2005 Acura MDX indicators

These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shif t
lever is in.
The ‘‘D ’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II). If it
f lashes while driving (in any shif t
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission.If the malf unction indicator lamp
come on along with the ‘‘D ’’
indicator, there is a problem in the
automatic transmission control
system. Avoid rapid acceleration and
havethetransmissioncheckedbyan
Acura dealer as soon as possible.
Bef ore shif ting f rom park to any
position, press f irmly on the brake
pedal making sure to keep your f oot
of f the accelerator pedal. You cannot
shif t out of Park when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position.
5 5
Do this:
Press the brake pedal,
making sure to keep your
f oot of f the accelerator
pedal, then move the shift
lever.
Move the lever.
To shift from:
PtoR
RtoN
NtoD
DtoD
DtoD Dto22to1
1to2
2toD
DtoD
DtoD DtoN NtoRRtoP
5
54
43 3
3
34
45 5
Automatic Transmission
Shif t L ever Position Indicators
Shif ting
200

The appropriate tire indicator and
low tire pressure indicator comes on
if a tire becomes signif icantly
underinf lated. Follow the
instructions under ‘‘Low Tire
Pressure Indicator’’.The indicator comes on and stays on
if there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system.
Af ter you replace the f lat tire, the
Low Tire Pressure indicator stays on.
This is normal; the system is not
monitoring the spare tire pressure.
Manually check the spare tire
pressure to be sure it is correct.
If this happens, the system will shut
of f and no longer monitor tire
pressures. Have the system checked
by your dealer as soon as possible. Each wheel is equipped with a tire
pressure sensor mounted inside the
tire behind the valve stem. You must
use TPMS specif ic wheels. It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by your dealer or
qualif ied technician.
Never use a puncture-repairing agent
in a f lat tire. If used, you will have to
replace the tire pressure sensor.
Havetheflattirerepairedbyyour
dealer as soon as possible.
If you have a f lat tire, the low tire
pressure and tire monitor indicators
will come on. Replace the indicated
flat tire with the compact spare tire
(see page ).
261
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Tire Pressure Monitor Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (T PMS) Indicator
Changing a T ire with T PMS
206

Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System Design Brake Wear Indicators
Braking System
208

Your vehicle’s tires have wear
indicators molded into the tread.
When the tread wears down to that
point, you will see a 1/2 inch (12.7
mm) wide band running across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread lef t on
the tire. A tire that is this worn gives
very little traction on wet roads. You
should replace the tire if you can see
the tread wear indicator in three or
more places around the tire.In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000
km). Move the tires to the positions
showninthecharteachtimethey
are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance. T ire Maintenance
T ire Rotation
Tires
254
Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) Front
(For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights f or balancing.

Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Turn of f all accessories, and turn
on the hazard warning indicators.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running, and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
The pointer of your vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason.
If the vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.
1.
2.
3.
If Your Engine Overheats
If Your Engine Overheats
270
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.

Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible and you should
take immediate action.
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon page
). Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
189
237
274
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Charging System Indicator
Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
272
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 191
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .81
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 104
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 238
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 24
..............
Air Conditioning System . 106
.....................
Rear A/C Control .111
.........................................
Usage .107
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .108
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .252
......................................
Antif reeze .240
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .61, 209
...................................
Operation .209
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 131
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 81
................
Audio System . 112,118,123
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.........................
Automatic Lighting .75
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 146
..............
Automatic Transmission . 200
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .284
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 242.......................................
Shif ting .200
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 200
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 200
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 203
...........................
Automatic Wipers .72
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .60, 272
............................
Jump Starting .268
..............................
Maintenance .257
............................
Specif ications .285
..............................
Bef ore Driving .185
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 21
.........................
Beverage Holders .102
..................................
Booster Seats .51
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 209
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 186
...........................................
Fluid .243
....................
Bulb Replacement .247
.........................................
Parking .94
.................
System Indicator . 61,274
........................
Wear Indicators .208 .............................
Braking System .208
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 186
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 76
........................
Brights, Headlights .74
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .247
..............................
Brake Lights .247
................
Front Parking Lights . 246
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 246
.................................
Headlights .245
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 248
.................................
Rear Bulbs .247
............................
Specif ications .285
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 246
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .245
Index
A
B
INDEX
I

Î
................................
Cancel Button .146
............................
Capacities Chart .284
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 54
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .128
..........................
CD Changer .125, 126
.....
CD Changer Error Messages . 129
.......................................
CD Player .125
........................
Certif ication Label .282
...................................
Chains, .256
Change Oil ........................................
How to .238
......................................
When to .229
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .261
...
Charging System Indicator . 60,272
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 198
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 82
.....................................
Child Saf ety .35
..............................
Booster Seats .51
.............................
Child Seats .43, 44
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 38
..........................................
Inf ants .40
..........................
Larger Children .50 .........................................
LATCH .45
......................
Risks with Airbags .36
.............................
Small Children .41
..........................................
Tether .48
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 36
.......................................
Child Seats .43
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 48
...............
Climate Control System . 106
..............................................
Clock .151
.....................
Code, Audio System .131
........................
CO in the Exhaust .289
......................
Compact Spare Tire .260
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 296
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 57
Coolant ........................................
Adding .240
....................................
Checking .190
.........................
Proper Solution .240
...................
Temperature Gauge . 69
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .289
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 63
............
Cruise Control Operation . 146
...................................
Cup Holders .102
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 296................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .4, 58
................
Daytime Running Lights . 76
.................................
Dead Battery .268
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 298
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 77
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 109
....................................
Dimensions .284
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 74
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 242
..................................
Engine Oil .190
..........................
Directional Signals .74
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 208
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .239
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 82
....................
Lockout Prevention . 82
......................
Power Door Locks .82
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 286
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .197
....................................
Economy .190
tires
Index
C D
II