2012 Acura MDX belt

Message Indicator
This indicator comes on when there
is a system message on the multi-
information display. Press the INFO
button on the steering wheel (see
page 79) to see the message (see
page 87).
Most of the time, this indicator
comes on along with other indicators
in the instrument panel such as the
seat belt reminder indicator, SRS
indicator, VSA system indicator, etc.
Super Handling-All
Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for
a few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If this indicator comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the SH-AWD system. You will also
see a‘‘CHECK SH-AWD SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page 88). Take your
vehicle to a dealer to have it checked.
For more information, see page 452.If the indicator blinks while driving,
it indicates the differential
temperature is too high.
You will also see a‘‘SH-AWD DIFF
TEMP. HIGH’’message on the multi-
information display (see page 88).
Pull to the side of the road when it is
safe, shift to Park, and let the engine
idle until the indicator goes out.
Continuing to drive with the SH-AWD
indicator blinking may cause serious
damage to the system.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
73
Instruments and Controls

Active Head RestraintsThe driver's and front passenger's
seats have active head restraints. If
the vehicle is struck severely from
the rear, the occupant properly
secured with the seat belt will be
pushed against the seat-back and the
head restraint will automatically
move forward.This reduces the distance between
the restraint and the occupant's
head. It also helps protect the
occupants against the likelihood of
whiplash and injuries to the neck and
upper spine.
After a collision, the activated
restraint should return to its normal
position.
If the restraints do not return to their
normal position, or in the event of a
severe collision, have the vehicle
inspected by an Acura dealer.For a head restraint system to work
properly:
●
Do not hang any items on the head
restraints, or from the restraint
legs.
●
Do not place any object between
an occupant and the seat-back.
●
Install each restraint in its proper
location.
●
Only use genuine Acura
replacement head restraints.
Seats152

Adjusting the Second Row SeatsTo change the seat-back angle of the
seats in the second row, pull up on
the handle on the outside of the seat-
back, and push the seat-back.
Overall, the seat-back has six
different positions.Folding the Second Row Seats
The left and right halves can be
folded separately.
1. To unlatch the detachable anchor
before folding the seat-back, insert
the latch plate into the slot on the
side of the anchor buckle (see
page 155) and allow the seat belt to
retract. Store the detachable
anchor and seat belt latch plates in
the retractor housing.
2. Lower the head restraints to their
lowest positions.
3. Pull up the handle on the outside
of the seat-back.
4. Fold the seat-back forward.
Reverse this procedure to return the
seat to the upright position. Make
sure the seat is locked securely
before driving.Make sure that the folded seat-back
does not press against the front
passenger's seat, as this could cause
the weight sensors to work
improperly.
HANDLE
CONTINUED
Seats
153
Instruments and Controls

Third Row AccessTo get into the third row seats, pull
up the lever on the side of the
passenger's side second row seat-
back. The seat-back will tilt forward,
and then can be slid forward.
After you return the seat-back to the
upright position, push the whole seat
backwards until it latches. Make sure
the seat is fully latched before sitting
in it.Folding the Third Row Seat
1. Use the latch plate to release the
seat belt from the detachable
anchor (see page 155).
2. Lower the head restraints to their
lowest positions.
NOTE:To fold the third row seat, the
second row seat-back must be folded
down or in the full up right position.
3. Unlock the seat-back by pulling
the handle. Push the seat-back
forward.
Make sure the outer shoulder belts
are positioned on each hook on the
side panel whenever the third seat is
folded.
RELEASE LEVER
THIRD ROW SEAT
HANDLE
Seats154

Reverse this procedure to return the
seat to the upright position. Make
sure the seat is locked securely
before driving. Reconnect the seat
belts to the detachable anchors.
Make sure all items in the cargo area
are secured. Loose items can fly
forward and cause injury if you have
to brake hard (SeeCarrying Cargo
on page 433).Detachable Anchor
The seat belts in the second row
center seat and the third row seats
are equipped with detachable
anchors.
To unlatch the detachable anchor,
insert the latch plate into the slot on
the side of the anchor buckle. Store
the detachable anchor and seat belt
latch plates in the retractor housing.When the seats are returned to the
upright position, these detachable
anchors should be latched back
properly.
Using the seat belt with the
detachable anchor unlatched
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Before using the seat belt,
make sure the detachable
anchor is correctly latched.
LATCH PLATE
CONTINUED
Seats
155
Instruments and Controls

Pull out the small latch plate and the
latch plate from each holding slot in
the ceiling, and pull out the seat belt
to extend it.
Pull out the outer shoulder belts
from the hook. Both of the third-row
hooks should only be used when the
seat belt is detached.
Line up the triangle marks on the
small latch plate and anchor buckle
when reattaching the belt and
buckle.
Tug on the seat belt to verify that the
detachable anchor is securely
latched. Make sure the seat belt is
not twisted.
SECOND ROW CENTER SEAT
LATCH PLATE
SMALL LATCH PLATE
THIRD ROW SEATS
HOOK
SMALL LATCH PLATE
ANCHOR BUCKLETRIANGLE
MARKS
Seats156

Console CompartmentYour vehicle is equipped with a front
seat armrest pad that is also a
console compartment. To open the
console compartment fully, push
both buttons at the front of the
compartment.
The console compartment has a
removable tray. Pull the tray straight
up to remove it.Storage Compartment
The storage compartment with a
sliding lid is at the left-side foot of the
front passenger seat.
For the third row, a storage
compartment is located in the
passenger side armrest. To open the
compartment, push the button and
lift the lid.Glove Box
Open the glove box by pulling the
handle to the left. Close it with a firm
push. Lock or unlock the glove box
with the master key.
An open glove box can cause
serious injury to your passenger
in a crash, even if the
passenger is wearing the seat
belt.
Always keep the glove box
closed while driving.
BUTTONSLIDS
LID
Interior Convenience Items
175
Instruments and Controls

You should do the following checks
and adjustments before you drive
your vehicle.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
2. Check that the hood is fully
closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely.
5. Check the seat adjustment (see
page 149).6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors (see page
165).
7. Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page 134).
8. Make sure the doors and tailgate
are securely closed and locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 16).10. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-information
display (see pages 67, 78 and 87).
Preparing to Drive
441
Driving