2012 Acura MDX immobilizer

This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your vehicle. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.Control Locations
..........................
66
Instrument Panel
..........................
67
Instrument Panel Indicators
..........
68
Gauges
..........................................
78
Multi-Information Display
.............
79
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel
.....................................
125
Windshield Wipers and
Washers
..............................
126
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer
...............................
127
Turn Signal and Headlights
........
128
Hazard Warning Button
..............
132
Rear Window Defogger
...............
132
Instrument Panel Brightness
......
133
Steering Wheel Adjustments
.......
134
Keys and Locks
...........................
136
Immobilizer System
....................
138
Ignition Switch
............................
139
Door Locks
.................................
140
Childproof Door Locks
............
141
Tailgate
.......................................
141
Power Tailgate
........................
142
Remote Transmitter
....................
145Seats
...........................................
149
Detachable Anchor
.................
155
Seat Heaters
................................
157
Seat Heaters and Seat
Ventilation
...............................
158
Power Windows
..........................
160
Moonroof
....................................
163
Parking Brake
.............................
164
Mirrors
.......................................
165
Driving Position Memory
System
....................................
168
Interior Lights
.............................
170
Interior Convenience Items
.........
173
Beverage Holders
...................
174
Console Compartment
............
175
Storage Compartment
.............
175
Glove Box
...............................
175
Sunglasses Holder
..................
176
Sun Visor
................................
176
Vanity Mirror
..........................
177
Accessory Power Sockets
.......
177
AC Power Outlet
.....................
178
Instruments and Controls
65
Instruments and Controls

ᤳ: If equipped
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
MESSAGE INDICATOR (P. 73)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P. 74)
SH-AWD INDICATOR (P. 73)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 70)
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR (P. 74) DOOR/TAILGATE OPEN
INDICATOR (P. 76)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 74)
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 69)
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 71)
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 77)
ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 77) PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 69)LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P. 77) SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P. 68) COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING
SYSTEM™(CMBS™) INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 75)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 36, 70)
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 75)/
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 75) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (P. 69)
VSA OFF INDICATOR
(P. 71)
A/T TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR (P. 72)
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 76) CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATORᤳ(P. 75) MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (P. 79)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR (P. 72)
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR (P. 69)LIGHT ON INDICATOR (P. 74)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P. 70)
Instrument Panel
67
Instruments and Controls

Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go off if
you have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine's fuel system will be
disabled (see page 138).
Lights On Indicator
This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or
position. This indicator will
also come on when the light switch is
in AUTO and the lights turn on
automatically. If you turn the ignition
switch to the ACCESSORY (I) or the
LOCK (0) position without turning
off the light switch, this indicator will
remain on. A reminder chime will
also sound when you open the
driver's door.
Fog Light Indicator
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the fog lights. For more
information, see page 130.High Beam Indicator
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
information, see page 128.
Instrument Panel Indicators74

The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle. The valet key works
only in the ignition and the driver's
door lock. You can keep the glove
box locked when you leave your
vehicle and the valet key at a parking
facility.You should have received a key
number tag with your keys. You will
need this key number if you ever
have to get a lost key replaced. Use
only Acura-approved key blanks.These keys contain electronic
circuits that are activated by the
immobilizer system. They will not
work to start the engine if the circuits
are damaged.
●
Protect the keys from direct
sunlight, high temperature, and
high humidity.
●
Do not drop the keys or set heavy
objects on them.
●
Keep the keys away from liquids.
If they get wet, dry them
immediately with a soft cloth.
The valet key does not contain a
battery. Do not try to take it apart.
KEY
NUMBER
TAGMASTER KEY
WITH REMOTE
TRANSMITTERVALET KEY
(Light Gray)Keys and Locks136

Retractable Master KeyThe master key can be retracted into
the remote transmitter. To use the
key, push the release button to
release the key from the transmitter.
The key should be fully extended. To
retract the key, push the release
button and at the same time push the
key into the remote transmitter until
it is securely latched.Always use the fully-extended key
when you insert it to the ignition
switch. If the key does not fully
extend, the immobilizer system may
not operate properly and may
prevent the engine from starting.The key may come in contact with
your finger while being retracted or
extended. Make sure your fingers do
not touch the pivot of the key when
retracting or extending the key.
RELEASE BUTTON
Push
Keys and Locks
137
Instruments and Controls

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.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, the immobilizer
system indicator should come on
briefly, then go off. If the indicator
starts to blink, it means the system
does not recognize the coding of the
key. Turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position, remove the key,
reinsert it, and turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position again.
The system may not recognize your
key's coding if another immobilizer
key or other metal object (i.e. key
chain) is near the ignition switch
when you insert the key.If the system repeatedly does not
recognize the coding of your key,
contact your dealer.
Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it. Electrical
problems could result that may make
your vehicle inoperable.
If you have lost your key and you
cannot start the engine, contact your
dealer.
Always take the ignition key with you
whenever you leave the vehicle alone.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Immobilizer System138

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 138.
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 Engine442

Diagnosing why the engine won't
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:●
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine's starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
●
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.Check these things:
●
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate.
●
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Startingon page 558.
●
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. See
Emergency Towingon page 572.If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal
connections (see page 547). You
can then try jump starting the
vehicle from a booster battery (see
page 558).
The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's speed
sounds normal, or even faster than
normal, when you turn the ignition
switch to the START (III) position,
but the engine does not run.
●
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page 74).
CONTINUED
If the Engine Won't Start
557
Taking Care of the Unexpected