transmission Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Manual

Visual Index
6Quick Reference Guide
❙Power Window Switches
(P138)
❙Hood Release Handle
(P400)
❙Driver’s Side Interior Fuse Box
(P476)
❙Driver’s Knee Airbag
(P46)
❙Door Mirror Controls
(P159)
❙Power Door Lock Master Switch
(P126)
❙Memory Buttons
(P156)
❙SET Button
(P156)
❙Passenger’s Front Airbag
(P42)
❙Shift Lever
Automatic Transmission
(P331)
❙USB Port
(P201)
❙Rearview Mirror
(P158)
❙IDS Button
(P335)
❙Driver’s Front Airbag
(P42)
❙Parking Brake
(P371)
❙Auxiliary Input Jack
(P202)
❙Accessory Power Socket
(P178)
❙Accessory Power Socket
(P178)
❙Passenger’s Side Interior Fuse
Box
(P477)
❙Glove Box
(P174)
❙Power Tailgate Button (P132)❙Fuel Fill Door Release Button (P388)

17Quick Reference Guide
Driving
(P305)
Release
ButtonShift
Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
( P.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button.
Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
●
Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Used when reversing.
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving. D-paddle shift mode can be used.
S Position
Sequential shift mode can be used.
Paddle Shifters
(P333)
M Indicator
Shift Down
(-
Paddle Shifter Shift Up
(
+
Paddle Shifter
●
Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual
transmission (1st through 6th). This is useful for engine braking.
● D-paddle shift mode: The transmission will shift back to automatic
mode once the system detects that the vehicle is cruising.
● Sequential shift mode: Holds the selected gear, and the M
indicator comes on.
● The selected gear position is shown in the instrument panel.
Selected Gear Number
Automatic Transmission
(P330)
● Shift to
(P and depress the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
Shift Lever
Position
Indicator

72
uuIndicators u
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Shift Lever
Position
Indicator
●Indicates the current shift lever
position.
2Shifting P. 331
—
Transmission
Indicator
●Blinks if the transmission system has
a problem.
●Blinks while driving - Avoid sudden
starts and acceleration and have your
vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
M (sequential
shift mode)
Indicator/Gear
Position
Indicator
●Comes on when the manual
sequential shift mode is applied.
2 Sequential Shift Mode P. 333
—

85
uuIndicators uMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages
Continued
Instrument Panel
Message
Condition
Explanation
●Appears when the washer fluid is low.
●Refill washer fluid.
2 Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 410
●Appears while you are customizing the settings and the
shift lever is moved out of
(P
.
2Customized Features P. 104
●Appears when the transmission fluid temperature is too
high.
●Stop in a safe place in
(P
. Let the engine idle until the
message disappears.
●Appears when there is a problem with the sensor on the
battery.
●Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2 Checking the Battery P. 430
●Appears along with the battery charging system
indicator when the battery is not charging.
●Turn off the climate control system and rear defogger to
reduce electricity consumption.
2If the Charging System Indicator Comes On P. 470
Canadian models

Continued
151
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel uWipers and Washers
Controls
The rear wiper and washer can be used when
the power mode is in ON.■Wiper switch (OFF, INT, ON)
Change the wiper switch setting according to
the amount of rain.■Washer ( )
Sprays while you rotate the switch to this
position.
Hold it to activate the wiper and to spray the
washer. Once released, it stops operating
after a few more sweeps.
■Operating in reverse
When you shift the transmission to
(R
with the front wiper activated, the rear wiper
operates automatically as follows even if its switch is off.
■
Rear Wiper/Washer
1 Wipers and Washers
If the wiper stops operating due to any obstacle such
as the build-up of snow, park the vehicle in a safe
place.
Rotate the wiper switch to OFF, and set the power
mode to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK), then
remove the obstacle.
INT: Intermittent
OFF ON : Continuous wipe
Washer
Front Wiper Position Rear Wiper OperationINT (Intermittent)
Intermittent
LO (Low speed wipe)
HI (High speed wipe) Continuous

305
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before DrivingDriving Preparation .......................... 306
Maximum Load Limit........................ 309
Towing a Trailer ................................ 311
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ..... 322
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 324
Precautions While Driving................. 329
Automatic Transmission ................... 330
Shifting ............................................ 331
Integrated Dynamics System (IDS)..... 335
Cruise Control ................................. 336
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)
*......................... 339 Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
*.. 350
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
*..... 354
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*.. 357
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System ............. 362Agile Handling Assist System............ 364
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System
*... 365
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM (SH-
AWD® )
*......................................... 367
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ... 367Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 369
Braking Brake System ................................... 371 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 373
Brake Assist System ......................... 374
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBS
TM)*..................................... 375
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 381
Parking Sensor System
*................... 382
Multi-View Rear Camera*................ 386
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 387
How to Refuel ................................. 388
Fuel Economy .................................... 389
Accessories and Modifications ........ 390
* Not available on all models

Continued
315
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we recommend that you purchase Acura equipment
whenever possible.■
Towing Equipment and Accessories
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer make r for proper installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and braking performance of your
vehicle.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
Trailer packages and products:•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.•Wiring harness kit•Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included) 2Trailer brakes P. 316•Automatic transmission cooler kit
2Automatic transmission cooler P. 318
Are available at a dealer.

318
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer’s instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.■Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.■Sway control
This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.■Automatic transmission cooler
Install an additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler to help prevent the
transmission from overheating, and damaging. You can get the additional ATF
cooler at a dealer.An additional ATF cooler is required to keep the transmission from overheating when
towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.4WD models

321
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(S
position if the transmission shifts frequently.
If the vehicle tires slip when retrieving a boat from the water, keep the transmission
in
(D
and do not use the sequential shift mode in
(S
. This prevents damage to the
transmission.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.2 Emergency Towing P. 480■
Driving in Hilly Terrain
■
Retrieving a Boat

323
uuOff-Highway Driving Guidelines uAvoiding Trouble
Driving
Avoiding Trouble• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all
scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
• Remember the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.
• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start
or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover
or damage to your suspension or other components.
• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to
drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water
in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
• If You Get Stuck , carefully go in the direction that you think will get you
unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are un able to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.