2011 Acura MDX instrument panel

●
Weight sensors that monitor the
weight on the front passenger's
seat. If the weight is about 65 lbs
(29 kg) or less (the weight of an
infant or small child), the
passenger's front airbag will be
turned off (see page 30).
●
A rollover sensor that can detect if
your vehicle is about to roll over
and signal the control unit to
deploy both side curtain airbags
(see page 34).
●
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records information about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, the seat belt
tensioners, and driver and front
passenger seat belt use when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II)
position.
●
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbag system
components (see page 35).
●
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you that the
passenger's side airbag has been
turned off (see page 35).
●
An indicator on the dashboard that
alerts you that the passenger's
front airbag has been turned off
(see page 36).
●
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle's electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
Additional Information About Your Airbags2810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

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
..........................
64
Instrument Panel
..........................
65
Instrument Panel Indicators
..........
66
Gauges
..........................................
76
Multi-Information Display
.............
77
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel
.....................................
124
Windshield Wipers and Washers
..............................
125
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
...............................
126
Turn Signal and Headlights
........
127
Hazard Warning Button
..............
131
Rear Window Defogger
...............
131
Instrument Panel Brightness
......
132
Steering Wheel Adjustments
.......
133
Keys and Locks
...........................
135
Immobilizer System
....................
137
Ignition Switch
............................
138
Door Locks
.................................
139
Childproof Door Locks
............
140
Tailgate
.......................................
140
Power Tailgate
........................
141
Remote Transmitter
....................
144 Seats
...........................................
148
Detachable Anchor
.................
154
Seat Heaters
................................
156
Seat Heaters and Seat
Ventilation
...............................
157
Power Windows
..........................
158
Moonroof
....................................
161
Parking Brake
.............................
163
Mirrors
.......................................
163
Driving Position Memory System
....................................
166
Interior Lights
.............................
168
Interior Convenience Items
.........
171
Beverage Holders
...................
172
Console Compartment
............
173
Storage Compartment
.............
173
Glove Box
...............................
173
Sunglasses Holder
..................
174
Sun Visor
................................
174
Vanity Mirror
..........................
175
Accessory Power Sockets
.......
175
AC Power Outlet
.....................
176
Instruments and Controls
63
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

ꭧ: If equipped
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
(P. 166)
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
(P. 139)
PARKING BRAKE
RELEASE HANDLE
(P. 163) POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P. 158)
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON
(P. 419)
POWER TAILGATE
BUTTON (P. 141) HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE (P. 421) PARKING BRAKE
PEDAL (P. 163)
AUXILIARY INPUT
JACKS
ꭧ(P. 336)HEADPHONE
CONNECTORS
ꭧ
(P. 337) REAR CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM
(P. 185)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(P. 437)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P. 190) CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM (P. 180) MIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTON
(P. 163)
MOONROOF SWITCH
(P. 161)
HOMELINK BUTTONS
(P. 360)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS (P. 65)
GAUGES (P. 76)
AC POWER OUTLET
ꭧ
(P. 176)
AUXILIARY INPUT
JACKS
ꭧ(P. 304)
USB ADAPTER CABLE
ꭧ
(P. 277)
Control Locations6410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

ꭧ: If equipped
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
MESSAGE INDICATOR (P. 71)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P. 72) SH-AWD INDICATOR (P. 71)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 68)
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR (P. 72)
DOOR/TAILGATE OPEN
INDICATOR (P. 74)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 72)
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 67)
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 69) SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 75)
ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM INDICATOR
ꭧ(P. 75)
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 67) LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P. 75)
SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P. 66)
COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING
SYSTEM
™(CMBS ™) INDICATOR
ꭧ(P. 73)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 68)
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
ꭧ(P. 73)/
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) INDICATOR
ꭧ(P. 73)
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (P. 67)
VSA OFF INDICATOR
(P. 69)
A/T TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR (P. 70) BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM INDICATOR
ꭧ(P. 74)
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATORꭧ(P. 73)
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (P. 77)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR (P. 70)
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR (P. 67) LIGHT ON INDICATOR (P. 72)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P. 68)
Instrument Panel
65
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your vehicle.
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. It reminds you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
A beeper also sounds if you have not
fastened your seat belt.
If you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position before fastening
your seat belts, the beeper sounds,
and the indicator flashes. If you do
not fasten your seat belts before the
beeper stops, the indicator stops
flashing but remains on.
If your front passenger does not
fasten their seat belt, the indicator
comes on about 6 seconds after the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position. If either of you do not fasten your
seat belt while driving, the beeper
will sound and the indicator will flash
again at regular intervals, and you
will see a
‘‘FASTEN SEAT BELT ’’or
‘‘ FASTEN PASSENGER SEAT
BELT ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 86).
For more information, see page 21.
Instrument Panel Indicators6610/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

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
page 556.Charging System
Indicator
This indicator has two functions:
1. If it comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being
charged, and you will see a
‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display.
2. This indicator also comes on when the battery needs to be replaced
along with a ‘‘REPLACE BATTERY ’’
message on the multi-information
display. For more information, see
page 556.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM ’’message on the
multi-information display. For more
information, see page 557.
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 page 86). 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
pages 86). For more information,
see page 558.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
67
Instruments and Controls
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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 airbag
system components. You will also
see a ‘‘CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM ’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 86). For more
information, see page 35.
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 page 86).
For more information, see page 35.
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 page 87).
For more information, see page 455.
Instrument Panel Indicators6810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA) System Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It flashes when VSA is
active (see page 467).
If it comes on and stays on at any
other time, there is a problem with
the VSA or Hill Start Assist system.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK VSA
SYSTEM ’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).
Take your vehicle to a dealer to have
it checked. Without VSA, your
vehicle still has normal driving
ability, but will not have VSA traction
and stability enhancement. For more
information, see page 467.
This indicator may also come on if
there is a problem with the trailer
stability assist function (see page
492).
VSA Off Indicator
It comes on as a reminder that you
have turned off the vehicle stability
assist (VSA) system.
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. For more information, see
page 467.
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
The left or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If an indicator does not blink
or blinks rapidly, it usually means
one of the turn signal bulbs is burned
out (see page 523). Replace the bulb
as soon as possible, since other
drivers cannot see that you are
signaling.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signal indicators
and all turn signals on the outside of
the vehicle flash.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
69
Instruments and Controls
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu