air condition Acura MDX 2012 Owner's Guide

To safely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inflated.
The following pages give more
detailed information on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.Inflation Guidelines
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread life, and riding
comfort.
●
Underinflated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
●
Overinflated tires can make your
vehicle ride more harshly, are
more prone to damage from road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns you when a tire
pressure is low. See page 455 for
more information.
Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, we
recommend that you visually check
your tires every day. If you think a
tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per
month. Remember to check the
spare tire at the same time.
Tires540

Check the air pressures when the
tires are cold. This means the vehicle
has been parked for at least 3 hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures.
If you check air pressures when the
tires are hot [driven for several miles
(kilometers)], you will see readings 4
to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm
2) higher than the cold
readings. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the recommended
cold air pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.
While tubeless tires have some
ability to self-seal if they are
punctured, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.You should get your own tire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
Recommended Tire Pressures
The following chart shows the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal driving conditions.
MDX, Technology Package, and U.S.
Technology Package with Entertainment
models
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
255/55R18 105H Front/Rear:
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2
kgf/cm
2)
U.S. Advance Package, Advance
Package with Entertainment, and
Canadian Elite Package models
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
P255/50R19 103H Front/Rear:
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2
kgf/cm
2)
The compact spare tire pressure is:
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
For convenience, the recommended
tire sizes and cold tire pressures are
on a label on the driver's doorjamb.
For additional information about your
tires, see page 581.
CONTINUED
Tires
541
Maintenance

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, Advance
Package with Entertainment, and
Canadian Elite Package models19ᤲ8ᨨJ (TPMS)Tires:
MDX, Technology Package, and U.S.
Technology Package with Entertainment
models255/55R18 105HU.S. Advance Package, Advance
Package with Entertainment, and
Canadian Elite Package modelsP255/50R19 103H
See page 581 for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading, and page
583 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
545
Maintenance

If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator off
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving.If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the malfunction
indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emissions controls and
engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.
You will also see a‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 87).
Readiness Code
Your vehicle has certain‘‘readiness
codes’’that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions systems. In
some states, part of the emissions testing
is to make sure these codes are set. If
they are not set, the test cannot be
completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has been
disconnected or gone dead, these codes
may be erased. It takes several days of
driving under various conditions to set
the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, without
starting the engine. The malfunction
indicator lamp will come on for 20
seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness
codes are set. If it blinks five times, the
readiness codes are not set. If possible,
do not take your vehicle for an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer toEmissions Testingfor more
information (see page 590).Malfunction Indicator Lamp
563
Taking Care of the Unexpected

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 525).
You will also see a‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).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 87).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 (seeEmergency
Towingon page 572).
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 Indicator564

Dimensions
Length 191.6 in (4,867 mm)
Width 78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height 68.2 in (1,733 mm)
Wheelbase 108.3 in (2,750 mm)
Track Front 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
Rear 67.5 in (1,715 mm)
Weights
Gross vehicle weight rating See the tire information label
attached to the driver's doorjamb.
Gross combined weight
ᤳ1
rating (GCWR)10,053 lbs (4,560 kg)
ᤳ1: The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation.
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge quantity 21.2－22.9 oz (600－650 g)
Lubricant type ND-OIL 8
Seating Capacities
Total 7
Front 2
Second 3
Third 2Capacities
Fuel tank Approx.
21.00 US gal (79.5 L)
Engine
coolantChange
ᤳ1
1.93 US gal (7.3 L)
Total 2.43 US gal (9.2 L)
Engine oil Change
ᤳ2
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
Including
filter
Without
filter4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Total 5.3 US qt (5.0 L)
Automatic
transmission
fluidChange 3.3 US qt (3.1 L)
Total 8.5 US qt (8.0 L)
Rear
differential
fluidChange 2.6 US qt (2.5 L)
Total 3.0 US qt (2.8 L)
Transfer
assembly
fluidChange 0.4 US qt (0.4 L)
Total 0.4 US qt (0.4 L)
Windshield
washer
reservoirU.S. vehicles 4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Canadian
vehicles6.1 US qt (5.8 L)
ᤳ1: Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:
0.18 US gal (0.7 L)
ᤳ2: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
Specifications578

The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle's engine produces several
byproducts. Some of these are
carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons
(HC). Gasoline evaporating from the
tank also produces hydrocarbons.
Controlling the production of NOx,
CO, and HC is important to the
environment. Under certain
conditions of sunlight and climate,
NOx and HC react to form
photochemical‘‘smog.’’Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas.The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act
ᤳ
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
514.ᤳ
In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specified in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manufactured.Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your vehicle has a positive crankcase
ventilation system. This keeps
gasses that build up in the engine's
crankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The positive crankcase
ventilation valve routes them from
the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
CONTINUED
Emissions Controls
587
Technical Information

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 Controls588

A
Accessories and
Modifications
..........................
431
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)
.................................
139
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
177
AC Power Outlet
........................
178
Active Damper System
...............
484
Active Head Restraints
...............
152
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
402
Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)
.....................................
348
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
518
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....
134
Advanced Airbags
........................
31
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 27
Air Conditioning System
............
182
Rear A/C Control
....................
187
Air Outlets (Vents)
.....................
189
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
540, 541
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
422
Antifreeze
...................................
520Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator
............................
70, 462
Operation
................................
461
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
308
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock
.......................................
139
Audio System
......................
192, 212
Automatic Climate Control
.........
183
Automatic Lighting Off
Feature
...................................
131
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
23
Automatic Speed Control
...........
345
Automatic Transmission
............
443
Capacity, Fluid
........................
578
Checking Fluid Level
..............
523
Driving with the Paddle
Shifters
................................
447
Shifting
...................................
444
Shift Lever Position
Indicators
............................
443
Shift Lever Positions
...............
444
Shift Lock Release
...................
446
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
307B
Battery
Charging System
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Jump Starting
..........................
558
Maintenance
...........................
547
Specifications
..........................
579
Before Driving
...........................
421
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 21
Beverage Holders
......................
174
Blind Spot Information System
(BSI)
......................................
476
Bluetooth
®Audio
.......................
298
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models with navigation
system)
...............................
383
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models without navigation
system)
...............................
365
Booster Seats
...............................
58
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX