towing Acura ZDX 2013 Owner's Manual

ContentsThis 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 your vehicle. 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.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
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.
2Safe Driving P. 21For Safe Driving P. 22 Seat Belts P. 27 Airbags P. 342Instrument Panel P. 65Indicators P. 66 Gauges and Multi-Information Display P. 862Controls P. 105Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 106
Opening and Closing the Panoramic Glass Roof P. 128
Adjusting the Seats P. 1442Features P. 167Audio System P. 168 HomeLink® Universal Transceiver P. 1692Driving P. 171Before Driving P. 172 Towing a Trailer P. 177
Parking Your Vehicle P. 216 Refueling P. 2212Maintenance P. 227Before Performing Maintenance P. 228 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 231
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 256
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 269
2Handling the Unexpected P. 275Tools P. 276 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 277
Overheating P. 290 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 292
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 3022Information P. 305Specifications P. 306 Identification Numbers P. 307
Warranty Coverages P. 312 Authorized Manuals P. 314

Contents
Child Safety P. 49 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 63 Safety Labels P. 64Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 116 Security System P. 122 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 125
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 129 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 142
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 152 Climate Control System P. 163Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 182 When Driving P. 185 Braking P. 212
Fuel Economy P. 224 Accessories and Modifications P. 225Maintenance Under the Hood P. 235 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 249
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 258 Battery P. 267 Remote Transmitter Care P. 268
Cleaning P. 270Engine Does Not Start P. 284 Jump Starting P. 287 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 289
Fuses P. 295 Emergency Towing P. 301
When You Cannot Open or Close the Tailgate P. 303Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 308 Reporting Safety Defects P. 309 Emissions Testing P. 310
Client Service Information P. 315
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 21
Instrument Panel
P. 65
Controls
P. 105
Features
P. 167
Driving
P. 171
Maintenance
P. 227
Handling the Unexpected
P. 275
Information
P. 305
Index
P. 316

Quick Reference Guide15
Handling the Unexpected
(P275)
Flat Tire
(P277)
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire
located under the cargo area.
Indicators Come On
(P292)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Engine Won’t Start
(P284)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse
(P300)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P290)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing
(P301)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

171
DrivingThis chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 172
Maximum Load Limit........................ 175
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 177
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 180
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 181
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
General Information ......................... 182
Important Safety Precautions............ 182
Avoiding Trouble ............................. 183When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 185
Precautions While Driving ................ 187
Automatic Transmission ................... 188
Shifting ............................................ 189
Cruise Control ................................. 193
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) .... 196
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) ....... 199
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 202
SH-AWD® (Super Handling-All Wheel
Drive
TM) .......................................... 204BSI (Blind Spot Information) ............. 205
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) .. 208Braking
Brake System ................................... 212
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 214
Brake Assist System ......................... 215
Parking Your Vehicle........................ 216
Refueling........................................... 221
Fuel Economy.................................... 224
Accessories and Modifications........ 225

175
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 830 lbs (380 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2Specifications P. 306
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 306
3
WARNING
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.
Label Example

176
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load 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.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load
830 lbs
(380 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight
530 lbs
(244 kg)
Example2
Max Load
830 lbs
(380 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
80 lbs
(40 kg)

177
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerTowing PreparationYour vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
•Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
•To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■Towing Load Limits
1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2Vehicle Specifications P. 306
3
WARNING
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 before starting to drive.
Total LoadTongue LoadTongue Load

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
178Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.■Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.■Towing Equipment and Accessories
1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

179
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
Driving
Your trailer lighting connector is located
under the right side tool case in the cargo
area. Each pin’s purpose and wiring color
code are shown in the image.
When using a non-Acura trailer lighting
harness and converter, get the connector and
pins for your vehicle from a dealer.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
Left Turn
Signal
(Blue)
Taillight
Signal
(Pink) Stop Light Signal
(Light Green) +B Turn/stop
(White)Right Turn Signal
(Green) +B Taillight and
Auxiliary Lights
(Yellow)

180
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer•Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
•Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 177
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
•Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
•Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
•Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
•Drive slower than normal.
•Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
•Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
•Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
•Allow more time and distance for braking.
•Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer■Towing Speeds and Gears■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.