towing Acura MDX 2012 User Guide

6. Check the weight of the hitched
trailer. Write this number down.
7. Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page 490.
8. Calculate the tongue load. Subtract
the weight in step 6 from the
weight in step 7.
Limit: See page 490.
Recommended: see page 487.
Range: 5-15% for boat trailers
8-15% for other trailersTowing Equipment and
Accessories
Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase Acura
equipment whenever possible.
Your dealer offers a trailer package
that includes a hitch, a ball mount,
and a wiring harness.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state, federal, province,
and local regulations.
Towing a Trailer492

HitchWe strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install a class 3
hitch. Using non-Acura equipment
may result in serious damage to your
vehicle.
Read the trailer manufacturer's
instructions, and select the
appropriate draw bar for the height of
the trailer you will be towing.Weight Distributing HitchA weight distributing hitch is not
recommended for use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking
performance.
Trailer BrakesAcura recommends that any trailer
with a total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) or more has its own brakes.
There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common for boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure
they are electronically actuated. Do
not attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic system. No matter how
successful it may seem, any attempt
to attach trailer brakes to your
vehicle's hydraulic system will lower
braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
See your trailer dealer or rental
agency for more information on
installing electric brakes.A 4-pin gray connector is available as
an option at your dealer. This
connector has all of the circuits
required to install most electric
trailer brake controllers. A jumper
harness to adapt your electric trailer
brake controller to the vehicle is
included with the optional Acura
Genuine trailer hitch kit. To obtain a
connector and a trailer hitch kit, see
your dealer.
Have a qualified mechanic install
your trailer brake controller
following the trailer brake controller
manufacturer's instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake
controller may increase the distance
it takes for you to stop your vehicle
when towing a trailer.
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
493
Driving

Use this illustration to identify each
terminal in the trailer brake
controller connector.
Safety ChainsAlways use safety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it becomes
unhitched. Leave enough slack to
allow the trailer to turn corners
easily, but do not let the chains drag
on the ground.Sway ControlThis device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.Trailer MirrorsMany states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don't, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.
Spare TiresWhen towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a full-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page 545 for proper
tire size, page 551 for how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page 551
for information on changing a flat
tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
before changing a flat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer's spare
tire.
BRAKE
(20A)
(BLUE) ELECTRIC BRAKE
(YELLOW)
GROUND
(BLACK)STOP
(LIGHT GREEN)
Towing a Trailer494

Trailer LightsTrailer lights and equipment must
comply with federal, state, province,
and local regulations. Check trailer
light requirements for the areas
where you plan to tow, and use only
equipment designed for your vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
connector to install an optional trailer
lighting connector that mates with
your vehicle. You can get this
optional connector from your dealer.Refer to the above illustration for
wiring information.
We recommend that you have your
dealer install an Acura wiring
harness and converter. This harness
has been designed for your vehicle.If you use a non-Acura trailer lighting
harness and converter, you can get
the mating connector and pins that
mate with the connector in your
vehicle from your dealer.
Since lighting and wiring vary with
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualified mechanic install
a suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer.
ACCESSORY OPTION TRAILER BACK-UP LIGHT
BACK-UP LIGHT (ᤱ)
BRAKE
DIAGNOSTIC
ELECTRIC BRAKE
TRAILER HAZARD
LIGHT
TAILLIGHTS
ᤉB CHARGE LEFT TURN
SIGNAL RIGHT TURN
SIGNAL ILLUMINATION
LIGHTS
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
495
Driving

Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:●
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the suspension and
the cooling system are in good
operating condition.
●
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
●
All weights and loads are within
limits.
●
The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.
●
All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
●
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
●
Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inflated.
●
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inflated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.Driving Safely With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
in this section.
Towing a Trailer496

Towing Speeds and GearsDrive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
Use the D position when towing a
trailer on level roads. See‘‘
Driving on
Hills
’’for additional gear information.
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.
g., camper), do not exceed 55 mph
(88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or affect vehicle
handling.If the automatic transmission fluid
temperature increases and exceeds
the specified limit, the A/T
temperature indicator comes on (see
page 72). You will also see a‘‘A/T
TEMP HIGH’’message on the multi-
information display.
Making Turns and BrakingMake turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses.
Allow more time and distance for
braking. Do not brake or turn
suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
Driving on HillsWhen climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the road
to let the engine cool.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in place
by pressing on the accelerator, as
this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to S
position, or use the paddle shifters to
lower gear (3 or 2) in the S position.
When towing a trailer, do not‘‘ride’’
the brakes, and remember, it takes
longer to slow down and stop when
towing a trailer.
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
497
Driving

Handling Crosswinds and BuffetingCrosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.Backing UpAlways drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing
up. Grip the
bottom
of the steering
wheel, then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left.
Turn the wheel to the right to move
the trailer to the right.
ParkingFollow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and firmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer's
tires.
Retrieving a BoatIf the vehicle tires slip when
retrieving a boat from the water,
keep the transmission in the D
position and do not use the
sequential sport shift mode. This
prevents the transmission damage.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page 572.Trailer Stability Assist
Your vehicle is equipped with trailer
stability assist function. This function
works on the same sensors as the
vehicle stability assist (VSA) system.
This function helps to stabilize the
vehicle/trailer combination when the
trailer severely sways or oscillates.
For more information on the VSA
system, see page 473.
If the function detects vehicle/trailer
instability, it checks if the swaying is
caused by the trailer, and if the
trailer swaying or oscillation is
increasing.
The vehicle/trailer combination is
more affected by crosswinds,
buffeting, and improper tongue load.
These conditions can make the
trailer unstable, and cause it to sway.
Towing a Trailer, Trailer Stability Assist498

Under these conditions, trailer
stability assist begins to stabilize the
vehicle/trailer combination by
reducing the vehicle speed. The
control unit sends signals to
selectively apply the brakes and
regulate the engine output. The
brake lights of your vehicle will be
turned on automatically by the
system even if you do not keep the
pressure on the brake pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the
trailer's brake lights come on along
with the vehicle brake lights.
When the trailer stability assist
activates, you will see the VSA
system indicator blink. There may
also be some noise from the VSA
hydraulic system.Trailer stability assist cannot prevent
a loss of control. Always reduce the
vehicle speed and steer firmly. Do
not brake suddenly or make quick
steering motion. It could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over and
the system becomes ineffective.
Trailer stability assist cannot prevent
swaying that can occur in crosswinds
and in normal and emergency
driving maneuvers. It helps only to
stabilize the vehicle/trailer
combination in these conditions,
after the oscillation becomes severe.
Trailer stability assist will also be
ineffective while driving at high
speed or towing a trailer with a high
center of gravity.
Always obey the recommended
speed limits for towing a trailer, see
page 497.Trailer Stability Assist Failure
The control unit monitors the VSA
circuitry and the braking system. If
there is a problem with the brake
lighting system, the trailer stability
assist function shuts down and the
‘‘CHECK TRAILER STABILITY
ASSIST’’message appears on the
multi-information display.
If you see this message, have your
vehicle checked at your dealer as
soon as possible.
CONTINUED
Trailer Stability Assist
499
Driving

If the water is deeper than the wheel
hubs, some additional service may be
required. This service is not covered
by your warranties.
If You Get Stuck
If you get stuck, carefully try to go in
the direction (forward or reverse)
that you think will get you unstuck.
Do not spin the tires at high speeds.
It will not help you get out and may
cause damage to the transmission or
SH-AWD system.
If you are still unable to free yourself,
your vehicle is equipped with front
and rear tow hooks designed for this
purpose.
Use a nylon strap to attach the MDX
to the recovery vehicle and carefully
take out the slack in the strap. Once
the strap is tight, the recovery
vehicle should apply force.
Remember that the recovery vehicle
needs good traction to avoid
becoming stuck, too.You should never use a jack to try to
get unstuck. Your vehicle could
easily slip off the jack and hurt you or
someone else.
Towing a Trailer Off-Road
You may be able to safely tow a
lightweight trailer (such as a
motorcycle or small tent trailer) off-
road if you follow these guidelines:
●
Do not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
or a tongue weight of 100 lbs (45
kg).
●
Stay on smooth, level dirt roads,
and avoid driving in hilly terrain.
●
Allow extra room for starting,
stopping, and turning.
●
Slow down if you encounter bumps
or other obstacles.
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
503
Driving

Symbol Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
1
B
●Replace engine oil
1and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect these items:●Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Suspension components●Driveshaft boots●Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections
＃
1: If the message‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’does not appear more than
12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every
year.
＃: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the
first column on page 512.
NOTE:
●Independent of the Maintenance Midner information, replace
the brake fluid every 3 years.●Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).●Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are
noisy.Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filter
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under－20°F,－
29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles (U.
S.)/100,000 km (Canada).●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000
km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance Minder
514