Acura Nsx (2021) Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual

2021 NSX

Event Data Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).

The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s
systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related

to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were

buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator
and/or brake pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data
are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and
crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash
investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required,
and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that
have the special equipment, can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.

The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by

NOTICE

anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the
vehicle owner.

Service Diagnostic Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record
information about powertrain performance. The data can be used
to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians
diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with
data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains
confidential. Some diagnostic and maintenance information is
uploaded to Acura upon vehicle start up.

California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act

The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this
vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/

As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded
by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid
damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

Software End User License Agreement

Your vehicle comes equipped with software, which is governed by
the End User License Agreement in Owner’s Manual, and which
contains a binding arbitration clause. Please refer to the End User
License Agreement for the terms and conditions governing your
use of the installed software, as well as the applications, services,
functions, and content provided through the software. Your use of
the installed software will serve as your consent to the terms and
conditions of the End User License Agreement.

You may opt out within 30 days of your initial use of the Software
by sending a signed, written notice to Acura at American Honda
Motor Co., Inc. Acura Client Relations Mail Stop 100-5E-8F, 1919
Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501-2746.

Privacy Notice

This vehicle may share location and usage information. To manage
this setting, visit www.acuralink.com/vehicle-data-choices.

To learn more about how we collect and use Personal
Information, please read our Privacy Policy, accessible
at www.acura.com.

A Few Words About Safety

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And
operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and other information on labels and
in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that
could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You
must use your own good judgment.

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:

●

Safety Labels - on the vehicle.

●

Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol 3 and
one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if
you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.

●

Safety Headings - such as Important Safety Precautions.

●

Safety Section - such as Safe Driving.

●

Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information - please
read it carefully.

Contents

This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.

The Navigation Manual is available online at owners.acura.com
(U.S.) or acura.ca (Canada). If you are the first registered owner

of your vehicle, you may request a complimentary printed
copy of the Navigation Manual within the first six months of
vehicle purchase. To request a copy, visit owners.acura.com. In

Canada, please request a copy from your Acura dealer.

This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.

Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.

This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.

The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.

2 Safe Driving P. 33

For Safe Driving P. 34 Seat Belts P. 38 Airbags P. 45

2 Instrument Panel P. 73

Indicators P. 74 Gauges and Displays P. 99

2 Controls P. 107

Clock P. 108 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 109
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 131
Climate Control System P. 159

2 Features P. 165

Audio System P. 166 Audio System Basic Operation P. 170
Customized Features P. 248 HomeLink® Universal Transceiver P. 271

2 Driving P. 313

Before Driving P. 314 Towing a Trailer P. 324
Multi-View Rear Camera P. 373

2 Maintenance P. 379

Before Performing Maintenance P. 380 Maintenance MinderTM P. 383
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 408
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 423

2 Handling the Unexpected P. 435

Tools P. 436 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 437
Overheating P. 454 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 456
If You Cannot Open the Hatch P. 468 Refueling P. 469

2 Information P. 471

Specifications P. 472 Identification Numbers P. 474
Emissions Testing P. 477 Warranty Coverages P. 479

Contents

Child Safety P. 61 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 70 Safety Labels P. 71

Opening and Closing the Hatch P. 123 Security System P. 126 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 129
Adjusting the Mirrors P. 145 Adjusting the Seats P. 148 Interior Convenience Items P. 153

Audio Error Messages P. 227 General Information on the Audio System P. 230
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 274 AcuraLink®

When Driving P. 325 Braking P. 361 Parking Your Vehicle P. 368
Refueling P. 375 Fuel Economy and CO

Maintenance Under the Hood and Hatch P. 389 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 405
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 411 12-Volt Battery P. 421 Remote Transmitter Care P. 422
Cleaning P. 424 Accessories and Modifications P. 431 Storage P. 433

Power System Won’t Start P. 449 If the 12-Volt Battery Is Dead P. 452
Fuses P. 461 Emergency Towing P. 466 If You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 467

*

P. 308

Emissions P. 377

2

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving

Instrument Panel

Controls

Features

Driving

Maintenance

Handling the Unexpected

Information

P. 6

P. 33

P. 73

P. 107

P. 165

P. 313

P. 379

P. 435

P. 471

Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 475 Reporting Safety Defects P. 476
Authorized Manuals P. 482 Client Service Information P. 483

Index

P. 484

Quick Reference Guide

Quick Reference Guide

❚

Steering Wheel Adjustments

(P 144)

❚

ENGINE START/STOP Button

(P 131)

❚

(Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®)

System OFF) Button

(P 351)

❚

System Indicators

(P 74)

❚

Gauges

(P 99)

❚

Driver Information Interface

(P 102)

❚

Rear Defogger/Heated Mirror Button

(P 140)

❚

Parking Sensor System Button*

(P 370)

❚

Hazard Warning Button

❚

Seat Heater Buttons*

(P 158)

❚

Audio System

(P 166)

❚

Climate Control System

(P 159)

❚

MID Vents

(P 22, 159)

❚

Navigation System*

() See the Navigation System Manual

❚

Integrated Dynamics System Mode
Switch

(P 340)

Visual Index

6

Quick Reference Guide

❚

Wipers/Washers

(P 139)

❚

Headlights/Turn Signals

(P 134, 135)

❚

Paddle Shifter (Shift down)

(P 338)

❚

Paddle Shifter (Shift up)

(P 338)

❚

Horn (Press an area around .)

❚

Voice Control Buttons

(P 188)

❚

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® System
Voice Control Buttons

(P 274)

❚

TRIP Button

(P 103, 104)

❚

Right Selector Wheel

(P 102)

❚

Audio Remote Controls

(P 169)

❚

Brightness Control

(P 141)

❚

Mph/Km/h Change Button

(P 99)

❚

Cruise Control Buttons

(P 347)

* Not available on all models

7

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❚

Power Window Switches

(P 129)

❚

Driver’s Front Airbag

(P 48)

❚

Hatch Release Button

(P 123)

❚

Hood Release Handle

(P 392)

❚

Passenger’s Front Airbag

(P 48)

❚

Glove Box

(P 155)

❚

Driver’s Knee Airbag

(P 52)

❚

Door Mirror Controls

(P 146)

❚

Power Door Lock Master Switch

(P 121)

❚

Fuel Fill Door Release Button

(P 376)

❚

USB Port

(P 167)

❚

Memory Buttons*

(P 143)

❚

SET Button*

(P 143)

❚

Rearview Mirror

(P 145)

❚

Driver’s Side Interior Fuse
Boxes

(P 463)

❚

Passenger’s Side Interior Fuse
Box

(P 464)

❚

USB Port

(P 167)

❚

Accessory Power Socket

(P 157)

❚

Electric Parking Brake Switch

(P 361)

❚

Automatic Brake Hold Button

(P 364)

❚

Shift Button
Electronic Gear Selector

(P 330)

8

Quick Reference Guide

❚

Side Airbags

(P 54)

❚

Side Curtain Airbags

(P 56)

❚

Seat Belts

(P 38)

❚

Seat

(P 148)

❚

Sun Visors

❚

Map Lights

(P 154)

❚

Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat)

(P 66)

* Not available on all models

9

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❚

Maintenance Under the Hood

(P 389)

❚

Windshield Wipers

(P 139, 408)

❚

Power Door Mirrors

(P 146)

❚

Headlights

(P 135, 405)

❚

How to Refuel

(P 376)

❚

High-Mount Brake Light

(P 407)

❚

Opening/Closing the Hatch

(P 123)

❚

Brake/Taillights

(P 406)

❚

Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights

(P 134, 135, 405)

❚

Back-Up Lights

(P 406)

❚

Rear License Plate Lights

(P 407)

❚

Hatch Release Button

(P 123)

❚

Door Lock/Unlock Control

(P 111)

❚

Front Side Marker Lights

(P 135, 405)

❚

Daytime Running Lights

(P 138, 405)

❚

Tires

(P 411, 437)

❚

Taillights

(P 406)

❚

Rear Turn Signal Lights

(P 406)

❚

Rear Side Marker Lights

(P 406)

❚

Multi-View Rear Camera

(P 373)

10

Quick Reference Guide

SPORT HYBRID Super Handling All-Wheel­Drive

Your SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD® vehicle uses a Twin Motor Unit, Direct Drive Motor, and a gasoline engine as propulsion sources, with electric
motors receiving electricity from an internal High Voltage battery.

TM

(SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD®)

11

Quick Reference Guide

Operating

mode

EV Launch

*

Engine Drive EV Cruising

*

Power Acceleration

Vehicle

Speed

Twin Motor

Unit

Direct Drive

Motor

Launch Acceleration:

●

Front Motor Drive

Drive - Drive Drive

Stopped Generate / - Stopped Generate / Drive

Gentle Acceleration:

●

Engine Drive

Low Speed Cruise:

●

Front Motor Drive

Engine Stopped Running Stopped Running

High Voltage

battery

*: When Integrated Dynamics System is in SPORT+ mode or TRACK mode, EV Launch and EV Cruising cannot be operated.
*: Operating paddle shifters when the gear position is in

Discharges Charges/Discharges Discharges Discharges

(D

cancels EV Launch and EV Cruising.

Aggressive Acceleration:

●

Engine Drive

●

Motor Assist

12

Quick Reference Guide

Operating

mode

Engine Cruising Regeneration AWD Mode

Vehicle

Speed

Twin Motor

Unit

Direct Drive

Motor

High Speed Cruise:

●

Engine Drive

- Regenerate Drive

Generate/Drive Stopped Generate/Drive

Deceleration:

●

Front & Rear Regeneration

Slippery Condition:

●

Engine Drive

●

Front Motor Drive

Engine Running Running/Stopped Running

High Voltage

battery

Charges/Discharges Charges Charges/Discharges

13

Quick Reference Guide

Energy Efficiency

As with a gasoline-powered vehicle, hybrid vehicle fuel efficiency and driving range is most impacted by your driving style. Aggressive
acceleration and high-speed driving can easily trigger the system to switch the propulsion source to the gasoline-powered engine.
In addition, heavy climate control system use negatively affects vehicle range and efficiency. Either of these use patterns will more quickly
reduce the High Voltage battery's state of charge.

Battery Types

There are two types of batteries used in this vehicle; a standard 12-volt battery that powers the airbags, the interior and exterior lights, and
other standard 12-volt systems; and a High Voltage battery that is used to power the propulsion motors and recharge the 12-volt battery.

Regenerative Energy and Regenerative Braking

When decelerating without the accelerator being depressed or the brake pedal being applied, or while driving downhill, the electric motors
act as generators that a portion of the electrical energy that was used to accelerate the vehicle. This regenerative braking slows the vehicle
in a manner similar to engine braking in a gasoline-powered vehicle.

14

Quick Reference Guide

Auto Engine Stop/Start

Your vehicle’s gasoline engine will automatically stop and start during vehicle operation as needed to meet driving and battery conditions.
These are some examples that could cause the gasoline engine to automatically start.

In the following cases, however, Auto Engine Stop may not activate.

●

When the Integrated Dynamics System is in SPORT+ mode or TRACK mode.

●

The vehicle momentarily needs additional power for aggressive acceleration, or driving uphill or at high speed.

●

The climate control system is in heavy use.

●

The High Voltage battery temperature is high or low.

●

The High Voltage battery state of charge is low.

●

The engine coolant temperature is low.

●

When the door is opened after releasing seatbelt.

●

When the shift position is in M (Manual) mode.

About Your Vehicle’s Limited Operating Temperature

If the outside temperature is about -4°F (-20°C), some operation might be limited.
The limited operation is listed below:

2 High Voltage Battery (P94)
2 Dual Clutch Transmission (P329)
2 Shifting (P330)

Sounds Unique to the SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD® System

When you first start driving this vehicle, you likely will hear some unfamiliar sounds, particularly when you first turn on the power system,
while driving, and just after parking. Some of these sounds are unique to this vehicle‘s powertrain, fuel, and climate control systems; others
are similar to sounds generated by conventional automobiles that typically are masked by louder noises absent from a vehicle of this design.
These sounds are not a cause for concern, and you will soon recognize them as normal and thus be able to detect any new or unusual noise
should one develop.

About a system to cool the High Voltage battery using the climate control system.

●

The system will not be activated when the defroster is ON.

●

When the outside temperature is in extreme hot or cold condition, the system may not provide sufficient cooling performance to the
High Voltage battery due to the protection of the electric A/C compressor.

●

When the system is active, the climate control system may not work sufficiently.

15

Quick Reference Guide

Safety Precautions

Do not touch the High Voltage system

Attempting to take a High Voltage system component apart or disconnect one of its wires
can cause severe electrical shock. If the High Voltage system needs maintenance or repair, it
should be performed at an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

If a crash occurs

●

Be careful of electric shock hazard.

u

If a severe crash damages your vehicle’s High Voltage system, there is a possibility of electrical shock
due to exposed High Voltage components or wires. If this happens, do not touch any of the High
Voltage system components or any of its orange wires.

●

Avoid contact with High Voltage battery fluid.

u

The High Voltage battery contains a flammable electrolyte that could leak as a result of a severe
crash. Avoid any skin or eye contact with the electrolyte as it is corrosive. If you accidentally touch it,
flush your eyes or skin with a large quantity of water for at least five minutes, and seek medical
attention immediately.

●

Use a fire extinguisher for an electrical fire.

u

Attempting to extinguish an electrical fire with even a small quantity of water, from a garden hose
for instance, can be dangerous.

●

Anytime the vehicle is damaged in a crash, have it repaired by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer.

Emergency Shutdown System for the High Voltage System

The emergency shutdown system may activate when the vehicle is impacted by some
incident such as a crash. When this system activates, the High Voltage system automatically
shuts down, and your vehicle no longer will move under its own power. To return the High
Voltage system back to normal operation, consult an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

16

Acura collects and recycles High Voltage batteries used in its vehicles – consult an
authorized Acura NSX dealer for more information.

Quick Reference Guide

Airbags

(P 45)

●

Your vehicle is fitted with airbags to help protect you and
your passenger during a moderate-to-severe collision.

Child Safety

(P 61)

●

Your vehicle is not recommended for child passengers. If you decide to
disregard our recommendations and transport a child passenger, the child
should be properly restrained.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in the passenger’s seat.

Exhaust Gas Hazard

(P 70)

●

Your vehicle emits dangerous exhaust gases that contain carbon
monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon
monoxide gas can accumulate.

Before Driving Checklist

(P 37)

●

Before driving, check that the seats, steering wheel,
and mirrors have been properly adjusted.

Seat Belts

(P 38)

●

Fasten your seat belt and sit upright well
back in the seat.

●

Check that your passenger is wearing their
seat belt correctly.

Fasten your lap belt as
low as possible.

Safe Driving

(P 33)

17

Quick Reference Guide

Instrument Panel

System Indicators

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

12-Volt Battery Charging
System Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator

Vehicle Stability
Assist

TM

(VSA®) System

Indicator

VSA® OFF Indicator

Electric Power Steering
(EPS) System Indicator

Lights Indicators

Lights On Indicator

High Beam Indicator

Immobilizer System
Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator

System Indicators

System Message
Indicator

Brake System
Indicator (Red)

Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Gauges

(P 99)

/Driver Information Interface

(P 102)

/System Indicators

(P 74)

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator

Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators

Keyless Access System
Indicator

High Voltage Battery
Charge Level Gauge

Security System
Alarm Indicator

Fuel Gauge

Tachometer

Driver Information Interface

Speedometer

Gear Position Indicator

Gear Selection Indicator

Electric Parking Brake
System Indicator

Electric Parking Brake
Indicator

Automatic Brake Hold
System Indicator

Brake System
Indicator (Amber)

System Indicators

Automatic Brake Hold
Indicator

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

READY Indicator

POWER SYSTEM

Indicator

Temperature Gauge

ASSIST/CHARGE Gauge

U.S.

Canada

Active Damper System
Indicator

Brake Wear Indicator

*

CRUISE MAIN
Indicator

CRUISE CONTROL
Indicator

Engine Oil Temperature
Gauge

Integrated Dynamics System
Mode

SH-AWD® Temperature
Gauge

(P 73)

18

Quick Reference Guide

Controls

Models with navigation system

3

4

Turn Signal Control Lever

Light Control Switches

Low Beam

High Beam

Flashing

* Not available on all models

(P 107)

Clock

The navigation system receives signals from
GPS satellites, updating the clock
automatically.

You can also adjust the time manually.

a

b

c

d

(P 108)

Select the (HOME) icon, then select
Settings.

Select Clock/Info, then Clock
Adjustment.

Touch the / icon to adjust the
numbers up or down.

Select OK.

ENGINE START/STOP
Button

Press the button to changes the vehicle’s
power mode.

(P 131)

Turn Signals

Lights

(P 135)

(P 134)

19

Quick Reference Guide

Wipers and Washers

Wiper/Washer Control Lever

Adjustment Ring

: Lower speed, fewer sweeps
: Higher speed, more sweeps

MIST
OFF
INT: Low speed with intermittent
LO: Low speed wipe
HI: High speed wipe

Pull
toward
you to
spray
washer
fluid.

To adjust

To lock

Hatch Release Button

(P 139)

Steering Wheel

To adjust, push the adjustment lever down,
adjust to the desired position, then lock the
lever back in place.

(P 144)

Unlocking the Doors
from the Inside

●

Pull either inner door handle to unlock

and open it in one motion.

(P 119)

Hatch

●

To unlock and open the hatch:

(P 123)

• Press the hatch release button on the
driver’s door.

• Press the hatch release button on the
keyless access remote.

• Press the hatch release button on the
hatch.

20

●

Unlocking and opening the driver’s door
from the inner handle unlocks the
passenger’s door.

Quick Reference Guide

Selector Switch

Adjustment Switch

Power Window Lock Button

Window Switch

Indicator

Power Door Mirrors

(P 146)

●

With the power mode in ON, move the
selector switch to L or R.

●

Push the appropriate edge of the
adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.

Power Windows

●

With the power mode in ON, open and
close the power windows.

●

If the power window lock button is in the
off position, the passenger’s window can
be opened and closed with its own
switch.

●

If the power window lock button is in the
on position (indicator on), the passenger’s
window switch is disabled.

(P 129)

21

Quick Reference Guide

Climate Control System

Passenger side Temperature Control
Buttons

(Windshield Defroster) Button

Driver side
Temperature Control
Buttons

(Recirculation) Button

(CLIMATE) Button

(ON/OFF) Button

AUTO Button

Audio/Information Touch Screen

SYNC (Synchronization) Button

Air flows from floor and
windshield defroster vents.

Air flows from floor vents.
Air flows from floor and

dashboard vents.
Air flows from dashboard vents.
MID vents provide supplemental

air to the lower body of the
occupant(s). MID vents can be
used together with any other
vent mode.

●

Press the AUTO button to activate the climate control system.

●

Press the button to turn the system on or off.

●

Press the button to defrost the windshield.

(P 159)

22

Quick Reference Guide

Features

Audio/Information Screen

(Power/Audio) Icon

VOL (Volume) Icons

(Day/Night) Icon

For navigation system operation

() See the Navigation System Manual

(Home) Icon

(Menu) Icon

(Back) Icon

(App List) Icon

**

* Not available on all models

(P 165)

Audio system

(P 170)

23

Quick Reference Guide

Audio Remote Controls

Left Selector Wheel

SOURCE Button

(P 169)

●

SOURCE Button
Press to change the audio mode: FM/
SiriusXM®
Bluetooth® Audio/Audio Apps

●

Left Selector Wheel
Roll to adjust the volume up/down.
Radio: Move right or left to change the

USB device:

*

/USB/iPod/Pandora®*/Apps*/

preset station.
Move and hold to select the next
or previous strong station.

Move right or left to skip to the
beginning of the next song or
return to the beginning of the
current song.
Move and hold to change a folder.

*

.

24

Quick Reference Guide

Electronic Gear Selector

(P 330)

●

Select (P and depress the brake pedal when turning on the power.

Park

Press the

(P

button.
Used when parking or before turning the power on or off.
Transmission is locked.

Reverse

Press back the

(R

button.

Used when reversing.

Neutral

Press the

(N

button.
Used to keep the transmission disengaged from the engine and motor.

Drive/Manual

Each time you press the button, the mode switches between D (drive) and M (manual) mode.

●

Normal driving (gears change between 1st and 9th automatically)

●

Temporarily driving in the sequential mode

●

Driving in the sequential mode

D/M

D (Drive)

M (Manual)

Gear Position Indicator/Gear
Selection Indicator

The gear position indicator, the
gear selection indicator and the
shift button indicator indicate
the current gear selection.

Gear Position Indicator

Shift Button
Indicator

●

Gear selection

Gear Selection Indicator

* Not available on all models

Driving

(P 313)

25

Quick Reference Guide

Paddle Shifters

(P338)

Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual transmission (1st through 9th). This is useful for regenerative braking.
You cannot shift up or down while in EV mode.

When the transmission is in (D (D-paddle shift mode)

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode momentarily, and the gear selection
indicator becomes more prominent.
The sequential mode is automatically canceled and the gear selection indicator
returns to ordinary display under the following conditions.

•

Hold the (+ paddle shifter for a few seconds.

•

Once you start traveling at a constant speed.

•

The vehicle comes to a complete stop.

•

When you change to another Integrated Dynamics System mode.

The sequential mode automatically shifts under following condition

•

Accelerator pedal depressed beyond the click.

•

Engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s red zone.

•

Engine speed reaches idle speed while deceleration.

When the transmission is in M (Manual) mode

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode, and the gear position indicator goes
off and only the gear selection indicator is displayed.
You can cancel this mode by pressing the button, pulling the

(+

paddle
shifter for a few seconds or changing Integrated Dynamics System mode to
QUIET. When the sequential mode is canceled, the display is changed from only
the gear selection indicator to both of the gear position indicator and the gear
selection indicator.
The transmission automatically shifts up from 1st to 2nd and does not
automatically shift up between 2nd and 9th gear.

D/M

Gear Position Indicator

Shift Down

(-

Paddle Shifter

Shift Up (+
Paddle Shifter

Gear Selection Indicator

Gear Selection Indicator

Gear Selection Indicator

Gear Position Indicator

D (Drive)

D-Paddle

M (Manual)

26

Quick Reference Guide

Wait for five seconds

VSA® On and Off

●

The Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®)
system helps stabilize the vehicle during
cornering, and helps maintain traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces.

●

VSA® comes on automatically every time
you turn on the power system.

(P 351)

Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)

●

The TPMS monitors tire pressure.

●

The TPMS is turned on automatically
every time you turn on the power system.

(P 356)

Refueling

(P 375)

Fuel requirement: Unleaded premium gasoline with a pump octane

number 91 or higher

Fuel tank capacity: 15.6 US gal (59.0 liters)

a

Press the fuel fill
door release button.

b

After refueling,
wait for about five
seconds before
removing the filler
nozzle.

27

Quick Reference Guide

Maintenance

Press the hatch release button on the
driver’s door.

Lights

(P405)

●

Inspect all lights regularly.

Under the Hatch

(P390)

●

Check engine oil and engine coolant.
Add when necessary.

Tires

(P411)

●

Inspect tires and wheels regularly.

●

Check tire pressures regularly.

●

Install winter tires for winter driving.
Handling Summer Only tires and Ultra High Performance
(UHP) tires in low ambient temperatures.

2 Cold Weather Driving (P420)

(P 379)

28

Quick Reference Guide

Under the Hood

(P389)

●

Check inverter coolant.

●

Check brake fluid.

●

Check the 12-volt battery condition monthly.

Lights

(P405)

●

Inspect all lights regularly.

Wiper Blades

(P408)

●

Replace blades if they leave
streaks across the windshield or
become noisy.

a

Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.

b

Locate the hood latch lever, pull it up, and then raise
the hood. Once you have raised the hood slightly,
you can release the lever.

c

When finished, close the hood and make sure both
right and left latches are firmly locked in place.

29

Quick Reference Guide

Handling the Unexpected

(P 435)

Flat Tire

●

Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the temporary tire repair kit.

(P 437)

Indicators Come On

(P 456)

●

Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.

Power System Won’t Start

(P 449)

●

If the 12-volt battery is dead, jump start
using a booster battery.

Blown Fuse

(P 461)

●

Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.

Overheating

●

Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hatch, open the hatch,
and let the power system and the engine
cool down.

(P 454)

Emergency Towing

(P 466)

●

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

30

Quick Reference Guide

What to Do If

Models with iron brake discs

Why do the doors lock
after I unlocked the doors?

Why does the beeper
sound when I open the
driver’s door?

Why does the beeper
sound when I start driving?

Why do I hear a screeching
sound when I apply the
brake pedal?

Pressing the electric
parking brake switch does
not release the parking
brake. Why?

If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are
relocked automatically for security.

The beeper sounds when:

●

The power mode is in ACCESSORY.

●

The exterior lights are left on.

The beeper sounds when the driver and/or passenger are not
wearing their seat belts.

The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

Press the electric parking brake switch with the brake pedal
depressed.

31

Quick Reference Guide

Depressing the accelerator
pedal does not release the
parking brake
automatically. Why?

●

Fasten the driver’s seat belt.

●

Check if the transmission is in (P or (N. If so, select any other
position.

Why does the gear position
automatically change to

(P

when I open the driver’s
door to check for parking
space lines when
reversing?

I’m seeing an amber
indicator of a tire with an
exclamation point. What is
that?

●

Fasten the driver’s seat belt.

●

Close the driver’s door and manually change the gear
position.

u

When opening the driver’s door (P 333)

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) needs attention.
Check tire pressure.

2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks (P 459)

32

Safe Driving

You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.

For Safe Driving

Important Safety Precautions.............. 34

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features............ 36

Safety Checklist ................................. 37

Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts ........................ 38

Fastening a Seat Belt.......................... 41

Seat Belt Inspection............................ 44

Airbags

Airbag System Components............... 45

Types of Airbags ................................ 48

Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 48

Driver’s Knee Airbag .......................... 52

Side Airbags....................................... 54

Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 56

Airbag System Indicators.................... 57

Airbag Care ....................................... 60

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers ............... 61

Safety of Infants and Small Children... 63

Safety of Larger Children ................... 68

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas....................... 70

Safety Labels

Label Locations .................................. 71

33

Safe Driving

For Safe Driving

1Important Safety Precautions

Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use
of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the
driver while driving.

Never carry an infant in a rear-facing child seat in this
vehicle.
If an older child must ride in this vehicle, follow all
child safety instructions and warnings in this manual.

2 Child Safety P. 61

The following pages explain your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them
properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the
most important.

Important Safety Precautions

■

Always wear your seat belt

A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and your passenger always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly.

■

Your vehicle is not recommended for child passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada
recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a back
seat. Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we strongly recommend that you
do not carry any child who is not large enough and mature enough to ride in front.

■

Be aware of airbag hazards

While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants
who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children,
and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.

■

Don’t drink and drive

Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to
changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink.
So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive, either.

34

Safe Driving

■

Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely

Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying
close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to
divert some attention away from driving.

■

Control your speed

Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher
the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds.
Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum
speed posted.

■

Keep your vehicle in safe condition

Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous.
To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition
frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

■

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle

Children, pets and people needing assistance left unattended in the vehicle may be
injured if they activate one or more of the vehicle controls. They may also cause the
vehicle to move, resulting in a crash in which they and/or another person(s) can be
injured or killed. Also, depending on the ambient temperature, the temperature of
the interior may reach extreme levels, which can result in harm or death.
Even if the climate control system is on, never leave them in the vehicle unattended
as the climate control system can shut off at any time.

uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions

35

uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle’s Safety Features

Safe Driving

1Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Your vehicle is equipped with many features that
work together to help protect you and your
passenger during a crash.

Some features do not require any action on your part.
These include a strong framework that forms a safety
cage around the passenger compartment, front and
rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and
tensioners that tighten the seat belts in a sufficient
crash.

However, you and your passenger cannot take full
advantage of these features unless you remain seated
in the correct position and always wear your seat
belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to
injuries if they are not used properly.

Safety Cage
Crush Zones
Seats and Seat-Backs
Head Restraints
Collapsible Steering Column
Seat Belts
Front Airbags

Side Curtain Airbags
Door Locks

Side Airbags

Seat Belt Tensioners

10

10991111

6

8

Knee Airbag

8

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

7

7

The following checklist will help you take an active role in protecting yourself and
your passenger.

36

12

6

7

9

10

11

12

Safe Driving

Safety Checklist

1Safety Checklist

If the Door Open or Door And Trunk Open
message appears on the driver information interface,
a door and/or the trunk (hatch) is not completely
closed. Close both doors and the trunk (hatch) tightly
until the message disappears.

2 Driver Information Interface Warning and

Information Messages P. 92

For the safety of you and your passenger, make a habit of checking these items each
time before you drive.

• After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure both doors are closed and locked.
Locking the doors helps prevent an occupant from being ejected and an outsider
from unexpectedly opening a door.

2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 119

• Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the seats are adjusted
as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the vehicle.
Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a crash.

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 148

• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any
passenger is properly belted as well.

2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 41

• If you choose to ignore our warnings and carry a child in this vehicle, make every
effort to protect them by properly using a seat belt or a child seat according to the
child’s age, height, and weight.

2 Child Safety P. 61

uuFor Safe DrivinguSafety Checklist

37

Safe Driving

Seat Belts

1About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts cannot completely protect you in every
crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your
risk of serious injury.

Most states and all Canadian provinces and territories
require you to wear seat belts.

If you extend the seat belt too quickly, it will lock in
place. If this happens, slightly retract the seat belt,
then extend it slowly.

3

WARNING

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases
the chance of serious injury or death in a
crash, even though your vehicle has
airbags.

Be sure you and your passenger always
wear seat belts and wear them properly.

About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts are the single most effective safety device because they keep you
connected to the vehicle so that you can take advantage of many built-in safety
features. They also help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the
vehicle, against any passenger, or out of the vehicle. When worn properly, seat belts
also keep your body properly positioned in a crash so that you can take full
advantage of the additional protection provided by the airbags.

In addition, seat belts help protect you in almost every type of crash, including:

- frontal impacts

- side impacts

- rear impacts

- rollovers

■

Lap/shoulder seat belts

Both seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with emergency
locking retractors. In normal driving the retractor lets you move freely while keeping
some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop the retractor locks to
restrain your body. The passenger’s seat belt has a lockable retractor that must be
properly activated when using a forward-facing child seat, should you choose to
disregard our recommendations and install one.

2 Installing a Child Seat P. 66

38

Safe Driving

■

1About Your Seat Belts

If your passenger moves around and extends the seat
belt, the lockable retractor may activate. If this
happens, release the retractor by unfastening the
seat belt and allow the belt to retract completely.
Then refasten the belt.

1Seat Belt Reminder

The indicator will also come on if a passenger does
not fasten their seat belt within six seconds after the
power mode is set to ON.
When no one is sitting in the passenger’s seat, or a
child is riding there, the indicator will not come on
and the beeper will not sound.

Proper use of seat belts

Follow these guidelines for proper use:

• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position
for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduce the effectiveness of the
belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.

• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very
seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort
or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability
and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Seat Belt Reminder

■

The seat belt system includes an indicator on
the instrument panel to remind the driver or a
passenger or both to fasten their seat belts.
If you set the power mode to ON and a seat
belt is not fastened, a beeper will sound and
the indicator will blink. After a few seconds,
the beeper will stop and the indicator will
come on and remain illuminated until the seat
belt is fastened.

The beeper will periodically sound and the
indicator will blink while the vehicle is moving
until the seat belt is fastened.

Continued

uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts

39

uuSeat Beltsu About Your Seat Belts

Safe Driving

1Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

The seat belt tensioners can only operate once.
If a tensioner is activated, the SRS indicator will come
on. Have an authorized Acura NSX dealer replace the
tensioner and thoroughly inspect the seat belt system
as it may not offer protection in a subsequent crash.

During a moderate-to-severe side impact, the
tensioner on that side of the vehicle also activates.

Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

■

The driver’s and passenger’s seats are
equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners
to enhance safety.

The tensioners automatically tighten the seat
belts during a moderate-to-severe frontal
collision, sometimes even if the collision is not
severe enough to inflate the front airbags or
the driver’s knee airbag.

40

Safe Driving

1Fastening a Seat Belt

No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat
belt or one that does not appear to be working
correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working
properly may not protect the occupant in a crash.
Have an authorized Acura NSX dealer check the belt
as soon as possible.

Never insert any foreign objects into the buckle or
retractor mechanism.

If the seat belt appears to be locked in a fully
retracted position, firmly pull out on the shoulder belt
once, then push it back in.
Then smoothly pull it out of the retractor and fasten.
If you are unable to release the seat belt from a fully
retracted position, do not allow anyone to sit in the
seat, and take your vehicle to an authorized Acura
NSX dealer for repair.

2 About Your Seat Belts P. 38
2 Seat Belt Inspection P. 44

Pull out slowly.

Correct
Seated
Posture.

Latch
Plate

Buckle

uuSeat Beltsu Fastening a Seat Belt

Fastening a Seat Belt

After adjusting your seat to the proper position, and while sitting upright and well
back in the seat:

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 148

1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.

2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then

tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is
secure.

u Make sure that the belt is not twisted or

caught on anything.

Continued

41

uuSeat Beltsu Fastening a Seat Belt

Safe Driving

1Fastening a Seat Belt

To release the belt, push the red PRESS button and
then guide the belt by hand until it has retracted
completely.
When exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is properly
stowed so that it will not get caught in the closing
door.

3

WARNING

Improperly positioning the seat belts can
cause serious injury or death in a crash.

Make sure all seat belts are properly
positioned before driving.

Lap belt
as low as
possible

3. Position the lap part of the belt as low as
possible across your hips, then pull up on
the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part
fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic
bones take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.

4. If necessary, pull up on the belt again to
remove any slack, then check that the belt
rests across the center of your chest and
over your shoulder. This spreads the forces
of a crash over the strongest bones in your
upper body.

42

Safe Driving

Advice for Pregnant Women

1Advice for Pregnant Women

Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it is
okay for you to drive.

To reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your
unborn child that can be caused by an inflating front
airbag:

•

When driving, sit upright and adjust the seat as far
back as possible while allowing full control of the
vehicle.

•

When sitting in the passenger’s seat, adjust the
seat as far back as possible.

Wear the shoulder belt
across the chest avoiding
the abdomen.

Wear the lap part of the
belt as low as possible
across the hips.

■

If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when
driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt and keep the lap part of the
belt as low as possible across the hips.

uuSeat Beltsu Fastening a Seat Belt

43

uuSeat Beltsu Seat Belt Inspection

Safe Driving

1Seat Belt Inspection

3

WARNING

Not checking or maintaining seat belts can
result in serious injury or death if the seat
belts do not work properly when needed.

Check your seat belts regularly and have
any problem corrected as soon as possible.

Seat Belt Inspection

Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:

• Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.

• Check that the latch plates and buckles work smoothly and the belts retract

easily.

u If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem. Only

Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by an authorized
Acura NSX dealer after any collision.

use a mild soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning solvents. Make
sure the belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.

44

Safe Driving

88810987

6

6

11

Airbags

Airbag System Components

8

8

Continued

45

uuAirbagsu Airbag System Components

Safe Driving

The front, driver’s knee, side, and side
curtain airbags are deployed according to
the direction and severity of impact. Both
side curtain airbags are deployed in a
rollover. The airbag system includes:

a

Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
front airbags. The driver’s airbag is stored
in the center of the steering wheel; the
passenger’s airbag is stored in the
dashboard. Both are marked SRS
AIRBAG.

b

Driver’s knee airbag. The knee airbag is
stored under the steering column. It is
marked SRS AIRBAG.

c

Two side airbags, one for the driver and
one for the passenger. The airbags are
stored in the outer edges of the seat­backs. Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.

d

Two side curtain airbags, one for each
side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored
in the ceiling, above the side windows.
The front and rear pillars are marked
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG.

e

An electronic control unit that, when the
power system is on, continually monitors
information about the various impact
sensors, seat and buckle sensors, rollover
sensor, airbag activators, seat belt
tensioners, and other vehicle
information. During a crash event the
unit can record such information.

f

Automatic seat belt tensioners. In
addition, the driver’s and passenger’s
seat belt buckles incorporate sensors that
detect whether or not the belts are
fastened.

g

Weight sensors in the passenger’s seat.
The sensors are used for occupant
classification to activate or deactivate the
passenger’s airbag.

h

Impact sensors that can detect a
moderate-to-severe front or side impact.

i

An indicator on the dashboard that alerts
you that the passenger’s front airbag has
been turned off.

j

An indicator on the instrument panel that
alerts you to a possible problem with your
airbag system or seat belt tensioners.

k

A rollover sensor that can detect if your
vehicle is about to roll over and signal the
control unit to deploy both side curtain
airbags.

46

Safe Driving

Important Facts About Your Airbags

1Important Facts About Your Airbags

Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together,
airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.

When driving, keep hands and arms out of the
deployment path of the front airbag by holding each
side of the steering wheel. Do not cross an arm over
the airbag cover.

■

Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with
tremendous force. So, while airbags help to save lives, they can cause burns, bruises,
and other minor injuries, sometimes even fatal ones if occupants are not wearing
their seat belts properly and sitting correctly.

What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as
far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the
vehicle. A passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as
possible.

Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that
can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags
deploy.

Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp
object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.

Do not attach or place objects on the front and driver’s knee airbag covers.
Objects on the covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper
operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the
airbags inflate.

uuAirbags uAirbag System Components

47

uuAirbagsu Types of Airbags

Safe Driving

1Types of Airbags

The airbags can inflate whenever the power mode is
in ON.

After an airbag inflates in a crash, you may see a
small amount of smoke. This is from the combustion
process of the inflator material and is not harmful.
People with respiratory problems may experience
some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

1Front Airbags (SRS)

During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or
both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate
at different rates, depending on the severity of the
crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/
or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to
supplement the seat belts to help reduce the
likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal
crashes.

Types of Airbags

Your vehicle is equipped with four types of airbags:

• Front airbags: Airbags in front of the driver’s and passenger’s seats.

• Driver’s knee airbag: Airbag under the steering column.

• Side airbags: Airbags in the driver’s and passenger’s seat-backs.

• Side curtain airbags: Airbags above the side windows.

Each is discussed in the following pages.

Front Airbags (SRS)

The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help protect
the head and chest of the driver and/or passenger.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary
restraint system.

Housing Locations

■

The front airbags are housed in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and
in the dashboard for the passenger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.

48

Safe Driving

1How the Front Airbags Work

Although the driver’s and passenger’s airbags
normally inflate within a split second of each other, it
is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can
happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin,
or threshold that determines whether or not the
airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will
provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental
protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

Operation

■

Front airbags are designed to inflate during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions.
When the vehicle decelerates suddenly, the sensors send information to the control
unit which signals one or both front airbags to inflate.

A frontal collision can be either head-on or angled between two vehicles, or when a
vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a concrete wall.

How the Front Airbags Work

■

While your seat belt restrains your torso, the
front airbag provides supplemental protection
for your head and chest.

The front airbags deflate immediately so that
they won’t interfere with the driver’s visibility
or the ability to steer or operate other
controls.

uuAirbags uFront Airbags (SRS)

aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in front of them.

The total time for inflation and deflation is so fast that most occupants are not

Continued

49

uuAirbagsu Front Airbags (SRS)

Safe Driving

■

When front airbags should not deploy

Minor frontal crashes: Front airbags were designed to supplement seat belts and

help save lives, not to prevent minor scrapes, or even broken bones that might occur
during a less than moderate-to-severe frontal crash.
Side impacts: Front airbags can provide protection when a sudden deceleration
causes a driver or passenger to move toward the front of the vehicle. Side airbags
and side curtain airbags have been specifically designed to help reduce the severity
of injuries that can occur during a moderate-to-severe side impact which can cause
the driver or passenger to move toward the side of the vehicle.
Rear impacts: Head restraints and seat belts are your best protection during a rear
impact. Front airbags cannot provide any significant protection and are not designed
to deploy in such collisions.
Rollovers: In a rollover, your best form of protection is a seat belt or, if your vehicle
is equipped with a rollover sensor, both a seat belt and a side curtain airbag. Front
airbags, however, are not designed to deploy in a rollover as they would provide
little if any protection.

■

When front airbags deploy with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.

■

When front airbags may not deploy, even though exterior damage
appears severe

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they
had deployed.

50

Safe Driving

Advanced Airbags

1Advanced Airbags

If there is a problem with the passenger’s seat weight
sensors, the SRS indicator will come on, and in the
event of a crash, the airbag will deploy (regardless of
the passenger’s occupant classification) with a force
corresponding to the severity of the impact.

2 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Indicator P. 57

For the advanced front airbags to work properly,
confirm that:

•

The occupant is sitting in an upright position,
wearing the seat belt properly and the seat back is
not excessively reclined.

•

The occupant is not leaning against the door or
center console.

•

The occupant’s feet are placed on the floor in front
of them.

•

There are no objects hanging from the passenger’s
seat.

•

The steering wheel and passenger’s side dashboard
are not obstructed by any object.

•

No liquid has been spilled on or under the seat.

•

There are no objects placed under or beside the
passenger’s seat. Improperly positioned objects can
interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.

2 Passenger Airbag Off Indicator P. 58

Passenger’s
Seat Weight
Sensors

■

The passenger’s airbag have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of
airbag related injuries to a smaller occupant.

We advise against allowing a child age 12 or under to ride in the passenger’s seat.
However, if you do allow a small child or infant to ride in the passenger’s seat, the
system is designed to automatically deactivate the passenger’s airbag. Do not let a
small child or infant ride in the passenger’s seat if the airbag does not automatically
deactivate.

uuAirbags uFront Airbags (SRS)

The passenger’s advanced airbag system has
weight sensors. The sensors are used for
occupant classification to activate or
deactivate the passenger’s airbag.

For adult size occupants, the system will
automatically activate the passenger’s airbag.
If a small adult sits in the passenger seat and
the system does not recognize him/her as an
adult, see

2 Passenger Airbag Off Indicator P. 58

51

uuAirbagsu Driver’s Knee Airbag

Safe Driving

1Driver’s Knee Airbag

Do not attach accessories on or near a knee airbag as
they can interfere with the proper operation of the
airbag, or even hurt someone if the airbag inflates.

The driver should not store any items under the seat
or behind their feet. The items can interfere with
proper airbag deployment in the event of a moderate
to severe frontal collision and may result in
inadequate protection.

Housing
Location

When
inflated

Knee
Airbag

Driver’s Knee Airbag

The driver’s knee SRS airbag inflates in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help
keep the driver in the proper position and to help maximize the benefit provided by
the vehicle’s other safety features.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbag is designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary
restraint system.

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

52

The driver’s knee airbag is housed under the
steering column.

The airbag is marked SRS AIRBAG.

When the driver’s front airbag inflates, the
driver’s knee airbag also inflates.

Even if the collision is not severe enough to
deploy the front airbag, the knee airbag may
inflate alone.

Safe Driving

■

When driver’s knee airbag deploys with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.

■

When driver’s knee airbag may not deploy, even though exterior damage
appears severe

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they
had deployed.

uuAirbagsu Driver’s Knee Airbag

53

uuAirbagsu Side Airbags

Safe Driving

1Side Airbags

Make sure you and your passenger always sit upright.
Leaning into the path of a side airbag can prevent the
airbag from deploying properly and increases your
risk of serious injury.

Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags.
They can interfere with the proper operation of the
airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.

Do not cover or replace the seat-back covers without
consulting an authorized Acura NSX dealer.
Improperly replacing or covering seat-back covers can
prevent your side airbags from properly deploying
during a side impact.

Housing
Location

When
inflated

Side
Airbag

Side Airbags

The side airbags help protect the torso and pelvis of the driver or a passenger during
a moderate-to-severe side impact.

54

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

The side airbags are housed in the outside
edge of the driver’s and passenger’s seat­backs.

Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.

When the sensors detect a moderate-to­severe side impact, the control unit signals the
side airbag on the impact side to immediately
inflate.

Safe Driving

■

When a side airbag deploys with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden acceleration, a strong impact to the side
of the vehicle’s framework can cause a side airbag to deploy. In such cases, there
may be little or no damage, but the side impact sensors detected a severe enough
impact to deploy the airbag.

■

When a side airbag may not deploy, even though visible damage appears
severe

It is possible for a side airbag not to deploy during an impact that results in
apparently severe damage. This can occur when the point of impact was toward the
far front or rear of the vehicle, or when the vehicle’s crushable body parts absorbed
most of the crash energy. In either case, the side airbag would not have been
needed nor provided protection even if it had deployed.

uuAirbags u Side Airbags

55

uuAirbagsu Side Curtain Airbags

Safe Driving

1Side Curtain Airbags

If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is
about to rollover, it immediately deploys both side
curtain airbags and activates both seat belt
tensioners.

If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the
passenger’s side curtain airbag deploys even if there
is no occupant on that side of the vehicle.

To get the best protection from the side curtain
airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts
properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.

Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof
pillars as they can interfere with the proper operation
of the side curtain airbags.

Side Curtain Airbag Storage

Deployed Side Curtain Airbag

Side Curtain Airbags

The side curtain airbags help protect the heads of the driver and any passengers
during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain airbags equipped in this
vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of partial and complete
ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes, particularly rollover
crashes.

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

The side curtain airbags are located in the
ceiling above the side windows on both sides
of the vehicle.

The side curtain airbag is designed to deploy
in a rollover or a moderate-to-severe side
impact.

56

Safe Driving

■

1Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator

3

WARNING

Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in
serious injury or death if the airbag systems
or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Acura NSX dealer as soon as
possible if the SRS indicator alerts you to a
possible problem.

When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision

One or both side curtain airbags may also inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled
frontal collision.

Airbag System Indicators

If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a
message appears on the driver information interface.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator

■

If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, have the
system checked by an authorized Acura NSX dealer as soon as possible. If you don’t,
your airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly when they are needed.

■

When the power mode is set to ON

The indicator comes on for a few seconds,
then goes off. This tells you the system is
working properly.

uuAirbagsu Airbag System Indicators

Continued

57

uuAirbagsu Airbag System Indicators

Safe Driving

1Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

To ensure the passenger is detected properly, confirm
that:

•

The occupant is sitting in an upright position,
wearing the seat belt properly and the seat back is
not excessively reclined.

•

The occupant is not leaning against the door or
center console.

•

The occupant’s feet are placed on the floor in front
of them.

•

There are no objects hanging from the passenger’s
seat.

•

No liquid has been spilled on or under the seat.

•

There are no objects placed under or beside the
passenger’s seat. Improperly positioned objects can
interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.

U.S. Canada

Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

■

Your vehicle is not recommended for child passengers. Never put a rear-facing child
seat in this vehicle.
If you decided to disregard our recommendations and transport a small child, they
should be properly restrained.

2 Child Safety P. 61

Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on. If the indicator
is on in the event of a crash, the passenger’s airbag will not deploy.

If the passenger’s seat is empty, the passenger’s airbag will not deploy and the
indicator will not come on.

■

When the passenger airbag off
indicator comes on

The indicator comes on to alert you that the
passenger’s airbag has been turned off.
This occurs when the weight sensors
determine that a small child or infant is on the
passenger seat.

58

Safe Driving

1Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

The passenger airbag off indicator may come on and
go off periodically if the total weight on the seat is
near the airbag cutoff threshold. For a small adult,
depending on physique and posture, the system may
not recognize him/her as an adult and thus deactivate
the front passenger’s airbag.
If this occurs, please confirm that the conditions set
forth in the above bullet points on the previous page
are met.

Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer as soon as possible if:

•

All of the above conditions are met, and the
indicator comes on with an adult seated in the
passenger seat.

•

The seat is empty and the indicator is on.

Do not allow an adult passenger to ride in the seat
when the indicator is on.

uuAirbagsu Airbag System Indicators

59

uuAirbagsu Airbag Care

Safe Driving

1Airbag Care

We recommend against the use of salvaged airbag
system components, including the airbag, tensioners,
sensors, and control unit.

Airbag Care

You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any
airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Acura NSX dealer in the following situations:

■

When the airbags have deployed

If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced.
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be
replaced.

■

When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision

Even if the airbags did not inflate, have an authorized Acura NSX dealer inspect the
following: the weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, seat belt tensioners, and each
seat belt that was worn during the crash.

■

Do not remove or modify a seat without consulting an authorized Acura
NSX dealer

This would likely disable or affect the proper operation of the weight sensors in the
passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a seat to accommodate a
person with disabilities, contact an authorized Acura NSX dealer, or for U.S. vehicles,
Acura Client Relations at 1-844-682-2872 and for Canadian vehicles, Acura Client
Service at 1-888-9-ACURA-9 or 1-844-9-MYNSX-9 (NSX-specific).

60

Safe Driving

1Protecting Child Passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
and Transport Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear
seat. Some states or provinces/territories have laws
restricting where children may ride.

Never put a rear-facing child seat in this vehicle.

3

WARNING

Children who are unrestrained or
improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be
properly restrained in a child seat. A larger
child should be properly restrained with a
seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers

Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle crashes are the
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province
and territory requires that children be properly restrained when they ride in a vehicle.

Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we recommend that you do not
carry a child, age 12 or under, as a passenger. This is because:

• An inflating front airbag can injure or kill a child sitting in the passenger’s seat.

• A child in the passenger’s seat is more likely to interfere with the driver’s ability to

safely control the vehicle.

• Statistics show that children of all sizes and ages are safer when they are properly
restrained in a rear seat. Because this vehicle does not have a rear seat, we
recommend that you do not carry a child age 12 or under in this vehicle.

Continued

61

uuChild Safetyu Protecting Child Passengers

Safe Driving

1Protecting Child Passengers

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

To remind you of the passenger’s front airbag
hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning
labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the
front visors. Please read and follow the instructions
on these labels.

2 Safety Labels P. 71

3

WARNING

Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or
wrap one around their neck can result in
serious injury or death.

Instruct children not to play with any seat
belt.

• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using the lap belt
portion of the lap/shoulder belt.

• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the
event of a collision.

• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very
seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows or seat adjustments.

• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when

the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate
vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.

62

Safe Driving

Safety of Infants and Small Children

1Protecting Infants

Rear-facing child seats should never be installed in a
forward-facing position.

3

WARNING

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the
passenger’s seat can result in serious injury
or death during a crash.

Never install a rear-facing child seat in this
vehicle.

Protecting Infants

■

An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the
infant reaches the seat manufacturer’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the
infant is at least one year old. Because rear-facing child seats should not be

used in this vehicle, you should never carry an infant in this vehicle.

uuChild Safetyu Safety of Infants and Small Children

Continued

63

uuChild Safetyu Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Protecting Smaller Children

Educate yourself about the laws and regulations
regarding child seat use where you are driving, and
follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

A child seat must be secured to the vehicle with the
lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose seat is
not properly secured to the vehicle can be
endangered in a crash.

3

WARNING

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the
passenger’s seat can result in serious injury
or death if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward-facing child
seat in passenger’s seat, move the vehicle
seat as far back as possible, and properly
restrain the child.

Protecting Smaller Children

■

Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we recommend that you do not carry a
child, age 12 or under, as a passenger.

This is because placing a forward-facing child seat in the passenger’s seat can be
hazardous, even with advanced front airbags that automatically turn the
passenger’s front airbag off.

If you choose to ignore our warnings and transport a small child in this vehicle, be
sure to move the passenger seat as far to the rear as possible, and follow the
instructions and guidelines in the following pages.

64

Safe Driving

Selecting a Forward-facing Child Seat

■

■

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.

uuChild Safetyu Safety of Infants and Small Children

Continued

65

uuChild Safetyu Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Installing a Child Seat

A child seat must be secured to the vehicle with the
lap part of a lap/shoulder belt.

For your child’s safety, when using a child seat
installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system, check
that the seat is properly secured to the vehicle.

Installing a Child Seat

■

66

1. Move the passenger seat to the rearmost
position.

2. Place the child seat on the passenger seat.

3. Route the seat belt through the child seat

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

u Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

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

5. Let the seat belt completely wind up into
the retractor, then try to pull it out to make
sure the retractor is locked.

u If you are able to pull the shoulder belt

out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way
out, and repeat steps 3 – 5.

6. 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.

u When doing this, place your weight on

the child seat and push it into the vehicle
seat.

Safe Driving

1Installing a Child Seat

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 another vehicle occupant.

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

1Adding Security with a Tether

Since a tether can provide additional security to the
lap/shoulder seat belt installation, we recommend
using a tether whenever one is available.

Tether
Anchor
Point

Tether Strap Hook

Anchor

Adding Security with a Tether

■

uuChild Safetyu Safety of Infants and Small Children

7. 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.

A tether anchor point is provided behind the
passenger seat. A child seat with a tether can
be installed, so long as the base of the child
seat is secured using a seat belt.

1. Move the seat forward.

2 Adjusting the Seat Positions P. 148

2. Route the tether strap through the hole

between head restraint and seat-back.
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.

5. Move the seat to the rearmost position.

67

uuChild Safetyu Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

1Safety of Larger Children

3

WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in
the vehicle can result in injury or death if
the passenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in the vehicle,
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.

Safety of Larger Children

Protecting Larger Children

■

Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we recommend that you do not
carry a child age 12 or under as a passenger. This is because children who
have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an
inflating passenger’s front airbag. If a larger child must ride in this vehicle, the

information in the following pages provides guidelines to help you decide when a
given child may ride in this vehicle, and how to properly protect the child.

Checking Seat Belt Fit

■

When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in the passenger’s seat using
the lap/shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then
answer the following questions.

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.

■

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?

68

Safe Driving

Booster Seats

1Booster 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. six 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

■

If you decide that a child can safely ride in this vehicle:

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

• Move the 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 a child passenger

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

uuChild Safetyu Safety of Larger Children

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

69

Safe Driving

Exhaust Gas Hazard

1Carbon Monoxide Gas

An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not turn the power system on with the garage
door closed. Even when the garage door is open,
drive out of the garage immediately after turning the
power system on.

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.

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.

70

Safe Driving

Safety Labels

Inverter Coolant
Filler Tank Cap

Sun Visors

U.S. models Canadian models

Engine Coolant
Reserve Tank
Cap

High Voltage System Components

U.S. models Canadian models

Dashboard

U.S. models only

Air Conditioner System

U.S. models Canadian models

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 an
authorized Acura NSX dealer for a replacement.

71

72

Instrument Panel

This chapter describes the buttons, indicators, and gauges that are used while driving.

Indicators ............................................ 74

Driver Information Interface Warning and

Information Messages...................... 87

Gauges and Displays .......................... 99

Gauges.............................................. 99

Driver Information Interface ............. 102

73

Instrument Panel

Indicators

U.S.

Canada

(Red)

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Brake System
Indicator (Red)

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

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

• Comes on when the brake fluid
level is low.

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

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

• Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.

• Comes on if there is a problem with
the engine oil pressure system.

• Comes on while driving - Check the
brake fluid level.

2 What to do when the indicator comes

on while driving P. 457

• Comes on along with the brake
system indicator (amber) - Immediately

stop in a safe place. Contact an authorized
Acura NSX dealer for repair. The brake
pedal becomes harder to operate. Depress
the pedal further than you normally do.

• Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have your vehicle checked by

an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

2 If the Brake System Indicator (Red)

Comes On P. 457

• Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place and set the power
mode to VEHICLE OFF, then contact an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

74

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Electric Parking
Brake Indicator

Electric Parking
Brake System
Indicator

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

• Comes on for about 15 seconds
then goes off when you pull the
electric parking brake switch with
the power mode in OFF.

• Comes on for about 15 seconds
then goes off when you set the
power mode to OFF with the
parking brake applied.

• Comes on when you press the
electric parking brake switch
without depressing the brake
pedal.

• 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
the electric parking brake system.

• Blinks and the electric parking brake
system indicator comes on at the same
time - There is a problem with the electric

parking brake system. The parking brake
may not be set.

• Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake.

2 Parking Brake P. 361

• Comes on while driving - Avoid using
the parking brake and have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer immediately.

2 If the Electric Parking Brake System

Indicator Comes On P. 458

Continued

75

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Automatic Brake
Hold System
Indicator

Automatic Brake
Hold Indicator

• Comes on when the automatic
brake hold system is on.

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

• Comes on when the automatic
brake hold is activated.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 364

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 364

—

76

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

(Amber)

U.S.

Canada

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

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 if there is a problem with
the cooperative control with
regenerative braking, the electric
servo brake system, or the hill start
assist system.

• Comes on while driving - Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer.

• Stays on constantly - Avoid high speeds
and sudden braking. Take the vehicle to
an authorized Acura NSX dealer
immediately.

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

Continued

77

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

* Not available on all models

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

POWER
SYSTEM

Indicator

READY Indicator

Active Damper
System Indicator

Brake Wear
Indicator

*

• 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
the electric vehicle system.

• Comes on when the vehicle is ready
to drive.

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

• Comes on if there is a problem with
the Active Damper System. The
speed of the vehicle will be limited.

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

• Comes on if a worn brake pad is
detected.

• Comes on while driving - Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer immediately.

2 Turning on the Power P. 325

• Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle
checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle
has normal damping ability without the
active damper feature.

2 Integrated Dynamics System P. 340

• Comes on while driving - The brake
pads may need to be replaced. Have your
vehicle inspected by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer.

78

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Malfunction
Indicator Lamp

12-Volt Battery
Charging System
Indicator

• Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off either
when the power system is on or
after several seconds if the power
system did not turn on. 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.

• Comes on if there is a problem
with the gear shift mechanism.

• Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the power system is on.

• Comes on when the 12-volt
battery is not charging.

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

2 Testing of Readiness Codes P. 477

• Comes on while driving - Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer.

• Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe
place where there are no flammable
objects. Stop the power system for 10
minutes or more, and wait for it to cool
down. Then, take the vehicle to an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Comes On or Blinks P. 456

• Comes on and gear position indicator
blinks at the same time - Have your

vehicle checked by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer.

• Comes on while driving - Turn off the
climate control system and rear defogger
in order to reduce electricity consumption.

2 If the 12-Volt Battery Charging

System Indicator Comes On P. 456

Continued

79

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Gear Position
Indicator

Transmission
System Indicator

• Indicates the current gear selection.

• The indicated current gear selection

blinks if there is a problem with the
transmission system.

• All the gear positions may light for
several seconds, and go off.

• The indicated current gear selection
or all the gear positions blink if
there is a problem with the
transmission system.

• The indicated current gear selection
or all the gear positions blink if you
cannot select

(P due to the

transmission system failure.

2 Shifting P. 330

• Avoid sudden start and acceleration, and
stop in a safe place immediately.
Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

• When all the gear positions light,
immediately stop your vehicle in a safe
place.

• Indicators go off if there is no problem.
However, even if they go off, take your
vehicle to an authorized Acura NSX dealer
for inspection.

• Immediately stop in a safe place.

2 Emergency Towing P. 466

• Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

• The power system can be activated as a
temporary measure.

2 If the Transmission System Indicator

Blinks along with the Warning
Message P. 460

• Set the parking brake when parking.

• Have your vehicle checked by an

authorized Acura NSX dealer immediately.

—

—

80

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Seat Belt
Reminder
Indicator

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

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

• Comes on when the fuel reserve is
running low (approximately 2.4
U.S. gal/8.9 Liter left).

• Blinks if there is a problem with the
fuel gauge.

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

• Stays on after you or the passenger has
fastened the seat belt - A detection error

may have occurred in the sensor. Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer.

2 Seat Belt Reminder P. 39

• Comes on - Refuel your vehicle as soon as
possible.

• Blinks - Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

Continued

81

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator

Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator

Electric Power
Steering (EPS)
System 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.

• 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

- Knee airbag system

- Seat belt tensioner

• Comes on when you set the power

mode to ON, and goes off when the
power system is on.

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

• Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle
still has normal braking ability but no
anti-lock function.

2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 366

• Stays on constantly or does not come
on at all - Have your vehicle checked by

an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

• Stays on constantly or does not come
on at all - Have your vehicle checked by

an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

2 If the Electric Power Steering (EPS)

System Indicator Comes On P. 457

82

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Vehicle Stability
AssistTM (VSA®)
System Indicator

Vehicle Stability
AssistTM (VSA®)
OFF 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.

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

• Comes on when you press the
VSA® OFF button to change VSA®
mode.

• Comes on when you select
TRACK mode by the Integrated
Dynamics System mode switch.

• Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer.

2 Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®), aka

Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
System P. 350

2 VSA® On and Off P. 351
2 Integrated Dynamics System P. 340

Continued

83

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator

System Message
Indicator

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

• Comes on if the tire pressure of any
of the tires becomes significantly
low.

• Blinks for about one minute, and
then stays on if there is a problem
with the TPMS.

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

• Comes on along with a beep when
a problem is detected. A system
message on the driver information
interface appears at the same time.

• Comes on while driving - Stop in a safe
place, check tire pressures, and inflate the
tire(s) if necessary.

• Blinks and remains on - Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized Acura
NSX dealer.

• While the indicator is on, roll the right
selector wheel to see the message again.

• Refer to the Indicators information in this
chapter when a system message appears
on the driver information interface. Take
the appropriate action for the message.

• The driver information interface does not
return to the normal screen unless the
warning is canceled, or the right selector
wheel is rolled.

—

84

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators

High Beam
Indicator

Lights On Indicator

Immobilizer
System Indicator

• Blinks when you operate the turn
signal lever.

• Blink if you press the hazard
warning button.

• Comes on when the high beam
headlights are on.

• Comes on whenever the light
switch is on, or in AUTO when
the exterior lights are on.

• Comes on briefly when you set
the power mode to ON, then
goes off.

• Comes on if the immobilizer
system cannot recognize the key
information.

• Does not blink or blinks rapidly - Have
your vehicle checked by an authorized
Acura NSX dealer.

2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 405, 406

— —

• If you set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF
while the exterior lights are on, a chime
sounds when the driver’s door is opened.

• Blinks - You cannot start the power
system. Set the power mode to VEHICLE
OFF, then select the ON mode again.

• Repeatedly blinks - The system may be
malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked
by an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

• Do not attempt to alter this system or add
other devices to it. Electrical problems can
occur.

—

—

—

Continued

85

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

• Blinks when the security system

Security System
Alarm Indicator

alarm has been set.

• Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,

2 Security System Alarm P. 126

• Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

—

then goes off.

Keyless Access
System Indicator

• Comes on as soon as a problem is
detected in the keyless access
system or keyless starting system.

86

CRUISE MAIN
Indicator

CRUISE
CONTROL

Indicator

• Comes on when you press the
CRUISE button.

• Comes on if you have set a speed
for cruise control.

2 Cruise Control P. 347

2 Cruise Control P. 347

—

—

Instrument Panel

uuIndicators uDriver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Driver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

The following messages appear only on the driver information interface. Roll the right selector wheel to see the message again with the
system message indicator on.

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when the washer fluid is low. • Refill the washer fluid.

2 Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 404

• Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.

• Consequently, Service Due Now and Service Past

Due follow.

• Appears when the temperature of the transmission is
starting to get too hot.

• The performance of the vehicle may be reduced.

• Appears when the transmission system temperature is

too high. The vehicle does not operate properly.

2 Maintenance Minder Messages on the Driver

Information Interface P. 385

• It may not be possible to use the paddle shifters.

• Until the message disappears, reduce your speed and

allow the system to cool down.

• You may find it difficult to accelerate, or to start the
vehicle on uphill.

• Immediately stop in a safe place in

(P.

• Let the engine idle until the message disappears.

Continued

87

uuIndicatorsu Driver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when there is a problem with the sensor on
the 12-volt battery.

• Appears after the driver’s door is opened when the
power mode is in ACCESSORY.

• Appears when the power mode is in ACCESSORY.

• Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX

dealer.

2 Checking the 12-Volt Battery P. 421

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice with your
foot off the brake pedal to change the power mode to
VEHICLE OFF.

—

88

uuIndicators uDriver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when you close the door with the power mode
in ON without the keyless access remote inside the
vehicle.

• Appears when the keyless access remote battery
becomes weak.

• Appears if the keyless access remote battery is too weak
to turn on the power system or the key is not within
operating range to turn on the power system.
A beeper sounds six times.

• Appears three seconds after you bring the keyless
access remote in front of the ENGINE START/STOP
button when To Start, Hold Remote Near Start
Button appears. To Start Engine: Brake + Push
appears sequentially.

• Appears when you set the power mode to ACCESSORY
or ON.

• Appears if you press the ENGINE START/STOP button
while the vehicle is moving.

• Disappears when you bring the keyless access remote
back inside the vehicle and close the door.

2 Keyless Access Remote Reminder P. 133

• Replace the battery as soon as possible.

2 Replacing the Button Battery P. 422

• Bring the keyless access remote in front of the ENGINE
START/STOP button to be touched with.

2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak P. 450

• Unless you bring the keyless access remote in front of
the ENGINE START/STOP button, this message does
not appear.

2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak P. 450

2 Turning on the Power P. 325

• The message will disappear after six seconds or when
the power mode is set to VEHICLE OFF.

Continued

89

uuIndicatorsu Driver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when you turn the power system on with the

transmission not in (P.

• Appears when you try to change the gear position after
the position has automatically been changed to

(P

with the driver’s door open and the driver’s seat belt
unfastened.

• Appears when you set the power mode to ON without
fastening the driver’s seat belt.

• Appears when you change the gear position after (P
has been automatically selected with the driver’s door
open, the driver’s seat belt unfastened, then the brake
pedal is released.

• Appears when you try to change the gear position
without depressing the brake pedal.

• Appears when you try to change the gear position
without releasing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

• Press the (P button.

• Press the (P button if you leave the vehicle.

• Fasten the seat belt properly before you start to drive.

2 Shift Operation P. 332

• Depress the brake pedal, then select a shift button.

• Release your foot from the accelerator pedal, depress

the brake pedal, then select a gear.

90

uuIndicators uDriver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when the park button is pressed while the
vehicle is moving.

• Appears if you change the gear position to

(R while the

vehicle is moving forward, or to D or M while the
vehicle is reversing.

• Appears if you depress the accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in

(N.

• Appears when the shift is repeatedly changed between

(P and any other position.

• Appears if there is a problem with the electric system.

• Appears when you set the power mode to OFF while

driving.

• Appears when you change to (N, and press the
ENGINE START/STOP button within five seconds.

• Appears when the vehicle is stopped with the driver’s
seat belt unfastened and there is a chance that the
vehicle may roll unintentionally.

• Make sure that the vehicle comes to a stop before
operating the select button.

• Release the accelerator pedal. After that, depress the
brake pedal and change the transmission position.

• Wait for a while then change the shift position.

• Immediately stop in a safe place and set the parking

brake.

• Continue driving if the message goes off soon after.

• If there is a problem with the transmission system, the

transmission system indicator comes on.

2 Transmission System Indicator P. 80

• The gear position remains in (N for 15 minutes, then
automatically switches to (P .

2 If you want to keep the transmission in (N

position (car wash mode) P. 333

• Press the (P button before release the brake pedal
when idling, parking or exiting the vehicle.

2 Shift Operation P. 332

Continued

91

uuIndicatorsu Driver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Models with
parking sensor
system

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears if any door or the trunk (hatch) is not
completely closed.

• Goes off when all doors and the trunk (hatch) are
closed.

• Appears if any door or the trunk (hatch) is opened while
driving. The beeper sounds.

• Appears if there is a problem with the radiator system. • Drive slowly to prevent overheating and have your

vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX dealer as
soon as possible.

• Appears when there is a problem with the headlights. • Appears while driving - The low beam headlights

may not be on. When conditions allow you to drive
safely, have your vehicle checked by an authorized
Acura NSX dealer as soon as possible.

• Appears if there is a problem with the parking sensor
system.

• Check if the area around the sensor(s) is covered with
mud, ice, snow, etc. If the indicator(s) stays on even
after you clean the area, have the system checked by an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

92

uuIndicators uDriver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears if the automatic brake hold is automatically
canceled while it is in operation.

• Appears when the automatic brake hold system is
turned off.

• Appears if there is a problem with the acoustic vehicle
alerting system.

• Appears when the automatic brake hold button is
pressed without wearing the driver’s seat belt.

• Appears when the automatic brake hold button is
pressed without depressing the brake pedal while the
automatic brake hold is in operation.

• Appears when the parking brake is applied
automatically while it is in operation.

• Immediately depress the brake pedal.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 364

• Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer.

• Fasten the driver’s seat belt.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 364

• Press the automatic brake hold button with the brake
pedal depressed.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 364

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 364
2 Parking Brake P. 361

Continued

93

uuIndicatorsu Driver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears after the 12-volt battery charging system
indicator comes on.

• Appears when the transmission temperature is too low
to operate (approx. -13°F [-25°C] or below).

• Appears when the High Voltage battery temperature is
extremely low (-4°F [-20°C]).

• Appears when the twin motor unit fluid temperature is
extremely low.

• Appears if the AWD system has a problem due to a
hybrid system or power distribution control failure.

• Your vehicle has less ability to accelerate and may be
harder to start on an incline.

• Contact an authorized Acura NSX dealer immediately.

• You can start the engine and use the climate control

system to warm up the interior, which will also warm
the transmission enough for you to drive the vehicle.

• The engine speed does not increase even if you fully
depress the accelerator pedal.

• Contact an authorized Acura NSX dealer immediately.

• To prevent the message to come on, store the vehicle in

the garage or drive in advance to warm up the High
Voltage battery.

• The minimum operation guarantee environmental
temperature is -4°F [-20°C].

• Vehicle speed is limited to 109 mph (175 km/h) until
twin motor unit fluid warms up.

• Drives with the rear wheels only in this state.
Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer.

94

uuIndicators uDriver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when the engine is running and indicates that
the engine oil level is low.

• Appears when the engine is running and indicates that
there is a problem with the oil level sensor.

• Appears while driving - Immediately stop in a safe
place.

2 If the Low Oil Level Symbol Appears P. 460

• Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer as soon as possible.

• Appears if the engine coolant temperature is
abnormally high.

• Appears if there is a problem with the fuel system.
Engine performance will be limited.

2 Overheating P. 454

• Immediately stop in a safe place and set the power
mode to VEHICLE OFF, then select the ON mode again.
Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer if the message appears again.

• Appears if there is a temporary problem with the gear

• Depress the brake pedal and shift to (P.

shift mechanism and initialization is necessary.

• Appears when the transmission is undergoing

• Keep the brake pedal depressed.

initialization.

• Appears when a temporary problem is fixed. • Initialization will be completed when the engine is
restarted.

Continued

95

uuIndicatorsu Driver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when a problem with the transmission

prevents a gear from changing to (R .

• Appears when the High Voltage battery is extremely
low and cannot start the power system.

• Appears when the vehicle cannot be driven by the
engine.

• Appears when the engine speed exceeds reduced REV
LIMIT while engine temperature is low.

• Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer.

• Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX
dealer.

• Stop your vehicle in a safe place and contact an
authorized Acura NSX dealer.

• Continue driving at a low engine speed until the engine
temperature becomes warm.

• Appears when braking ability is reduced. • Slow down and drive carefully. Have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

• Appears if you are driving at an extremely high speed

and one or more tires are underinflated.

• Decelerate and drive your vehicle until the message
disappears.

96

uuIndicators uDriver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears for a few seconds if you have not pressed the

(N button long enough to initiate Neutral-Hold mode.

• Appears when you press and hold (N button for more

than 2 seconds.

• Appears when the device for starting the vehicle is too
hot.

2 If you want to keep the transmission in (N position

(car wash mode) P. 333

• Disappears when you set the gear position to other than

(N.

2 If you want to keep the transmission in (N position

(car wash mode) P. 333

• Wait until message disappears.

Continued

97

uuIndicatorsu Driver Information Interface Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

• Appears when launch control cannot be used due to
the condition of your vehicle.

2 Launch Control P. 345

98

• Appears if you shift the gear or do anything else after
Launch Mode is ready.

• Appears when Launch Mode is ready.

• Appears when the temperature of the transmission is

not in the operable range for launch control.

• Appears if the Integrated Dynamics System mode
cannot be changed due to certain situations, such as a
system error or adverse driving conditions.

2 Launch Control P. 345

2 Launch Control P. 345

2 Launch Control P. 345

2 Integrated Dynamics System P. 340