2015 Acura MDX Owner's Guide

90 || 91
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

92 || 93
DrIvING
DrIvING
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

96 || 97
DrIvING
DrIvING
Cruise Control
Maintain a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the accelerator
pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a constant
speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
Activating and Setting the vehicle Speed
1. Press CRUISE. The CRUISE MAIN indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed (above 25 mph/40 km/h).
Press RES/+ and take your foot off the pedal to set the
speed. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator appears.
Adjusting the v ehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase or SET/- to decrease.
Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is increased
or decreased by about 1 mph (1 km/h). If you keep the button
pressed, the vehicle speed increases or decreases until you
release it.
Canceling Cruise Control Press CANCEL or the brake pedal. The CRUISE CONTROL
indicator goes off.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still resume the
prior set speed by pressing RES/+ while driving at a speed of at
least 25 mph (40 km/h).
Press CRUISE to turn the system off.
CRUISE button
RES/+ button
SET/- button
CANCEL button
WArNING
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow*
Helps maintain a constant vehicle speed and a set following distance behind a vehicle
detected ahead of yours. When the vehicle ahead changes speed, ACC senses the change
and accelerates or decelerates to maintain a set interval.
MAIN button
RES/+ button
SET/- button
CANCEL button
Distance button
Activating and Setting the vehicle Speed
1. Press MAIN. The ACC indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
  Above 25 mph/40 km/h: Press SET/- and take
your foot off the pedal to set the speed.
  Below 25 mph/40 km/h (Low Speed Follow):
Press SET/- to set the speed below 25 mph/40
km/h when there is a vehicle ahead of you. If
there is no vehicle ahead, ACC will not engage.
Adjusting the v ehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase or SET/- to decrease.
Each time you press the switch up or down, the vehicle speed
is increased or decreased by about
1 mph (1 km/h). If you keep the switch pressed up or down,
the vehicle speed increases or decreases by
5 mph (8 km/h) until you release it.
Adjusting the Following Distance Press the Distance button to change the following distance.
Each time you press the button, the following distance cycles
through short, middle, long, and extra long.
Switching to Standard Cruise ControlPress and hold the Distance button.
*if equipped

98 || 99
DrIvING
DrIvING
Improper use of ACC with LSF can lead to a crash.
Use ACC with LSF only when driving on expressways or freeways and in good
weather conditions.
Exiting a vehicle that has been stopped while the ACC with LSF system is
operating can result in the vehicle moving without operator control. Always
make sure the shift lever is in Park (P) before exiting the vehicle.
A vehicle that moves without operator control can cause a crash, resulting in
serious injury or death.
Never exit a vehicle when the vehicle is stopped by ACC with LSF.
ACC with LSF has limited braking capability and may not stop your vehicle in
time to avoid a collision with a vehicle that quickly stops in front of you.
Always be prepared to apply the brake pedal if conditions require.
During operation
If a vehicle detected ahead of you slows down abruptly, or if
another vehicle cuts in front of you, a beep sounds and BRAKE
appears on the multi-information display to alert you.
When a vehicle detected ahead is within ACC with low speed
follow range and stops, your vehicle also stops. The Stopped
message appears on the multi-information display.
When the vehicle ahead of you starts again, the vehicle icon on the
multi-information display blinks. Press RES/+/SET/– up or down, or
depress the accelerator pedal to resume the prior set speed.
Canceling ACCYou can press CANCEL, press MAIN, or depress the brake pedal. The
ACC indicator goes off.
Certain conditions may cause ACC to cancel automatically. When
this happens, a beep sounds and a message appears on the multi-
information display.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still resume the
prior set speed by pressing RES/ACCEL while driving at a speed of at
least 25 mph (40 km/h).
WArNING
WArNING
WArNING
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)*
If the camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror detects a vehicle
in front of you when your vehicle speed is 10 mph (15 km/h) or higher—and it determines
there is a likelihood of a frontal collision—the system provides you with visual and audible
warnings.
If you do not brake in time or take preventive
action, BRAKE flashes in the MID and a beep sounds
continuously.
Changing Settings
Determine the warning timing, or turn the system off. Use the interface dial to make and
enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings.
3. Select Forward Collision Warning Distance.
4. Select Long, Normal, Short, or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety reminder
FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy of the
system will vary based on weather, speed, extreme interior heat, and other factors. FCW
does not include a braking function. It is always your responsibility to safely operate the
vehicle and avoid collisions.
*if equipped
BRAKE
message Audible
beep

100 || 101
DrIvING
DrIvING
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)*
A camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror determines if your
vehicle begins to move away from the center of a detected lane while driving between
40–90 mph (64–145 km/h).
If you cross a detected lane line without using your turn
signal, a message appears on the MID and a beep sounds.
Turning LDW on or off
Press LDW to turn the system on or off. A green indicator
light appears on the button when the system is on.
Important Safety reminder
Like all assistance systems, LDW has limitations. Over-reliance on LDW may result in a
collision. It is always your responsibility to keep the vehicle within your lane.
LDW only alerts you when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not
detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed,
and lane marker condition. It is always your responsibility to safely operate the vehicle and
avoid collisions.
*if equipped
Lane departure
message Audible
beep
Indicator
Turning LKAS on or off 1. Press MAIN. LKAS appears in the MID.
2. Press the LKAS button. Lane outlines appear in the
MID. Dotted lane lines turn solid when the system
operates.
3. Press MAIN or the LKAS button to turn the system
off.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
A camera mounted between the windshield and the rearview mirror determines if your
vehicle begins to move away from the center of a detected lane while driving between
45–90 mph (72–145 km/h).
If you cross a detected lane line without using your turn
signal, a message appears on the MID and a beep sounds.
Light steering torque is applied to keep your vehicle in the
middle of the lane.
Important Safety reminder
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.
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.
Do not use when towing.
*if equipped
Lane departure
message Audible
beep
Light steering
assistance

102 || 103
DrIvING
DrIvING
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System*
Alerts you to a detected vehicle in your left or right blind spot.
When a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, the blind
spot indicator turns on and stays lit until the area is clear.
When your turn signal is on and a vehicle is detected, the
blind spot indicator blinks and a beep sounds until the
area is clear or the turn signal is off.
Changing Settings
Change the alert type, or turn the system on or off. Use the interface dial to make and
enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Vehicle Settings.
3. Select Blind Spot Info.
4. Select an alert type, or Off.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety reminder
Like all assistance systems, BSI has limitations. Over-reliance on BSI may result in a
collision. The system is for your convenience only.
Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to change lanes before doing so may
result in a crash and serious injury or death. Do not rely only on the blind
spot information system when changing lanes.
Always look in your mirrors, to either side of your vehicle, and behind you for
other vehicles before changing lanes.
WArNING
*if equipped
Indicator
Collision mitigation Braking System™ (CmBS™)*
Can alert you when a potential frontal collision is determined and reduce your vehicle
speed when a collision is deemed unavoidable to help minimize collision severity.
The system provides visual and audible alerts if you
do not take appropriate action to avoid a collision.
Alert Stages The system has three alert stages for a possible collision. Depending on the
circumstances or CMBS settings, CMBS may not go through all of the stages before
initiating the last stage.
  Stage 1: Head-up warning and audible beep
  Stage 2: Head-up warning, audible beep, light seat belt retraction, and
light brake application
Stage 3:  Head-up warning, audible beep, strong seat belt retraction, and
strong brake application
Turning CmBS on or off
Press and hold CMBS OFF. A beep sounds and a message
appears in the MID. The CMBS indicator appears when the
system is off.
Changing SettingsSee page 98 for how to change CMBS settings. Options include Long, Normal (default),
and Short. Use the CMBS OFF button to turn the system off.
Important Safety reminder
CMBS is designed to reduce the severity of an unavoidable collision. It does not prevent
collisions nor stop the vehicle automatically. It is still your responsibility to operate the
brake pedal and steering wheel appropriately according to the driving conditions.
*if equipped
BRAKE
message
Audible
beep Head-up warning lights

104 || 105
DrIvING
DrIvING
Parking Sensor System*
When the system senses an object when you are parking or backing up, an indicator appears
on the upper display and a series of beeps will sound. As you get closer to the object, the
beep rate increases.
Turning the System on or off
Press the parking sensor button. A green indicator light
appears on the button when the system is on.
Indicators appear when the
sensor device detects an
obstacle.
*if equipped
Indicator
multi- view r ear Camera
When you shift into Reverse (R), a real-time image of the area behind your vehicle is shown
in the display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
The rear camera  view is restricted.  You cannot see  the corner ends  of the bumper  or what is underneath  the 
bumper.  Its unique lens  also makes objects appear closer  or farther than they actually  are.
Visually confirm  that it is safe to drive before backing up.  Certain conditions (such  as weather,  lighting,  and high 
temperatures) may  also restrict the rear view. Do not rely  on the rearview  display, which  does not  give you all 
information  about conditions  at the rear  of your  vehicle.
Wide view Normal view Top down view
Press the
interface dial
to toggle
between
views.
Changing Guidelines
Turn the guidelines on or off. Use the interface dial to make and enter selections.
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Select Camera Settings
3. Select one of the options.  
Fixed  Guidelines:  Guidelines appear when you shift into
Reverse. Select On or Off.
Dynamic  Guidelines:  Guidelines move as you turn the
steering wheel. Select On or Off.
4. Press BACK to exit the menu.