weight Acura MDX 2005 User Guide

Some states also require children to
use a booster seat until they reach a
given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or
60lbs).Besuretocheckcurrent
laws in the state or states where you
intend to drive.
If a child who uses a booster seat
must ride in f ront, move the vehicle
seat as far to the rear as possible,
and be sure the child is wearing the
seat belt properly.A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of their ears are
even with the top of the vehicle’s or
booster’s seat-back. A child of this
height should be tall enough to use
the lap/shoulder belt without a
booster seat.
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
age 12 and under be properly
restrained in the back seat.
If the passenger’s f ront airbag
inf lates in a moderate to severe
f rontal collision, the airbag can cause
serious injuries to a child who is
unrestrained, improperly restrained,
sitting too close to the airbag, or out
of position.
A side airbag also poses risks. If any
part of a larger child’s body is in the
path of a deploying side airbag, the
child could receive possibly serious
injuries.
Booster seats can be high-back or
low-back. Whichever style you select,
make sure the booster seat meets
f ederal saf ety standards and that you
f ollow the booster seat maker’s
instructions.
Protecting L arger Children
When Can a L arger Child Sit in
Front
52

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
inf ormation about your vehicle.
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). It
reminds you and your passengers to
f asten your seat belts. A beeper also
sounds if you have not f astened your
seat belt.
This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II), see page f or
more inf ormation. If it comes on at
any other time, it indicates a
potential problem with your f rontairbags 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 .
This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds 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 .
273
272
272 32 32
32
Instrument Panel Indicators
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator Side A irbag Of f
Indicator
60
U.S.
Canada

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
schedule. See
(see page
). Try to maintain a constant speed.
Everytimeyouslowdownand
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
fuel.Usethecruisecontrolwhen
appropriate.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Usethefresh-air
ventilation when possible.
The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
mileage and reduces the chance of
corrosion.
Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering and
hard braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear
possible. an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses more f uel.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle. 240
230 230
For example,
Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
190
RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN

·µ
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
1,158 lbs (525 kg).
The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity.
For example, if there will be f ive
150 lbs (70 kg) occupants in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
408 lbs (175 kg).
5 150 lbs (70 kg) = 750 lbs
(350 kg)
1,158 lbs (525 kg) 750 lbs (350 kg)
= 408 lbs (175 kg) Determine the combined weight
of accessories, luggage, and cargo
beingloadedinthevehicle.The
weight may not saf ely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4
[408 lbs (175 kg) in this example].
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle. Locate the statement, ‘‘the
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 1,158
lbs (525 kg)’’ on your vehicle’s
placard (on the driver’s doorjamb).
To determine the correct cargo and
luggage load limit: The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 1,158 lbs (525 kg). This f igure
includes the total weight of all
occupants, cargo, and accessories,
and the tongue load if you are towing
a trailer.
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, the load f rom your trailer
will be transf erred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.6.
Carrying Cargo
Load Limits
194
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.

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 far forward 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. 54
Carrying Cargo
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
Bef ore Driving
195

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the VTM-4System, the VSA
system, Tire Pressure Monitoring
System, and f acts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer. ........................
Driving Guidelines .198
........................
Preparing to Drive .198
.......................
Starting the Engine .199
..............
Automatic Transmission . 200
Variable Torque Management ..............................
4WD System .204
..............................
VTM-4 Lock .204
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ......................................
(TPMS) .205
...........................................
Parking .207
.............................
Braking System .208
...........................
Anti-lock Brakes .209
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ........................................
System .211
.................
Towing Weight Limits . 213
...........................
Towing a Trailer .214
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a ................................
Motorhome .222
..............
Of f -Highway Guidelines . 223
Driving
Driving
197

Your vehicle has been designed to
primarily carry passengers and their
cargo. You can also use it to tow a
trailer if you caref ully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and f ollow the guidelines in this
section.
Be sure to read theon page
if you plan to tow of f paved
surf aces.
The maximum weight of the trailer
andeverythinginoronitdependson
the number of occupants in your
vehicleandthetypeof trailerbeing
towed (see page ).
Towing a load that is too heavy can
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance.The weight that the tongue of a f ully
loaded trailer puts on the hitch
shouldbe5to10percentof thetotal
trailer weight f or boat trailers, and 8
to 15 percent of total trailer weight
f or all other trailers. (See page
f or limits f or your towing
situation). Too much tongue load
reduces front-tire traction and
steering control. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
223
215215
Driving Of f -
Highway Guidelines section
Towing Weight Limits
Load Limit
T ot al T railer Weight Tongue Load
Driving
213
Exceeding any load limit or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
beforestartingtodrive.

µµ The maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo and the tongue
load is 5,787 lbs (2,630 kg). Thebestwaytoconfirmthatall
loads are within limits is to check
them at a public scale.
To help ensure a saf e drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale,
we recommend that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described next.
Add the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manuf acturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page that
you do not exceed the limit f or your
conditions.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Measure and record the distance
from the ground to the bottom of
the trailer hitch. Connect the f ully loaded trailer to
the hitch.
Measure again f rom the ground to
the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.
Subtract the second measurement
from the first measurement, then
refer to the following table.
If the
dif f erence is:
1½’’
2¼’’ 3’’
3¾’’
If thedifferenceismorethan3¾’’
inch, you have too much load on the
tongue. Redistribute the load or
remove cargo as needed. Estimated
tongue load is:
150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
The maximum
allowable weight on the vehicle axles
are 2,888 lbs (1,310 kg) on the f ront
axle, and 2,992 lbs (1,360 kg) on the
rear axle.
The maximum allowable weight of
the f ully loaded vehicle and trailer is
9,584 lbs (4,470 kg) with the proper
hitch and f luid coolers. (See page f or inf ormation about f luid
coolers.)
The GCWR must be reduced 2
percent f or every 1,000 f eet (305
meters) of elevation. 1.
2.3.
4.
5.
215
217
Towing a Trailer
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) Estimating Loads
Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GA WR)
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR):
To Estimate the Total Trailer Weight
To Estimate the Tongue Load
214

Î
Î
ÎNumber of
Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7 Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
Max. T railer Weight Max. T ongue Load
T owing is Not Recommended
Number of
Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7 Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
Max. T railer Weight Max. T ongue Load
T owing is Not Recommended
Towing Weight Limits
Driving
215
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) 450 lbs (205 kg)
410 lbs (185 kg)
310 lbs (140 kg)
215 lbs (100 kg)
90 lbs (40 kg)
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.
Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits: BOAT TRAILERS
OTHER TYPES OF TRAILERS

To accurately check your loads at
the public scale, the vehicle and
trailer should be f ully loaded, and all
occupants should stay in the vehicle
while the attendant watches the
scale.Remember, maximum gross
combined weight should be
decreased 2 % f or every 1,000 f eet
(305 meters) of elevation.
Check the weight of the hitched
trailer. Write this number down.
Check the f ront gross axle weight.
Limit: 2882 lbs (1307 kg)
If you cannot weight on the rear
axle directly, you can calculate the
rear gross axle weight by
subtracting the weight in Step 1
from the weight in Step 2. Check the gross vehicle weight.
Limit: 5,798 lbs (2,630 kg)
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
Towing a Trailer
Checking L oads
216