Acura TL 2006 Owner's Manual
2006 TL Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Wor
ds About Safety ..........................................................................................................................ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance...............................................................................................................................4
Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................7
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Suppleme ntal Restraint System.
Instruments and Contr
ols...........................................................................................................................57
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features.......................................................................................................119
era
How to op
te the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving ............................................................................................................................................
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving.......................................................................................................................................................... 187
The proper way to start
the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................207
int
The Ma
enance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Contents
.
175
Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................243
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information...............................................................................................................................267
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and techni
cal information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)......................................................................279
A summary
of th
e warr
anties coverin
g your new Honda, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................283
How to order
manuals an
d other technical literature.
Index .................................................................................................................................................................I
Service Informat
A summary of informat
ion Summary
ion you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Owner’s Identification
Main Menu
OWNER
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
V. I. N.
DELIVERY DATE
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME DEALER NO.
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
OWNER’S SIGNATURE
DEALER’S SIGNATURE
POSTAL CODE
POSTAL CODE
This owner’s manual should be considered
a permanent part of the vehicle and should
remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of
the 2006 Acura TL. You may find
descriptions of equipment and f eatures that
are not on your particular model.
The inf ormation 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 specif ications or
design at any time without notice and
without incurring any obligation whatsoever.
POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN
AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez
besoin d’un Manuel du Conducteur
en f rançais, veuillez demander à
votreconcessionnairede
commander le numéro de pièce
33SEPC20.
Introduction
Main Menu
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2006 Acura TL was a wise investment. It
will give you years of driving pleasure.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Acura is to read
this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual
helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment.
When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your dealer’s staff
is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your vehicle.
Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer
any questions and concerns.
As you read this manual, you will
find inf ormation that is preceded by
a symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:
or emits chemicals known to the
state of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with one or
more recording devices commonly
referred to as ‘‘event data recorders’’
or ‘‘sensing and diagnostic modules.’’
This product contains
i
AFewWordsAboutSafety
Main Menu
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 judgement.
ii
You will f ind this important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
three signal words: , , or .
These signal words mean:
Safety Headings
Safety Precautions.
Safety Section
Instructions
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it
carefully.
−
on the vehicle.
−
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
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.
−
such as Important Saf ety Reminders or Important
−
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
−
how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
−
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Main Menu
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
(P.103)
POWER DOOR
LOCKS
(P.92)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P.107)
＊
4
MIRROR CONTROLS
TRUNK RELEASE
BUTTON
(P.93)
On models without Navigation System
:
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE HANDLE
(P.101)
(P.177)
AIRBAGS
(P.11, 25)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.178)
＊
CLOCK
(P.112)
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM
(P.120)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P.127)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
(P. 190)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(P. 193)
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Main Menu
＊ To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.:
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
(P.85)
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) OFF
SWITCH
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P.101)
(P.203)
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS/
FOG LIGHTS
(P.84, 85)
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENT
(P.88)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS
(P.83)
REMOTE AUDIO CONTROL
BUTTONS
(P.150)
＊
HORN
HANDSFREELINK
BUTTONS
(P.160)
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P.86)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
BUTTON
(P.87)
CRUISE
CONTROL
BUTTONS
(P.153)
SEAT HEATER
SWITCHES
TM
(P.106)
Your Vehicle at a Glance
5
6
Main Menu
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main Menu
This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It
shows you how to use seat belts. It
explains how your airbags work. And
it tells you how to properly restrain
infants and children in your vehicle.
5. Fasten and Position the
.............................Seat Belts . 16
6. Maintain a Proper Sitting
................................Position . 18
Additional Information About
.......................Your Seat Belts . 20
.........Important Safety Precautions . 8
.......Your Vehicle’s Safety Features . 9
.........Protecting Adults and Teens . 13
.....1. Close and Lock the Doors . 13
...........2. Adjust the Front Seats . 13
............3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 14
...4. Adjust the Head Restraints . 15
.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 18
...Additional Safety Precautions . 19
..Seat Belt System Components . 20
......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 20
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................Tensioners . 21
...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 22
Additional Information About
...........................Your Airbags . 23
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................Work . 25
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................Work . 30
How The Side Airbag Off
......................Indicator Works . 31
How the Passenger Airbag Off
......................Indicator Works . 31
.............................Airbag Service . 32
Protecting Children General
All Children Must Be
All Children Should Sit in a
−
................................Guidelines . 34
...............................Restrained . 34
.................................Back Seat . 35
......Airbag System Components . 23
...How Your Side Airbags Work . 28
..How the SRS Indicator Works . 30
...Additional Safety Precautions . 33
The Passenger’s Front Airbag
If You Must Drive with Several
...................................Children . 37
If a Child Requires Close
..................................Attention . 37
Protecting Infants and Small
...................................Children . 39
.......................Protecting Infants . 39
.....................Selecting a Child Seat . 42
....................Installing a Child Seat . 43
...............................With LATCH . 44
..............................With a Tether . 47
..............UsinganOuterAnchor .48
...............Checking Seat Belt Fit . 49
..................Using a Booster Seat . 50
When Can a Lager Child Sit in
.........................................Front . 51
.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 53
...................................Safety Labels . 54
.........Can Pose Serious Risks . 35
Driver and Passenger Safety
...Additional Safety Precautions . 38
.........Protecting Small Children . 40
.........With a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 46
...........Protecting Larger Children . 49
...Additional Safety Precautions . 52
7
Important Safety Precautions
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Table of Contents
You’ll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
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 passengers
always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly (see page ).
Restrain All Children
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat. Infants and small children
should be restrained in a child seat.
Larger children should use a booster
and a lap/shoulder belt until they
canusethebeltproperlywithouta
booster (see pages ).
8
−
49 52
16
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 f ollow 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.
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 Saf e
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 (see page ).
209
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
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Table of Contents
(7)
(8) (10) (9)
(2)
(1)(4)(3)
(9)
(8)
(11)
(6)
(7)
(5)
(1) Safety Cage
(2) Crush Zones
(3) Seats and Seat-Backs
(4) Head Restraints
(5) Collapsible Steering Column
(6) Seat Belts
(7) Front Airbags
(8) Side Airbags
(9) Side Curtain Airbags
(10) Door Locks
(11) Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
(2)
Your vehicle is equipped with many
features that work together to
protect you and your passengers
during a crash.
Some features do not require any
action on your part. These include a
strong steel framework that forms a
safety cage around the passenger
compartment; front and rear crush
zones; a collapsible steering column;
and tensioners that tighten the front
seat belts in a crash.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
9
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
However, you and your passengers
can’t take full advantage of these
features unless you remain sitting in
a proper position and
your seat belts
features can contribute to injuries if
they are not used properly.
The f ollowing pages explain how you
cantakeanactiveroleinprotecting
yourself and your passengers. Seat belts are the single most
10
always wear
. In fact, some safety
Seat Belts
Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts in all seating positions.
Your seat belt system also includes
an indicator on the instrument panel
and a beeper to remind you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
Why Wear Seat Belts
effectivesafetydeviceforadultsand
larger children. (Infants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats.)
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
if you have airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle’s built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including frontal,
side and rear impacts, and
rollovers.
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
Keep you from being thrown out
of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inf lating airbag and
allows you to get the best
advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
What You Should Do:
Always wear your seat belt, and
make sure you wear it properly.
Airbags
Your vehicle has a supplemental
restraint system (SRS) with front
airbags to help protect the heads and
chests of the driver and a front seat
passenger during a moderate to
severe f rontal collision (see page
for more information on how
your front airbags work).
Your vehicle also has side airbags to
help protect the upper torso of the
driver or a front seat passenger
during a moderate to severe side
impact (see page for more
28
information on how your side airbags
work).25
CONTINUED
11
Driver and Passenger Safety
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your vehicle also has side curtain
airbags to help protect the heads of
the driver, front passenger, and
passengers in the outer rear seating
positions during a moderate to
severe side impact (see page for
more information on how your side
curtain airbags work).
