Acura MDX 2011 Manual PDF

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your vehicle.
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. It reminds you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
fastened your seat belt.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position before fastening
your seat belts, the beeper sounds,
and the indicator flashes. If you do
not fasten your seat belts before the
beeper stops, the indicator stops
flashing but remains on.
If your front passenger does not
fasten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds after the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position. If either of you do not fasten your
seat belt while driving, the beeper
will sound and the indicator will flash
again at regular intervals, and you
will see a
‘‘FASTEN SEAT BELT ’’or
‘‘ FASTEN PASSENGER SEAT
BELT ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 86).
For more information, see page 21.
Instrument Panel Indicators6610/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator flashes or stays on
when the engine is running, or if a
‘‘ CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL ’’
message is on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page 556.Charging System
Indicator
This indicator has two functions:
1. If it comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being
charged, and you will see a
‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display.
2. This indicator also comes on when the battery needs to be replaced
along with a ‘‘REPLACE BATTERY ’’
message on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page 556.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display. For more
information, see page 557.
U.S. Canada
Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
This indicator has two functions:
1. It comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not fully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will
sound, and you will also see a
‘‘RELEASE PARKING BRAKE ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 86). 2. If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a ‘‘LOW
BRAKE FLUID ’’or ‘‘CHECK
BRAKE SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display (see
pages 86). For more information,
see page 558.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
67
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates a potential
problem with your front airbags. This
indicator will also alert you to a
potential problem with your airbag
system components. You will also
see a ‘‘CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 86). For more
information, see page 35.
U.S. Canada
Side Airbag Off
Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that the
passenger's side airbag has
automatically shut off. You will also
see a ‘‘PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
OFF ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 86).
For more information, see page 35.
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock function. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).
For more information, see page 455.
Instrument Panel Indicators6810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA) System Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It flashes when VSA is
active (see page 467).
If it comes on and stays on at any
other time, there is a problem with
the VSA or Hill Start Assist system.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).
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
information, see page 467.
This indicator may also come on if
there is a problem with the trailer
stability assist function (see page
492).
VSA Off Indicator
It comes on as a reminder that you
have turned off the vehicle stability
assist (VSA) system.
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. For more information, see
page 467.
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
The left 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 523). 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 flash.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
69
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
This indicator has two functions:
1. If it comes on while driving, it indicates that one or more of your
vehicle's tires are significantly low
on pressure.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).
Check the tire pressure monitor on
the multi-information display and
determine the cause (see page 450). If this happens, pull to the side of the
road when it is safe, check which tire
has lost pressure on the multi-
information display, and determine
the cause. If it is because of a flat tire,
have the flat tire repaired as soon as
possible. If two or more tires are
underinflated, call a professional
towing service. For more
information, see page 566.
2. If this indicator begins to flash,
there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system
(TPMS). You will also see a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display. The indicator continues to
flash for a while (approximately 1
minute), then stays on. If this
happens, have your dealer check
the system as soon as possible.
For more information, see page
452.
A/T Temperature
Indicator
This indicator monitors the
temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid. It should come on
for a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on while driving,
it means the transmission fluid
temperature is too high. Pull to the
side of the road when it is safe, shift
to Park, and let the engine idle until
the indicator goes out.
You will also see an ‘‘A/T TEMP
HIGH ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).
Continuing to drive with the A/T
temperature indicator on may cause
serious damage to the transmission.
Instrument Panel Indicators7010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Message Indicator
This indicator comes on when there
is a system message on the multi-
information display. Press the INFO
button on the steering wheel (see
page 77) to see the message (see
page 86).
Most of the time, this indicator
comes on along with other indicators
in the instrument panel such as the
seat belt reminder indicator, SRS
indicator, VSA system indicator, etc.
Super Handling-All
Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the SH-AWD system. You will also
see a ‘‘CHECK SH-AWD SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 87). Take your
vehicle to a dealer to have it checked.
