Acura TLX (2021 year). Manual in english - page 37

589

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If a Tire Goes Flat

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Changing a Flat Tire

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If you replace a flat tire with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator 
comes on while you are driving. After driving for a few miles (kilometers), 

Tire 

Pressure Monitor System Problem. Check Tire Pressure. See Your Dealer.

 will 

appear on the multi-information display and the indicator will start blinking for a 
short time and then stay on; however, this is normal and is no cause for concern.

If you replace the tire with a full-size tire, the warning message on the multi-
information display and the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will go off after a few 
miles (kilometers).

■

TPMS and the Compact Spare Tire

1

TPMS and the Compact Spare Tire

The system cannot monitor the pressure of the spare 
tire. Manually check the spare tire pressure to be sure 
that it is correct.

Use the TPMS specific wheels. Each is equipped with 
a tire pressure sensor mounted inside the tire behind 
the valve stem.

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Engine Does Not Start

Checking the Engine

If the engine does not start, check the starter.

Starter condition

Checklist

Starter doesn’t turn or turns 
over slowly.

The battery may be dead. Check 
each of the items on the right and 
respond accordingly.

Check for a message on the multi-information display.

●

If the 

To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button

 message appears

2

If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak

 P. 591

u

Make sure the keyless access remote is in its operating range.

2

ENGINE START/STOP Button Operating Range

 P. 144

Check the brightness of the interior lights.

Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.

●

If the interior lights do not come on at all

2

Battery

 P. 553

●

If the interior lights come on normally 

2

 Fuses

 P. 605

The starter turns over normally 
but the engine doesn’t start.

There may be a problem with the 
fuse. Check each of the items on 
the right and respond accordingly.

Review the engine start procedure.

Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again. 

2

 Starting the Engine

 P. 372

Check the immobilizer system indicator.

When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.

2

Immobilizer System

 P. 137

Check the fuel level.

There should be enough fuel in the tank. 

2

 Fuel Gauge

 P. 97

Check the fuse.

Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

2

Inspecting and Changing Fuses

 P. 611

If the problem continues:

2

Emergency Towing

 P. 612

1

Checking the Engine

If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an 
assisting vehicle or booster battery to jump start it.

2

If the Battery Is Dead

 P. 593

591

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Engine Does Not Start

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If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak

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If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak

If the beeper sounds, the 

To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button

 message 

appears on the multi-information display, the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button flashes, 

and the engine won’t start, start the engine as follows:

1.

Touch the center of the 

ENGINE START/

STOP

 button with the 

A

 logo on the keyless 

access remote while the 

ENGINE START/

STOP

 button is flashing.

The buttons on the keyless access remote 
should be facing you.

u

The 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button 

flashes for about 30 seconds.

2.

Depress the brake pedal and press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button within 10 

seconds after the beeper sounds and the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button changes 

from flashing to on.

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If you don’t depress the pedal, the mode 
will change to ACCESSORY.

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Engine Does Not Start

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Emergency Engine Stop

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Emergency Engine Stop

The 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button may be used to stop the engine due to an 

emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, do either of the 
following operations:

•

Press and hold the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button for about two seconds.

•

Firmly press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button three times.

The steering wheel will not lock. However, because turning off the engine disables 
the power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it will 
require significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Use 
both feet on the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle and stop immediately in a 
safe place.
The gear position automatically changes to 

(

P

 after the vehicle comes to a complete 

stop. Then, the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF.

1

Emergency Engine Stop

Do not press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button while 

driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the engine 
to be turned off.
If you press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button while 

driving, the beeper sounds.

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If the Battery Is Dead

Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine, 
then open the hood.

1.

Open the cover of the Jump start box.

2.

Connect the first jumper cable to your 
vehicle’s jump start box 

+

 terminal as 

shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to 
any other part.

3.

Connect the other end of the first jumper 
cable to the booster battery 

+

 terminal.

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Use a 12-volt booster battery only.

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When using an automotive battery 
charger to boost your 12-volt battery, 
select a lower charging voltage than 15-
volt. Check the charger manual for the 
proper setting.

4.

Connect the second jumper cable to the 
booster battery 

-

 terminal.

■

Jump Starting Procedure

1

If the Battery Is Dead

Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they 
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be 
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the 
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or 
detaching the jumper cables.

Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and 
may prevent the engine from starting.

You cannot use the terminals to jump start another 
vehicle or to charge the 12-volt battery.

3

WARNING

A battery can explode if you do not follow 
the correct procedure, seriously injuring 
anyone nearby.

Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking 
materials away from the battery.

Cover

Booster Battery

Jump Start Box 

+

 Terminal

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If the Battery Is Dead

u

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5.

Connect the other end of the second 
jumper cable to the GND terminal as 
shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to 
any other part.

6.

If your vehicle is connected to another 
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine 
and increase its rpm slightly.

7.

Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it 
turns over slowly, check that the jumper 
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.

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 

-

 

terminal.

3.

Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s jump start box 

+

 terminal.

4.

Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery 

+

 

terminal.

Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.

1

If the Battery Is Dead

The vehicle stability assist

TM

 (VSA

®

) system, vehicle 

stability assist

TM

 (VSA

®

) OFF, adaptive cruise control 

(ACC) with low speed follow, and safety support 
indicators may come on in amber along with a 
message in the multi-information display when you 
set the power mode to ON after reconnecting a 
battery.
Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 
km/h).
Each indicator should go off. If any do not, have your 
vehicle checked by a dealer.

■

What to Do After the Engine Starts

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Overheating

How to Handle Overheating

Overheating symptoms are as follows:

•

The temperature gauge pointer is at the 

 mark or the engine suddenly loses 

power.

•

The 

Engine Temperature Too Hot. Do Not Drive. Allow Engine To Cool.

 

message appears on the multi-information display.

•

Steam or spray comes out of the engine compartment.

■

First thing to do

1.

Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.

2.

Turn off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning lights.

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No steam or spray present

: Keep the engine running and open the hood.

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Steam or spray is present

: Turn off the engine and wait until it subsides. 

Then, open the hood.

1

How to Handle Overheating

NOTICE

Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge 
pointer at the 

 mark may damage the engine.

Continuing to drive with the 

Engine Temperature 

Too Hot. Do Not Drive. Allow Engine To Cool.

 

message on the multi-information display may 
damage the engine.

3

WARNING

Steam and spray from an overheated 
engine can seriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steam is coming 
out.

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Overheating

u

How to Handle Overheating

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■

Next thing to do

1.

Check that the cooling fan is operating and 
stop the engine once the temperature 
gauge pointer comes down.

u

If the cooling fan is not operating, 
immediately stop the engine.

2.

Once the engine has cooled down, inspect 
the coolant level and check the cooling 
system components for leaks.

u

If the coolant level in the reserve tank is 
low, add coolant until it reaches the 

MAX

 mark.

u

If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, 
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the 
radiator cap 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.

■

Last thing to do

Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge pointer has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone 
down, contact a dealer for repairs.

1

How to Handle Overheating

If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.

Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only. 
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze 
as soon as possible.

3

WARNING

Removing the radiator cap while the 
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray 
out, seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and radiator cool 
down before removing the radiator cap.

MAX

MIN

Reserve Tank

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Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Appears

■

Reasons for the warning to appear

Appears when the engine oil pressure is low.

■

What to do as soon as the warning 
appears

1.

Immediately park the vehicle on level 
ground in a safe place.

2.

If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights 
on.

■

What to do after parking the vehicle

1.

Stop the engine and let it sit for 
approximately three minutes.

2.

Open the hood and check the oil level.

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Add oil as necessary.

2

Oil Check

 P. 531

3.

Start the engine and check the low oil 
pressure warning.

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The warning disappears: Start driving 
again.

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The warning does not disappear within 
10 seconds: Immediately stop the engine 
and contact a dealer for repairs.

1

If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Appears

NOTICE

Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause 
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.

598

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Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

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If the Charging System Indicator Comes On

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If the Charging System Indicator Comes On

■

Reasons for the indicator to come on

Comes on when there is a problem with the charging system.

■

What to do when the indicator comes on

Stop in a safe place and have your vehicle checked by a dealer 
immediately.

If the Slow Down! Reduced Stopping Power 
Warning Appears

■

Reasons for the warning to appear

Appears when braking ability is reduced.

■

What to do as soon as the warning 
appears

Slow down and drive carefully. Have your 
vehicle checked by a dealer.

1

If the Charging System Indicator Comes On

If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the 
engine. Restarting the engine may rapidly discharge 
the battery.

If the charging system warning or battery indicator 
illuminate and there is a rotten egg smell in the 
vehicle, roll down the windows to prevent 
accumulation of gasses in the vehicle.

599

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Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

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If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks

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If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or 
Blinks

■

Reasons for the indicator lamp to come on or blink

•

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

•

Blinks when engine misfiring is detected.

■

What to do when the indicator lamp comes on

Avoid high speeds and immediately get your vehicle inspected at a 
dealer.

■

What to do when the indicator lamp blinks

Park the vehicle in a safe place with no flammable items and wait at least 
10 minutes or more with the engine stopped until it cools.

1

If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks

NOTICE

If you drive with the malfunction indicator lamp on, 
the emissions control system and the engine could be 
damaged.

If the malfunction indicator lamp blinks again when 
restarting the engine, drive to the nearest dealer at 
31 mph (50 km/h) or less. Have your vehicle 
inspected.

600

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Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

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If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On or Blinks

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If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On or 
Blinks

■

Reasons for the indicator to come on

•

The brake fluid is low.

•

There is a malfunction in the brake system.

■

What to do when the indicator comes on while driving

Depress the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.

•

If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.

•

If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the 
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.

■

Reasons for the indicator to blink

•

There is a problem with the electric parking brake system.

■

What to do when the indicator blinks

•

Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a 
dealer immediately.

1

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On or Blinks

Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there 
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop 
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift 
the gears.

If the brake system indicator (red) and 

ABS

 indicator 

come on simultaneously, the electronic brake 
distribution system is not working. This can result in 
vehicle instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) blinks at the same 
time when the Brake System Indicator (Amber) comes 
on, the parking brake may not work.
Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle 
checked by a dealer immediately.

2

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes 
On or Blinks at the Same Time When the 
Brake System Indicator (Amber) Comes On

 

P. 602

If you repeatedly operate the electric parking brake in 
a short period of time, the brake stops operating to 
prevent heating of the system and the indicator 
blinks.
It returns to its original state in approximately 1 
minute.

U.S.

Canada

601

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Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

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

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

■

Reasons for the indicator to come on

•

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

•

If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine 
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and 
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.

■

What to do when the indicator comes on

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle 
inspected by a dealer.

602

uu

Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

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If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On or Blinks at the Same Time When the Brake System Indicator (Amber) Comes On

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If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On or 
Blinks at the Same Time When the Brake System 
Indicator (Amber) Comes On

■

If the brake system indicator (red) comes on or blinks at the 
same time when the brake system indicator (amber) comes on, 
release the parking brake manually or automatically.

2

Parking Brake

 P. 483

•

If the brake system indicator (red) continuously comes on or blinks at 
the same time when the brake system indicator (amber) comes on, 
stop the vehicle in a safe place and have it inspected by a dealer 
immediately.

u

Prevents the vehicle from moving gear position to 

(

P

.

•

If only the brake system indicator (red) is turned off, avoid using the 
parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

1

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On or Blinks at the Same 
Time When the Brake System Indicator (Amber) Comes On

If you apply the parking brake, you may not be able 
to release it.

If the brake system indicator (red) and the brake 
system indicator (amber) come on at the same time, 
the parking brake is working.

If the brake system indicator (red) blinks at the same 
time when the brake system indicator (amber) comes 
on, the parking brake may not work because it is 
checking the system.

U.S.

Canada

(Red)

U.S.

Canada

(Amber)

603

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Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

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If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks

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If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or 
Blinks

■

Reasons for the indicator to come on or blink

A tire pressure is significantly low. If there is a problem with the TPMS, 
the indicator blinks for about one minute, and then stays on.
If the compact spare tire

*

 is installed, the indicator will either come on or 

it will first blink for about one minute, then stay on.

■

What to do when the indicator comes on

Drive carefully and avoid abrupt cornering and hard braking.
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust the 
pressure to the specified level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on 
the driver side doorjamb.
If the compact spare tire

*

 causes the indicator to come on, change the 

tire to a full-size tire.

■

What to do when the indicator blinks, then remains on

Have the tire inspected by a dealer as soon as possible. If the compact 
spare tire

*

 causes the indicator to first blink, and then stay on, change 

the tire to a full-size tire. The indicator goes off after driving for a few 
miles (kilometers).

1

If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks

NOTICE

Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause 
it to overheat. An overheated tire can fail. Always 
inflate your tires to the prescribed level.

TPMS with Tire Fill Assist provides visual and audible 
assistance during tire pressure adjustment. With the 
power mode in ON, while you adjust tire pressure up 
or down, the system alerts you as follows:

Below recommended pressure: 

The beeper 

sounds and exterior lights flash once every five 
seconds.

At recommended pressure: 

The beeper sounds 

and exterior lights flash rapidly for three seconds with 
five seconds intervals.

Above recommended pressure: 

The beeper 

sounds and lights flash twice every two seconds.

* Not available on all models

604

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Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

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If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning Message

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If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along 
with the Warning Message

■

Reasons for the indicator to blink

The transmission is malfunctioning.

■

What to do when the indicator blinks

•

Immediately have your vehicle inspected by 
a dealer.

•

Put the transmission into 

(

N

 after starting 

the engine.

u

Check if the 

(

N

 position in the 

instrument panel and the indicator on 
the 

(

N

 button light/blink.

u

The engine cannot be turned on unless 
the parking brake is set.

2

Starting the Engine

 P. 372

1

If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the 
Warning Message

You may not be able to start the engine.

Make sure to set the parking brake when parking 
your vehicle.

Call a professional towing service if you need to tow 
your vehicle.

2

Emergency Towing

 P. 612