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain 
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the 
level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction 
indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. 
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire 
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the 
telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon 
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may 
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including 
the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.

Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or 
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to 
continue to function properly.

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High Voltage Battery

Driving

High Voltage Battery

The High Voltage battery gradually discharges when the vehicle is not in use. As a 
result, if your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time, the battery level may 
get low. Keeping your vehicle’s battery level low can shorten the battery life. To 
maintain the battery, drive your vehicle for more than 30 minutes to recharge the 
battery at least once every three months.
To help maintain the battery life, when parking under the direct sunlight during 
summer, try find a shaded area.

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Driving

Braking

Brake System

Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. When the 
parking brake is applied, you can manually or automatically release it.

■

To apply

The electric parking brake can be applied any 
time the vehicle has battery, no matter which 
power mode the vehicle is in.

Pull the electric parking brake switch up gently 
and securely.

u

The electric parking brake indicator 
comes on.

■

Parking Brake

1

Brake System

When you depress the brake pedal, you may hear a 
whirling sound from the engine compartment. This is 
because the brake system is in operation, and it is 
normal.

1

Parking Brake

You may hear the electric parking brake system 
motor operating from the rear wheel area when you 
apply or release the parking brake, or set the power 
mode to OFF. This is normal.

The brake pedal may slightly move due to the electric 
parking brake system operation when you apply or 
release the parking brake. This is normal.

You cannot apply or release the parking brake if the 
battery goes dead.

2 Jump Starting P. 564

If you pull up and hold the electric parking brake 
switch while driving, the brakes on all four 
wheels are applied by the VSA® system until the 
vehicle come to a stop. The electric parking 
brake then applies, and the switch should be 
released.

Electric Parking 
Brake Switch

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Braking

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Brake System

Driving

■

To release

The power mode must be in the ON position 
to release the electric parking brake.
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the electric parking brake switch.

u

The electric parking brake indicator goes 
off.

Manually releasing the parking brake using 
the switch helps your vehicle start slowly and 
smoothly when facing downhill on steep hills.

1

Parking Brake

In the following situations, the parking brake 
automatically operates.

•

When the vehicle stops more than 10 minutes 
while ACC with LSF is activated.

•

When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while your 
vehicle is stopped automatically by ACC with LSF.

•

When the power system is turned off while ACC 
with LSF is activated.

•

When the vehicle stops with the automatic brake 
hold system activated for more than 10 minutes.

•

When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while 
your vehicle is stopped and brake hold is applied.

•

When the power system is turned off while brake 
hold is applied.

•

When there is a problem with the Brake Hold 
System.

Electric Parking 
Brake Switch

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Braking

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Brake System

454

Driving

■

To release automatically

Depressing the accelerator pedal releases the parking brake.
Use the accelerator pedal to release the brake when you are starting the vehicle 
facing uphill, or in a traffic jam.

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
When on a hill, it may require more 
accelerator input to release.

u

The electric parking brake indicator goes 
off.

The parking brake automatically releases as you depress the accelerator pedal when:
• You are wearing the driver’s seat belt.
• The power system is on.
• The transmission is not in 

(

P or 

(

N.

1

Parking Brake

If the parking brake cannot be released 
automatically, release it manually.

When the vehicle is traveling uphill, the accelerator 
pedal may need to be pressed farther to 
automatically release the electric parking brake.

The parking brake cannot be released automatically 
while the following indicators are on:

•

Malfunction indicator lamp

•

Transmission system indicator

The parking brake may not be released automatically 
while the following indicators are on:

•

Electric parking brake system indicator

•

VSA® system indicator

•

ABS indicator

•

Supplemental restraint system indicator

Accelerator Pedal

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Braking

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Brake System

Driving

Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. The brake assist system 
increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an 
emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering 
control when braking very hard.

2 Brake Assist System P. 459
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 458

■

Foot Brake

1

Foot Brake

Check the brakes after driving through deep water, 
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If 
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the 
pedal several times.

If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when 
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear 
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates 
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the 
vehicle checked by a dealer. If you hear only an 
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply 
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by 
high frequency vibration of the brake pads against 
the rotating brake disc.

Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a 
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake 
effectiveness. Apply regenerative braking by taking 
your foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting 
to a lower gear.

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while 
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause 
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad 
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

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Braking

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Brake System

456

Driving

Keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal until the accelerator pedal is 
pressed. You can use this system only while the vehicle is temporarily stopped, like 
at traffic lights and in heavy traffic.

■

Automatic Brake Hold

1

Automatic Brake Hold

3

WARNING

Activating the automatic brake hold system 
on steep hills or slippery roads may still 
allow the vehicle to move if you remove 
your foot from the brake pedal.

If a vehicle unexpectedly moves, it may 
cause a crash resulting in serious injury or 
death.

Never activate the automatic brake hold 
system or rely on it to keep a vehicle from 
moving when stopped on a steep hill or 
slippery roads.

3

WARNING

Using the automatic brake hold system to 
park the vehicle may result in the vehicle 
unexpectedly moving.

If a vehicle moves unexpectedly, it may 
cause a crash, resulting in serious injury or 
death.

Never leave the vehicle when braking is 
temporarily kept by automatic brake hold 
and always park the vehicle by putting the 
transmission in 

(

P

 and applying the parking 

brake.

■

Turning on the system

Fasten your seat belt 
properly, then start the 
power system. Press the 
automatic brake hold 
button.

●

The automatic brake 
hold system indicator 
comes on. The system 
is turned on.

■

Activating the system

Depress the brake pedal 
to come to a complete 
stop. The transmission 
must be in 

(

D or 

(

N.

●

The automatic brake 
hold indicator comes 
on. Braking is kept for 
up to 10 minutes.

●

Release the brake 
pedal after the 
automatic brake hold 
indicator comes on.

■

Canceling the system

Depress the accelerator 
pedal while the 
transmission is in 

(

D. 

The system is canceled 
and the vehicle starts to 
move.

●

The automatic brake 
hold indicator goes 
off. The system 
continues to be on.

Accelerator Pedal

Brake Pedal

Automatic Brake 
Hold Button

Goes 
Off

U.S.

Canada

On

On

Comes 
On

Comes 
On

Comes 
On

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