12
30
The most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
Airbags do not replace seat belts.
They are designed to supplement
the seat belts.
Airbags off er no protection in rear
impacts, or minor frontal or side
collisions.
Airbags can pose hazards.
To do
their job, airbags must inflate with
tremendous f orce. So while
airbags help save lives, they can
cause minor injuries or more
serious or even fatal injuries if
occupants are not properly
restrained or sitting properly.
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
front passenger should move their
seat as far back from the dashboard
as possible.
The rest of this section gives more
detailed inf ormation about how you
can maximize your safety.
Remember however, that no safety
system can prevent all injures or
deaths that can occur in a severe
crash, even when seat belts are
properly worn and the airbags deploy.
The f ollowing pages provide
Main Menu
Table of Contents
instructions on how to properly
protect the driver, adult passengers
and teenage children who are large
enough and mature enough to drive
or ride in the front seat.
See pages for important
−
34 38
guidelines on how to properly
protect infants, small children, and
larger children who ride in your
vehicle.
After everyone has entered the
vehicle, be sure the doors are closed
and locked.
If any door or the trunk is not closed
tightly, the multi-information display
reminds you to close the open
door(s) or the trunk before you start
driving (see page ).
69
Locking the doors reduces the
chance of someone being thrown out
of the vehicle during a crash, and it
helps prevent passengers from
accidentally opening a door and
falling out.
Locking the doors also helps prevent
an outsider from unexpectedly
opening a door when you come to a
stop.
See page for how to lock the
92
doors.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Adjust the Front SeatsClose and Lock the DoorsIntroduction 2.1.
Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the
rear as possible while allowing you to
maintain full control of the vehicle.
Have your front passenger adjust
their seat as far to the rear as
possible.
If you sit too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard, you can be
seriously injured by an inflating front
airbag, or by striking the steering
wheel or dashboard.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
13
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that drivers
allow at least 10 inches (25 cm)
between the center of the steering
wheel and the chest. In addition to
adjusting the seat, you can adjust the
steering in and out and up and down
(see page ).
If you cannot get far enough away
from the steering wheel and still
reach the controls, we recommend
that you investigate whether some
type of adaptive equipment may help.
14
88
Sitting too close to a front
airbag can result in serious
injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
front airbags as possible.
See page for how to adjust the
front seats.
98
Adjust the Seat-Backs3.
Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel.
Passengers with adjustable seatbacks should also adjust their seatback to a comfortable, upright
position.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Reclining the seat-back too far
can result in serious injury or
death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position, and sit well
back in the seat.
Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against the occupant’s chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt. It also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt in a crash
and being seriously injured. The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
See page for how to adjust the
98
seat-backs.
Adjust the Head Restraints4.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Adjust the driver’s head restraint so
the back of your head rests against
the center of the restraint.
Have passengers with adjustable
restraints adjust their restraints
properly as well. A taller person
should adjust their restraint as high
as possible.
CONTINUED
15
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Improperly positioning head
restraints reduces their
effectiveness and you can be
seriously injured in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are
in place and positioned properly
before driving.
Properly adjusted head restraints
will help protect occupants from
whiplash and other crash injuries.
See page for how to adjust the
head restraints.
99
Fasten and Position the Seat
5.
Belts
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Also check
that the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
Position the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across your hips,
then pull up on the shoulder part of
thebeltsothelappartfitssnugly.
This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.
16
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
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.
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death in a crash.
Make sure all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
If the seat belt touches or crosses
your neck, or if it crosses your arm
instead of your shoulder, you need to
adjust the seat belt anchor height.
RELEASE
BUTTON
The front seats have adjustable seat
belt anchors. To adjust the height of
an anchor, press and hold the release
button and slide the anchor up or
down as needed (it has four
positions).
Never place the shoulder portion of a
lap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back.
This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
If a seat belt does not seem to work
properly, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash.
No one should sit in a seat with an
inoperative seat belt.
Anyone using a
seat belt that is not working properly
can be seriously injured or killed.
Have your dealer check the belt as
soon as possible.
See page for additional
20
information about your seat belts
and how to take care of them.
CONTINUED
17
Driver and Passenger Safety
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
6.
Position
After all occupants have adjusted
their seats and put on seat belts, it is
very important that they continue to
sit upright, well back in their seats,
with their feet on the floor, until the
vehicle is parked and the engine is
off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches,
lies down, turns sideways, sits
forward, leans forward or sideways,
or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is
greatly increased.
18
In addition, an occupant who is out of
position in the front seat can be
seriously or f atally injured in a crash
by striking interior parts of the
vehicle or being struck by an
inflating front airbag.
Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
Advice for Pregnant WomenMaintain a Proper Sitting
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.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Main Menu
Table of Contents
When driving, remember to sit
upright and adjust the seat as far
back as possible while allowing full
control of the vehicle. When riding
as a front passenger, adjust the seat
as far back as possible.
This will reduce the risk of injuries
to both you and your unborn child
that can be caused by a crash or an
inflating airbag.
Each time you have a checkup, ask
your doctor if it’s okay f or you to
drive.
Additional Safety Precautions
same seat belt.
If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
Do not put any accessories on seat
belts.
Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt can
reduce the protective capability of
the seat belt and increase the
chance of serious injury in a crash.
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 airbags inflate.
Keep your hands and arms away
from the airbag covers.Two people should never use the
If your
hands or arms are close to an
airbag cover, they could be injured
if the airbags inf late.
Do not attach or place objects on
the front 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.
Do not attach hard objects on or
near a door.
If a side airbag or a
side curtain airbag inflates, a cup
holder or other hard object
attached on or near the door could
be propelled inside the vehicle and
hurt someone.
19
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in all five seating
positions. The front seat belts are
also equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners.
instrument panel to remind you and
your passengers to fasten your seat
belts.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position without fastening
your belt, a beeper will sound and
the indicator will flash. If you do not
fasten your seat belt before the
beeper stops, the indicator will stop
flashing but remain on.
fastening your seat belt, the beeper
sounds and the indicator flashes
again at regular intervals, and you
will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT
BELT’’ message on the multiinformation display.
20
The seat belt system
includes an indicator on the
The lap and shoulder belt goes over
your shoulder, across your chest,
and across your hips.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched (see page for how to
properly position the belt).
To unlock the belt, press the red
PRESSbuttononthebuckle.Guide
the belt across your body so that it
retracts completely. After exiting the
vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the
way and will not get closed in the
door.
16
All seat belts have an emergency
locking retractor. In normal driving,
the retractor lets you move freely in
your seat while it keeps some
tension on the belt. During a collision
or sudden stop, the retractor
automatically locks the belt to help
restrain your body.
The seat belts in all positions except
the driver’s have an additional
locking mechanism that must be
activated to secure a child seat (see
page ).
46
If the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled all the way out, the locking
mechanism will activate. The belt
will retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely.If you continue driving without
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To deactivate the locking
mechanism, unlatch the buckle and
let the seat belt fully retract. To
refasten the seat belt, pull it out only
as far as needed.
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
For added protection, the front seat
belts are equipped with automatic
seat belt tensioners. When activated,
the tensioners immediately tighten
the belts to help hold the driver and
a front passenger in place.
The tensioners are designed to
activate primarily in frontal collisions,
andtheyshouldactivateinany
collision severe enough to cause
front airbag inflation.
The tensioners can also be activated
during a collision in which the front
airbags . In this case, the
do not deploy
airbags would not be needed, but the
additional restraint could be helpf ul.
When the tensioners are activated,
the seat belts will remain tight until
they are unbuckled in the normal
manner.
If the front seat belt tensioners ever
activate, they must be replaced as
the belts will no longer retract
properly.
21
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out fully, and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
the belts retract easily. If a belt does
not retract easily, cleaning the belt
may correct the problem (see page
). Any belt that is not in good
231
condition or working properly will
not provide good protection and
should be replaced as soon as
possible.
We provide a lifetime warranty on
seat belts for U.S. models. See your
Acura Warranty Information
for details.
22
booklet
If a seat belt is worn during a crash,
it must be replaced by your dealer. A
belt that has been worn during a
crash may not provide the same level
of protection in a subsequent crash.
The dealer should also inspect the
anchors for damage and replace
them if needed. If the automatic seat
belt tensioners activate during a
crash, they must be replaced.
For information on how to clean your
seat belts, see page .
231
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.
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Airbag System Components
(1) Driver’s Airbag
(2) Front Passenger’s Airbag
(3) Control Unit
(4) Front Seat Belt Tensioners
(5) Side Airbags
(6) Driver’s Seat Position Sensor
(7) Front Passenger’s Weight Sensors
(8) Front Impact Sensors
(9) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
(10) Side Impact Sensors
(11) Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) Sensors
(8)
(3)
(1)
(8)
(10)
(9)
(6)
(4)
(2)
(5)
(11)
(10)
(7)
(5)
(4)
(7)
Your airbag system includes:
Two SRS (supplemental restraint
system) front airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG’’ (see page ).
Two side airbags, one f or the
driver and one for a front
passenger. The airbags are stored
in the outer edges of the seatbacks. Both are marked ‘‘SIDE
AIRBAG’’ (see page ).
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’’ (see page
).
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25
28
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
23
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Automatic front seat belt
tensioners (see page ).
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe front impact or
side impact.
Sensors that can detect whether a
child is in the passenger’s side
airbag path and signal the control
unit to turn the airbag off (see
page ).
A driver’s seat position sensor that
monitors the distance of the seat
from the front airbag. If the seat is
too far forward, the airbag will
inflate with less force (see page
27
24
Weight sensors that monitor the
21
31
).
weight on the front passenger’s
seat. These automatically turn off
the passenger’s front airbag if
they detect an infant or a small
childmaybeintheseat(seepage
).
31
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records information about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, the seat belt
tensioners, and driver and front
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II)
position.
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you that the
passenger’s side airbag has been
turned off (see page ).
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An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags,
sensors, or seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
An indicator on the dashboard that
alerts you that the passenger’s
front airbag has been turned off
(see page ).
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
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31
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How Your Front Airbags Work
If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, sensors will
detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration.
If the rate of deceleration is high
enough, the control unit will instantly
inflate the driver’s and front
passenger’s airbags, at the time and
with the force needed. 27
During a frontal crash, your seat belt
restrains your lower body and torso,
and the f ront airbag helps protect
your head and chest.
Although both 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.
Only the driver’s airbag can deploy if
there is no passenger in the front
seat, or if the advanced airbag
system has turned the passenger’s
airbag off (see page ).
Driver and Passenger Safety
After inflating, the front airbags
immediately deflate, so they won’t
interfere with the driver’s visibility,
or the ability to steer or operate
other controls.
CONTINUED
25
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The total time for inflation and
deflation is one-tenth of a second, so
fast that most occupants are not
aware that the airbags deployed until
they see them lying in their laps.
After a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag’s surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
mayexperiencesometemporary
discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
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Dual-Stage Airbags
Your front airbags are dual-stage
airbags. This means they have two
inflation stages that can be ignited
sequentially or simultaneously,
depending on crash severity.
more severe
In a crash, both stages
will ignite simultaneously to provide
the quickest and greatest protection.
less severe
In a crash, one stage will
ignite first, then the second stage
will ignite a split second later. This
provides longer airbag inflation time
with a little less force.
