weight Acura MDX 2014 User Guide

65
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children
Safe Driving
If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used
properly, position the child in a booster seat in
a rear seating position. For the child’s safety,
check that the child meets the booster seat
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:
•Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information
in this manual.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
•Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.
•Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the
seat.
■Monitoring child passengers
We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up
properly.■Booster Seats
1Booster Seats
When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the
instructions that came with it, and install the seat
accordingly.
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat
belt correctly.
Some U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and
territories require children to use a booster seat until
they reach a given age or weight (e.g. six years or 60
lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or
province, or territory where you intend to drive.
■Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks

128Controls
Opening and Closing the TailgatePrecautions for Opening/Closing the TailgateAlways make sure individuals and objects are clear of the tailgate before opening or
closing it.■Opening the tailgate
•Open the tailgate all the way.
uIf it is not fully opened, the tailgate may come down accidentally by its own
weight.
•Be careful when it is windy. The wind may cause the tailgate to close.■Closing the tailgate
Keep the tailgate closed while driving to:
uAvoid possible damage.
uPrevent exhaust gas from leaking into the vehicle.2Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 66
1Precautions for Opening/Closing the Tailgate
Be careful not to hit your head on the tailgate or to
put your hands between the tailgate and the cargo
area when closing the tailgate.
When operating the power tailgate, make sure there
is enough space around your vehicle. People near the
tailgate may be seriously hurt if the tailgate hits or
closes on their heads. Be especially cautious if
children are around.
When you are storing or picking up luggage from the
cargo area while the engine is idling, do not stand in
front of the exhaust pipe. You may get burned.
Do not allow any passenger in the cargo space. They
may get hurt during hard braking, a sudden
acceleration, or a crash.
3
WARNING
Closing a power tailgate while anyone is in
the path of the tailgate can cause serious
injury.
Make sure everyone is clear before closing
the power tailgate.

uuOpening and Closing the TailgateuOpening/Closing the Power Tailgate
134Controls
Automatically lowers the power tailgate when there is a possibility that the fully
opened power tailgate can fall down by its own weight (for example, by snow on
the tailgate). The beeper sounds while the power tailgate lowers.■Power Tailgate Fall Detection
1Power Tailgate Fall Detection
If you try to manually close the power tailgate
immediately after it fully opens, the power tailgate
fall detection may activate.
Once the power tailgate fall detection activates, wait
until the power tailgate fully closes. Keep away from
the power tailgate when it is in motion.
If the power tailgate fall detection constantly
activates, consult at a dealer.

Continued
169
uuAdjusting the SeatsuRear Seats
Controls
Separately fold down the left and right halves of the second row seat to make room
for cargo.
1.Store the center seat belt first. Insert the latch plate into the slot on the side of the
anchor buckle.
2.Retract the seat belt into the holder on the ceiling.
2Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor P. 36
3.Lower the center head restraint to its lowest position. Put the armrest back into
the seat-back.
4.Pull up on the seat-back angle adjustment
lever.
To return the seat to the original position, pull
up the seat-back in the upright position.■Folding Down the Second Row Seat
1Folding Down the Second Row Seat
Make sure that the folded seat-back does not press
against the front passenger seat, as this can cause the
weight sensors in the front passenger seat to work
improperly.
2Passenger Airbag Off Indicator P. 52
The front seats must be far enough forward so they
do not interfere with the second row seats as they
fold down.
To lock the seat-back upright, push it backwards until
it locks.
Make sure the seat-back, head restraints and seat
cushion are securely latched back into place before
driving. Also, make sure all rear shoulder belts are
positioned in front of the seat-back, and the center
shoulder belt is re-positioned in the holding slot.
Lever

307
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 1,173 lbs (532 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2Specifications P. 480
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 480
3
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

308
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight
873 lbs
(396 kg)
Example2
Max Load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
423 lbs
(192 kg)

309
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerTowing PreparationYour vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in
or on it shown in the table.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously
affect vehicle handling and performance and
can damage the engine and drivetrain.
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
•Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back
•Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg)
•Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area
Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight and
maximum tongue load.
■Towing Load Limits
1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo
distribution.
Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional
information.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2Vehicle Specifications P. 480
3
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
Number of
occupants
4WD models with
ATF cooler
4WD models
without ATF cooler
2WD models
2
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
3
4,750 lbs (2,155 kg)
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
4
4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
5
4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
6
4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
7
Towing not recommended

310
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately:
Boat trailers: 5 – 15% of the total trailer
weight
Other trailers: 10 – 15% of total trailer weight
Tongue LoadTongue Load
Number of
occupants
4WD models
2WD models
2
500 lbs (227 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
3
475 lbs (215 kg)
325 lbs (147 kg)
4
380 lbs (172 kg)
300 lbs (136 kg)
5
290 lbs (132 kg)
275 lbs (125 kg)
6
165 lbs (75 kg)
150 lbs (68 kg)
7
Towing not recommended

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
312Driving
■How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.2Tongue load P. 310•If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
•The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet
(305 meters) of elevation.
•To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
•Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional information.
1How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who
watches the scale is needed as all occupants should
stay in the vehicle.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo
distribution.Weight limit for 2WD models 4WD modelsFront gross axle
2,811 lbs
(1,275 kg)
2,910 lbs
(1,320 kg)
Gross vehicle5,368 lbs
(2,435 kg)5,677 lbs
(2,575 kg)
Rear gross axle
2,734 lbs
(1,240 kg)
2,965 lbs
(1,345 kg)
Gross combined8,036 lbs
(3,645 kg)9,833 lbs
(4,460 kg)
1. Front gross axle weight.
2. Gross vehicle weight.4. Gross combined weight.
3. Rear gross axle weight.5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
314Driving
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake controllers.
Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer
brake controller following the trailer brake
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake controller
may increase the distance it takes for you to
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.
1Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector is located under the
instrument panel near the top of the parking brake
pedal.
Electric Brake
(Light Green) (20A)
Ground
(Brown)Brake
(Green)
Stop
(Violet) Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals: