lights Acura MDX 2017 User Guide

88 |
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•
Make sur
e there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•
Remov

e 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
Interior Checks•
Store or secur
e 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 hav

e any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•
Securely close and lock all

doors and the tailgate.
•
Adjust y

our 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.
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.
NOTICE

| 95
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 94). If a pu

blic
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 ar

e 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

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

| 97
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

108 |
DRIVING
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
Can assist you when there is a possibility of your vehicle colliding with a vehicle or a
pedestrian detected in front of yours.
The system can alert you when a potential collision
is determined, and reduce your vehicle speed to
help minimize collision severity when a collision is
deemed unavoidable.
The system activates when:
•
The speed difference between

your vehicle and a vehicle or pedestrian detected in
front of you is about 3 mph (5 km/h) and over with a chance of a collision.
•
Your v

ehicle speed is about 62 mph (100 km/h) or less and there is a chance of a
collision with an oncoming detected vehicle or a pedestrian in front of you.
Alert Stages
The system has three alert stages for a possible collision. Depending on the
circumstances or CMBS settings, CMBS may not go through all of the stages
before initiating the last stage.
Stage 1: Head-up warning, beep

, and steering-wheel vibration
Stage 2: Head-up warning, beep

, light seat belt retraction, and light brake


application
Stage 3:
Head-up warning, beep

, strong seat belt retraction, and strong




brake application
Beep Brake message
Head-up
Warning Lights
Changing Settings
Determine the warning timing. Use the interface dial to make and enter
selections.
1.
Press SETTINGS.
2.
Select Vehicle Settings.
3.
Select Forward

Collision Warning Distance.
4.
Select Long, Normal, or

Short.
5.
Press BACK

to exit the menu.

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

122 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If you see the multi-information display (MID) message “Stop Driving When Safe.
Engine Temperature Too Hot,” your engine is overheating. You may also notice the
temperature gauge is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power, or steam or
spray comes out from under the hood.
1.
Immediately park the

vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If no steam or spray is present: Keep the engine

running and open the hood (see page 139).
If steam or spray is present

: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3.
Check that the cooling

fan is operating. If it is not, immediately stop the engine.
Otherwise, idle the engine until the MID message goes off.

4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect

the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on. Then, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator
cap.
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage
the engine.
NOTICE
MAX MIN
Reserve tank

| 123
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low, the low tire pressure
indicator appears with a message in the multi-information display. Use the right
selector wheel on the steering wheel to scroll to the tire pressure monitor to see
pressure readings for each tire (see page 30).
The specific tire with low
pressure is displayed.
What to Do
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Adjust the tire pressure to the level specified on
a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Tire Fill AssistYour vehicle gives you visual and audible alerts to help you adjust the tire
pressure to its appropriate level when the vehicle is on.
While inflating: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash once every 5
seconds.
When the correct pressure is reached: The system beeps and the exterior lights
flash continuously for 5 seconds. Stop filling the tire.
If you overinflate: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash twice every 3
seconds.
Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. An overheated
tire can fail. Always inflate your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE

126 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Handling a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact spare tire.
Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or replaced.
Changing a Flat Tire*
Before Changing the Tire
1.
Park the
vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
2.
Change the gear to P

ark (P), and apply the parking brake.
3.
Turn on the hazard

warning lights and turn the vehicle off.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire1.
Open the tailgate. Turn on the car
go lights
located on the inside of the tailgate, if necessary
(see page 40). Push the rear edge of the
handle on the floor lid and open the lid.
2.
Take out the

cargo floor box.
3.
Take

the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack handle
bar out of the tool case.
4.
Remov

e the cover on the cargo area lining to
access the shaft for the spare tire hoist.
Handl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
Handl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
*if equipped
HandleHandl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
Tool case
Handl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
Cover

130 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Handle
Cargo
Floor Box
Tire Repair Kit*
If a tire has a small puncture, you can use the tire repair kit to temporarily repair it.
The puncture must be smaller than 3/16-inch (4 mm) and not in the tire sidewall.
Go to a dealer to have the full-size tire permanently repaired or replaced.
Before Repairing the Tire
1.
Park the
vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
2.
Change the gear to P

ark (P), and apply the parking brake.
3.
Turn on the hazard

warning lights and turn the vehicle off.
Getting Ready to Repair the Tire1.
Pull the handle on
the cargo area floor lid and
open the lid.
2.
Remov

e the cargo floor box.
3.
Remov

e the kit from the case.
4.
Place the kit face up

on flat ground near the
punctured tire and away from traffic. Do not
place the kit on its side.
5.
Follow the instructions

in the kit to repair the
tire.
Handle
Cargo Floor Box
Handle
Cargo Floor Box
Tire repair kit
Case
*if equipped
Do not use an unapproved puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire, as it can damage
the tire pressure sensor.
NOTICE