2012 Acura MDX towing

4. If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Look for any obvious coolant
leaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (seeEmergency
Towingon page 572).
6. If you do not find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
7. If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge, or lower,
before checking the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
8. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.9. Start the engine and set the
climate control to AUTO at‘‘Hi.’’
Add coolant to the radiator up to
the base of the filler neck. If you
do not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have the
cooling system drained and refilled
with the proper mixture as soon as
you can.
10. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeEmergency
Towingon page 572).
11. If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has gone
down, add coolant to the MAX
mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
If the Engine Overheats
561
Taking Care of the Unexpected

Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see a‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle stopped.1. Safely pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page 427). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 517).
4. Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(seeEmergency Towingon page
572).Charging System Indicator
If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
You will also see a‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’message on
the multi-information display (see
page 87).
Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator562

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

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 Towing572

If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service to
pull it out (see the previous page).
For very short distances, such as
freeing the vehicle, you can use the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on the anchors in the front and rear
bumpers.
1. Remove the cover, put cloth on the
edge of the cover to prevent
scratches and carefully pry with a
small flat-tip screwdriver or a metal
fingernail file.
The cover is attached to the bumper
with a tether.
Front COVER
Rear
COVER
CONTINUED
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
573
Taking Care of the Unexpected

2. Remove the towing hook and
wheel nut wrench located behind
the cargo area cover on the
driver's side.
3. Screw the towing hook into the
hole, and tighten it with the wheel
nut wrench.
To avoid damage to your vehicle, use
the towing hook for straight, flat
ground towing only. Do not tow at an
angle. The tow hook should not be used
to tow the vehicle onto a flat bed. Do
not use it as a tie down.
TOWING HOOK and
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
TOWING HOOK
Front
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck574

Coolant
Adding
....................................
520
Checking
................................
427
Proper Solution
.......................
520
Temperature Gauge
.................
78
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
...................................
587
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
75
Cruise Control Operation
...........
345
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
75
Cup Holders
...............................
174
Customize Settings
......................
90
D
DANGER, Explanation of
..............
iv
Dashboard
...............................
3, 66
Daytime Running Lights
............
130
Dead Battery
..............................
558
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
132
Defrosting the Windows
............
186
Dimensions
................................
578
Dimming the Headlights
............
128
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission
.........
523Engine Oil
...............................
427
Directional Signals
...............
71, 128
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
461
Disc Care
...................................
247
Disc Changer
.............................
203
Disc Changer Error
Messages
...............................
211
Disc Player
..........................
203, 235
Disc Player Error Messages......
246
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
519
Doors
Childproof Door Locks
............
141
Indicator
...................................
12
Locking and Unlocking
...........
140
Lockout Prevention
.................
141
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles)
................................
581
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
439
Economy
.................................
428
Driving Guidelines
.....................
440
Driving Position Memory
System
...................................
168
Driving with the Paddle
Shifters
...................................
447
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
534DVD Player
................................
313
DVD Player Error Messages
......
337
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
428
Emergencies on the Road
..........
549
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
558
Brake System Indicator
.....
69, 564
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
551
Charging System
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Checking the Fuses
................
566
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
551
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
132
Jump Starting
..........................
558
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
69, 563
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
572
Overheated Engine
.................
560
Towing
....................................
572
Emergency Brake
......................
164
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX

Emergency Flashers
..................
132
Emergency Towing
....................
572
Emissions Controls
....................
587
Emissions Testing
......................
590
Engine
Adding Engine Coolant
...........
520
Check Starting System
............
443
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
78
If it Won't Start
........................
557
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
69, 563
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
507
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
69, 562
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
517
Overheating
............................
560
Specifications
..........................
579
Speed Limiter
..........................
446
Starting
...................................
442
Engine Coolant
..........................
520
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
422
Evaporative Emissions
Controls
..................................
587
Exhaust Fumes
............................
61
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System
...................................
588Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
19
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
185
Features
.....................................
181
Filters
Dust and Pollen
.......................
534
Oil
...........................................
518
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
132
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
551
Floor Mats
.................................
535
Fluids
Automatic Transmission
.........
523
Brake
......................................
525
Location
..................................
515
Power Steering
........................
526
Windshield Washer
.................
522
FM Stereo Radio
Reception
................................
303
Fog Lights
..................................
130
Folding the Second Seat
.............
153
Folding the Third Seat
...............
154
Four-way Flashers
......................
132Front Airbags
.........................
10, 30
Front Seat
..................................
149
Adjusting
.................................
149
Air Ventilation
.........................
158
Heaters
...................................
157
Fuel
............................................
422
Economy
.................................
428
Fill Door and Cap
....................
424
Gauge
......................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
77
Octane Requirement
...............
422
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
572
Reserve Indicator
.....................
77
Tank, Filling the
......................
424
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
425
Fuel Economy
............................
428
Fuses, Checking the
..................
566
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
429
Gasoline
.....................................
422
Gauge
......................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
77
IndexIV