2008 Acura MDX VSA system

This switch is under the driver’s side
vent. To turn the VSA system on and
of f , press and hold it until you hear a
beep.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.
With the VSA of f , the trailer stability
assist f unction is also turned of f (see
page ).VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle.
In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
419
375
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA Of f Switch VSA and Tire Sizes
360
\f—\f—\fy
\f

\fy
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

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
\f—\f—\fy
\f

y
()-
\fy\f\fy
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
\f—\f—\fy
\f
y
()-
\fy\f
y
2008 MDX

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.
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.Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back. TheABSworksbycomparingthe
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the vehicle. Tire size
and construction can affect wheel
speed and may cause the system to
activate.
When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.
Tires
T ire Maintenance Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tire Rotation
418
Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)Front
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights f or balancing.
\f—\f—\fy
\f
\fy
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
81
81
401 446
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
438
U.S. Canada
\f—\f—\fy
\f
y
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
Î
Î
No.
No. Circuits Protected Circuits Protected Amps.
Amps.
35
36
37
38
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
1
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
31
32
33
34 Main f use
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Rear Blower Motor
ABS VSA
Trailer Main
Power Seats, Driver’s
Position Memory System,
Subwoofer
Front Heated Seat, TPMS,
Moonroof , Driver’s Lumber
Support
Not Used
Fog Lights, Front Blower
Motor
Headlights, Daytime
Running Lights
Cooling Fan, Condenser Fan,
MG Clutch, Headlight
Washer
Ignition Switch Main Power Window
Open/Closer, Rear ACC
Socket, Cargo Area Light,
Rear Defroster
ECU (PCM)
Not Used
Audio, Door Lock, Interior
Lights
Not Used
Not Used
Active Damper Control Unit
Audio Amplifier
Rear Entertainment System
Hazard
Horn, Stop
ABS VSA
Trailer (Brake)
Rear Heated Seat
A/C Inverter
50 A
60 A
30 A
40 A
30 A
30 A
7.5 A 15 A
15 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
120 A
30 A
40 A
40 A
40 A
40 A
60 A
40 A
60 A
50 A
: Canadian model
Fuse Locations
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
443
PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
\f—\f—\fy
\f
y
()-
\fy\fy
SH-AWD®, Power Tailgate
2008 MDX

CONT INUED
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle .428
.......................................
Jack, Tire .425
................................
Jump Starting .432 ................................................
Keys .126
...........
Keyless Memory Settings .139
.......................
Label, Certif ication .450
...............
Lane Change, Signaling .118
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .15,21
....................
Light Control Switch .159
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .403
.......................................
Indicator .63
.......................................
Interior .159
.......................................
Parking .118
.............................
Load Limit .333,364
....
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .129
Ignition
............................................
Keys .126
.........................................
Switch .129
............
Timing Control System .461
......................
Immobilizer System .128
.........
Important Safety Precautions .6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel .63
......
Active Damper System .71,361
...............
ABS (Anti-lock Brake) .66
....................................
A/T Temp .68
Brake (Parking and Brake
............................
System) .65,438
................
Charging System .65,436
.............................
Cruise Control .70
.................................
Cruise Main .70
...................................
Fog Lights .70
...................................
High Beam .70
........
Key (Immobilizer System) .70
.....................................
Lights On .70
......................................
Low Fuel .71
................
Low Oil Pressure .65,436
......................
Low Tire Pressure .68
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .437
..........................
Security System .71
...........................
Side Airbag Of f .66
.......................................
Seat Belt .64 ...............................................
SRS .66
...................
System Message .69,80
...............
Tire Pressure Monitor .68
Turn Signal and Hazard
...................................
Warning .67
............................
VSA Activation .67
.................................
VSA System .67
..................
Individual Map Lights .160
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .42
......................................
Inf ant Seats .42
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire .415
.................................
Inside Mirror .154
.............................
Inspection, Tire .417
........................
Instrument Panel .4,63
......
Instrument Panel Brightness .123
........................
Interf ace Dial .200,308
...............................
Interior Lights .159
........................................
Introduction .i
Index
J L K
INDEX
V
——y
y
()-
yy
SH-AWD®............................
.69,348
2008 MDX

Î
Î
................
XM Satellite Radio .185,210
................................
Vanity Mirror .166
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load .333
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .452
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number .450
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
....................................
System .359
..
VSA System Indicator .67,81,359
VSA Activation
....................
Indicator .67,81,359
.........................
VSA Of f Switch .360
.............................
Vehicle Storage .422
.....................................
Ventilation .177
.................................................
VIN .450
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .393
............
WARNING, Explanation of .iii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of .59
..................
Warranty Coverages .467
Washer, Windshield
........
Checking the Fluid Level .398
............................
Level Indicator .82
...................................
Operation .116 Wheels
.............
Adjusting the Steering .124
............
Alignment and Balance .418
..........
Aluminum Alloy Wheels .421
.....................................
Cleaning .421
..........................
Compact Spare .424
..............................
Wrench, Nut .427
Windows .............................
Auto Reverse .150
................
Operating the Power .149
.........................
Rear, Def ogger .122
Windshield .....................................
Cleaning .116
...................................
Def roster .174
.....................................
Washers .116
Wipers, Windshield .......................
Changing Blades .411
...................................
Operation .116
Rear Windshield Wiper and
...................................
Washer .117
....................................
Worn Tires .417
.....
Wrecker, Emergency Towing .446
:U.S.only
Index
W
X
V
X
——y
y
()-
yy
2008 MDX