2009 Acura MDX immobilizer

This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.Control Locations
..........................
62
Instrument Panel
..........................
63
Instrument Panel Indicators
..........
64
Gauges
..........................................
72
Multi-Information Display
.............
73
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel
.....................................
115
Windshield Wipers and Washers
..............................
116
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
...............................
117
Turn Signal and Headlights
........
118
Hazard Warning Button
..............
122
Rear Window Defogger
...............
122
Instrument Panel
Brightness
..............................
123
Steering Wheel Adjustments
.......
124
Keys and Locks
...........................
126
Immobilizer System
....................
128
Ignition Switch
............................
129
Door Locks
.................................
130
Childproof Door Locks
............
131
Tailgate
.......................................
131
Power Tailgate
........................
132
Remote Transmitter
....................
135 Seats
...........................................
140
Detachable Anchor
.................
146
Seat Heaters
................................
148
Power Windows
..........................
149
Moonroof
....................................
152
Parking Brake
.............................
153
Mirrors
.......................................
154
Driving Position Memory System
....................................
157
Interior Lights
.............................
159
Interior Convenience Items
.........
162
Beverage Holders
...................
163
Console Compartment
............
164
Storage Compartment
.............
164
Glove Box
...............................
164
Sunglasses Holder
..................
165
Cargo Hooks
...........................
165
Sun Visor
................................
166
Vanity Mirror
..........................
166
Accessory Power Sockets
.......
166
AC Power Outlet
.....................
167
Instruments and Controls
61
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

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

Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine's fuel system will be
disabled (see page128).
Lights On Indicator
This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or
position. This indicator will
also come on when the light switch is
in AUTO and the lights turn on
automatically. If you turn the ignition
switch to the ACCESSORY (I) or the
LOCK (0) position without turning
off the light switch, this indicator will
remain on. A reminder chime will
also sound when you open the
driver's door.Fog Light Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the fog lights. For more
information, see page120.
High Beam Indicator
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
information, see page118.Cruise Main Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button (see
page270).Cruise Control Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page270
for information on operating the
cruise control.
Instrument Panel Indicators7008/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
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
127
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

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

6. Check the adjustment of the insideand outside mirrors (see page
154).
7. Check the steering wheel adjustment (see page 124).
8. Make sure the doors and tailgate are securely closed and locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 15).
10. When you start the engine, check the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-information
display (see pages 63,72and 81). Starting the Engine
Your vehicle's starting system has an
auto control mode. When you turn
the ignition switch to the START (III)
position, this feature keeps the
engine's starter motor running until
the engine starts. Follow these
instructions to start the engine:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce the
drain on the battery.
3. Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal.
4. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, then
release the ignition switch. You do
not need to hold the ignition
switch in the START (III) position
to start the engine. Depending on
the outside temperature, the
starter motor runs for about 6 to 9
seconds until the engine starts. If you hold the ignition switch in
the START (III) position for more
than 7 seconds, the starter motor,
depending on the outside
temperature, runs for about 10 to
25 seconds until the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, wait at
least 10 seconds before trying
again.
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. For
more information, see page
128.
CONTINUED
Preparing to Drive, Starting the Engine
339
Driving
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Diagnosing why the engine won't
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:●You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine's starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.●You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all. Check these things:
●Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate.●Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Starting
on page432.●Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. See
Emergency Towing on page446.If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal
connections (see page421).You
can then try jump starting the
vehicle from a booster battery (see
page432).
The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's speed
sounds normal, or even faster than
normal, when you turn the ignition
switch to the START (III) position,
but the engine does not run.
●Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page70).
CONTINUED
If the Engine Won't Start
431
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