Page 364 of 609
Switching to Cruise ControlTo switch from ACC to cruise
control, press the distance button on
the steering wheel, and hold it for 1
second.
When you press the button, you will
see CRUISE MODE SELECTED on
the multi-information display for 2
seconds. To switch back to ACC,
press and hold the distance button
again for 1 second.When the cruise control is selected,
ACC does not sound a beeper or
display a message on the multi-
information display. Make sure to
keep a safe distance from the vehicle
ahead of you.
Always be aware which mode is
selected.
DISTANCE BUTTON
Press the distance button.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
359
Features
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Page 367 of 609

HomeLink
®is a registered trademark
of Johnson Controls, Inc.
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.
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
On models without navigation systemFor vehicles with navigation system,
see page 379.Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®(HFL)
allows you to place and receive
phone calls using voice commands,
without handling your cell phone.
To use HFL, you need a Bluetooth-
compatible cell phone. For a list of
compatible phones, pairing
procedures, and special feature
capabilities:
In the U.S., visit
www.acura.com/
handsfreelink
, or call (888) 528-7876.
In Canada, visit
www.handsfreelink.
ca
, or call (888) 528-7876.
HomeLink
®
Universal Transceiver,
Bluetooth
®
HandsFreeLink
®
36210/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
Page 369 of 609
●
To change the volume level of
HFL, use the audio system volume
knob or the steering wheel volume
controls.
Help Features●
To hear general HFL information,
including help on pairing a phone
or setting up the system, say
‘‘Tutorial. ’’
●
For help at any time, including a
list of available commands, say
‘‘Hands free help.’’
Information DisplayAs an incoming call notification, you
will see the following display:SIGNAL
STRENGTH HFL
MODEBATTERY
LEVEL STATUS
PHONE DIALING
ROAM STATUS
Bluetooth
®
HandsFreeLink
®
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Page 384 of 609

On models with navigation systemBluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®(HFL)
allows you to place and receive
phone calls using either the
navigation system controls or voice
commands without the distraction of
handling your cell phone.
To use HFL, you need a Bluetooth-
compatible cell phone. For a list of
compatible phones, pairing
procedures, and special feature
capabilities:
In the U.S., visit
www.acura.com/handsfreelink,
or
call (888) 528-7876.
In Canada, visit
www.handsfreelink.
ca
, or call (888) 528-7876. Using HFL
Interface DialUse the Interface Dial to make menu
or list selections.
To select an item on the screen, turn
the selector knob left or right to
highlight it, and then press ENTER.
To select an item that comes with
,
,
,or
icons, push the knob up,
down, left, or right.
Press the INFO/PHONE button to
go to the main information screen.
Press the CANCEL button to go back
to previous screen.
KNOB
CANCEL
BUTTON INFO/PHONE
BUTTON
ENTER
CONTINUED
Bluetooth
®
HandsFreeLink
®
379
Features
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Page 403 of 609

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.
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models only)
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.
KNOB
ENTER
SELECTOR
Bluetooth
®
HandsFreeLink
®, AcuraLink
®
(U.S. models only)
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Page 438 of 609

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmission. It also
includes important information on
parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the Super Handling-All
Wheel Drive™(SH-AWD
®) system,
the vehicle stability assist (VSA
®)
system, active damper system (If
equipped), the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS), the
collision mitigation braking system ™
(CMBS ™), the blind spot information
system (BSI) and facts you need if
you are planning to tow a trailer or
drive off-high way. Driving Guidelines
......................
434
Preparing to Drive
......................
435
Starting the Engine
.....................
436
Check Starting System
Message
.............................
437
Automatic Transmission
.............
437
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
441
Using the Paddle Shifters in
the D position (D-PaddleShift Mode)
.....................
441
Using the Paddle Shifters in the S position (Sequential
Shift Mode)
.....................
443
Super Handling-All Wheel
Drive ™(SH-AWD
®)
System
................................
446
Parking
.......................................
448
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
...................................
449
Braking System
..........................
454
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............
455
Collision Mitigation Braking System ™(CMBS ™)
...............
457Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
.....................
467
Blind Spot Information System
(BSI)
.......................................
470
Active Damper System
................
478
Towing a Trailer
..........................
481
Trailer Stability Assist
.................
492
Off-Highway Driving
Guidelines
...............................
494
Driving
433
Driving
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Page 441 of 609

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 137.
The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air found at
altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.
Starting the Engine43610/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
Page 442 of 609

Check Starting System MessageIf there is a problem with the starting
system, you will see a‘‘CHECK
STARTING SYSTEM ’’message on
the multi-information display when
the ignition switch is turned to the
ON (II) position. You will also see
this message when the auto control
mode of the starting system has a
problem. If this message is on, the ignition
switch has to be held in the START
(III) position manually until the
engine starts. The ignition switch can
be held in that position up to 15
seconds.
Even though you may be able to start
the engine manually without the auto
control mode of the starting system,
have your dealer inspect your
vehicle.
Shift Lever Position Indicators
These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shift
lever is in.
The
‘‘D ’’indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
flashes while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission.
CONTINUED
Starting the Engine, Automatic Transmission
437
Driving
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