2002 Acura MDX engine

This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.
There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays by pressing the Select
button repeatedly. Each trip meter
works independently, so you can
keep track of two dif f erent distances.
When you turn the ignition switch
ON (II), what you last selected isdisplayed.
To reset a trip meter, display it, and
then press and hold the Reset button
until the number resets to ‘‘0.0’’.
Both trip meters will reset if the
vehicle’s battery goes dead or is
disconnected.
This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom blue mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper white mark. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull saf ely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This shows how much f uel you have.
It is most accurate when the vehicle
is on level ground. It may show
slightly more or less than the actual
amount when you are driving on
curvy or hilly roads.
The needle returns to the bottom
after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the f uel level reading
immediately af ter you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).
325
Trip Meter
Temperature GaugeFuel Gauge
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Gauges
68
S SE
EL
LEE C
CT T B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
R
RE ES
SE ET
T B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
01/09/07 12:06:38 31S3V610_073

Turn of f the engine.
Press and hold the select and reset
buttons on the instrument panel,
then turn the ignition switch ON
(II).
Hold the buttons for
approximately ten seconds until
the indicator resets.
1.
2.
3.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Gauges
70
S SE
EL
LEE C
CT T B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
R
RE ES
SE ET
T B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
01/09/07 12:06:55 31S3V610_075

Your vehicle comes with two master
keys and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle:
 Ignition
 Driver’s Door
GloveboxThe valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keepthegloveboxlockedwhenyou
leave your vehicle and valet key at a
parking f acility.
Youshouldhavereceivedakey
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Keep
the tag stored in a safe place. If you
need to replace a key, use only an
Acura-approved key blank.
These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
Immobilizer System. They will not
work to start the engine if the
circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys f rom direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy
objects on them.
Keep the keys away f rom liquids.
If they get wet, dry them immedi-
ately with a soft cloth.
The keys do not contain batteries.
Do not try to take them apart.
Your vehicle also comes with two
remote transmitters; see page for
an explanation of their operation. 84
CONT INUED
Keys
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Remote Transmitter
79
V V
A
AL
LEE T
T K
KEEY
Y
(
( G
GR RAA Y
Y))
K
KE
EY
Y
N
NU UMM B
BEER
R
P
P L
LAA T
TE
E M
M
A
AS
STTE
ER
R
K
KE EY
YS S
(
( B
BL LAA C
CKK))
01/09/07 12:08:23 31S3V610_084

The Immobilizer System protects
your vehicle f rom thef t. A properly-
coded master or valet key must be
used in the ignition switch f or the
engine to start. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used,
the engine’s f uel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), the Immobilizer System
indicator should come on f or a f ew
seconds, then go out. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert
it, and turn the switch to ON (II)
again.The system may not recognize your
key’s coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object is near the
ignition switch when you insert the
key. To make sure the system
recognizes the key code:
Do not keep other immobilizer
keys on the same key ring.
Use a plastic or leather key f ob,
not metal.
Keep other keys away f rom your
vehicle’s key and the ignition
switch while trying to start the
engine. If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your Acura dealer.
The Immobilizer System indicator
will also blink several times when
you turn the ignition switch f rom ON
(II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your vehicle undriveable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
Acura dealer.
Immobilizer System
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols80
01/09/07 12:08:32 31S3V610_085

µ
µ µ
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
This is the normal key
position when driving. All f eatures
and accessories on the vehicle are
usable. Several of the lights on the
instrument panel come on as a test
when you turn the ignition switch
f rom ACCESSORY to ON. The engine will not start if the
Immobilizer System does not
recognize the key’s coding (see page
).
In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the accessory power socket.
You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
thedriver’sdoor.Removethekeyto
turn of f the beeper. Each f ront door has a master doorlock switch. Either switch locks and
unlocks all doors and the tailgate.
Push the switch down to lock all
doors and the tailgate, and up to
unlock them.
80
ST A RT (III) Power Door L ocks
ON (II) A CCESSORY (I)
Keys and Locks
Inst rument s and Cont rols82
M M A
AS
STTE
ER
R D
DO
OO ORR L
LOOC CKK S
SWWI ITT C
CH H
01/09/07 12:08:53 31S3V610_087

Both f ront seats are equipped with
seat heaters. The ignition switch
must be ON (II) to use them. Push
the front of the switch, HI, to rapidly
heat up the seat. After the seat
reaches a comf ortable temperature,
select LO by pushing the back of the
switch. This will keep the seat warm.Follow these precautions whenever
you use the seat heaters:
Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly. Select the LO
setting when the seats f eel warm.
The HI setting draws large
amounts of current f rom the
battery.
Do not use the seat heaters, even
on the LO setting, if the engine is
lef t idling f or an extended period.
They can weaken the battery,
causing hard starting.
The HI or LO indicator lights and
remains lit until you turn it of f by
pushing the opposite side of the
switch lightly. The indicator will turn
off.
In HI, the heater turns of f when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat’s temperature drops. It
continues to cycle as long as you
leave it set on HI. The HI indicator
remains lit as a reminder that you
have the heater on.
In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperature
changes.
Because of the sensors f or the side
airbag system, there is no heater in
the passenger’s seat-back.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Seat Heaters
Seat Heaters
99
S SE
EA
A T
T H
HE
EA
A T
TE
ER
RS S
01/09/07 12:11:36 31S3V610_104

To apply the parking brake, push the
parking brake pedal down with your
f oot. To release the parking brake,
push on the pedal again. The parking
brake light on the instrument panel
should go out when the parking
brake is f ully released with the
engine running. (see page .)
The outside mirrors are heated to re-
move fog and frost. With the ignition
switchON(II),turnontheheaters
by pressing the button. The light in
the button comes on as a reminder.
Press the button again to turn the
heaters off.
63
Parking Brake
Mirrors, Parking Brake
Inst rument s and Cont rols106
P P
A
A R
RKKIINNG G B
BRRAA K
KEE P
PE
ED
D A
AL
L
H
H E
EA
A T
TE
ED
D M
MI
IRRR ROOR R B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake applied can damage the rear
brakes and axles.
01/09/07 12:12:30 31S3V610_111

For the climate control system to
provide heating and cooling, the
engine must be running.
The automatic climate control
system in your Acura picks the
proper combination of air condi-
tioning, heating, and ventilation to
maintain the interior temperature
you select. The system also adjusts
the fan speed and air flow levels.
Your vehicle also has a rear A/C unit
that allows the rear passengers to
adjust the heating, cooling, and air
f low (see page ).
The direction of air f low f rom the
vents in the center and each corner
of the dashboard is adjustable.
Move the tab in the center of each
vent up-and-down and side-to-side.
The vents in the corners of the
dashboard can be opened and closed
with the dials underneath them.
The climate control system draws air
through the exterior vents at the
bottom of the windshield. Keep
these vents clear of leaves and other
debris.
130
Climat e Cont rol Syst em
Comf ort and Convenience Feat ures122
C CE
EN
NT TE
ER
R V
VE
EN
NT TS
S C
COOR RNNE ER
R V
VE
EN
NT T
01/09/07 12:14:56 31S3V610_127