trailer Acura MDX 2014 Owner's Guide

359
uuWhen DrivinguVSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To turn the VSA® system on and off, press and
hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA® will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA® OFF)
button until you hear a beep.
VSA® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■VSA® On and Off
1VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Without VSA®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA® system is off, trailer stability assist is
also off.
2Trailer Stability Assist
* P. 317
When the VSA® system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only attempt to free
your vehicle with the VSA® off if you are not able to
free it when the VSA® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA® and traction control
systems switched off.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on or
blinks, the VSA® system turns on automatically. In
this case, you cannot turn the system off by pressing
the button.
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.
VSA® OFF Indicator
* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguBlind Spot Information (BSI) System
*
362Driving
■When the system detects a vehicle
1Blind Spot Information (BSI) System
*
You can change the setting for BSI.
2Customizable Features P. 107
Turn the system off when towing a trailer.
The system may not work properly for the following
reasons:•The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the
radar coverage.•The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the BSI alert indicators to come on.
BSI may be adversely affected when:•Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc,.) are
detected.•An object that does not reflect radio waves well,
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.•Driving on a curved road.•A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent
lane.•The system picks up external electrical interference.•The rear bumper or the sensors have been improperly
repaired or the rear bumper has been deformed.•The orientation of the sensors has been changed.•In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).
For proper BSI use:•Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.•Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with
labels or stickers of any kind. •Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be repaired,
or the rear bumper corner area is strongly impacted.
■Comes on when●A vehicle enters the alert zone from behind
to overtake you with a speed difference of
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your
vehicle.●You pass a vehicle with a speed difference
of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h). BSI Alert Indicator: Located near the outside
rearview mirror on both sides.■Blinks and the beeper sounds when
You move the turn signal lever in the direction
of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds
three times.Comes On
Blinks
* Not available on all models

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

407Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsHeadlight bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace
the light assembly.Daytime Running Light BulbsDaytime running light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.
1Headlight Bulbs
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The exterior lights’ inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a car wash or
while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.

473
uuFusesuFuse Locations
Handling the Unexpected
Located on the left side of cargo area.
Remove the cover by prying on the edge of
the cover using a flat-tip screwdriver.
uWrap the flat-tip screwdriver with a
cloth to prevent scratches.
Fuse locations are shown on the cover.
Locate the fuse in question by the fuse
number and box cover number.■Rear Fuse BoxFuse LabelFuse Box
Cover
■Circuit protected and fuse rating
Circuit Protected
Amps
1
Power Tailgate Closer
20 A
2
Trailer Small Light
*
(20 A)
3
−
−
4
Fuel Lid
7.5 A
5
Seat Slide
20 A
6
−
−
7
Rear H/Seat
*
(20 A)
8
−
−
9
Trailer Charge
*
(20 A)
10
Trailer Back Light
*
(7.5 A)
11
Trailer Hazard
*
(7.5 A)
12
Rear Wiper
10 A
13
ECU RR
7.5 A
14
−
−
15
−
−
16
−
−
17
Trailer E-Brake
*
(20 A)
18
Power Tailgate Motor
40 A
* Not available on all models

498Index
Steering Wheel......................................... 157
Adjusting ................................................. 157
Heater ..................................................... 181
Stopping.................................................... 377
Summer Tires............................................ 425
Sunglasses Holder..................................... 181
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM
(SH-AWD®)............................................... 363
Indicator .................................................... 79
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........ 42
Switches (Around the Steering
Wheel)............................................. 2, 3, 141
Synchronized Mode.................................. 189
System Message Indicator.......................... 78
TTachometer................................................. 97
Tailgate..................................................... 128
Unable to Open ....................................... 477
Temperature
Gauge ....................................................... 97
Outside Temperature Display ................... 100
Temperature Gauge................................... 97
Temperature Sensor......................... 100, 196
Temporary Tire Repair Kit........................ 446
Third Row Seat (Folding Down)............... 170
Third Row Seat Access.............................. 168
Tie-down Anchors..................................... 180
Time (Setting)........................................... 114Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)..................................................... 363
Indicator............................................ 76, 468
Tire Repair Kit........................................... 446
Tires........................................................... 417
Air Pressure ..................................... 418, 481
Checking and Maintaining ...................... 417
Inspection ............................................... 417
Labeling .................................................. 418
Puncture (Flat Tire) .......................... 439, 446
Regulations ............................................. 420
Rotation .................................................. 424
Spare Tire ........................................ 439, 481
Summer .................................................. 425
Temporary Tire Repair Kit ........................ 446
Tire Chains .............................................. 425
Tire Repair Kit.......................................... 446
Wear Indicators ....................................... 422
Winter..................................................... 425
Tools.......................................................... 438
Towing a Trailer....................................... 309
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 313
Load Limits .............................................. 309
Towing Your Vehicle................................ 319
Emergency .............................................. 475
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System).................................................... 363
Indicator............................................ 76, 468
Trailer Stability Assist............................... 317
Transmission............................................. 329
Automatic ............................................... 329Fluid ....................................................... 405
Number .................................................. 482
Sequential Shift Mode............................. 331
Shift Lever Position Indicator ............. 72, 330
TRIP Button................................................ 98
Trip Meter................................................ 100
Troubleshooting...................................... 437
Blown Fuse ..................... 469, 471, 472, 473
Brake Pedal Vibrates ................................. 19
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door ......... 20
Emergency Towing ................................. 475
Engine Won’t Start ................................. 457
Noise When Braking ................................. 21
Overheating ............................................ 463
Puncture/Flat Tire ............................ 439, 446
Rear Door Won’t Open ..................... 20, 126
Select Lever Won’t Move ........................ 462
Warning Indicators.................................... 70
Turn Signals.............................................. 144
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 76
Turn-by-Turn Directions.......................... 102
Two-way Keyless Access Remote............ 115
UUnder-floor Storage Area....................... 176
Unlocking the Doors................................ 117
Unlocking the Front Doors from the
Inside................................................. 10, 124
USB Flash Drives....................................... 247
USB Port.................................................... 199