light Acura MDX 2012 Manual Online

Because of the road condition
(curved, winding, etc.) or the state of
your vehicle (turning angle, lane
position, etc.), CMBS can sometimes
mistake a stationary object (light
pole, traffic sign, guard rail, etc.) as a
vehicle ahead of you and temporarily
operate. This is normal.Important Safety Reminder
The main purpose of the CMBS is to
reduce the severity of injuries caused
by an unavoidable collision. While
the CMBS may help to alert you and
minimize the severity of a collision, it
may not activate in every dangerous
situation.
Even with the CMBS, it is still your
responsibility to operate the brake
pedal and steering wheel
appropriately, according to the
driving conditions.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
YOUR VEHICLE
SIGN, POLE, etc.
Collision Mitigation Braking System™(CMBS™)472

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

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

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 597 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
.....................
506
Maintenance Minder
TM
...............
507
Fluid Locations
...........................
515
Engine Compartment Cover
........
516
Adding Engine Oil
......................
517
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
.......................................
518
Engine Coolant
...........................
520
Windshield Washers
...................
522
Automatic Transmission Fluid
....
523
Brake Fluid
.................................
525
Power Steering Fluid
..................
526
Timing Belt
.................................
526
Lights
..........................................
527
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
534
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
534
Floor Mats
..................................
535
Wiper Blades
..............................
536
Tires
...........................................
540
Checking the Battery
..................
547
Vehicle Storage
...........................
548
Maintenance
505
Maintenance

U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with＃will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be performed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
multi-information display.Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.
●
Engine oil level－Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
427.
●
Engine coolant level－Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 427.
●
Automatic transmission－Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
523.
●
Brakes－Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 525.
●
Tires－Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
541.
●
Lights－Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See page
527.
Maintenance Minder
TM
513
Maintenance

Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustments should be done by your
dealer or another qualified
technician.
Low Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch off
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself. If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the front bulkhead cover
(see page 516).
(Passenger's side)
Remove the power steering
reserve tank from the stay
brackets.STAY BRACKETS
POWER STEERING FLUID
CONTINUED
Lights
527
Maintenance

(Passenger's side)
Use a flat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip from the
engine coolant reserve tank, and
then remove the engine coolant
reserve tank.
Remove the cap from the engine
coolant reserve tank (use towel to
wipe fluid).
Unclip hose from the stay brackets
on the engine coolant reserve
tank.
3. Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
4. Remove the bulb by turning it
about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.5. Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
6. Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
7. Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
8. (Passenger's side)
Install the engine coolant reserve
tank and power steering reserve
tank.
HOLDING CLIP
CAP
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
BULB
CONNECTOR
Lights528