The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables from
theft. The horn sounds and a
combination of headlights, position
lights, side marker lights and
taillights flashes if someone attempts
to break into your vehicle or remove
the audio unit. This alarm continues
for 2 minutes, then the system
resets. To reset an activated system
before the 2 minutes have elapsed,
unlock the driver's door with the key
or the remote transmitter.
The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, hood, and the tailgate. For the
system to activate, you must lock the
doors and the tailgate from the
outside with the key, driver's lock
tab, door lock master switch, or
remote transmitter. The security
system indicator on the instrument
panel starts blinking immediately to
show you the system is setting itself.
Once the security system is set,
opening any door, the tailgate, or the
hood without using the key or the
remote transmitter, will cause it to
alarm. It also alarms if the radio is
removed from the dashboard or the
wiring is cut.The security system will not set if the
hood, tailgate, or any door is not fully
closed. If the system will not set,
check that the doors, the tailgate and
the hood are fully closed.
Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it.
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
Security System
269
Feat ures
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2009 MDX
U.S. Technology and Sport PackagesAcuraLink enhances your ownership
experience by providing a direct
communication link between your
vehicle and the Acura Server.
Working through the XM radio
satellite, AcuraLink works in
conjunction with the navigation
system, Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(HFL), and audio system in your
vehicle. It displays and receives
several kinds of messages, including:●Operating tips and information on
your vehicle's features.●Important recall and safety
information.●Maintenance information to keep
your vehicle in top condition.●Diagnostic information to provide
information about any problems
with your vehicle.Interface Dial
Most AcuraLink functions are
controlled by the interface dial. The
interface dial has two parts, a knob
and a selector.
The knob turns left and right. Use it
to make selections or adjustments to
a list or menu on the screen.
The selector can be pushed left,
right, up, down, and in. Use the
selector to scroll through lists, to
select menus, and to highlight menu
items. When you make a selection,
push the center of the selector
(ENTER) to go to that selection.
KNOB
ENTER
SELECTOR
CONTINUED
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
307
Feat ures
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2009 MDX
Modifying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Acura accessories, can
make your vehicle unsafe. Before
you make any modifications or add
any accessories, be sure to read the
following information.
Accessories
Your dealer has Acura accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have been
designed and approved for your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.
Although non-Acura accessories may
fit on your vehicle, they may not
meet factory specifications, and could
adversely affect your vehicle's
handling and stability.
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.
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your vehicle's
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system. Before installing any accessory:
●Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper vehicle operation or
performance.●Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits (see
page440)or interfere with proper
operation of your vehicle.●Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
these areas may interfere with
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.●Before installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the final installation.
Accessories and Modifications33008/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX
Check the condition of the battery
monthly by looking at the test
indicator window:Green -Good condition
White -Liquid level low, replace
battery
Black -Charging necessary Check the terminals for corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it off with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a cloth
or paper towel. Coat the terminals
with grease to help prevent further
corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualified technician.
WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle's
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative (- ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt
you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
If the radio fuse is removed, the
audio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see ‘‘ENTER CODE ’’in the
frequency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the digit code (see
page235).
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
Checking the Battery
421
Maint enance
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX
4. Check the smaller fuses in theunder-hood fuse boxes and rear
fuse box, and all the fuses in the
interior and rear fuse boxes by
pulling out each one with the fuse
puller provided in the primary
under-hood fuse box.
5. Look for a burned wire inside thefuse. If it is burned out, replace it
with one of the spare fuses of the
same rating or lower. If you cannot drive the vehicle
without fixing the problem, and you
do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse
of the same rating or a lower rating
from one of the other circuits. Make
sure you can do without that circuit
temporarily (such as the accessory
power socket or radio).
If you replace the blown fuse with a
spare fuse that has a lower rating, it
might blow out again. This does not
indicate anything wrong. Replace the
fuse with one of the correct rating as
soon as you can.
FUSE PULLER
BLOWN
CONTINUED
Fuses
441
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX
Replacing a fuse with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a
replacement fuse with the proper rating
for the circuit, install one with a lower
rating.6. If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there
is probably a serious electrical
problem with your vehicle. Leave
the blown fuse in that circuit, and
have your vehicle checked by a
qualified technician. If the radio fuse is removed, the
audio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see
‘‘ENTER CODE ’’in the
frequency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the digit code (see
page235).Fuses44208/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX
EngineAdding Engine Coolant
...........
396
Check Starting System
............
340
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
72
If it Won ’t Start
........................
431
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
65, 437
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
383
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
65, 436
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
393
Overheating
............................
434
Specifications
..........................
453
Speed Limiter
..........................
346
Starting
...................................
339
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
322
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
460
Exhaust Fumes
............................
58
Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
...................................
461
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
18 F
Fan, Interior
...............................
173
Features, Comfort and Convenience
...........................
169
Filling the Fuel Tank
..................
323
Filters Dust and Pollen
.......................
409
Oil
...........................................
394
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
122
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
425
Floor Mats
.................................
410
Fluids Automatic Transmission
.........
399
Brake
......................................
401
Power Steering
........................
402
Windshield Washer
.................
398
FM Stereo Radio Reception
................................
205
Fog Lights
..................................
120
Folding the Second Seat
.............
144
Folding the Third Seat
...............
145
Four-way Flashers
......................
122
Front Airbags
...........................
9, 27 Front Seat
..................................
140
Adjusting
.............................. ...
140
Airbags
.................................
9, 27
Heaters
...................................
148
Fuel
............................................
322
Fill Door and Cap
....................
323
Gauge
......................................
72
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
71
Octane Requirement
...............
322
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
446
Oxygenated
.............................
322
Reserve Indicator
.....................
71
Tank, Filling the
......................
323
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
324
Fuel Economy
............................
327
Fuses, Checking the
..................
440
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
327
Gasohol
......................................
322
Gasoline
.....................................
322
Gauge
......................................
72
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
71
IndexIV08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX
Parking Over Things thatBurn
................................
350, 462
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
...... .............................
34
PGM-FI System
..........................
461
Playing the AM/FM Radio
...............................
201, 207
Pollen Filter
...............................
409
Power Seat Adjustments
............
140
Power Socket Locations
.............
162
Power Windows
.........................
149
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts
.. ......
18
Preparing to Drive
......................
338
Proper Solution
..........................
396
Protecting Adults and Teens
........
11
Additional Safety Precautions
..........................
19
Advice for Pregnant Women
....
18
Protecting Children
......................
37
General Guidelines
..................
37
Protecting Infants
.....................
42
Protecting Larger Children
......
54
Protecting Small Children
........
43
Using Child Seats with Tethers
.................................
51
Using LATCH
..........................
47 R
Radiator Overheating
.................
434
Radio/Disc Sound System
............................
181, 201
Radio Theft Protection
...............
235
Readiness Codes
........................
463
Rear A/C Unit
............................
175
Rear Audio Control Panel
...........
241
Rear Entertainment System
.......
237
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement
...........................
406
Rearview Camera and Monitor
..................................
319
Rear View Mirror
.......................
154
Rear Window Defogger
..............
122
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer
...................................
117
Reclining the Seat Backs
............
140
Reclining the Second Seats
........
144
Refueling
....................................
323
Reminder Indicators
........ .............
64
Remote Audio Controls
..............
233
Remote Control (RES)
...............
262
Remote Transmitter
...................
135 Replacement Information
Dust and Pollen Filter
.............
409
Engine Oil and Filter
...............
394
Fuses
......................................
439
Light Bulbs
.............................
403
Schedule
.................................
383
Timing Belt
.............................
402
Tires
.......................................
418
Wiper Blades
..........................
411
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash
........................................
23
Reserve Tank, Engine
Coolant
............................
326, 396
Restraint, Child
........ ....................
37
Reverse Gear Position
................
342
Reverse Lockout
........................
346
Rotation, Tire
.............................
418
S
Safety Belts
..............................
8, 20
Safety Defects, Reporting (U.S. only)
.......................................
468
Safety Features
..............................
7
Airbags
......................................
9
IndexVIII08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX