Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Manual

209
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, an d information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 210
Maximum Load Limit........................ 213
Towing a Trailer Towing Preparation ..... ..................... 215
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 218
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 219
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines General Information ......................... 220
Important Safety Prec autions............ 220
Avoiding Trouble ......... .................... 221
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 223
Precautions While Driving ................ 226
Automatic Transmission ................... 227
Shifting ............................................ 228
Cruise Control
*............................... 232
ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control)*....... 235VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 243
SH-AWD ® (Super Handling-All Wheel
DriveTM) .......................................... 245
BSI (Blind Spot Information)*........... 246TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) .. 248IDS (Integrated Dynamics System)*... 252 Braking
Brake System ................................... 253
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 255
Brake Assist System ......................... 256
CMBS
TM (Collision Mitigation Braking
SystemTM)*..................................... 257
Parking Your Vehicle ........................ 261
Rearview Camera
*............................ 262
Refueling ........................................... 263
Fuel Economy .................................... 266
Accessories and Modifications ........ 267
* Not available on all models

210
Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check the following items before you start driving.
•Make sure there are no obstructions on the 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 wheels, 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 pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 300
•Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
u There are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior Checks
NOTICEWhen doors are frozen shut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this ca n 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 key if the water freezes in
the hole.

Continued211
uuBefore Driving uDriving Preparation
Driving
• Store or secure all items on board properly.
u Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, stopping distan ce, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 213
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
u They can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden
braking.
• Do not place anything in th e front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat.
u An object or unsecured floor mat can inte rfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
u They may interfere with driv ing and a crash could occur.
• Securely close and lock a ll doors and the tailgate.
2Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 111
•Adjust your seating position properly.
u Adjust the head restraint, too.
2 Adjusting the Seats P. 143
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 145
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
u Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 141
2 Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 140
■Interior Checks1Interior Checks
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo ar ea or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.

212
uuBefore Driving uDriving Preparation
Driving
• Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the
seats.
u They can interfere with the driver’s abili ty to operate the pedals, the operation
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.
• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 31
•Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.
u Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.
2 Indicators P. 68

213
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load Limit
The maximum load for your vehicle is 830 lbs (380 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capaci ty. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)1 Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2 Specifications P. 350
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weig ht of the vehicle axle.
2 Specifications P. 350
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect hand ling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.Label Example

214
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That we ight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicl e. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces th e available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer to ngue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 830 lbs
(380 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
530 lbs
(244 kg)
Example2 Max Load 830 lbs
(380 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
80 lbs
(40 kg)

215Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the lo ad toward the front
of the trailer and 40 % toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■Towing Load Limits1 Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gr oss weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 350
3WARNING
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.
Total Load
Tongue Load

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
216
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■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.
■Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brak es: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronica lly actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it wi ll lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply wi th 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.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

217
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
Your trailer lighting connector is located
under the right side tool case in the cargo
area. Each pin’s purpose and wiring color
code are shown in the image.
When using a non-Acura trailer lighting
harness and converter, get the connector and
pins for your vehicle from a dealer.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requ ire special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors ar e not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
Left Turn
Signal
(Blue)
Taillight
Signal
(Pink)
Stop Light Signal
(Light Green)
+B Turn/stop
(White) Right Turn Signal
(Green)
+B Taillight and
Auxiliary Lights
(Yellow)

218
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced 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. 215
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains , and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer 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 tra iler tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly an d with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.