Acura MDX 2012 Owner's Manual

Acura dealership personnel are
trained professionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisfaction, please discuss it with the
dealership's management. The
service manager or general manager
can help. Almost all problems are
solved in this way.
If you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership's
management, contact Acura Client
Relations.
U.S. Owners:American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Relations
Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 382-2238
Canadian Owners:Honda Canada Inc.
Acura Client Services
180 Honda Boulevard
Markham, ON
L6C 0H9
Tel: 1-888-9-ACURA-9
Fax: 1-877-939-0909
E-Mail: [email protected] Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands:Vortex Motor Corp.
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 620-7546
When you call or write, please give
us this information:●
Vehicle Identification Number (see
page 576)
●
Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle
●
Date of purchase
●
Odometer reading of your vehicle
●
Your name, address, and
telephone number
●
A detailed description of the
problem
●
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you
Client Service Information594

U.S. Owners
Your new vehicle is covered by these
warranties:New Vehicle Limited Warranty
－
covers your new vehicle, except for
the emissions control systems, and
accessories, against defects in
materials and workmanship.
Emissions Control Systems Defects
Warranty and Emissions
Performance Warranty
－these two
warranties cover your vehicle's
emissions control systems. Time,
mileage, and coverage are
conditional. Please read your
warranty booklet for exact
information.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty
－a seat
belt that fails to function properly is
covered by a limited warranty. Please
read your warranty booklet for
details.
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
－
all exterior body panels are covered
for rust-through from the inside for
the specified time period with no
mileage limit.
Accessory Limited Warranty
－Acura
accessories are covered under this
warranty. Time and mileage limits
depend on the type of accessory and
other factors. Please read your
warranty manual for details.
Replacement Parts Limited Warranty－covers all Acura replacement parts
against defects in materials and
workmanship.
Replacement Battery Limited
Warranty
－provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from your dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Limited Warranty
－provides
coverage for as long as the purchaser
of the muffler owns the vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2012 Acura warranty information
booklet that came with your vehicle
for precise information on warranty
coverages. Your vehicle's original
tires are covered by their
manufacturer. Tire warranty
information is in a separate booklet.
Canadian Owners
Please refer to the 2012 warranty
manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty Coverages
595
Warranty and Client Relations

In the US
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform Honda Canada Inc. and you may also
inform Transport Canada.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall and
remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot
become involved in individual problems between you,
your dealer, or Honda Canada Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153);
go to
http://www.safercar.gov
; or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC
20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov
.To contact Transport Canada's Defect Investigations and
Recalls Division, you may call 1-800-333-0510. For more
information on reporting safety defects or about motor
vehicle safety, go to
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety
.
Reporting Safety Defects596

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)The publications shown below can be purchased from Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:●
Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
●
Go online atwww. helminc. com
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Publication
Form NumberForm Description
61STX05 2010-2012 Acura MDX Service Manual
61STX03EL 2010-2011 Acura MDX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61STX30 2008 Acura MDX Body Repair Manual
31STX650 2012 Acura MDX Owner's Manual
31STX850 2012 Acura MDX
Navigation System Owner's Manual
31STXM50 2012 Acura MDX Maintenance Journal
31STXQ50 2012 Acura MDX Advance Technology Guide
ACU-R Order Form for Previous Years
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Service Manual:
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures for
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
for the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
for most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in
your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
597
Warranty and Client Relations

598

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

Brakes
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...........
461
Break-in, New Linings
.............
422
Fluid
.......................................
525
Parking
...................................
164
System Design
........................
461
System Indicator
...............
69, 564
Wear Indicators
.......................
461
Braking System
..........................
460
Break-in, New Vehicle
................
422
Brightness Control,
Instruments
............................
133
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights
................
531, 532
Front Parking Lights
...............
529
Front Side Marker Lights
........
529
Headlights
..............................
527
High-mount Brake Light
.........
533
Rear Bulbs
..............................
531
Rear License Plate Lights
........
533
Specifications
..........................
579
Taillights
.................................
531
Bulbs, Halogen
..........................
527C
Capacities Chart
.........................
578
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
............
61
Cargo
.........................................
433
Cargo Hooks
..............................
437
Cargo, How to Carry
..................
433
Carrying Cargo
..........................
433
CAUTION, Explanation of
.............
iv
CD Care
.....................................
247
CD Error Messages
...................
246
CD Player
..................................
235
Certification Label
......................
576
Chains, Tires
..............................
546
Changing a Flat Tire
..................
551
Changing Oil
How to
....................................
518
When to
..................................
507
Charging System
Indicator
...........................
69, 562
Checklist, Before Driving
...........
441
Childproof Door Locks
...............
141
Child Safety
..................................
40
Booster Seats
...........................
58
Child Seats
....................
45, 46, 48Important Safety Reminders
.....
44
Infants
......................................
45
Larger Children
.......................
57
LATCH
.....................................
50
Risks with Airbags
...................
41
Small Children
.........................
46
Tethers
....................................
54
Warning Labels
........................
42
Where Should a Child Sit?
........
41
Child Seats
.............................
40, 48
LATCH Anchorage Points
........
50
Tether Anchorage Points
.........
54
Cleaning the Seat Belts
..............
534
Client Service Information
..........
594
Climate Control System
.............
182
Clock
..........................................
309
Code, Audio System
...................
308
CO in the Exhaust
................
61, 587
Cold Weather, Starting in
...........
442
Collision Mitigation Braking
System™(CMBS™)
...............
463
Compact Spare Tire
....................
550
Compass Operation
....................
342
Console Compartment
...............
175
Consumer Information
...............
594
Controls, Instruments and
............
65
IndexII

Coolant
Adding
....................................
520
Checking
................................
427
Proper Solution
.......................
520
Temperature Gauge
.................
78
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
...................................
587
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
75
Cruise Control Operation
...........
345
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
75
Cup Holders
...............................
174
Customize Settings
......................
90
D
DANGER, Explanation of
..............
iv
Dashboard
...............................
3, 66
Daytime Running Lights
............
130
Dead Battery
..............................
558
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
132
Defrosting the Windows
............
186
Dimensions
................................
578
Dimming the Headlights
............
128
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission
.........
523Engine Oil
...............................
427
Directional Signals
...............
71, 128
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
461
Disc Care
...................................
247
Disc Changer
.............................
203
Disc Changer Error
Messages
...............................
211
Disc Player
..........................
203, 235
Disc Player Error Messages......
246
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
519
Doors
Childproof Door Locks
............
141
Indicator
...................................
12
Locking and Unlocking
...........
140
Lockout Prevention
.................
141
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles)
................................
581
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
439
Economy
.................................
428
Driving Guidelines
.....................
440
Driving Position Memory
System
...................................
168
Driving with the Paddle
Shifters
...................................
447
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
534DVD Player
................................
313
DVD Player Error Messages
......
337
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
428
Emergencies on the Road
..........
549
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
558
Brake System Indicator
.....
69, 564
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
551
Charging System
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Checking the Fuses
................
566
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
551
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
132
Jump Starting
..........................
558
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
69, 563
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
572
Overheated Engine
.................
560
Towing
....................................
572
Emergency Brake
......................
164
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX

Emergency Flashers
..................
132
Emergency Towing
....................
572
Emissions Controls
....................
587
Emissions Testing
......................
590
Engine
Adding Engine Coolant
...........
520
Check Starting System
............
443
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
78
If it Won't Start
........................
557
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
69, 563
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
507
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
69, 562
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
517
Overheating
............................
560
Specifications
..........................
579
Speed Limiter
..........................
446
Starting
...................................
442
Engine Coolant
..........................
520
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
422
Evaporative Emissions
Controls
..................................
587
Exhaust Fumes
............................
61
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System
...................................
588Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
19
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
185
Features
.....................................
181
Filters
Dust and Pollen
.......................
534
Oil
...........................................
518
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
132
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
551
Floor Mats
.................................
535
Fluids
Automatic Transmission
.........
523
Brake
......................................
525
Location
..................................
515
Power Steering
........................
526
Windshield Washer
.................
522
FM Stereo Radio
Reception
................................
303
Fog Lights
..................................
130
Folding the Second Seat
.............
153
Folding the Third Seat
...............
154
Four-way Flashers
......................
132Front Airbags
.........................
10, 30
Front Seat
..................................
149
Adjusting
.................................
149
Air Ventilation
.........................
158
Heaters
...................................
157
Fuel
............................................
422
Economy
.................................
428
Fill Door and Cap
....................
424
Gauge
......................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
77
Octane Requirement
...............
422
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
572
Reserve Indicator
.....................
77
Tank, Filling the
......................
424
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
425
Fuel Economy
............................
428
Fuses, Checking the
..................
566
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
429
Gasoline
.....................................
422
Gauge
......................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
77
IndexIV

Octane Requirement
...............
422
Tank, Refueling
.......................
424
Gas Station Procedures
..............
424
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature
...
78
Fuel
..........................................
78
Speedometer
............................
78
Tachometer
..............................
78
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
...................................
488
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating)
...................................
488
Gearshift Lever Positions
Automatic
Transmission
...............
443, 444
Glove Box
..................................
175
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR)
.................................
488
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
.................................
488
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
...................................
488H
Halogen Headlight Bulbs
...........
527
Hazard Warning Flashers
..........
132
Headlights
.................................
128
Aiming
....................................
527
Automatic Lighting Off
............
131
Daytime Running Lights
.........
130
High Beam Indicator
................
74
High Beams, Turning on
.........
128
Lights On Indicator
..................
74
Low Beams, Turning on
..........
128
Reminder Chime
.....................
129
Replacing Halogen Bulbs
........
527
Turning on
..............................
128
Washers
..................................
127
Headphones
...............................
338
Head Restraints
..........................
150
Heated Mirror
............................
167
Heaters, Seats
............................
157
Heating and Cooling
..................
182
High Altitude, Starting at
............
442
High Beam Lever
................
128, 129
High-Low Beam Switch
..............
128HomeLink
®Universal
Transceiver
............................
363
Hood, Opening and Closing
the
..........................................
426
Horn
......................................
4, 125
I
Identification Number,
Vehicle
...................................
576
Ignition
Keys
........................................
136
Switch
.....................................
139
Timing Control System
...........
588
Immobilizer System
...................
138
Important Safety Precautions
.........
6
CONTINUED
Index
V
INDEX