
If the red indicator in HomeLink
continues to f lash slowly (does
not begin to f lash rapidly),
repeat steps 1 thru 3.
Test the HomeLink button by
pushing it f or about 1 second.If the button works,
programming is complete.
If the button does not work go
to step 5.
PushandholdtheHomeLink
button and watch the red indicator
on HomeLink. If the indicator stays on, press
the HomeLink button again; the
remotely controlled device
should operate.
If the indicator f lashes rapidly
f or 2 seconds then stays on, you
have a rolling code transmitter:
go to ‘‘Training with a Rolling
Code System’’ (see page ).
If the red indicator in HomeLink
begins to f lash slowly at f irst,
then rapidly, release both
buttons, and go to step 4.
If the red indicator in HomeLink
continues to f lash slowly (does
not f lash rapidly), your remote
transmitter may stop
transmitting after a short time.
Go to step 3.
Press and hold the remote
transmitter button and one of the
HomeLink buttons at the same
time. While continuing to hold the
HomeLink button, press and
release the remote transmitter
button every 2 seconds. If the red indicator in HomeLink
begins to f lash slowly at f irst,
then rapidly, release both
buttons, and go to step 4.
Press and hold the remote
transmitter button and one of the
HomeLink buttons at the same
time.
If you are training the second or
third buttons, go directly to step 1.
Holdtheendof thegaragedoor
opener remote transmitter 1 to 3
inches f rom HomeLink. Make
sure you are not blocking your
view of the red indicator in
HomeLink.
2. 3.
4.
5.
1.
278
CONT INUED
HomeL inkUniversal Transceiver
Features
277
RED INDICATOR
\f—\f—\fy\f
y
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

To hear a list of available options
at any time, press the Talk button,
wait f or the beep, and say, ‘‘Hands
f ree link help.’’
Many commands can be spoken
together. For example, you can
say, ‘‘Dial 123-456-7891.’’
To enter a string of numbers in a
Call or Dial command, you can say
them all at once, or you can
separate them in blocks of 3, 4, 7,
10, and 11.
To skip a voice prompt, press the
Talk button while the HFL is
speaking. The HFL will then begin
listening f or your next command.To go back one step in a command
process, say, ‘‘Go back,’’ or press
the Back button.
If nothing is said while the HFL is
listening f or a command, the HFL
will time out and stop its voice
recognition. The next time you
press the Talk button, the HFL
begins listening f rom the point at
which it timed out.
To end a command sequence at
any time, press and hold the Back
button, or press and release the
Talk button, wait f or the beep, and
say, ‘‘Cancel.’’ The next time you
press the Talk button, the HFL
begins f rom its main menu.
When you f inish a command
sequence, the HFL goes back to
its main menu. For example, when
you store the name, ‘‘Eric,’’ the
HFL response is, ‘‘Eric has been
stored.’’ The next time you press
the Talk button, you will be at the
main menu.
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
284
\f—\f—\fy
\f\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

Thevoiceof theHFLcanbesetto
male or f emale (U.S. models only).
Also, the incoming notif ication can
be set to a ring tone, a prompt, or no
notification.Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘System.’’ The
HFL response is, ‘‘System options
are setup and clear.’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Setup.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Would you like
male or f emale prompts?’’ Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Male’’ or
‘‘Female,’’ depending on the
system voice you want. The HFL
response is, ‘‘Male (Female)
prompts have been selected.
Would you like an audible
notif ication of an incoming call?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
If you say ‘‘Yes’’ af ter the beep, the
HFL response is, ‘‘Would you like
the notif ication to be a ring tone or
prompt?’’ If you say ‘‘No’’ af ter the
beep, the HFL returns to its main
menu. Saying ‘‘No’’ will result in no
ring tone or prompt playback
during an incoming call. The audio
system will still mute, and a
message will be displayed.Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Ring tone’’ or
‘‘Prompt.’’ The HFL response is ‘‘A
ring tone will be used’’ or ‘‘An
incoming call prompt will be used.’’
If you choose ‘‘Ring tone,’’ you will
hear a ring tone through the audio
speakers to announce an incoming
call. If you choose ‘‘Prompt,’’ you
will hear this message to
announce an incoming call: ‘‘You
have an incoming call.’’
The HFL response continues ‘‘A
security option is available to lock
the HFL system. Each time the
vehicle is turned on, a passcode
would be required to use this
system. Would you like this
security option turned on?’’ If you
say ‘‘Yes,’’ you can set your
passcode. Ref er to the setting
procedure in the next column.
4.
5.
3.
2.
1. 6.
To set up the system, do this:
Setting Up the System
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
Features
285
\f—\f—\fy
\f\f\f
y
()-
\fy\f\fy
2008 MDX

The HFL will accept a numeric, f our-
digit passcode that you can use f or
security purposes.Follow the system setup
procedure as described previously.
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’
The HFL response is ‘‘What is the
f our-digit number you would like
to set as your passcode?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say the f our-digit
passcode you want to use. For
example,say‘‘1,2,3,4.’’TheHFL
responseis‘‘1,2,3,4.Isthis
correct?’’ Press and release the Talk button.
If you say ‘‘No.’’ af ter the beep, the
HFL response is ‘‘Security will not
be used. The system setup is
complete.’’
Once a passcode is set, you can lock
the HFL so it only operates after the
passcode is entered. The HFL will prompt you f or your
passcode each time the ignition
switch is turned to the ON (II)
position and you press the Talk
button. You will only be asked f or
thepasscodeonceperignition cycle. If the passcode is set, its
response is ‘‘The system is locked.
What is the f our-digit passcode?’’
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say your f our-digit
passcode.Forexample,say‘‘1,2,3,
4.’’
If the passcode is correct, the HFL
response is ‘‘Main menu.’’ If the
passcode is not correct, the HFL
response is ‘‘1,2,3,4 is incorrect.
Pleasetryagain.’’Gobacktothe
step 2.
If you f orget your passcode and you
cannot activate the HFL, consult
your dealer to cancel the passcode.
Press and release the Talk button.
Af ter the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The
HFL response is ‘‘Security is on.
Each time the vehicle is turned on,
the passcode will be required to
use the system. The system setup
is complete. Returning to the main
menu.’’
1.
4. 5.
6.
2.
3.
1.2.
3.
To set your passcode, do this:
To enter your passcode, do this;
Setting Your Passcode
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
286
\f—\f—\fy
\f\f\fy
()-
\fy\f
y
2008 MDX

Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Acura accessories, can
make your vehicle unsaf e. Bef ore
you make any modif ications or add
anyaccessories,besuretoreadthe
f ollowing inf ormation.Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
Your dealer has Acura accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system. If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
Although non-Acura accessories may
f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.440
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
330
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
\f—\f—\fy
\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
2008 MDX

Some examples are:Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with
af termarket components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability. Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety features can make the
systems inef f ective.
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer.
Lowering your vehicle with a
non-Acura suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a non-
Acura suspension kit can af f ect
the handling and stability.
Non-Acura wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
331
\f—\f—\fy
\f\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
BeforeDriving
2008 MDX

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important inf ormation on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the super handling-all wheel
stability assist (VSA) system, active
damper system, the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS), and
f acts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer or drive off-high way.........................
Driving Guidelines .338
........................
Preparing to Drive .338
.......................
Starting the Engine .339
Check Starting System .................................
Message .340
..............
Automatic Transmission .341
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
...........................................
Parking .350
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
......................................
(TPMS) .351
.............................
Braking System .356
...............
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .357
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
........................................
System .359
................
Active Damper System .361
...........................
Towing a Trailer .363
..................
Trailer Stability Assist .375
Of f -Highway Driving
..................................
Guidelines .377
Driving
Driving
337
\f—\f—\fy
\f\fy
()-
\fy\fy
drive(SH-AWD®) system, the vehicle(SH-AWD®) System ....................348
2008 MDX

CONT INUED
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and tailgate
are securely closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and). Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, then
release the ignition switch. You do
not need to hold the ignition
switch in the START (III) position
to start the engine. Depending on
the outside temperature, the starter motor runs f or about 6 to 9
seconds until the engine starts.
If you hold the ignition switch in
the START (III) position f or more
than 7 seconds, the starter motor,
depending on the outside
temperature, runs f or about 10 to
25 seconds until the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, wait at
least 10 seconds bef ore trying
again.
Make sure the shif t lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal. In cold weather, turn of f all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery. Apply the parking brake.
Your vehicle’s starting system has an
auto control mode. When you turn
the ignition switch to the START
(III) position, this f eature keeps the
engine’s starter motor running until
the engine starts. Follow these
instructions to start the engine:
1.
2.
3.
4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
15
124
81
10.
63 72
154
Preparing to Drive, Starting the Engine
Starting the Engine
Driving
339
T he immobilizer system protects your
vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine’s f uel system is disabled. For
more inf ormation, see page .
128
——y
y
()-
yy
2008 MDX