heating Acura MDX 2005 Owner's Manual

2005 MDX Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through\
this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.h\
elminc.com.
Contents

Introduction ........................................................................\
............................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety........................................................................\
........................................ ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance........................................................................\
........................................... 4
Driver and Passenger Safety ........................................................................\
.................................... 7
Seat belts, SRS, and child protection.
Instruments and Controls........................................................................\
......................................... 57
Indicators, gauges, dashboard, and steering column.
Features ........................................................................\
..................................................................... 105
Climate, audio, rear entertainment, steering wheel, secruity, cruise con\
trol, HomeLink and Onstar
Before Driving........................................................................\
.......................................................... 185
Fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading.
Driving ........................................................................\
..................................................................... . 197
Engine and transmission operation.
Maintenance........................................................................\
............................................................. 227
Schedules, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage.
Taking Care of the Unexpected........................................................................\
.............................. 259
Flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fuses.
Technical Information........................................................................\
............................................ . 281
Vehicle specifications, tires, fuels, and emissions controls.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................ 295
Warranty and contact information.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)........................................................................\
.............................. 299
How to order.
Index........................................................................\
........................................................................\
..... I
Service Information Summary
Fluid capacities and tire pressures.
Important Handling Information. ........................................................................\
................... iii

Your vehicle’s exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. You should
have no problem with carbon
monoxide entering the vehicle in
normal driving if you maintain your
vehicle properly.High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage.With the tailgate open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your vehicle’s
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows
and set the heating and cooling
system/climate control system as
shown below.
If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconf ined area, adjust the heating
and cooling system/climate control
system as f ollows:
Select the f resh air mode.
Select the mode.
Turn the f an on high speed.
Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
The vehicle is raised f or an oil
change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.
The vehicle was in an accident
that may have damaged the
underside.
Have the exhaust system inspected
f or leaks whenever:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
54
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

The standard audio system has
many f eatures. This section de-
scribes those f eatures and how to
use them. (If you selected an
optional audio system, ref er to the
operating instructions that came
with it.) The climate control system in your
vehicle provides a comfortable
driving environment in all weather
conditions.
Your vehicle has an anti-theft audio
system that requires a code number
to enable it..............
Vents, Heating, and A/C . 106
.............................
Airflow Buttons .107
...................
Rear Climate Control . 111
..............
Climate Control Sensors . 111
..........................
Playing the Radio .112
............................
Radio Reception .116
........
Playing XM
Satellite Radio . 118
..................................
Playing a CD .123
...................................
CD Changer .125
....................
Protecting Your CDs .128
.....
CD Changer Error Messages . 129
.............
Steering Wheel Controls . 130
.................
Radio Thef t Protection . 131
........
Rear Entertainment System . 132
............................
Security System .145
...............................
Cruise Control .146
..............................
Trip Computer .149
.
Rear View Camera and Monitor . 155
HomeLink Universal ................................
Transceiver .156
..........................
HandsFreeLink .160
............................................
OnStar .173
Features
Features
105
TM

Vents, Heating, and A/C
106
RECIRCULATION BUTTONTEMPERATURE BUTTONSTEMPERATURE DISPLAY
AUTO BUTTON
OFF BUTTON
DEFROST BUTTON REAR A/C CONTROL
(Without Navigation System) (With Navigation System)
A/C
BUTTON
MODE
BUTTON FAN SPEED
BUTTONA/C
ICON FAN SPEED
ICONS
MODE
ICONS

ÚÜ
Û
Ý
Push the button to increase the
temperature of air f low. Push the
button to decrease it. When you set
the temperature to its lower limit or
its upper limit, the system runs at f ull
cooling or heating only. It does not
regulate the interior temperature.
This button or icon turns the air
conditioningonandoff.Youwillsee
A/C ON or A/C OFF in the display. The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep this
area clear of leaves and other debris.
Thesystemshouldbeleftinfresh
air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to recirculation mode when
driving through dusty or smoky
conditions, then return to fresh air
mode.
This button turns the rear window
def ogger on and of f (see page ). When the indicator in the button is
on, air f rom the vehicle’s interior is
recirculated throughout the system.
When the indicator is off, air is
brought in f rom the outside of the
vehicle (Fresh Air mode).
Push the button or icon to
increase the f an speed and air f low.
Push the button or icon to
decrease it.
Use the mode control button or icon
to select the vents the air flows from.
Regardless of what mode you
are in, air flows out of the corner
vents unless the system is shut of f or
the vent is manually shut of f .
Airf low is divided between
the vents in the dashboard and the
f loor vents.
Airf lows f rom the f loor vents.
Airf low is divided between
the f loor vents and the def roster
vents at the base of the windshield. Air flows from the center
vents in the dashboard.
77
CONT INUED
Fan Control Button/Icon
Temperature Control Buttons
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button/
Icon Recirculation Button
Rear Window Def ogger Button Mode Control Button/Icon
Airf low Buttons
Features
107
NOTE:

ÛÝÚ
Ü
The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes bef ore you
f eel warm air coming f rom the
system.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reads normally.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
A/CbuttonortouchingtheA/C
icon on the models with navigation
system. A/C ON will be displayed
on the screen.
Make sure the temperature is set
to maximum heat.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control buttons.
Press the A/C-INFO button to
show the inf ormation screen.
Select the desired mode by
touching the MODE icon, and set
the f an to the desired speed by
touching the or icon.
Adjustthewarmthwiththe
temperature control buttons ( or
).
Air f lows f rom the def roster
vents at the base of the windshield.
When you select , the system
automatically switches to Fresh Air
mode and turns on the A/C.
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear side
panels.
Set the temperature to maximum.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed. 1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3. 69
Vehicles without Navigation System
Vehicles without Navigation System
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Using the A /C
Using the Heater
Ventilation
108

This setting is suitable f or all driving
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
you can
cool it down more rapidly by partially
opening the windows, turning on the
A/C, and setting the fan to
maximum speed in Fresh Air mode. Air conditioning, as it cools, removes
moisture from the air. When used in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry.To remove f og f rom the inside of the
windows:
Switch the f an on.
Turn on the air conditioning.
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Adjust the temperature to your
pref erence.
When you switch to another mode
f rom , the A/C stays on.
Press the A/C button to turn it of f .Set the f an to the desired speed, or
high f or f aster def rosting.
Select . The system
automatically switches to Fresh
Air mode and turns on the A/C.
The A/C indicator will not come
on in U.S. vehicles.
Adjust the temperature so the
airf low f eels warm.
Select to help clear the
rear window.
To increase airf low to the
windshield, close the corner vents.
The vehicle has two A/C and
heater units. Both these units are
controled by the f ront panel controls,
unless the RR A/C button is turned
on. The rear passengers can also
adjust the direction, and temperature
and amount of the airf low. 1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
If the interior is very warm,
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Dehumidif y the Interior
T o Def og and Def rost
Features
109
NOTE:

The Automatic Climate Control
system can adjust the f an speed and
airflow levels to maintain the interior
temperature you select.Press the AUTO button.
Set the desired temperature with
the temperature control buttons.
You will see FULL AUTO in the
system’s display.
The system automatically selects the
proper mix of conditioned and/or
heated air that will, as quickly as
possible, raise or lower the interior
temperature f rom its current level to
the set temperature. In FULL AUTO
the rear A/C control panel cannot be
used. In cold weather, the f an will not
come on automatically until the
heater starts to develop warm air.
You can manually select various
f unctions of the Climate Control
system when it is in FULL AUTO.
All other f eatures remain
automatically controlled.
Manually selecting a f unction causes
thewordFULLinthedisplaytogo
out.
Press the OFF button. However, a
lack of airf low can cause the
windowstofogup.Youshouldkeep
the fan on at all times so stale air and
moisture do not build up in the
interior and cause fogging.
If you set the temperature to its
lower or its upper limit, the system
runs at f ull cooling or heating only. It
does not regulate the interior
temperature.
Select . The system
automatically switches to Fresh
Air mode and turns on the A/C.
The A/C indicator will not come
on in U.S. vehicles.
Select .
Set the f an and temperature
controls to maximum level.
To clear the windshield f aster, you
can close the dashboard corner vents
by rotating the wheel below each
vent. This sends more warm air to
the windshield def roster vents. Once
the windshield is clear, select Fresh
Air mode to avoid f ogging the
windows.
For your saf ety, make sure you have
a clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving. 1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
Vents, Heating, and A/C
T o Remove Exterior Frost or Ice
From the Windows
Manual Operation
To Turn Everything Of f
Using A utomatic Climate Control
110

Towing generally requires a variety
of supplemental equipment. To
ensure the best quality, we
recommend that you purchase Acura
equipment whenever possible.
Your dealer of f ers a trailer package
that includes a hitch, a ball mount, a
wiring harness, a heavy-duty
transmission f luid cooler.
Discuss any additional needs with
your trailer sales or rental agency,
and make sure all equipment is
properly installed, maintained, and
also meets state, f ederal, province,
and local regulations.We strongly recommend that you
have your dealer install an Acura
hitch and use the required f luid
coolers. Using non-Acura equipment
may result in serious damage to your
vehicle.
To help prevent overheating, a
heavy-duty transmission f luid cooler
and a heavy-duty power steering
f luid cooler are required f or trailer
towing. These coolers are available
only f rom your dealer.
A weight distributing hitch is not
recommended f or use with your
vehicle, as an improperly adjusted
weight distributing hitch may reduce
handling, stability, and braking
perf ormance.
Check the weight of the unhitched
trailer. Limit: See page .
Calculate the tongue load.
Subtract the weight in Step 5 f rom
the
weight in step 6.
Limit: See page .
Range: 5-10% f or boat trailers
8-15% f or other trailers
6.
7.
215
215
CONT INUED
Towing a Trailer
T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesHitch
T ransmission Fluid Cooler andPower St eering Fluid Cooler
Weight Distributing Hitch
Driving
217

CONT INUED
Driving Position Memory..........................................
System .97
..................
DVD Error Messages . 141
...................................
DVD Player .134
..............................
Economy, Fuel .190
..................................
Emergencies .259
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 268
...........
Brake System Indicator . 274
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 261
.....
Charging System Indicator . 272
..................
Checking the Fuses . 276
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 76
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 272
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 273
..................
Overheated Engine . 270
.......................................
Towing .274
...........................
Emergency Brake .94
......................
Emergency Flashers .76
......................
Emergency Towing .274
.......................
Emissions Controls .289
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 69Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .60, 273
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 60,272
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 237
...............................
Overheating .270
............................
Specif ications .285
............................
Speed Limiter .202
.......................................
Starting .189
...................
Engine, .267
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 289
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .54
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .290
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
...................................
Fan, Interior .107
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .105
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 187
Filters ...............................................
Oil .238
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 76
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 261.....................................
Floor Mats .249
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 242
..........................................
Brake .243
..........................
Power Steering .244
..................
Windshield Washer . 241
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .116
........................................
Fog Lights .77
................
Folding the Second Seat . 89
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 90
..........................
Four-way Flashers .76
........................................
Front Seat .86
......................................
Adjusting .86
.........................................
Airbags .26
.........................................
Heaters .91
.................................................
Fuel .186
......................
Fill Door and Cap .187
...........................................
Gauge .68
................
Octane Requirement . 186
...............................
Oxygenated .186
........................
Reserve Indicator .63
........................
Tank, Filling the .187
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .276
if it won’t start
Index
E
F
INDEX
III