2009 Acura MDX charging

ꭧ: If equipped
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.SH-AWD INDICATOR
(P. 69)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 70)
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 65)
A/T TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
(P. 68)
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
(P. 65)
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR (P. 70)CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR (P.
70)
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 71)
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 65)
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 67)
VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR (P. 67)CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR (P.
70)
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR (P.
71)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR (P.
68)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
(P.
66)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.
66)
LIGHTS ON INDICATOR
(P.
70)
SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P.
64)
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (P.
73)
MESSAGE INDICATOR
(P. 69)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
(P. 70)
ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
ꭧ(P. 71)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 66)
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LAMP
(P. 437)
Instrument Panel
63
Inst rument s and Cont rols
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator flashes or stays on
when the engine is running, or if a
‘‘ CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’
message is on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page436.Charging System
Indicator
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged, and you will also see
a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page436.Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display. For
more information, see page437.
U.S. Canada
Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
This indicator has two functions:
1. It comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not fully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will
sound, and you will also see a
‘‘RELEASE PARKING BRAKE ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page81). 2. If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a ‘‘LOW
BRAKE FLUID ’’or ‘‘CHECK
BRAKE SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display (see
pages81).For more information,
see page438.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
65
Inst rument s and Cont rols
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Shift Lever Position IndicatorsThese indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shift
lever is in. In the Sequential
SportShift Mode, the‘‘M’’ indicator
next to the ‘‘D ’’indicator comes on,
and the illuminated number under
the charging system indicator shows
you the gear you have selected. The
‘‘D ’’indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
flashes while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on along with the ‘‘D ’’
indicator, there is a problem with the
automatic transmission control
system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and
have the transmission checked by
your dealer as soon as possible.
When the ‘‘D ’’indicator warns of a
possible problem with the
transmission, you will see a ‘‘CHECK
TRANSMISSION ’’message on the
multi-information display (see page
82). Shifting
To shift from Park to any position,
press firmly on the brake pedal, and
press the release button on the front
of the shift lever, then move the
lever. You cannot shift out of Park
when the ignition switch is in the
LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I)
position.
CONTINUED
Automatic Transmission
341
Driving
08/06/06 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

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If
not, you will also find instructions on
getting your vehicle towed.Compact Spare Tire
....................
424
Changing a Flat Tire
...................
425
If the Engine Won't Start
.............
431
Jump Starting
..............................
432
If the Engine Overheats
..............
434
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
.........
436
Charging System Indicator
.........
436
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
........
437
Brake System Indicator
...............
438
Fuses
..........................................
439
Fuse Locations
............................
443
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.................................
446
Emergency Towing
.....................
446
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
..........
447
Taking Care of the Unexpected
423
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

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

A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
330
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
129
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
166
AC Power Outlet
........................
167
Active Damper System
...............
361
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
307
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
394
Advanced Airbags
.................. ......
29
Airbag (SRS)
............................
9, 24
Air Conditioning System
............
170
Rear A/C Control
....................
175
Air Outlets (Vents)
.....................
177
Air Pressure, Tires
.....................
415
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
322
Antifreeze
...................................
396
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light
..................
66, 357
Operation
................................
357
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
235 Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock
.......................................
129
Audio System
..............
180, 181,200
Auto Control Mode, Starting
Engine
....................................
339
Automatic Climate Control
.........
170
Automatic Lighting
....................
118
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
.................. .............
22
Automatic Speed Control
...........
270
Automatic Transmission
............
341
Capacity, Fluid
........................
452
Checking Fluid Level
..............
399
Shifting
...................................
341
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
341
Shift Lever Positions
...............
342
Shift Lock Release
...................
346
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
232
B
Battery Charging System Indicator
........................
65, 436 Jump Starting
..........................
432
Maintenance
...........................
421
Specifications
..........................
453
Before Driving
...........................
321
Belts, Seat
................................
8, 20
Beverage Holders
......................
163
Booster Seats
...............................
55
Brakes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...........
357
Break-in, New Linings
.............
322
Bulb Replacement
...................
406
Fluid
.......................................
401
Parking
...................................
153
System Indicator
...............
65, 438
Wear Indicators
.......................
357
Braking System
..........................
356
Break-in, New Vehicle
................
322
Brightness Control, Instruments
............................
123
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Bulb ReplacementBack-up Lights
........................
407
Brake Lights
...........................
406
Front Parking Lights
...............
404
Front Side Marker Lights
........
404
Headlights
..............................
403
Rear Bulbs
..............................
406
Specifications
..........................
453
Taillights
.................................
406
Turn Signal Lights
..........
404, 406
Bulbs, Halogen
..........................
403
C
Cancel Button
............................
272
Capacities Chart
.........................
452
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
...... ......
58
Cargo
.........................................
332
Cargo Area Light
........................
161
Cargo Hook
................................
336
Cargo, How to Carry
..................
332
Carrying Cargo
..........................
332
CAUTION, Explanation of
...... .......
iii
CD Care
.....................................
229
Certification Label
......................
450 Chains, Tires
..............................
420
Changing a Flat Tire
..................
425
Changing Oil How to
....................................
394
When to
..................................
383
Charging System Indicator
...........................
65, 436
Checklist, Before Driving
...........
338
Childproof Door Locks
...............
131
Child Safety
..................................
37
Booster Seats
...........................
55
Child Seats
..........................
42, 45
Important Safety Reminders.....
41
Infants
......................................
42
Large Children
.........................
54
LATCH
.....................................
47
Risks with Airbags
...................
38
Small Children
.........................
43
Tethers
....................................
51
Where Should a Child Sit?
........
38
Child Seats
.............................
37, 45
LATCH Anchorage Points
........
47
Tether Anchorage Points
.........
51
Cleaning the Seat Belts
..............
409
Client Services
...........................
466
Climate Control System
.............
170 Clock
..........................................
236
Code, Audio System
...................
235
CO in the Exhaust
................
58, 460
Cold Weather, Starting in
...........
339
Compact Spare Tire
....................
424
Console Compartment
...............
164
Consumer Information (U.S. only)
.......................................
466
Controls, Instruments and
............
61
Coolant Adding
....................................
396
Checking
................................
326
Proper Solution
.......................
396
Temperature Gauge
.................
72
Crankcase Emissions Control System
...................................
460
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
70
Cruise Control Operation
...........
270
Cup Holders
...............................
163
Customize Settings
.. ....................
83
Door/Window Setup
...............
105
Lighting Setup
.........................
100
Meter Setup
.............................
89
Position Setup
..........................
97
Setting to Default
.....................
86
Wiper Setup
............................
113
IndexII08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX