2009 Acura MDX towing

4. If the temperature gauge stays atthe red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergency
Towing on page446).
6. If you do not find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
7. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge, or lower,
before checking the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
8. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off. 9. Start the engine and set the
climate control to AUTO at ‘‘Hi. ’’
Add coolant to the radiator up to
the base of the filler neck. If you
do not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have the
cooling system drained and refilled
with the proper mixture as soon as
you can.
10. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see Emergency
Towing on page446).
11. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has gone
down, add coolant to the MAX
mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
If the Engine Overheats
435
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
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2009 MDX

Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle stopped. 1. Safely pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page326).An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page393).
4. Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(see Emergency Towing on page
446). Charging System Indicator
If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page81).
Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator43608/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

U.S. Canada
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
fully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If
it does, check the brake fluid level
the next time you stop at a service
station (see page401).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page81). If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel 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 feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a
‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page81). Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. 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
Emergency
Towing on page446).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator43808/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Opening the Fuel Fill Door
ManuallyIf the fuel fill door release button
does not work, use the release lever
inside the rear fuse box lid in the
cargo area.
To open the fuel fill door, pull the
release lever rearward.Emergency Towing
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The only way you can safely tow
your vehicle is with flat-bed
equipment.
The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inform
them a flat-bed is required.
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the all-
wheel-drive system. Your vehicle should
be transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
LID
RELEASE LEVER
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually, Emergency Towing44608/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service to
pull it out (see the previous page).
For very short distances, such as
freeing the vehicle, you can use the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on the anchors in the front and rear
bumpers.
1. Remove the cover, put cloth on theedge of the cover and carefully pry
with a small flat-tip screwdriver or
a metal fingernail file.
The cover is attached to the bumper
with a tether.
Front COVER
Rear
COVER
CONTINUED
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
447
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
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2009 MDX

2. Remove the towing hook andwheel nut wrench placed behind a
cover under the cargo area.
3. Screw the towing hook into the hole, and tighten it with the wheel
nut wrench.
To avoid damage to your vehicle, use
the towing hook for straight, flat
ground towing only. Do not tow at an
angle. The tow hook should not be used
to tow the vehicle onto a flat bed. Do
not use it as a tie down.
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
Front TOWING HOOK
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
TOWING HOOK
Rear
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck44808/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

D
DANGER, Explanation of
..............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3, 62
Daytime Running Lights
............
120
Dead Battery
..............................
432
Defects, Reporting Safety
...........
468
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
122
Defrosting the Windows
............
174
Differential Fluid
........................
452
Dimensions
................................
452
Dimming the Headlights
............
118
Dipstick Automatic Transmission
.........
399
Engine Oil
...............................
326
Directional Signals
.......................
67
Disc Brake Wear Indicators
.......
357
Disc Care
........ ...........................
229
Disc Changer
......................
190, 218
Disc Changer Error Messages
........................
199, 228
Disc Player
..........................
190, 218
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
395
Doors Childproof Door Locks
............
131 Locking and Unlocking
...........
130
Lockout Prevention
.................
131
Monitor
................ ....................
11
Power Door Locks
..................
130
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
454
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
337
Economy
.................................
327
Driving Guidelines
.....................
338
Driving Position Memory System
...................................
157
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
409
DVD Player
................................
239
DVD Player Error Messages
...............................
265
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
327
Emergencies on the Road
..........
423
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
432
Brake System Indicator
...........
438
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
425
Charging System Indicator
.....
436 Checking the Fuses
................
440
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
424
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
122
Jump Starting
..........................
432
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
.....
436
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................................
437
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
446
Overheated Engine
.................
434
Towing
....................................
446
Emergency Brake
......................
153
Emergency Flashers
..................
122
Emergency Towing
....................
446
Emissions Controls
....................
460
Emissions Testing
......................
463
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Tire Chains
................................
420
Tire, How to Change a Flat
........
425
Tire Information
.........................
456
Tire Labeling
..............................
456
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
.......................
351,458
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
........................
68, 351
Tire Pressure Monitor
.......
77, 352
Tires
..........................................
415
Air Pressure
............................
415
Checking Wear
.......................
417
Compact Spare
........................
424
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
454
Inflation
...................................
415
Inspection
...............................
417
Labeling
..................................
456
Maintenance
...........................
418
Pressure Monitoring System
................................
351
Replacing
................................
418
Rotating
..................................
418
Snow
.......................................
419
Specifications
..........................
453
Tire Chains
.............................
420 Tools, Tire Changing
.................
425
Towing A Trailer
..................................
363
Emergency Wrecker
...............
446
Equipment and Accessories
.........................
369
Trailer Loading
.......................
364
Trailer Stability Assist
.............
377
Trailer Towing Tips
.................
373
Weight Limit
...........................
364
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
..............................
351
Required Federal Explanation
.........................
458
Trailer Stability Assist
................
376
Transmission Checking Fluid Level
..............
399
Fluid Selection
........................
399
Identification Number
.............
450
Shifting the Automatic
.............
341
Treadwear
..................................
417
Trip Computer
.............................
78
Trip Meter
...................................
75
Turn Signals
.................................
67 U
Unexpected, Taking Care of
the
..........................................
423
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
..................................
454
Unleaded Gasoline
.....................
322
Used Oil, How to Dispose of
......
395
V
Vanity Mirror
.............................
166
Vehicle Capacity Load
................
333
Vehicle Dimensions
...................
452
Vehicle Identification Number
..................................
450
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability
Control (ESC),System
...... ..................
359
VSA Activation Indicator
.....
67, 81
VSA System Indicator
.........
67, 81
Vehicle Storage
..........................
422
Ventilation
..................................
177
VIN
............................................
450
CONTINUED
Index
XI
INDEX
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX