2009 Acura MDX ABS

Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates a potential
problem with your front airbags. This
indicator will also alert you to a
potential problem with your side
airbags, passenger's side airbag
automatic cutoff system, side curtain
airbags, or automatic seat belt
tensioners. You will also see a
‘‘ CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page81).For more
information, see page33.
U.S. Canada
Side Airbag Off
Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates that the
passenger's side airbag has
automatically shut off. You will also
see a ‘‘PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
OFF ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page81).
For more information, see page33.
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked. With this indicator on, your
vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock function. You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page81).
For more information, see page357.
Instrument Panel Indicators6608/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important information on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the Super Handling-All
Wheel Drive™(SH-AWD
®) system,
the vehicle stability assist (VSA
®)
system, active damper system, the
tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS), and facts 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 ™(SH-AWD
®)
System
................................
348
Parking
.......................................
350
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
...................................
351
Braking System
..........................
356
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............
357
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
.....................
359
Active Damper System
................
361
Towing a Trailer
..........................
363
Trailer Stability Assist
.................
376
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
...............................
378
Driving
337
Driving
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2009 MDX

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 forcompliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.This device complies with IndustryCanada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following twoconditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference that may causeundesired operation of the device.
Braking System
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The emergency
brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you. Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their
effectiveness. Use the engine to
assist the brakes by taking your foot
off the accelerator and downshifting
to a lower gear.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Braking System35608/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Braking System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Brake Wear Indicators
All four brakes have audible brake
wear indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helps prevent the wheels from
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.
The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the front-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal.Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred to as
‘‘stomp and steer. ’’You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
may hear some noise. This is normal:
it is the ABS rapidly pumping the
brakes. On dry pavement, you will
need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before the ABS activates.
However, you may feel the ABS
activate immediately if you are trying
to stop on snow or ice.
CONTINUED
Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
357
Driving
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

ABS Indicator
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock function of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ABS
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page81).
If the indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as instructed
on page438. If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is fully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page438.If the brakes feel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
along with the ABS indicator.
Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
It only helps with steering
control during braking.
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed for the road and weather
conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)35808/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Trailer Stability Assist FailureThe control unit monitors the VSA
circuitry and the braking system. If
there is a problem with the brake
lighting system, the trailer stability
assist function shuts down and the
‘‘CHECK TRAILER STABILITY
ASSIST ’’message appears on the
multi-information display.
If you see this message, have your
vehicle checked at your dealer as
soon as possible. In this case, your vehicle still has the
VSA traction and stability
enhancement, but it will not have the
trailer stability assist function.
If there is a problem with the VSA
system, the system and trailer
stability assist shuts off. The VSA
system and VSA activation indicators
also come on (see page359).
The ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator may also come on
along with the VSA system indicator.
If you see these warning indicators,
have your vehicle checked at your
dealer as soon as possible.
If you turn off the VSA, the trailer
stability assist function also shuts off.
Press and hold the VSA off switch
until you hear a beep (see page360).
The VSA activation indicator comes
on as a reminder. Press and hold the
switch again to turn the system on.
The function turns on every time you
start the engine along with the VSA,
even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
Trailer Stability Assist
377
Driving
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
1
B
●Replace engine oil
1and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect these items:●Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Suspension components●Driveshaft boots●Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhasut system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections
＃
1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW ’’does not appear more than
12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every
year.
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the
first column on page388.
NOTE:
●Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-
information display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.●Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).●Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are
noisy. Symbol
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element
If you dirve in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf you dirve primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over
110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under －20°F, －
29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles (U.
S.)/100,000 km (Canada).●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the maintenance minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000
km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
39008/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

3. Remove the blade from its holderby grabbing the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull firmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
4. Examine the new wiper blades. Ifthey have no plastic or metal
reinforcement along the back
edge, remove the metal
reinforcement strips from the old
wiper blade, and install them in the
slots along the edge of the new
blade. 5. Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
6. Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
7. Lower the wiper arm against the window.
Windshield: Lower the passenger's
side first, then the driver's side.
BLADE
BLADE
REINFORCEMENT
Wiper Blades41208/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX