2014 Acura MDX Suspension

44
uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)
Safe Driving
■When front airbags should not deploy
Minor frontal crashes: Front airbags were designed to supplement seat belts and
help save lives, not to prevent minor scrapes, or even broken bones that might occur
during a less than moderate-to-severe frontal crash.
Side impacts: Front airbags can provide protection when a sudden deceleration
causes a driver or front passenger to move toward the front of the vehicle. Side
airbags and side curtain airbags have been specifically designed to help reduce the
severity of injuries that can occur during a moderate-to-severe side impact which
can cause the driver or passenger to move toward the side of the vehicle.
Rear impacts: Head restraints and seat belts are your best protection during a rear
impact. Front airbags cannot provide any significant protection and are not designed
to deploy in such collisions.
Rollovers: Seat belts, and in vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor, side airbags,
and side curtain airbags offer the best protection in a rollover. Because front airbags
could provide little if any protection, they are not designed to deploy during a
rollover.■When front airbags deploy with little or no visible damage
Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.■When front airbags may not deploy, even though exterior damage
appears severe
Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they
had deployed.

47
uuAirbagsuDriver’s Knee Airbag
Safe Driving
■When driver’s knee airbag deploys with little or no visible damage
Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.■When driver’s knee airbag may not deploy, even though exterior damage
appears severe
Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they
had deployed.

321
uuOff-Highway Driving GuidelinesuAvoiding Trouble
Driving
Avoiding Trouble•Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all
scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
•Remember the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have
limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in
a hazardous situation.
•Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start
or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.
•Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover
or damage to your suspension or other components.
•Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to
drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it.
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around.
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.
•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.

349
uuWhen DrivinguForward Collision Warning (FCW)
*
Driving
FCW may not activate or may not detect a vehicle in front of your vehicle, and may
activate even when you are aware of a vehicle ahead of you, or when there is no
vehicle ahead, under the following conditions.■FCW Limitations
Condition
●The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you is too short.●A vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed, and it brakes suddenly.●A vehicle suddenly crosses in front of you.●When either your vehicle or the vehicle ahead of you accelerates rapidly.●The vehicle ahead of you is a motorcycle, a small vehicle, or a unique vehicle such as a tractor.●When you drive off-road or on a mountain road, or curved and winding road for an extended period that makes it difficult for the sensor/camera to
properly detect a vehicle in front of you.●When there are pedestrians or animals in front of your vehicle.●When you drive in bad weather (rain, fog, etc.).●A heavy load in the rear or modifications to the suspension tilts your vehicle.●An abnormal tire condition is detected (wrong tire size, flat tire, etc.).●When the windshield is blocked by dirt, mud, leaves, wet snow, etc.●When the temperature inside the system is high.●A sudden change between light and dark such as an entrance or exit of a tunnel.●You drive into the sunlight (e.g. at dawn or dusk).●When the windshield is dirty or cloudy.●When streetlights are perceived as the taillight of a vehicle in front of yours.●When driving at night, the vehicle ahead of you is running with either taillight bulb burned out.●When you drive in the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.●When your vehicle is towing a trailer.

352
uuWhen DrivinguLane Departure Warning (LDW)
*
Driving
LDW may not activate or may not recognize lanes, and may activate even when
keeping in the middle of a lane, under the following conditions.■LDW Limitations
Condition
●When you drive in bad weather (rain, fog, etc.).●A heavy load in the rear or modifications to the suspension tilts your vehicle.●An abnormal tire condition is detected (wrong tire size, flat tire, etc.).●When the windshield is blocked by dirt, mud, leaves, wet snow, etc.●When the temperature inside the system is high.●A sudden change between light and dark such as an entrance or exit of a tunnel.●You drive into the sunlight (e.g. at dawn or dusk).●When the windshield is dirty or cloudy.●When you drive in the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.●When your vehicle is towing a trailer.●When you drive on a wet road surface following another vehicle.uThe camera may perceive the tire tracks in the water as lane lines.
●When there is snow or wheel tracks on the side of the road.●When the road has many repaired area or an erased lane line.●When the vehicle is running over painted signs or crosswalk markings.●When you drive in a lane with worn-out lane markings.

353
uuWhen DrivinguLane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
*
Continued
Driving
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
*
Provides steering input to help keep the vehicle in the middle of a detected lane and
provides audible and visual alerts if the vehicle is detected drifting out of its lane.
1Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
*
Important Safety Reminders
The LKAS is for your convenience only. It is not a
substitute for your vehicle control. The system does
not work if you take your hands off the steering
wheel or fail to steer the vehicle.
2Multi-Information Display (MID) Warning
and Information Messages P. 96
Do not place an object on the top of the instrument
panel. It may reflect onto the windshield and prevent
the system from detecting lane lines properly.
The LKAS is convenient when it is used on freeways.
The LKAS may not work properly under the following
conditions:•Your tires are over or under inflated.•Your tires or wheels are of varied size or
construction.•Your vehicle’s suspension has been altered,
changing the height of the vehicle.•Your vehicle has heavy load in the trunk or on the
rear seats.•A compact spare tire
* is mounted.
•Driving on snowy or wet roads.•Roadway lane markers are difficult to see due to
weather (rain, snow, fog, etc.) or road conditions.•Driving on a road with temporary lane markings.•Multiple or varied lane markings are visible on the
pavement due to road repairs or old lane markings.•Roadway objects or structures are misinterpreted
as lane markers.•On non-freeway roadways and on freeways with
many curves.
■Steering input assist
The system applies torque to the
steering to keep the vehicle between
the left and right lane lines. The
applied torque becomes stronger as the
vehicle gets closer to either of the lane
lines.
■Audible and visual alerts
Beeps and a warning display alert
you that the vehicle is drifting out of
a detected lane.
When you operate the turn signals to change lanes, the system is suspended, and
resumes after the signals are off.
If you make a lane change without operating the turn signals, the LKAS alerts
activate, and torque is applied to the steering.
■LKAS camera
Monitors the lane
lines
* Not available on all models

uuBrakinguCollision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
376Driving
The CMBS
TM may activate even when you are aware of a vehicle ahead of you, or
when there is no vehicle ahead. Some examples of this are:
■When Passing
Your vehicle approaches another vehicle ahead of you and you change lanes to pass.■At an intersection
Your vehicle approaches or passes another vehicle that is making a left or right turn.■Through a low bridge at high speed
You drive under a low or narrow bridge at high speed.■Speed bumps, road work sites, train tracks, roadside objects, etc.
You drive over speed bumps, steel road plates, etc., or your vehicle approaches train
tracks or roadside objects [such as a traffic sign and guard rail] on a curve.■With Little Chance of a Collision
1Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
Avoid the following conditions that may cause the
radar aim to be temporarily out of range and prevent
the CMBS
TM from working properly.
•A heavy load in the rear or modifications to the
suspension tilts your vehicle.•The tire pressures are not correct, the tire sizes are
incorrect, the tire types are different, and/or the
tires are not in good condition.
For the CMBS
TM to work properly:
•Always keep the radar sensor cover clean.•Never use chemical solvents or polishing powder
for cleaning the sensor cover. Clean it with water
or a mild detergent.
Do not put a sticker on the emblem or replace the
emblem.
Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the radar
sensor to be repaired, or removed, or the radar
sensor cover is strongly impacted.
* Not available on all models

393
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items Main
Item
*1: If the message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under
-20°F, -29°C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
*
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6
●Replace rear differential fluid
*
* Not available on all models