2012 Acura TL Owners Manual

cell phones, visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink the HandsFreeLink consumer support at 1-888-528-7876.

or call

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Onmodelswithnavigationsystem Refer to the navigation system manual for operation of the rearview camera.

Rearview Camera and Monitor

465

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466

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Before Driving

Before you begin driving your vehicle, you should know what gasoline to use and how to check the levels of important fluids. You also need to know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this section will help you. If you plan to add any accessories to your vehicle, please read the information in this section first.

Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation Service Station Procedures

............................. ................. ......... .................................... .....

Refueling Tighten Fuel Cap Message Opening and Closing the

. 468
. 468
. 470
. 470
. 471

Hood

Oil Check Engine Coolant Check

. 472
. 474
. 475
Fuel Economy . 476
Accessories and Modifications . 479
. 481
Carrying Cargo

....................................... ................................... ............. ............................... ... .............................

467

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Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation

Onvehicleswithmanualtransmission You may hear a knocking noise from the engine if you drive the vehicle at low engine speed (below about 1,000
rpm) in a higher gear. To stop this, raise the engine speed by shifting to a lower gear.

Fuel Recommendation Your vehicle is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with a pump octane of 91 or higher. If this octane grade is unavailable, regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane of 87 or higher may be used temporarily. The use of regular unleaded gasoline can cause metallic knocking noises in the engine and will result in decreased engine performance. The long-term use of regular-grade gasoline can lead to engine damage.

Break-in Period Help assure your vehicle’s future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.

Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).

Do not change the oil until the multi-information display indicates it is needed.

You should also follow these recommendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are replaced.

468

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We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help prevent f uel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain good perf ormance, f uel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmf ul manganese- based f uel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is available. Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely af f ect perf ormance, and cause the malf unction indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on. If this happens, contact your dealer f or service. Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol. If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Honda endorses the use of ‘‘TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline’’ where available to help maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines. Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met ‘‘TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline’’ standards at the retail location. This fuel is guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission control system.

Fuel Recommendation

For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit My Acura at . In Canada, visit owners.acura.com www.acura.ca information on gasoline. For more information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com

for additional

469

2012 TL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.

3.

Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank equalizes. Place the cap in the holder on the fuel fill door.

The fuel fill cap is attached to the fuel fill door with a tether to avoid losing the cap.

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Service Station Procedures

Refueling

Push

1.

Park with the driver’s side closest to the service station pump.

FUEL FILL CAP

2.

Open the fuel fill door by pressing the button in the driver’s door (to open the fuel fill door manually, see page

599

).

HOLDER

TETHER

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2012 TL11/01/14 19:16:49 31TK4630_476

4.

Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Do not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank. This leaves some room in the fuel tank for the fuel to expand with temperature changes.

5.

If the fuel nozzle keeps clicking off even though the tank is not full, there may be a problem with your vehicle’s fuel vapor recovery system. The system helps keep fuel vapor from going into the atmosphere. Try filling at another pump. If this does not fix the problem, consult your dealer.

Screw the fuel fill cap back on until it clicks at least once. If you do not properly tighten the cap, you will see a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message on the multi- information display. If the system still detects an evaporative system leak after retightening the cap, the malfunction indicator lamp may come on (see page

597

).

6.

Push the fuel fill door closed until it latches.

Service Station Procedures

Tighten Fuel Cap Message

Your vehicle’s on board diagnostic system will detect a loose or missing fuel fill cap as an evaporative system leak. The first time a leak is detected a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message appears on the multi- information display.

CONTINUED

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Service Station Procedures

Turn the engine off, and confirm the fuel fill cap is installed. If it is, loosen it, then retighten it until it clicks at least once. The message should go off after several days of normal driving once you tighten or replace the fuel fill cap. To scroll to another message, press the INFO button.

The ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message will appear each time you restart the engine until the system turns the message off.

472

If the system still detects a leak in your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) comes on. If the fuel fill cap was not already tightened, turn the engine off, and check or retighten the fuel fill cap until it clicks at least once. The MIL should go off after several days of normal driving once the cap is tightened or replaced. If the MIL does not go off, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. For more information, see page

597

Opening and Closing the Hood

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

1.

Park the vehicle, and set the parking brake. Pull the hood release handle located under the lower left corner of the dashboard. The hood will pop up slightly.

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LATCH

3.

Lift the hood up most of the way. The hydraulic supports will lift it up the rest of the way and hold it up.

2.

Put your fingers between the front edge of the hood and the front grille to locate the hood latch handle. Push this handle up until it releases the hood. Lift the hood.

If the hood latch handle moves stiffly, or if you can open the hood without lifting the handle, the mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.

Service Station Procedures

To close the hood, lower it to about a foot (30 cm) above the fender, then press down firmly with your hands. Make sure the hood is securely latched.

473

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Service Station Procedures

Oil Check Park the vehicle on a level surface.

Wait a few minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.

474

DIPSTICK

1.

Remove the dipstick (orange loop).

4.

2.

Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.

3.

Insert the dipstick all the way back into its hole.

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

Remove the dipstick again, and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.

If it is near or below the lower mark, see 543

Adding Engine Oil

on page

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Engine Coolant Check

MAX

RESERVE TANK

MIN

Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines. If Adding it is below the MIN line, see Engine Coolant for 546
information on adding the proper coolant.

on page

To access the radiator reserve tank, remove the right-side engine compartment cover (see page

542

).

See page location.

541

for the engine coolant

Owner’s Maintenance on page

Refer to Checks for information about checking other items on your vehicle.

539

Service Station Procedures

475

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Fuel Economy

Actual Mileage and EPA Fuel Economy Estimates Comparison. Fuel economy is not a fixed number. It varies based on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle condition. Therefore, it is not possible for one set of estimates to predict fuel economy precisely for all drivers in all environments.

The EPA fuel economy estimates shown in the example to the right are a useful tool for comparison when buying a vehicle. EPA estimates include:

−

City MPG Represents urban driving in light traffic. A range of miles per gallon achieved is also provided.

−

Represents a

Highway MPG mixture of rural and interstate driving, in a warmed-up vehicle, typical of longer trips in free-flowing

476

City MPG

Highway MPG

Combined Fuel Economy

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost

(Sample U.S. EPA label shown)

traffic. A range of miles per gallon achieved is also provided.

−

Combined Fuel Economy Represents a combination of city and highway driving. The scale represents the range of combined fuel economy for other vehicles in the class.

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost − Provides an estimated annual fuel cost, based on 15,000 miles (20,000

km) per year multiplied by the cost per gallon (based on EPA fuel cost data) divided by the combined fuel economy.

For more information on fuel economy ratings and factors that affect fuel economy, visit www.fueleconomy.gov (Canada: Visit

www.vehicles.gc.ca

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Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy Factors The following factors can lower your vehicle’s fuel economy:

Aggressive driving (hard acceleration and braking) Excessive idling, accelerating and braking in stop-and-go traffic Cold engine operation (engines are more efficient when warmed up) Driving with a heavy load or the air conditioner running Improperly inflated tires

Improving Fuel Economy VehicleMaintenance A properly maintained vehicle maximizes fuel economy. Poor maintenance can significantly reduce fuel economy. Always maintain your vehicle according to the maintenance messages displayed on the multi- Owner’s information display (see Maintenance Checks on page 539

).

For example: Use the recommended viscosity motor oil, displaying the API Certification Seal (see page 543

).

Maintain proper tire inflation An underinflated tire increases − ‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces fuel economy.

Avoid carrying excess weight in your vehicle It puts a heavier load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.

−

−

Keep your vehicle clean In particular, a build-up of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel economy.

DriveEfficiently

−

Drive moderately acceleration, abrupt cornering, and hard braking increase fuel consumption.

Rapid

−

Observe the speed limit Aerodynamic drag has a big effect on fuel economy at speeds above 45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your speed and you reduce the drag. Trailers, car top carriers, roof racks and bike racks are also big contributors to increased drag.

