manual transmission Acura MDX 2011 Owner's Manual

Contents
A convenient reference to the
sections in this manual.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
A quick reference to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important information about the
proper use and care of your vehicle's
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable information on how to
protect children with child restraints.
Instruments and Controls
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and
gauge, and how to use the controls
on the dashboard and steering
column.
Features
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, rear
entertainment system, and other
convenience features.Before Driving
What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
Driving
The proper way to start the engine,
shift the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you're
planning to tow a trailer.
Maintenance
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.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience, and
details how to handle them. Technical Information
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual for detailed
information.
Index
Service Information Summary
A summary of the information you
need when you pull up to the fuel
pump.Overview of Contents210/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Fuel Economy Factors
The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:●
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
●
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic
●
Cold engine operation (engines
are more efficient when warmed
up)
●
Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running
●
Improperly inflated tires
Improving Fuel EconomyVehicle MaintenanceA properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
information display (seeOwner's
Maintenance Checks on page 507).For example:
●
Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 511).
●
Maintain proper tire inflation
－
An underinflated tire increases
‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which reduces
fuel economy.
●
Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle －It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.
●
Keep your vehicle clean －In
particular, a build-up of snow or mud
on your vehicle's underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.
Drive Efficiently●
Drive moderately －Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
●
Observe the speed limit －
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
●
Always drive in the highest gear
possible －If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your fuel economy by up
shifting as early as possible.
●
Avoid excessive idling －Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
Fuel Economy42410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Check Starting System MessageIf there is a problem with the starting
system, you will see a‘‘CHECK
STARTING SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display when
the ignition switch is turned to the
ON (II) position. You will also see
this message when the auto control
mode of the starting system has a
problem. If this message is on, the ignition
switch has to be held in the START
(III) position manually until the
engine starts. The ignition switch can
be held in that position up to 15
seconds.
Even though you may be able to start
the engine manually without the auto
control mode of the starting system,
have your dealer inspect your
vehicle.
Shift Lever Position Indicators
These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shift
lever is in.
The
‘‘D ’’indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
flashes while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission.
CONTINUED
Starting the Engine, Automatic Transmission
437
Driving
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4. Insert a key into the shift lockrelease slot.
5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on the
front of the shift lever and move
the shift lever out of Park to
neutral. 6. Remove the key from the shift lock
release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the driver's side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the
engine.
If you need to use the shift lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer. Using the Paddle Shifters in the D
position (D-Paddle Shift Mode)
When you are driving in the D
position, pulling either paddle shifter
switches from the ordinary automatic
transmission [drive mode (D)] to the
D-paddle shift mode. You can shift
the transmission up or down
manually with the paddle shifters.
Downshifting gives you more power
when climbing, and provides engine
braking when going down a steep
hill.RELEASE
BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
PADDLE SHIFTERS
CONTINUED
Automatic Transmission, Driving with the Paddle Shifters
441
Driving
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●
You press one of the two paddle
shifters while another paddle
shifter is being pressed.
●
You are trying to downshift from
second to first with the accelerator
pedal off. This will only work when
the accelerator pedal is applied
deeply.
The transmission downshifts to first
gear and returns to drive mode (D)
when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop and the vehicle speed
is about 6 mph (9 km/h).
If there is a problem in the
transmission while you are driving
with the paddle shifters, the D
indicator flashes, the D-paddle shift
mode is canceled, and the
transmission returns to drive mode
(D). Using the Paddle Shifters in the S
position (Sequential Shift Mode)
With the shift lever in the S position,
you can select the sequential shift
mode to shift gears; much like a
manual transmission using the
paddle shifters, but without a clutch
pedal.
To enter the sequential shift mode,
press the release button on the front
of the shift lever, move the lever to
the S position, then pull either paddle
shifter. To cancel the sequential shift
mode and return to the ordinary
automatic transmission, move the
shift lever from S position. When
moving the shift lever, be careful not
to operate incorrectly. While you are
driving in the sequential shift mode,
the transmission will not
automatically return to ordinary
automatic transmission.
When you move the shift lever from
‘‘
D ’’to ‘‘S ’’ position and pull either
paddle shifter, the gear position
indicator displays the selected gear
number.
Shifting between first and second
gears may occur automatically.
Downshifting from second to first
with the accelerator pedal off is not
allowed.
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
CONTINUED
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
443
Driving
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To upshift, pull the＋(right) paddle
shifter. To downshift, pull the －
(left) paddle shifter.
When you accelerate from a stop, the
transmission starts in first gear, and
shifts from first to second
automatically. You must manually
upshift between second and sixth
gears. Make sure you upshift before
the engine speed reaches the
tachometer's red zone.
The transmission remains in the
selected gear (6, 5, 4, 3, or 2). There
is no automatic downshift when you
push the accelerator pedal to the
floor.
When you are driving, the
transmission downshifts to the lower
gear under the following conditions:●
The vehicle slows down to a
certain speed.
●
You press the brake pedal. Downshifting with the paddle shifter
allows you to increase the engine
braking when going down steep or
long hills, and provides more power
when climbing uphills. You can
upshift the transmission manually to
reduce the rpm.
The transmission also shifts
automatically as the vehicle comes to
a complete stop. It downshifts to first
gear when the vehicle speed reaches
6 mph (9 km/h) or less.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
●
You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will flash the
number of the lower gear several
times, then return to a higher gear.
●
You cannot upshift with the paddle
shifter before the engine speed
reaches the lowest threshold of the
higher gear.
●
You try to shift to third or a higher
gear when the vehicle is
stationary.
●
You press both paddle shifters at
the same time.
●
You press one of the two paddle
shifters while another paddle
shifter is being pressed.
●
The vehicle detects that you are
driving uphill or downhill.
Driving with the Paddle Shifters44410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page 589 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are
‘‘certified’’to EPA
standards. Maintenance Safety
.....................
500
Maintenance Minder
TM
...............
501
Fluid Locations
...........................
509
Engine Compartment Cover
........
510
Adding Engine Oil
......................
511
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
.......................................
512
Engine Coolant
...........................
514
Windshield Washers
...................
516
Automatic Transmission Fluid
....
517
Brake Fluid
.................................
519
Power Steering Fluid
..................
520
Timing Belt
.................................
520
Lights
..........................................
521
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
528
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
528
Floor Mats
..................................
529
Wiper Blades
..............................
530
Tires
...........................................
534
Checking the Battery
..................
541
Vehicle Storage
...........................
542
Maintenance
499
Maintenance
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

CoolantAdding
....................................
514
Checking
................................
422
Proper Solution
.......................
514
Temperature Gauge
.................
76
Crankcase Emissions Control System
...................................
580
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
73
Cruise Control Operation
...........
342
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
73
Cup Holders
...............................
172
Customize Settings
......................
89
D
DANGER, Explanation of
.............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3, 64
Daytime Running Lights
............
129
Dead Battery
..............................
552
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
131
Defrosting the Windows
............
184
Dimensions
................................
572
Dimming the Headlights
............
127
Dipstick Automatic Transmission
.........
517 Engine Oil
...............................
422
Directional Signals
...............
69, 127
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
455
Disc Care
...................................
244
Disc Changer
.............................
200
Disc Changer Error Messages
...............................
208
Disc Player
..........................
200, 232
Disc Player Error Messages......
243
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
513
Doors Childproof Door Locks
............
140
Indicator
...................................
12
Locking and Unlocking
...........
139
Lockout Prevention
.................
140
Power Door Locks
..................
139
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
574
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
433
Economy
.................................
423
Driving Guidelines
.....................
434
Driving Position Memory System
...................................
166
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
...................................
441 Dust and Pollen Filter
................
528
DVD Player
................................
310
DVD Player Error Messages
......
334
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
423
Emergencies on the Road
..........
543
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
552
Brake System Indicator
.....
67, 558
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
545
Charging System Indicator
........................
67, 556
Checking the Fuses
................
560
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
544
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
131
Jump Starting
..........................
552
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
........................
67, 556
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
67, 557
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
566
Overheated Engine
.................
554
Towing
....................................
566
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
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Emergency Brake
......................
163
Emergency Flashers
..................
131
Emergency Towing
....................
566
Emissions Controls
....................
580
Emissions Testing
......................
583
Engine Adding Engine Coolant
...........
514
Check Starting System
............
437
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
76
If it Won't Start
........................
551
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
67, 557
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
501
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
67, 556
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
511
Overheating
............................
554
Specifications
..........................
573
Speed Limiter
..........................
440
Starting
...................................
436
Engine Coolant
..........................
514
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
418
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
580
Exhaust Fumes
............................
60
Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
...................................
581 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
19
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
183
Features
.....................................
179
Filters Dust and Pollen
.......................
528
Oil
...........................................
512
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
131
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
545
Floor Mats
.................................
529
Fluids
Automatic Transmission
.........
517
Brake
......................................
519
Location
..................................
509
Power Steering
........................
520
Windshield Washer
.................
516
FM Stereo Radio Reception
................................
300
Fog Lights
..................................
129
Folding the Second Seat
.............
152
Folding the Third Seat
...............
153
Four-way Flashers
......................
131 Front Airbags
.........................
10, 29
Front Seat
..................................
148
Adjusting
.................................
148
Air Ventilation
.........................
157
Heaters
...................................
156
Fuel
............................................
418
Economy
.................................
423
Fill Door and Cap
....................
419
Gauge
......................................
76
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
75
Octane Requirement
...............
418
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
566
Reserve Indicator
.....................
75
Tank, Filling the
......................
419
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
420
Fuel Economy
............................
423
Fuses, Checking the
..................
560
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
424
Gasoline
.....................................
418
Gauge
......................................
76
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
75
IndexIV10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Light Bulbs
.............................
521
Schedule
.................................
508
Spark Plugs
.............................
573
Timing Belt
.............................
520
Tires
.......................................
538
Wiper Blades
..........................
530
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash
........................................
25
Reporting Safety Defects
............
588
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant
............................
422, 514
Restraint, Child
............................
39
Reverse Gear Position
................
439
Rotation, Tire
.............................
538
S
Safety Belts
..............................
9, 21
Safety Defects, Reporting
...........
588
Safety Features
..............................
8
Airbags
...............................
10, 26
Door Locks
..............................
12
Head Restraints
........................
15
Seat Belts
........................
9, 16, 21
Seats & Seat-Backs
..............
14, 15 Safety Labels, Location of
.............
61
Safety Messages
..........................
iii
Seat Belt e-pretensioners
..............
24
Seat Belts
.................................
9, 21
Additional Information
.............
21
Advice for Pregnant Women
....
19
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
...........................
23
Cleaning
..................................
528
e-pretensioner
..........................
24
Lap/Shoulder Belt
..............
16, 22
Maintenance
............................
25
Reminder Indicator and Beeper
.............................
21, 66
System Components
................
21
Use During Pregnancy
.............
19
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt
..................................
16, 22
Seat Heaters and Seat Ventilation
..............................
157
Seats
..........................................
148
Adjusting the Second Seat
.......
152
Air Ventilation
.........................
157
Folding the Second Seat
..........
152
Folding the Third Seat
............
153
Head Restraints
.......................
149 Heaters
...................................
156
Position Memory
....................
166
Third Row Access
...................
153
Seats, Adjusting the
...................
148
Security System
.........................
337
Security System Indicator
............
75
Sensors Driver's Seat Position Sensor
...
30
Front Passenger's Weight Sensors
................................
30
Impact Sensors
........................
26
Serial Number
............................
570
Service Intervals
.........................
501
Service Manual (U.S. only)
........
589
Service Station Procedures
........
419
SH-AWD
®...................................
446
Indicator
...................................
71
Shifting the Automatic Transmission
..........................
438
Shift Lever Position Indicators
...
437
Shift Lock Release
......................
440
Side Airbags
.................................
32
How the Side Airbag Off Indicator Works
...................
35
How Your Side Airbags Work
..
32
CONTINUED
Index
IX
INDEX
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