Acura TSX Forum : “just bought this car and they forgot to give me the user's manual. the area wher...”

Sounds like something you might want to have the dealership or a mechanic check.  There should be lights behind the buttons.  Is the stereo functional?  

yes the radio works. I can see the digital screen but there is no light in the area of the ac / heat or the buttons for radio or cd's. I have not tried to play a cd yet. I purchased the car around 4pm - and totally did not even think about this til I got in that evening.

if you have not gotten the radio fixed yet, it should not be a problem.  I'm guessing you purchased an '04 model.  
There is a service bulletin and an extended warranty (100,000 miles) to fix it.  The dealership will replace part of
the radio for free, because this problem was widespread in the '04 models.

There is actually a recall on this so take it to your dealer and they will fix it for free. It is supposed to be lit up.