Acura ILX (2021 year). Manual in english - page 4

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Child Safety

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Safety of Infants and Small Children

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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 including recommended expiration dates 
as well as the instructions in this manual. 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 consideration 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.

■

Selecting a Child Seat

1

Selecting a Child Seat

Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is 
simple.

LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed 
to simplify the installation process and reduce the 
likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.

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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 with either the rigid or flexible type of 
connectors.

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.

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When installing the child seat, make sure 
that the lower anchors are not 
obstructed by the seat belt or any other 
object.

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Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

1

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

For your child’s safety, when using a child seat 
installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the 
child seat is properly secured to the vehicle.
A child seat that is not properly secured will not 
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause 
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

3

WARNING

Never attach two child seats to the same 
anchor. In a collision, one anchor may not 
be strong enough to hold two child seat 
attachments and may break, causing 
serious injury or death.

Marks

Rigid Type

Lower Anchors

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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 to the anchor.

5.

Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the 
child seat manufacturer.

6.

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

7.

Make 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.

Flexible Type

1

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

Installing a LATCH-compatible child seat in the 
rear center seat

Each outer rear seat is equipped with a pair of lower 
anchors which are used to secure a LATCH-
compatible child seat. The rear center seat, however, 
is not equipped with anchors of any kind.
The inner and outer anchors are spaced apart at a 
standard distance of 11 inches (280 mm). The distance 
between the two inner anchors is 15 inches (380 mm).
LATCH-compatible restraint systems that are fitted 
with rigid-type attachments cannot be installed in the 
rear center seat. However, a system fitted with 
flexible-type attachments can be installed in the 
center seat, provided that the manufacturer’s 
instructions for that system permit the use of the 
inner anchors with the stated spacing.
Before seating a child, make sure that the system is 
properly attached to both the lower anchors and 
tether anchors.

3

WARNING

Using the outer rear seats’ inner anchors to 
secure a LATCH-compatible child seat in the 
center seating position may result in failure 
of the child seat, causing injury or death.

Only use the outer rear seats’ inner anchors 
to install a child seat in the center seating 
position if the manufacturer’s instructions 
expressly permit.

Anchor

Straight Top Tether Type

Other Top Tether Type

Anchor

Tether Strap 

Hook

Tether Strap 

Hook

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A child seat can be installed with a lap/shoulder belt in any rear seat or, if absolutely 
necessary, the front passenger seat.

1.

Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.

2.

Route the seat belt through the child seat 
according to the seat manufacturer’s 
instructions, and insert the latch plate into 
the buckle.

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Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

3.

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

4.

Let the seat belt retract a few inches and 
check that the retractor has switched 
modes by pulling on the webbing. It should 
not pull out again until it is reset by 
removing the latch plate from the buckle.

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If you are able to pull the shoulder belt 
out, the lockable retractor is not 
activated. Slowly pull the seat belt all the 
way out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.

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Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

1

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

A child seat that is not properly secured will not 
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause 
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

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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.

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When doing this, place your weight on 
the child seat and push it into the vehicle 
seat.

6.

Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by 
rocking it forward and back and side to 
side; less than one inch of movement 
should occur near the seat belt.

7.

Make 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.

1

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle 
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

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A tether anchor point is provided behind each 
rear seating position.
If you have a child seat 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 anchor point 
and lift the cover.

2.

Put the head restraint to its upper-most 
position, then route the tether strap 
through the head restraint legs. Make sure 
the strap is not twisted.

3.

Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.

4.

Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the 
child seat manufacturer.

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Adding Security with a Tether

1

Adding Security with a Tether

Always use a tether for forward-facing child seats 
whether using the seat belt or lower anchors.

Tether Anchor Points

Cover

Anchor

Outer Position

Outer Position

Anchor

Straight Top Tether Type

Tether Strap 

Hook

Anchor

Other Top Tether Type

Tether Strap 

Hook

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Center Position

Center Position

Anchor

Straight Top Tether Type

Tether Strap 

Hook

Anchor

Other Top Tether Type

Tether Strap 

Hook

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Child Safety

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Safety of Larger Children

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Safety of Larger Children

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind 
of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who 
must sit in front.

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 answer the 
following questions.

■

Checklist

•

Do the child's knees bend comfortably over 
the edge of the seat?

•

Does the shoulder belt cross between the 
child's neck and arm?

•

Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as 
possible, touching the child's thighs?

•

Will the child be able to stay seated like this 
for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder 
seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a 
booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

■

Protecting Larger Children

■

Checking Seat Belt Fit

1

Safety of Larger Children

3

WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in 
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.

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If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used 
properly, position the child in a booster seat in 
the rear seat. For the child’s safety, check that 
the child meets the booster seat 
manufacturer’s recommendations.

Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever 
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:

•

Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information 
in this manual.

•

Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

•

Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.

•

Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the 
seat.

■

Monitoring child passengers

We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more 
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up 
properly.

■

Booster Seats

1

Booster Seats

When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the 
instructions that came with it, and install the seat 
accordingly.
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a 
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat 
belt correctly.

Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces and 
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, or territory where you intend to drive.

■

Protecting Larger Children Final Checks

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Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas

The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, 
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon 
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.

■

Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever

•

The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.

•

The exhaust system may have been damaged.

•

The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

When you operate a vehicle with the trunk open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into 
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk open, 
open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.

1.

Select the fresh air mode.

2.

Select the 

 mode.

3.

Set the fan speed to high.

4.

Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked 
vehicle with the engine running.

1

Carbon Monoxide Gas

An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up 
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. 
Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the 
garage immediately after starting the engine.

3

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.

Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and 
even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that 
expose you to carbon monoxide.

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Safety Labels

Label Locations

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels 
carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer 
for a replacement.

Radiator Cap

U.S. models only

Dashboard

U.S. models

Canadian models

Air Conditioner System

U.S. models

Canadian models

Sun Visor

72

In

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Indicators

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Parking Brake and 
Brake System 
Indicator (Red)

●

Comes on for a few seconds when 
you set the power mode to ON, then 
goes off if the parking brake has 
been released.

●

Comes on when the parking brake is 
applied, and goes off when it is 
released.

●

Comes on when the brake fluid level 
is low.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with 
the brake system.

●

The beeper sounds and the indicator 
comes on if you drive with the 
parking brake not fully released.

●

Comes on while driving

 - Make sure the 

parking brake is released. Check the brake 
fluid level.

2

What to do when the indicator comes 
on while driving

 P. 594

●

Comes on along with the ABS indicator

 

- Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

2

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) 
Comes On

 P. 594

Brake System 
Indicator (Amber)

●

Comes on for a few seconds when 
you set the power mode to ON, then 
goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with a 
system related to braking other than 
the conventional brake system.

●

Comes on while driving

 - Have your 

vehicle checked by a dealer.

●

With this indicator on, your vehicle still has 
normal braking ability.

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

(Amber)

U.S.

Canada

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Indicators

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Low Oil Pressure 
Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power 
mode to ON, and goes off when the 
engine starts.

●

Comes on when the engine oil 
pressure is low.

●

Comes on while driving

 - Immediately 

stop in a safe place.

2

If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator 
Comes On

 P. 592

Shift Lever 
Position Indicator

●

Indicates the current gear selection.

2

Shifting

 P. 437

—

Transmission 
System Indicator

●

Blinks if the transmission system has 
a problem.

●

Blinks while driving

 - Avoid sudden starts 

and acceleration and have your vehicle 
checked by a dealer immediately.

M

 (sequential 

mode) Indicator/
Gear Position 
Indicator

●

Comes on when the manual 
sequential mode is applied.

2

Sequential Mode Operation

 P. 440

—

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Indicators

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Malfunction 
Indicator Lamp

●

Comes on when you set the power 
mode to ON, and goes off either 
when the engine starts or after 
several seconds if the engine did not 
start. If “readiness codes” have not 
been set, it blinks five times before it 
goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with 
the emissions control system.

●

Blinks when a misfire in the engine's 
cylinders is detected.

●

Readiness codes are part of the on board 
diagnostics for the emissions control 
systems.

2

Testing of Readiness Codes

 P. 607

●

Comes on while driving

 - Have your 

vehicle checked by a dealer.

●

Blinks while driving

 - Stop in a safe place 

where there are no flammable objects. Stop 
the engine for 10 minutes or more, and 
wait for it to cool down. Then, take the 
vehicle to a dealer.

2

If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp 
Comes On or Blinks

 P. 593

Charging System 
Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power 
mode to ON, and goes off when the 
engine starts.

●

Comes on when the battery is not 
charging.

●

Comes on while driving

 - Turn off the 

climate control system and rear defogger in 
order to reduce electricity consumption.

2

If the Charging System Indicator 
Comes On

 P. 592

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Seat Belt 
Reminder 
Indicator

●

Comes on and the beeper sounds if 
you are not wearing a seat belt when 
you set the power mode to ON.

●

If the front passenger is not wearing 
a seat belt, the indicator comes on a 
few seconds later.

●

Blinks while driving if either you and/
or the front passenger has not 
fastened a seat belt. The beeper 
sounds and the indicator blinks at 
regular intervals.

●

The beeper stops and the indicator goes off 
when you and the front passenger fasten 
their seat belts.

●

Stays on after you and/or the front 
passenger has fastened the seat belt(s)

 

- A detection error may have occurred in the 
sensor. Have your vehicle checked by a 
dealer.

2

Seat Belt Reminder

 P. 35

Low Fuel Indicator

●

Comes on when the fuel reserve is 
running low (approximately 1.9 U.S. 
gal./7.5 Liter left).

●

Blinks if there is a problem with the 
fuel gauge.

●

Comes on

 - Refuel your vehicle as soon as 

possible.

●

Blinks

 - Have your vehicle checked by a 

dealer.

Anti-lock Brake 
System (

ABS

) 

Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when 
you set the power mode to ON, then 
goes off.

●

If it comes on at any other time, there 
is a problem with the ABS.

●

Stays on constantly

 - Have your vehicle 

checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, 
your vehicle still has normal braking ability 
but no anti-lock function.

2

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

 P. 498

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Indicators

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Supplemental 
Restraint System 
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when 
you set the power mode to ON, then 
goes off.

●

Comes on if a problem with any of 
the following is detected:

-

Supplemental restraint system

-

Side airbag system

-

Side curtain airbag system

-

Seat belt tensioner

●

Stays on constantly or does not come 
on at all

 - Have your vehicle checked by a 

dealer.

Electric Power 
Steering (EPS) 
System Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power 
mode to ON, and goes off when the 
engine starts.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with 
the EPS system.

●

Stays on constantly or does not come 
on at all

 - Have your vehicle checked by a 

dealer.

2

If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) 
System Indicator Comes On

 P. 594

Vehicle Stability 
Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

) 

System Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when 
you set the power mode to ON, then 
goes off.

●

Blinks when VSA

®

 is active.

●

Comes on if there is a problem with 
the VSA

®

 system or hill start assist 

system.

●

Stays on constantly

 - Have your vehicle 

checked by a dealer.

2

Vehicle Stability Assist

TM

 (VSA

®

), aka 

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 
System

 P. 441