2013 Acura MDX manual transmission

Contents
A convenient reference to the
sections in this manual.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
A quick reference to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important information about the
proper use and care of your vehicle's
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable information on how to
protect children with child restraints.
Instruments and Controls
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and
gauge, and how to use the controls
on the dashboard and steering
column.
Features
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, rear
entertainment system, and other
convenience features.Before Driving
What gasoline to use, how to break-
in your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
Driving
The proper way to start the engine,
shift the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you're
planning to tow a trailer.
Maintenance
The Maintenance Minder™shows
you when you need to take your
vehicle to the dealer for maintenance
service. There is also a list of things
to check and instructions on how to
check them.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience, and
details how to handle them.Technical Information
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual for detailed
information.
Index
Service Information Summary
A summary of the information you
need when you pull up to the fuel
pump.Overview of Contents212/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

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 tiresImproving 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 Checkson page 513).For example:
●Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 517).●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).
CONTINUED
Fuel Economy
429
Before Driving
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Check Starting System MessageIf there is a problem with the starting
system, you will see a‘‘CHECK
STARTING SYSTEM’’message on
the multi-information display when
the ignition switch is turned to the
ON (II) position. You will also see
this message when the auto control
mode of the starting system has a
problem.If this message is on, the ignition
switch has to be held in the START
(III) position manually until the
engine starts. The ignition switch can
be held in that position up to 15
seconds.
Even though you may be able to start
the engine manually without the auto
control mode of the starting system,
have your dealer inspect your
vehicle.Shift Lever Position Indicators
These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shift
lever is in.
The‘‘D’’indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. If it
flashes while driving (in any shift
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission.
CONTINUED
Starting the Engine, Automatic Transmission
443
Driving
12/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

4. Insert a key into the shift lock
release slot.
5. Push down on the key while you
press the release button on the
front of the shift lever and move
the shift lever out of Park to
neutral.6. Remove the key from the shift lock
release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the driver's side. Press
the brake pedal, and restart the
engine.
If you need to use the shift lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer.Using the Paddle Shifters in the D
position (D-Paddle Shift Mode)
When you are driving in the D
position, pulling either paddle shifter
switches from D-normal drive mode,
to D-paddle shift mode. You can shift
the transmission up or down
manually with the paddle shifters.
Downshifting gives you more power
when climbing, and provides engine
braking when going down a steep
hill.RELEASE
BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
PADDLE SHIFTERS
CONTINUED
Automatic Transmission, Driving with the Paddle Shifters
447
Driving
12/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

●You press one of the two paddle
shifters while another paddle
shifter is being pressed.●You are trying to downshift from
second to first with the accelerator
pedal off. This will only work when
the accelerator pedal is applied
deeply.
The transmission downshifts to first
gear and returns to drive mode (D)
when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop and the vehicle speed
is about 6 mph (9 km/h).
If there is a problem in the
transmission while you are driving
with the paddle shifters, the D
indicator flashes, the D-paddle shift
mode is canceled, and the
transmission returns to drive mode
(D).Using the Paddle Shifters in the S
position (Sequential Shift Mode)
With the shift lever in the S position,
you can select the sequential shift
mode to shift gears; much like a
manual transmission using the
paddle shifters, but without a clutch
pedal.
To enter the sequential shift mode,
press the release button on the front
of the shift lever, move the lever to
the S position, then pull either paddle
shifter. To cancel the sequential shift
mode and return to the ordinary
automatic transmission, move the
shift lever from S position. When
moving the shift lever, be careful not
to operate incorrectly. While you are
driving in the sequential shift mode,
the transmission will not
automatically return to ordinary
automatic transmission.
When you move the shift lever from
‘‘D’’to‘‘S’’position and pull either
paddle shifter, the gear position
indicator displays the selected gear
number.
Shifting between first and second
gears may occur automatically.
Downshifting from second to first
with the accelerator pedal off is not
allowed.
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
CONTINUED
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
449
Driving
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To upshift, pull the＋(right) paddle
shifter. To downshift, pull the－
(left) paddle shifter.
When you accelerate from a stop, the
transmission starts in first gear, and
shifts from first to second
automatically. You must manually
upshift between second and sixth
gears. Make sure you upshift before
the engine speed reaches the
tachometer's red zone.
The transmission remains in the
selected gear (6, 5, 4, 3, or 2). There
is no automatic downshift when you
push the accelerator pedal to the
floor.
When you are driving, the
transmission downshifts to the lower
gear under the following conditions:●The vehicle slows down to a
certain speed.●You press the brake pedal.Downshifting with the paddle shifter
allows you to increase the engine
braking when going down steep or
long hills, and provides more power
when climbing uphills. You can
upshift the transmission manually to
reduce the rpm.
The transmission also shifts
automatically as the vehicle comes to
a complete stop. It downshifts to first
gear when the vehicle speed reaches
6 mph (9 km/h) or less.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
●You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear
position indicator will flash the
number of the lower gear several
times, then return to a higher gear.
●You cannot upshift with the paddle
shifter before the engine speed
reaches the lowest threshold of the
higher gear.●You try to shift to third or a higher
gear when the vehicle is
stationary.●You press both paddle shifters at
the same time.●You press one of the two paddle
shifters while another paddle
shifter is being pressed.●The vehicle detects that you are
driving uphill or downhill.
Driving with the Paddle Shifters45012/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page 597 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are‘‘certified’’to EPA
standards.Maintenance Safety
.....................
506
Maintenance Minder
TM
...............
507
Fluid Locations
...........................
515
Engine Compartment Cover
........
516
Adding Engine Oil
......................
517
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
.......................................
518
Engine Coolant
...........................
520
Windshield Washers
...................
522
Automatic Transmission Fluid
....
523
Brake Fluid
.................................
525
Power Steering Fluid
..................
526
Timing Belt
.................................
526
Lights
..........................................
527
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
534
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
534
Floor Mats
..................................
535
Wiper Blades
..............................
536
Tires
...........................................
540
Checking the Battery
..................
547
Vehicle Storage
...........................
548
Maintenance
505
Maintenance
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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
Emergency Flashers
..................
132
Emergency Towing
....................
572
Emissions Controls
....................
587
Emissions Testing
......................
590
Engine
Adding Engine Coolant
...........
520
Check Starting System
............
443Coolant 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
...................................
588
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
19
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
185
Features
.....................................
181Filters
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
......................
132
Front Airbags
.........................
10, 30
Front Seat
..................................
149
Adjusting
.................................
149
Air Ventilation
.........................
158
Heaters
...................................
157
Fuel
............................................
422
Economy
.................................
428
Fill Door and Cap
....................
424
IndexIV12/07/17 18:10:57 13 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX660 enu