ignition Acura MDX 2011 Owners Manual

U.S. Canada
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If
it does, check the brake fluid level
the next time you stop at a service
station (see page 519).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 86). If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system's dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 86). Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Emergency
Towing on page 566).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator55810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

The secondary fuse box is on the
passenger's side.
To open it, push the tabs as shown.
U.S. Advance Package, AdvancePackage with Entertainment, andCanadian Elite Package modelsThe sub fuse box is on the
passenger's side.
To open it, push the tabs as shown. Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
563, 564, and 565, or the diagram on
the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that device. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
the cause. Replace any blown fuses,
and check if the device works.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse box.
UNDER-HOOD (SECONDARY)
TAB
UNDER-HOOD (SUB)
TAB
Fuses56010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
No. Amps. Circuits Protected1 120 A Main fuse － Not Used
2 － 1 － Not Used
2 － 2 30 A SH-AWD
2 － 3 30 A Rear Blower Motor
2 － 4 40 A ABS VSA
2 － 5 40 A Trailer Main
2 － 6 40 A Power Seats, Driver's Position
Memory System, Subwoofer,
Telescopic Steering Wheel
2 － 7 40 A Front Heated Seat, TPMS,
Moonroof, Driver's Lumbar
Support
2 － 8 － Not Used
3 － 1 60 A Fog Lights, Front Blower
Motor, Interior Light
3 － 2 40 A Headlights, Daytime Running
Lights
3 － 3 60 A Cooling Fan, Condenser Fan,
MG Clutch, Headlight
Washer
ꭧ1
3－ 4 50 A Ignition Switch Main
ꭧ 1: Canadian model
ꭧ 2: If equipped No. Amps. Circuits Protected
3 － 5 50 A Power Window
3 － 6 60 A Power Tailgate Opener/Closer,
Rear ACC Socket, Interior
Light,
Rear Defroster
3 － 7 30 A ECU (PCM)
3 － 8 30 A TECH
4 40 A Audio, Door Lock, Interior Lights, Front ACC Socket
5 30 A EPT-L
ꭧ 2
6 30 A EPT-R
ꭧ2
7 30 A Active Damper Control Unit
ꭧ2
8 30 A Audio Amplifier
9 7.5 A Battery Sensor
10 15 A Hazard
11 15 A Horn, Stop
12 20 A ABS VSA
13 20 A Trailer (Brake)
14 20 A Rear Heated Seat
ꭧ 2
15 20 A A/C Inverter
CONTINUED
Fuse Locations
563
Taking Care of the Unexpected
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The onboard refueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
filled with activated carbon. While
driving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include four systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, exhaust gas
recirculation, and three way catalytic
converter. These four systems work
together to control the engine's
combustion and minimize the
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport fuel injection. It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and fuel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine. It then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating
conditions.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)SystemThe exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system takes some of the exhaust
gas and routes it back into the intake
manifold. Adding exhaust gas to the
air/fuel mixture reduces the amount
of NOx produced when the fuel is
burned.
Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor.
Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more
information.
Emissions Controls
581
Technical Information
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
426
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
138
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
175
AC Power Outlet
........................
176
Active Damper System
...............
478
Active Head Restraints
...............
151
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
398
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.....................................
345
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
512
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....
133
Advanced Airbags
........................
30
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 26
Air Conditioning System
............
180
Rear A/C Control
....................
185
Air Outlets (Vents)
.....................
187
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
534, 535
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
418
Antifreeze
...................................
514 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator
............................
68, 456
Operation
................................
455
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
305
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
.......................................
138
Audio System
......................
190, 209
Automatic Climate Control.........
181
Automatic Lighting Off Feature
...................................
130
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
23
Automatic Speed Control
...........
342
Automatic Transmission
............
437
Capacity, Fluid
........................
572
Checking Fluid Level
..............
517
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
441
Shifting
...................................
438
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
437
Shift Lever Positions
...............
438
Shift Lock Release
...................
440
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
304 B
Battery
Charge Low
..............................
82
Charging System Indicator
........................
67, 556
Jump Starting
..........................
552
Maintenance
...........................
541
Specifications
..........................
573
Before Driving
...........................
417
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 21
Beverage Holders
......................
172
Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
......................................
470
Bluetooth
®Audio
.......................
295
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
......
362
Booster Seats
...............................
57
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Octane Requirement
...............
418
Tank, Refueling
.......................
419
Gas Station Procedures
..............
419
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature...
76
Fuel
..........................................
76
Speedometer
............................
76
Tachometer
..............................
76
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
...................................
482
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
...................................
482
Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission
...............
437, 438
Glove Box
..................................
173
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
.................................
482
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.................................
482
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
...................................
482 H
Halogen Headlight Bulbs
...........
521
HandsFreeLink
®
........................
362
Hazard Warning Flashers
..........
131
Headlights
.................................
127
Aiming
....................................
521
Automatic Lighting Off
............
130
Daytime Running Lights
.........
129
High Beam Indicator
................
72
High Beams, Turning on
.........
127
Lights On Indicator
..................
72
Low Beams, Turning on
..........
127
Reminder Chime
.....................
128
Replacing Halogen Bulbs
........
521
Turning on
..............................
127
Washers
..................................
126
Headphones
...............................
335
Head Restraints
..........................
149
Heated Mirror
............................
165
Heaters, Seats
............................
156
Heating and Cooling
..................
180
High Altitude, Starting at
............
436
High Beam Lever
................
127, 128
High-Low Beam Switch
..............
127 HomeLink
®Universal
Transceiver
............................
360
Hood, Opening and Closing the
..........................................
421
Horn
......................................
4, 124
I
Identification Number, Vehicle
...................................
570
Ignition Keys
........................................
135
Switch
.....................................
138
Timing Control System
...........
581
Immobilizer System
...................
137
Important Safety Precautions
.........
6
CONTINUED
Index
V
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Turn Signal
.............................
127
Load Limit
...........................
429, 481
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....
138
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column
......
138
Childproof Door
......................
140
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
419
Glove Box
...............................
173
Lockout Prevention
.................
140
Power Door
.............................
139
Tailgate
...........................
140, 141
Low Coolant Level
......................
422
Lower Anchors
.............................
49
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
75
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
67, 556
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
572
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
428
M
Maintenance
..............................
499
Main Items and Sub Items
......
505
Minder
....................................
501 Owner's Maintenance
Checks
................................
507
Safety
......................................
500
Schedule
.................................
508
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................
67, 557
Memory, Driving Position
..........
166
Message Display
..........................
85
Message Indicator
.......................
71
Meters, Gauges
............................
76
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
418
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
164
Modifications
.............................
427
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
427
Moonroof
...................................
161
Multi-Information Display
............
77
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
439
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
418
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
570 O
Octane Requirement,
Gasoline
.................................
418
Odometer
.....................................
79
Odometer, Trip
............................
79
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
494
Oil Change, How to
......................
512
Change, When to
....................
501
Checking Engine
....................
422
Life, Engine
.............................
501
Pressure Indicator
.............
67, 556
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
...................................
511
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
138
Outside Mirrors
.........................
163
Outside Temperature
...................
80
Overheating, Engine
..................
554
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
507
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
418
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Side Curtain Airbags
....................
34
How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work
....................................
34
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in
.......................
523
Signaling Turns
............................
69
Snow Tires
.................................
540
Sound System
.....................
190, 209
Spare Tire
..................................
544
Inflating
...........................
534, 544
Specifications
..........................
573
Spark Plugs
................................
573
Specifications
.............................
572
Speed Control
............................
342
Speed Limiter
.............................
440
Speedometer
................................
76
SRS, Additional Information
.........
26
Additional Safety Precautions
...
38
Airbag Service
..........................
37
Airbag System Components
.....
26
How the Side Airbag Off
Indicator Works
...................
35
How the SRS Indicator Works
..
35
How Your Front Airbags Work
....................................
29
How Your Side Airbags Work
..
32 How Your Side Curtain Airbags
Work
....................................
34
SRS Indicator
.........................
35, 68
START (Ignition Key
Position)
.................................
138
Starting the Engine
....................
436
Auto Control Mode
.................
436
In Cold Weather at High Altitude
................................
436
With a Dead Battery
................
552
State Emissions Testing
.............
583
Steam Coming from Engine
.......
554
Steering Wheel Adjustments
............................
133
Anti-theft Column Lock
...........
138
Buttons
...........................
302, 342
Position Memory
....................
166
Stereo Sound System
..........
190, 209
Storage Compartment
................
173
Storing Your Vehicle
..................
542
Sunglasses Holder
.....................
174
Sun Visor
...................................
174
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive ™
(SH-AWD
®) System
................
446 Supplemental Restraint
System
............................
10, 26
Servicing
..................................
37
SRS Indicator
......................
35, 68
System Components
................
26
Synthetic Oil
..............................
512
T
Tachometer
..................................
76
Tailgate
......................................
140
Open Indicator
.........................
74
Opening the
............................
140
Power
......................................
141
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in
.....
525
Taking Care of the Unexpected
............................
543
Technical Descriptions DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
574
Emissions Control Systems
.....
580
Three Way Catalytic Converter
............................
582
Tire Labeling
...........................
576
IndexX10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu