tires Acura MDX 2005 Owner's Guide

µ
The tires on your vehicle meet all
U.S. Federal Saf ety Requirements.
All tires are also graded f or
treadwear, traction, and temperature
perf ormance according to
Department of Transportation
(DOT) standards. The f ollowing
explains these gradings.
Quality grades can be f ound where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and the
maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger vehicle tires must
conf orm to Federal Saf ety
Requirements in addition to these
grades. The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specif ied government
test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-
half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded
100. The relative perf ormance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart signif icantly f rom the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and dif f erences in
road characteristics and climate.
The traction grades, f rom highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on
specif ied government test surf aces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
perf ormance.
Warning: The traction grade
assignedtothistireisbasedon
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Unif orm T ire Quality Grading
T readwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A Treadwear
Traction AA, A, B, C
DOT T ire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
286

µ
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specif ied indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire f ailure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
perf ormance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Saf ety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
perf ormance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law. Warning: The temperature grade f or
this tire is established f or a tire that
is properly inf lated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinf la-
tion, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire
f ailure.
DOT T ire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Temperature A,B,C
T echnical Inf ormation
287

µ
µ
µ
µµ
µ
µ
µµ
µ µ
The tires that came on your vehicle
have a number of markings. Those
you should be aware of are described
below. Rim diameter in inches.
Load index (a numerical code
associated with the maximum
load the tire can carry).
Speed symbol (an
alphabetical code indicating
the maximum speed rating).
Tire Identif ication Number (TIN) is
a group of numbers and letters that
look like the f ollowing example TIN.
This indicates that the tire
meets all requirements of
the U.S. Department of
Transportation.Manuf acturer’s
identification mark.
Tire type code. Date of manuf acture.
Whenever tires are replaced, they
should be replaced with tires of the
same size. The f ollowing is an
exampleof tiresizewithan
explanation of what each component
means. Vehicletype(Pindicates
passenger vehicle).
Tire width in millimeters.
Aspect ratio (the tire’s section
height as a percentage of its
width).
Tire construction code (R
indicates radial).
P
225
55
R 94
V 16
DOT
B97R
FW6X2202
Tire Labeling
Tire Size
T ire Ident if icat ion Number
288
DOT B97R FW6X 2202
P225/55R16 94V

µ
µ
µ µ
µ µ
µ µ
µ
covers your new vehicle, except f or
the battery, emissions control
systems, and accessories, against
def ects in materials and
workmanship. these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s
emissions control systems. Time,
mileage, and coverage are
conditional. Please read your
warranty manual f or exact
inf ormation.
this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery. a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
coveredfortheusefullifeof the
vehicle.
all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
Acura accessories are covered under
this warranty. Time and mileage
limits depend on the type of
accessory and other f actors. Please
read your warranty manual f or
details.
covers all Acura
replacement parts against defects in
materials and workmanship. provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the
vehicle.
Your new vehicle is covered by these
warranties:
provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom your dealer.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2005 Acura Warranty Inf ormation
booklet that came with your vehicle
f or precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your vehicle’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty
inf ormation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2005 Warranty
Manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty Coverages
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
New Vehicle L imit ed Warrant yEmissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect sWarrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance Warranty
Original Equipment Bat t ery L imit edWarranty Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant y
Accessory Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarranty Replacement Muf f ler L if et ime
Limited Warranty
Replacement Bat t ery L imit ed
WarrantyWarrant y and Cust omer Relat ions
297

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 191
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .81
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 104
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 238
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 24
..............
Air Conditioning System . 106
.....................
Rear A/C Control .111
.........................................
Usage .107
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .108
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .252
......................................
Antif reeze .240
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .61, 209
...................................
Operation .209
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 131
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 81
................
Audio System . 112,118,123
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.........................
Automatic Lighting .75
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 146
..............
Automatic Transmission . 200
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .284
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 242.......................................
Shif ting .200
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 200
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 200
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 203
...........................
Automatic Wipers .72
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .60, 272
............................
Jump Starting .268
..............................
Maintenance .257
............................
Specif ications .285
..............................
Bef ore Driving .185
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 21
.........................
Beverage Holders .102
..................................
Booster Seats .51
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 209
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 186
...........................................
Fluid .243
....................
Bulb Replacement .247
.........................................
Parking .94
.................
System Indicator . 61,274
........................
Wear Indicators .208 .............................
Braking System .208
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 186
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 76
........................
Brights, Headlights .74
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .247
..............................
Brake Lights .247
................
Front Parking Lights . 246
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 246
.................................
Headlights .245
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 248
.................................
Rear Bulbs .247
............................
Specif ications .285
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 246
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .245
Index
A
B
INDEX
I

Î
................................
Cancel Button .146
............................
Capacities Chart .284
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 54
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .128
..........................
CD Changer .125, 126
.....
CD Changer Error Messages . 129
.......................................
CD Player .125
........................
Certif ication Label .282
...................................
Chains, .256
Change Oil ........................................
How to .238
......................................
When to .229
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .261
...
Charging System Indicator . 60,272
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 198
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 82
.....................................
Child Saf ety .35
..............................
Booster Seats .51
.............................
Child Seats .43, 44
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 38
..........................................
Inf ants .40
..........................
Larger Children .50 .........................................
LATCH .45
......................
Risks with Airbags .36
.............................
Small Children .41
..........................................
Tether .48
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 36
.......................................
Child Seats .43
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 48
...............
Climate Control System . 106
..............................................
Clock .151
.....................
Code, Audio System .131
........................
CO in the Exhaust .289
......................
Compact Spare Tire .260
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 296
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 57
Coolant ........................................
Adding .240
....................................
Checking .190
.........................
Proper Solution .240
...................
Temperature Gauge . 69
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .289
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 63
............
Cruise Control Operation . 146
...................................
Cup Holders .102
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 296................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .4, 58
................
Daytime Running Lights . 76
.................................
Dead Battery .268
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 298
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 77
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 109
....................................
Dimensions .284
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 74
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 242
..................................
Engine Oil .190
..........................
Directional Signals .74
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 208
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .239
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 82
....................
Lockout Prevention . 82
......................
Power Door Locks .82
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 286
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .197
....................................
Economy .190
tires
Index
C D
II

ÎÎ
CONT INUED
Replacement Inf ormation................
Engine Oil and Filter . 238
..........................................
Fuses .271
................................
Light Bulbs .245
....................................
Schedule .229
................................
Timing Belt .244
...........................................
Tires .252
.............................
Wiper Blades .250
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .23
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 190
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 201
................................
Rotation, Tire .254
................................
Saf ety Belts .10, 21
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 298
.................................
Saf ety Features .9
.........................................
Airbags .11
..................................
Door Locks .13
..........................
Head Restraints .15
...............................
Seat Belts .10, 16
...............
Seats & Seat-Backs . 13,14
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 55
...............................
Saf ety Messages .ii .......................
Satellite Radio, XM .118
...................................
Seat Belts .10, 21
...............
Additional Information . 21
Automatic Seat Belt ...............................
Tensioners .22
.....................................
Cleaning .249
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .21
................................
Maintenance .23
Reminder Light and ................................
Beeper .21, 60
...................
System Components . 21
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 18
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 16
.................................................
Seats .86
.........
Adjusting the Second Seat . 89
...........
Adjusting the Third Seat . 90
............
Folding the Second Seat . 89
...............
Folding the Third Seat . 90
..........................
Head Restraints .88
.......................
Third Row Access .90
............................
Security System .145
...............................
Serial Number .282
...........................
Service Intervals .231
...........................
Service Manual .299
.........
Service Station Procedures . 187Shif ting the Automatic
.............................
Transmission .200
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 200
........................
Shif t Lock Release .203
....................................
Side Airbags .29
......................
Side Curtain Airbags .31
Side Marker Lights, Bulb .........................
Replacement in .246
...............................
Signaling Turns .74
.....................................
Snow Tires .256
................
Sound System . 112,118,123
Spare Tire ..............................
Inf lating .253, 260
............................
Specif ications .285
....................
Specif ications Charts . 284
................................
Speed Control .146
...................................
Speedometer .68
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 24
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 34
......
Airbag System Components . 24
.............................
Airbag Service .33
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 32
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .26
Index
S
INDEX
VII

...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 29
How Your Side Curtain Airbags .........................................
Work .31
.............................
SRS Indicator .31 ,60
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 81
.......................
Starting the Engine .198
................
With a Dead Battery . 268
..............
State Emissions Testing . 292
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 270
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .78
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 81
...
Stereo Sound System . 112,118,123
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .258
........................................
Sun Visor .103
Supplemental Restraint System ......................................
Servicing .33
.........................
SRS Indicator .31 ,60
...................
System Components . 24
..................................
Synthetic Oil .238
.....................................
Tachometer .68
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 247
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 259Technical Descriptions
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 286
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 289
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .291
.......................
Temperature Gauge .69
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 22
............................
Thef t Protection .131
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 291
....................................
Timing Belt .244
....................................
Tire Chains .256
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 261
.................................
Tire Labeling .288
Tire Pressure Monitoring ....................
System (TPMS) .205
Low Tire Pressure ...........................
Indicator .66, 205
.......
Tire Pressure Monitor . 66,206
..................
TPMS Indicator . 66,206
...............................................
Tires .252
..............................
Air Pressure .252
.........................
Checking Wear .254
..........................
Compact Spare .260
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 286
......................................
Inf lation .252
..................................
Inspection .253 ..............................
Maintenance .254
...................................
Replacing .255
......................................
Rotating .254
...........................................
Snow .256
............................
Specif ications .285
................................
Tire Chains .256
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .213
................
Emergency Wrecker . 274
....
Equipment and Accessories . 217
.............................
Weight Limit .213
Your Vehicle Behind a ............................
Motorhome .222
.........................
Trailer Loading .215
.................
Trailer Towing Tips . 220
Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 242
...........................
Fluid Selection .242
..............
Identif ication Number . 282
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 200
.....................................
Treadwear .286
..............................
Trip Computer .149
.......................................
Trip Meter .69
....................................
Turn Signals .74
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 261
Index
T
VIII

ÎÎ
........................
XM Satellite Radio .118
Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .259
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 286
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .186
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 239
................................
Vanity Mirror .103
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 194
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .284
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 282
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ....................................
System .211
........
VSA System Indicator . 65,211
...
VSA Activation Indicator . 65,211
.........................
VSA Of f Switch .214
.............................
Vehicle Storage .258
.....................................
Ventilation .108
.................................................
VIN .282
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .237
..................................
VTM-4 Lock .204 .............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 55
..................
Warranty Coverages .297
Washer, Windshield ........
Checking the Fluid Level . 241
............................
Level Indicator .63
.....................................
Operation .71
Wheels ...............
Adjusting the Steering . 78
......................................
Wrench .263
Windows ..................
Operating the Power . 92
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .77
Windshield ...................................
Def roster .109
.......................................
Washers .71
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .250
.....................................
Operation .71
Rear Windshield Wiper and .....................................
Washer .73
....................................
Worn Tires .253
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 274: U.S. and Canada only
Index
W
V U X
INDEX
IX