tow Acura MDX 2017 Owner's Guide

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
360
Driving
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
We recommend that you have a dealer instal l a Acura wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.
■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.
1 Trailer light
The trailer lighting connect or is located behind the
left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Acura trailer
lighting harness and converte r, ask a dealer for the
correct connector and pins.
+B Trailer Charge
+B Trailer Hazard Light +B Trailer Hazard Light +B Trailer Back Light
Back Light +B ELEC Brake
Right Turn Signal
Stop Light
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:
+B Trailer Small IG2 HAC
Left Turn Signal
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361
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■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 te nds 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.
■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories requir e 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.
■Automatic transmission cooler
An additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 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.
4WD models
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362
uuTowing a Trailer uTrailer Stability Assist
Driving
Trailer Stability Assist
Helps to stabilize the vehicle and tra iler when the trailer severely sways.
■How trailer stability assist works
When the vehicle and trailer become unstab le while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscill ation is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the brak es or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.
1 Trailer Stability Assist
Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle,
causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged. 2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 363
Trailer towing sway is caused by:
•Crosswinds
•Improper towbar down load
•Excessive Speed
The VSA ® system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation. 2 VSA ® Operation P. 418
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363
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly servic ed and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 354
•When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump
octane number of 91 or higher is recommended.
u Towing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or
steep uphill.
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the tra iler so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Turn off Auto Idle Stop sy stem using Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The trailer
weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is activated
on a hill while towing a trailer.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
Models with Auto Idle Stop
1Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
At higher speeds, the trai ler may sway or affect
vehicle handling.
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364
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
• 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.
• Change the gear position to
(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 Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refe r to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 554
■Turning and Braking
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
■Retrieving a Boat
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366
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 comple ted. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, an d check the tire pressures.
• Remember the route you choose presents limit s (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 cond itions 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 pu ddle, 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 unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.
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389
uuWhen Driving uFront Sensor Camera
Driving
1Front Sensor Camera
If the Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot
Operate: Camera Temperature Too High message
appears:
•Use the climate control system to cool down the
interior and, if necessary, also use defroster mode
with the air flow directed towards the camera.
•Start driving the vehicle to lower the windshield
temperature, which cool s down the area around
the camera.
If the Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot
Operate: Clean Front Windshield message
appears:
•Park your vehicle in a sa fe place, and clean the
windshield. If the message does not disappear after
you have cleaned the winds hield and driven for a
while, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
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uuWhen Driving uLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
412
Driving
The system can be used when the following conditions are met.
• The lane in which you are driving has dete ctable lane markers on both sides, and
your vehicle is in the center of the lane.
• The vehicle speed is be tween about 45 and 90 mph (72 and 145 km/h).
• You are driving on a straight or slightly curved road.
• The turn signals are off.
• The brake pedal is not depressed.
• The wipers are not in continuous operation.
■How to activate the system
1.Press the MAIN button.
u The LKAS is on in the MID.
The system is ready to use.
2. Press the LKAS button.
u Lane outlines appear on the MID.
The system is activated.
■When the System can be Used1Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
You can read about handling information for the
camera equipped with this system.
2 Front Sensor Camera P. 388
If the vehicle drifts toward ei th e r l ef t o r r ight lane line
due to the system applying torque, turn off the LKAS
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
MAIN Button
LKAS Button
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uuWhen Driving uBlind spot information (BSI) System*
422
Driving
■When the system detects a vehicle1Blind spot inform ation (BSI) System*
You can change the setting for BSI.
2 Customizable Features P. 126, 294
Turn the system off when towing a trailer.
The system may not work properly for the following
reasons:
•The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the
radar coverage.
•The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the BSI al ert indicators to come on.
BSI may be adversel y affected when:
•Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc,.) are
detected.
•An object that does not re flect radio waves well,
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.
•Driving on a curved road.
•A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent
lane.
•The system picks up external electrical interference.•The rear bumper or the sens ors have been improperly
repaired or the rear bu mper has been deformed.
•The orientation of the sensors has been changed.•In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).
For proper BSI use:
•Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.
•Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with
labels or sticke rs of any kind.
•Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be repaired,
or the rear bumper corner area is strongly impacted.
■Comes on when●A vehicle enters the ale rt zone from behind
to overtake you with a speed difference of
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your
vehicle.
●You pass a vehicle with a speed difference
of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
BSI Alert Indicator: Located near the outside
rearview mirror on both sides.
■Blinks and the beeper sounds when
You move the turn signal lever in the direction
of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds
three times. Comes On
Blinks
* Not available on all models
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463
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safe ty precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether you should perform a given
task.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explos ion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
u Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them, causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a co mmercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and prot ective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if th ere is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on le vel ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
u Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instruct ed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
u Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop function
* is activated.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a pr oblem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and prec autions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.
* Not available on all models
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