Dual-Threshold Airbags
Your front airbags are also dualthreshold airbags. Airbags with this
feature have two deployment
thresholds that depend on whether
or not the occupant is wearing a seat
belt.
If the occupant’s belt is ,
not latched
the airbag will deploy at a slightly
lower threshold, because the
occupant would need extra
protection.
If the occupant’s belt , the
is latched
airbag will inf late at a slightly higher
threshold, when the airbag would be
needed to supplement the protection
provided by the seat belt.
Advanced Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Your front airbags are also advanced
airbags. The main purpose of this
feature is to help prevent airbagcaused injuries to short drivers and
children who ride in front.
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Safety
For both advanced airbags to work
properly:
Occupants must sit upright and
wear their seat belts properly.
Do not spill any liquids on or
under the seats, cover the sensors,
or put any cargo or metal objects
under the front seats.
Back-seat passengers should not
put their feet under the front seats.
Failure to follow these instructions
could damage the sensors or prevent
them from working properly.
DRIVER’S
SEAT
POSITION
SENSOR
The driver’s advanced front airbag
system includes a seat position
sensor under the seat. If the seat is
too far forward, the airbag will
inflate with less force, regardless of
the severity of the impact.
If there is a problem with the sensor,
the SRS Indicator will come on, and
the airbag will inflate in the normal
manner regardless of the driver’s
seating position.
PASSENGER’S
SEAT WEIGHT
SENSOR
The passenger’s advanced front
airbag system has weight sensors
under the seat. Although we do not
encourage carrying an infant or
small child in the front passenger’s
seat, if the sensors detect the weight
of an infant or small child, the
system will automatically turn the
passenger’s front airbag off.
CONTINUED
27
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
When the airbag is turned off, an
indicator in the center of the
dashboard will come on indicating
passenger airbag ‘‘OFF’’ (see page
).
31
If the weight sensors detect there is
no passenger in the front seat, the
airbag will be off. However, the
passenger airbag off indicator will
not come on.
To ensure that the passenger’s
advanced front airbag system will
work properly,
that would increase or decrease the
weight on the front passenger’s seat.
This includes:
A rear passenger pushing or
pulling on the back of the front
passenger’s seat.
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do not do anything
Moving the front seat forcibly
How Your Side Airbags Work
back against cargo on the seat or
floor behind it.
Hanging heavy items on the front
passenger seat, or placing heavy
items in the seat-back pocket.
Also,makesurethefloormatbehind
the front passenger’s seat is hooked
to the floor mat anchor (see page
). If it is not, the mat may
232
interfere with the proper operation
of the sensors and operation of the
seat. If you ever have a moderate to
severe side impact, sensors will
detect rapid deceleration and signal
the control unit to instantly inflate
either the driver’s or the passenger’s
side airbag.
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Only one airbag will deploy during a
side impact. If the impact is on the
passenger’s side, the passenger’s
side airbag will deploy even if there
is no passenger.
To get the best protection f rom the
side airbags, front seat occupants
should wear their seat belts and sit
upright and well back in their seats.
Side Airbag Cutoff System
Your vehicle has a side airbag cutoff
system designed primarily to protect
a child riding in the front passenger’s
seat.
Although Acura does not encourage
children to ride in front, if the height
and position sensors in the seat
detect a child has leaned into the
side airbag’s deployment path, the
airbag will shut off.
Thesideairbagmayalsoshutoffifa
short adult leans sideways, or a
larger adult slouches and leans
sideways into the airbag’s
deployment path.
Objects placed on the front
passenger seat can also cause the
side airbag to be shut off.
If the Side Airbag Off indicator
comes on (see page ), have the
31
passenger sit upright. Once the
passenger is out of the airbag’s
deployment path, the system will
turn the airbag back on, and the
indicator will go out.
There will be some delay between
the moment the passenger moves
into or out of the airbag deployment
pathandwhentheindicatorcomes
on or goes off.
A front seat passenger should not
use a cushion or other object as a
backrest. It may prevent the cutoff
system f rom working properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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