2012 Acura MDX ignition

If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle's performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator off
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving.If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the malfunction
indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emissions controls and
engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.
You will also see a‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 87).
Readiness Code
Your vehicle has certain‘‘readiness
codes’’that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions systems. In
some states, part of the emissions testing
is to make sure these codes are set. If
they are not set, the test cannot be
completed.
If the battery in your vehicle has been
disconnected or gone dead, these codes
may be erased. It takes several days of
driving under various conditions to set
the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, without
starting the engine. The malfunction
indicator lamp will come on for 20
seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness
codes are set. If it blinks five times, the
readiness codes are not set. If possible,
do not take your vehicle for an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer toEmissions Testingfor more
information (see page 590).Malfunction Indicator Lamp
563
Taking Care of the Unexpected

U.S. Canada
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If
it does, check the brake fluid level
the next time you stop at a service
station (see page 525).
You will also see a‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system's dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
You will also see a‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 87).Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (seeEmergency
Towingon page 572).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
Brake System Indicator564

The secondary fuse box is on the
passenger's side.
To open it, push the tabs as shown.
If equippedThe sub fuse box is on the
passenger's side.
To open it, push the tabs as shown.Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
569, 570, and 571, or the diagram on
the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that device. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
the cause. Replace any blown fuses,
and check if the device works.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Make sure the
headlights and all other
accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse
box.
UNDER-HOOD (SECONDARY)
TAB
UNDER-HOOD (SUB)
TAB
Fuses566

PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
No. Amps. Circuits Protected
1 120 A Main fuse
－Not Used
2－1 30 A ADS
ᤳ2
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－－
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
ᤳ1
3－4 50 A Ignition Switch Main
ᤳ1: Canadian model
ᤳ2: If equippedNo. 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
ᤳ2
6 30 A EPT-R
ᤳ2
7 30 A FI ECU
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
ᤳ2
15 20 A A/C Inverter
CONTINUED
Fuse Locations
569
Taking Care of the Unexpected

Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The onboard refueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
filled with activated carbon. While
driving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include four systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, exhaust gas
recirculation, and three way catalytic
converter. These four systems work
together to control the engine's
combustion and minimize the
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport fuel injection. It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and fuel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine. It then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating
conditions.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
SystemThe exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system takes some of the exhaust
gas and routes it back into the intake
manifold. Adding exhaust gas to the
air/fuel mixture reduces the amount
of NOx produced when the fuel is
burned.
Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor.
Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more
information.
Emissions Controls588

A
Accessories and
Modifications
..........................
431
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)
.................................
139
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
177
AC Power Outlet
........................
178
Active Damper System
...............
484
Active Head Restraints
...............
152
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
402
Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)
.....................................
348
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
518
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....
134
Advanced Airbags
........................
31
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 27
Air Conditioning System
............
182
Rear A/C Control
....................
187
Air Outlets (Vents)
.....................
189
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
540, 541
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
422
Antifreeze
...................................
520Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator
............................
70, 462
Operation
................................
461
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
308
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock
.......................................
139
Audio System
......................
192, 212
Automatic Climate Control
.........
183
Automatic Lighting Off
Feature
...................................
131
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
23
Automatic Speed Control
...........
345
Automatic Transmission
............
443
Capacity, Fluid
........................
578
Checking Fluid Level
..............
523
Driving with the Paddle
Shifters
................................
447
Shifting
...................................
444
Shift Lever Position
Indicators
............................
443
Shift Lever Positions
...............
444
Shift Lock Release
...................
446
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
307B
Battery
Charging System
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Jump Starting
..........................
558
Maintenance
...........................
547
Specifications
..........................
579
Before Driving
...........................
421
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 21
Beverage Holders
......................
174
Blind Spot Information System
(BSI)
......................................
476
Bluetooth
®Audio
.......................
298
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models with navigation
system)
...............................
383
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models without navigation
system)
...............................
365
Booster Seats
...............................
58
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX

Octane Requirement
...............
422
Tank, Refueling
.......................
424
Gas Station Procedures
..............
424
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature
...
78
Fuel
..........................................
78
Speedometer
............................
78
Tachometer
..............................
78
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
...................................
488
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating)
...................................
488
Gearshift Lever Positions
Automatic
Transmission
...............
443, 444
Glove Box
..................................
175
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR)
.................................
488
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
.................................
488
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
...................................
488H
Halogen Headlight Bulbs
...........
527
Hazard Warning Flashers
..........
132
Headlights
.................................
128
Aiming
....................................
527
Automatic Lighting Off
............
131
Daytime Running Lights
.........
130
High Beam Indicator
................
74
High Beams, Turning on
.........
128
Lights On Indicator
..................
74
Low Beams, Turning on
..........
128
Reminder Chime
.....................
129
Replacing Halogen Bulbs
........
527
Turning on
..............................
128
Washers
..................................
127
Headphones
...............................
338
Head Restraints
..........................
150
Heated Mirror
............................
167
Heaters, Seats
............................
157
Heating and Cooling
..................
182
High Altitude, Starting at
............
442
High Beam Lever
................
128, 129
High-Low Beam Switch
..............
128HomeLink
®Universal
Transceiver
............................
363
Hood, Opening and Closing
the
..........................................
426
Horn
......................................
4, 125
I
Identification Number,
Vehicle
...................................
576
Ignition
Keys
........................................
136
Switch
.....................................
139
Timing Control System
...........
588
Immobilizer System
...................
138
Important Safety Precautions
.........
6
CONTINUED
Index
V
INDEX

Load Limit
...........................
434, 487
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....
139
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column
......
139
Childproof Door
......................
141
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
424
Glove Box
...............................
175
Lockout Prevention
.................
141
Tailgate
...........................
141, 142
Low Coolant Level
......................
427
Lower Anchors
.............................
50
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
77
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
...........................
69, 562
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
578
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
433
M
Maintenance
..............................
505
Main Items and Sub Items
......
511
Minder
....................................
507
Owner's Maintenance
Checks
................................
513
Safety
......................................
506Schedule
.................................
514
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
................................
69, 563
Memory, Driving Position
..........
168
Message Display
..........................
86
Message Indicator
.......................
73
Meters, Gauges
............................
78
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
422
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
166
Modifications
.............................
432
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
432
Moonroof
...................................
163
Multi-Information Display
............
79
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
445
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
422
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
576
O
Octane Requirement,
Gasoline
.................................
422Odometer
.....................................
81
Odometer, Trip
............................
81
Off-Highway Driving
Guidelines
..............................
500
Oil
Change, How to
......................
518
Change, When to
....................
507
Checking Engine
....................
427
Life, Engine
.............................
507
Pressure Indicator
.............
69, 562
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart
...................................
517
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
139
Outside Mirrors
.........................
166
Outside Temperature
...................
82
Overheating, Engine
..................
560
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
513
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
422
P
Panel Brightness Control
...........
133
Park Gear Position
.....................
444
Parking
......................................
454
Parking Brake
............................
164
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX