service Acura MDX 2017 Owner's Guide

Event Data RecordersThis vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose
of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related
to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30
seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
•
How various systems in

your vehicle were operating;
•
Whether or not the

driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/
fastened;
•
How far (if at all) the

driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal; and,
•
How fast the v

ehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a
non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash
location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could
combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to
the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other
parties such as law enforcement that have the special equipment can read the
information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
The data belong to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else
except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.
Service Diagnostic Recorders This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information
about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law
requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It
may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it
remains confidential.

This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your
2017 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 Co., Inc., 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 Roadside 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 155).Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTRODUCTION

14 |
S
AFETY
10 An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the front passenger’s front
airbag has been turned off.
11 An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem with the airbag system or seat belt tensioners.
12 Safing sensor
13 A rollover sensor that can detect if your vehicle is about to roll over and signal the control unit to deploy both side curtain airbags.
Airbag Care
You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace
any airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer in the following situations:
When the airbags have deployed
If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be
replaced. Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it
must be replaced.
When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision
Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the
driver’s seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat
belt tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash.
Do not remove or modify a front seat without first consulting a dealer
This would likely disable or affect the driver’s seat position sensor or the weight
sensors in the passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat
to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact an Acura dealer. For U.S.
vehicles, call Acura Client Relations at (800) 382-2238. For Canadian vehicles,
call Acura Client Services at (888) 922-8729.

66 |
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY
Applicable laws may prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle.
Launch streaming audio on your phone only when safe to do so.
AcuraLink featuring Aha™
Access music and information programming, location-based services, and social
media through your vehicle’s audio system. Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink
(U.S.) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to check phone compatibility. Standard
data rates apply with your phone provider.
Visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) and download the AcuraLink
app to your phone prior to using this feature. Make sure you have an active Aha
account. Connect your phone when the vehicle is stopped.
For iPhone:
•
Connect via Bluetooth®

HandsFreeLink® (see page 73) or USB (see page 56).
•
A pop-up may appear on y

our phone requesting you to allow access for Aha to be
launched.
•
If you cannot

operate Aha through the audio system, it may be streaming through
Bluetooth® Audio. Make sure Aha mode on your audio system is selected.
•
If Aha still does not

operate, try rebooting the phone and reconnecting the cable
if necessary.
For Android and BlackBerry:
•
Connect via Bluetooth®

HandsFreeLink® (see page 73).
Source: Select the
Aha icon. Station bar: Change
the station.
Play/pause Like/dislike
Favorites: View and select
16 previously favorited
stations.
Interface dial (from
the Audio screen):
Rotate to select an
item, and press to
select it in the upper
display. MENU
button:
View
the complete station
list in the upper
display

.
Skip back 15 secondsSkip ahead 30 seconds

| 79
Learn about Acura’s advanced connectivity services.
AcuraLink Messages
Receive messages on vehicle features, safety and emissions recall campaigns,
maintenance reminders, and diagnostic information.
Some message features require a phone connection. Visit www.acura.com/
handsfreelink (U.S.) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to check phone
compatibility.
Viewing Messages
When you receive a new message, an envelope icon appears at the top of the
upper display. Use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
1.
Press INFO.
2.
Select AcuraLink/Messages.
3.
Select AcuraLink messages.
4.
Select the message category (Featur

e Guide,
Quick Tips, Scheduled Dealer Appointment,
Diagnostic Info, Maintenance Minder, or Recalls/
Campaigns).
5.
Select the message y

ou want to hear it read aloud.
Message OptionsWhen you receive certain messages, you can call
your dealer if your phone is paired to the system,
find the nearest dealer, or schedule service
appointments. A current AcuraLink subscription
is required to set up this feature and modify your
message preferences.
ACURALINK®*
*if equipped
ACURALINK®

80 |
Subscription Features
In addition to standard service, receive benefits such as collision notification,
emergency assistance, online security, enhanced navigation searches, and
important messages about your vehicle. Requires enrollment and privacy
agreement. To subscribe or get more information, visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or
myacura.ca (Canada) or contact a dealer.
Emergency AssistanceIf your vehicle’s airbags deploy or if the unit detects that the vehicle is severely
impacted, your vehicle automatically attempts to connect to the AcuraLink
operator if your phone is paired to the system and there is sufficient cellular
coverage.
If you need to manually connect to the operator,
open the cover on the ceiling console and press
ASSIST when the vehicle is on.
Once connected, information about your vehicle,
its positioning, and its condition will be sent to the
operator; you can also speak to the operator when
connected.
Security FeaturesTo use security features, you need your user ID and personal identification
number (PIN). Some of these features are also available with the AcuraLink
smartphone app. Visit owners.acura.com/apps (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) to
download.
•
Stolen

vehicle tracking: Searches and tracks down your vehicle position.
•
Remote door

lock/unlock: Remotely lock or unlock doors.
•
Vehicle finder: Locate

your vehicle in large areas, such as a crowded parking lot.
•
Security alarm

notification: If your vehicle’s security system detects tampering,
the provider notifies you.
Operator Assistance
Press LINK on the ceiling console to connect to an
operator when trying to find a destination or for
roadside assistance.
ASSIST
button
LINK button
ACURALINK®

| 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

| 119
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

| 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

128 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Setting Up the Jack
1.
Place the jack under the jacking point closest
to
the tire to be changed.
2.
Turn the end bracket clockwise (as shown in
the

image) until the top of the jack contacts the
jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point
tab is resting in the jack notch.
3.
Assemble the jack, jack handle bar, and jack
handle as shown. Raise

the vehicle until the tire
is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•
Do not use the jack with people

or luggage in the vehicle.
•
Use the jack pro

vided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the weight
(load) or fit the jacking point.
•
Do not use while the engine is running.
•
Use only

where the ground is firm and level.
•
Use only at

the jacking points.
•
Do not get in the v

ehicle while using the jack.
•
Do not put

anything on top of or underneath the jack.
Jacking PointsJacking PointsJacking Points
Jack handle
barWheel nut wrench
as jack handle
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
WARNING
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call your dealer or a professional
towing service.
NOTICE