brakes Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Guide

90 || 91
DrIvING
DrIvING
Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:
•  Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
•  The vehicle and trailer have been properly serviced and are in good condition. Lights
and brakes work properly, and the tires are properly inflated.
•  All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
•  When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with an octane rating of
91 or higher is recommended.
•  Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale (see page 89). If a public scale is
not available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of the trailer
(as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
•  The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
•  All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you drive.
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.
WArNING
remote engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine using the two-way remote transmitter before you enter the
vehicle.
Green indicator:
Confirms doors are
locked or engine is
running.Amber indicator:
Remote is
communicating with
vehicle.
red indicator:
Remote is out of
range or cannot
communicate with
the vehicle, or engine
is stopped.eNGINe button: After
pressing the LOCK
button, press and hold
to start the engine.
L oCK button
Operating range:  
approximately  328 feet (100  m)
Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location when using remote engine start (i.e., a well
ventilated area, away from any flammable materials).
Starting the engine
Press LOCK, then press and hold ENGINE.
The engine runs for up to 10 minutes. To extend the run time for another
10 minutes, repeat the procedure during the initial 10 minutes.
While the engine is running, the climate control system adjusts the cabin temperature, the
security system remains on, and lights and accessories remain off.
Stopping the engine
Press and hold ENGINE.
The engine will also stop if it has been running for more than 10 minutes, or if any door is
opened without using the remote or keyless access.
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 in a garage or other areas
with limited ventilation.
WArNING
*if equipped

94 || 95
DrIvING
DrIvING
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
No TICe
NoTICe

122 || 123
mAINTeNANCe
mAINTeNANCe
maintenance minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the Maintenance
Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you turn the vehicle on. Roll
the right selector wheel to change displays.
maintenance minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*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.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil flter•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessar y•Check parking brake adjustment•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s•Inspect suspension components•Inspect driveshaft boots•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)•Inspect all fuid levels and condition of fuid s•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 (unde r
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trai ler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1
•Rotate tires
2
•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen flte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer fuid*
4•Replace spark plug s•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearanc
e
5
•Replace engine coolan t
6
•Replace rear diferential fuid*
*2:I f you drive in dusty condi tion s, replac e the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen flter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
U.S. models
maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems may
be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using parts that are
certified to ePA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions warranties.
However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
Maintenance Minder
Engine oil life
Service codes
Roll the right
selector wheel
to change
displays.
*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.
CODEMaintenance Main Item s
A
•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil flter
•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessar y
•Check parking brake adjustment
•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s
•Inspect suspension components
•Inspect driveshaft boots
•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
•Inspect all fuid levels and condition of fuid s
•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 (unde r
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trai ler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODEMaintenance Sub Item s
1
•Rotate tires
2•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen flte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer fuid*
4•Replace spark plug s
•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearanc
e
5
•Replace engine coolan t
6•Replace rear diferential fuid*
*2:If you drive in dusty condi tion s, replac e the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen flter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
• 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.
*if equipped