2008 Acura MDX ECO mode

If there is a problem with the active
damper system, the active damper
system shuts down and the active
damper system indicator on the
instrument panel comes on.
You will also see the ‘‘CHECK ADS
SYSTEM’’ message appears on the
multi-inf ormation display.
When comf ort mode is selected, the
green indicator in the button comes
ON, and the message ‘‘COMFORT’’
will appear on the multi-inf ormation
display f or f ive seconds.
When sport mode is selected, the
green indicator in the button goes of f ,
and the message ‘‘SPORT’’ will
appear on the multi-inf ormation
display f or f ive seconds.
A ctive Damper System
Active Damper System
Indicator
362
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2008 MDX

Park the vehicle on level ground.
Measure and record the distance
from the ground to the bottom of
the trailer hitch.
Connect the f ully loaded trailer to
the hitch.
Measure again f rom the ground to
the same spot on the bottom of the
hitch.
Subtract the second measurement
from the first measurement, then
ref er to the f ollowing table.
Thebestwaytoconfirmthatall
loads are within limits is to check
them at a public scale. For public
scales in your area, check your local
phone book, or contact your trailer
dealer or rental agency for
assistance.
Estimated
tongue load is:
150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg) Estimated
tongue load is:
150 lbs (68 kg)
250 lbs (114 kg)
350 lbs (159 kg)
450 lbs (205 kg)
If thedifferenceismorethan1½
inch, you have too much load on the
tongue. Redistribute the load or
remove cargo as needed. If the
dif f erence is:
13/32’’
11/16’’
31/32’’11/4’’
If the
dif f erence is:
1/2’’
27/32’’
1 5/32’’ 11/2’’
Add the weight of your trailer (as
quoted by the manuf acturer) with
everything in or on the trailer. Then
check the tables on page to
make sure you do not exceed the
limit f or your conditions.
To help ensure a saf e drive to a scale,
or if you cannot get to a public scale,
we recommend that you estimate
your total trailer weight and tongue
load as described next. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
366
U.S. Sport Packages and Canadian Elite models
MDX and Technology Packages models
Towing a Trailer
To Estimate the Tongue Load
To Estimate the Total Trailer WeightEstimating Loads
Driving
365
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CONT INUED
If the automatic transmission f luid
temperature increases and exceeds
the specif ied limit, the A/T
temperature indicator comes on (see
page ). You will also see a ‘‘A/T
TEMP HIGH’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses.
Allow more time and distance f or
braking. Do not brake or turn
suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When driving uphill and downhill,
use the Sequential SportShif t mode
to provide the proper engine power
and engine braking on each gear.
Select f ourth, third, second, or f irst
gear; depending on the vehicle
speeds and road condition. Do not
use f if th gear. The recommended
speed range f or each gear position is
showninthetable.
Gear position 1
2
3
4 Speed range
019mph
(0 30 km/h)
19 31 mph
(30 50 km/h)
31 41 mph
(50 65 km/h)
over 41 mph
(over 65 km/h)
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
Use D position when towing a trailer
on level roads. D is the proper shif t
lever position to use when towing a
trailer in hilly terrain. (See ‘‘
’’onthenextpagefor
additional gear information.)
When towing a f ixed-sided trailer (e.
g., camper), do not exceed 55 mph
(88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or affect vehicle
handling. 68
3
Towing a Trailer
Making T urns and Braking
T owing Speeds and Gears
Driving
on Hills
Driving
373
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2008 MDX

ÝÛÝÛ
If the indicated required service is
not done and the remaining engine
oil lif e becomes 0%, the multi-
inf ormation display will show a
‘‘SERVICE PAST DUE’’ message,
thetotalmileageaftertheremaining
oillifebecame0%,andthe
maintenance item code(s). This message is displayed when you
drive over 10 miles (f or U.S. models)
or 10 km (f or Canadian models)
af ter seeing the 0% message.
Immediately have the service
perf ormed, and make sure to reset
the display as previously described.
The message will be canceled if the
or buttononthesteeringwheel
is pressed. Press the or button
to see the message again.
When you press the SEL/RESET
button to select the engine oil lif e,
the message ‘‘SERVICE’’, along with
the maintenance item code and the
total negative mileage af ter the oil
lif e became 0 %, will be displayed on
the lower part of the multi-
inf ormation display.
Maintenance Minder
386
MAINTENANCE CODE
CANADA U.S.
TOTAL PAST DUE MILEAGE
TOTAL PAST DUE MILEAGE
U.S.
CANADA
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ÛÝ
All the maintenance items displayed
in the multi-information display are
in code.
For an explanation of the
maintenance codes, see page . Your dealer will reset the display
af ter completing the required
maintenance service. You will see
‘‘OIL LIFE 100%’’ on the display the
next time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position.
If maintenance service is done by
someone other than your dealer,
reset the maintenance minder as
f ollows:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position.
If the engine oil lif e is not
displayed, press the SEL/RESET
buttononthesteeringwheel
repeatedly the multi-information
tire pressure. Select ‘‘RESET’’ by pressing the
INFO ( / ) button, then press
the SEL/RESET button to reset
the engine oil lif e display. The
maintenance item code(s) will
disappear, and the engine oil lif e
will reset to ‘‘100.’’ If you want to
cancel the oil lif e reset mode,
select ‘‘CANCEL.’’
Press and hold the SEL/RESET
button on the steering wheel f or more than 10 seconds. The
remaining engine oil lif e reset
mode will be shown on the multi-
inf ormation display.
1.
2.
3. 4.
390
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Main Items and Sub
Items Resetting the Engine Oil Lif e
Display
Maint enance
387
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEM
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEM MAINTENANCE
SUB ITEMS
MAINTENANCE
SUB ITEMS
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displayshowsblank,SH-AWD®and
2008 MDX

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No. Amps. Circuits Protected No.
No. Circuits ProtectedAmps.
Circuits Protected
Amps.
1
2
3
4 10 A
10 A
10 A
10 A Lef t Daytime Running Light
Right Daytime Running
Light
Left Headlight High
Right Headlight High 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
22 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
Rear ACC Socket
Power Tailgate
Not Used
Cargo Area Light
Rear Defroster
Power Tailgate
10 A
20 A
10 A
30 A
30 A
40 A
Small Lights (Exterior)
Headlight Low Main
Cooling Fan Timer
IGP
IG Coil
DBW
AFHT
Front Blower Motor
Fog lights
Headlight Washer
Condenser Fan
Cooling Fan
MG Clutch
Left Headlight Low
Right Headlight Low
Small Lights (Interior)
7.5 A
30 A
7.5 A 15 A
15 A
15 A
15 A
40 A
20 A
30 A
30 A
30 A
7.5 A 15 A
15 A
7.5 A
: Canadian model
Fuse Locations
444
SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX REAR FUSE BOX
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SH-AWD®
2008 MDX

T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S.only)
Authorized Manuals
469
Publication
Form Number 61STX01
61STX01EL
61STX30
31STX610
31STX810
31STXM10 31STXQ10 ACU-R Form Description
2007-2008 Acura MDX Service Manual 2008 Acura MDX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2008 Acura MDX Body Repair Manual 2008 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual 2008 Acura MDX
Navigation System Owner’s Manual
2008 Acura MDX Maintenance Journal 2008 Acura MDX Quick Start Guide Order Form for Previous Years
Indicate Year and Model Desired
www. helminc. com
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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
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2008 MDX