2009 Acura MDX ignition

If you see a‘‘CHECK DRL SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display, there is a problem with the
daytime running light system. Take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it
checked.
When the multi-information display
shows a ‘‘DRL OFF ’’message, the
daytime running lights are off.
Follow the procedure in the left
column to turn them on. Automatic Lighting Off Feature
This feature turns off the headlights,
all other exterior lights, and the
instrument panel lights within 15
seconds after you remove the key
and close the driver's door.
To change the
‘‘HEADLIGHT AUTO
OFF TIMER ’’setting, see page102.
The automatic lighting off feature
activates if you leave the headlight
switch in the ‘‘
’’or ‘‘
’’
position or if the lights are turned on
by setting the switch in the ‘‘AUTO ’’
position, and you remove the key,
then open and close the driver's
door. If you turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position with the headlight
switch on, but do not open the door
and get out, the lights turn off after
10 minutes (3 minutes, if the switch
is in the
‘‘AUTO ’’position).
The lights turn on again when you
unlock or open the driver's door.
If you unlock the door, but do not
open it within 15 seconds, the lights
go off. With the driver's door open,
you will hear a lights-on reminder
chime.
Turn Signal and Headlights
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Inst rument s and Cont rols
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2009 MDX

Hazard Warning ButtonPush the button between the center
vents to turn on the hazard warning
lights (four-way flashers). This
causes all four outside turn signals
and both indicators in the instrument
panel to flash. Use the hazard
warning lights if you need to park in
a dangerous area near heavy traffic,
or if your vehicle is disabled.Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger will clear
fog, frost, and thin ice from the
window. Push the defogger button to
turn it on and off. The indicator in the
button lights to show the defogger is
on. If you do not turn it off, the
defogger will shut itself off after
about 15 minutes. It also shuts off
when you turn off the ignition. You
have to turn it on again when you
restart the vehicle.Make sure the rear window is clear
and you have good visibility before
starting to drive.
The defogger wires on the inside of
the rear window can be accidentally
damaged. When cleaning the glass,
always wipe side-to-side.
Pushing this button also turns the
mirror heaters on or off. For more
information, see page156.
Hazard Warning Button, Rear Window Defogger12208/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

When you remove the key from the
ignition switch, the steering wheel
automatically moves fully in and up.
To change the‘‘AUTO TILT &
TELESCOPE STEERING WHEEL ’’
setting, see page99.
The steering wheel then returns to
its original position when you insert
the key back in the ignition switch.
Steering wheel movement is also
controlled by the driving position
memory system (see page157). If your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, or the
fuse for the power tilt and telescopic
steering wheel is removed, the
power tilt and telescopic steering
wheel system needs to be reset when
you reconnect the battery or install
the fuse.
Insert the key into the ignition
switch, and remove it. The steering
wheel automatically moves fully in
and up to let you know the system is
reset.
Steering Wheel Adjustments
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2009 MDX

The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle. The valet key works
only in the ignition and the driver's
door lock. You can keep the glove
box locked when you leave your
vehicle and the valet key at a parking
facility.
You should have received a key
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Use
only Acura-approved key blanks.These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
immobilizer system. They will not
work to start the engine if the circuits
are damaged.
●Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.●Do not drop the keys or set heavy
objects on them.●Keep the keys away from liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a soft cloth.
The valet key does not contain a
battery. Do not try to take it apart.
Models without power tailgate KEY
NUMBER
TAG
MASTER KEY
WITH REMOTE
TRANSMITTER
VALET KEY
(Light Gray)
KEY
NUMBER
TAGMASTER KEY
WITH REMOTE
TRANSMITTER VALET KEY
(Light Gray)
Models with power tailgate
Keys and Locks12608/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Retractable Master KeyThe master key can be retracted into
the remote transmitter. To use the
key, push the release button to
release the key from the transmitter.
The key should be fully extended. To
retract the key, push the release
button and at the same time push the
key into the remote transmitter until
it is securely latched.Always use the fully-extended key
when you insert it to the ignition
switch. If the key does not fully
extend, the immobilizer system may
not operate properly and prevents
from starting the engine.
The key may come in contact with
your finger while being retracted or
extended. Make sure your fingers do
not touch the pivot of the key when
retracting or extending the key.RELEASE BUTTON
Models with power tailgate shown Push
Keys and Locks
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2009 MDX

The Immobilizer System protects
your vehicle from theft. If an
improperly coded key (or other
device) is used, the engine's fuel
system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, the immobilizer
system indicator should come on
briefly, then go off. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position, remove the key,
reinsert it, and turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position again.
The system may not recognize your
key's coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object (i.e. key
fob) is near the ignition switch when
you insert the key.If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your dealer.
Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your vehicle inoperable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
dealer.
Always take the ignition key with you
whenever you leave the vehicle alone.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept any
interference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not causeinterference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.
Immobilizer System12808/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

The ignition switch has four
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), and START (III).
LOCK (0)－You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key to the LOCK (0)
position, the shift lever must be in
Park, and you must push the key in
slightly.
If the front wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may make it difficult to
turn the key. Firmly turn the steering
wheel to the left or right as you turn
the key. ACCESSORY (I)
－You can operate
the audio system and the accessory
power sockets in this position.
ON (II) －This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
indicators on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch from the
ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II)
position.
START (III) －Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to the ON (II) position when
you let go of the key. You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or the
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver's door. Remove the key to
turn off the beeper.
The shift lever must be in Park
before you can remove the key from
the ignition switch.
Ignition Switch
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2009 MDX

Lockout PreventionWith any door and the tailgate open
and the key in the ignition, both
master door lock switches are
disabled. They are not disabled if all
the doors and the tailgate are closed.
If you try to lock an open driver's
door by pulling the lock tab rearward
the lock tab on the driver's door pops
out.Childproof Door Locks
The childproof door locks are
designed to prevent children seated
in the rear from accidentally opening
the rear doors. Each rear door has a
lock lever near the edge. With the
lever in the LOCK position (lever is
down), the door cannot be opened
from the inside regardless of the
position of the lock tab. To open the
door, push the lock tab forward and
use the outside door handle.Tailgate
To open the tailgate, push up inside
the handle, then lift up. To close the
tailgate, use the inner handle to pull
it down, then press down on the back
edge.
Keep the tailgate closed at all times
while driving to avoid damaging the
tailgate and to prevent exhaust gas
from getting into the interior. See
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
on page
58.
LOCK
Door Locks, Tailgate
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Inst rument s and Cont rols
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2009 MDX