engine Acura MDX 2017 User Guide

| 89
DRIVING
Driving Guidelines for Your
Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•
Take corners at slower speeds

than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•
Avoid sharp

turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•
Do not modify your

vehicle in any way that raises its center of gravity.
•
Never carry more

than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura
accessory).
In addition:
•
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km)

of operation, avoid sudden acceleration
or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
•
Avoid har

d braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause crash or
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories
and modifications.
WARNING

92 |
DRIVING
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. An accessory front towing grille is
required whenever a trailer is towed. You can get the accessory grille at a dealer.
See the Owner’s Manual on the Owner Information CD or visit owners.acura.com
for more information.
Towing
Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of
the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown
in the table below.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously affect
vehicle handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
Total load
Number of
occupants
AWD models with
ATF cooler
AWD models
without ATF cooler2WD model s
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg )3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
34,750 lbs (2,155 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 kg )3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
64,000 lbs (1,814 kg )2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
7Towing not recommended
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
•
Occupants fill seats
from the front of the vehicle to the back.
•
Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg).
•
Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of car

go in the cargo area.
Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight
and maximum tongue load.
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

96 |
DRIVING
Remote Engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine from extended distances 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 HOLD button:
After pressing the LOCK
button, press and hold
to start the engine.
LOCK button
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 the LOCK button, then press and hold the ENGINE HOLD button to
remotely start the 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.
Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or cause unconsciousness.
Never use the remote engine starter when the vehicle is parked in a garage
or other area with limited ventilation.
WARNING
*if equipped

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DRIVING
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before
Starting the Engine
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:
U.S. models
Stop, press and hold the brake pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP. The
transmission changes to Park (P) and the engine shuts off.
Canadian models
Stop, change the gear to Park (P), press the brake pedal, then press ENGINE
START/STOP. If you press the button and the gear is not in Park, the vehicle goes
into Accessory mode.
Brake pedal

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DRIVING
Sequential Mode
Use the paddle shifters to change gears from 1st through 9th without removing
your hands from the steering wheel.
When the transmission 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 mode and the gear position indicator
automatically go off.
When the transmission is in S: The vehicle goes into sequential mode, and the M
(sequential mode) indicator and gear position indicator come on. Use the paddle
shifters to change gears.
To cancel this mode, hold the + paddle shifter for two seconds or push D. The M
indicator and gear position indicator go off.
(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down to
a lower gear. (+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear.
M indicator/gear
position indicator
Car wash mode
If you are driving through a conveyor-style car wash where you or the attendant
do not remain in the vehicle, follow these steps while the engine is on:
1.
Press and hold the brak

e pedal.
2.
Select N.
3.
Within 5 seconds, press the ENGINE

START/STOP button. The gear position
remains in Neutral with the power mode in Accessory for 15 minutes. After 15
minutes (or if the vehicle is turned off at any time), the gear position changes
to Park and the vehicle turns off.
Shift up Normal acceleration1st to 2n d15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5t h4 7 mph (76 km/h )
5th to 6th52 mph (84 km/h)
6th to 7t h5 7 mph (92 km/h )
7th to 8th62 mph (100 km/h)
8th to 9th 67 mph (108 km/h)
Recommended shift points

100 |
DRIVING
Auto Idle Stop*
Automatically stops and restarts the engine to help maximize your fuel economy,
depending on environmental and vehicle conditions.

Activating Auto Idle Stop
When the vehicle stops with the gear position
in Drive (D) and the brake pedal is pressed, the
engine turns off and the auto idle stop indicator
appears if conditions permit.
When you release the brake pedal, turn the
steering wheel, or press the accelerator pedal, the
engine restarts and the vehicle begins to move.
Auto idle stop does not activate (or the engine may automatically restart)
when the driver’s seat belt is unfastened, the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill,
the windshield defroster is on, and other conditions.
Turning the System On or Off
Press the Auto Idle Stop Off button to turn the
system off. Press the button again to turn it on.
The system defaults to On every time you start
the engine.
*if equipped

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DRIVING
Integrated Dynamics System
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,
enhanced throttle response and torque biasing.
The selected mode
briefly appears in
the MID.Integrated Dynamics System
NormalSport
Comfort
Dynamic Mode
Press the Dynamic
Mode button to cycle
through modes.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
Also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this helps 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 VSA traction and stability
enhancement become less effective.
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.
When VSA is off, traction control 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.
VS A OFF Indicator

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DRIVING
How to Refuel
Your fuel tank is not equipped with a fuel fill cap.
You can insert the filler nozzle directly into the filler
pipe. The tank seals itself again when you pull out
the filler nozzle.
1.
The fuel fill

door is located at the left rear of the
vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is
most accessible, and turn off the engine.
2.
Press the fuel fill

door release button. The fuel
fill door opens.
3.
Place the end of the filler

nozzle on the lower
part of the filler opening, then insert it slowly
and fully. Make sure that the end of the filler
nozzle goes down along with the filler pipe.
4.
After filling,

wait about 5 seconds before removing the filler nozzle. Close the
fuel fill door by hand.
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.
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.
WARNING
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.
NOTICE

120 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to all electric devices, including audio and lights. Turn off the
engine, then open the hood (see page 139).
1.
Remov

e the engine cover (see page 139).
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.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
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 pr

essed, press the ENGINE
START/STOP button within 10 seconds.
Booster battery
Engine
hanger
Engine coverPin

| 121
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1.
Disconnect the jumper cable fr

om your vehicle’s ground.
2.
Disconnect the other end

of the jumper cable from the booster battery (-)
terminal.
3.
Disconnect the jumper cable fr

om your vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
4.
Disconnect the other end

of the jumper cable from the booster battery (+)
terminal.
5.
Have y

our vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
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.
WARNING
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 three
times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY, unless
the gear 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.
NOTICE