Owners Manual for 2004 Acura TSX

The 2004 Acura TSX is a premium sports sedan featuring a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, 6-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), advanced safety systems including dual-stage airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), premium audio system, leather interior, and sophisticated electronic controls. Below are key sections for vehicle operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Operating Controls 4. Driving Guidelines 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Specifications 7. Safety Features 8. Audio and Climate Control 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, multi-link double-wishbone suspension, power moonroof, leather-trimmed interior, automatic climate control.

FeatureDescription
Engine2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder, 200 hp @ 6800 rpm
Transmission6-speed manual (5-speed automatic available)
Fuel SystemProgrammed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
SuspensionFront: Double wishbone; Rear: Multi-link
Brakes4-wheel disc with ABS
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Curb Weight3,230 lbs (manual)
Fuel Capacity17.1 gallons
Audio SystemAM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer

Instrument Panel

Main gauges: Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel gauge, Temperature gauge. Warning lights: Check Engine, ABS, VSA, Airbag, Low Fuel, Oil Pressure.

  1. Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h.
  2. Tachometer: Displays engine rpm with redline at 7100 rpm.
  3. Warning lights: Illuminate briefly at startup; consult manual if they remain on.
  4. Multi-information display: Shows odometer, trip meter, outside temperature.

WARNING! If any warning light remains illuminated while driving, stop safely and consult manual.

Operating Controls

Steering wheel controls: Audio controls, cruise control. Center console: Climate control, audio system, gear selector.

  1. Ignition: Insert key and turn to start position.
  2. Transmission: Manual - depress clutch fully; Automatic - keep foot on brake.
  3. Cruise control: Set speed above 25 mph using steering wheel controls.
  4. Power windows: Master control on driver's door.
  5. Power door locks: Central locking system.

CAUTION! Always depress clutch fully (manual) or keep foot on brake (automatic) when starting.

Driving Guidelines

Maintenance Schedule

Access maintenance minder via multi-information display.

Regular Service: Oil change every 7,500 miles or when maintenance minder appears. Tire rotation every 7,500 miles. Air filter replacement every 30,000 miles. Brake fluid replacement every 3 years.

Maintenance codes: A - Oil change; B - Oil change with inspection; 1 - Tire rotation; 2 - Air filter; 3 - Transmission fluid; 4 - Spark plugs; 5 - Coolant replacement.

Specifications

Safety Features

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), tire pressure monitoring system.

  1. Airbags: Deploy based on crash severity; always wear seat belts.
  2. VSA: Helps prevent skidding during cornering; can be turned off via button.
  3. Child Safety: Use LATCH system for child seats; deactivate passenger airbag when using rear-facing seat.
  4. Seat Belts: Three-point belts for all positions; pretensioners in front.

Tip: Always check that all passengers are properly restrained before driving.

Audio and Climate Control

Audio System: AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, 7 speakers including subwoofer. Climate Control: Automatic dual-zone temperature control.

  1. Audio Power: 360-watt amplifier
  2. Radio Presets: Store up to 12 AM and 12 FM stations
  3. CD Operation: Load up to 6 discs; use random/repeat functions
  4. Climate Control: Set desired temperature; system maintains automatically
  5. Defogger: Front and rear electric defoggers

WARNING! Adjust audio and climate controls only when safe to do so.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startDead battery, security systemCheck battery connections; ensure key is recognized
Check Engine light onEmission system issueHave system diagnosed by dealer
Poor fuel economyDriving habits, maintenanceCheck tire pressure; avoid rapid acceleration
Brake pedal pulsationABS activation, warped rotorsNormal during hard braking; have brakes inspected if persistent
CD player errorDirty/damaged discClean disc; ensure proper format

Emergency: Flat tire - use temporary spare in trunk; limited to 50 mph.

Warranty Information

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles. Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles. Corrosion Warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles. Roadside Assistance: 4 years/50,000 miles. For warranty claims, contact authorized Acura dealer with vehicle identification number (VIN).

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