Page 375 of 645
Radio signals, especially on the FM
band, are deflected by large objects
such as buildings and hills. Your
radio then receives both the direct
signal from the station's transmitter,
and the deflected signal. This causes
the sound to distort or flutter. This is
a main cause of poor radio reception
in city driving.
Radio reception can be affected by
atmospheric conditions such as
thunderstorms, high humidity, and
even sunspots. You may be able to
receive a distant radio station one
day and not receive it the next day
because of a change in conditions.
Electrical interference from passing
vehicles and stationary sources can
cause temporary reception problems.
As required by the FCC:Changes or modifications not expresslyapproved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipment.
FM/AM Radio Reception37009/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
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Page 376 of 645

The auxiliary input jack is inside the
front console compartment. The
system will accept auxiliary input
from standard audio accessories.
When a compatible audio unit is
connected to the jack, press the
USB/AUX button to select it.Remote Audio Controls
Three controls for the audio system
are mounted in the steering wheel
hub. These let you control basic
functions without removing your
hand from the wheel.
The VOL button adjusts the volume
up (▲
) or down (▼ ). Press the top
or bottom of the button, hold it until
the desired volume is reached, then
release it.
The MODE button changes the
mode. Pressing the MODE button
repeatedly cycles through all
present, connected media sources.
Media sources that are not present
or connected will not appear when
cycling with the MODE button.
If you are listening to the radio, use
the CH button to change stations.
Each time you press the top (+ )of
the button, the system goes to the
next preset station on the band you
are listening to. Press the bottom
(- ) to go back to the previous
station.
MODE
BUTTON
CH
BUTTON
VOL BUTTON
CONTINUED
Auxiliary Input Jack, Remote Audio Controls
371
Features
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Page 377 of 645

To search up and down from the
current frequency and find a station
with a strong signal, press the top
(+) or bottom (- ) of the button for
1 second.
If you are listening to XM
ꭂRadio,
use the CH button to change
channels. Each time you press the
top (+ ) of the button, the system
goes to the next preset channel.
Press the bottom (- ) to go back to
the previous preset channel.
To go to the next channel of the
category you are listening to, press
the top (+ ) of the button for 1
second. Press the bottom (- ) for 1
second to go back to the previous
channel. If you are playing a disc, the system
skips to the beginning of the next
track/file (file in MP3, WMA, or AAC
format) each time you press the top
(+
) of the CH button. Press the
bottom (- ) to return to the
beginning of the current track/file.
Press it twice to return to the
previous track/file. You will see the track/file number
and the elapsed time. If the disc has
text data or is compressed in MP3 or
WMA, you can also see any other
information (track title, file name,
folder name, etc.).
Remote Audio Controls37209/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
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Page 379 of 645

Your vehicle's audio system may
disable itself if it is disconnected
from electrical power for any reason.
To make it work again, you must
enter a specific five-digit code with
the preset buttons. Because there are
hundreds of number combinations
possible from the five digits, making
the system work without knowing
the exact code is nearly impossible.
You should have received a card that
lists your audio system code number
and serial number. It is best to store
this card in a safe place at home. In
addition, you should write the audio
system's serial number in this
owner's manual.
If you lose the card, you must obtain
the code number from your dealer.
To do this, you will need the audio
system's serial number.NOTE:
In the U.S., if you have a My
Acura account, you can retrieve the
anti-theft code online.
If your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system will disable itself. If this
happens, you will see ‘‘ENTER
CODE ’’in the frequency display (on
the display on models with
navigation system) the next time you
turn on the system. Use the preset
buttons to enter the five-digit code.
The code is located on the radio code
card included in your owner's
manual kit. When it is entered
correctly, the radio will start playing.
If you make a mistake entering the
code, do not start over; complete the
five-digit sequence, then enter the
correct code. You have 10 tries to
enter the correct code. If you are
unsuccessful in 10 attempts, you
must then leave the system on for 1
hour before trying again. The system will retain your AM and
FM presets even if power is
disconnected.Radio Theft Protection37409/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
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Page 440 of 645

On models with navigation systemAcuraLink 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.
ENTER
KNOB SELECTOR
CONTINUED
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
435
Features
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Page 468 of 645

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, stability, and reliability.
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
page 595) 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.
CONTINUED
Accessories and Modifications
463
Before Driving
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Page 521 of 645

BSI may be adversely affected under
the following circumstances:●When objects such as guard rails,
poles, trees, etc., are detected.●When an object that doesn't reflect
radio waves well, such as a
motorcycle, is in the alert zone.●A vehicle is behind or approaching
your vehicle while on a curved
road.●When towing a trailer.●A vehicle is moving from a far lane
to the adjacent lane.●The system picks up external
electrical interference.●The rear bumper has been
deformed, or improperly repaired.
●The orientation of the sensors has
been changed.●Bad weather conditions, such as
heavy rain, snow and fog.The system is for your convenience.
Even if an object is within the alert
zone, the system may not detect it,
depending on its shape.
Always look in your mirrors, to either
side of your vehicle, and behind you
for other vehicles before changing
lanes.EXAMPLES
GUARD RAIL POLE OR TREE
MOTORCYCLE
ꭍ :
\b :BSI Alert indicator is on
BSI Alert indicator is off
Blind Spot Information System (BSI)51609/10/28 17:15:37 10 ACURA ZDX KA KC New North America Own 50 31SZN600 enu
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Page 578 of 645

The sensor on the negative terminal
monitors your vehicle's battery
condition.
If there is a problem with the sensor,
you will see a‘‘CHECK BATTERY
SENSOR’’ message on the multi-
information display. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer.
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 your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system may 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 code (see page
374).
CONTINUED
Checking the Battery
573
Maintenance
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