brakes Acura MDX 2014 User Guide

358
uuWhen DrivinguVSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Driving
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), SystemVSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.■VSA® Operation
1VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
The VSA® may not function properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator

360
uuWhen DrivinguAgile Handling Assist System
Driving
Agile Handling Assist SystemLightly brakes each of the front and rear wheels, as needed, when you turn the
steering wheel, and helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during
cornering.
1Agile Handling Assist System
The agile handling assist system cannot enhance
stability in all driving situations. You still need to drive
and corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions
and always leave a sufficient margin of safety.
When the VSA® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, the agile handling assist system does
not activate.
You may hear a sound coming from the engine
compartment while the system is activated. This is
normal.

363
uuWhen DrivinguSuper Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM (SH-AWD®)
*
Continued
Driving
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM (SH-AWD®)
*
The system controls and transfers varying amounts of engine torque to each wheel
in accordance with the driving conditions.
SH-AWD® helps to enhance driving stability, and lets you handle situations like
slippery surfaces, such as snow, sand, mud, and steep hills, better than when driving
with two wheel drive. However, the system does not help to enhance braking. Be
precautious about the following:
•It is still your responsibility to drive safely when you steer, accelerate, and apply
brakes.
•Leave a sufficient margin when braking on slippery surfaces.Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are
driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes
significantly low, the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on and a message appears on
the MID.
1Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM (SH-AWD®)
*
NOTICEAvoid continuously driving in sand or mud where a
wheel is likely to spin out, and do not drive once the
SH-AWD® indicator starts blinking. Driving
continuously under such conditions can damage the
system’s torque distribution unit.
Do not drive through deep water.
The SH-AWD® system may not function properly if
tire type and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified.
2Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 4231Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come
on.
2If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks P. 468
Tire pressure checked and inflated in:•Warm weather can become under-inflated in
colder weather.•Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer
weather.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will not come
on as a result of over inflation.
* Not available on all models

367
Continued
Driving
BrakingBrake SystemUse the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply:
Depress the parking brake pedal down with
your foot.
To release:
1.Depress the brake pedal.
2.Depress the parking brake.■Parking Brake
1Parking BrakeNOTICERelease the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and Release
Parking Brake appears on the MID.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.

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.

371
uuBrakinguCollision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
Continued
Driving
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
Can assist you when there is a possibility of your vehicle colliding with a vehicle
detected in front of yours. The CMBS
TM is designed to alert you when a potential
collision is determined, as well as to reduce your vehicle speed when a collision is
deemed unavoidable to help minimize collision severity.
■How the system works
1Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
Important Safety Reminder
The CMBS
TM is designed to reduce the severity of an
unavoidable collision. It does not prevent a collision
nor stop the vehicle automatically. It is still your
responsibility to operate the brake pedal and steering
wheel appropriately according to the driving
conditions.
The CMBSTM may not activate or may not detect a
vehicle in front of your vehicle under the following
conditions:
•The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead of you is too short.•A vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed, and
it brakes suddenly.•When you accelerate rapidly and approach the
vehicle ahead of you at high speed.•The vehicle ahead of you is a motorcycle or other
small vehicle.•A vehicle suddenly crosses in front of you.•When you drive on a curved or winding road that
makes it difficult for the sensor to properly detect a
vehicle in front of you.•When there are pedestrians or animals in front of
your vehicle.
A radar sensor starts to monitor if there is a vehicle in front of you when your
vehicle speed is above 10 mph (15 km/h).
The radar sensor is
in the front grille.
The CMBS
TM activates when the speed difference between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected in front of you becomes more than 10 mph (15 km/h) with a
chance of a collision.
* Not available on all models

uuBrakinguCollision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
372Driving
■When the system activates
1When the system activates
The heads-up warning uses a lens located at the front
end of the dashboard.
Do not cover the lens or spill any liquid on it.
Lens
The system provides visual and audible alerts of a possible collision, and stops
the alerts if the collision is avoided.
uTake appropriate action to prevent a collision (apply the brakes, change
lanes, etc.)
Beep Heads-up
Warning
LightsVisual Alerts
Audible Alert

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

425
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
•Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
•Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
•Install them on the front tires only.
•Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
•Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
•Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
•Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Cable Chain ZT735
1Winter TiresNOTICETraction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.
3
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.