2011 Acura MDX trailer

In this case, your vehicle still has the
VSA traction and stability
enhancement, but it will not have the
trailer stability assist function.
If there is a problem with the VSA
system, the system and trailer
stability assist shuts off. The VSA
system indicator also come on (see
page 467).
The ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator may also come on
along with the VSA system indicator.
If you see these warning indicators,
have your vehicle checked at your
dealer as soon as possible.If you turn off the VSA, the trailer
stability assist function also shuts off.
Press and hold the VSA off switch
until you hear a beep (see page 468).
The VSA off indicator comes on as a
reminder. Press and hold the switch
again to turn the system on.
The function turns on every time you
start the engine along with the VSA,
even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
General Information
Your vehicle has been designed
primarily for use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance and
super handling-all wheel drive
(SH-AWD) system allow you to
occasionally travel on unpaved roads,
to campgrounds, picnic sites, and
similar locations. It is not designed
for trailblazing, mountain climbing,
or other challenging off-road
activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will find that it requires
somewhat different driving skills.
Your vehicle will also handle
somewhat differently than it does on
pavement. Be sure to pay extra
attention to the precautions and tips
in this section, and get acquainted
with your vehicle before leaving the
pavement.Trailer Stability Assist, Off-Highway Driving Guidelines49410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

If the water is deeper than the wheel
hubs, some additional service may be
required. This service is not covered
by your warranties.
If You Get Stuck
If you get stuck, carefully try to go in
the direction (forward or reverse)
that you think will get you unstuck.
Do not spin the tires at high speeds.
It will not help you get out and may
cause damage to the transmission or
SH-AWD system.
If you are still unable to free yourself,
your vehicle is equipped with front
and rear tow hooks designed for this
purpose.
Use a nylon strap to attach the MDX
to the recovery vehicle and carefully
take out the slack in the strap. Once
the strap is tight, the recovery
vehicle should apply force.
Remember that the recovery vehicle
needs good traction to avoid
becoming stuck, too.You should never use a jack to try to
get unstuck. Your vehicle could
easily slip off the jack and hurt you or
someone else.
Towing a Trailer Off-Road
You may be able to safely tow a
lightweight trailer (such as a
motorcycle or small tent trailer) off-
road if you follow these guidelines:
●
Do not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
or a tongue weight of 100 lbs (45
kg).
●
Stay on smooth, level dirt roads,
and avoid driving in hilly terrain.
●
Allow extra room for starting,
stopping, and turning.
●
Slow down if you encounter bumps
or other obstacles.
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
497
Driving
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

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 in the
first column on page 506.
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 towing 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
TM
Maintenance Minder
50810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Power Steering FluidCheck the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The fluid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.Always use Acura Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering fluid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Acura PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.
Turning the steering wheel to full left or
right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Timing Belt
The timing belt should be replaced at
the intervals shown in the
Maintenance Minder schedule.
Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (U.S.) or every 100,000 km
(Canada) if you regularly drive your
vehicle in any of the following
conditions:
●
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
●
In very low temperatures
(under
－20°F, －29°C).
●
Frequently tow a trailer.
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt52010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustments should be done by your
dealer or another qualified
technician.
Low Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch off
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself. If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the front bulkhead cover
(see page 510).
(Passenger's side)
Remove the power steering
reserve tank from the stay
brackets.STAY BRACKETS
POWER STEERING FLUID
CONTINUED
Lights
521
Maintenance
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
No. Amps. Circuits Protected1 120 A Main fuse － Not Used
2 － 1 － Not Used
2 － 2 30 A SH-AWD
2 － 3 30 A Rear Blower Motor
2 － 4 40 A ABS VSA
2 － 5 40 A Trailer Main
2 － 6 40 A Power Seats, Driver's Position
Memory System, Subwoofer,
Telescopic Steering Wheel
2 － 7 40 A Front Heated Seat, TPMS,
Moonroof, Driver's Lumbar
Support
2 － 8 － Not Used
3 － 1 60 A Fog Lights, Front Blower
Motor, Interior Light
3 － 2 40 A Headlights, Daytime Running
Lights
3 － 3 60 A Cooling Fan, Condenser Fan,
MG Clutch, Headlight
Washer
ꭧ1
3－ 4 50 A Ignition Switch Main
ꭧ 1: Canadian model
ꭧ 2: If equipped No. Amps. Circuits Protected
3 － 5 50 A Power Window
3 － 6 60 A Power Tailgate Opener/Closer,
Rear ACC Socket, Interior
Light,
Rear Defroster
3 － 7 30 A ECU (PCM)
3 － 8 30 A TECH
4 40 A Audio, Door Lock, Interior Lights, Front ACC Socket
5 30 A EPT-L
ꭧ 2
6 30 A EPT-R
ꭧ2
7 30 A Active Damper Control Unit
ꭧ2
8 30 A Audio Amplifier
9 7.5 A Battery Sensor
10 15 A Hazard
11 15 A Horn, Stop
12 20 A ABS VSA
13 20 A Trailer (Brake)
14 20 A Rear Heated Seat
ꭧ 2
15 20 A A/C Inverter
CONTINUED
Fuse Locations
563
Taking Care of the Unexpected
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Opening the Fuel Fill Door
ManuallyIf the fuel fill door release button
does not work, use the release lever
inside the rear fuse box lid in the
cargo area.
To open the fuel fill door, pull the
release lever rearward.Emergency Towing
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The only way you can safely tow
your vehicle is with flat-bed
equipment.
The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inform
them a flat-bed is required.
Towing with only two tires on the
ground will damage parts of the all-
wheel-drive system. Your vehicle should
be transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
LID
RELEASE LEVER
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually, Emergency Towing56610/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Tire Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS) －Required Federal
Explanation
......................
578
Temperature Gauge
.....................
76
Temperature, Inside Sensor
.......
189
Temperature, Outside
..................
80
Tensioners, Seat Belts
..................
23
Tether Anchorage Points
.............
53
Theft Protection, Radio
..............
305
Three Way Catalytic Converter
...............................
582
Tilt/Telescopic Steering
Wheel
.....................................
133
Timing Belt
................................
520
Tire Chains
................................
540
Tire, How to Change a Flat
........
545
Tire Information
.........................
576
Tire Labeling
..............................
576
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
.......................
449, 578
Low Tire Pressure
Indicator
........................
70, 449
Tire Pressure Monitor
.......
81, 450
Tires
..........................................
534
Air Pressure
............................
535
Checking Wear
.......................
536 Compact Spare
........................
544
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
574
Inflation
...................................
534
Inspection
...............................
536
Labeling
..................................
576
Maintenance
...........................
538
Pressure Monitoring System
...
449
Replacing
................................
538
Rotating
..................................
538
Snow
.......................................
540
Specifications
..........................
573
Tire Chains
.............................
540
Tools, Tire Changing
.................
545
Towing A Trailer
..................................
481
Emergency Wrecker
...............
566
Equipment and Accessories
....
486
Trailer Loading
.......................
482
Trailer Towing Tips
.................
490
Weight Limit
...........................
481
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
..............................
449
Required Federal Explanation
.........................
578
Trailer Stability Assist
................
492 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level
..............
517
Fluid Selection
........................
517
Identification Number
.............
570
Shifting the Automatic
.............
438
Treadwear
..................................
536
Trip Computer
.............................
83
Trip Meter
...................................
79
Turn Signals
.................................
69
U
Unexpected, Taking Care of the
..........................................
543
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
....
574
Unleaded Gasoline
.....................
418
USB Flash Memory Device Error Messages
...............................
294
Used Oil, How to Dispose of
......
513
Using the Paddle Shifters in the D position (D-Paddle ShiftMode)
.................................
441
Using the Paddle Shifters in the S
position (Sequential ShiftMode)
.................................
443
CONTINUED
Index
XI
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu