Acura MDX 2015 Workshop Manual

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Integrated Dynamics System (IDS)
Choose a driving mode for your preference based on road conditions, vehicle speed, and
handling.
Comfort: Maximizes driver comfort through increased steering assist.
Normal: Balances performance for everyday driving.
Sport: Enhances vehicle response and feel through decreased steering assist and increased
throttle and torque.
The selected mode
briefly appears in
the MID.IDSIntegrated Dynamics System
NormalSport
Comfort
Press IDS to cycle
through modes.
v ehicle Stability Assist (vSA®), aka electronic Stability Control (eSC)
System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than what
was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by regulating engine
output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning vSA on or off
VSA is turned on every time you start the vehicle. If you turn VSA off, your vehicle has
normal braking and cornering ability, but not VSA traction and stability enhancement.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a beep
to turn VSA on or off. The VSA Off indicator appears when
the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which allows the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. This can be
helpful when trying to free your vehicle if it is stuck in
mud or snow.
VSA OFF
button VSA OFF
indicator
Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake
Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop your vehicle
from moving.
Parking BrakeKeep the vehicle from moving when it is parked.
To apply: Press the parking brake with your foot.
To release: Press the brake pedal, then press the parking
brake until it releases.
Brake Assist SystemDuring hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. The brake pedal
may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hold the brake pedal
firmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
During hard or emergency braking, the system rapidly pumps the brakes to prevent wheel
lockup and help you maintain steering control. The brake pedal may pulsate slightly
during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the brake pedal, and continue to hold
it firmly down.
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size.
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
Brake pedal
Parking brake
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Cruise Control
Maintain a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the accelerator
pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a constant
speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
Activating and Setting the vehicle Speed
1. Press CRUISE. The CRUISE MAIN indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed (above 25 mph/40 km/h).
Press RES/+ and take your foot off the pedal to set the
speed. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator appears.
Adjusting the v ehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase or SET/- to decrease.
Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is increased
or decreased by about 1 mph (1 km/h). If you keep the button
pressed, the vehicle speed increases or decreases until you
release it.
Canceling Cruise Control Press CANCEL or the brake pedal. The CRUISE CONTROL
indicator goes off.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still resume the
prior set speed by pressing RES/+ while driving at a speed of at
least 25 mph (40 km/h).
Press CRUISE to turn the system off.
CRUISE button
RES/+ button
SET/- button
CANCEL button
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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow*
Helps maintain a constant vehicle speed and a set following distance behind a vehicle
detected ahead of yours. When the vehicle ahead changes speed, ACC senses the change
and accelerates or decelerates to maintain a set interval.
MAIN button
RES/+ button
SET/- button
CANCEL button
Distance button
Activating and Setting the vehicle Speed
1. Press MAIN. The ACC indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
  Above 25 mph/40 km/h: Press SET/- and take
your foot off the pedal to set the speed.
  Below 25 mph/40 km/h (Low Speed Follow):
Press SET/- to set the speed below 25 mph/40
km/h when there is a vehicle ahead of you. If
there is no vehicle ahead, ACC will not engage.
Adjusting the v ehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase or SET/- to decrease.
Each time you press the switch up or down, the vehicle speed
is increased or decreased by about
1 mph (1 km/h). If you keep the switch pressed up or down,
the vehicle speed increases or decreases by
5 mph (8 km/h) until you release it.
Adjusting the Following Distance Press the Distance button to change the following distance.
Each time you press the button, the following distance cycles
through short, middle, long, and extra long.
Switching to Standard Cruise ControlPress and hold the Distance button.
*if equipped

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Improper use of ACC with LSF can lead to a crash.
Use ACC with LSF only when driving on expressways or freeways and in good
weather conditions.
Exiting a vehicle that has been stopped while the ACC with LSF system is
operating can result in the vehicle moving without operator control. Always
make sure the shift lever is in Park (P) before exiting the vehicle.
A vehicle that moves without operator control can cause a crash, resulting in
serious injury or death.
Never exit a vehicle when the vehicle is stopped by ACC with LSF.
ACC with LSF has limited braking capability and may not stop your vehicle in
time to avoid a collision with a vehicle that quickly stops in front of you.
Always be prepared to apply the brake pedal if conditions require.
During operation
If a vehicle detected ahead of you slows down abruptly, or if
another vehicle cuts in front of you, a beep sounds and BRAKE
appears on the multi-information display to alert you.
When a vehicle detected ahead is within ACC with low speed
follow range and stops, your vehicle also stops. The Stopped
message appears on the multi-information display.
When the vehicle ahead of you starts again, the vehicle icon on the
multi-information display blinks. Press RES/+/SET/– up or down, or
depress the accelerator pedal to resume the prior set speed.
Canceling ACCYou can press CANCEL, press MAIN, or depress the brake pedal. The
ACC indicator goes off.
Certain conditions may cause ACC to cancel automatically. When
this happens, a beep sounds and a message appears on the multi-
information display.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still resume the
prior set speed by pressing RES/ACCEL while driving at a speed of at
least 25 mph (40 km/h).
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Forward Collision Warning (FCW)*
If the camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror detects a vehicle
in front of you when your vehicle speed is 10 mph (15 km/h) or higher—and it determines
there is a likelihood of a frontal collision—the system provides you with visual and audible
warnings.
If you do not brake in time or take preventive
action, BRAKE flashes in the MID and a beep sounds
continuously.
Changing Settings
Determine the warning timing, or turn the system off. Use the interface dial to make and
enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings.
3. Select Forward Collision Warning Distance.
4. Select Long, Normal, Short, or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety reminder
FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy of the
system will vary based on weather, speed, extreme interior heat, and other factors. FCW
does not include a braking function. It is always your responsibility to safely operate the
vehicle and avoid collisions.
*if equipped
BRAKE
message Audible
beep

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Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
A camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror determines if your
vehicle begins to move away from the center of a detected lane while driving between
40–90 mph (64–145 km/h).
If you cross a detected lane line without using your turn
signal, a message appears on the MID and a beep sounds.
Turning LDW on or off
Press LDW to turn the system on or off. A green indicator
light appears on the button when the system is on.
Important Safety reminder
Like all assistance systems, LDW has limitations. Over-reliance on LDW may result in a
collision. It is always your responsibility to keep the vehicle within your lane.
LDW only alerts you when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not
detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed,
and lane marker condition. It is always your responsibility to safely operate the vehicle and
avoid collisions.
*if equipped
Lane departure
message Audible
beep
Indicator
Turning LKAS on or off 1. Press MAIN. LKAS appears in the MID.
2. Press the LKAS button. Lane outlines appear in the
MID. Dotted lane lines turn solid when the system
operates.
3. Press MAIN or the LKAS button to turn the system
off.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
A camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror determines if your
vehicle begins to move away from the center of a detected lane while driving between
45–90 mph (72–145 km/h).
If you cross a detected lane line without using your turn
signal, a message appears on the MID and a beep sounds.
Light steering torque is applied to keep your vehicle in the
middle of the lane.
Important Safety reminder
The LKAS is for your convenience only. It is not a substitute for your vehicle control. The
system does not work if you take your hands off the steering wheel or fail to steer the
vehicle.
Do not place an object on the top of the instrument panel. It may reflect onto the
windshield and prevent the system from detecting lane lines properly.
Do not use when towing.
*if equipped
Lane departure
message Audible
beep
Light steering
assistance

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Blind Spot Information (BSI) System*
Alerts you to a detected vehicle in your left or right blind spot.
When a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, the blind
spot indicator turns on and stays lit until the area is clear.
When your turn signal is on and a vehicle is detected, the
blind spot indicator blinks and a beep sounds until the
area is clear or the turn signal is off.
Changing Settings
Change the alert type, or turn the system on or off. Use the interface dial to make and
enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings.
3. Select Blind Spot Info.
4. Select an alert type, or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety reminder
Like all assistance systems, BSI has limitations. Over-reliance on BSI may result in a
collision. The system is for your convenience only.
Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to change lanes before doing so may
result in a crash and serious injury or death. Do not rely only on the blind
spot information system when changing lanes.
Always look in your mirrors, to either side of your vehicle, and behind you for
other vehicles before changing lanes.
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*if equipped
Indicator
Collision mitigation Braking System™ (CmBS™)*
Can alert you when a potential frontal collision is determined and reduce your vehicle
speed when a collision is deemed unavoidable to help minimize collision severity.
The system provides visual and audible alerts if you
do not take appropriate action to avoid a collision.
Alert Stages The system has three alert stages for a possible collision. Depending on the
circumstances or CMBS settings, CMBS may not go through all of the stages before
initiating the last stage.
  Stage 1: Head-up warning and audible beep
  Stage 2: Head-up warning, audible beep, light seat belt retraction, and
light brake application
Stage 3:  Head-up warning, audible beep, strong seat belt retraction, and
strong brake application
Turning CmBS on or off
Press and hold CMBS OFF. A beep sounds and a message
appears in the MID. The CMBS indicator appears when the
system is off.
Changing SettingsSee page 98 for how to change CMBS settings. Options include Long, Normal (default),
and Short. Use the CMBS OFF button to turn the system off.
Important Safety reminder
CMBS is designed to reduce the severity of an unavoidable collision. It does not prevent
collisions nor stop the vehicle automatically. It is still your responsibility to operate the
brake pedal and steering wheel appropriately according to the driving conditions.
*if equipped
BRAKE
message
Audible
beep Head-up warning lights

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Parking Sensor System*
When the system senses an object when you are parking or backing up, an indicator appears
on the upper display and a series of beeps will sound. As you get closer to the object, the
beep rate increases.
Turning the System on or off
Press the parking sensor button. A green indicator light
appears on the button when the system is on.
Indicators appear when the
sensor device detects an
obstacle.
*if equipped
Indicator
multi- view r ear Camera
When you shift into Reverse (R), a real-time image of the area behind your vehicle is shown
in the display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
The rear camera  view is restricted.  You cannot see  the corner ends  of the bumper  or what is underneath  the 
bumper.  Its unique lens  also makes objects appear closer  or farther than they actually  are.
Visually confirm  that it is safe to drive before backing up.  Certain conditions (such  as weather,  lighting,  and high 
temperatures) may  also restrict the rear view. Do not rely  on the rearview  display, which  does not  give you all 
information  about conditions  at the rear  of your  vehicle.
Wide view Normal view Top down view
Press the
interface dial
to toggle
between
views.
Changing Guidelines
Turn the guidelines on or off. Use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Camera Settings
3. Select one of the options.  
Fixed  Guidelines:  Guidelines appear when you shift into
Reverse. Select On or Off.
Dynamic  Guidelines:  Guidelines move as you turn the
steering wheel. Select On or Off.
4. Press BACK to exit the menu.

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Surround view Camera*
Four cameras assist in helping you view blind spots around the vehicle.
*if equipped (Canadian models)
The surround 
view camera does not eliminate  all blind spots. Visually confirm safety  around the vehicle  with your 
own eyes  and the mirrors.  Do not rely  on the camera  view.
Front ground view Front blind viewright side viewCheck Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Displaying Front or Side views
Press CAMERA while the vehicle is stopped or at
a speed of 12 km/h or below. The camera display
turns off when the vehicle speed is 15 km/h or
above. Press CAMERA again to switch views.
Press any other button to turn off the camera view.
Displaying the r ear view
Shift into Reverse (R) to display the rear view.
Changing Camera Settings While on the camera view, press MENU. Use the interface dial to select Camera Settings,
and choose from the options.
Left/right side views
Front and side views
rear ground view rear view rear wide view
Rear viewsCheck
Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Check Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Check Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
How to r efuel
1. The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the vehicle.
Park next to the service pump that is most accessible.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Press the fuel fill door release on the inside of the driver’s
door. The fuel fill door opens.
4. Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to open. Place the fuel fill cap
in the holder.
5. Insert the filler nozzle fully. When the tank is full, the fuel
nozzle clicks off automatically.
6. Replace the fuel fill cap. Tighten it until you hear at least
one click. Close the fuel fill door.
refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performance and safety of
your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded premium gasoline of 91 octane or higher is recommended.
•  Acura recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline where available.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing MMT.
We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help
prevent fuel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain good
performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the
use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based fuel additives
such as MMT, if such gasoline is available.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
• Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
•  Handle fuel only outdoors.
•  Wipe up spills immediately.
Cap
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Press

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Shift Lever Does Not move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Park (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the built-in key from the remote transmitter.
3. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-tip screwdriver.
Place it at the back of the release lock cover, and remove
the cover.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever release
button and shift into Neutral (N). The lock is now released.
Have the shift lever checked by a dealer as soon as
possible.
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine, then
open the hood (see page 124).
1. Pull up the engine cover to remove it.
2. Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s battery (+)
terminal.
3. Connect the other end of the first jumper cable to the
booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt booster battery
only.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster battery
(-) terminal.
5. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable to the
engine hanger as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable
to any other part.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle, start the
assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over
slowly, make sure that the jumper cables have good metal-
to-metal contact.
WArNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
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Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Keyless Access remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, a message appears in the MID with
information on how to start the engine.
1. Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the ENGINE
START/STOP button while the indicator is flashing.
2. With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE START/
STOP button within 10 seconds.
Booster battery
Engine
hanger
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
After the engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (-) terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (+) terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Slot Cover
Release button Shift lock release slot
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Engine coverPin

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overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power, or
steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheating.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off all
accessories and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. If no steam or spray is present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood (see page 124).
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and wait
until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the temperature gauge
needle goes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediately stop the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank is low, add coolant
until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, make sure the
radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open the cap. If
necessary, add coolant up to the base of the filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge. If the
temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone down, contact a
dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator
cap.
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage the
engine.
MAX MIN
Reserve tank
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emergency engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an emergency
situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, choose one of the following
operations:
• Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for two
seconds, or
•  Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY (unless the shift
lever is in Park, in which case the power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF).
Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides to the
steering and braking systems, it will require significantly more physical effort and time
to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet on the brake pedal, if
necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the engine to be
switched off.
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 indicator
comes on and a message appears on the multi-information display.
Roll the right selector wheel
to the tire pressure monitor
to see which tire(s) have low
pressure.
What to Do Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Adjust the tire pressure to the level specified on a label
on the driver’s doorjamb.
Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. An overheated tire can
fail. Always inflate your tires to the specified pressure.
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Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually to
reduce speed. Stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact spare tire.* Go to a
dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or replaced.
Before Changing the Tire
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slippery surface.
2. Move the shift lever to Park (P), and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the vehicle off.
Getting ready to Change the Tire
1. Open the tailgate. Turn on the cargo lights located on
the inside of the tailgate, if necessary (see page 35).
Push the rear edge of the handle on the floor lid and
open the lid.
2. Take out the cargo floor box.
3. Take the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack handle bar out
of the tool case.
4. Remove the cover on the cargo area lining to access the
shaft for the spare tire hoist.
Cargo floor box
Tool case
Cover
*if equipped
5. Put the wheel nut wrench with the jack handle bar on
the hoist shaft. Turn the wrench to the left to lower the
spare tire to the ground.
6. Keep turning the wheel nut wrench to create slack in the
cable. Remove the bracket from the spare tire.
7. Place the compact spare tire wheel side up under the
vehicle body, near the tire that needs to be replaced.
8. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn using the wheel
nut wrench.
Bracket
Wheel nut wrench Jack handle bar
Handle