The automotive journalism gods are sometimes unpredictable. The TL became available and, while it’s been on the street for a bit, we wanted to give it a go so that the enthusiasts of the SCCA could have a private look at this relatively new player in the import sedan wars. Our example was a blue over tan leather model equipped with the Acura Navigation system and the standard, five-speed automatic with “Sportshift.” OK, so this is not a car that makes your pulse quicken – but let’s give it a fair shot. Right off the bat, I’ll give the TL major kudos on its design. It is a very contemporary look, with its proper proportions, sloping rear glass, high deck and dual exhaust. Acura also does a great job of integrating a tasteful aero/ground effects package without any sense of boy racer.
For the first time, the Acura TSX is now available with a V6 engine. The availability of a V6 for the 2010 Acura TSX represents a step almost as big as the styling changes introduced with the 2009 model year. More than just an engine change, the Acura TSX V-6 has a character all its own, distinct from the four-cylinder version. Technology has always been one of the main appeals of the TSX, and this extends beyond the drivetrain and chassis. Acura’s superb navigation system is the equal of anything in the class, and it displays real-time traffic with congestion re-routing and local and national weather. An airlines display lets you track a flight’s progress across the country. The top-line audio system sets a standard for the class, too, with superbly crisp surround sound. Like the other features, hands-free Bluetooth cell phone architecture is cleanly integrated with the car’s electronics.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
The HONDA/ACURA IPOD LOCKPICK uses a simple “T” harness for installation using factory connectors so there is no need to cut/splice any wires, or locate power, ground and audio. The interface is truly plug and play. The factory connectors are individually keyed so you cannot plug them into the wrong location.
1. VEHICLES WITH OR WITHOUT A FACTORY XM TUNER PRESENT
• The installation of the HONDA/ACURA LOCKPICK is the same for vehicles with or without a factory XM tuner present. After gaining access to the back of the radio, locate the 14 pin connector which matches the connectors of your IPOD LOCKPICK harness. Unplug the factory 14 pin connector and plug it into the female connector of the LOCKPICK harness. Then plug the male end of the harness into the former factory location
2. PROGRAMMING YOUR INTERFACE
• The HONDA/ACURA IPOD interface is universal in application and requires only a simple switch setting to properly program it to match your vehicle and options. The IPOD LOCKPICK is shipped with all switches in the UP position. If your vehicle is already equipped with a factory XM tuner then place switch 4 in the DOWN position. This will program the LOCKPICK for use while in the presence of an XM tuner and prevent conflict between the components. If you have an XM tuner but are not currently subscribed, still place switch 4 in the DOWN position. All other applications where an XM tuner is not present will leave all interface switches in the UP position. After positioning the programming switch, plug the interface into the harness. This will lock in the setting you have selected. If you have made a mistake and need to change the programming setting, unplug the LOCKPICK module first and then change the switch position. If the interface is not unplugged while changing the programming settings, the new programming will not be performed and improper operation may result.
3. CONNECT THE IPOD HARNESS AND/OR AUX INPUT
• Included with your interface is a cable designed to connect an iPOD/iPHONE to the Lockpick. Plug the cable into the Lockpick and the other end into the bottom of the iPOD/iPHONE. If your iPOD does not have a bottom docking connector, it is not compatible with the LOCKPICK interface. Compatible iPODs include NANO, MINI, 4th and 5th generation iPODs including photo/video. Also available on your LOCKPICK are AUX input jacks which may be connected to any stereo audio and source and played through your factory sound system.
This product is designed to be used exclusively on a Acura MDX. Acura is not responsible if the unit is used for any other intended purpose. This Owner’s Manual should be considered a permanent part of the the vehicle. It should remain with the vehicle at all times and stay with the vehicle when sold. This accessory should be installed only by a skilled technician who has the proper tools, equipment, and training to correctly and safely add equipment to your vehicle. Installation should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers.” This Owner’s Manual contains important information about the safe operation of the backup sensors. We urge you to read this manual carefully, become familiar with the controls it describes, and follow its recommendations to help make your driving trouble-free and enjoyable.
The AEM Cold Air System is the result of extensive development on a wide variety of cars. Each system is engineered for the particular application. The AEM Cold Air System differs from all others in several ways. We take the inlet air from outside of the engine compartment where the inlet air is considerably cooler than the hot underhood air. The cooler inlet air temperature translates to more power during the combustion
process because cool air is denser than warm air. AEM has conducted extensive inlet air temperature studies and we have seen temperature reductions of up to 50 degrees by pulling air from outside of the engine compartment. The air mass flow to the engine is increased because of the increased airflow and reduced inlet temperature, which translates to more power. The AEM Cold Air Systems are 50 states Street Legal and come with complete instructions for ease of installation. Our system is constructed of lightweight aluminum and then painted with a zirconia based powder coat for superior heat insulating characteristics. The aluminum will not crack in extended use like plastic and it is actually lighter than plastic. The tube diameter and length are matched for each engine to give power over a broad rpm range. Unlike the plastic systems that use a continually diverging cross section, we take advantage of the acoustical energy in the duct to promote cylinder filling during the intake valve-
opening event. Our Dyno testing as well as independent dyno tests (see 7/97 Sport Compact Car Magazine) prove that the AEM Cold Air System produces as much as twice the power gain than any other system on the market.
1. Unscrew the stock shift knob by rotating it counter clockwise.
2. Remove all screws securing center console and remove console.
3. Remove the rubber dust boot surrounding the shifter, use caution not to damage it. Put it in a safe place for re-installation later.
4. Place the car up on a lift, or use a jack and jack stands to raise it off the ground. Loosen the nut on the base of the shifter using a 12mm socket and ratchet. You may need to hold the head of the bolt on the opposite side of the shift rod with a wrench to loosen the nut.
5. Remove the bolt from the base of the shifter and lower the shift rod that connected it to the shifter.
6. Remove both bolts securing the shift assembly to the under side of the chassis with a 12mm socket and ratchet.
7. Remove the bolt at the transmission end of the shift rod with a 12mm or 14mm (depending on model) socket and ratchet. It may be necessary to use a 12mm or 14mm wrench if space is limited.
OTC Tire Pressure Monitor Kit is designed to complete the overall series, which covers vehicles Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM). The software contains a vehicle entry system easy and accurate to use the correct interface to the vehicle. Display a graphical user interface, where the device is used little or no information about the TPMS.
• Observe all safety notes and precautions described in the Honda Acura Service Manual in addition to these described in this Installation Instruction. • After installing the steering wheel, you must align the steering wheel spoke angle to the straight- ahead position by adjusting the front toe.
Chapter 1 – Getting Started
1.1 Subject
The GROM AUX adapter – an integration between an MP3 player and a factory installed car stereo. Equipped with the specific vehicle harness and standard RCA jack the GROM AUX interface will allow you to connect your MP3 player or iPod / iPhone to the car stereo system easily.
1.2 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the GROM AUX adapter, which has been designed to provide endless hours of listening pleasure through most vehicles factory radios. To insure that your AUX interface performs correctly in your car or truck, we recommend that you read this entire manual before attempting install the GROM interface.
This installation guide should be used in conjunction with an authorized Honda / Acura factory service manual and the installation must be performed by a trained technician.
