towing Acura MDX 2006 Owner's Manual

2006 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.helminc.com.

Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ........................................................................\
............................................................................. i
A Few Wo r

ds About Safety ........................................................................\
.................................................. ii
Your Vehicle at a Glance........................................................................\
.......................................................4
Driver and Pas

senger Safety ........................................................................\
...............................................7
P r

oper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Cont r
ols........................................................................\
...................................................57
Instrument panel indica tor and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features........................................................................\
...............................105
How t o
op era

te the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving ........................................................................\
...................................................... .
............. .

187
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving........................................................................\
...................................................................................199
The proper way to start

the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance........................................................................\
.........................................................................227
T h
e Ma int

enance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Taking Care of the Unexpected........................................................................\
.......................................259
This section covers severa l pr

oblems motorists someti mes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information........................................................................\
.......................................................281
ID numbers, dimensions, capaciti es, and techni

cal information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)..................................................................... 295
A summary of th
e warr anties coverin

g your new Honda, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)........................................................................\
......................................299
How t o
order manuals an

d other technical literature.
Index ........................................................................\
......................................................................................... I
Service Inf ormat

ion Summary
A summary of informat

ion you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition to the ON (II) position.
If it comes on while driving, it
indicates that one or more of your
vehicle’s tires are extremely low on
pressure.
If this happens, pull to the side of the
road when it is saf e, check which tire
has lost the pressure on the Tire
Pressure Monitor, and determine the
cause. If it is because of a f lat tire,
replace the flat tire with the compact
spare (see page ), and have the
f lat tire repaired as soon as possible.
If two or more tires are underinf lated,
call a prof essional towing service
(see page ). Ref er to page
f or more inf ormation. This monitor normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. While driving, the
appropriate tire indicator will come
on along with the low tire pressure
indicator if a tire is extremely
underinf lated or has suddenly lost
pressure. See
forwhattodoif this
indicator comes on. If this indicator comes on and stays
on at any other time, or if it does not
come on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, there
is a problem with the TPMS. With
this indicator on, the low tire
pressure indicator and the tire
pressure monitor will not come on
when a tire loses pressure. Take the
vehicle to your dealer to have the
system checked.
207 261
275
Instrument Panel Indicators
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (T PMS) Indicator
Low Tire Pressure
Indicator Tire Pressure Monitor
Low Tire Pressure
Indicator
66

µ·
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle. Locate the statement, ‘‘the
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 1,158
lbs (525 kg)’’ on your vehicle’s
placard (on the driver’s doorjamb).
To determine the correct cargo and
luggage load limit: The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 1,158 lbs (525 kg). This f igure
includes the total weight of all
occupants, cargo, and accessories,
and the tongue load if you are towing
a trailer.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
1,158 lbs (525 kg). The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity.
For example, the maximum load is
1,158 lbs and there will be f ive 150
lbs passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo is 408 lbs.
1,158 750 (5 150) = 408 lbs (175
kg) Determine the combined weight
of accessories, luggage, and cargo
beingloadedinthevehicle.That
weight may not saf ely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4
[408 lbs (175 kg) in this example].
If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load f rom your trailer will
be transf erred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
yourvehicle(seepage ). In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
and cargo 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.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
215
Carrying Cargo
Load Limits
196
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling 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.

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the VTM-4system, the VSA
system, the tire pressure monitoring
system, and f acts you need if you are
planning to tow a trailer. ........................
Driving Guidelines .200
........................
Preparing to Drive .200
.......................
Starting the Engine .201
..............
Automatic Transmission . 202
Variable Torque Management ..............................
4WD System .206
..............................
VTM-4 Lock .206
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ......................................
(TPMS) .207
...........................................
Parking .209
.............................
Braking System .210
...........................
Anti-lock Brakes .211
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ........................................
System .213
.................
Towing Weight Limits . 215
...........................
Towing a Trailer .216
..............
Of f -Highway Guidelines . 224
Driving
Driving
199

Your vehicle has been designed to
primarily carry passengers and their
cargo. You can also use it to tow a
trailer if you caref ully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and f ollow the guidelines in this
section.The weight that the tongue of a f ully
loaded trailer puts on the hitch
shouldbe5to10percentof thetotal
trailer weight f or boat trailers, and 8
to 15 percent of total trailer weight
f or all other trailers. (See pagef or limits f or your towing
situation). Too much tongue load
reduces front-tire traction and
steering control. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
The maximum allowable weight of
the trailer and everything in or on it
depends on the number of occupants
inyourvehicleandthetypeof trailer
being towed (see page ).
Towing a trailer that is too heavy can
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and perf ormance. It can
also damage the engine and driven.
Be sure to read the
sectiononpage
if you plan to tow of f paved
surf aces.
217
217
224
Towing Weight Limits
Load Limit
Off-Highway
Driving Guidelines
T ot al T railer Weight Tongue Load
Driving
215
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
beforestartingtodrive.

µµ The maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo
and the tongue load is 5,787 lbs
(2,630 kg). Connect the f ully loaded trailer to
the hitch.
Measure again f rom the ground to
the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.
Subtract the second measurement
from the first measurement, then
refer to the following table.
If the
dif f erence is:
1½’’
2¼’’ 3’’
3¾’’
If thedifferenceismorethan3¾
inch, you have too much load on the
tongue. Redistribute the load or
remove cargo as needed. Estimated
tongue load is:
150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
The maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo,
and the tongue load must not exceed
2,888 lbs (1,310 kg) on the f ront axle,
and 2,992 lbs (1,360 kg) on the rear
axle.
The maximum allowable weight of
the f ully loaded vehicle and trailer is
9,584 lbs (4,470 kg) with the proper
hitch and f luid coolers. (See page f or inf ormation about f luid
coolers.)
The GCWR must be reduced 2
percent f or every 1,000 f eet ( 305
meters) of elevation. Thebestwaytoconfirmthatall
loads are within limits is to check
them at a public scale. For public
scales in your area, check your local
phone book, or contact your trailer
dealer or rental agency for
assistance.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Add the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manuf acturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page to
make sure you do not exceed the
limit f or your conditions. To help ensure a saf e drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale,
we recommend that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described next.
Measure and record the distance
from the ground to the bottom of
the trailer hitch.
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.
219 217
Towing a Trailer
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
Estimating Loads
Gross Axle Weight Ratings
(GA WR)
Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR):
To Estimate the Tongue Load
To Estimate the Total Trailer Weight
216

Î
Î
ÎNumber of
Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7 Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
Max. T railer Weight Max. T ongue Load
T owing is Not Recommended
Number of
Occupants 2
3
4
5
6
7 Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering f luid cooler.
Max. T railer Weight Max. T ongue Load
T owing is Not Recommended
Towing Weight Limits
Driving
217
4500 lbs (2045 kg)
4500 lbs (2045 kg)
4500 lbs (2045 kg)
4000 lbs (1820 kg) 1700 lbs (770 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg)
410 lbs (185 kg)
310 lbs (140 kg)
215 lbs (100 kg)
90 lbs (40 kg)
3500 lbs (1590 kg)
3500 lbs (1590 kg)
3000 lbs (1365 kg) 2000 lbs (910 kg)
1000 lbs (455 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg)
410 lbs (185 kg)
310 lbs (140 kg)
215 lbs (100 kg)
90 lbs (40 kg)
The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (70 kg) and each has 1 5lbs(7
kg) of luggage in the cargo area.
Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits: BOAT TRAILERS
OTHER TYPES OF TRAILERS

To accurately check your loads at
the public scale, the vehicle and
trailer should be f ully loaded, and all
occupants should stay in the vehicle
while the attendant watches the
scale.Remember, maximum gross
combined weight should be
decreased 2 % f or every 1,000 f eet
(305 meters) of elevation.
Check the weight of the hitched
trailer. Write this number down.
Check the f ront gross axle weight.
Limit: 2882 lbs (1307 kg)
If you cannot weight on the rear
axle directly, you can calculate the
rear gross axle weight by
subtracting the weight in Step 1
from the weight in Step 2. Check the gross vehicle weight.
Limit: 5,798 lbs (2,630 kg)
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
Towing a Trailer
Checking L oads
218

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
5f rom
the
weight in step 6.
Limit: See page .
Range: 5-10% f or boat trailers 8-15% f or other trailers
6.
7.
217
217
CONT INUED
Towing a Trailer
T owing Equipment and
A ccessoriesHitch
T ransmission Fluid Cooler andPower St eering Fluid Cooler
Weight Distributing Hitch
Driving
219

Acura requires that any trailer with a
total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs (455
kg) or more have its own brakes.
There are two common types of
trailer brakes: surge and electric.
Surge brakes are common f or boat
trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electrically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle’s hydraulic system. No
matter how successf ul it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle’s hydraulic system
will lower braking ef f ectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
Seeyourtrailermanufacturerfor
more inf ormation on installing
electric brakes.Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page
f or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare
tire. 255
266
261
Towing a Trailer
Trailer Brakes Saf ety Chains
Sway Cont rolTrailer Mirrors Spare Tires
220