engine Acura MDX 2004 User Guide

µThe Automatic Lighting
f eature turns on the headlights, all
other exterior lights, and the
instrument panel lights when it
senses low ambient light.
To turn on automatic lighting, turn
the light switch to AUTO at any time.
The lights will come on automatically
when the outside light level becomes
low (at dusk, f or example). The
Lights On indicator comes on as a
reminder. The lights and indicator
will turn of f automatically when the
system senses high ambient light. The lights will remain on when you
turn of f the ignition switch. They will
turn of f automatically when you open
the driver’s door. To turn them on
again, either turn the ignition switch
to ON (II) or turn the light switch to
.
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.
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.
Headlights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
AUTO
73
LIGHT SENSOR

The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle. The valet key works
only in the ignition and the door
locks. You can keep the glove box
locked when you leave your vehicle
and the 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. 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.
Keys
Inst rument s and Cont rols77
KEY
NUMBER
TAG MASTER
KEYS
(BLACK) VALET KEY
(GRAY)

The Immobilizer System protects
your vehicle f rom thef t. 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 (i.e. key
f ob) is near the ignition switch when
you insert the key.
If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
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 cannot
start the engine, contact your Acura
dealer.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.
Immobilizer Syst em
Inst rument s and Cont rols78

µµ
µ µ
The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III). You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, the shift lever must
be in Park, and you must push the
key in slightly.
If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may make it dif f icult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power sockets in this
position.
This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom ACCESSORY
(I) to ON (II). Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
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
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper.
TheshiftlevermustbeinPark
bef ore you can remove the key f rom
the ignition switch.
LOCK (0)
A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II) ST A RT (III)
Ignition Switch
Inst rument s and Cont rols79

Both f ront seats are equipped with
seat heaters. The ignition switch
must be in the ON (II) position to
usethem.Pushthefrontof the
switch, HI, to rapidly heat up the seat.
After the seat reaches a comfortable
temperature, select LO by pushing
the back of the switch. This will keep
the seat warm.In HI, the heater turns of f when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat’s temperature drops.
In LO, the heater does not cycle with
temperature change.
Because of the sensors f or the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger’s seat-back.
Follow these precautions when using
the seat heaters:
Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly, because it draws
large amounts of current f rom the
battery.
If the engine is lef t idling f or an
extended period, do not use the
seat heaters, even on the LO
setting. It can weaken the battery,
causing hard starting.
Seat Heaters
Inst rument s and Cont rols89
SEAT HEATERS

µ
µ
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II)
toraiseorloweranywindow.To
open the window, push the switch
downandholdit.Releasetheswitch
when you want the window to stop.
Pull back on the switch and hold it to
close the window. If the MAIN switch is OFF, the
passenger windows cannot be raised
or lowered. Keep the MAIN switch
off whenyouhavechildreninthe
vehicle so they do not injure
themselves by operating the
windows unintentionally. If the driver’s
window runs into any obstacle while
it is closing automatically, it will
reverse direction and then stop. To
close the window, remove the
obstacle, then use the window switch
again.
If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, or the
driver’s window f use is removed, the
AUTO f unction will be disabled. The
power window system needs to be
reset af ter reconnecting the battery
or installing the f use.
Start the engine. Push down and
hold the driver’s window switch
until the window is f ully open.
Pull and hold the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely, then hold the switch
f or a second or two more.
If the power windows do not operate
properly af ter resetting, have your
vehicle checked by an Acura dealer.
The windows will operate f or up to
10 minutes af ter you turn of f the
ignition switch. Opening either f ront
door cancels this f unction. To open/close the driver’s
window, push the window switch
f irmly down or up to the second
detent, and release it. The window
will automatically go up or down all
the way. To stop the window, pull/
push on the window switch brief ly. 1.
2.
Power Windows
Inst rument s and Cont rols
AUTO REVERSE
AUTO
90
DRIVER’S WINDOW
SWITCH MAIN SWITCH
Closing a power window on
someone’s hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure your passengers are
away from the windows before
closing them.

