light Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Guide

This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2015 Acura
MDX. It provides basic information and instructions on technology and convenience
features, as well as emergency procedures and how to get assistance.
This guide is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. It covers all MDX models, so
you may find descriptions of features and equipment that are not in your vehicle. Images
throughout this guide are from U.S. vehicles and represent features and equipment that are
available on some, but not all, models.
This guide is not intended to be a substitute for the Owner’s Manual. The Owner
Information CD enclosed in your glove box kit includes the Owner’s Manual, Navigation
Manual, and vehicle and tire warranties in electronic format. This information can be viewed
on a computer (PC or Mac platform) and saved or printed for your reference. You can
also visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) to view the complete and most
current information.
If you are the first registered owner of your vehicle, you may request a complimentary
printed copy of the Owner’s Manual, Navigation Manual, or Vehicle Warranty up to six
months after vehicle purchase. To request a copy, visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.
ca (Canada) and create or log in to your account. In Canada, please request a copy from
your Acura dealer.
American Honda Motor Company strives to be proactive in protecting our environment and
natural resources. By using electronic delivery for a considerable portion of the information
typically found in a vehicle owner’s manual, we are further reducing our impact on the
environment.
Acura Total Luxury Care r oadside Assistance
Your Acura TLC Roadside Assistance representative is here to help you
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Under your 4-year/50,000-mile (80,000 km) warranty, the
following benefits are available:
- Towing services — full cost of towing to the closest Acura dealer
- Roadside assistance — jump starting, fuel delivery, lockout, and flat tire
- Trip planning — detailed trip routing, emergency services, and more
Call (800) 594-8500 (U.S.) or (800) 565-7587 (Canada)
Acura Client relations
Your authorized Acura dealer should be able to answer any questions you have about your
vehicle. However, if you are dissatisfied with the information you receive, you can call Acura
Client Relations (see page 140).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTroDUCTIoN TABLe oF CoNTeNTS
*if equipped
vISUAL INDex ...................................1
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
1
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls ..... 2
SAFeTy INFormATIoN .................. 3
Important Safety Information ....... 3
Seat Belts ........................................... 5
Airbags ............................................... 9
Child Safety ..................................... 15
Safety Label Locations ................... 21
r eporting Safety Defects .............. 22
INSTrUmeNT P ANeL .................... 23
malfunction Indicators .................. 23
Condition Indicators ...................... 25
on/off Indicators .......................... 26
multi-Information Display ........... 27
veHICLe CoNTroLS ..................... 28
Using the remote Transmitter ..... 28
Keyless Access System .................. 29
Power Tailgate operation ............. 30
Door operation from Inside the v ehicle
31
Power Window operation ............ 32
Power moonroof operation ........33
Interior and exterior Lights ...........34
one-Touch Turn Signal .................. 36
Wiper operation ............................ 36
Adjusting the Seats ........................ 38
Adjusting the mirrors..................... 41
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 42
Driving Position memory System ... 42
r ear Seats ........................................ 43
HomeLink® Garage opener .......... 45Climate Control System
................46
Seat Heaters and ventilation* ..... 49
Customized Features ..................... 50
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy ....... 51
Basic Audio operation .................... 51
Fm/Am radio .................................. 54
Siriusxm® radio ............................. 55
Compact Disc .................................. 56
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* .... 57
iPod® or USB Flash Drive .............. 58
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 59
Pandora® ......................................... 60
AcuraLink featuring Aha™ ............. 61
r ear entertainment System* ....... 62
Bluetooth® HANDSFreeLINK ®.... 66
Basic HFL operation ...................... 66
Pairing a Phone ............................... 68
making a Call .................................. 69
SmS Text messaging and e-mail .... 72
A CUrALINK
®* ................................. 73
AcuraLink messages ....................... 73
Subscription Features .................... 74
NA vIGATIoN* ............................... 76
Basic Navigation operation ......... 76
entering a Destination .................. 79
r outing ............................................ 81
DrIvING .......................................... 83
Before Driving ................................. 83
maximum Load Limit ..................... 85
Towing a Trailer .............................. 87
r emote engine Start* ..................... 91
Starting to Drive ............................. 92
Integrated Dynamics System ....... 94

| 1

vISUAL INDex
Quickly locate items in the vehicle’s interior.
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
1 Lights/turn signals p. 34, 36
2 Wipers/washers p. 36
3 Cruise control/Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow*
buttons p. 96, 96
4 Voice recognition/Bluetooth®
HandsFreeLink® buttons p. 66
5 Horn
6 Audio controls p. 52
7 Instrument panel p. 23
Multi-information display p. 27
8 Right selector wheel p. 27
TRIP button p. 27
9 Paddle shifters p. 93
10 Distance (ACC) button* p. 97
11 Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS) button* p. 101
12 ENGINE START/STOP button p. 92
13 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
button p. 94
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
button* p. 100
Parking sensor button* p. 104
Collision Mitgation Braking
System
TM (CMBSTM) button* p. 103
Heated windshield button* p. 48
Headlight washer button* p. 34
14 Heated steering wheel button* p. 48
vISUAL INDex
1
45
9
61011
7283
131412
*if equipped*if equipped
v ehicle Stability Assist (vSA®), aka
electronic Stability Control (eSC)
System ............................................. 94
Braking ............................................. 95
Cruise Control ................................ 96
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
with Low Speed Follow* ............... 97
Forward Collision Warning
(FCW)* ............................................. 99
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW)* .......................................... 100
Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS)* ........................................... 101
Blind Spot Information (BSI)
System* ......................................... 102
Collision mitigation Braking
System™ (CmBS™)* ................... 103
Parking Sensor System* .............. 104
multi- view rear Camera ............. 105
Surround view Camera* ............. 106
r efueling ....................................... 107
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD ...108
Keyless Access r emote Battery
Strength ......................................... 108
Jump Starting ................................ 108
Shift Lever Does Not move ........ 109
overheating ................................... 110
emergency engine Stop ................ 111
Tire Pressure monitoring System
(TPmS) ............................................ 111
Changing a Flat Tire ...................... 112Tire r
epair Kit* .............................. 116
Fuse Locations ............................... 117
emergency Towing ....................... 120
mAINTeNANCe ............................. 121
Safety Precautions ........................ 121
maintenance minder™ ................ 122
Under the Hood ............................ 124
engine oil ...................................... 125
engine Coolant .............................. 127
Window Washer Fluid ................. 128
Checking the Battery ................... 128
Changing Wiper Blades ............... 129
Tire Information ........................... 130
Tire Labeling .................................. 133
Do T Tire Quality Grading ........... 134
Tire Pressure monitoring System
(TPmS) - r equired Federal
explanation ................................... 136
Testing of readiness Codes ........ 137
SPeCIFICATIoNS ......................... 138
CLIeNT INFormATIoN .............. 139
Frequently Asked Questions/
Troubleshooting ........................... 139
Contact Us .................................... 140
Acura Total Luxury Care r oadside
Assistance ...................................... 141
Warranty Coverages ..................... 141
v oICe CommAND INDex ......... 142
INDex ............................................ 148

2 || 3
SAFeTy
vISUAL INDex
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display
2 On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD)
p. 53
3 Hazard warning button
4 Climate control buttons p. 46
5 Moonroof switch p. 33
Map lights p. 35
HomeLink® buttons p. 45
AcuraLink® buttons* p. 73
6 Power window switches p. 32
Door lock switches p. 31
Door mirror controls p. 41
Power folding mirror button* p. 41
7 Power tailgate button* p. 30
Fuel fill door handle p. 107
8 Hood release handle p. 124
9 Driving Position Memory System
buttons p. 42
10 Integrated Dynamics System
(IDS) button p. 94
11 Parking brake p. 95
12 Audio/phone/navigation/Surround
View Camera* buttons p. 50, 65,
75, 105
13 Rear entertainment system* p. 62
14 USB port p. 51
Auxiliary input jack p. 51
Accessory power socket p. 51
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5
67
9
1012
Your safety—and the safety of others—is very important, and operating this vehicle safely
is an important responsibility. While we strive to help you make informed decisions about
safety, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with
operating or maintaining your vehicle. Therefore, you must use your own good judgment.
Important Safety Information
This guide explains many of your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them. Please read
this information carefully. Following the instructions below will also help to keep you and
your passengers safe.
Important Safety Precautions
•  Always wear your seat belt.
•  Secure all children in the proper restraint system.
•  Be aware of airbag hazards.
•  Don’t drink and drive.
•  Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely.
•  Control your speed.
•  Keep your vehicle in safe condition.
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying close
attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember,
situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert some
attention away from driving.
Important Handling Information Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only
on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving.
It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off
the ground, it has a higher center of gravity, making it more susceptible to tripping or
rollover if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your
passengers always wear seat belts.
SAFeTy INFormATIoN
13
*if equipped
14

10 || 11
SAFeTy
SAFeTy
Side Airbags
The side airbags help protect the upper torso and pelvis of the driver or a front passenger
during a moderate-to-severe side impact. They are housed in the outside edge of the
driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs. Both are marked SIDe AIrBAG.
Side Curtain Airbags
Side curtain airbags help protect the head and torso of the driver and passengers in outer
seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain airbags
equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of partial and
complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes, particularly
rollover crashes.
The side curtain airbags are located in the ceiling above the
side windows on both sides of the vehicle.
The side curtain airbags are designed to deploy in a rollover
or moderate-to-severe side impact. If the SRS control unit
senses that your vehicle is about to roll over, it immediately
deploys both side curtain airbags and activates both front
seat belt tensioners. If the impact is on the passenger’s side,
the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even if there
are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.
To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags,
occupants should wear their seat belts properly and sit
upright and well back in their seats.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars, as they can interfere with
the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision
One or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled frontal
collision. In this case, the side curtain airbags will deploy slightly after the front airbags.
Side curtain airbag storage
Deployed side curtain airbags
Important Facts About your Airbags
Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering
wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should
move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag. Carrying hard
or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth,
can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on the front and driver’s knee airbag covers. Objects on
the covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags
or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags. They can interfere with the
proper operation of the airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars. They can interfere with
the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers. This can prevent your side airbags
from properly deploying during a side impact.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag
systems or tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator
alerts you to a possible problem.
Airbag System
(SRS) Problem
WArNING
Airbag System Indicators
If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator comes on and a message
appears on the multi-information display.
SrS (Supplemental r estraint System) Indicator
If the indicator comes on at any other time besides vehicle
start-up, or does not come on at all, have the system
checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you don’t, your
airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly
when they are needed. An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even
if the passenger is wearing the seat belt.
Always keep the glove box closed while driving.
WArNING

22 || 23
INSTrUmeNT P
ANeL
SAFeTy
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.
INSTrUmeNT P
ANeL

26 || 27
INSTrUmeNT P
ANeL
INSTrUmeNT P ANeL
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

32 || 33

veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
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.
WArNING
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
WArNING
On
Off
Power window
lock button
Open
No TICe

34 || 35

veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Interior and exterior Lights
Operate interior and exterior lights when the vehicle is on or off.
exterior Lights
Rotate the switch on the headlight lever to operate the exterior lights. Push the lever
forward to turn on the high beams. Return the lever to its original position for low beams.
OFF All exterior lights are off.
AUTO Turn on the automatic lighting
feature. Headlights turn on or
off depending on ambient
brightness when the vehicle is on.
Headlights automatically come
on after the wipers are engaged for a
certain time.
Turn on exterior lights except headlights.
Turn on all exterior lights including headlights.
Brightness Control
Adjust instrument panel brightness when the vehicle is on.
To brighten: Press the + button.
To dim: Press the - button.
A beep sounds when the brightness reaches minimum or
maximum.
Headlight Washers* Turn the headlights on. Press the headlight washer button to operate the washers.
The headlight washers also operate when you first turn
on the windshield wipers.
Headlight
washer
button
High
beams Low
beams
Flash high
beams
Press the map light
button to turn lights on
or off when the front
light switch is in the
door-activated position.
Interior Lights Change the interior light settings using the switches on the ceiling.
on position: The light
comes on when the
tailgate is open and
goes off when it is
closed.
off position: The light
stays off.
Cargo area lights
Located on the inside of the tailgate door.
on position: Interior
lights remain on.
Door-activated
position: Interior lights
come on when any of
the doors are opened,
the driver’s door
is unlocked, or the
vehicle is turned off.
off position: Interior
lights remain off.Door-activated position
On
Off
Second- and third-row lights
On Off
Front lights
BrightDim
*if equipped (Canadian models)

36 || 37

veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
one-Touch Turn Signal
Use this quick and convenient method to signal a lane change.
Lightly push the turn signal lever up or down for a three-blink
sequence.
For a continuous signal, push the lever up or down until it
locks into place.
Wiper operation
The windshield wipers and washers can be used when the vehicle is on.
Front Wipers
Move the wiper lever up or down to the desired position.
Headlight-Wiper IntegrationWhen the headlights are in the AUTO position, they
automatically turn on when the front wipers operate
several times within a certain interval. The headlights
turn off shortly after the wipers are turned off, or if
there is enough ambient light.
Intermittent Wipers*When you move the lever to the INT position, the
wipers operate based on the delay adjustment.
Adjust the wiper delay using the intermittent time adjustment ring.
Right
Left
*if equipped
Automatic rain-Sensing Wipers*
When you move the lever to the AUTO position while driving in rainy weather, the wipers
operate based on the amount of detected rainfall.
Adjust the rainfall sensor sensitivity using the adjustment ring.
r ear Wiper
Rotate the end of the wiper lever to operate the rear
wiper.
When you shift to Reverse (R) and the front wipers are
activated, the rear wiper activates even if the switch is
off.
Mist
Off
Intermittent* (or automatic*)
Low speed
High speed Pull for
washer.
Long delay
Short delay
Lower sensitivity
Higher sensitivity
Intermittent time
adjustment ring
Adjustment ring
Do not use the wipers when the windshield is dry. The windshield will get scratched, or the
rubber blades will get damaged.
In cold weather, the blades may freeze to the windshield, becoming stuck. Operating the
wipers in this condition may damage the wipers. Use the defroster to warm the windshield,
or manually clear the windshield of ice and snow before turning on the wipers.
No TICe
oFF
INT: Intermittent
oN: Continuous wipe
Washer
Washer
Always ensure the wiper lever is in the OFF position before entering a car wash to
prevent severe damage to the windshield wiper system.
NoTICe

40 || 41

veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
For a head restraint system to work properly:
•  Do not hang any items on the head restraints or from the restraint legs.
•  Do not place any object between an occupant and the seat-back.
•  Install each restraint in its proper location.
Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and
increases the likelihood of serious injury in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving.
Failure to reinstall, or correctly reinstall, the head restraints can result in
severe injury during a crash.
Always replace the head restraints before driving.
WArNING
WArNING
Floor matsPosition the front and rear seat floor mats properly and
anchor them. If they are not properly positioned, the floor
mats can interfere with the front seat functions.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored
mats.
Unlock
Lock
Adjusting the mirrors
Adjust the angle of the mirrors for the best visibility when you are sitting in the correct
driving position.
Automatic Dimming r earview mirror
When driving after dark, the automatic dimming function
reduces the glare from headlights behind you.
A green indicator appears when automatic dimming is on.
The function cancels when the shift lever is in Reverse (R).
Power Door mirrors Adjust the power door mirrors when the vehicle is on.
L/r selector switch: Select the left or right mirror. After
adjusting the mirror, return the switch to the center
position.
mirror position adjustment switch: Press the switch left,
right, up, or down to move the mirror.
Folding door mirror button*: Press to fold the door
mirrors in or out.
r everse Tilt Door mirrors
Either side door mirror can tilt downward when you shift
to Reverse (R) to improve visibility on the selected side
of the vehicle when reversing. The mirror returns to its
original position when you shift out of Reverse.
When in Reverse, slide the selector switch to the left or
right side.
Indicator Sensor
Adjustment switchSelector switchFolding
button*
Selector switch
*if equipped (Canadian models)