−

If your vehicle has a

Always drive in the highest gear possible manual transmission, you can boost your fuel economy by up shifting as early as possible.

Avoid excessive idling Idling results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms per liter).

−

CONTINUED

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Fuel Economy

Minimize the use of the air conditioning system puts an extra load on the engine which makes it use more fuel. Use the fresh-air ventilation when possible.

The A/C

−

Plan and combine trips Combine several short trips into one. A warmed-up engine is more fuel efficient than a cold one.

−

Calculating Fuel Economy

MeasuringTechniques Direct calculation is the recommended source of information about your actual fuel economy. Using frequency of fill-ups or taking fuel gauge readings are NOT accurate measures of fuel economy. Fuel economy may improve over the first several thousand miles (kilometers).

478

CheckingYourFuelEconomy

Miles driven

Gallons of fuel

Miles per

Gallon

100

Liter

Kilometers

L per 100 km

1) 2) 3) 4)

Fill the fuel tank until the nozzle automatically clicks off. Reset trip counter to zero. Record the total gallons (liters) needed to refill. Follow one of the simple calculations above.

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Accessories and Modifications

Modifying your vehicle, or installing non-Acura accessories, may make your vehicle unsafe. Before you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the following information.

Accessories Your dealer has Acura accessories that allow you to personalize your vehicle. These accessories have been designed and approved for your vehicle, and are covered by warranty.

Although non-Acura accessories may fit on your vehicle, they may not meet factory specifications, and could adversely affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and reliability.

Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications.

When properly installed, cellular phones, alarms, two-way radios, and low-powered audio systems should not interfere with your vehicle’s computer controlled systems, such as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and tire pressure monitoring system.

Before installing any accessory:

Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights, or interfere with proper vehicle operation or performance.

Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits (see page ) or interfere with proper operation of your vehicle.

600

Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact your dealer for assistance. If possible, have your dealer inspect the final installation.

Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the rear windows. Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the side curtain airbags.

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Accessories and Modifications

Modifying Your Vehicle Removing parts from your vehicle, or replacing components with non- Acura components could seriously affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and reliability.

Some examples are:

Lowering the vehicle with a non- Acura suspension kit that significantly reduces ground clearance can allow the undercarriage to hit speed bumps or other raised objects, which could cause the airbags to deploy.

Raising your vehicle with a non- Acura suspension kit can affect the handling, stability, and reliability.

Non-Acura wheels, because they are a universal design, can cause excessive stress on suspension components and will not be compatible with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Larger or smaller wheels and tires can interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and other systems.

Modifying your steering wheel or any other part of your vehicle’s safety features can make the systems ineffective.

If you plan to modify your vehicle, consult your dealer.

480

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DOOR POCKETS

CENTER POCKET

GLOVE BOX

SIDE POCKET

TRUNK

SEAT-BACK POCKETS

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

Carrying Cargo

Your vehicle has several convenient storage areas:

Glove box Door and seat-back pockets Center and side pockets Console compartment Trunk

In addition, the trunk pass-through allows you to carry longer items.

However, carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. Before carrying any type of cargo, be sure to read the following pages.

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Carrying Cargo

Load Limits The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).

See Tire And Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.

Label Example

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

482

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.

−

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
−

150) = 650 lbs.)

750 (5

×

(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.

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Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg)

Passenger Weight 150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)

Cargo Weight 550 lbs (249 kg)

Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg)

Passenger Weight 150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs (68 kg x 4 = 272 kg)

Cargo Weight 250 lbs (113 kg)

Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg)

Passenger Weight 150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)

Cargo Weight 100 lbs (45 kg)

Carrying Cargo

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.

’

Carrying Cargo in the Passenger Compartment

Store or secure all items that could be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash.

Do not put any items on top of the trunk panel. They can block your view and be thrown around the vehicle during a crash.

CONTINUED

483

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Carrying Cargo

Be sure items placed on the behind the front seats cannot roll underneath and interfere with the proper operation of the seats, the sensors under the seats, or the driver’s ability to operate the floor

pedals.

Keep all cargo below the bottom of the windows. If it is higher, it could interfere with the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.

Keep the glove box closed while driving. If it is open, a passenger could injure their knees during a crash or sudden stop.

484

Carrying Cargo in the Trunk

Distribute cargo evenly on the floor of the trunk, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible.

Cargo Hook Buttons

CARGO HOOK BUTTON

If you carry large items that prevent you from closing the trunk lid, exhaust gas can enter the passenger area. To avoid the possibility of poisoning on page 57

, follow the instructions

carbon monoxide

Cargo hook buttons in the trunk can be used to install a net for securing items.

Cargo Nets Ifequipped The cargo net can be used to help hold down items stored in the trunk.

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Driving

This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions, and how to operate the manual and automatic transmissions. It also includes important information on parking your vehicle, the braking system, the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD ) system, the vehicle stability assist (VSA ), aka electronic stability control (ESC), system, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and the blind spot information system (BSI).

TM

Preparing to Drive Starting the Engine

(Models without Keyless

Access System) Starting the Engine

(Models with Keyless

........................

. 486

.....................

. 487

Access System) Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission Driving with the Paddle

..................... ................... ..............

. 489
. 491
. 494

Shifters

.......................................

. 499

Super Handling-All Wheel

TM

... Drive ........................................... Parking ............................. Braking System ............... Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ),

(SH-AWD ) System . 504
. 506
. 507
. 508

aka Electronic Stability

Control (ESC), System

Hill Start Assist

........ .........................

. 510
. 512

Tire Pressure Monitoring

System (TPMS)

........................

. 514

Blind Spot Information System

(BSI)

Towing a Trailer Towing Your Vehicle

........................................... ........................... ...................

. 519
. 528
. 528

485

2012 TL11.

When you start the engine, check the gauges and indicators in the instrument panel, and the messages on the multi-information display (see pages and 78

and

63

76

).

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Preparing to Drive

You should do these checks and adjustments before you drive your vehicle:

1.

Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.

2.

Check that the hood is fully closed.

3.

Check that the trunk is fully closed.

4.

5.

Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its pressure.

Check that any items you may be carrying are stored properly or fastened down securely.

486

6.

7.

Check the seat adjustment (see page

161

).

Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page

167

).

8.

Check the steering wheel adjustment (see page 146

).

9.

Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked.

10.

Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seat belts (see page ).

16

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Starting the Engine (Models without Keyless Access System)

Your vehicle’s starting system has an auto control mode. When you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, this feature keeps the engine’s starter motor running until the engine starts. Follow these instructions to start the engine: 1.

Apply the parking brake.

2.

In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

3.

Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal.

4.

Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, then release the ignition switch. You do not need to hold the ignition switch in the START (III) position to start the engine. The starter motor runs until the engine starts or a maximum of 10 25 seconds depending on engine coolant temperature.

−

If the engine does not start, wait at least 10 seconds before trying again.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used, the engine’s f uel system is disabled. For more inf ormation, see page

149

The engine is harder to start in cold weather. Also, the thinner air f ound at altitudes above 8,000 f eet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.

487

2012 TL11/01/14 19:19:56 31TK4630_493

Starting the Engine (Models without Keyless Access System)

If this message is on, the ignition switch has to be held in the START (III) position manually until the engine starts. The ignition switch can be held in that position up to 15
seconds.

Even though you may be able to start the engine manually without the auto control mode of the starting system, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Check Starting System Message

If there is a problem with the starting system, you will see a ‘‘CHECK STARTING SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information display when the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position. You will also see this message when the auto control mode of the starting system has a problem.

488

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Your vehicle’s starting system has an auto control mode. When you have your keyless access remote and push the engine start/stop button while depressing the brake pedal (A/T) or clutch pedal (M/T), this feature keeps the engine’s starter motor running until the engine starts. Follow these instructions to start the engine: 1.

Apply the parking brake.

2.

3.

In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

Manualtransmission: Press the clutch pedal down all the way. The power mode from ON to START does not function unless the clutch pedal is pressed.

Automatictransmission: Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal.

Starting the Engine (Models with Keyless Access System)

In either of the following cases, you should insert the keyless access remote into the keyless remote slot. For more information, see pages 194

and

195

The keyless access remote system main switch is off.

The keyless access remote battery becomes weak or dead.

4.

Without touching the accelerator pedal, push and release the engine start/stop button. You do not need to hold the engine start/stop button to start the engine. The starter motor runs until the engine starts or a maximum of 10
25
− seconds depending on engine coolant temperature.

If the engine does not start, wait at least 10 seconds before trying again.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperly coded keyless access remote (or other device) is used, the engine’s f uel system is disabled. For more inf ormation, see page

149

The engine is harder to start in cold weather. Also, the thinner air f ound at altitudes above 8,000 f eet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.

489

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Starting the Engine (Models with Keyless Access System)

Check Starting System Message

If there is a problem with the starting system, you will see a ‘‘CHECK STARTING SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information display with the power mode ON. You will also see this message when the auto control mode of the starting system has a problem.

490

If this message is on, you should press and hold the engine start/stop button until the engine starts. The engine start/stop button may need to be held several seconds before the starter motor runs. The starter motor can be run up to 15 seconds.

Even though you may be able to start the engine manually without the auto control mode of the starting system, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Your vehicle has the engine start/ stop button instead of an ignition switch to select the power mode. For more information, see page

184

Emergency Engine Start If you cannot start the engine using the normal engine start procedure, do the following: 1.

Set the parking brake.

2.

Automatictransmission: Put the shift lever into Park.

3.

Press the engine start/stop button to turn on the ACCESSORY mode.

4.

Press and hold the engine start/ stop button for about 15 seconds while pressing the brake pedal (automatic) or the clutch pedal (manual).

Do not follow this procedure unless it is a case of emergency. Even if you can start the engine using this method, the system may have a malfunction. Contact your dealer as soon as possible.

2012 TL11/01/14 19:20:35 31TK4630_496

The manual transmission is synchronized in all forward gears for smooth operation. It has a lockout so you cannot accidentally shift from any forward gear to reverse while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed (see page

493

).

When shifting up or down, make sure you push the clutch pedal down all the way, shift to the next gear, and let the pedal up gradually. When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster.

Come to a full stop before you shift into reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into reverse with the vehicle moving. Push down the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into reverse, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won’t ‘‘grind.’’

Manual Transmission

When slowing down, you can get extra braking from the engine by shifting to a lower gear. This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from overheating while going down a steep hill. Before downshifting, make sure the engine speed will not go into the tachometer’s red zone in the lower gear.

Rapid slowing or speeding up can cause loss of control on slippery surfaces. If you crash, you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on slippery surfaces.

CONTINUED

491

2012 TL11/01/14 19:20:43 31TK4630_497

Manual Transmission

Recommended Shift Points Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you good fuel economy and effective emissions control. The following shift points are recommended:

Shift up

Normal acceleration

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

17 mph (28 km/h) 27 mph (44 km/h) 36 mph (58 km/h) 41 mph (66 km/h) 44 mph (71 km/h)

Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer’s red zone.

492

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Reverse Lockout The manual transmission has a lockout so you cannot accidentally shift from any forward gear to reverse while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed. If you cannot shift to reverse when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:

Manual Transmission

2.

If you are still unable to shift to reverse, apply the parking brake, and select the ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) mode (see page

185

).

Move the shift lever in sequence.

3.

Press the clutch pedal, and shift to reverse.

4.

With the clutch pedal still pressed fully, press the engine start/stop button to start the engine.

1.

With the clutch pedal pressed, move the shift lever to the first/ second gear side of the neutral gate, then shift to reverse.

If you need to use this procedure to shift to reverse, your vehicle may be developing a problem. Have it checked by your dealer.

493

2012 TL11/01/14 19:21:03 31TK4630_499

Automatic Transmission

Shift Lever Position Indicators

These indicators between the tachometer and speedometer show which position the shift lever is in.

