2002 Acura MDX immobilizer

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Acura. All the essential controls
are within easy reach............................
Control Locations .60
...............................
Indicator Lights .61
.............................................
Gauges .67
Controls Near the Steering
.......................................
Wheel .71
...................................
Headlights .72 Automatic Lighting Off
.....................................
Feature .73
............
Daytime Running Lights .73
....
Instrument Panel Brightness .73
................................
Turn Signals .74
.....................
Windshield Wipers .74
..................
Windshield Washers .76
Rear Window Wiper and
.....................................
Washer .76
..........................
Hazard Warning .76
.............
Rear Window Def ogger .77
.....................................
Fog Light .77
......
Steering Wheel Adjustment .78
...............................
Keys and Locks .79
..............................................
Keys .79
....................
Immobilizer System .80
............................
Ignition Switch .81
......................
Power Door Locks .82
...................
Remote Transmitter .84
..............
Childproof Door Locks .88
........................................
Tailgate .88
....................................
Glove Box .89
.................................................
Seats .90
............
Power Seat Adjustments .90
...........
Driver’s Lumbar Support .91
..........
Manual Seat Adjustments .92 Second and Third Row seat
............................
Adjustments .93
..........................
Head Restraints .94
........................
Rear Seat Access .95
............
Folding the Second Seat .95
...............
Folding the Third Seat .96
...................
Detachable Anchors .98
....................................
Seat Heaters .99
............................
Power Windows .100
.......................................
Moonroof .103
...........................................
Mirrors .104
...............................
Parking Brake .106
Driving Position Memory
........................................
System .107
...........................
Beverage Holder .110
.................
Console Compartment .112
.......................
Rear Compartment .112
.................................
Cargo Hooks .112
........................
Sunglasses Holder .113
........................................
Sun Visor .114
................................
Vanity Mirror .114
............
Accessory Power Sockets .115
........................................
Coin Box .116
......................................
Coat Hook .116
...............................
Interior Lights .117
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols59
01/09/07 12:04:59 31S3V610_064

This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly-coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly-
coded key, the indicator will blink
and the engine will not start (see
page ).
This indicator also blinks several
times when you turn the ignition
switch f rom ON (II) to ACCESSORY
(I) or LOCK (0).
This light normally comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned to
START (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
theABS.If thishappens,takethe
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With the light on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
This light has two f unctions:
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not f ully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
If the indicator remains lit after
you have f ully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
1.
2.
80
331 221
Indicator L ights
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Anti-lock Brake System
(A BS) Indicator
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
63
U.S. Canada
Canada
U.S.
01/09/07 12:05:42 31S3V610_068

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

To jump start your vehicle, f ollow
these directions closely:
If your vehicle’s battery has run
down,youmaybeabletostartthe
engine by using a booster battery.
Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page ). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, climate
control, stereo system, lights, etc.
You cannot start your Acura by
pushing or pulling it.
Your vehicle has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page ).
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
Do you have f uel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the f uel gauge.
The low f uel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to f ill the tank.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page . 1.
2.
338 80
336 280
CONT INUED
Jump Starting
Emergency
Towing
If Your Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed323
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. If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
01/09/07 12:46:44 31S3V610_328

.................................................
Fuel .194
......................
Fill Door and Cap .195
...........................................
Gauge .68
................
Octane Requirement .194
...............................
Oxygenated .346
........................
Reserve Indicator .65
........................
Tank, Filling the .195
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .333
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving .200
..........................................
Gasohol .346
.........................................
Gasoline .194
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator .65
...........................................
Gauge .68
................
Octane Requirement .194
........................
Tank, Filling the .195
................
Gas Station Procedures .195
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .68
...............................................
Fuel .68
...............................
Speedometer .67
.................................
Tachometer .67
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .227 GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
.......................................
Rating) .227
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions .212
..............................
Glass Cleaning .310
........................................
Glove Box .89
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
.......................................
Rating) .227
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 295
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 76
........................................
Headlights .72
........................................
Aiming .295
..............
Automatic Lighting Off . 73
............
Daytime Running Lights . 73
..................
High Beam Indicator . 65
...........
High Beams, Turning on . 72
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Low Beams, Turning on . 72
.........................
Reminder Chime .72
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 295
...................................
Turning on .72
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Head Restraints .94
...............................
Heated Mirror .106
.....................
Heating and Cooling .122
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High Altitude, Starting at . 210.................
High-Low Beam Switch . 72
HomeLink Universal ...............................
Transmitter .188
....................................
Hood Latch .277
.......................
Hood, Opening the .196
..................................................
Horn .71
.................................
Hydroplaning .225
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 340
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .79
...........................................
Switch .81
............
Timing Control System . 349
........................
Immobilizer System .80
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 61
..................
Individual Map Lights . 119
.........................
Inf ant Restraint .26, 30
................................
Inf ant Seats .26, 30
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 286
.................................
Inside Mirror .104
.............................
Inspection, Tire .288
........................
Instrument Panel .2 ,60
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 73
Index
G HI
IV
01/09/07 12:52:32 31S3V610_367