brakes Acura ZDX 2012 Owner's Manual

17
Quick Reference Guide
What to Do If
*1: Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.
The ignition switch does
not turn from
0 to q*1.
Why?
●The steering wheel may be locked.●Try to turn the steering wheel left and right
while turning the ignition key.
●Move the steering wheel left and right while
pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button* at
the same time.
The ignition switch does
not turn from
q to 0*1
and I cannot remove the
key. Why?
The shift lever should be moved to P.
Why does the brake pedal
pulsate slightly when
applying the brakes?This can occur when the ABS acti vates, and does not indicate a
problem. Apply firm, steady pre ssure on the brake pedal. Never
pump the brake pedal.
The rear door cannot be
opened from inside the
vehicle. Why?Check if the childproo f lock is in the
LOCK position. If so, open the rear
door with the outside door handle.
To cancel this func tion, push the lever
to the UNLOCK position.
* Not available on all models

82
uuIndicators uMulti-Information Display Warning and Information Messages
Instrument Panel
MessageConditionExplanation
●Appears for about three seconds when ACC has been
automatically canceled.●You can resume the set speed after the condition that
caused ACC to cancel improves. Press the RES/ACCEL
button.
2 ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control)* P. 235
●Appears if anything covers the radar sensor cover and
prevents the sensor from de tecting a vehicle in front.
●May appear when driving in bad weather (rain, snow,
fog, etc.)
●When the radar sensor gets dirty, stop your vehicle in a
safe place, and wipe off dirt using a soft cloth.
●Have your vehicle checked by a dear if the message
does not disappear even a fter you clean the sensor
cover.
●Flashes when the system senses a likely collision with a
vehicle in front of you.●Take the appropriate means to prevent a collision (apply
the brakes, change lanes, etc.)
Models with adaptive cruise control
* Not available on all models

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.

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.

225
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
■Hill start assist system
Hill start assist feature helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling on inclines as you
move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Move the shift lever to
D or S when facing uphill, or R when facing downhill,
then release the brake pedal.
The brakes remain engaged briefl y as you release the brake pedal.
1Hill start assist system
Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
will not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.
Hill start assist will operate even when VSA is
switched off.

uuWhen Driving uACC (Adaptive Cruise Control)*
238
Driving
■There is no vehicle ahead
Your vehicle cruises at the set speed.
■A vehicle ahead is within ACC range and going slower than the set speed
Your vehicle slows down, and maintains the same speed as the speed of the vehicle
ahead.
■A vehicle ahead is within ACC range and going at a steady speed
Your vehicle follows the vehicle ahead of it, keeping a constant distance, without
going beyond the set speed.
■A vehicle ahead goes out of range
ACC accelerates your vehicle to the set speed, and then maintains it.
■When you depress the accelerator pedal
You can temporarily increase the vehicle speed . In this case, there is no audible or
visual alerts even if a vehicle is in ACC range.
ACC stays on unless you cancel it. Once you release the accelerator pedal, the
system resumes the set speed.
1 When in Operation
Limitations
Use the brake pedal to mainta in a safe distance with
other vehicles in the follo wing cases. ACC may not
work properly when:
•Vehicles ahead of you are going slower than 13
mph (20 km/h) or vehicles are parked.
•Motorcycles or other small vehicles are ahead of
you.
ACC may momentarily apply brakes or sounds a beep
against a vehicles beside you or even a building
beside you if:
•You drive at a sudden curve or on a narrow road.•You abruptly move the steering wheel.•You are in an unusual position within your lane.

243
uuWhen Driving uVSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Continued
Driving
VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic
Stability Control), System
VSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during corn ering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine ou tput and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA ® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respon d to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability
Control), System
The VSA ® may not function properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may no t interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA ® System
Indicator

245
uuWhen Driving uSH-AWD ® (Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM)
Driving
SH-AWD ® (Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM)
The system controls and transfers varying amounts of engine torque to each wheel
in accordance with the driving conditions.
SH-AWD® helps to enhance driving stability, and lets you handle situations like
slippery surfaces, such as snow, sand, mud, and steep hill, better than when driving
with two wheel drive. However, the system does not help to enhance braking. Be
precautious about the following:
• It is still your responsibility to drive sa fely when you steer, accelerate, and apply
brakes.
• Leave a sufficient margin when braking on slippery surfaces.1SH-AWD ® (Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM)
NOTICEAvoid continuously driving in sand or mud where a
wheel is likely to spin out, and do not drive once the
SH-AWD ® indicator starts blinking. Driving
continuously under such conditions can damage the
system’s torque distribution unit.
Do not drive through deep water.
The SH-AWD ® system may not function properly if
tire type and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified.

253Continued
Driving
Braking
Brake System
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply:
Push the pedal down with your foot.
To release:
Push the pedal again.
■Parking Brake1 Parking Brake
NOTICERelease the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE appears on the multi-information
display.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
To prevent the parking brake from freezing when the
outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply
it, but do the following:
Put the shift lever in
( P, then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Parking Brake Pedal

uuBraking uBrake System
254
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps
reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the brake pe dal hard in an emergency situation.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you re tain steering control when braking very
hard.
2 Brake Assist System P. 256
2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 255
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driv ing through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicl e checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brak e pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.