Under hood Acura MDX 2020 Owner's Manual

Contents
Child Safety P. 56Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 74Safety Labels P. 75
Tailgate P. 155 Security System P. 162
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 168 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 188
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience It ems P. 206 Climate Control System P. 219
Audio Error Messages P. 308General Information on the Audio System P. 316
HomeLink ® Universal Transceiver P. 390 Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink ® P. 393 AcuraLink ®* P. 435
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 462 When Driving P. 464 Braking P. 529
Surround View Camera System* P. 559 Refueling P. 569
Maintenance Under the Hood P. 581 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 593
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 602 Battery P. 611 Remote Transmitter Care P. 613
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 617 Cleaning P. 618Accessories and Modifications P. 623
Engine Does Not Start P. 649 Jump Starting P. 652Overheating P. 654
Emergency Towing P. 670 When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 671
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 679 Reporting Safety Defects P. 680
Authorized Manuals P. 685 Client Service Information P. 686
Quick Reference GuideP. 4
Safe DrivingP. 27
Instrument PanelP. 77
ControlsP. 137
FeaturesP. 231
DrivingP. 445
MaintenanceP. 573
Handling the UnexpectedP. 625
InformationP. 675
IndexP. 690
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 3 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

Visual Index
8
Quick Reference Guide
❚How to Refuel (P570)
❚High-Mount Brake Light (P597)
❚Opening/Closing the Tailgate (P161)
❚Back-Up Lights (P596)
❚Multi-View Rear Camera* (P557)
❚Tailgate Outer Handle (P161)
❚Rear Side Marker Lights (P595)
❚Taillights (P595)
❚Brake Light and Rear Turn Signal Lights
(P594)
❚Rear Wiper (P181)
❚Maintenance Under the Hood (P581)
❚Windshield Wipers (P179, 598)
❚Tires (P602, 627)
❚Power Door Mirrors (P189)
❚Headlights (P172, 593)
❚Side Marker Lights (P172, 593)
❚Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights (P171, 593)
❚Fog Lights* (P175, 593)
❚Door Lock/Unlock Control (P142)
❚Side Turn Signal Lights (P171, 593)
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 8 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

22
Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance (P573)
Under the Hood (P581)
●Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
●Check brake fluid.●Check the battery condition monthly.
aPull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
bLocate the hood latch lever, push it to the side, and then
raise the hood. Once you have raised the hood slightly, you
can release the lever.
cWhen finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights (P593)
●Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades (P598)
●Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires (P602)
●Inspect tires and wheels regularly.●Check tire pressures regularly.●Install snow tires for winter
driving.
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 22 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

Quick Reference Guide
23
Handling the Unexpected (P625)
Flat Tire (P627)
●Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the tire repair kit.
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire
located under the cargo area.
Indicators Come On (P656)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Models with tire repair kit
Models with a compact spare tire
Engine Won’t Start (P649)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse (P662)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating (P654)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P670)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 23 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

44
uuAirbags uTypes of Airbags
Safe Driving
Types of Airbags
Your vehicle is equipped with four types of airbags:
• Front airbags: Airbags in front of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.
• Driver’s knee airbag: Airbag under the steering column.
• Side airbags: Airbags in the driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs.
• Side curtain airbags: Airbags above the side windows.
Each is discussed in the following pages.
Front Airbags (SRS)
The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to -severe frontal collision to help protect
the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary
restraint system.
The front airbags are housed in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and
in the dashboard for the front pass enger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.
■Housing Locations
1Types of Airbags
The airbags can inflate whenever the power mode is
in ON.
After an airbag inflates in a crash, you may see a
small amount of smoke. This is from the combustion
process of the infl ator material and is not harmful.
People with respiratory pr oblems may experience
some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
1 Front Airbags (SRS)
During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or
both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate
at different rates, dependi ng on the severity of the
crash, whether or not the se at belts are latched, and/
or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to
supplement the seat belts to help reduce the
likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal
crashes.
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 44 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

47
uuAirbags uFront Airbags (SRS)
Safe DrivingThe airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag related
injuries to smaller occupants. The driver’s advanced airbag system includes a
seat position sensor.
Based on information from this sensor and the
severity of the impact, the advanced airbag
system determines the optimal deployment of
the driver’s airbag.
The front passenger’s ad vanced airbag system
has weight sensors.
We advise against allowi ng a child age 12 or
under to ride in the front passenger’s seat.
However, if you do allow a child age 12 or
under to ride in the front passenger’s
seat , note that the system will automatically
turn off the front passenger’s airbag if the
sensors detect that the child is approximately
65 lbs (29 kg) or less.
■Advanced Airbags1 Advanced Airbags
If there is a problem with the driver’s seat position
sensor, the SRS indicator wi ll come on, and in the
event of a crash, the airbag will deploy (regardless of
the driver’s seating position) with a force
corresponding to the se verity of the impact.
For the advanced airbags to work properly:
•Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats.
•Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat.
•Make sure any objects are positioned properly on
the floor. Improperly pos itioned objects can
interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.
•All occupants should sit upr ight and wear their seat
belts properly.
•Do not cover the passenger ’s side dashboard with
a cloth, towel, cover, etc. 2Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator
P. 54
Make sure the floor mat be hind the front passenger’s
seat is hooked to the floo r mat anchor. An improperly
placed mat can interfere with the advanced airbag
sensors. 2 Floor Mats P. 619
Driver’s
Seat
Position
Sensor
Passenger’s
Seat
Weight
Sensors
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 47 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

446
Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check the following items before you start driving.
• Make sure there are no obstructions on th e windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
u Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
u Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid , remove ice once it has softened.
u When removing ice from around the wheel s, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
u If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
u Check air pressure, and check for damage and excessive wear.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 602
•Make sure there are no people or ob jects behind or around the vehicle.
u There are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior Checks
NOTICE
When doors are frozen s hut, 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.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert the key if the water
freezes in the hole.
Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite
flammable material s left under the hood, causing a
fire. If you’ve parked y our 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.
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 446 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

463
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 limi ts (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your ve hicle 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. Goin g 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 thro ugh deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and di fferential, 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 ho oks are provided for this purpose.
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 463 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

uuWhen Driving uAuto Idle Stop
482
Driving
The vehicle stops with the gear position in (D and the brake pedal depressed.
When you put the transmission into
(P, the Auto Idle Stop continues to operate,
even if the brake pedal is released. u If you change the gear position, th e engine may automatically restarts.
■Auto Idle Stop does not activate when:
• The Auto Idle Stop OFF button is pressed.
• The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• The engine coolant temperature is low or high.
• The transmission fluid temperature is low or high.
• The vehicle comes to a stop again befo re the vehicle speed reaches 3 mph (5
km/h) after the engine starts.
• Stopped on a steep incline.
• The transmission is in a position other than
(D.
• The engine is started with the hood open.
u Turn off the engine. Close the hood before you restart the engine to activate
Auto Idle Stop.
• The battery charge is low.
• The internal temperature of the ba ttery is 14°F (−10°C). or less.
• The climate control system is in use, an d the outside temperature is below −4°F
(−20°C) or over 104°F (40°C).
• The climate control system is in use, and the temperature is set to the Hi or Lo.
• is ON (indicator on).
• When the rear fan is set to maximum speed.
u Auto Idle Stop may not ac tivate under other conditions when the rear climate
control system is in use.
■Auto Idle Stop Activates When:1 Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated. If the hood is opened, the
engine will not re start automatically.
In this case, restart the engine with the ENGINE
START/STOP button.
2 Starting the Engine P. 464
When ACC with Low Speed Follow is in operation,
the vehicle stops without de pressing the brake pedal
and Auto Idle Stop may activate.
Pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button changes
the power mode to ACCESSORY even while Auto Idle
Stop is in operation. Once in ACCESSORY, the engine
no longer restarts automatica lly. Follow the standard
procedure to start the engine.
2 Starting the Engine P. 464
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 482 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

573
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 574
Safety When Performing Maintenance ..575
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service...576Maintenance MinderTM..................... 577
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 581
Opening the Hood ........................... 582
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 583
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 584
Oil Check ......................................... 585
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 586
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...587 Engine Coolant ................................ 589
Transmission Fluid ............................ 591
Brake Fluid ....................................... 592
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 592
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 593Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades... 598Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 602
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 603
Tire Labeling .................................... 603
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 605Wear Indicators................................ 607
Tire Service Life ................................ 607 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 608
Tire Rotation .................................... 609
Winter Tires ..................................... 610
Battery ............................................... 611
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 613
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care
*........................... 615Climate Control System Maintenance.. 617Cleaning Interior Care .................................... 618
Exterior Care.................................... 620
Accessories and Modifications ........ 623
* Not available on all models
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 573 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分