2015 Acura MDX brake

DISCLoSUreS
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention ActThe airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR-type batteries in this vehicle may contain
perchlorate materials — special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/
hazardouswaste/perchlorate/ for more information.
Devices That emit radio Waves
The following products and systems on your vehicle emit radio waves when in operation:
•  AcuraLink®
•  Audio system
•  Blind Spot Information (BSI) system
•  Bluetooth® Audio
•  Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
•  Collision Mitigation Braking
System
TM (CMBSTM) • 
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
•  Immobilizer system
•  Remote transmitter
•  Keyless Access System
•  Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Each of the above complies with the appropriate requirements or the required standards
of FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and Industry Canada, described below:
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.
As required by Industry  Canada:
This  device complies  with Industry Canada Standard RSS-Gen/210/310.  Operation is subject 
to  the following  two conditions:  (1) this  device may not cause interference,  and (2)  this 
device must  accept any interference,  including interference  that may cause undesired 
operation  of the  device.  
event Data r ecorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (eDr). The main purpose of
an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The eDr is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The eDr in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
•  How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•  Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
•  How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
•  How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes
and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash
situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and
no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However,
other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle
or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties such as law
enforcement that have the special equipment can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.
The data belong to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as
legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.
Service Diagnostic r ecorders
This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about
powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/
or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with
data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.

2 || 3
SAFeTy
vISUAL INDex
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display
2 On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD)
p. 53
3 Hazard warning button
4 Climate control buttons p. 46
5 Moonroof switch p. 33
Map lights p. 35
HomeLink® buttons p. 45
AcuraLink® buttons* p. 73
6 Power window switches p. 32
Door lock switches p. 31
Door mirror controls p. 41
Power folding mirror button* p. 41
7 Power tailgate button* p. 30
Fuel fill door handle p. 107
8 Hood release handle p. 124
9 Driving Position Memory System
buttons p. 42
10 Integrated Dynamics System
(IDS) button p. 94
11 Parking brake p. 95
12 Audio/phone/navigation/Surround
View Camera* buttons p. 50, 65,
75, 105
13 Rear entertainment system* p. 62
14 USB port p. 51
Auxiliary input jack p. 51
Accessory power socket p. 51
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5
67
9
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Your safety—and the safety of others—is very important, and operating this vehicle safely
is an important responsibility. While we strive to help you make informed decisions about
safety, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with
operating or maintaining your vehicle. Therefore, you must use your own good judgment.
Important Safety Information
This guide explains many of your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them. Please read
this information carefully. Following the instructions below will also help to keep you and
your passengers safe.
Important Safety Precautions
•  Always wear your seat belt.
•  Secure all children in the proper restraint system.
•  Be aware of airbag hazards.
•  Don’t drink and drive.
•  Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely.
•  Control your speed.
•  Keep your vehicle in safe condition.
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying close
attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember,
situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert some
attention away from driving.
Important Handling Information Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only
on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving.
It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off
the ground, it has a higher center of gravity, making it more susceptible to tripping or
rollover if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your
passengers always wear seat belts.
SAFeTy INFormATIoN
13
*if equipped
14

22 || 23
INSTrUmeNT P
ANeL
SAFeTy
r eporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that
a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-
4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov;  or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other
information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov .
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc., and you may also inform
Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall and remedy
campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may call
1-800-333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or about motor vehicle
safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety . Learn about the indicators and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Indicators briefly appear with each engine start and then go out. Red and amber indicators
are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general information.
malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or at any
other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake fluid is low.
•  There is a malfunction in the brake system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check the brake
fluid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary,
downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking. Have your
vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page 125), and add oil if necessary. If the indicator does not turn off,
have your vehicle repaired immediately.
malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
•  The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is loose or
missing.
•  (Blinks) A misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place, and
wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
Ca nada
U.S.
INSTrUmeNT P
ANeL

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INSTrUmeNT P
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INSTrUmeNT P ANeL
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has normal
braking ability, but no anti-lock function.
Supplemental restraint System (SrS)
There is a problem with one of the airbag systems or seat belt tensioners.
electric Power Steering (ePS)
There is a problem with the electric power steering system. Stop in a safe place and
restart the engine.
Tire Pressure monitoring System (TPmS)
(Blinks and stays on) There is a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system,
or a spare tire* is installed.
Keyless Access system
There is a problem with the keyless access system.
v ehicle Stability Assist (vSA®) system
•  There is a problem with the VSA system or the hill start assist system.
•  (Blinks) VSA is active.
Brake system
There is a problem with one of the braking systems. Avoid high speeds and sudden
braking. Your vehicle still has normal braking ability.
Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)*
•  There is a problem with the SH-AWD system.
•  (Blinks) The differential temperature is too high. Stop in a safe place, shift to Park,
and idle until the indicator goes off.
Collision mitigation Braking System
Tm (CmBSTm)*
There is a problem with the CMBS system.
Blind Spot Information (BSI) system*
There is a problem with the BSI system or the sensor is blocked.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow*
There is a problem with the ACC system.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
There is a problem with the LKAS.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system*
There is a problem with the FCW system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera is blocked.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system*
There is a problem with the LDW system, the temperature is too high, or the
camera is blocked.
Ca nada
U.S.
SYSTEM
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action.
Parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive with it not
fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indicator blinks
and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has not fastened your
seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remains on after seat belts are
fastened, see your dealer.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem with the fuel
gauge. See your dealer.
Low tire pressure
Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate tire(s) if necessary.
System message
When a condition or malfunction indicator comes on, a message also appears on
the multi-information display. Check the display for more information.
Immobilizer
Your remote transmitter cannot be recognized by the vehicle. If the indicator blinks,
you may not be able to start the engine. Turn the vehicle off, and then on again. If it
continues to blink, there may be a problem with the system. See your dealer.
Canada
U.S.
*if equipped

84 || 85
DrIvING
DrIvING
Driving Guidelines for y our Utility v ehicle
Utility 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 raises its center of gravity.
•  Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).
In addition:
•  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.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause crash or
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WArNING
Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories
and modifications.
WArNING
maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,173 lbs (532 kg). See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label Example
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories, and
the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the steps for determining the
correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX
lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)\
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual on the Owner Information CD or
at owners.acura.com to determine how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo, and
trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s
doorjamb.

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DrIvING
DrIvING
Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:
•  Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
•  The vehicle and trailer have been properly serviced and are in good condition. Lights
and brakes work properly, and the tires are properly inflated.
•  All weights and loads are within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
•  When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with an octane rating of
91 or higher is recommended.
•  Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale (see page 89). If a public scale is
not available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the weight of the trailer
(as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
•  The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments are secure.
•  All items in or on the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you drive.
Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to
drive.
WArNING
remote engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine using the two-way remote transmitter before you enter the
vehicle.
Green indicator:
Confirms doors are
locked or engine is
running.Amber indicator:
Remote is
communicating with
vehicle.
red indicator:
Remote is out of
range or cannot
communicate with
the vehicle, or engine
is stopped.eNGINe button: After
pressing the LOCK
button, press and hold
to start the engine.
L oCK button
Operating range:  
approximately  328 feet (100  m)
Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location when using remote engine start (i.e., a well
ventilated area, away from any flammable materials).
Starting the engine
Press LOCK, then press and hold ENGINE.
The engine runs for up to 10 minutes. To extend the run time for another
10 minutes, repeat the procedure during the initial 10 minutes.
While the engine is running, the climate control system adjusts the cabin temperature, the
security system remains on, and lights and accessories remain off.
Stopping the engine
Press and hold ENGINE.
The engine will also stop if it has been running for more than 10 minutes, or if any door is
opened without using the remote or keyless access.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can rapidly accumulate in closed or even
partly enclosed areas. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Never use the remote engine starter with the vehicle in a garage or other areas
with limited ventilation.
WArNING
*if equipped

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DrIvING
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Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the engine
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P) and the parking
brake is released, then depress the brake pedal. Keep your
foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner
air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 m). When
starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all electrical
accessories such as the lights, climate control system, and
rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Changing the Power mode Accessory or on mode: Press ENGINE START/STOP once
without pressing the brake pedal for Accessory mode. Press
it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake pedal, then
press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your foot firmly on the
brake pedal when starting the engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P), then press ENGINE START/STOP. If you press
the button and the shift lever is not in Park, the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
Shifting
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the engine. Press the
brake pedal, then press the release button to shift.
r everse (r): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving or temporarily driving in
sequential mode.
Drive (S): Used for driving in sequential mode. Use the paddle
shifters to change gears (see page 93).
Brake pedal
Before you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a complete
stop and keep the brake pedal depressed. Operating the shift lever before the
vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could
damage the transmission.
Release button
No TICe
Sequential Shift mode
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 6th gears without removing your
hands from the steering wheel.
When the shift lever is in D: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode momentarily,
and the gear position indicator comes on. When you start traveling at a constant speed,
sequential shift mode automatically switches off, and the gear position indicator goes off.
When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into sequential shift mode, and the M
(sequential shift mode) indicator and gear position indicator come on. At speeds of 6
mph (10 km/h) or less, the vehicle automatically shifts down into 1st gear. It does not
automatically shift up, even if vehicle speed increases. You can pull away only in 1st or
2nd gear.
When switching out of sequential shift mode, move the shift lever from S to D. When
sequential shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear position indicator go off.
Second gear lock mode: If you pull the (+) paddle shifter while stopped or driving at 6
mph (10 km/h) or less, the gear position is locked in 2nd gear. This makes it easier to pull
away on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered roads. To cancel 2nd gear lock mode, pull
the (-) paddle shifter or move the shift lever from S to D.
(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down
to a lower gear. (+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear.
recommended shift points
Shift Up Acceleration
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 45 mph (72 km/h)
5th to 6th 50 mph (80 km/h)
M indicator/Gear
position indicator

94 || 95
DrIvING
DrIvING
Integrated Dynamics System (IDS)
Choose a driving mode for your preference based on road conditions, vehicle speed, and
handling.
Comfort: Maximizes driver comfort through increased steering assist.
Normal: Balances performance for everyday driving.
Sport: Enhances vehicle response and feel through decreased steering assist and increased
throttle and torque.
The selected mode
briefly appears in
the MID.IDSIntegrated Dynamics System
NormalSport
Comfort
Press IDS to cycle
through modes.
v ehicle Stability Assist (vSA®), aka electronic Stability Control (eSC)
System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than what
was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by regulating engine
output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning vSA on or off
VSA is turned on every time you start the vehicle. If you turn VSA off, your vehicle has
normal braking and cornering ability, but not VSA traction and stability enhancement.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a beep
to turn VSA on or off. The VSA Off indicator appears when
the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which allows the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. This can be
helpful when trying to free your vehicle if it is stuck in
mud or snow.
VSA OFF
button VSA OFF
indicator
Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake
Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop your vehicle
from moving.
Parking BrakeKeep the vehicle from moving when it is parked.
To apply: Press the parking brake with your foot.
To release: Press the brake pedal, then press the parking
brake until it releases.
Brake Assist SystemDuring hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. The brake pedal
may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hold the brake pedal
firmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
During hard or emergency braking, the system rapidly pumps the brakes to prevent wheel
lockup and help you maintain steering control. The brake pedal may pulsate slightly
during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the brake pedal, and continue to hold
it firmly down.
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size.
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
Brake pedal
Parking brake
No TICe
NoTICe