2015 Acura MDX Owner's Guide

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Subscription Features
In addition to standard service, receive benefits such as collision notification, emergency
assistance, online security, enhanced navigation seraches, and important messages
about your vehicle. Requires enrollment and privacy agreement. To subscribe or get more
information, visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) or contact a dealer.
emergency Assistance
If your vehicle’s airbags deploy or if the unit detects that the vehicle is severely impacted,
your vehicle automatically attempts to connect to the AcuraLink operator if there is
cellular coverage.
If you need to manually connect to the operator, open
the cover on the ceiling console and press ASSIST when
the vehicle is on.
Once connected, information about your vehicle,
its positioning, and its condition will be sent to the
operator; you can also speak to the operator when
connected.
Color information display
oDmD screen
ASSIST
button
Security Features
To use security features, you need your user ID and personal identification number (PIN).
Some of these features are also available with the AcuraLink smartphone app. Visit
owners.acura.com/apps (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) to download.
•  Stolen  vehicle  tracking: Searches and tracks down your vehicle position.
•  Remote  door lock/unlock: Remotely lock or unlock doors.
•  Vehicle finder: Locate your vehicle in large areas, such as a crowded parking lot.
•  Security  alarm notification: If your vehicle’s security system detects tampering, the
provider notifies you.
operator Assistance
Press LINK on the ceiling console to connect to an
operator when trying to find a destination or for
roadside assistance.
LINK button
ACURALINK®
ACURALINK®

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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
Interface Dial Feedback
Configure the system to read aloud selections made using the interface dial. Use the
interface dial to make and enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Select Sound/Beep.
4. Select Interface Dial Feedback.
5. Select Off, Auto, or On.
oN: Always reads the selection.
AUT o: Reads the selection only when the vehicle is moving.
oFF: Turns interface dial feedback off.
System Guidance v olume
Adjust the navigation system guidance volume. This does not affect audio or Bluetooth
® 
HandsFreeLink® volume, which is controlled by the volume knob. Use the interface dial to
make and enter selections.
1. From the map screen, press the interface dial to display
the Map Menu.
2. Select Guidance Volume.
3. Adjust the volume to your preferred level.
4. Press BACK to exit the menu.
v oice Prompt
Turn the voice prompt feature on or off. Use the interface dial to make and enter
selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Select Voice Rec.
4. Select Off or On.
oN: Provides voice prompts.
oFF: Voice prompts are disabled.
entering a Destination
Use several methods to enter a destination.
Home Address Store your home address in the system so you can easily route to it. Use the interface dial
to make and enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Navi Settings.
3. Select Personal Info.
4. Select Edit Go Home.
5. Enter the address and select OK.
When your home address is stored, you can press the Talk button and say “Go home” at
any time. You can also select Go Home from the destination menu.
Street Address
Enter a street address using voice commands. Press the Talk button before saying each
command.
You can also enter the address manually when the vehicle is stopped. While on the map
screen, press MENU and use the interface dial to select Address. Follow the prompts.
1. From the Voice Portal screen, say “Address.”
2. The system prompts you to say the entire address.
For example, say “1-2-3-4 Main Street,  Los Angeles,  
California.”
3. The system interprets the address by state, city, street,
and address number. If necessary, you may have to clarify
similar matches.
4. Say “Set  as destination” to set the route.
U.S. models
From the map screen, say “Display Menu,” followed by “Address.” Follow the prompts.
Canadian models

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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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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 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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Load Limits Example
Example1
Max load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg ) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg )Cargo
weight
873 lbs
(396 kg )
Example2 Max load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg ) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg )Cargo
weight
423 lbs
(192 kg )
Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause
a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.
WArNING
The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory, and does not need to be adjusted.
However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area or pull a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualified technician.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or visit  owners.acura.com for more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of the
trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown in the table
below.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage the engine and
drivetrain.
Total load
Each weight limit \fis calculated base\fd on the following \fconditions\f•Occupants fll seats\f f\bom the f\bont of th\fe vehicle to the b\fac k•Each occupant weigh\fts 150 lbs (68 kg)•Each occupant has 1\f5 lbs (7 kg) of ca\b\fgo in the ca\bgo a\be\faAny additional weight, ca\bgo, o\b accesso\bies \beduce the maximum t\baile\b weight and maximum tongue loa\fd.
Number of
occupant s4WD models with
ATF cooler4WD models
without ATF cooler2WD models
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg\f)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)\f3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)\f
34,750 lbs (2,155 k\fg )3,250 lbs (1,474 k\fg)3,250 lbs (1,474 k\fg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 k\fg)3,000 lbs (1,361 k\fg)3,000 lbs (1,361 k\fg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg\f)2,750 lbs (1,247 k\fg)2,750 lbs (1,247 k\fg)
64,000 lbs (1,814 kg\f)2,500 lbs (1,134 k\fg)2,500 lbs (1,134 k\fg)
7Towing not \becommen\fded

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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