ABS Acura MDX 2014 User Guide

uuWhen DrivinguAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)
*
344Driving
■Automatic cancellation
The beeper sounds and a message appears on the MID when ACC with LSF is
automatically canceled. Any of these conditions may cause the ACC with LSF to
automatically cancel:
•Your vehicle speed slows to 22 mph (35 km/h) or below when a detected vehicle
goes out of the ACC with LSF range.
•Bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)
•When the radar sensor in the front grille gets dirty.
•The vehicle ahead of you cannot be detected.
•An abnormal tire condition is detected, or the tires are skidding.
•Driving on a mountainous road, or driving off road for extended periods.
•Abrupt steering wheel movement.
•When the ABS, VSA® or CMBS
TM is activated.
•When the VSA® indicator comes on.
•When the vehicle is stopped on a very steep slope.
•When you manually apply the parking brake.
•When the detected vehicle within the ACC with LSF range is too close to your
vehicle.
•The driver’s seat belt is unfastened when the vehicle is stationary.
•The vehicle stops for more than 10 minutes.
•The engine is turned off.
•When trailer stability assist is activated.
2Trailer Stability Assist
* P. 317
The ACC with LSF automatic cancellation can be also triggered by the following
causes.
1Automatic cancellation
Even though ACC with LSF has been automatically
canceled, you can still resume the prior set speed.
Wait until the condition that caused ACC with LSF to
cancel improves, then press the RES/+/SET/– switch
down.
* Not available on all models

uuBrakinguBrake System
368Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.2Brake Assist System P. 370
2Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 369■Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

369
uuBrakinguAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.■ABS
1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

378
uuParking Your VehicleuParking Sensor System
*
Driving
Parking Sensor System
*
The corner and center sensors monitor obstacles near your vehicle. The beeper and
audio/information screen let you know the approximate distance between your
vehicle and the obstacle.■The sensor location and range
1Parking Sensor System
*
Even when the system is on, always confirm if there is
no obstacle near your vehicle before parking.
The system may not work properly when:•The sensors are covered with snow, ice, mud or
dirt, etc.•The vehicle is on uneven surface, such as grass,
bumpy road, or a hill.•The vehicle has been out in hot or cold weather.•The system is affected by some electronic devices
that generate ultrasonic waves.•Driving in bad weather.
The system may not sense:•Thin or low objects.•Sonic-absorptive materials, such as snow, cotton,
or sponge.•Objects directly under the bumper.
Do not put any accessories on or around the sensors.
Within about 24 in (60 cm) or less Front Corner Sensors
Rear Corner SensorsRear Center Sensors
Within about 43 in (110 cm) or less
* Not available on all models

383Driving
RefuelingFuel Information■Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.■Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit Acura Owners at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.■Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 US gal (74 liters)Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel InformationNOTICEWe recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try
another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.

393
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
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.
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
(12,000km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items Main
Item
*1: If the message SERVICE 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.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under
-20°F, -29°C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
*
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6
●Replace rear differential fluid
*
* Not available on all models

423
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel ReplacementReplace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS and VSA® (vehicle stability assist)
system to work incorrectly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS specified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
1Tire and Wheel Replacement
3
WARNING
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.

459
uuEngine Does Not StartuEmergency Engine Stop
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Engine StopThe ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, do either of the
following operations:
•Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for about two seconds.
•Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two times.
•The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF with
the shift lever in
(P, and to ACCESSORY with the shift lever in any position other
than
(P.
•Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides
to the steering and braking systems, it will require significantly more physical
effort and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet
on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a
safe place.
1Emergency Engine StopNOTICEDo not press the button while driving unless it is
absolutely necessary for the engine to be switched
off.

467
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
•The brake fluid is low.
•There is a malfunction in the brake system.■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
•If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
•If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
•Comes on when there is a problem with the EPS system.
•If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.■What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada

469
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
FusesFuse LocationsIf any electrical devices are not working, set
the power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK)
and check to see if any applicable fuse is
blown.
There are two fuse boxes in the engine
compartment.
Fuse locations are shown on the fuse box
cover. Locate the fuse in question by the
fuse number and box cover number.
Located near the brake fluid reservoir. Push
the tabs to open the box.■Engine Compartment Fuse Box
■Circuit protected and fuse rating
Circuit Protected
Amps
1
−
−
2
−
−
3
ACG FR
15 A
4 IG1 Washer 15 A
5
IG1 VBSOL
7.5 A
6 IG1 ECU FR 7.5 A
7
−
−
8FI SUB 15A
9
DBW
15 A
10 FI Main 15 A
11
IG Coil
15 A
12 DRL R 10 A
13
DRL L
10 A
14 INJ 20 A
15
Radio
20 A
16 Back Up 10 A17
MG Clutch
7.5 A
18 Front Fog
*
(20 A)
19
−
−
20 Right Headlight High Beam 7.5 A
21
−
−
22 Small 10 A
23
−
−
24 Left Headlight High Beam 7.5 A
25
−
−
26 Right Headlight Low Beam 10 A
27
Left Headlight Low Beam
10 A
28 IGPS Oil LVL 7.5 A
29
Cooling Fan
30 A
30 Sub Fan 30 A
31
WIP Main
30 A
Circuit Protected
Amps
* Not available on all models