Acura MDX 2015 User Guide
Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2015, Model line: MDX, Model: Acura MDX 2015Pages: 79, PDF Size: 16.44 MB
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9 Impact sensors that can detect a
moderate-to-severe front or side
impact.
10 An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the front
passenger’s front airbag has been
turned off.
11 An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with the airbag system or
seat belt tensioners.
12 Safing sensor
13 A rollover sensor that detects whether the vehicle is about to roll
over.
Airbag Care
You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any airbag
system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer in the following situations:
When the airbags have deployed
If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced.
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be replaced.
When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision
Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver’s seat
position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat belt tensioners, and
each seat belt that was worn during the crash.
Do not remove or modify a front seat without first consulting a dealer
This would likely disable the driver’s seat position sensor or the weight sensors in the
passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to accommodate
a person with disabilities, contact an Acura dealer. For U.S. vehicles, call Acura Client
Relations at (800) 382-2238. For Canadian vehicles, call Acura Client Services at (888)
922-8729.
Child Safety
Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either
unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle collisions are the number one cause
of death of children ages 12 and under.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend
that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear seat. Some states or
provinces/territories have laws restricting where children may ride.
To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province, and
territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride in a
vehicle.
Protecting Child Passengers—Important Considerations • An inflating front or side airbag can injure or kill a child sitting in the front seat.
• A child in the front seat is more likely to interfere with the driver’s ability to safely
control the vehicle.
• Statistics show that children of all sizes and ages are safer when they are properly
restrained in a rear seat.
• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the lap belt
portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.
• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the event of a
collision.
• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would likely
press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.
• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very seriously
injured in a crash.
• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows, or seat adjustments.
• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when the
inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate vehicle
controls, causing it to move unexpectedly.
Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.
Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child
seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt, using a
booster seat if necessary.
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Protecting Infants
An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the infant
reaches the seat maker’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the infant is at least one
year old. Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat for a child up to two years
old if the child’s height and weight are appropriate for a rear-facing seat.
Child seats must be placed and secured in a rear seating position. Rear-facing child seats
should never be installed in a forward-facing position.
When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent
the driver or a front passenger from moving their seat all
the way back, or from locking their seat-back in the desired
position. If this occurs, we recommend that you install the
child seat directly behind the front passenger’s seat, move the
seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or,
you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat. Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or wrap one around their neck can
result in serious injury or death.
Instruct children not to play with any seat belt and make sure any unused
seat belt a child can reach is buckled, fully retracted, and locked.
Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or
death during a crash.
Always place a rear-facing child seat in the rear seat, not the front.
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Protecting Smaller Children
If a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicated by the child seat
manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly secured forward-facing
child seat.
We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing child seat
in a rear seating position.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can
be hazardous, even with advanced front airbags that
automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off. A rear
seat is the safest place for a child.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious
injury or death if the front airbag inflates.
If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat
as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.
Selecting a Child Seat
Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Some
have a rigid-type connector, while others have a flexible-type connector. Both are equally
easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be installed using
the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat manufacturer’s use and
care instructions as well as the instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to
maximizing your child’s safety.
In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible child
seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security. This is
because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured with a lap
belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat manufacturer may
advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat once a child reaches
a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner’s manual for proper installation
instructions.
Important considerations when selecting a child seat
Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:
• The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.
• The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.
• The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
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Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat
A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in the second-row seats. A child seat is
attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of connectors.
1. Locate the lower anchors under the marks.
2. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then attach
the child seat to the lower anchors according to the
instructions that came with the child seat. Make sure
that the lower anchors are not obstructed by the seat
belt or any other object.
outer seats: Raise the head restraint to its
highest position, then route the tether strap
between the head restraint legs, and secure the
tether strap hook onto the anchor.
Center seat: Lower the center head restraint to
its lowest position, then route the tether strap
over the top of the head restraint and secure the
tether strap hook onto the anchor.
3. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the child seat
maker.
4. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by rocking
it forward and back and side to side; little movement
should be felt.
5. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child can reach is
buckled, the lockable retractor is activated, and the belt
is fully retracted and locked.
Marks
Lower anchors Rigid type
Flexible type
Tether strap hook
Anchor
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt 1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.
2. Route the seat belt through the child seat according to
the seat maker’s instructions, and insert the latch plate
into the buckle. Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.
3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out
until it stops. This activates the lockable retractor.
4. Let the seat belt completely wind up into the retractor,
then try to pull it out to make sure the retractor is
locked. If you are able to pull the shoulder belt out, the
lockable retractor is not activated. Pull the seat belt all
the way out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.
5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near the buckle,
and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the
belt. When doing this, place your weight on the child
seat and push it into the vehicle seat.
6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by rocking
it forward and back and side to side; little movement
should be felt.
7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child can reach is
buckled, the lockable retractor is activated, and the belt
is fully retracted and locked.
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle and
allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.
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Adding Security with a Tether
A tether anchorage point is provided behind each second- and third-row seating position.
A child seat that is installed with a seat belt and comes with a tether can use the tether
for additional security.
Second-row seats
1. For outer seats: Raise the head restraint to its highest
position, then route the tether strap through the head
restraint legs.
For center seat: Lower the head restraint to
its lowest position, then route the tether strap
through the head restraint legs.
2. Make sure the strap is not twisted, and secure the tether
strap hook onto the anchor.
3. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the child seat
manufacturer.
Third-row seats
1. Pull up the head restraint and push rearward until it
latches, then route the tether strap through the head
restraint legs.
2. Open the anchor cover.
3. Make sure the strap is not twisted, and secure the tether
strap hook onto the anchor.
4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the child seat
manufacturer.
Protecting Larger Children
When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/
shoulder seat belt.
Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then ensure the following:
• The child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge of the
seat.
• The shoulder belt crosses between the child’s neck and
arm.
• The lap part of the seat belt is as low as possible, touching
the child’s thighs.
• The child can stay seated for the whole trip.
Tether anchorage points
Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in the front can result in injury or
death if the passenger’s front airbag inflates.
If a larger child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as
possible, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly, using
a booster seat if needed.
Safety Label Locations
Safety labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause
serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.
Sun viso r
U.S. mode ls
Canadian models
Radiator cap U.
S. models
U.S. models only
Dashboard
Canadian modelsDoorjamb
s
U.S. models only
Sun viso
r
If a lap/shoulder 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.
Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories require children to use a booster
seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be sure to check
current laws in the state or province/territory where you intend to drive.
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Second-row seat
Anchor
Tether strap hook
Third-row seat
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r eporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that
a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-
4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other
information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov .
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc., and you may also inform
Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall and remedy
campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may call
1-800-333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or about motor vehicle
safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety . Learn about the indicators and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Indicators briefly appear with each engine start and then go out. Red and amber indicators
are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general information.
malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or at any
other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check the brake
fluid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary,
downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking. Have your
vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page 125), and add oil if necessary. If the indicator does not turn off,
have your vehicle repaired immediately.
malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
• The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is loose or
missing.
• (Blinks) A misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place, and
wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
Ca nada
U.S.
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ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has normal
braking ability, but no anti-lock function.
Supplemental restraint System (SrS)
There is a problem with one of the airbag systems or seat belt tensioners.
electric Power Steering (ePS)
There is a problem with the electric power steering system. Stop in a safe place and
restart the engine.
Tire Pressure monitoring System (TPmS)
(Blinks and stays on) There is a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system,
or a spare tire* is installed.
Keyless Access system
There is a problem with the keyless access system.
v ehicle Stability Assist (vSA®) system
• There is a problem with the VSA system or the hill start assist system.
• (Blinks) VSA is active.
Brake system
There is a problem with one of the braking systems. Avoid high speeds and sudden
braking. Your vehicle still has normal braking ability.
Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)*
• There is a problem with the SH-AWD system.
• (Blinks) The differential temperature is too high. Stop in a safe place, shift to Park,
and idle until the indicator goes off.
Collision mitigation Braking System
Tm (CmBSTm)*
There is a problem with the CMBS system.
Blind Spot Information (BSI) system*
There is a problem with the BSI system or the sensor is blocked.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow*
There is a problem with the ACC system.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
There is a problem with the LKAS.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system*
There is a problem with the FCW system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera is blocked.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system*
There is a problem with the LDW system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera is blocked.
Ca nada
U.S.
SYSTEM
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action.
Parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive with it not
fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indicator blinks
and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has not fastened your
seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remains on after seat belts are
fastened, see your dealer.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with the fuel
gauge. See your dealer.
Low tire pressure
Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate tire(s) if necessary.
System message
When a condition or malfunction indicator comes on, a message also appears on
the multi-information display. Check the display for more information.
Immobilizer
Your remote transmitter cannot be recognized by the vehicle. If the indicator blinks,
you may not be able to start the engine. Turn the vehicle off, and then on again. If it
continues to blink, there may be a problem with the system. See your dealer.
Canada
U.S.
*if equipped
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on/off Indicators
These indicators remind you when an item is on or off.
VSA off
CRUISE MAIN on
CRUISE CONTROL on
Turn signals/hazards on
High beams on
Exterior lights on CMBS
TM* off
BSI* off
ACC* on
LKAS* on
FCW* off
CRUISE MAINCRUISE
CONTROL
CRUISE MAINCRUISE
CONTROL
multi-Information Display
Consists of several displays that provide you with useful information.
right selector wheel:
Scroll to change main
displays.
main display
Lower display TrIP button: Press to
change lower displays.
Main display
Vehicle Settings Instant/average
fuel economy
Tire pressure for each tire Range
Engine oil life
main Displays
Outside temperature Odometer Outside temperature
Trip A Outside temperature
Trip B
Lower Displays
Elapsed time
Compass/
directions*Average speed
SH-AWD*/IDS
*if equipped *if equipped
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Learn about the various controls necessary for operating and driving the vehicle.
Using the remote Transmitter
Lock or unlock the doors and tailgate.
Unlock button: Press once
to unlock the driver’s door.
Press again to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
release knob (front or back
of key): Slide the knob to
release the built-in key for
valet use.
Power tailgate button:
Press and hold to unlock and
open the power tailgate.
Press again to close it. Lock button: Press to lock
the doors and tailgate. Press
again for verification. LeD indicators*: Check door
lock or engine status (see
page 91).
Panic button: Press and
hold to sound the alarm for
30 seconds. Press again to
cancel.
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Leaving the remote transmitter in the vehicle can result in theft or accidental
movement of the vehicle. Always take it with you whenever you leave the vehicle
unattended.
eNGINe button*: After
pressing the Lock button
once, press and hold to
remotely start the engine.
*if equipped
Unlocking/Locking the Tailgate
To unlock: Press and hold the tailgate release button under
the tailgate handle to unlock the tailgate and all doors. The
vehicle can be on or off.
If there is not enough clearance for the tailgate to fully
open, press and hold the tailgate release button until you
hear two beeps. The tailgate unlatches, and you can open it
manually.
To lock: Press the tailgate lock button to lock the tailgate
and all doors. If the remote transmitter is inside the vehicle,
the tailgate and doors will not lock.
Tailgate release
button
Lock button
Keyless Access System
When you carry the remote transmitter (for example, in a pocket or purse) and it is outside
the vehicle and within range (about 32 inches or 80 cm), you can lock or unlock the doors
and tailgate without handling the transmitter.
Unlocking/Locking the Doors
To unlock: Grab the driver’s door handle when the vehicle
is off to unlock the driver’s door. Grab the front passenger’s
(or rear*) door handle to unlock all doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the door lock button on any front (or
rear*) door handle when the vehicle is off. If the remote
transmitter is inside the vehicle, the doors will not lock.
Door lock
button
*Some models include rear door keyless access.
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Power Tailgate operation
Use these methods to operate the power tailgate.
Power Tailgate r elease Button
The vehicle must be in Park (P) with all doors unlocked.
Press and hold the power tailgate button on the inside of
the driver’s door to open the tailgate.
Press it again at any time to close it.
Power tailgate
close button
Power Tailgate Close Button Press the power tailgate close button to automatically
close the tailgate. Press it again at any time to reverse the
tailgate direction.
Closing the power tailgate while anyone is in the path of the tailgate can
cause serious injury.
Make sure everyone is clear before closing the tailgate.
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Door operation from Inside the v ehicle
Use these methods to lock or unlock and open or close the doors.
Using the Lock Tab
To unlock: When you unlock either front door using the
lock tab, the specific door (driver’s or passenger’s) unlocks.
To lock: When you lock the door using the lock tab on the
driver’s door, all the other doors and tailgate lock at the
same time. When you lock the door using the lock tab on
the front passenger’s door, only that door locks.
Using the master Door Lock Switch
To unlock: Press the unlock side of the switch to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the lock side of the switch to lock all doors
and the tailgate.
Using the Front Door Inner Handle
Pull the front door inner handle. The door unlocks and
opens in one motion. Unlocking and opening the driver’s
door from the inner handle unlocks all other doors.
Do not pull a front door inner handle while the vehicle is
moving.
Childproof Door Locks
The childproof door locks prevent the rear doors from being
opened from the inside regardless of the position of the
lock tab.
Slide the lever in the rear door to the lock position, and
close the door.
Open the door using the outer door handle.
Unlock
Lock
Inner handle
To lock
To unlock
Lock tab
To lock
To unlock
Master door lock switch
Power tailgate button
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Power Window operation
The power windows can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the switches
on the doors. The switches on the driver’s side can be used to open and close all the
windows.
Automatic operation
To open: Push the switch down firmly.
To close: Pull the switch up firmly.
The window opens or closes completely. To stop the
window at any time, push or pull the switch again briefly.
manual operation
To open: Push the switch down lightly.
To close: Pull the switch up lightly.
Release the switch when the windows reach the desired
position.
Power Window Lock Push in the power window lock button so only the driver’s
window can be operated.
Closing a power window on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious
injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the windows before closing them.
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Close
Power moonroof operation
The moonroof can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the switch on the
ceiling.
Automatic operation
To open: Push the switch back firmly to the second detent,
then release.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly to the second
detent, then release.
The moonroof opens or closes completely. To stop the
moonroof at any time, push the switch briefly.
manual operation
To open: Push and hold the switch back to the first detent until the desired position is
reached.
To close: Push and hold the switch forward to the first detent until the desired position is
reached.
moonroof Tilt
To tilt: Push the center of the switch.
To close: Push the switch forward firmly, then release.
Closing the moonroof on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the moonroof before closing it.
Opening the moonroof in below freezing temperatures or when it is covered with snow or
ice can damage the moonroof panel or motor.
Open
CloseTilt
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On
Off
Power window
lock button
Open
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