2015 Acura MDX ECO mode

4 || 5
SAFeTy
SAFeTy
Carbon monoxide Gas
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and
highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle and follow the instructions
set forth below, you will not accumulate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas in the
vehicle interior.
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:
•  The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
•  The exhaust system may have been damaged.
•  The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into the
interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the tailgate open, open
all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the (
) mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running. Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a 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
Safety messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
WArNING
CAUTIoN
NoTICe
DANGer
An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up with carbon monoxide gas. Do not
run the engine with the garage door closed. Even when the garage door is open, drive out
of the garage immediately after starting the engine. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.
WArNING
Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with
airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts and wear them
properly.
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
All seven seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with emergency
locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely while keeping
some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor locks to restrain
your body. The front passenger’s, second-row, and third-row seat belts also have a
lockable retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance safety. The
tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a moderate-to-severe front
collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe enough to inflate the front airbags
or the driver’s knee airbag.
Proper Use of Seat BeltsFollow these guidelines for proper use:
•  All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position for
the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the effectiveness of the belt and
can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or behind your
back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
•  Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously
injured in a crash.
•  Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort
or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability and
increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
•  No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that does not appear to
be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working properly may not protect the
occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the belt as soon as possible.

8 || 9
SAFeTy
SAFeTy
Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor
The seat belt for the second-row center seat is located in the ceiling.
1. Pull out the seat belt’s small latch plate and the latch
plate from each holding slot in the ceiling.
2. Line up the triangle marks on the small latch plate and
anchor buckle. Make sure the seat belt is not twisted.
Attach the belt to the anchor buckle.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle. Properly fasten the
seat belt the same way you fasten the lap/shoulder seat
belt.
To unlatch the detachable anchor, insert the
latch plate into the slot on the side of the
anchor buckle.
Using the seat belt with the detachable anchor unlatched increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a crash.
Before using the seat belt, make sure the detachable anchor is correctly
latched.
Small latch plate Latch plate
Small latch plate
Anchor buckle
Latch
plate
Buckle Latch plate
Small latch plate
WArNING
Airbags
Your vehicle is equipped with several types of airbags: front airbags, driver’s knee airbag,
side airbags, and side curtain airbags.
Front Airbags (SrS) The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help protect the
head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger. They are housed in the center of the
steering wheel for the driver, and in the dashboard for the front passenger. Both airbags
are marked SrS AIrBAG.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary restraint
system.
Driver’s Knee Airbag The driver’s knee SRS airbag inflates with the driver’s front airbag in a moderate-to-severe
frontal collision to help keep the driver in the proper position and to help maximize the
benefit provided by the vehicle’s other safety features.
Advanced Airbags
Your front airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag-related
injuries to smaller occupants.
The driver’s advanced front airbag system includes a seat
position sensor. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag
inflates with less force, regardless of the severity of the
impact.
If there is a problem with the driver’s seat position sensor,
the SRS indicator will come on and the airbag will inflate
with full (normal) force, regardless of the driver’s seating
position.
The passenger’s advanced front airbag system has weight
sensors. Although Acura recommends against carrying
an infant or small child in front, if the sensors detect the
weight of a child (up to 65 lbs or 29 kg), the system will
automatically turn off the passenger’s front airbag.
For both advanced front airbags to work properly:
•  Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats.
•  Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat.
•  Make sure any objects are positioned properly on the floor. Improperly positioned
objects can interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.
•  All occupants should sit upright and wear their seat belts properly.
•  Do not place any cover over any part of the passenger side dashboard.
Driver’s
seat
position
sensor
Passenger’s
seat weight
sensors

12 || 13
SAFeTy
SAFeTy
Passenger Airbag off Indicator
The indicator comes on to alert you that the front
passenger’s front airbag has been turned off. This occurs
when the front passenger’s weight sensors detect 65 lbs
(29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant or small child, on the
seat.
Infants and small children should always ride properly
restrained in a back seat.
Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on.
If the front passenger’s seat is empty, the passenger’s front airbag will not deploy and the
indicator will not come on.
If the indicator comes on with no occupant or objects in the front passenger’s seat,
something may be interfering with the weight sensors, such as:
•  An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back pocket.
•  A child seat or other object pressing against the rear of the seat-back.
•  A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger’s seat.
•  The front seat or seat-back is forced against an object on the seat or floor behind it.
•  An object placed under the front passenger’s seat.
If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as
possible.
The passenger airbag off indicator may go on and off repeatedly if the total weight on the
seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.
U.S. Canada
Airbag System Components
13
6
7
810119
99
9
612
9
1 Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) front airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger’s airbag is stored in the
dashboard. Both are marked SrS
AIrBAG.
2 Driver’s knee airbag. The knee airbag is stored under the steering
column. It is marked SrS AIrBAG.
3 Two side airbags, one for the driver and one for the front passenger.
The airbags are stored in the outer
edges of the seatbacks. Both are
marked SIDe AIrBAG.
4 Two side curtain airbags, one for each side of the vehicle. The
airbags are stored in the ceiling,
above the side windows. The front
and rear pillars are marked SIDe
CUr TAIN AIrBAG.
5 An electronic control unit that
continually monitors and can
record information about the
sensors, the airbag activators, the
seat belt tensioners, and driver
and front passenger seat belt use
when the vehicle is on.
6 Automatic front seat belt tensioners. The driver’s and front
passenger’s seat belts incorporate
sensors that detect whether or not
they are fastened.
On models with CMBS
TM, the front
seat belt tensioners also include
the e-pretensioners.
7 A driver’s seat position sensor. If the seat is too far forward, the
airbag will inflate with less force.
8 Weight sensors in the front passenger’s seat. The front
passenger’s airbag will be turned
off if the weight on the seat is 65
lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of
an infant or small child).

14 || 15
SAFeTy
SAFeTy
9 Impact sensors that can detect a
moderate-to-severe front or side
impact.
10 An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the front
passenger’s front airbag has been
turned off.
11 An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with the airbag system or
seat belt tensioners.
12 Safing sensor
13 A rollover sensor that detects whether the vehicle is about to roll
over.
Airbag Care
You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any airbag
system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer in the following situations:
When the airbags have deployed
If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced.
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be replaced.
When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision
Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver’s seat
position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat belt tensioners, and
each seat belt that was worn during the crash.
Do not remove or modify a front seat without first consulting a dealer
This would likely disable the driver’s seat position sensor or the weight sensors in the
passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to accommodate
a person with disabilities, contact an Acura dealer. For U.S. vehicles, call Acura Client
Relations at (800) 382-2238. For Canadian vehicles, call Acura Client Services at (888)
922-8729.
Child Safety
Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either
unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle collisions are the number one cause
of death of children ages 12 and under.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend
that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear seat. Some states or
provinces/territories have laws restricting where children may ride.
To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province, and
territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride in a
vehicle.
Protecting Child Passengers—Important Considerations •  An inflating front or side airbag can injure or kill a child sitting in the front seat.
•  A child in the front seat is more likely to interfere with the driver’s ability to safely
control the vehicle.
•  Statistics show that children of all sizes and ages are safer when they are properly
restrained in a rear seat.
•  Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the lap belt
portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.
•  Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the event of a
collision.
•  Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would likely
press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.
•  Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very seriously
injured in a crash.
•  Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows, or seat adjustments.
•  Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when the
inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate vehicle
controls, causing it to move unexpectedly.
Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.
Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child
seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt, using a
booster seat if necessary.
WArNING

20 || 21
SAFeTy
SAFeTy
Adding Security with a Tether
A tether anchorage point is provided behind each second- and third-row seating position.
A child seat that is installed with a seat belt and comes with a tether can use the tether
for additional security.
Second-row seats
1. For outer seats: Raise the head restraint to its highest
position, then route the tether strap through the head
restraint legs.
For center seat: Lower the head restraint to
its lowest position, then route the tether strap
through the head restraint legs.
2. Make sure the strap is not twisted, and secure the tether
strap hook onto the anchor.
3. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the child seat
manufacturer.
Third-row seats
1. Pull up the head restraint and push rearward until it
latches, then route the tether strap through the head
restraint legs.
2. Open the anchor cover.
3. Make sure the strap is not twisted, and secure the tether
strap hook onto the anchor.
4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the child seat
manufacturer.
Protecting Larger Children
When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/
shoulder seat belt.
Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then ensure the following:
•  The child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge of the
seat.
•  The shoulder belt crosses between the child’s neck and
arm.
•  The lap part of the seat belt is as low as possible, touching
the child’s thighs.
•  The child can stay seated for the whole trip.
Tether anchorage points
Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in the front can result in injury or
death if the passenger’s front airbag inflates.
If a larger child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as
possible, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly, using
a booster seat if needed.
Safety Label Locations
Safety labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause
serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.
Sun viso r
U.S. mode ls
Canadian models
Radiator cap U.
S. models
U.S. models only
Dashboard
Canadian modelsDoorjamb
s
U.S. models only
Sun viso
r
If a lap/shoulder belt cannot be used properly, position the child in a booster seat in a
rear seating position. For the child’s safety, check that the child meets the booster seat
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories require children to use a booster
seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be sure to check
current laws in the state or province/territory where you intend to drive.
WArNING
Second-row seat
Anchor
Tether strap hook
Third-row seat

