๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Acura Model: TSX Year: 2012 Codes Chassis Code: CU2 Engine Code Primary: K24Z3 ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Premium Compact Sedan Target Audience: Discerning buyers seeking a blend of sportiness, luxury, and reliability Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS Key Features Manufacturer Positioning: Acura positions the TSX as a sporty, refined, and value-oriented alternative in the premium compact sedan segment. Manual Value Proposition: Provides licensed, factory-derived OE information for DIY repairs and maintenance, offering significant cost savings over professional service. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics Page Count Estimated Pages: Thousands (digital format, searchable) Manual Type Type: Online Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Web-based Software (Accessible via Browser) Access Duration: 1 Year (with option for renewal) Device Compatibility: PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Performance: Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems (EVAP, catalytic converter), turbocharger (if applicable, not on this model) Transmission: Automatic Transmission (5-speed, model dependent), Clutch system (if manual), transmission fluid, diagnostics, repair Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, brake fluid, caliper replacement, rotor replacement, bleeding procedure Suspension: Front and rear suspension, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, ball joints, wheel alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column Electrical: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting systems, instrument cluster, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, controls Body: Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, seats Safety Systems: Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, including component replacement and reassembly Installation: Procedures for replacing key components like alternators, starters, water pumps, brake calipers, suspension arms Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced component-level repair and diagnostics Detail Level: Factory-level diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, tolerances, and assembly instructions ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Web-based application Print Quality Print Capability: Pages can be printed for offline use Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC i-VTEC Displacement: 2.4 Liters (2354 cc) Bore X Stroke: 87.0 mm x 99.0 mm Performance Horsepower: 201 hp @ 7000 rpm Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil Capacity: 4.4 US quarts (with filter change) Coolant Type: Honda Type 2 (Blue) Antifreeze/Coolant ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters) Optional Transmission Type: 6-Speed Manual Transmission (available on certain trims/markets, less common for 2012) Features Automatic Features: Grade Logic Control, Lock-up torque converter Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Acura ATF DW-1 Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: 3.0 US quarts (for drain and fill) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: 187.2 inches Width: 70.2 inches Height: 57.5 inches Wheelbase: 107.1 inches Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches) Wheel Size Standard: 17 x 7.0 inches (alloy) Tire Size Standard: P225/50R17 Weights Curb Weight Automatic: 3476 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4497 lbs ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: 5-Star Rating (for driver and passenger) NHTSA Side Crash Test: 5-Star Rating (for front and rear passengers) IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (2012 model year) Active Features ABS: Yes (Anti-lock Braking System) Ebd: Yes (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) Vsa: Yes (Vehicle Stability Assist) Traction Control: Yes (Traction Control System) Passive Features Airbags: Dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Display: Multi-information display with 8-inch color screen Audio System: Premium ELS Surround Sound System (optional on some trims), AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Connectivity: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB audio interface, AUX input Driver Assistance Navigation: Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition (optional) Rearview Camera: Standard on most trims Adaptive Cruise Control: Not available on the 2012 TSX ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). May vary based on oil used and driving style. Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles Spark Plug Replacement: Every 100,000 miles (Iridium-tipped) Transmission Fluid...
6-Speed Manual Transmission (available on certain trims/markets, less common for 2012)
Features
Automatic Features:
Grade Logic Control, Lock-up torque converter
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Acura ATF DW-1
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
3.0 US quarts (for drain and fill)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
187.2 inches
Width:
70.2 inches
Height:
57.5 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size Standard:
17 x 7.0 inches (alloy)
Tire Size Standard:
P225/50R17
Weights
Curb Weight Automatic:
3476 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4497 lbs
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star Rating (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Crash Test:
5-Star Rating (for front and rear passengers)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (2012 model year)
Active Features
ABS:
Yes (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Yes (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Vsa:
Yes (Vehicle Stability Assist)
Traction Control:
Yes (Traction Control System)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Display:
Multi-information display with 8-inch color screen
Audio System:
Premium ELS Surround Sound System (optional on some trims), AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Connectivity:
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB audio interface, AUX input
Driver Assistance
Navigation:
Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition (optional)
Rearview Camera:
Standard on most trims
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Not available on the 2012 TSX
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). May vary based on oil used and driving style.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Iridium-tipped)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (or as indicated by maintenance minder)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 3 years
Known Issues
Common Complaints:
Some owners have reported occasional issues with the AC compressor, minor oil consumption, and potential brake wear (depending on driving habits). The manual will detail diagnostics for these.
Common Fixes:
AC system diagnosis and component replacement; proper oil level checks; timely brake pad and rotor service.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Honda, known for its performance, reliability, and advanced technology.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation TSX (2009-2014)
Key Updates 2012:
Introduction of the V6 engine option (not for this manual), minor styling updates, tech enhancements. The 2.4L K24Z3 engine remained the primary offering for the 4-cylinder model.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Suzuka, Japan
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Acura brand consistently ranks high in reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, often exceeding segment averages.