instrument panel Acura MDX 2008 Owner's Manual

Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.As you read this manual, you will
f ind inf ormation that is preceded by
a symbol. This
inf ormation is intended to help you
avoid damage to your vehicle, other
property, or the environment.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to
read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Af terwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the maintenance minder shown in the
instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-f ree while it preserves
your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that
your dealer’s staf f is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique
to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisf action and will be
pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2008 Acura MDX was a wise investment.
It will give you years of driving pleasure.
Introduction
i
\f—\f—\fy\f\fy
()-
\fy\f\f\fy
2008 MDX

A convenient ref erence to the
sections in this manual.
A quick ref erence to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and gauge,
and how to use the controls on the
dashboard and steering column.What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
The proper way to start the engine,
shif t the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you’re
planning to tow a trailer.
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Important inf ormation about the
proper use and care of your vehicle’s
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable inf ormation on how to
protect children with child restraints.
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, rear
entertainment system, and other
convenience f eatures. The maintenance minder shows you
when you need to take your vehicle
to the dealer for maintenance service.
There is also a list of things to check
and instructions on how to check
them.
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience,
and details how to handle them.A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual f or detailed
inf ormation.
How to order manuals and other
technical literature.
A summary of the inf ormation you
need when you pull up to the f uel
pump.
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
Instruments and Controls
Features Bef ore Driving
Driving
Maintenance
T echnical Inf ormation
T aking Care of the Unexpected Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
Index
Service Inf ormation Summary
Overview of Contents
2
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
()-
\fy\f\f\fy
2008 MDX

Î
Î
Î Î
Î
CONT INUED: If equipped
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Your Vehicle at a Glance
3
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE AUDIO SYSTEM
GAUGES INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
HEADPHONE CONNECTORS
AUXILIARY INPUT JACKS
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEMMIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTON
PARKING BRAKE
PEDAL REAR CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM
MOONROOF SWITCH
POWER TAILGATE
BUTTON
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
PARKING BRAKE
RELEASE HANDLE
(P.63)
(P.72)
(P.130)
(P.132) PASSENGER’S
FRONT AIRBAG
DRIVER’S FRONT
AIRBAG
(P.9,27) HomeLink
BUTTONS
(P.157)
(P.153)
(P.149)
(P.323)
(P.325) (P.153)(P.267) (P.268)
(P.276)
(P.152)
(P.154)
(P.9,27) (P.170)
(P.180)
(P.341)
(P.175)
——y
y
()-
yy
2008 MDX

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

Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts in all seating positions.
Seat belts are the single most
effectivesafetydeviceforadultsand
larger children. (Inf ants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats.)
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle’s built-in saf ety f eatures.
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including f rontal,
side, and rear impacts and
rollovers. Help keep you f rom being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
Keep you f rom being thrown out
of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury f rom an inf lating airbag and
allows you to get the best
advantage f rom the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury. Always wear
your seat belt, and make sure you
wear it properly.
Your seat belt system also includes
an indicator on the instrument panel
and a beeper to remind you and your
passengers to f asten your seat belts.
Your Vehicle’sSaf ety Features
Seat Belts
Why Wear Seat Belt s
What you should do:
8
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
()-
\fy\f\f
y
2008 MDX

This system uses the same sensors
as the front airbags to monitor
whether the f ront seat belts are
latched or unlatched, and how much
weight is on the f ront passenger’s
seat (see pages and ).If either the driver or a f ront
passenger does not f asten their seat
belt while driving, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will f lash
again at regular intervals.
When no one is sitting in the f ront
passenger’s seat, or a child or small
adult is riding there, the indicator
should not come on and the beeper
should not sound.
You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT
BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER
SEAT BELT’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
The seat belt system
includes an indicator on the
instrument panel and a beeper to
remind you and your passengers to
f asten your seat belts.
This system monitors the f ront seat
belts. If you turn the ignition switch
to the ON (II) position bef ore your
seat belt is f astened, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will f lash. If
your seat belt is not f astened bef ore
the beeper stops, the indicator will
stop f lashing but remain on.
If a f ront passenger does not f asten
their seat belt, the indicator will
come on about 6 seconds af ter the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in all seven seating
positions. The f ront seat belts are
also equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners.
2930 81
Additional Inf ormation About Your Seat Belts
Seat Belt System Components
20
\f—\f—\fy\fy
()-
\fy\f\fy
2008 MDX