28 || 29

veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Learn about the various controls necessary for operating and driving the vehicle.
Using the remote Transmitter
Lock or unlock the doors and tailgate.
Unlock button: Press once
to unlock the driver’s door.
Press again to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
release knob (front or back
of key): Slide the knob to
release the built-in key for
valet use.
Power tailgate button:
Press and hold to unlock and
open the power tailgate.
Press again to close it. Lock button: Press to lock
the doors and tailgate. Press
again for verification. LeD indicators*: Check door
lock or engine status (see
page 91).
Panic button: Press and
hold to sound the alarm for
30 seconds. Press again to
cancel.
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Leaving the remote transmitter in the vehicle can result in theft or accidental
movement of the vehicle. Always take it with you whenever you leave the vehicle
unattended.
eNGINe button*: After
pressing the Lock button
once, press and hold to
remotely start the engine.
*if equipped
Unlocking/Locking the Tailgate
To unlock: Press and hold the tailgate release button under
the tailgate handle to unlock the tailgate and all doors. The
vehicle can be on or off.
If there is not enough clearance for the tailgate to fully
open, press and hold the tailgate release button until you
hear two beeps. The tailgate unlatches, and you can open it
manually.
To lock: Press the tailgate lock button to lock the tailgate
and all doors. If the remote transmitter is inside the vehicle,
the tailgate and doors will not lock.
Tailgate release
button
Lock button
Keyless Access System
When you carry the remote transmitter (for example, in a pocket or purse) and it is outside
the vehicle and within range (about 32 inches or 80 cm), you can lock or unlock the doors
and tailgate without handling the transmitter.
Unlocking/Locking the Doors
To unlock: Grab the driver’s door handle when the vehicle
is off to unlock the driver’s door. Grab the front passenger’s
(or rear*) door handle to unlock all doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the door lock button on any front (or
rear*) door handle when the vehicle is off. If the remote
transmitter is inside the vehicle, the doors will not lock.
Door lock
button
*Some models include rear  door keyless access.
NoTICe

34 || 35

veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Interior and exterior Lights
Operate interior and exterior lights when the vehicle is on or off.
exterior Lights
Rotate the switch on the headlight lever to operate the exterior lights. Push the lever
forward to turn on the high beams. Return the lever to its original position for low beams.
OFF All exterior lights are off.
AUTO Turn on the automatic lighting
feature. Headlights turn on or
off depending on ambient
brightness when the vehicle is on.
Headlights automatically come
on after the wipers are engaged for a
certain time.
Turn on exterior lights except headlights.
Turn on all exterior lights including headlights.
Brightness Control
Adjust instrument panel brightness when the vehicle is on.
To brighten: Press the + button.
To dim: Press the - button.
A beep sounds when the brightness reaches minimum or
maximum.
Headlight Washers* Turn the headlights on. Press the headlight washer button to operate the washers.
The headlight washers also operate when you first turn
on the windshield wipers.
Headlight
washer
button
High
beams Low
beams
Flash high
beams
Press the map light
button to turn lights on
or off when the front
light switch is in the
door-activated position.
Interior Lights Change the interior light settings using the switches on the ceiling.
on position: The light
comes on when the
tailgate is open and
goes off when it is
closed.
off position: The light
stays off.
Cargo area lights
Located on the inside of the tailgate door.
on position: Interior
lights remain on.
Door-activated
position: Interior lights
come on when any of
the doors are opened,
the driver’s door
is unlocked, or the
vehicle is turned off.
off position: Interior
lights remain off.Door-activated position
On
Off
Second- and third-row lights
On Off
Front lights
BrightDim
*if equipped (Canadian models)

48 || 49

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.