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
page 594. 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.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)
497
Driving
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com
CMBS OFF ButtonTo turn the CMBS off, press the
CMBS OFF button under the driver's
side vent for about 1 second. When
you do this, a beeper sounds, a
CMBS indicator on the instrument
panel comes on, and a CMBS OFF
message appears on the multi-
information display. To turn the
system back on, press the button
again for about 1 second.When you select the ON mode by
operating the engine start/stop
button (see page 194), the CMBS is
turned on if it was on previously.
Automatic Shut Off
Any of the conditions below can
cause the CMBS to shut off. When
the system shuts off, the CMBS
indicator in the instrument panel
comes on, and a CHECK CMBS
SYSTEM message appears on the
multi-information display for about 5
seconds.
●An abnormal tire condition is
detected (wrong tire size, flat tire,
etc.).●Extended off-road or mountainous
driving.●Driving your vehicle with the
parking brake applied.●Driving your vehicle in bad
weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.).●A dirty radar sensor cover on the
front grille.
The CMBS will automatically recover
when these conditions are improved.
CMBS OFF BUTTON
Collision Mitigation Braking System ™(CMBS™ )50209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com
VSA and Tire Sizes
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malfunction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page 571).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.Hill Start Assist
Your vehicle is equipped with a hill
start assist feature to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling on inclines as
you move your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator.
To activate hill start assist, you must
come to a complete stop and make
sure the shift lever is either in D or S
when facing uphill, or reverse when
facing downhill.
This feature begins working a few
seconds after you are in the correct
gear position. Release the brake
pedal. The brakes remain engaged
briefly to keep the vehicle from
rolling forward or backward. Gently
apply the accelerator pedal as in
normal driving. Hill start assist will
release brake pressure gradually as
you accelerate.Hill start assist may not prevent your
vehicle from rolling downhill on a
very steep or slippery slope, and will
not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement
for the parking brake. If parking your
vehicle, ensure that the transmission
is in park, and/or the parking brake
is fully applied before exiting the
vehicle.
If the VSA system indicator comes on
with a
‘‘CHECK HILL START
ASSIST SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display, there may
be a problem with the hill start assist.
The VSA also may not function. Have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer.
Hill start assist will still operate even
when VSA is switched off.Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
51009/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com
Driving on HillsWhen climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the H (Hot) mark, turn the A/C off,
reduce speed and, if necessary, pull
to the side of the road to let the
engine cool.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shift down to S
position, or use the paddle shifters to
the lower gear (3 and 2) in the S
position. When towing a trailer, do
not‘‘ride ’’the brakes, and remember,
it will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in place
by pressing on the accelerator, as
this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
Handling Crosswinds and BuffetingCrosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause the trailer to
sway. When being passed by a large
vehicle, keep a constant speed, and
steer straight ahead. Do not try to
make quick steering or braking
corrections.Backing UpAlways drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing
up. Grip the
bottom
of the steering
wheel, then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left.
Turn the wheel to the right to move
the trailer to the right.
ParkingFollow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in Park and firmly
setting the parking brake. Also, place
wheel chocks at each of the trailer's
tires. Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page 602.
Towing a Trailer
527
Driving
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com
All service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by a
certified technician or other qualified
mechanic.
Important Safety Precautions
To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions before you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.●Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is off.●To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.●To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all fuel-related parts.
●Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when working with the
battery or compressed air.Improperly maintaining this
vehicle, or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner's
manual.
Potential Vehicle Hazards●Carbon Monoxide poison from
engine exhaust. Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.
●Burns from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
down before touching any parts.●Injury from moving parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner's
manual.
Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety53209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com
Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.●Engine oil level-Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
458.●Engine coolant level -Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 459.●Automatic transmission -Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
551.●Brakes -Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 553.●Tires -Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
568.
●Lights -Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page 555.
Maintenance Minder
541
Maintenance
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com
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/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust 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 on page
539.
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 drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf you drive 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 tow 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
54209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com
If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.●Fill the fuel tank.●Wash and dry the exterior
completely.●Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.●Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park.
●Block the rear wheels.●If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.●Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).●Disconnect the battery.●Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.●To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.
●Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from
a porous material such as cotton.
Non-porous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.●If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches full
operating temperature (the cooling
fans cycle on and off twice).
Preferably, do this once a month.
Vehicle Storage
575
Maintenance
09/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
ProCarManuals.com