Control mode Acura MDX 2011 Repair Manual

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept any
interference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
On models with navigation systemAcuraLink enhances your ownership
experience by providing a direct
communication link between your
vehicle and the Acura Server.
Working through the XM radio
satellite, AcuraLink works in
conjunction with the navigation
system,
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(HFL), and audio system in your
vehicle. It displays and receives
several kinds of messages, including:●
Operating tips and information on
your vehicle's features.
●
Important recall and safety
information.
●
Maintenance information to keep
your vehicle in top condition.
●
Diagnostic information to provide
information about any problems
with your vehicle. Interface Dial
Most AcuraLink functions are
controlled by the interface dial. The
interface dial has two parts, a knob
and a selector.
The knob turns left and right. Use it
to make selections or adjustments to
a list or menu on the screen.
KNOB
ENTER
SELECTOR
Bluetooth
®
HandsFreeLink
®, AcuraLink
®
(U.S. models only)
39810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important information on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the Super Handling-All
Wheel Drive™(SH-AWD
®) system,
the vehicle stability assist (VSA
®)
system, active damper system (If
equipped), the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS), the
collision mitigation braking system ™
(CMBS ™), the blind spot information
system (BSI) and facts you need if
you are planning to tow a trailer or
drive off-high way. Driving Guidelines
......................
434
Preparing to Drive
......................
435
Starting the Engine
.....................
436
Check Starting System
Message
.............................
437
Automatic Transmission
.............
437
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
441
Using the Paddle Shifters in
the D position (D-PaddleShift Mode)
.....................
441
Using the Paddle Shifters in the S position (Sequential
Shift Mode)
.....................
443
Super Handling-All Wheel
Drive ™(SH-AWD
®)
System
................................
446
Parking
.......................................
448
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
...................................
449
Braking System
..........................
454
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............
455
Collision Mitigation Braking System ™(CMBS ™)
...............
457Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
.....................
467
Blind Spot Information System
(BSI)
.......................................
470
Active Damper System
................
478
Towing a Trailer
..........................
481
Trailer Stability Assist
.................
492
Off-Highway Driving
Guidelines
...............................
494
Driving
433
Driving
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Your vehicle's starting system has an
auto control mode. When you turn
the ignition switch to the START (III)
position, this feature keeps the
engine's starter motor running until
the engine starts. Follow these
instructions to start the engine:1. Apply the parking brake.
2. In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the
drain on the battery.
3. Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal. 4. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, then
release the ignition switch. You do
not need to hold the ignition
switch in the START (III) position
to start the engine. Depending on
the outside temperature, the
starter motor runs for about 6 to 9
seconds until the engine starts.
If you hold the ignition switch in
the START (III) position for more
than 7 seconds, the starter motor,
depending on the outside
temperature, runs for about 10 to
25 seconds until the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, wait at
least 10 seconds before trying
again.
The immobilizer system protects your
vehicle from theft. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine's fuel system is disabled. For
more information, see page 137.
The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air found at
altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.
Starting the Engine43610/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Check Starting System MessageIf there is a problem with the starting
system, you will see a‘‘CHECK
STARTING SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display when
the ignition switch is turned to the
ON (II) position. You will also see
this message when the auto control
mode of the starting system has a
problem. If this message is on, the ignition
switch has to be held in the START
(III) position manually until the
engine starts. The ignition switch can
be held in that position up to 15
seconds.
Even though you may be able to start
the engine manually without the auto
control mode of the starting system,
have your dealer inspect your
vehicle.
Shift Lever Position Indicators
These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shift
lever is in.
The
‘‘D ’’indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
flashes while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission.
CONTINUED
Starting the Engine, Automatic Transmission
437
Driving
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

To shift up or down, use the＋
(right) or －(left) paddle shifter on
either side of the steering wheel.
Each time you pull ＋(right), the
transmission shifts to a higher gear.
Pull －(left) to downshift. You will
see the selected gear number on the
instrument panel.When you pull either paddle shifter,
the gear position indicator shows you
the selected gear number. The transmission control system
monitors the accelerator pedal use
and your driving conditions. When
you press the accelerator pedal as in
normal driving, the system judges
that you are driving at a constant
cruising speed without using the
paddle shifters. Under these
conditions, D-paddle shift mode is
canceled, and the transmission
automatically returns to drive mode
(D).
Hold the
＋(right) paddle shifter for
2 seconds to return to drive mode
(D).
When the transmission returns to
drive mode (D), the displayed gear
number goes out.
The transmission remains in the
selected gear if you do not
accelerate. Each time you pull either paddle
shifter, the transmission shifts one
gear up or down. If you want to shift
up or down more than two gears, pull
the paddle shifter twice, pause, and
then pull it again.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
●
You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will flash the
number of the lower gear several
times, then return to a higher gear.
●
You upshift before the engine
speed reaches the lowest
threshold of the higher gear.
●
You press both paddle shifters at
the same time.
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
Driving with the Paddle Shifters44210/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Starting in Second GearWhen you are in sequential shift
mode, and the vehicle is stopped,
pull the＋(right) paddle shifter to
shift to second gear. You will see ‘‘2’’
in the display. Starting in second
gear helps to reduce wheelspin in
deep snow or on a slippery surface. Recommended Shift Points
Drive in the highest gear that lets the
engine run and accelerate smoothly.
This will give you good fuel economy
and effective emissions control. The
following shift points are
recommended:
Shift Up Normal acceleration
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
3rd to 4th4th to 5th
5th to 6th 15 mph (24 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
45 mph (72 km/h)
50 mph (80 km/h)
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
445
Driving
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

As required by the FCC:This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept any
interference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible forcompliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.
Braking System
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The emergency
brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you. Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their
effectiveness. Use the engine to
assist the brakes by taking your foot
off the accelerator and downshifting
to a lower gear.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Braking System45410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

ABS Indicator
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page 558. If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page 558. If the brakes feel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
It only helps with steering
control during braking.
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)45610/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

The system provides two selectable
modes.
Sport mode: The system prioritizes
handling response, vehicle body
control and tire-to-road adhesion to
allow for higher performance
handling.
Comfort mode: The system
prioritizes road isolation to allow for a
more comfortable ride.
Either mode can be used in any type
of operating conditions, but the mode
may change temporarily to suit a
change in road surface.
To switch between comfort and sport
mode, press and release the active
damper system button located on the
center console to choose the desired
mode.
When comfort mode is selected, the
green indicator in the button comes
on, and the message‘‘COMFORT ’’
will appear on the multi-information
display for five seconds.
CONTINUED
Active Damper System
479
Driving
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

The secondary fuse box is on the
passenger's side.
To open it, push the tabs as shown.
U.S. Advance Package, AdvancePackage with Entertainment, andCanadian Elite Package modelsThe sub fuse box is on the
passenger's side.
To open it, push the tabs as shown. Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
563, 564, and 565, or the diagram on
the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that device. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
the cause. Replace any blown fuses,
and check if the device works.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse box.
UNDER-HOOD (SECONDARY)
TAB
UNDER-HOOD (SUB)
TAB
Fuses56010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu