2015 Acura MDX steering

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veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Heated Steering Wheel*
Heat the steering wheel to a comfortable temperature
when the vehicle is on.
Press the heated steering wheel button. Press the button
again to turn it off.
Heated steering wheel button
Heated Windshield Button*Turn the vehicle on. Press the heated windshield button
to de-ice the windshield.
The heated windshield may automatically activate when
the outside temperature is below 4° C, and deactivate
when the temperature reaches 6° C.
Heated windshield
button
*if equipped (Canadian models)
Seat Heaters and ventilation*
Quickly warm or cool the seats when the vehicle is on.
Front Seat Heaters or ventilation
Use the On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) to operate the front seat heaters or
ventilation.
Select LO, MID,
or HI level.
+: Increase heating
or cooling levels.
AUT o: The
system selects
the best setting
based on ambient
temperature.
oFF: Turn the
system off. -: Decrease
heating or
cooling levels.
Close the
menu
oDmD screen
Select to enter the seat
heating or ventilation screen.
*if equipped
Second-r ow Seat Heaters*
Press the seat heater button on the back of the center
console to cycle through settings: HI, MID, LO, and OFF.
Indicators appear for each setting.
Heat-induced burns are possible when using seat heaters.
Persons with a diminished ability to sense temperature (e.g., persons with
diabetes, lower-limb nerve damage, or paralysis) or with sensitive skin should
not use the seat heaters.
WArNING
When the vehicle is turned off, the heating or cooling setting returns to off
at the next vehicle start. If AUTO is selected, the setting remains in AUTO.

52 || 53
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy
Adjusting the Sound
Adjust various sound settings using the interface dial.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Audio Settings.
3. Select Sound.
4. Select the sound setting to adjust.
5. Adjust the setting to the desired level. Press the
interface dial.
6. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Steering Wheel Controls
Operate certain functions of the audio system using the steering wheel controls.
Left selector wheel: Roll up or down to adjust volume.
Press to mute. Move (or hold) left or right to change
stations or tracks.
SoUr Ce button: Cycle through available audio modes.
SOURCE buttonLeft selector wheel
Fm/Am/xm® radio
Move right or left for the next or previous station. Move and hold right or left for the next
or previous strong station.
CD/HDD*/iPod*/USB/Bluetooth® Audio
Move right for the next or previous track. Move and hold right or left for the next or
previous folder (CD/USB).
Pandora®
Move right for the next song. Move and hold right or left for the next or previous station.

on-Demand multi-Use Display (oDmD) and Controls
Operate the audio system using either the touchscreen or buttons.
The functions shown here can be used with most audio sources. Refer to subsequent
audio pages for more specific functions. Options that appear depend on the selected
audio source.
Power button Shortcuts (Audio
tab): Store up to
six AM, FM, or XM
stations or HDD
tracks.
more: Change
screen and sound
settings, or display
menu options for
the selected audio
source.
Sound: Adjust
sound settings
v olume knob
Audio Source:
Change the
audio source.
Select Edit
Order to arrange
audio icons to
your preference.
BACK button:
Return to the
previous display. AUDIo button(s):
Display the audio
screen.
meNU button:
Display menu
items for the
selected audio
source.
Interface dial
(from the Audio
screen): Move up, down, left,
and right. Rotate and press
ENTER to make selections in the
upper display.
button: Adjust
the upper screen
brightness.
SeTTINGS button:
Choose Audio
Settings.
Screen shown for model  with navigation.

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NA
vIGATIoN
NA vIGATIoN
Learn how to enter a destination and operate the navigation system.
Basic Navigation operation
A real-time navigation system uses GPS and a map database to show your current location
and help guide you to a desired destination. You can operate the system using voice
commands or the system controls.
To reduce the potential for driver distraction, certain manual functions may be
inoperable or grayed out while the vehicle is moving. voice commands are always
available.
Steering Wheel Controls
Use the steering wheel controls to give voice commands.
Hang-Up/Back button: Press to cancel a command or
operation.
Talk button: Press to give navigation commands.
v oice Command Tips
•  When using the Talk button, wait for a beep before saying a command.
•  To bypass the system prompts, simply press the Talk button again to say your
command.
•  When the Talk button is pressed, all available voice commands are highlighted in
yellow.
•  Speak in a clear, natural voice.
•  Reduce all background noise.
•  Adjust the dashboard and side vents away from the microphone in the ceiling.
•  Close the windows and moonroof.
Using the navigation system while driving can take your attention away from
the road, causing a crash in which you could be seriously injured or killed.
Only operate system controls when the conditions permit you to safely do so.
NA vIGATIoN*
WArNING
*if equipped
Back
button
Talk
button
Navigation Display and Controls Use the controls to enter information and make selections.
REAR
REAR
AUDIO
FRON
T
AUDIO
NAVFFFFAAAAAAAAAREARAUDIOFAAFRON
TAUDIOAA
REAR
NAVNAVFRONT
AUDIOREAR
AU DIO
NA v button:
Display the map
screen or directions
when en route. INFo button:
Select items such
as calendar, traffic
incidents, and
AcuraLink messages.
BACK button:
Return to the
previous display. meNU button:
Enter destination
information.
button: Change
screen brightness. Use
the interface dial to
make adjustments. Interface dial (from the map
screen): Rotate to zoom in or
out of the map. Press to display
the map menu. Rotate and press
to make and enter selections.
GPS
signal
strength Traffic
incident
icon*
Traffic
status* Traffic
flow*
Current
map scale
Current
vehicle
position
map
orientation
Current
street Landmark
icon
*subscription feature
SeTTINGS button:
Choose Navi Settings.

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NA
vIGATIoN
NA vIGATIoN
Place Category
Enter a destination using a point of interest or landmark. Use the interface dial to make
and enter selections.
1. From the map screen, press MENU.
2. Select Place Category.
3. Select a category and a subcategory. For example, Auto
Service followed by Acura Dealers.
4. Select a search method, such as Sort by Distance to
Travel.
5. A list of places appears. Scroll the list to select the place
you want.
6. Select Set as destination to set the route.
Find Nearest Place
Enter a destination by category and distance using voice commands. Press the Talk
button before saying each command.
1. Say “Find nearest” and a place. For example, “Find 
nearest  ATM.”
2. A list of the nearest places in your area is displayed by
shortest distance to destination.
3. Say the number next to the destination you want to
select.
4. Say “Set  as destination” to set the route.
oDmD Shortcuts
You can add up to six destinations to the Shortcuts (Places tab) in the ODMD. The
addresses must be previously stored in your navigation system address book.
1. Select Shortcuts.
2. Select Places.
3. Store a previously stored address book entry, or select
the shortcut to route to it.
routing
After a destination is set, you can alter or cancel your route.
map Legend
During Route Guidance
Next
guidance
point
Distance to
destination Calculated
route
estimated
time to
destination
Distance
to next
maneuver
turn-by-
turn Directions
Shows a more detailed view of the next maneuver on the multi-information
display. Use the right selector wheel on the steering wheel to bypass the display.
Upcoming
maneuver
Current routeNext street

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DrIvING
NA vIGATIoN
Taking a Detour
You can calculate a detour route manually if you encounter a road closure or other
obstacle. Use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
1. When en route, press MENU.
2. Select Detour. The system attempts to calculate a new
route by avoiding the next 5 miles (8 km) while on a
freeway or 1 mile (1 km) while on a surface street.
AcuraLink r eal-Time Traffic™*
View traffic flow, incidents, and construction in major metro areas. You can also route
around congestion or incidents using voice commands. Press the Talk button before
saying each command. Available in the U.S. only.
1. When en route, say “Display  traffic on my route.” A list of
incidents on your route appears.
2. Say the number of the incident you want to avoid.
3. Say “Avoid” and the incident list returns.
4. Say “Reroute” to set the new route.
*Requires  AcuraLink subscription.  Visit  owners.acura.com for more information.
Canceling y our route
You can cancel your route at any time. Press the Talk button and say “Cancel route.” You
can also use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
1. When en route, press MENU.
2. Select Cancel Route. The route is cleared and the map
screen returns.
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
exterior Checks
•  Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior lights, or
other parts of the vehicle.
•  Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
•  Make sure the hood is securely closed.
•  Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under the hood,
causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period, inspect and remove
any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have fallen or
have been carried in for use as a nest by a small animal. Also check under the hood for
leftover flammable materials after you or someone else has performed maintenance on
your vehicle.
•  Make sure the tires are in good condition.
•  Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DrIvING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any ice. Do not
try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the doors. When done,
wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Interior Checks
•  Store or secure all items on board properly.
•  Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
•  Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor mats.
•  If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•  Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
•  Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•  Make sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats.
•  Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
•  Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.
No TICe

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DrIvING
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Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer on the
hitch should be approximately:
Boat trailers: 5-15% of the total trailer weight.
Other trailers: 10-15% of total trailer weight.
Number of
occupant s4WD model s2WD models
2500 lbs (227 kg )350 lbs (159 kg )3475 lbs (215 kg)325 lbs (147 kg )4380 lbs (172 kg)300 lbs (136 kg )5290 lbs (132 kg)275 lbs (125 kg )6165 lbs (75 kg)150 lbs (68 kg)7Towing not recommende d
Tongue load
Number of
occupant s4WD model s2WD models
2500 lbs (227 kg )350 lbs (159 kg )
3475 lbs (215 kg)325 lbs (147 kg )
4380 lbs (172 kg)300 lbs (136 kg )
5290 lbs (132 kg)275 lbs (125 kg )
6165 lbs (75 kg)150 lbs (68 kg)
7Towing not recommende d
estimate tongue load
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by measuring the trailer hitch height from the ground
in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch again.
5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then refer to the
following table.
If the diference b\,ecomes more than i\,ndicated in the ta\,ble, distrib\fte the\, load or
remove cargo as nee\,ded .
If the diference i\ls4WD models\fWD models
\b inches (2.5 cm)\b50 lbs (68 kg)
\b \b/2 inches (3.8 cm\,)250 lbs (\b\b4 kg)
2 inches (5.\b cm)350 lbs (\b59 kg)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 c\,m)450 lbs (205 kg)—
2 5/8 inches (6.7 c\,m)500 lbs (227 kg)—
Weigh trailer loads using a public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.
Weight limit for
Front gross axle2,811 lbs
(1,275 kg )2,910 lbs
(1,320 kg)
Gross vehicl e5,368 lbs
(2,435 kg ) 5,677 lbs
(2,575 kg)
Rear gross axle2,734 lbs
(1,240 kg )2,965 lbs
(1,345 kg)
Gross combined 8,036 lbs

(3,645 kg ) 9,833 lbs
(4,460 kg)
4WD models
2WD model s
• If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
•  The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation.
•  To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
•  Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional information.
1. Front gross axle weight
2. Gross vehicle weight
3. Rear gross axle weight 4. Gross combined weight
5. Hitched trailer weight
6. Unhitched trailer weight

92 || 93
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