Vehicle stability Acura MDX 2008 Owner's Manual

Î
Î
Î Î
Î
Î
To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
1:
If equipped
2:
Your Vehicle at a Glance
4
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
PARKING BRAKE
RELEASE HANDLE POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
MIRROR CONTROLS PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
STEERING WHEEL
AUDIO CONTROLS
HEADLIGHT/TURN SIGNAL/
FRONT FOG LIGHTS
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTSHORN
CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS SEAT HEATER
SWITCHES
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
(P.117)
(P.130) (P.132) (P.124) (P.122)
(P.122)
(P.34)
(P.123)
(P.116)
(P.118)
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKETS
HEADLIGHT WASHER
SWITCH
POWER TAILGATE
BUTTON ACTIVE DAMPER
SYSTEM SWITCH
(P.360)
(P.155)
(P.157)
(P.153) (P.149)(P.323) (P.233)
(P.325) (P.166)
(P.148)
(P.361)
(P.270)
1
2
2 2
\f—\f—\fy\f

y
()-
\fy\f\f\fy
2008 MDX

Î
Î
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.: If equipped
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
63
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LAMP
A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.65)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR FOG LIGHT INDICATORACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATORCRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
(P.70)
(P.71)
(P.66)
(P.69)
(P.65)
(P.68)
(P.65) (P.70)(P.67)(P.67)
(P.71)
(P.70)
(P.70)
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR (P.71)
(P.68)
(P.66)
(P.66)
(P.70)
(P.64)
(P.73)
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR
MESSAGE INDICATOR
(P.69)
(P.437) (P.70)
\f—\f—\fy\fy
()-
\fy\f\fy
CHARGINGSYSTEMINDICATOR
SH-AWD INDICATOR®
2008 MDX

This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If itcomesonandstaysonatany
other time, or it does not come on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, there is a
problem with the VSA system. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
Take your vehicle to a dealer to have
it checked. Without VSA, your
vehicle still has normal driving ability,
but will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. For more
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator may also come on if
there is a problem with the trailer
stability assist f unction (see page). This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. For more inf ormation, see
page .
This indicator has f our f unctions.
Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
It f lashes when trailer stability
assist is activating (see page ).
It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM’’ message and a
‘‘CHECK TRAILER STABILITY
ASSIST’’ message on the multi- inf ormation display (see page ).
The lef t or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If an indicator does not blink
or blinks rapidly, it usually means
one of the turn signal bulbs is
burned out (see page ). Replace
the bulb as soon as possible, since
other drivers cannot see that you are
signaling.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signal indicators
and all turn signals on the outside of
the vehicle f lash.
1.
2.
3.
4.
81 81
359
375 359
359 375 404
Instrument Panel Indicators
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
VSA A ctivation Indicator
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
Inst rument s and Cont rols
67
——yy
()-
yy
2008 MDX

Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel. If equipped
1:
2:
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
115
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
MIRROR CONTROLS PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
STEERING WHEEL
AUDIO CONTROLS
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON HEADLIGHT/TURN SIGNAL/
FRONT FOG LIGHTS
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES SEAT HEATER
SWITCHES
(P.117)
(P.122)
(P.122) (P.34) (P.123)
(P.116)
(P.118)
(P.130) ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKETS
HORN
HEADLIGHT WASHER
SWITCH
ACTIVE DAMPER
SYSTEM SWITCH
(P.233)
(P.360)
(P.155)
(P.157)
(P.149)
(P.323) (P.166)
(P.148)
(P.361)
CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTS
(P.124)
POWER TAILGATE
BUTTON (P.132)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.325) (P.270)
2
1
1
1
——yy
()-
y
y
2008 MDX

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.
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. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
Your dealer has Acura accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.
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 your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system. If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
Although non-Acura 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.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.440
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
330
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.
\f—\f—\fy
\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

Some examples are:Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with
af termarket components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability. Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety features can make the
systems inef f ective.
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Lowering your vehicle with a
non-Acura 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 a non-
Acura suspension kit can af f ect
the handling and stability.
Non-Acura wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
331
\f—\f—\fy
\f\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
BeforeDriving
2008 MDX

Your vehicle has several convenient
storage areas:Glove box
Rear cargo area, including the
second and third row seats when
folded flat
Console compartment
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can af f ect
your vehicle’s handling, stability,
stopping distance, and tires, and
make it unsaf e. Bef ore carrying any
type of cargo, be sure to read the
f ollowing pages. Rear compartment
Roof -rack (if equipped)
Storage compartment
Door and seat-back pockets
Carrying Cargo
332
SEAT-BACK POCKETS
GLOVE BOX DOOR POCKETS
REAR COMPARTMENT
CONSOLE COMPARTMENT
STORAGE COMPARTMENT CARGO AREA
\f—\f—\fy
\f\f
y
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

µµ·
Label Example
See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
This f igure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer. Steps f or Determining Correct Load
Limit
Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs. The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
f ive 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.
(1,400 750 (5 150) = 650 lbs.)
Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not saf ely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, 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.
The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 1,158 lbs (525 kg).
(1)
(2)
(3) (4)
(5)
(6)
Load Limits
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
333
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.
\f—\f—\fy
\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

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 super handling-all wheel
stability assist (VSA) system, active
damper system, the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS), and
f acts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer or drive off-high way.........................
Driving Guidelines .338
........................
Preparing to Drive .338
.......................
Starting the Engine .339
Check Starting System .................................
Message .340
..............
Automatic Transmission .341
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
...........................................
Parking .350
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
......................................
(TPMS) .351
.............................
Braking System .356
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .357
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
........................................
System .359
................
Active Damper System .361
...........................
Towing a Trailer .363
..................
Trailer Stability Assist .375
Of f -Highway Driving
..................................
Guidelines .377
Driving
Driving
337
\f—\f—\fy
\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
drive(SH-AWD®) system, the vehicle(SH-AWD®) System ....................348
2008 MDX

Each torque indicator is displayed
as a bar graph divided into 5
segments. The number of
segments represents the amount
of torque distributed to each
wheel.
monitor on the multi-inf ormation
display shows you the amount of
torque being sent to the wheels.
Each wheel: right f ront (RF), lef t
front(LF),rightrear(RR),andleft
rear (LR), has its own torque
indicator.
The super handling-all wheel drive
wheel-drive system that
automatically controls and transfers
varying amounts of engine torque to
all wheels independently, according
to the driving conditions.
enhance the vehicle’s driving
stability in all situations, it is still
your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.
When there is only a slight change in
torque distribution while driving,
such as cruising on level roads at the
same speed, the torque distribution
monitor may stop displaying the
amount of torque. This is not a
system problem. The monitor will
show the amount if the system
senses any change in torque
distribution.
Monitor
348
TORQUE INDICATOR
TORQUE INDICATOR
\f—\f—\fy
\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
) System®SuperHandling-AllWheelDrive(SH-AWD
(SH-AWD®) system is a f ull time all-
SH-AWD®T orque Distribution
WhiletheSH-AWD®system helps to
TheSH-AWD®torque distribution
2008 MDX