Acura MDX 2011 Owner's Manual

OWNER_________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________
STREET
_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________
CITY STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
V. I. N. ___________________________________________________________
DELIVERY DATE__________________________________________________
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME___________________ DEALER NO. ___________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________
STREET
_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________
CITY STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
OWNER'S SIGNATURE___________________________________________
DEALER'S SIGNATURE ___________________________________________
This owner's manual should be considered a
permanent part of the vehicle and should
remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This Owner's Manual covers all models of the
MDX. You may find descriptions of
equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner's manual
(including the front cover) represent features
and equipment that are available on some,
but not all, models. Your particular model
may not have some of these features.
The information and specifications included
in this publication were in effect at the time of
approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or
change specifications or design at any time
without notice and without incurring any
obligation whatsoever.
POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN
AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez
besoin d'un Manuel du Conducteur
en français, veuillez demander à
votre concessionnaire de
commander le numéro de pièce
33STXC40
Owner's Identification10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Congratulations! Your selection of a 2011 Acura MDX was a wise investment.
It will give you years of driving pleasure.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read
this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so
you can refer to it at any time.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the Maintenance Minder™shown in
the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it
preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in
mind that your dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many
systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction
and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns. As you read this manual, you will find
information that is preceded by a
symbol. This information is
intended to help you avoid damage to
your vehicle, other property, or the
environment.
Introduction
i
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These
devices record front seat belt use, front passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the failure of
any airbag system component. This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else
except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.Service Diagnostic Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data
can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It
may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act
The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special
handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/
Introductionii10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
●Safety Labels
－on the vehicle.●Safety Messages －preceded by a safety alert symbol
and one of
three signal words: DANGER,WARNING ,orCAUTION .
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
●Safety Headings －such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.●Safety Section －such as Driver and Passenger Safety.●Instructions －how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information －please read it
carefully.
A Few Words About Safety
iii
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Your MDX has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground
clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high
center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear
seat belts.
For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read‘‘Driving Guidelines ’’on page 434 of this manual and theOff-Highway Driving Guidelines
section on page 494. Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of
control or an accident.
Important Handling Informationiv10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Your Vehicle at a Glance(main controls)
....................................................................................................................
3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection)
...........................................................................
5
Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, multi-information display, dashboard, and steering column)
...........
63
Features (
climate control, audio, rear entertainment, steering wheel, security, cruise control, and other convenience items
)..
179
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading)
.......................................................................................
417
Driving (engine and transmission operation)
...........................................................................................................
433
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)
...........................................................
499
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, Jump starting, overheating, and fuses)
...................................................
543
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls)
........................................................
569
Warranty and Client Relations (U.S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information)
...............................
585
Index
..............................................................................................................................................................................
I
INDEX
Service Information Summary (fluid capacities and tire pressures)
...............................................................
last page
Contents
1
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Contents
A convenient reference to the
sections in this manual.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
A quick reference to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important information about the
proper use and care of your vehicle's
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable information on how to
protect children with child restraints.
Instruments and Controls
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and
gauge, and how to use the controls
on the dashboard and steering
column.
Features
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, rear
entertainment system, and other
convenience features.Before Driving
What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
Driving
The proper way to start the engine,
shift the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you're
planning to tow a trailer.
Maintenance
The Maintenance Minder
™shows
you when you need to take your
vehicle to the dealer for maintenance
service. There is also a list of things
to check and instructions on how to
check them.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience, and
details how to handle them. Technical Information
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual for detailed
information.
Index
Service Information Summary
A summary of the information you
need when you pull up to the fuel
pump.Overview of Contents210/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

ꭧ: If equippedDRIVER'S FRONT
AIRBAG (P. 10, 29)
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
(P. 166)
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
(P. 139)
PARKING BRAKE
RELEASE HANDLE
(P. 163)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P. 158)
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON
(P. 419)
POWER TAILGATE
BUTTON (P. 141)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE (P. 421) PARKING BRAKE
PEDAL (P. 163)AUXILIARY INPUT
JACKS
ꭧ(P. 336)HEADPHONE
CONNECTORS
ꭧ(P. 337)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS (P. 65)
HOMELINK BUTTONS
(P. 360)
MOONROOF SWITCH
(P. 161) MIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTON
(P. 163)
PASSENGER'S
FRONT AIRBAG
(P. 10, 29)
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM (P. 180)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P. 190) AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(P. 437)
REAR CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM
(P. 185)
GAUGES (P. 76)
AC POWER OUTLET
(P. 176)
USB ADAPTER
CABLE
ꭧ(P. 277)
AUXILIARY INPUT
JACKS (P. 304)
CONTINUED
Your Vehicle at a Glance
3
Your Vehicle at a Glance
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

ꭧ1: To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
ꭧ 2: If equipped
ꭧ 3: Refer to the navigation system manual. For how to operate
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink by voice, see page 379.
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (BSI) OFF BUTTON
ꭧ2
(P. 476)VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH
(P. 468)
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P. 164)BSI ALERT INDICATOR
ꭧ
2
(P. 473)
COLLISION MITIGATION
BRAKING SYSTEM ™(CMBS ™)
OFF BUTTON
ꭧ 2
(P.461)
HEADLIGHT WASHER
SWITCH
ꭧ 2
(P. 126)
HORN
ꭧ1
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTS
(P. 133) HEADLIGHT/TURN SIGNAL/
FRONT FOG LIGHTS
(P. 127)
STEERING WHEEL
AUDIO CONTROLS
(P. 302) WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
(P. 125)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
(P. 132)
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
(P. 36)HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P. 131)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
(P. 131) ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKETS
(P. 175)
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
(P. 156) /
SEAT HEATER AND SEAT
VENTILATION BUTTONS
ꭧ 2
(P. 157)
ACTIVE DAMPER
SYSTEM SWITCH
ꭧ 2
(P. 478)
CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (P. 342) /
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
BUTTONS
ꭧ
2
(P. 350)
PADDLE SHIFTERS
(P. 441)
DISTANCE
BUTTONꭧ2
(P. 354)
BLUETOOTH
HANDSFREELINK
BUTTONS (P. 363) VOICE CONTROL
BUTTONS
ꭧ
3
Your Vehicle at a Glance410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It shows
you how to use seat belts. It explains
how your airbags work. And it tells you
how to properly restrain infants and
children in your vehicle.
Important Safety Precautions
..............
6
Your Vehicle's Safety Features
............
8
Seat Belts
.....................................
9
Airbags
.......................................
10
Protecting Adults and Teens
.............
12
1. Close and Lock the Doors
..........
12
2. Adjust the Front Seats
...............
14
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs
................
15
4. Adjust the Head Restraints
.........
15
5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts
...................................
16
6. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position
...............................
18
Advice for Pregnant Women
..........
19
Additional Safety Precautions
........
20
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
...............................
21
Seat Belt System Components
.......
21 Lap/Shoulder Belt
........................
22
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
.....
23
Seat Belt e-pretensioners
...............
24
Seat Belt Maintenance
..................
25
Additional Information About Your
Airbags
...................................
26
Airbag System Components
..........
26
How Your Front Airbags Work
......
29
How Your Side Airbags Work
........
32
How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work
......................................
34
How the SRS Indicator Works
.......
35
How the Side Airbag Off Indicator Works
.....................................
35
How the Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Works
.......................
36
Airbag Service
.............................
37
Additional Safety Precautions
........
38
Protecting Children －General
Guidelines
..............................
39
All Children Must Be Restrained
...............................
39
All Children Should Sit in a Back Seat
........................................
40
The Passenger's Front Airbag Can Pose Serious Risks
...................
40 If You Must Drive with Several
Children
..................................
42
If a Child Requires Close Attention
.................................
42
Additional Safety Precautions
........
43
Protecting Infants and Small Children
.................................
44
Protecting Infants
.........................
44
Protecting Small Children
.............
45
Selecting a Child Seat
......................
47
Installing a Child Seat
......................
48
Installing a Child Seat with LATCH
...................................
49
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Belt
...........................
52
Installing a Child Seat with a Tether
.....................................
53
Protecting Larger Children
...............
56
Checking Seat Belt Fit
..................
56
Using a Booster Seat
....................
57
When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front
.......................................
58
Additional Safety Precautions
........
59
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
................
60
Safety Labels
..................................
61
Driver and Passenger Safety
5
Driver and Passenger Safety
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu