key Acura MDX 2003 Owner's Manua

Using this f eature will
prevent children f rom opening the
doors and accidentally f alling out
(see page ). Leaving children without
adult supervision is illegal in most
states and Canadian provinces,
and can be very hazardous. For
example, inf ants and small
childrenleftinavehicleonahot
day can die f rom heatstroke. And
children lef t alone with the key in
the ignition can accidentally set
the vehicle in motion, possibly
injuring themselves or others. Children who play in vehicles can
accidentally get trapped inside the
vehicle. Teach your children not to
play in or around vehicles.
Even very young
children learn how to unlock
vehicle doors, turn on the ignition,
and open the tailgate, which can
lead to accidental injury or death.
Using
this f eature will prevent children
f rom playing with the windows,
which could expose them to
hazards or distract the driver (see
page ). 99
111
Additional Saf ety Precautions
Use childproof door locks t o
prevent children f rom opening t hedoors. Do not leave children alone in your
vehicle. Lock all doors and the tailgate
when your vehicle is not in use.
K eep vehicle keys and remot etransmitters out of the reach ofchildren.
Use t he main power window
swit ch t o prevent children f romopening t he rear windows.
Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Saf ety26

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls
are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .66
...............................
Indicator Lights .67
.............................................
Gauges .74
Controls Near the Steering .......................................
Wheel .78
...................................
Headlights .79 ....................
Automatic Lighting .80
Automatic Lighting Off .....................................
Feature .81
............
Daytime Running Lights . 82
....
Instrument Panel Brightness . 82
................................
Turn Signals .83
.....................
Windshield Wipers .83
..................
Windshield Washers . 87
Rear Window Wiper and .....................................
Washer .87
..........................
Hazard Warning .87
.............
Rear Window Def ogger . 88
.....................................
Fog Light .88
......
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 89
...............................
Keys and Locks .90
..............................................
Keys .90
....................
Immobilizer System . 91
............................
Ignition Switch .92
......................
Power Door Locks .93
...................
Remote Transmitter . 95
..............
Childproof Door Locks . 99
........................................
Tailgate .99
..................................
Glove Box .100
...............................................
Seats .101
..........
Power Seat Adjustments . 101
.........
Driver’s Lumbar Support . 102 ........
Manual Seat Adjustments . 103
Second and Third Row seat ..........................
Adjustments .104
........................
Head Restraints .105
......................
Rear Seat Access .106
..........
Folding the Second Seat . 106
.............
Folding the Third Seat . 107
.................
Detachable Anchors . 109
..................................
Seat Heaters .110
............................
Power Windows .111
.......................................
Moonroof .114
...........................................
Mirrors .115
...............................
Parking Brake .117
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .118
...........................
Beverage Holder .121
.................
Console Compartment . 123
.......................
Rear Compartment .123
.................................
Cargo Hooks .123
........................
Sunglasses Holder .124
........................................
Sun Visor .124
................................
Vanity Mirror .125
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 125
........................................
Coin Box .127
......................................
Coat Hook .127
...............................
Interior Lights .128
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols65

This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch f rom ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
This light normally comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With the light on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
This light has two f unctions:
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. A beeper sounds if you try
to drive with the parking brake not
f ully released. Driving with the
parking brake not f ully released
can damage the brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit after
you have f ully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
91
377 264
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
69
U.S. Canada
Canada
U.S.

Even with the automatic lighting
f eature turned on, we recommend
thatyouturnonthelightsmanually
when driving at night or in a dense
f og, or when you enter dark areas,
such as long tunnels or parking
structures.The Automatic Lighting Of f f eature
turns of f the headlights, f og lights,
parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate lights and
instrument panel lights within 15
seconds of removing the key f rom
the ignition switch and closing the
driver’s door.
This feature activates if you leave
the headlight switch in the or
position, remove the key, open,
then close the driver’s door.
If you remove the key f rom the
ignition switch with the headlight
switch on, but do not open the door
and get out, the lights will turn of f
af ter 10 minutes.
Do not leave the light switch in
AUTO if you will not be driving the
vehicle f or an extended period (a
weekormore).Youshouldalsoturn
of f the lights if you plan to leave the
engine idling or the engine of f f or a
long time.
The automatic lighting f eature is
controlledbyasensorlocatedontop
of the dashboard. Do not cover this
sensor or spill liquids on it.
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Without Touring Package
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Automatic Lighting Of f Feature
81
LIGHT SENSOR

Your vehicle comes with two master
keys and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle:
 Ignition
 Driver’s Door
GloveboxThe valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keepthegloveboxlockedwhenyou
leave your vehicle and valet key at a
parking f acility.
Youshouldhavereceivedakey
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keep
the tag stored in a safe place. If you
need to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.
These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys f rom direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy
objects on them.
Keep the keys away f rom liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a sof t cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart.
Your vehicle also comes with two
remote transmitters; see page for
an explanation of their operation. 95
Keys
Remote Transmitter
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols90
KEY
NUMBER
TAG
MASTER
KEYS
(BLACK) VALET KEY
(GRAY)

The Immobilizer System protects
your vehicle f rom thef t. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch f or the
engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine’s f uel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on f or a f ew
seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.The system may not recognize your
key’s coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code:
Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key f ob,
not metal.
Keep other keys away f rom your
vehicle’s key and the ignition
switch while trying to start the
engine. If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
The Immobilizer System indicator
will also blink several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your vehicle undriveable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer.
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Immobilizer System
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols91

µ
If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key from
LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the lef t or to
the right as you turn the key. You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch f rom ACCESSORY to
LOCK, you must push the key in
slightly as you turn it. The shif t lever
must also be in Park. The anti-thef t
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key.
The ignition switch is on the right
side of the steering column. It has
f our positions:
LOCK(0)
 ACCESSORY (I)
 ON (II)
 START (III)As required by the FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to thef ollowing two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmf ul interf erence, and(2) this device must accept anyinterf erence received, includinginterf erence that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modif ications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible f orcompliance could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.Operation is subject to the f ollowing twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterf erence, and (2) this device mustaccept any interf erence that may causeundesired operation of the device.LOCK (0)
Ignition Switch
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols92

µ
µ µ
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All f eatures
and accessories on the vehicle are
usable. Several of the lights on the
instrument panel come on as a test
when you turn the ignition switch
f rom ACCESSORY to ON. The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page
).
In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the accessory power socket.
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
thedriver’sdoor.Removethekeyto
turn of f the beeper.Each f ront door has a master door
lock switch. Either switch locks and
unlocks all doors and the tailgate.
Push the switch down to lock all
doors and the tailgate, and up to
unlock them.
91
CONT INUED
ST A RT (III)
Power Door L ocks
ON (II) A CCESSORY (I)
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols93
MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

Each door has a lock tab on the top.
Whenyoupushdownthelocktabon
the driver’s door, all the doors and
the tailgate lock. Pulling up the lock
tab on the driver’s door unlocks only
that door. The lock tabs on the other
doors lock and unlock only that door.
To lock the f ront passenger’s door
when getting out of the vehicle, push
the lock tab down and close the door.
To lock the driver’s door, along withthe remaining doors and the tailgate,
push the lock tab down or push the
master switch down, then close the
door.
All doors and the tailgate can be
locked f rom the outside by using the
key in the driver’s door. To unlock
only the driver’s door f rom the
outside, turn the key and release it.
If you turn the key and hold it, all
doors and the tailgate will unlock.
If you f orget and leave the key in the
ignition switch, Lockout Prevention
will not allow you to lock the driver’s
door. With the driver’s door open
andthekeyintheignition,both
master door lock switches are
disabled. However, if the driver’s
door is not open, the master door
lock switches are not disabled.
Pushing the switch down on the
open passenger’s door will lock all
doors. If you try to lock an open
driver’s door by pushing down the
lock tab, the tabs on all doors pop up.
Pushingdownthelocktabonthe
passenger’s door only locks that door.
L ockout Prevent ion
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols94
LOCK TAB

You can lock and unlock your vehicle
with the remote transmitter. When
you push the LOCK button, all doors
and the tailgate lock. The parking
lights, side marker lights, taillights
and instrument panel lights f lash
once.When you push the LOCK button a
second time within 5 seconds after
you have locked the doors, you will
hear a beep to verify that the
security system has set.
When you push the UNLOCK button
once, only the driver’s door unlocks.
The remaining doors and the tailgate
unlock when you push the button a
second time. The parking lights, side
marker lights, taillights and
instrument panel lights f lash twice
when you push the button.
If you unlock the doors and the
tailgate with the remote transmitter,
but do not open any door or the
tailgate within 30 seconds, all doors
and the tailgate automatically relock.
You cannot lock the doors and the
tailgate with the remote transmitter
if any door or the tailgate is not f ully
closed. You cannot lock or unlock
thedoorsandthetailgatewiththe
key in the ignition switch.
When you press the UNLOCK
button, the f ront and rear individual
map lights and the cargo area light,
depending on their switch positions,
will come on (see page ). If you
do not open any door or the tailgate,
the lights stay on for about 30
seconds, then go out. If you relock
thedoorsandthetailgatewiththe
remote transmitter before 30
seconds have elapsed, the lights will go of f immediately.
128
CONT INUED
Remote Transmitter
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols95
LED
UNLOCK
BUTTON PANIC
BUTTON LOCK
BUTTON