Acura MDX 2014 Owner's Manual

320Driving
Off-Highway Driving GuidelinesGeneral InformationYour vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.Important Safety PrecautionsTo avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations:
•Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 307
•Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
•Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.
•It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.
1Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.
2Important Handling Information P. 28
2Precautions While Driving P. 327
Spinning the tires can also damage the SH-AWD
system.
3
WARNING
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off
pavement can cause a crash or rollover in
which you and your passengers can be
seriously injured or killed.
•Follow all instructions and guidelines in
this owner’s manual.
•Keep your speed low, and don’t drive
faster than conditions permit.

321
uuOff-Highway Driving GuidelinesuAvoiding Trouble
Driving
Avoiding Trouble•Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all
scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
•Remember the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.
•Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start
or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
•Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover
or damage to your suspension or other components.
•Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to
drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
•Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water
in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
•If You Get Stuck, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you
unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.

322Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in
(P.
3.Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
The engine will crank until it starts.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control
system, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Bring the keyless access remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the battery in the keyless
access remote is weak.
2If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak P. 458
The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.
Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 10 seconds
before trying again.
Brake Pedal

Continued
323
uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
Driving
You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.
1.Shift to
(P.
2.Press the ENGINE START/STOP button with your foot on the brake pedal.
■Stopping the Engine
1Starting the Engine
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s
fuel system is disabled.
2Immobilizer System P. 135

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
324Driving
You can remotely start the engine using the two-way keyless access remote from
distances up to 328 feet (100 meters) from the vehicle.■To start the engine
The engine runs for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the
button, then press and hold the button.
uThe amber LED blinks, then the green LED comes back on if a 10-minute
extension request was transmitted successfully.
After pressing the (lock) button, wait for the green LED to blink. This indicates that
the all the doors and the tailgate are locked. ■Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback
*
1Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback
*
WARNING:
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly enclosed
areas.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Never use the remote engine starter with the vehicle
parked in a garage or other areas with limited
ventilation.
Operate the remote in an open space from distances
up to 328 feet (100 meters) from the vehicle. If there
are buildings and obstacles between your vehicle and
the remote, the range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical
interference.
The engine may not start by the remote engine start
if:
•You have disabled a remote engine start setting
using the multi-information display (MID).•The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).•The shift lever is in a position other than
(P.
•The hood is open, or any door or the tailgate is
unlocked.•You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.•Another registered keyless access remote is in the
vehicle.•There is any antenna failure.•Door is unlocked with the built-in key.
With the doors locked, Press the button,
then press and hold the button.
Amber LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.
Continues to blink
during a vehicle
self check until the
engine starts.Go within the range,
and try again.
Green LED: Comes on while
the engine is running.Red LED: Blinks when the
remote is out of the keyless
access system range.
* Not available on all models

Continued
325
uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
Driving
■To stop the engine
Press and hold the button
for one second.
Go within the range,
and try again.
Amber LED: Blinks when any
button is pressed.Red LED:
●Comes on for one second to let you
know that the engine has stopped.●Blinks when the remote is out of
the keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.
1Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback
*
•The engine oil pressure is low.•The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.•The telematics unit malfunctions.•The security system alarm is not set.
Before starting the engine, make sure to check the
door lock status using the remote. When you press
the button, wait for the green LED to blink. If
the red LED turns on, the doors and tailgate did not
lock, and the engine does not start.
While the engine is running, the vehicle will
automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:•The air conditioning is activated in recirculation
mode.•The seat ventilation is activated
*.
When it is cold outside:
•The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.•The rear defogger and door mirror heaters are
activated.•The seat and heated steering wheel are activated
*.
2Heated Steering Wheel
* P. 181
2Front Seat Heaters and Seat
Ventilation
* P. 182, 183
* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
326Driving
1.Depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button
simultaneously.
2.Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake indicator has gone off.
2Parking Brake P. 367
3.Put the shift lever in
(D. Select
(R when reversing.
4.Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
■Hill start assist system
Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Move the shift lever to
(D or
(S when facing uphill, or
(R when facing downhill,
then release the brake pedal.
The brakes remain engaged briefly as you release the brake pedal.
■Starting to Drive
1Starting to Drive
The engine stops when the shift lever is moved out of (P before the ENGINE START/STOP button is
pressed. Follow the step 1 when starting to drive.When the engine was started using the two-way keyless
access remote
*
When the engine was started using the two-way keyless access remote
*
When the engine was started in any case
1Hill start assist system
Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
will not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.
* Not available on all models

327
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingUtility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
•Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle■In Rain■Other Precautions
1Precautions While DrivingNOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE
OFF (LOCK) while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

328
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic TransmissionThe engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.■Creeping■Kickdown
1Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a rollover.
2Important Handling Information P. 28
2Precautions While Driving P. 327

329
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Continued
Driving
ShiftingChange the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.■Shift lever positions
1Shifting
You cannot change the power mode from ON to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) unless the shift lever is in
(P.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
When shifting gears in extremely low temperatures
(-22°F/-30°C), there may be a short delay before the
shift indicated in the display. Always confirm you are
in the correct gear before driving.
Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used:●For normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 6th automatically)●When temporarily driving in the
sequential mode
Drive (S)
Used for:●Automatically changing gears
between 1st and 5th (5th gear is
used only at high speed)●Driving in the sequential mode Release Button