Theinsidemirrorcanautomatically
darken to reduce glare. To turn on
this feature, press the button on the
bottom of the mirror. The AUTO
indicator comes on as a reminder.
When it is on, the mirror darkens
when it senses the headlights of a
vehicle behind you, then returns to
normal visibility when the lights are
gone. Press the button again to turn
of f this sensing.
To apply the parking brake, push the
pedal down with your f oot. To
release it, push on the pedal again.
The parking brake indicator on the
instrument panel should go out when
the parking brake is fully released
with the engine running (see page ). Keeptheinsideandoutsidemirrors
clean and adjusted f or best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors bef ore
you start driving.
59
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Parking Brake
Mirrors
Parking Brake, Mirrors
92
NOTICE:
PARKING BRAKE PEDAL
AUTO SWITCH
SENSOR
INDICATOR
Driving the vehicle with the
parking brake applied can damage the
rear brakes and axles. A beeper will sound if the vehicle is put into gear
with the parking brake on.

ÛÝÚ
Ü
The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes bef ore you
f eel warm air coming f rom the
system.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reads normally.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
A/CbuttonortouchingtheA/C
icon on the models with navigation
system. A/C ON will be displayed
on the screen.
Make sure the temperature is set
to maximum heat.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear side
panels.
Set the temperature to maximum.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed. Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control buttons.
Press the A/C button to show the
A/C screen.
Select the desired mode by
touching the MODE icon, and set
the f an to the desired speed by
touching the or icon.
Adjustthewarmthwiththe
temperature control buttons ( or
).
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3. 67
Vehicles without Navigation System
Vehicles without Navigation System
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
Using the A /C
Using the Heater
Ventilation
106

There are various types of DVDs
available. Some of them are not
compatible with your system.
The DVD player in your Rear
Entertainment System can play
DVDs and CDs bearing the above
marks on their packages or jackets.
Those packages or jackets should
also bear the designation of ‘‘1’’ or
‘‘ALL’’. DVD-ROMs cannot be played
in this system.If you see an error message in the display while operating the DVD player,
find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the message, take
your vehicle to an Acura dealer.
Error Message
Cause Solution
FOCUS Error
Mechanical Error, or a
DVD has been loaded in
the CD player
High Temperature
Low Vehicle Battery
VoltagePress the EJECT button and pull out the DVD.
Check if it is inserted correctly in the DVD
Player.MakesuretheDVDisnotscratchedor
damaged.
Press the EJECT button and pull out the DVD.
Check it for damage or deformation.
If the DVD cannot be pulled out, or the error
message does not disappear after the DVD is
ejected, see an Acura dealer.
Do not try to force the DVD out of the player.
Will disappear when the temperature returns to
normal.
Run the engine to recharge the battery.
Playable DVDs
DVD Player Error Messages
Rear Entertainment System
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures140

Clock
Direction of travel
Outside temperature
Instantaneous f uel mileageTheAvgdisplayshowsyouthe
average f uel economy since you
last reset the display.
The E/T is the elapsed time that
the ignition has been on. It
automatically resets to 0.0 when it
reaches twelve hours. This display
can be reset at any time.
The display also has manual
f unctions f or the Climate Control
System. Ref er to page .
All models of MDX have a trip
computer. To operate the trip
computer on models with the
navigation system, ref er to the
navigation manual.
The Trip Computer displays the
f ollowing inf ormation.
The temperature sensor is located
in the f ront bumper, and can be
affected by heat from the road
surf ace, engine heat, and the
exhaust f rom the surrounding
traf f ic. Because of these
conditions, it may take a while f or
the temperature to read correctly. The Range, or estimated distance
you can travel on the fuel
remaining in the tank estimated
f rom the f uel economy you have
gotten over the last several miles
(kilometers).
The Trip display shows you the
total distance you have driven
since it was last reset.
Press the TRIP button to show either
the range and Avg f uel economy, or
the E/T and Trip odometer.
To reset the Avg f uel economy, E/T,
and Trip odometer, press and hold
the RESET button until you hear a
beep.
The outside temperature, f uel
economy, range, and trip odometer
can be displayed in either English or
Metric units. To change between
units, press the TRIP button and
hold it f or f ive seconds.
104
Trip Computer
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures
(Without Navigation System) Changing and Resetting the
Display
Changing Units of Measurement
147