Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Manual
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
460Handling the Unexpected
7. Plug in the kit to the accessory power 
socket.
u Be careful not to pinch the cord in a 
door or window.
u Do not plug any other electronic 
devices into other accessory power 
sockets.
2 Accessory Power Sockets  P. 178
8.Start the engine.
u Keep the engine running while injecting 
air.
2 Carbon Monoxide Gas  P. 66
9.Turn the selector switch to  AIR ONLY.
10. Press the inflator switch to turn on the kit.
u The compressor starts to inject air into 
the tire.
11. Inflate the tire to the specified air pressure.
1Inflating an Under-inflated Tire
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an 
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can 
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon 
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can 
cause unconsciousness and even death. 
Only run the engi ne to power the air 
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
AIR ONLY  
side
ON 
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
12. Turn off the kit.
u Check the pressure gauge on the air 
compressor.
u If overinflated, press the pressure relief 
button.
13. Unplug the kit from the accessory power 
socket.
14. Unscrew the air only hose from the tire 
valve stem. Reinstall the valve cap.
15. Press the pressure relief button until the 
gauge returns to 0 psi (0 kPa).
16. Repackage and properly stow the kit.
Pressure Relief Button 
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462Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns 
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check 
each of the items on the right and 
respond accordingly.
Check for a message on the MID.●If the To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button  message appears
2If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak  P. 463
uMake sure the keyless access remote is in its operating range.
2 ENGINE START/STOP Button Operating Range P. 141
Check the brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery  P. 430
●If the interior lights come on normally 
2 Fuses  P. 474
The starter turns over normally 
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the 
fuse. Check each of the items on 
the right and respond accordingly. Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again. 
2
 Starting the Engine  P. 324
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System  P. 135
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank. 
2 Fuel Gauge  P. 97
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 479
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing  P. 480
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an 
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting  P. 465 
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uuEngine Does Not Start uIf the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak
Handling the Unexpected
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is WeakIf the beeper sounds, the  To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button  message 
appears on the MID, the indicator on the ENGINE START/STOP  button flashes, and 
the engine won’t start, start the engine as follows.
1.Touch the center of the  ENGINE START/
STOP  button with the  A logo on the keyless 
access remote while the indicator on the 
ENGINE START/STOP  button is flashing. 
The buttons on the keyless access remote 
should be facing you.
u The indicator flashes for about 30 
seconds.
2. Depress the brake pedal and press the 
ENGINE START/STOP  button within 10 
seconds after the beeper sounds and the 
indicator changes from flashing to on.
u If you don’t depress the pedal, the mode 
will change to ACCESSORY. 
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464
uuEngine Does Not Start uEmergency Engine Stop
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Engine StopThe  ENGINE START/STOP  button may be used to stop the engine due to an 
emergency situation even while driving. If you mus t stop the engine, do either of the 
following operations:
• Press and hold the  ENGINE START/STOP  button for about two seconds.
• Firmly press the  ENGINE START/STOP  button two times.
The steering wheel will not lock. However, because turning off the engine disables 
the power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it will 
require significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Use 
both feet on the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle and stop immediately in a 
safe place.
The power mode is in ACCESSORY when the engine is stopped.
To change the mode to VEHICLE OFF, change the gear position to 
(P
 after the 
vehicle comes to a complete stop. Then press the  ENGINE START/STOP button 
twice without depressing the brake pedal.
1 Emergency Engine StopNOTICEDo not press the button while driving unless it is 
absolutely necessary for the engine to be switched 
off. 
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465
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Jump StartingTurn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine, 
then open the hood. 1.Pull up on the engine cover, remove it from 
the pins.
2. Connect the first jumper cable to your 
vehicle’s battery  + terminal.
3. Connect the other end of the first jumper 
cable to the booster battery  + terminal.
u Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
u When using an automotive battery 
charger to boost your 12-volt battery, 
select a lower charging voltage than 15-
volt. Check the charger manual for the 
proper setting.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the 
booster battery  - terminal.■
Jump Starting Procedure
1Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they 
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be 
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the 
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or 
detaching the jumper cables.
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and 
may prevent the engine from starting.
3
WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow 
the correct procedure, seriously injuring 
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking 
materials away from the battery.
Engine Cover
Pin
Booster Battery 
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uuJump Starting u
Handling the Unexpected
5.Connect the other end of the second 
jumper cable to the engine hanger as 
shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to 
any other part.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another 
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine 
and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it 
turns over slowly, check that the jumper 
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Once your vehicle’s engine has started , remove the jumper cables in the following 
order.
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery  - 
terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s battery  + terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery  + 
terminal.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
■
What to Do After the Engine Starts 
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467Handling the Unexpected
Shift Lever Does Not MoveFollow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of the 
(P
 
position.
1.Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the built-in key from the keyless 
access remote.
3. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-
tip screwdriver. Place it at the back of the 
release lock cover, and remove the cover.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift 
lever release button and place the shift lever 
into 
(N
.
u The lock is now released. Have the shift 
lever checked by a dealer as soon as 
possible.
■
Releasing the Lock
Cover
SlotRelease ButtonShift Lock Release Slot 
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468Handling the Unexpected
OverheatingHow to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
•The temperature gauge needle is at the   mark or the engine suddenly loses 
power.
• Steam or spray comes out of the engine compartment.■First thing to do
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2. Turn off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning lights.
u No steam or spray present:  Keep the engine running and open the hood.
u Steam or spray is present:  Turn off the engine and wait until it subsides. 
Then, open the hood.
1 How to Handle OverheatingNOTICEContinuing to drive with the temperature gauge 
needle at the   mark may damage the engine.
3
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated 
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the ho od if steam is coming 
out.
H
H 
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uuOverheating uHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and 
stop the engine once the temperature 
gauge needle goes down.
u If the cooling fan is not operating, 
immediately stop the engine.
2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect 
the coolant level and check the cooling 
system components for leaks.
u If the coolant level in the reserve tank is 
low, add coolant until it reaches the 
MAX mark.
u If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, 
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the 
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open 
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to 
the base of the filler neck, and put the 
cap back on.■Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficien tly, restart it and check the temperature gauge. 
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone 
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1 How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only. 
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze 
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the 
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray 
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool 
down before removing the radiator cap.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN