Page 429 of 609

Fuel Economy Factors
The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:●
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
●
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic
●
Cold engine operation (engines
are more efficient when warmed
up)
●
Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running
●
Improperly inflated tires
Improving Fuel EconomyVehicle MaintenanceA properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the multi-
information display (seeOwner's
Maintenance Checks on page 507).For example:
●
Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 511).
●
Maintain proper tire inflation
-
An underinflated tire increases
‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which reduces
fuel economy.
●
Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle -It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.
●
Keep your vehicle clean -In
particular, a build-up of snow or mud
on your vehicle's underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.
Drive Efficiently●
Drive moderately -Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
●
Observe the speed limit -
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
●
Always drive in the highest gear
possible -If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your fuel economy by up
shifting as early as possible.
●
Avoid excessive idling -Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
Fuel Economy42410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
Page 445 of 609

Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. If this occurs,
you may feel the engine cut in and
out. This is caused by a limiter in the
engine's computer controls. The
engine will run normally when you
reduce the rpm below the red zone.
Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer's red zone.
The engine may cut in and out in R
position or depending on the road
condition even when the engine
speed is lower than the tachometer's
red zone. This is the engine's
computer working to protect the
transmission.Shift Lock Release
This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release button
does not work.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
3. Put a cloth on the edge of the shiftlock release slot cover. Use a small
flat-tipped screwdriver or metal
fingernail file to carefully pry up
the edge of the cover and remove
it from the slot.
COVER
Automatic Transmission44010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
Page 529 of 609

Replacing Front Fog/Daytime
Running Light Bulbs
Your vehicle uses halogen light
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its plastic case, 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 bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the
glass can cause the bulb to overheat
and shatter.1. To change the bulb on the driver's side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn off the engine. To
change the bulb on the
passenger's side, turn the steering
wheel to the left.
2. Remove the bolt and use the flat-tip screwdriver to remove the
holding clips located under the
front bumper.
3. Use a flat-tip screwdriver toremove the holding clip from the
inner fender, and remove the
screw with a Phillips-head
screwdriver.
4. Pull the inner fender cover away from the fender and bumper.
BOLT
HOLDING
CLIP
HOLDING
CLIP
SCREW
Lights52410/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
Page 598 of 609

CoolantAdding
....................................
514
Checking
................................
422
Proper Solution
.......................
514
Temperature Gauge
.................
76
Crankcase Emissions Control System
...................................
580
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
73
Cruise Control Operation
...........
342
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
73
Cup Holders
...............................
172
Customize Settings
......................
89
D
DANGER, Explanation of
.............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3, 64
Daytime Running Lights
............
129
Dead Battery
..............................
552
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
131
Defrosting the Windows
............
184
Dimensions
................................
572
Dimming the Headlights
............
127
Dipstick Automatic Transmission
.........
517 Engine Oil
...............................
422
Directional Signals
...............
69, 127
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
455
Disc Care
...................................
244
Disc Changer
.............................
200
Disc Changer Error Messages
...............................
208
Disc Player
..........................
200, 232
Disc Player Error Messages......
243
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
513
Doors Childproof Door Locks
............
140
Indicator
...................................
12
Locking and Unlocking
...........
139
Lockout Prevention
.................
140
Power Door Locks
..................
139
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
574
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
433
Economy
.................................
423
Driving Guidelines
.....................
434
Driving Position Memory System
...................................
166
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
...................................
441 Dust and Pollen Filter
................
528
DVD Player
................................
310
DVD Player Error Messages
......
334
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
423
Emergencies on the Road
..........
543
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
552
Brake System Indicator
.....
67, 558
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
545
Charging System Indicator
........................
67, 556
Checking the Fuses
................
560
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
544
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
131
Jump Starting
..........................
552
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
........................
67, 556
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
67, 557
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
566
Overheated Engine
.................
554
Towing
....................................
566
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu