2008 Acura MDX light

Under these conditions, trailer
stability assist begins to stabilize the
vehicle/trailer combination by
reducing the vehicle speed. The
control unit sends signals to
selectively apply the brakes and
regulate the engine output. The
brake lights of your vehicle will be
turned on automatically by the
system even if you do not keep the
pressure on the brake pedal.
Your vehicle is equipped with trailer
stability assist f unction. This
f unction works on the same sensors
as the vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system. This f unction helps to
stabilize the vehicle/trailer
combination when the trailer
severely sways or oscillates. For
more inf ormation of the VSA system,
see page .
When the brakes are applied, the
trailer’s brake lights come on along
with the vehicle brake lights.
When the trailer stability assist
activates, you will see the VSA
activation indicator blink. There may
also be some noise f rom the VSA
hydraulic system.Trailer stability assist cannot prevent
a loss of control. Always reduce the
vehicle speed and steer f irmly. Do
not brake suddenly or make quick
steering motion. It could cause the
trailertojackknifeorturnoverand
the system becomes inef f ective.
Trailer stability assist cannot prevent
swaying that can occur in crosswinds
and in normal and emergency
driving maneuvers. It helps only to
stabilize the vehicle/trailer
combination in these conditions,
af ter the oscillation becomes severe.
If the function detects the vehicle/
trailer instability, it checks if the
swaying is caused by the trailer, and
if the trailer swaying or oscillation is
increasing.
The vehicle/trailer combination is
more af f ected by crosswinds,
buf f eting, and improper tongue load.
These conditions can make the
trailer unstable, and cause it to sway. Always obey the recommended
speed limits f or towing a trailer, see
page .
Trailer stability assist will also be
inef f ective while driving at high
speed or towing a trailer with a high
center of gravity.
359
373
T railer Stability A ssist
Driving
375
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2008 MDX

If youturnoff theVSA,thetrailer
stability assist f unction also shuts of f .
Press and hold the VSA of f switch
until you hear a beep (see page ).
The VSA activation indicator comes
on as a reminder. Press and hold the
switch again to turn the system on.
The function turns on every time you
start the engine along with the VSA,
even if you turned it of f the last time
you drove the vehicle.
The control unit monitors the VSA
circuitry and the braking system. If
there is a problem with the brake
lighting system, the trailer stability
assist f unction shuts down and the
‘‘CHECK TRAILER STABILITY
ASSIST’’ message appears on the
multi-inf ormation display.
If you see this message, have your
vehicle checked at your dealer as
soon as possible. In this case, your vehicle still has the
VSA traction and stability
enhancement, but it will not have the
trailer stability assist f unction.
If there is a problem with the VSA
system, the system and Trailer
Stability Assist shuts of f . The VSA
system and VSA activation indicators
also come on (see page ).
The ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator may also come on
along with the VSA system indicator.
If you see these warning indicators,
have your vehicle checked at your
dealer as soon as possible.
359
360
T railer Stability A ssist
Trailer Stability Assist Failure
376
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2008 MDX

The banks are sloped so you can
drive out.
The water is not f lowing too f ast.
Deep rushing water can sweep you
downstream. Even very shallow
rushingwatercanwashthe
ground f rom under your tires and
cause you to lose traction and
possibly roll over.
The banks and surf ace under the
water provide good traction. The
water may hide hazards such as
rocks, holes, or mud.If the water is deeper than the wheel
hubs, some additional service may
be required. This service is not
covered by your warranties.
If you decide it is saf e to drive
through water, choose a suitable
speed, and proceed without shif ting,
changing speeds, stopping, or
shutting of f the engine. If you get stuck, caref ully try to go in
the direction (f orward or reverse)
that you think will get you unstuck.
Donotspinthetiresathighspeeds.
It will not help you get out and may
cause damage to the transmission or
After driving through water, test
your brakes. If they got wet, gently
‘‘pump’’ them while driving slowly
until they operate normally. If you are still unable to f ree yourself ,
your vehicle is equipped with f ront
and rear tow hooks designed f or this
purpose.
Use a nylon strap to attach the MDX
to the recovery vehicle and caref ully
take out the slack in the strap. Once
the strap is tight, the recovery
vehicle should apply f orce.
Remember that the recovery vehicle
needs good traction to avoidbecoming stuck, too.
You should never use a jack to try to
get unstuck. Your vehicle could
easily slip of f the jack and hurt you
or someone else.
You may be able to safely tow a
lightweight trailer (such as a
motorcycle or small tent trailer) of f -
road if you f ollow these guidelines.
Do not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
or a tongue weight of 100 lbs (45
kg).
Stay on smooth, level dirt roads,
and avoid driving in hilly terrain.
Allow extra room f or starting,
stopping, and turning.
Slow down if you encounter bumps
or other obstacles.
If You Get Stuck
Towing a Trailer Off-Road
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving
379
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SH-AWD®system.
2008 MDX

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .382
....................
Maintenance Minder .383
..............................
Fluid Locations .391
.......
Engine Compartment Cover .392
........................
Adding Engine Oil .393
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .394
..............................
Engine Coolant .396
....................
Windshield Washers .398
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .399
....................................
Brake Fluid .401
....................
Power Steering Fluid .402
....................................
Timing Belt .402
.............................................
Lights .403
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .409
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .409
.....................................
Floor Mats .410
.................................
Wiper Blades .411
...............................................
Tires .415
...................
Checking the Battery .421
.............................
Vehicle Storage .422
469
Maintenance
Maint enance
381
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2008 MDX

µµµ
µ
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Ì Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
Multi-Inf ormation Display. 326
326
399 401
416 403
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’to EPA
standards.
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
389
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2008 MDX

CONT INUED
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it
about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Remove the f ront bulkhead cover
(see page ).
Open the hood.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be done by your dealer or
other qualif ied technician.
1.
2.3.
4.
392
MDX and Technology Packages models
Headlight A iming Replacing a High Beam Headlight Bulb
L ow Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
Lights
Maint enance
403
BULB
CONNECTOR
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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2008 MDX

Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Open the hood.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the f ront bulkhead cover
(see page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
5.
6.
7.
6.
7.
392
Replacing Front Turn Signal/
Parking and Side Marker Light
Bulbs
Lights
404
BULB
BULB
SOCKET
FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT
PARKING LIGHT
SOCKET
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2008 MDX

CONT INUED
Remove the bolt and use the f lat-
tip screwdriver to remove the
holding clips located under the
f ront bumper.
Push down the inner f ender.
Your vehicle uses halogen light
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its plastic case, and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.
1.
2.
Lights
Replacing Front Fog/Daytime
Running L ight Bulbs
Maint enance
405
SIDE MARKER LIGHT BOLT
HOLDING
CLIPS
BULB
SOCKET
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the
glass can cause the bulb to overheat
and shatter.
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2008 MDX