For more information, see page 446. If the indicator blinks while driving,
it indicates the differential
temperature is too high.
You will also see a
‘‘SH-AWD DIFF
TEMP. HIGH ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).
Pull to the side of the road when it is
safe, shift to Park, and let the engine
idle until the indicator goes out.
Continuing to drive with the SH-AWD
indicator blinking may cause serious
damage to the system.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
71
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine's fuel system will be
disabled (see page 137).
Lights On Indicator
This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or
position. This indicator will
also come on when the light switch is
in AUTO and the lights turn on
automatically. If you turn the ignition
switch to the ACCESSORY (I) or the
LOCK (0) position without turning
off the light switch, this indicator will
remain on. A reminder chime will
also sound when you open the
driver's door.
Fog Light Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the fog lights. For more
information, see page 129.High Beam Indicator
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
information, see page 127.
Instrument Panel Indicators7210/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) Indicator
On models with adaptive cruise control(ACC)This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
When you push the MAIN button on
the steering wheel, this indicator
comes on green. You will also see
‘‘ ACC’’ on the multi-information
display.
If the indicator comes on amber,
there is a problem with the ACC
system. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ACC SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display (see page
87). Take your vehicle to your dealer
to have it checked. For more
information, see page 345.
Cruise Main Indicator
On models without adaptive cruise control (ACC)This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button (see
page 342).
Cruise Control Indicator
On models without adaptive cruisecontrol (ACC)This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page 342
for information on operating the
cruise control.
Collision Mitigation
Braking System ™
(CMBS ™) Indicator
On models with collision mitigation
braking system ™(CMBS ™)This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It also comes on as a
reminder that you have turned off the
collision mitigation braking system ™
(CMBS ™).
The CMBS indicator also comes on if
dirt or other debris blocks the radar
sensor in the front grille. You will
also see a ‘‘CHECK CMBS RADAR
SENSOR ’’message on the multi-
information display. When you clean
the radar sensor, the indicator
should go off the next time you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
73
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

If the indicator comes on at any other
time, there is a problem with the
CMBS. You will also see a‘‘CHECK
CMBS SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display. If this
happens, take your vehicle to your
dealer, and have it checked. For
more information, see page 457.
When this indicator is on, the CMBS
is not working.
Door/Tailgate Open
Indicator
This indicator comes on red if any
door or the tailgate is not closed
tightly.
You will also see a corresponding
indicator(s) on the multi-information
display to indicate which door and/
or the tailgate is not closed tightly
(see page 12).
Blind Spot Information
System (BSI) Indicator
On models with blind spot information system (BSI)This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
The BSI indicator also comes on if
the rear bumper becomes dirty while
driving. You will see a ‘‘BLIND SPOT
NOT AVAILABLE ’’message on the
multi-information display.
When you clean the rear bumper, the
indicator should go off after you
begin driving again.
When you turn the system on, the
indicator will turn off. If the indicator comes on at any other
time, there is a problem with BSI.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BLIND
SPOT SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display. If this
happens, take your vehicle to a
dealer, and have it checked (For
more information, see page 476).
When this indicator is on, BSI is not
working.
Instrument Panel Indicators7410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Active Damper System
Indicator
If equippedThis indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If this indicator
comes on at any other time, there is a
problem in the system. While this
indicator is on, the comfort button
will not work, and the system will
remain in the sport mode. You will
also see a‘‘CHECK ADS SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display. Have the vehicle checked by
your dealer as soon as possible. For
more information, see page 478. Low Fuel Indicator
This indicator comes on as a
reminder that you must refuel soon.
When the indicator comes on, there
is about 2.9 U.S. gal (10.8 L) of fuel
remaining in the tank.
When the needle reaches E, there is
a very small amount of fuel in the
tank.Security System Indicator
This indicator comes on when the
security system is set. See page 337
for more information on the security
system.
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
Instrument Panel Indicators
75
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu