lights 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
1
281134
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

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

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)

82 || 83
DrIvING
NA vIGATIoN
Taking a Detour
You can calculate a detour route manually if you encounter a road closure or other
obstacle. Use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
1. When en route, press MENU.
2. Select Detour. The system attempts to calculate a new
route by avoiding the next 5 miles (8 km) while on a
freeway or 1 mile (1 km) while on a surface street.
AcuraLink r eal-Time Traffic™*
View traffic flow, incidents, and construction in major metro areas. You can also route
around congestion or incidents using voice commands. Press the Talk button before
saying each command. Available in the U.S. only.
1. When en route, say “Display  traffic on my route.” A list of
incidents on your route appears.
2. Say the number of the incident you want to avoid.
3. Say “Avoid” and the incident list returns.
4. Say “Reroute” to set the new route.
*Requires  AcuraLink subscription.  Visit  owners.acura.com for more information.
Canceling y our route
You can cancel your route at any time. Press the Talk button and say “Cancel route.” You
can also use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
1. When en route, press MENU.
2. Select Cancel Route. The route is cleared and the map
screen returns.
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
exterior Checks
•  Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior lights, or
other parts of the vehicle.
•  Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
•  Make sure the hood is securely closed.
•  Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under the hood,
causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period, inspect and remove
any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have fallen or
have been carried in for use as a nest by a small animal. Also check under the hood for
leftover flammable materials after you or someone else has performed maintenance on
your vehicle.
•  Make sure the tires are in good condition.
•  Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DrIvING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any ice. Do not
try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the doors. When done,
wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Interior Checks
•  Store or secure all items on board properly.
•  Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
•  Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor mats.
•  If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•  Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
•  Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•  Make sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats.
•  Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
•  Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.
No TICe

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

92 || 93
DrIvING
DrIvING
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the engine
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P) and the parking
brake is released, then depress the brake pedal. 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 m). 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.
Changing the Power mode Accessory or on mode: Press ENGINE START/STOP once
without pressing the brake pedal for Accessory mode. Press
it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake pedal, then
press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your foot firmly on the
brake pedal when starting the engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press ENGINE START/STOP. If you press
the button and the shift lever is not in Park, the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
Shifting
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the engine. Press the
brake pedal, then press the release button to shift.
r everse (r): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving or temporarily driving in
sequential mode.
Drive (S): Used for driving in sequential mode. Use the paddle
shifters to change gears (see page 93).
Brake pedal
Before you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a complete
stop and keep the brake pedal depressed. Operating the shift lever before the
vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could
damage the transmission.
Release button
No TICe
Sequential Shift mode
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 6th gears without removing your
hands from the steering wheel.
When the shift lever is in D: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode momentarily,
and the gear position indicator comes on. When you start traveling at a constant speed,
sequential shift mode automatically switches off, and the gear position indicator goes off.
When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode, and the M
(sequential shift mode) indicator and gear position indicator come on. At speeds of 6
mph (10 km/h) or less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st gear. It does not
automatically shift up, even if vehicle speed increases. You can pull away only in 1st or
2nd gear.
When switching out of sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from S to D. When
sequential shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear position indicator go off.
Second gear lock mode: If you pull the (+) paddle shifter while stopped or driving at 6
mph (10 km/h) or less, the gear position is locked in 2nd gear. This makes it easier to pull
away on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered roads. To cancel 2nd gear lock mode, pull
the (-) paddle shifter or move the shift lever from S to D.
(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down
to a lower gear. (+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear.
recommended shift points
Shift Up Acceleration
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
5th to 6th 50 mph (80 km/h)
M indicator/Gear
position indicator