Automatic front seat belt
tensioners (see page ).An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags,
sensors, or seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you that the
passenger’s side airbag has been
turned of f (see page ).
An indicator on the dashboard that
alerts you that the passenger’s
f ront airbag has been turned of f
(see page ).
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
Weight sensors that monitor the
weight on the f ront passenger’s
seat. If the weight is about 65 lbs
(29 kg) or less (the weight of an
inf ant or small child), the
passenger’s f ront airbag will be
turned of f (see page ).
A rollover sensor that can detect if
your vehicle is about to roll over
and signal the control unit to
deploy both side curtain airbags
and f ront seat belt tensioners (see
page ).
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, the seat belt
tensioners, and driver and f ront
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II)
position.
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe front impact,
side impact, or if your vehicle is
about to rollover.
Sensors that can detect whether a
child is in the passenger’s side
airbag path and signal the control
unit to turn the airbag of f (see
page ).
Sensors that can detect whether
the driver’s seat belt and the f ront
passenger’s seat belt are latched
or unlatched (see page ).
A driver’s seat position sensor that
monitors the distance of the seat
from the front airbag. If the seat is
too f ar f orward, the airbag will
inf late with less f orce (see page
). 22
29 29
33
31 32 33
34
20
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
26
\f—\f—\fy\fy
()-
\fy\f\f
y
2008 MDX

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .62
............................
Instrument Panel .63
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators .64
.............................................
Gauges .72
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display .73
Controls Near the Steering
.........................................
Wheel .115
Windshield Wipers and
.................................
Washers .116
Rear Window Wiper and ...................................
Washer .117
.........
Turn Signal and Headlights .118
...............
Hazard Warning Button .122
...............
Rear Window Def ogger .122
......
Instrument Panel Brightness .123
......
Steering Wheel Adjustments .124
.............................
Keys and Locks .126
......................
Immobilizer System .128
..............................
Ignition Switch .129
....................................
Door Locks .130
............
Childproof Door Locks .131
..........................................
Tailgate .131
..........................
Power Tailgate .132
.....................
Remote Transmitter .135
...............................................
Seats .140
...................
Detachable Anchor .146 ..................................
Seat Heaters .148
............................
Power Windows .149
.......................................
Moonroof .152
...............................
Parking Brake .153
...........................................
Mirrors .154
Driving Position Memory
........................................
System .157
...............................
Interior Lights .159
.........
Interior Convenience Items .162
.....................
Beverage Holders .163
.............
Console Compartment .164
..............
Storage Compartment .164
..................................
Glove Box .164
....................
Sunglasses Holder .165
.............................
Cargo Hooks .165
...................................
Sun Visor .166
............................
Vanity Mirror .166
........
Accessory Power Sockets .166
.......................
AC Power Outlet .167
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
\f—\f—\fy\fy
()-
\fy\f\fy
2008 MDX

Î
Î
Î Î
Î
: If equipped
Control L ocations
62
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE AUDIO SYSTEM
GAUGES INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
HEADPHONE CONNECTORS
AUXILIARY INPUT JACKS
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEMMIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTON
PARKING BRAKE
PEDAL REAR CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM
MOONROOF SWITCH
POWER TAILGATE
BUTTON
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
PARKING BRAKE
RELEASE HANDLE (P.130)
(P.132) (P.63)
(P.72) HomeLink
BUTTONS
(P.157)
(P.153) (P.149)
(P.323)
(P.325) (P.153)(P.267) (P.268)
(P.276)
(P.152)
(P.154)(P.170)
(P.180)
(P.341)
(P.175)
——yy
()-
yy
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