If the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on, or the multi-
inf ormation display shows a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’ message,
the VSA system automatically turns
on even when the VSA system is
turned of f by pressing the VSA OFF
switch (see page ). If this
happens, you cannot turn the VSA
system of f by pressing the VSA OFF
switch again.
When you restart the vehicle with
thecompactsparetire,theTPMS
system message will also be
displayed on the multi-inf ormation
display af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving.
If you have a f lat tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS and tire monitor
indicators will come on. Replace the
indicated f lat tire with the compact
sparetire(seepage).After the flat tire is replaced with the
spare tire, the low tire pressure/
TPMS indicator stays on while
driving. Af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving, this indicator
begins to f lash, then stays on again.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TPMS
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. This is normal;
the system cannot monitor the spare
tire pressure. Manually check the
spare tire pressure to be sure it is
correct.
This indicator and the warning
message on the multi-inf ormation
display will go of f , af ter several miles
(kilometers) driving, when the spare
tire is replaced with the specified
regular tire equipped with the tire
pressure monitor sensor.
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 haveyour tires serviced by your dealer or
a 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.
360
425
CONT INUED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Changing a T ire with T PMS
Driving
355
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y
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2008 MDX
When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page f or proper
tire size, page f or how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and pagef or inf ormation on changing a
flat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare
tire.
Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.
This device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.
Always use saf ety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack to allow the trailer to turn
corners easily, but do not let the
chains drag on the ground.
Use this illustration to identif y each
terminal in the trailer brake
controller connector.
419
429
425
Towing a Trailer
Spare Tires
Trailer Mirrors
Sway Cont rol
Saf et y Chains
370
GROUND
(BLACK) BRAKE
(20A)
(BLUE)
ELECTRIC BRAKE
(YELLOW)
STOP
(LIGHT GREEN)
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2008 MDX
Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or replaced,
and put it back on your vehicle as
soon as you can.
Check the inf lation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inf lated to:
Follow these precautions:Do not mount snow chains on a
compact spare.
Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement should be the same size
and design tire, mounted on the
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed f or mounting a regular tire.
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surf aces. Use greater caution
while driving. Do not use your compact spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
thesamemakeandmodel.
After the flat tire is replaced with
the spare tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS indicator stays on.
Af ter several miles (kilometers)
driving with the spare, this
indicator begins to f lash, then
stays on again. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display (see page ).
354
Compact Spare Tire
424
INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
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2008 MDX
Remove the bracket from the
spare tire.
Keep turning the wheel nut
wrench to create slack in the cable.Loosen each wheel nut 1/2 turn
with the wheel nut wrench.
Put the wheel nut wrench on the
hoist shaf t. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise to lower the
spare tire to the ground. 11.
10.
8. 9.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
427
BRACKET
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
The wheel nut wrench supplied with
your vehicle is specially adapted to f it
the hoist shaf t. Do not use any other
tool.
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y
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2008 MDX
Use the extension and the wheel
nut wrench as shown to raise the
vehicle until the f lat tire is of f the
ground.
Remove the wheel nuts, then
remove the f lat tire.Bef ore mounting the spare tire,
wipe any dirt of f the mounting
surface of the wheel and hub with
a clean cloth. Wipe the hub
carefully;itmaybehotfrom
driving.
Place the jack under the jacking
point nearest the tire you need to
change. Turn the end bracket
clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point. Make
sure the jacking point tab is
restinginthejacknotch.
12. 13.
14.15.
Changing a Flat Tire
428
EXTENSION
BRAKE HUB
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
JACKING POINT
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y
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2008 MDX
Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
f acility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
Remove the center cap from the
flat tire.Place the f lat tire f ace up under
the hoist.
Insert the hoist bracket into the
center hole of the f lat tire.
Put on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on f inger-tight,
then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel nut wrench
until the wheel is f irmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten the
wheel nuts f ully.
Lower the vehicle to the ground,
and remove the jack. 20.
21.
18.
19.
17.
16.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
429
94 lbf·ft (127 N·m , 13 kgf·m)
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2008 MDX
Slowly turn the wheel nut wrench
clockwisetotakeuptheslackof
the hoist cable. Make sure the
bracketisseatedinthecenter
hole of the f lat tire.
Turn the wheel nut wrench
clockwise until the f lat tire rests
against the underbody of the
vehicle and you hear the hoist
click.Store the jack in its holder. Turn
the jack’s end bracket to lock it in
place. Store the tools, and install
the cover.
Refer to
(see page ).
22.
23. 25.
24.
355
Changing a Flat Tire
Changing a T ire with
TPMS
430
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
Loose items can fly around the
interiorinacrashandcould
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.
Always raise the spare tire hoist, even
if you are not stowing a tire. If the
hoist is lef t down, it will be damaged
during driving and need to be replaced.
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2008 MDX
Î
.....................................
Tachometer .72
...............................................
Seats .140
.......
Adjusting the Second Seat .144
..........
Folding the Second Seat .144
.............
Folding the Third Seat .145
........................
Head Restraints .141
.......................................
Heaters .148
......................
Position Memory .157
....................
Third Row Access .145
............................
Security System .269
Sensors
....
Driver’s Seat Position Sensor .29
Front Passenger’s Weight
.....................................
Sensors .29
......................
Impact Sensors .25,26
........
Sequential SportShif t Mode .343
...............................
Serial Number .450
...........................
Service Intervals .383
...........................
Service Manual .469
.........
Service Station Procedures .323
.......................................
Indicator .69
..
Torque Distribution Monitor .348
Shif ting the Automatic .............................
Transmission .341
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .341
........................
Shif t Lock Release .346 ....................................
Side Airbags .30
................................
Of f Indicator .33
......................
Side Curtain Airbags .32
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
.........................
Replacement in .404
...............................
Signaling Turns .67
.....................................
Snow Tires .419
........................
Sound System .180,200
Spare Tire
..............................
Inf lating .416,424
............................
Specif ications .453
....................
Specif ications Charts .452
................................
Speed Limiter .346
................................
Speed Control .270
...................................
Speedometer .72
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation .24
...
Additional Safety Precautions .35
......
Airbag System Components .24
.............................
Airbag Service .35
..
How the SRS Indicator Works .33
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work .27
...
How Your Side Airbags Work .30
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
Work .32
.............................
SRS Indicator .33,66 ..
START (Ignition Key Position) .129
.......................
Starting the Engine .339
...................
Auto Control Mode .339
In Cold Weather at High
..................................
Altitude .340
................
With a Dead Battery .432
..............
State Emissions Testing .460
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine .434
Steering Wheel
................................
Adjustment .124
...........
Anti-thef t Column Lock .129
......................
Buttons .233,270,281
......................
Position Memory .157
...
Stereo Sound System .180,181,200
..................
Storage Compartment .164
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .422
........................................
Sun Visor .166
Supplemental Restraint System
......................................
Servicing .35
.........................
SRS Indicator .33,66
...................
System Components .24
..................................
Synthetic Oil .394
Index
T
VIII
——y
y
()-
yy
SH-AWD®...................................... .348
2008 MDX