2013 Acura ZDX transmission

Visual Index
4Quick Reference Guide
❙Driving Position Memory System Buttons
(P140)
❙Parking Brake
(P212)
❙Hood Release Handle
(P236)
❙Power Door Lock Master Switch (Unlocking Fuel Fill Door)
(P113)
❙Driver Side Interior Fuse Box
(P296)
❙Door Mirror Controls
(P143)
❙Power Window Switches
(P125)
❙Passenger’s Front Airbag (P37)❙Rearview Mirror
(P142)
❙Panoramic Glass Roof/
Sunshade Switch
(P128)
❙Map Lights (Front)
(P153)
❙HomeLink® Button
(P169)
❙Driver’s Front Airbag
(P37)
❙Glove Box
(P154)
❙Shift Lever Automatic
Transmission
(P188)
❙Passenger Side Interior Fuse
Box
(P296)

12Quick Reference Guide
Driving
(P171)
Release Button
Shift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press
the release button to move out of
(P.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button. Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
Automatic Transmission
(P188)
●Shift to
(P and depress the brake pedal when starting
the engine.
●Shifting
ParkTurn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.Reverse
NeutralTransmission is not locked.DriveNormal driving. D-paddle shift mode can be used.S PositionSequential shift mode can be used.
Paddle Shifters
(P191)
•Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual transmission
(1st through 6th). This is useful for engine braking.•D-paddle shift mode: The transmission will shift back to automatic mode
once the system detects that the vehicle is cruising.•Sequential shift mode: Holds the selected gear, and the M indicator
comes on.
M Indicator
Shift Down
(-
Paddle ShifterShift Up
(+
Paddle Shifter
Selected Gear Number

68
uuIndicatorsu
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Shift Position
Indicator
●Indicates in which position your shift
lever is.
2Shifting P. 189
—
Transmission
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON, then
goes off.●Blinks if the transmission system has
a problem.
●Blinks while driving - Avoid sudden
starts and acceleration and have the
vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
M (sequential
shift mode)
Indicator/Gear
Position Indicator
●Comes on when the manual
sequential shift mode is applied.●Blinks if the transmission system has
a problem.
2Sequential Shift Mode P. 191
—

171
DrivingThis chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 172
Maximum Load Limit........................ 175
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 177
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 180
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 181
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
General Information ......................... 182
Important Safety Precautions............ 182
Avoiding Trouble ............................. 183When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 185
Precautions While Driving ................ 187
Automatic Transmission ................... 188
Shifting ............................................ 189
Cruise Control ................................. 193
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) .... 196
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) ....... 199
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 202
SH-AWD® (Super Handling-All Wheel
Drive
TM) .......................................... 204BSI (Blind Spot Information) ............. 205
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) .. 208Braking
Brake System ................................... 212
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 214
Brake Assist System ......................... 215
Parking Your Vehicle........................ 216
Refueling........................................... 221
Fuel Economy.................................... 224
Accessories and Modifications........ 225

181
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
•Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the air
conditioning and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
•Shift to the
(S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.2Emergency Towing P. 301■Driving in Hilly Terrain
1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If you use the paddle shifters when driving uphill and
downhill, select 2nd or 3rd gear, depending on the
vehicle speed and road conditions. Do not use 4th,
5th and 6th gears.

uuOff-Highway Driving GuidelinesuAvoiding Trouble
184Driving
•Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water
in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.
•If You Get Stuck, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you
unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.
2Emergency Towing P. 301
1Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
Spinning the tires can also damage the SH-AWD
system.

187
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingUtility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
•Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle■In Rain■Other Precautions
1Precautions While DrivingNOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE
OFF (LOCK) while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
1Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result
in a crash or a roll over.
2Important Handling Information P. 24
2Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 182

188
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic TransmissionThe engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.■Creeping■Kickdown