ECO mode Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Manual

Check Starting System MessageIf there is a problem with the starting
system, you will see a‘‘CHECK
STARTING SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display with the
power mode ON.
You will also see this message when
the auto control mode of the starting
system has a problem. If this message is on, you should
press and hold the engine start/stop
button until the engine starts. The
engine start/stop button can be
pressed up to 15 seconds.
Even though you may be able to start
the engine manually without the auto
control mode of the starting system,
have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer.
Your vehicle has the engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch to select the power mode. For
more information, see page 194.
Emergency Engine Start
If you cannot start the engine using
the normal engine start procedure,
do the following:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Put the shift lever into Park.
3. Press the engine start/stop button
to turn on the ACCESSORY mode.
4. Press and hold the engine start/ stop button for about 15 seconds
while pressing the brake pedal.
Do not follow this procedure unless it
is a case of emergency. Even if you
can start the engine using this
method, the system may have a
malfunction. Contact your dealer as
soon as possible.Starting the Engine (Models with Keyless Access System)47609/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Shift Lever Position IndicatorsThese indicators between the
tachometer and speedometer show
which position the shift lever is in.
Using a paddle shift mode, the gear
position indicator shows you the
selected gear number (see page
482).
The‘‘D ’’indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
flashes while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission. Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch. ON mode is the equivalent of
ON (II). See page 196 for ignition
switch and power mode comparison.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on along with the
‘‘D ’’
indicator, there is a problem with the
automatic transmission control
system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and
have the transmission checked by
your dealer as soon as possible.
When the ‘‘D ’’indicator warns of a
possible problem with the
transmission, you will see a ‘‘CHECK
TRANSMISSION ’’message on the
multi-information display (see page
91).
CONTINUED
Automatic Transmission
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The transmission control system
monitors the accelerator pedal use
and your driving conditions. When
you press the accelerator pedal as in
normal driving, the system judges
that you are driving at a constant
cruising speed without using the
paddle shifters. Under these
conditions, D-paddle shift mode is
canceled, and the transmission
automatically returns to drive mode
(D).
Hold the＋paddle shifter for 2
seconds to return to drive mode (D).
When the transmission returns to
drive mode (D), the displayed gear
number disappears.
The transmission remains in the
selected gear if you do not
accelerate. Each time you pull either paddle
shifter, the transmission shifts one
gear up or down. If you want to shift
up or down more than two gears, pull
the paddle shifter twice, pause, and
then pull it again.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
●You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will flash the
number of the lower gear several
times, then return to a higher gear.●You upshift before the engine
speed reaches the lowest
threshold of the higher gear.●You pull both paddle shifters at the
same time.●You pull one of the two paddle
shifters while another paddle
shifter is being pressed.
●You are trying to downshift from
second to first with the accelerator
pedal off . This will only work
when the accelerator pedal is
applied deeply.
The transmission downshifts to first
gear and returns to drive mode (D)
when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop or the vehicle speed is
about 6 mph (9 km/h).
If there is a problem in the
transmission while you are driving
with the paddle shifters, the D
indicator flashes, the D-paddle shift
mode is canceled, and the
transmission returns to drive mode
(D).
CONTINUED
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
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Using the Paddle Shifters in the S
position (Sequential Shift Mode)
With the shift lever in the S position,
you can select the sequential shift
mode to shift gears; much like a
manual transmission using the
paddle shifters, but without a clutch
pedal.
Shifting between first and second
gears may occur automatically.
Downshifting from second to first
with the accelerator pedal off is not
allowed.To enter the sequential shift mode,
press the release button on the front
of the shift lever, move the lever to
the S position, then pull either paddle
shifter. To cancel the sequential shift
mode and return to the ordinary
automatic transmission, move the
shift lever from S position. When
moving the shift lever, be careful not
to operate incorrectly. While you are
driving in the sequential shift mode,
the transmission will not
automatically return to ordinary
automatic transmission.
When you move the shift lever from
‘‘
D ’’to ‘‘S ’’ and pull either paddle
shifter, the gear position indicator
displays ‘‘M’’ along with the selected
gear number.
To upshift, pull the ＋(right) paddle
shifter. To downshift, pull the －
(left) paddle shifter.
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
‘‘ M’’ INDICATOR
Driving with the Paddle Shifters48409/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:●You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will flash the
number of the lower gear several
times, then return to a higher gear.
If the vehicle speed decreases
below the redline of the selected
lower gear while the indicator is
flashing, the transmission
downshifts, and the indicator
displays the selected gear.
●You upshift before the engine
speed reaches the lowest
threshold of the higher gear.●You pull both paddle shifters at the
same time.●You pull one of the two paddle
shifters while another paddle
shifter is being pressed.
Starting in Second GearWhen you are in sequential shift
mode, and the vehicle is stopped,
pull the＋(right) paddle shifter to
shift to second gear. You will see
‘‘ M2’’ in the display. Starting in
second gear helps to reduce
wheelspin in deep snow or on a
slippery surface.
Driving with the Paddle Shifters48609/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

For example, if you check and fill
your tires in a warm area, then drive
in extremely cold weather, the tire
pressure will be lower than
measured and could be underinflated
and cause the low tire pressure/
TPMS indicator to come on. Or, if
you check and adjust your tire
pressure in cooler conditions, and
drive into extremely hot conditions,
the tire may become overinflated.
However, the low tire pressure/
TPMS indicator will not come on if
the tires are overinflated.
Refer to page 567 for tire inflation
guidelines.
If there is a problem with the TPMS,
this indicator begins to flash. It stops
flashing after approximately 1
minute, then stays on. You will also
see a‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 91). Although your tire pressure is
monitored, you must manually check
the tire pressures monthly.
Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when the
vehicle is cold, and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as
specified on the vehicle placard and
in the owner's manual (see page
568).
Tire Pressure Monitor
To select the tire pressure monitor,
press the INFO button several times
with the ignition switch in the ON
(II) position.
You will see the above display on the
multi-information display when all
tire pressures are normal.
U.S. model
CONTINUED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
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Each tire pressure is shown in PSI
(U.S. models) or in kPa (Canadian
models).
Models equipped with the keyless
access system have an engine start/
stop button instead of an ignition
switch. ON mode is the equivalent of
ON (II). See page 196 for ignition
switch and power mode comparison.
Each tire has its own pressure
sensor. If the air pressure of a tire
becomes significantly low, the sensor
in that tire immediately sends a
signal that causes the low tire
pressure/TPMS indicator in the
instrument panel to come on. If this
happens, you will see which tire is
losing pressure on the multi-
information display along with a
‘‘CHECK TIRE PRESSURE ’’
message.
If any of the tires has low pressure,
the tire pressure monitor also shows
the above message and each tire
pressure to warn you about the low
tire pressure when you select the
display by pressing the INFO button
several times.
Canadian model
This shows that front left tire
is losing pressure.
U. S.
Canada
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)49209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The emergency
brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you.Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their
effectiveness. Use the engine to
assist the brakes by taking your foot
off the accelerator and downshifting
to a lower gear.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Braking System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Brake Wear Indicators
All four brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System
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CMBS OFF ButtonTo turn the CMBS off, press the
CMBS OFF button under the driver's
side vent for about 1 second. When
you do this, a beeper sounds, a
CMBS indicator on the instrument
panel comes on, and a CMBS OFF
message appears on the multi-
information display. To turn the
system back on, press the button
again for about 1 second.When you select the ON mode by
operating the engine start/stop
button (see page 194), the CMBS is
turned on if it was on previously.
Automatic Shut Off
Any of the conditions below can
cause the CMBS to shut off. When
the system shuts off, the CMBS
indicator in the instrument panel
comes on, and a CHECK CMBS
SYSTEM message appears on the
multi-information display for about 5
seconds.
●An abnormal tire condition is
detected (wrong tire size, flat tire,
etc.).●Extended off-road or mountainous
driving.●Driving your vehicle with the
parking brake applied.●Driving your vehicle in bad
weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.).●A dirty radar sensor cover on the
front grille.
The CMBS will automatically recover
when these conditions are improved.
CMBS OFF BUTTON
Collision Mitigation Braking System ™(CMBS™ )50209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu

CMBS IndicatorThis indicator comes on for several
seconds when you select the ON
mode by operating the engine start/
stop button (see page 194). It also
comes on and stays on when you
turn the CMBS off by pressing the
CMBS OFF button.
To turn the CMBS back on, make
sure the vehicle is stopped and the
power mode is set to ON, then press
the CMBS OFF switch for about 1
second.The CMBS indicator normally comes
on under these conditions:
●When you manually turn off the
system.●When the system shuts off
automatically.●When you drive in bad weather
(rain, snow, fog, etc.).●If anything covers the radar sensor
cover (dirt, mud, dry leaves, wet
snow, etc.).●When the VSA system indicator
comes on (see page 508).
●When you select the ON mode by
operating the engine start/stop
button, the CMBS indicator should
come on for a few seconds, then
go off. If the indicator comes on at
any other time and a CHECK
CMBS SYSTEM message appears
on the multi-information display,
there is a problem with the CMBS.
You can still drive your vehicle,
but CMBS will not be operating.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer.
CMBS
INDICATOR
U.S. model is shown.
CONTINUED
Collision Mitigation Braking System ™(CMBS™ )
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