494

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator, there is a problem with the automatic transmission control system. Avoid rapid acceleration and have the transmission checked by your dealer as soon as possible.

When the ‘‘D’’ indicator warns of a possible problem with the transmission, you will see a ‘‘CHECK TRANSMISSION’’ message on the multi-information display.

GEAR POSITION INDICATOR on PADDLE SHIFT MODE

Using a paddle shift mode, the gear position indicator shows you the selected gear number (see page page

499

).

The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it flashes while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission.

＊

＊ Models equipped with the keyless access

system have an engine start/stop button instead of an ignition switch. ON Mode is the equivalent of ON (II). For more information, see pages 184 and 187.

2012 TLTo shift from:

Do this:

Press the brake pedal and press the shift lever release button. Press the shift lever release button.

Move the shift lever.

P to R

R to P N to R D to S S to D D to N N to D R to N

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Shifting

RELEASE BUTTON

To shift from Park to any position, press firmly on the brake pedal, and press the release button on the front of the shift lever, then move the lever. You cannot shift out of Park when the ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I) position.

＊

＊ Models equipped with the keyless access system have an engine start/stop button instead of an ignition switch. VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) Mode is the equivalent of LOCK (0) and ACCESSORY Mode is the equivalent of ACCESSORY (I). For more information, see pages 184 and 187.

Automatic Transmission

−

This position mechani-

Park (P) cally locks the transmission. Use Park whenever you are turning off or starting the engine. To shift out of Park, you must press on the brake pedal and have your foot off the accelerator pedal. Press the release button on the front of the shift lever to move it.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot move the lever out of Park, see on page 497

Shift Lock Release

CONTINUED

495

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Automatic Transmission

You must also press the release button to shift into Park. To avoid transmission damage, come to a complete stop before shifting into Park.

Onmodelswithout keylessaccesssystem The shift lever must be in Park before you can remove the key from the ignition switch.

Onmodelswithkeylessaccesssystem The shift lever must be in Park before you change the power mode from ON to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).

496

−

Use this position for

Drive (D) your normal driving. The transmission automatically selects a suitable gear (1 through 6 gear) to keep the engine at the best speed for the driving conditions.

−

Press the brake

Reverse (R) pedal and the release button on the front of the shift lever to shift from Park to reverse. To shift from reverse to neutral, come to a complete stop, and then shift. Press the release button before shifting into reverse from neutral.

−

Use neutral if you

Neutral (N) need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop briefly with the engine idling. Shift to the Park position if you need to leave your vehicle for any reason. Press on the brake pedal when you are moving the shift lever from neutral to another gear.

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−

S Position (S) To shift into the S position, press the release button on the front of the shift lever, and move the lever to S. This position is similar to D, except only gears from first to fifth are selected. (When shifting up automatically, the vehicle speed is higher than when in the D position.) The S position keeps the transmission from cycling between fourth, fifth and sixth gears in stop- and-go driving.

With the shift lever in D or S, you can also use the paddle shifters to shift the transmission up or down. With the paddle shifters, you can operate the transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. For more information on driving with the paddle shifters, see page

501

Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone.

The engine may cut in and out in R position or depending on the road condition, even when the engine speed is lower than the tachometer’s red zone. This is the engine’s computer working to protect the transmission.

Automatic Transmission

Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work.

1.

Set the parking brake.

2.

Onmodelswithout keylessaccesssystem Remove the key from the ignition switch.

system

Onmodelswith keylessaccess Remove the built-in key from the keyless access remote (see page 201

).

CONTINUED

497

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Automatic Transmission

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT

3.

COVER

Put a cloth on the edge of the shift lock release slot cover to prevent scratches. Use a small flat-tip screwdriver or metal fingernail file to carefully pry up the edge of the cover and remove it from the slot.

Vehicle without keyless access system is shown.

4.

Insert a key or built-in key in the shift lock release slot.

5.

Push down on the key or built-in key while you press the release