airbag Acura MDX 2004 Owner's Guide

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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
CONT INUED
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols57
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
SYSTEM (VSA) INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATORSUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
DOOR AND TAILGATE
OPEN MONITOR
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
LOW FUEL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON
INDICATOR
WASHER LEVEL
INDICATOR
SEAT BELT
REMINDER
INDICATOR PARKING
BRAKE AND
BRAKE
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
TPMS INDICATOR
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR
BRAKE LAMP
INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED
INDICATOR
VTM- 4INDICATOR
A/T TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR (P.243)
(P.58)
(P.58)
(P.65)
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.62)
(P.62) (P.60)/
(P.60,64)
(P. 61)
(P.63)
(P.61)
(P.61)
(P.
58)
(P. 59)
(P.59) (P.61)
(P.62)
(P.58) (P.58)(P.64)
(P.64)
(P. 59)
(P.
60)
(P. 63)

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
inf ormation about your vehicle.
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II). It
is a reminder to you and your
passengers to f asten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
f astened your seat belt.
If you turn the ignition switch to ON
(II) bef ore f astening your seat belt,
the beeper sounds and the indicator
f lashes. If you do not f asten your
seat belt bef ore the beeper stops, the
indicator stops f lashing but remains
on.
If you continue driving without
f astening your seat belt, the beeper
sounds and the indicator f lashes
again at regular intervals.See page .
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator f lashes or stays on
when the engine is running. For
more inf ormation, see page .
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more inf ormation,
see page .
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If
it comes on at any other time, it
indicates that the passenger’s side
airbag has automatically shut off.
For more inf ormation, see page . This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If
it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a potential problem with
your f ront airbags or automatic seat
belt tensioners. This indicator will
also alert you to a potential problem
with your side airbags, passenger’s
side airbag automatic cutoff system,
driver’s seat position sensor, f ront
passenger’s weight sensors, or side
curtain airbags. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
243
242
242 29
28
Instrument Panel Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
IndicatorSupplemental Restraint
System Indicator
Side Airbag Of f Indicator
58

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To use the horn, press the pad around the ‘‘A’’ logo.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
68
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VTM-4 LOCK
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
FOG LIGHTS HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
REMOTE AUDIO
CONTROLS HORN
CRUISE CONTROL
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST SYSTEM OFF
SWITCH
STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS
(P.72)
(P.75)
CRUISE CONTROL
(P.144)
(P.184)
(P.128)
(P.76) (P.74)
(P.176)
(P.75)
(P.74)
(P.69) (P.30)
(P.144) PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATORHAZARD WARNING
BUTTON

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

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.Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
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, TPMS, and anti-lock
brake system.
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 ying Your Vehicle’’ on page
f or additional inf ormation.)
Your dealer has Acura accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows as these may interf ere
with proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
Have the installer contact your
Acura dealer f or assistance bef ore
installing any electronic accessory.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.246
164
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
A ccessories
163
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.

Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with non-
Acura (aftermarket) components
could seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are:Lowering your vehicle with an
aftermarket suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with an
af termarket suspension kit can
af f ect handling and stability.
Af termarket wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components. Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Do not modif y your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modif ications could make the
system inef f ective. See the saf ety
precautions on page .
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your Acura dealer. Any object
attached to or placed on the covers
marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ in the
center of the steering wheel and
on top of the dashboard, could
interf ere with the proper operation
of the airbags. Or, if the airbags
inf late, the objects could be
propelled inside the vehicle and
hurt someone.
This could prevent the
airbag from inflating properly. If a side airbag
inflates,acupholderorotherhard
object attached on or near the
door could be propelled inside the
vehicle and hurt someone.
32
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
Modif ying Your Vehicle
Additional Saf ety Precautions
Do not at t ach or place object s on
the f ront airbag covers.
Do not place any object s over orreplacetheoutsideedgeof afrontseat -back.
Do not at t ach hard object s on or
near a f ront door.
164

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
under the seats and interf ere with
the pedals or seat operation.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as f ar f orward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
If you carry large items that
prevent you f rom closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of
, f ollow the instructions
on page .
If you carry any items on a roof
rack,besurethetotalweightof
the rack and the items does not
exceed 165 lbs (75 kg).
If you use an accessory roof rack,
the roof rack weight limit may be
lower. Ref er to the inf ormation that
came with your roof rack. Theseparationnetcanbeusedto
hold back sof t, lightweight items
stored in the cargo area. Heavy
items should be properly secured on
the f loor of the cargo area. The net
may not prevent heavy items f rom
being thrown f orward in a crash or a
sudden stop.
The cargo cover can be used to
cover the cargo area behind the third
row seats. When the third row seats
are folded down, the cargo cover can
be installed in a f orward position and
extended over the larger cargo area.
Do not install the cargo cover in the
f orward position if the third row
seats are not f olded down.
If youfolddownthesecondor
third row seats, f ollow the
instructions above and be sure to
keep all cargo near the windows
below the bottom of the windows.
If cargo is higher, it could
interf ere with proper operation of
thesidecurtainairbags. 51
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Carrying Cargo in the Cargo A rea
or on a Roof Rack
carbon monoxide
poisoning Optional Separation Net
Optional Cargo Cover
167

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 163
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .79
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 101
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 206
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 22
..............
Air Conditioning System . 104
.....................
Rear A/C Control .109
.........................................
Usage .105
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .106
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .221
......................................
Antif reeze .208
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .59, 181
...................................
Operation .181
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 129
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 79
................
Audio System . 110,115,125
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.........................
Automatic Lighting .73
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 144
..............
Automatic Transmission . 172
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .254
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 210.......................................
Shif ting .172
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 172
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 172
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 175
...........................
Automatic Wipers .70
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .58, 242
............................
Jump Starting .238
..............................
Maintenance .226
............................
Specif ications .255
..............................
Bef ore Driving .157
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,19
...........................
Beverage Holders .99
..................................
Booster Seats .48
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 181
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 158
...........................................
Fluid .212
....................
Bulb Replacement .216
.........................................
Parking .92
.................
System Indicator . 59,244
........................
Wear Indicators .180 .............................
Braking System .180
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 158
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 74
........................
Brights, Headlights .72
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .216
..............................
Brake Lights .216
................
Front Parking Lights . 215
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 215
.................................
Headlights .214
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 217
.................................
Rear Bulbs .216
............................
Specif ications .255
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 215
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .214
Index
A
B
I

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................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 74
.................................
Dead Battery .238
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 268
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 75
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 107
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .211
....................................
Dimensions .254
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 72
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 210
..................................
Engine Oil .161
..........................
Directional Signals .72
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 180
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .207
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 80
....................
Lockout Prevention . 80
......................
Power Door Locks .80
................................
Cancel Button .144
............................
Capacities Chart .254
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 51
.............................
Carrying Cargo .165
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .127
...................................
Operation .125
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .119
..........................
CD Changer .116, 117
.....
CD Changer Error Messages . 122
.......................................
CD Player .116
.........
CD Player Error Messages . 120
........................
Certif ication Label .252
...................................
Chains, .225
Change Oil ........................................
How to .206
......................................
When to .197
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .231
...
Charging System Indicator . 58,242
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 170
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 80
.....................................
Child Saf ety .33
..............................
Booster Seats .48 .............................
Child Seats .40, 41
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 36
..........................................
Inf ants .38
..........................
Larger Children .47
.........................................
LATCH .42
......................
Risks with Airbags .34
.............................
Small Children .39
..........................................
Tether .45
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 34
.......................................
Child Seats .40
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 45
...............
Climate Control System . 104
..............................................
Clock .130
.....................
Code, Audio System .129
........................
CO in the Exhaust .259
......................
Compact Spare Tire .230
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 266
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant ........................................
Adding .208
....................................
Checking .162
.........................
Proper Solution .208
...................
Temperature Gauge . 67
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .259
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 61............
Cruise Control Operation . 144
.....................................
Cup Holders .99
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 266
tires
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .105
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .103
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 159Filters
...............................................
Oil .206
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 231
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 210
..........................................
Brake .212
......................
Dif f erential Fluid .211
..........................
Power Steering .213
...................
Transf er Assembly . 211
..................
Windshield Washer . 209
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .113
........................................
Fog Lights .75
................
Folding the Second Seat . 87
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 88
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
........................................
Front Seat .84
......................................
Adjusting .84
.........................................
Airbags .23
.........................................
Heaters .89
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 256
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .169
....................................
Economy .162
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .94
..................
DVD Error Messages . 140
...................................
DVD Player .133
..............................
Economy, Fuel .162
..................................
Emergencies .229
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 238
...........
Brake System Indicator . 244
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 231
.....
Charging System Indicator . 242
..................
Checking the Fuses . 246
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 74
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 242
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 243
..................
Overheated Engine . 240
.......................................
Towing .244
...........................
Emergency Brake .92
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .244 .......................
Emissions Controls .259
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 67
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .58, 243
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 58,242
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 205
...............................
Overheating .240
............................
Specif ications .255
............................
Speed Limiter .174
.......................................
Starting .171
...................
Engine, .237
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 259
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .51
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .260
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .17
if it won’t start
Index
E
F
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