lights Acura MDX 2007 Owner's Guide

Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set. If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes. If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and set the parking brake.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.
Parking
Parking T ips
342
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Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. Emergency
Brake Assist System increases the
stopping f orce when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the brake pedal
applies the brakes slightly. This
builds up heat, and reduces brake
ef f ectiveness and brake pad lif e. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
All f our brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Braking System
Braking System Design
Brake Wear Indicators
348
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Trailer lights and equipment must
comply with f ederal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check trailer
light requirements f or the areas
where you plan to tow, and use only
equipment designed f or your vehicle. If you use a non-Acura trailer
lighting harness and converter, you
cangetthematingconnectorand
pins that mate with the connector in
your vehicle f rom your dealer.
Since lighting and wiring vary with
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualif ied mechanic install
a suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
connector to install an optional trailer
lighting connector that mates with
your vehicle. You can get this
optional connector f rom your dealer. Ref er to the above illustration f or
wiring information.
We recommend that you have your
dealer install an Acura wiring
harness and converter. This harness
has been designed f or your vehicle.
Towing a Trailer
Trailer Lights
Driving
363
BACK-UPLIGHT ( )
TAILLIGHTS ELECTRIC BRAKE
ACCESSORY OPTION
TRAILER HAZARD
LIGHT
RIGHT TURN
SIGNAL BRAKE
DIAGNOSTIC
TRAILER BACK-UP LIGHT
B CHARGE
LEFT TURN
SIGNAL
ILLUMINATION
LIGHTS
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Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inflated.
When
preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following: The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
The
vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits.
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive. The
added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicl e’s handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
mane uvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
below.
Avoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle’s f irst 600 miles (1,000 km)
(see page ). 316
Towing a Trailer
Pre-T ow Checklist Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Break-In Period
364
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Under these conditions, trailer
stability assist begins to stabilize the
vehicl e/trailer combination by
reducing the vehicle speed. The
control unit sends signals to
selectively apply the brakes and
regulate the engine output. The
brake lights of your vehicle will be
turned on automatically by the
system even if you do not keep the
pressu re on the brake pedal.
Your
vehicle is equipped with trailer
stability assist function. This
function works on the same sensors
as the vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system. This function helps to
stabilize the vehicl e/trailer
combination when the trailer
severely sways or oscillates. For
more information of the VSA system,
see page .
When the brakes are applied, the
trailer’s brake lights come on along
wi th the vehicle brake lights.
When the trailer stability assist
activates, you will see the VSA
activation indicator blink. There may
also be some noise from the VSA
hydraulic system. Trailer
stability assist cannot prevent
a loss of control. Always reduce the
ve hicle speed and steer firmly. Do
not brake suddenly or make quick
steering motion. It could cause the
trailertojackknifeorturnoverand
the system becomes ineffective.
Trailer stability assist cannot prevent
swaying that can occur in crosswinds
and in normal and emergency
driving maneuvers. It helps only to
stabilize the vehicl e/trailer
combination in these conditions,
after the oscillation becomes severe.
If
the function detects the vehicle/
trailer instability, it checks if the
swaying is caused by the trailer, and
if the trailer swaying or oscillation is
increasing.
The vehicle/trailer combination is
more affected by crosswinds,
buffeting, and improper tongue load.
These conditions can make the
trailer unstable, and cause it to sway. Always obey the recommended
speed limits f or towing a trailer, see
page . Trailer stability assist will also be
inef f ective while driving at high
speed or towing a trailer with a high
center or gravity.
351
365
T railer Stability A ssist
Driving
367
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages in the multi-
inf ormation display, a maintenance
record, and instructions f or simple
maintenance tasks you may want to
take care of yourself . ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .374
....................
Maintenance Minder .375
....................
Maintenance Record .383
..............................
Fluid Locations .385
.......
Engine Compartment Cover .386
........................
Adding Engine Oil .387
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .388
..............................
Engine Coolant .390
....................
Windshield Washers .392
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .393
....................................
Brake Fluid .395
....................
Power Steering Fluid .396
....................................
Timing Belt .396
.............................................
Lights .397
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .403
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .403
.....................................
Floor Mats .404
.................................
Wiper Blades .405
...........................................
Wheels .408
...............................................
Tires .409
...................
Checking the Battery .415
.............................
Vehicle Storage .416
463
Maintenance
Maint enance
373
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Ì Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items
at the specified interval s. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
. Lights
Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and licen se plate lights monthly.
See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
Multi-Inf ormation Display.
410320
320
393 395 397
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
381
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CONTINUED
Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it
about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Remove
the front bulkhead cover
(see page ). Open the hood.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustment should be done by your
dealer or other qualif ied mechanic.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.
1.
2.3.
4.
386
MDX and Technology Packages models
Headlight A iming Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
L ow Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
Lights
Maint enance
397
BULB
CONNECTOR
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert
the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Open the hood.
Remove the f ront bulkhead cover
(see page ).
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.
6.
7.
6.
7.
386
Replacing Front Turn Signal/
Parking and Side Marker Light
Bulbs
Lights
398
BULB
BULB
SOCKET
FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT
PARKING LIGHT
SOCKET
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CONT INUED
Remove the bolt and use the f lat-
tipped screwdriver to remove the
holding clips located under the
f ront bumper.
Push down the inner f ender.
Your vehicle uses halogen light
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its plastic case, and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
1.
2.
Lights
Replacing Front Fog/Daytime
Running L ight Bulbs
Maint enance
399
SIDE MARKER LIGHT BOLT
HOLDING
CLIPS
BULB
SOCKET
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the
glass can cause the bulb to overheat
and shatter.
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