Acura MDX 2011 Owner's Manual

High Speed Driving
We strongly recommend that you do
not drive faster than the posted
speed limits and conditions allow. If
you ever drive in a sanctioned
competitive event at sustained high
speeds (over 99 mph or 160 km/h),
be sure to adjust the cold tire
pressures as shown below. If you do
not, excessive heat can build up and
cause sudden tire failure.U.S. Advance Package, AdvancePackage with Entertainment, andCanadian Elite Package models
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure for High Speed Driving
P255/50R19 103H Front: 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm
2)
Rear: 36 psi (260 kPa, 2.6 kgf/cm2)
Tire Inspection
Every time you check inflation, you
should also examine the tires for
damage, foreign objects, and wear.
You should look for:●
Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
you find either of these conditions.
●
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of
the tire. Replace the tire if you can
see fabric or cord.
●
Excessive tread wear.
Your tires have wear indicators
molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down, you will see a 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on
the tire.
A tire this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see three
or more tread wear indicators.
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Tires53610/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Tire Service Life
The service life of your tires is
dependent on many factors,
including, but not limited to, driving
habits, road conditions, vehicle
loading, inflation pressure,
maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even
when the tires are not in use).In addition to your regular
inspections and inflation pressure
maintenance, it is recommended that
you have annual inspections
performed once the tires reach five
years old. It is also recommended
that all tires, including the spare, be
removed from service after 10 years
from the date of manufacture,
regardless of their condition or state
of wear.The last four digits of the TIN (tire
identification number) are found on
the sidewall of the tire and indicate
the date of manufacture (See
Tire
Labeling on page 576).
CONTINUED
Tires
537
Maintenance
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Tire Maintenance
In addition to proper inflation, correct
wheel alignment helps to decrease
tire wear. If you find a tire is worn
unevenly, have your dealer check the
wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you feel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed from the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comfort and tire life. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights for
balancing.Tire Rotation
To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back.
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire's sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a different
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
The ABS works by comparing the
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the vehicle. Tire size
and construction can affect wheel
speed and may cause the system to
activate.
When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.
Front Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
Tires53810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, replace the two front
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle's handling.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specific wheels. If you do not, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not
work.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
Installing improper tires on your
vehicle can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner's manual.
Wheel and Tire Specifications
Wheel:
MDX, Technology Package, and U.S. Technology Package with Entertainment
models18 x 8 J (TPMS)U.S. Advance Package, AdvancePackage with Entertainment, andCanadian Elite Package models19 ꭦ8ꀨ J (TPMS) Tires:
MDX, Technology Package, and U.S.
Technology Package with EntertainmentmodelsP255/55R18 104HU.S. Advance Package, AdvancePackage with Entertainment, andCanadian Elite Package modelsP255/50R19 103H
See page 574 for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading, and page
576 for tire size and labeling
information.
Winter Driving
Tires marked ‘‘M ＋ S’’ or ‘‘All
Season ’’on the sidewall have an all-
weather tread design suitable for
most winter driving conditions.
For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.
CONTINUED
Tires
539
Maintenance
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Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
vehicle, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels. The traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may be lower than your original tires.
Check with the tire dealer for
maximum speed recommendations.
Tire Chains
Mount tire chains on your tires when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Install them only on the
front tires.
Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, Acura strongly
recommends using the chains listed
below.
SCC Super Z-6＃SC 435 When installing chains, follow the
manufacturer's instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with chains installed. If
you hear them contacting the body
or chassis, stop and investigate.
Make sure the chains are installed
tightly, and that they are not
contacting the brake lines or
suspension. Remove the chains as
soon as you start driving on cleared
roads.
Using the wrong chains, or not
properly installing chains, can
damage the brake lines and
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding the
selection and use of tire chains.
Traction devices that are the wrong size
or improperly installed can damage
your vehicle's brake lines, suspension,
body, and wheels. Stop driving if they
are hitting any part of the vehicle.
Wheels
Clean the wheels as you would the
rest of the exterior. Wash them with
the same solution, and rinse them
thoroughly.
Aluminum alloy wheels have a
protective clear-coat that keeps the
aluminum from corroding and
tarnishing. Cleaning the wheels with
harsh chemicals (including some
commercial wheel cleaners) or a stiff
brush can damage the clear-coat. To
clean the wheels, use a mild
detergent and a soft brush or sponge.
Tires54010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

The sensor on the negative terminal
monitors your vehicles battery
condition.
If there is a problem with the sensor,
you will see a‘‘CHECK BATTERY
SENSOR’’ message on the multi-
information display. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer. Check the terminals for corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it off with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a cloth
or paper towel. Coat the terminals
with grease to help prevent further
corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualified technician.
WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle's
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative (－ ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt
you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
If the radio fuse is removed, the
audio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see ‘‘ENTER CODE ’’in the
frequency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the digit code (see
page 305).
Checking the Battery
541
Maintenance
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If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.●
Fill the fuel tank.
●
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
●
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
●
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
●
Block the rear wheels.
●
If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
●
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
●
Disconnect the battery.
●
Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.
●
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.
●
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from
a porous material such as cotton.
Non-porous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
●
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches full
operating temperature (the cooling
fans cycle on and off twice).
Preferably, do this once a month.
Vehicle Storage54210/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If
not, you will also find instructions on
getting your vehicle towed.Compact Spare Tire
....................
544
Changing a Flat Tire
...................
545
If the Engine Won't Start
.............
551
Jump Starting
..............................
552
If the Engine Overheats
..............
554
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
.........
556
Charging System Indicator
.........
556
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
........
557
Brake System Indicator
...............
558
Fuses
..........................................
559
Fuse Locations
............................
563
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.................................
566
Emergency Towing
.....................
566
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
..........
567
Taking Care of the Unexpected
543
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or
replaced, and put it back on your
vehicle as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inflated to:
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
Follow these precautions:
●
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
●
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surfaces. Use greater caution while
driving.
●
Do not mount snow chains on a
compact spare.
●
Do not use your compact spare tire
on another vehicle unless it is the
same make and model.
●
After the flat tire is replaced with
the spare tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS indicator stays on.
After several miles (kilometers)
driving with the spare, this
indicator begins to flash, then
stays on again. You will also see a
‘‘ CHECK TPMS SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 452).
Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement should be the same size
and design tire, mounted on the
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
Compact Spare Tire54410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

If you have a flat tire while driving,
stop in a safe place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area to stop
that is far away from the traffic lanes.
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park. Apply the
parking brake.
2. Turn on the hazard warning lights,and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
3. Open the tailgate. 4. Push the rear edge of the handle
to raise the handle loop and pull up
the loop to raise the cargo area
floor.
CARGO AREA
FLOOR
TOOLS
SPARE TIRE JACK
CONTINUED
Changing a Flat Tire
545
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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