Power Acura MDX 2003 Owner's Manua

Adjust the outside mirrors with the
adjustment switch on the lef t side of
the dashboard:Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Move the selector switch to L
(driver’s side) or R (passenger’s
side). Push the appropriate edge of the
adjustment switch to move the
mirrorright,left,up,ordown.
When you f inish, move the
selector switch to the center (off)
position. This turns of f the
adjustment switch so you can’t
move a mirror out of position by
accidentally bumping the switch.With the selector switch in the
center (of f ) position, the passenger’s
side mirror will pivot downward
slightly when you shif t the
transmission into reverse. This gives
you a better view of the side of the
vehicle while parallel parking. The
mirror returns to its original position
when you take the transmission out
of reverse.
1.
2. 3.
4.
Touring ModelAdjusting the Power Mirrors
Mirrors
Inst rument s and Cont rols116
SELECTOR SWITCH
ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

CONT INUED
Make sure you put the sun visor
back in place when you are getting
into or out of the vehicle. Do not use
the sun visor extension over the rear
view mirror.Touseavanitymirroronthebackof
the sun visor, pull up the cover.
The light beside the mirror comes
on only when the parking lights or
headlights are on.Your vehicle has three accessory
power sockets. The f ront accessory
power socket is located under the
audio system. The second socket is
located in the center console
compartment. The rear socket is
behind the third seat on the driver’s
side.
Sun Visor, Vanity Mirror, Accessory Power Sockets
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Vanity Mirror
Accessory Power Sockets
125
FRONT
(Without Rear Entertainment System)

These sockets are intended to supply
power f or 12 volt DC accessories
that are rated 120 watts or less (10
amps). To use an accessory power socket,
the ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II). Tousethesocketintheconsole
compartment, pull the cover up.None of the sockets will power an
automotive type cigarette lighter
element. The rear socket has a maximum
power rating of 120 watts (10 amps.) When both the front and console
sockets are being used, the
combined power rating of both
accessories should be 120 watts or
less (10 amps).
A ccessory Power Socket s
Inst rument s and Cont rols126
FRONT
(With Rear Entertainment System)

You will have to store your favorite
stations in the Preset buttons after
the system begins working. Your
original settings were lost when
power was disconnected.
If your vehicle’s battery is discon-
nected or goes dead, the audio
system will disable itself . If this
happens, you will see ‘‘Code’’ in the
frequencydisplaythenexttimeyou
turn on the system. Use the Preset
buttons to enter the five-digit code. If
it is entered correctly, the radio will
start playing.
If you make a mistake entering the
code, do not start over or try to
correct your mistake. Complete the
f ive-digit sequence, then enter the
correct code. You have ten tries to
enter the correct code. If you are
unsuccessful in ten attempts, you
must then leave the system on for
one hour bef ore trying again.
Your vehicle’s audio system will
disable itself if it is disconnected
f rom electrical power f or any reason.
To make it work again, the user
must enter a specif ic f ive-digit code
in the Preset buttons. Because there
are hundreds of number
combinations possible f rom f ive
digits, making the system work
without knowing the exact code is
nearly impossible.
Youshouldhavereceivedacardthat
lists your audio system’s code
number and serial number. It is best
tostorethiscardinasafeplaceat
home. In addition, you should write
the audio system’s serial number in
this Owner’s Manual. If you should
happen to lose the card, you must
obtain the code number f rom your
Acura dealer. To do this, you will
need the system’s serial number. Thef t Protection
Audio System
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures182

To operate the rear entertainment
system f rom the f ront panel, you
must f irst push on the rear power
button, then turn the RR CTRL knob
clockwise to enable the panel. The
amber RR LED will come on to show
that the control panel is now enabled.
To return f ront panel control to the
front audio system, turn the knob
counterclockwise. The system will
automatically change back to the
f ront system several seconds af ter
you stop pressing the buttons.
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Rear Entertainment System
Operating the DVD Player f rom
the Front Control Panel
202
RR CTRL SELECTOR
KNOBRR LED
RPT
BUTTON
REAR PWR
BUTTON
PLAY
BUTTON
RDM
BUTTON
PAUSE
BUTTONSEEK/SKIP
BAR

µµ
You can also quickly set the time to
the nearest hour. Press the CLOCK
button, then press the RESET button.
If the displayed time is before the
half hour, it will reset back to the
previous hour. If the displayed time
is af ter the half hour, it will reset
f orward to the next hour.
For example:
1:06 will reset to 1:00
1:52 will reset to 2:00
The compass shows your direction
of travel. It indicates eight directions.
Compass operation can be af f ected
by driving near power lines or
stations, across bridges, through
tunnels, over railroad crossings, past
large vehicles, or driving near large
objects that can cause a magnetic
disturbance.
It can also be af f ected by accessories
such as antennas and roof racks that
are mounted by magnets.The compass may need to be
manually calibrated af ter exposure to
a strong magnetic field. If the
compassseemstobecontinually
showing the wrong direction and is
not self -calibrating, do the f ollowing.
NOTE: You should do this procedure
in an open area, away from buildings,
power lines, and other vehicles.
The compass is self -calibrating. If
you see ‘‘ ’’ in the direction
display and ‘‘Calibrate’’ is blinking,
the compass is self -calibrating.
CONT INUED
Trip Computer
Compass Operation
Compass Calibration
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures223

However, if electronic accessories
are improperly installed, or exceed
your vehicle’s electrical system
capacity, they can interf ere with theoperation of your vehicle, or even
cause the airbags to deploy.
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ).
If possible, have your dealer inspect
the f inal installation. Bef ore installing any accessory:
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer-controlled systems, such
as the SRS and anti-lock brake
system.
Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Acura accessories, can
make your vehicle unsaf e. Bef ore
you make any modif ications or add
anyaccessories,besuretoreadthe
f ollowing inf ormation.
Your dealer has genuine Acura
accessories that allow you to
personalize your vehicle. These
accessories have been designed and
approved f or your vehicle, and are
covered by warranty.
Non-Acura accessories are usually
designed f or universal applications.
Although aftermarket accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability. (See
‘‘Modif ications’’ on the page f or
additional information.)
Have the installer contact your
Acura dealer f or assistance bef ore
installing any electronic accessory.
244 380
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving243
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.

µµ
These positions
are similar to D , except when you
select the D position, only the f irst
f our gears are selected. When you
select D , only the f irst three gears
are selected. D can also keep the
transmission f rom cycling between
f ourth and f if th gears in stop-and-go
driving, and D can keep the
transmission f rom cycling between
third and f ourth gears. This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshif t to f irst gear
when you come to a stop. Second
gives you more power when climbing,
and increased engine braking when
going down steep hills. Use second
gear when starting out on a slippery
surf ace or in deep snow. It will help
reduce wheelspin.
ForfasteraccelerationwheninD ,
D or D , you can get the
transmission to automatically
downshif t by pushing the accelerator
pedal to the f loor. The transmission
will shif t down one or two gears,
depending on your speed.
Use D to provide engine braking
when going down a steep hill. D
gives you more power and increased
engine braking.
5
4
3 4
3 3
45
3 3
Drive(D,D) Second(2)43
Automatic Transmission
Driving256

When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
Your Acura is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not conf use this with the
brake wear indicators. The
indicators make a very audible
‘‘screeching.’’ Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving262

Î
Î
ÎNumber of
Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7 T owing is Not Recommended
Number of
Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7 T owing is Not Recommended
Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
Max. T ongue Load
Max. T railer Weight
Max. T ongue Load
Max. T railer Wight Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
Towing a Trailer
Driving273
Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits: BOAT TRAILERS
Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits: OTHER TYPES OF TRAILERS
The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (70 kg) and each has 1 5lbs(7
kg) of luggage in the cargo area.
450 lbs (205 kg)
410 lbs (185 kg)
310 lbs (140 kg)
215 lbs (100 kg) 90 lbs (40 kg)
4500 lbs (2045 kg)
4500 lbs (2045 kg)
4500 lbs (2045 kg)
4000 lbs (1820 kg)
1700 lbs (770 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
410 lbs (185 kg)
310 lbs (140 kg)
215 lbs (100 kg)90 lbs (40 kg)
3500 lbs (1590 kg)
3500 lbs (1590 kg)
3000 lbs (1365 kg)
2000 lbs (910 kg)
1000 lbs (455 kg)