Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Manual
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440
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, etc.) may fog temporarily 
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash. 
Dew condensation also may build up inside the lenses when there is a significant 
enough difference between the ambient and inside lens temperatures (similar to 
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions). These conditions are natural 
processes, not structural design problems in the exterior lights.
Lens design characteristics may result in moisture developing on the light lens frame 
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.
However, if you see large amounts water accumulation, or large water drops 
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.■
Fogged Exterior Light Lenses 
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441
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 442
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 443
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*..... 450
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 462
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ............................................. 463
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 464
Jump Starting .................................... 465
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 467Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 468
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes  On ............................................. 470If the Charging System Indicator Comes 
On ................................................. 470
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes  On or Blinks ................................... 471If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes  On .................................................... 472
If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering 
(EPS) System Indicator Comes On ........... 472If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks ....................... 473
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 474
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 479
Emergency Towing ........................... 480
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill  Door ................................................. 481When You Cannot Open the Tailgate
.. 482
* Not available on all models 
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442Handling the Unexpected
ToolsTypes of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools are stored in the cargo area.
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle
Jack
Jack Handle Bar Towing Hook
Tool Case
Models with a compact spare tire 
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Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatChanging a Flat Tire
*
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually 
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact 
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or 
replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slippery surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to 
(P
.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF 
(LOCK).
1Changing a Flat Tire
*
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact 
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure. 
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the 
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with 
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are 
specifically for this model. Do not use them with 
another vehicle. Do not use another type of compact 
spare tire or wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire. 
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of 
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact 
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it 
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear. 
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire, 
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
* Not available on all models 
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
*
444Handling the Unexpected
1. Push the rear edge of the handle on the 
floor lid and open the lid.
2. Take out the cargo floor box.
3. Take the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack 
handle bar out of the tool case.
■
Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire
1Changing a Flat Tire
*
NOTICEDo not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call 
your dealer or a professional towing service.
Handle
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case* Not available on all models 
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445
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
*
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
4. Remove the cover on the cargo area lining 
to access the shaft for the spare tire hoist.
5. Put the wheel nut wrench with the jack 
handle bar on the hoist shaft.
Turn the wrench to the left to lower the 
spare tire to the ground.
6. Keep turning the wheel nut wrench to 
create slack in the cable.
7. Remove the bracket from the spare tire.
Cover
Jack Handle Bar
Wheel Nut Wrench
Bracket 
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
8. Place a wheel block or rock in front and 
rear of the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
9. Place the compact spare tire wheel side up 
under the vehicle body, near the tire that 
needs to be replaced.
10. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn 
using the wheel nut wrench.
Wheel 
Blocks
The tire to be replaced. 
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Continued
447
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
1. Place the jack under the jacking point 
closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket clockwise as shown in 
the image until the top of the jack contacts 
the jacking point.
u Make sure that the jacking point tab is 
resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar 
and the jack handle, until the tire is off the 
ground.
■
How to Set Up the Jack
1How to Set Up the Jack
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the 
vehicle.
Use the jack provided in your vehicle.
Other jacks may not support the weight (“load”) or 
may not fit the jacking point.
The following instructions must be followed to use 
the jack safely:•Do not use while the engine is running.•Use only where the ground is firm and level.•Use only at the jacking points.•Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.•Do not put anything on top of or underneath the 
jack.
3
WARNING
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, 
seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire 
exactly, and never get under the vehicle 
when it is suppor ted only by the jack.
Jack Handle BarWheel Nut Wrench as Jack Handle 
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
*
448Handling the Unexpected
1. Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2. Wipe the mounting surfaces of the wheel 
with a clean cloth.
3. Mount the compact spare tire.
4. Screw the wheel nuts until they touch the 
lips around the mounting holes, then stop 
rotating.
5. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. 
Tighten the wheel nuts in the order 
indicated in the image. Go around, 
tightening the nuts, two to three times in 
this order.
Wheel nut torque:
80 lbf∙ft (108 N∙m, 11 kgf∙m)
■
Replacing the Flat Tire
1Replacing the Flat Tire
Do not over tighten the wheel nuts by applying extra 
torque using your foot or a pipe. 
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
1. Remove the center cap and place the flat 
tire face up under the hoist.
2. Insert the hoist bracket into the center hole 
of the flat tire.
3. Turn the wheel nut wrench with the jack 
handle bar clockwise until the flat tire rests 
against the underbody of the vehicle and 
you hear the hoist click.
4. Securely put the jack and wheel nut wrench 
back in the tool case. Store the case in the 
cargo area.
If you replace a flat tire with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator 
comes on while you are driving. After driving for a few miles (kilometers), the 
indicator will start blinking for a short time and then stay on.  Tire Pressure 
Monitor Problem  appears on the multi-information display (MID), but this is 
normal.
If you replace the tire with a specified regular tire, the warning message on the MID 
and the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will go off after a few miles (kilometers).
■
Storing the Flat Tire
1 Storing the Flat Tire
3
WARNING
Loose items can fly around the interior in a 
crash and can seriously injure the 
occupants.
Store the jack and tools securely before 
driving.
Wheel Nut Wrench Jack Handle Bar■
TPMS and the Spare Tire
1
TPMS and the Spare Tire
The system cannot monitor the pressure of the spare 
tire. Manually check  the spare tire pressure to be sure 
that it is correct.
Use the TPMS specific wheels. Each is equipped with 
a tire pressure sensor mounted inside the tire behind 
the valve stem.