Acura MDX 2009 Owner's Manual

Braking System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Brake Wear Indicators
All four 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 for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the wheels from
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the front-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal.Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred to as
‘‘stomp and steer. ’’You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
may hear some noise. This is normal:
it is the ABS rapidly pumping the
brakes. On dry pavement, you will
need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates.
However, you may feel the ABS
activate immediately if you are trying
to stop on snow or ice.
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Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
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ABS Indicator
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page81).
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page438. If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page438.If the brakes feel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
along with the ABS indicator.
Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
It only helps with steering
control during braking.
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
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The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surfaces. It does this by
regulating the engine's output and by
selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. There may also
be some noise from the VSA
hydraulic system. You will also see
the VSA activation indicator blink.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle's driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle's entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.
VSA Activation Indicator
When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA activation indicator blink.Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA) System Indicator
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is safe, and turn off the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
NOTE: The main function of the VSA
system is generally known as
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The system also includes a traction
control function. If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
CONTINUED
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
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You will also see a‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on, or the multi-
information display shows a ‘‘CHECK
TPMS SYSTEM ’’message, the VSA
system automatically turns on even
when the VSA system is turned off
by pressing the VSA OFF switch
(see page360).If this happens, you
cannot turn the VSA system off by
pressing the VSA OFF switch again.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. VSA Off Switch
This switch is under the driver's side
vent. To turn the VSA system on and
off, press and hold it until you hear a
beep.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.
With the VSA off, the trailer stability
assist function is also turned off (see
page376).VSA is turned on every time you start
the engine, even if you turned it off
the last time you drove the vehicle.
In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched off. When the VSA system
is off, the traction control system is
also off. You should only attempt to
free your vehicle with the VSA off if
you are not able to free it when the
VSA is on.
Immediately after freeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
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VSA and Tire Sizes
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malfunction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page419).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
U.S. Sport Packages and Canadian ElitemodelsThe active damper system is always
on, constantly adjusting your
vehicle's dampers to the best settings
for current road conditions along
with vehicle speed and handling
inputs.
The system uses electrically
controlled dampers to enhance
handling precision, vehicle
composure, tire to road adhesion and
rough road ride comfort isolation.
The system reacts to inputs from
various electronic sensors to give
exactly the right amount of
suspension damping to provide
optimal ride comfort and handling. The system provides two selectable
modes.
Sport mode: The system prioritizes
handling response, vehicle body
control and tire-to-road adhesion to
allow for higher performance
handling.
Comfort mode: The system
prioritizes road isolation to allow for a
more comfortable ride.
Either mode can be used in any type
of operating conditions.
CONTINUED
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System, Active Damper System
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To switch between comfort and sport
mode, press and release the active
damper system button located on the
center console to choose the desired
mode.
When comfort mode is selected, the
green indicator in the button comes
ON, and the message‘‘COMFORT ’’
will appear on the multi-information
display for five seconds.
When sport mode is selected, the
green indicator in the button goes
off, and the message ‘‘SPORT ’’will
appear on the multi-information
display for five seconds.
Active Damper System36208/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
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Active Damper System
Indicator
If there is a problem with the active
damper system, the active damper
system shuts down and the active
damper system indicator on the
instrument panel comes on.
You will also see the ‘‘CHECK ADS
SYSTEM ’’message appear on the
multi-information display. If you see this warning indicator and
message, have your vehicle checked
at your dealer as soon as possible.
In this case, your vehicle still has the
normal damper function, but it will
not have the active damper function.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can also use it to tow
a trailer if you carefully observe the
load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the guidelines
in this section.
Break-In PeriodAvoid towing a trailer during your
vehicle's first 600 miles (1,000 km)
(see page322).
Be sure to read the
Off-Highway
Driving Guidelines section on page
378if you plan to tow off paved
surfaces.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
trailer stability assist to help stabilize
the vehicle/trailer combination by
reducing the vehicle speed. For more
information, see page376.
CONTINUED
Active Damper System, Towing a Trailer
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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
before starting to drive.Load Limit
Total Trailer WeightThe maximum allowable weight of
the trailer and everything in or on it
depends on the number of occupants
in your vehicle and the type of trailer
being towed (see page366).
Towing a trailer that is too heavy can
seriously affect your vehicle's
handling and performance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain.
Tongue LoadThe weight that the tongue of a fully
loaded trailer puts on the hitch
should be 5 to 10 percent of the total
trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8
to 15 percent of total trailer weight
for all other trailers. (See page366
for limits for 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.
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)－The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all accessories, all cargo and the
tongue load is 5,952 lbs (2,700 kg).
Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GAWR) －The maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all accessories, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed 2,888
lbs (1,310 kg) on the front axle, and
3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) on the rear axle.
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) －The maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle and
trailer is 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg) with
the proper hitch. The GCWR must be
reduced 2 percent for every 1,000
feet (305 meters) of elevation. Estimating Loads
The best way to confirm that all loads
are within limits is to check them at a
public scale. For public scales in your
area, check your local phone book,
or contact your trailer dealer or
rental agency for assistance.
To help ensure a safe 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.
To Estimate the Total Trailer WeightAdd the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manufacturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page366to make
sure you do not exceed the limit for
your conditions.
To Estimate the Tongue Load1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure and record the distance
from the ground to the bottom of
the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure again from the ground to the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.
5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then
refer to the following table.
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Towing a Trailer
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MDX and Technology Packages models
If the
difference is: Estimated
tongue load is:
13/32 ’’
11/16 ’’
31/32 ’’
1 1/4 ’’ 150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
U.S. Sport Packages and Canadian Elite
models
If the
difference is: Estimated
tongue load is:
1/2 ’’
27/32 ’’
1 5/32 ’’
1 1/2 ’’ 150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
If the difference is more than 1 ꀨ
inch, you have too much load on the
tongue. Redistribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.
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