2015 Acura MDX dashboard

This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2015 Acura
MDX. It provides basic information and instructions on technology and convenience
features, as well as emergency procedures and how to get assistance.
This guide is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. It covers all MDX models, so
you may find descriptions of features and equipment that are not in your vehicle. Images
throughout this guide are from U.S. vehicles and represent features and equipment that are
available on some, but not all, models.
This guide is not intended to be a substitute for the Owner’s Manual. The Owner
Information CD enclosed in your glove box kit includes the Owner’s Manual, Navigation
Manual, and vehicle and tire warranties in electronic format. This information can be viewed
on a computer (PC or Mac platform) and saved or printed for your reference. You can
also visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada) to view the complete and most
current information.
If you are the first registered owner of your vehicle, you may request a complimentary
printed copy of the Owner’s Manual, Navigation Manual, or Vehicle Warranty up to six
months after vehicle purchase. To request a copy, visit owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.
ca (Canada) and create or log in to your account. In Canada, please request a copy from
your Acura dealer.
American Honda Motor Company strives to be proactive in protecting our environment and
natural resources. By using electronic delivery for a considerable portion of the information
typically found in a vehicle owner’s manual, we are further reducing our impact on the
environment.
Acura Total Luxury Care r oadside Assistance
Your Acura TLC Roadside Assistance representative is here to help you
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Under your 4-year/50,000-mile (80,000 km) warranty, the
following benefits are available:
- Towing services — full cost of towing to the closest Acura dealer
- Roadside assistance — jump starting, fuel delivery, lockout, and flat tire
- Trip planning — detailed trip routing, emergency services, and more
Call (800) 594-8500 (U.S.) or (800) 565-7587 (Canada)
Acura Client relations
Your authorized Acura dealer should be able to answer any questions you have about your
vehicle. However, if you are dissatisfied with the information you receive, you can call Acura
Client Relations (see page 140).
Call (800) 382-2238 (U.S.) or (888) 922-8729 (Canada)
INTroDUCTIoN TABLe oF CoNTeNTS
*if equipped
vISUAL INDex ...................................1
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls
1
Dashboard and Ceiling Controls ..... 2
SAFeTy INFormATIoN .................. 3
Important Safety Information ....... 3
Seat Belts ........................................... 5
Airbags ............................................... 9
Child Safety ..................................... 15
Safety Label Locations ................... 21
r eporting Safety Defects .............. 22
INSTrUmeNT P ANeL .................... 23
malfunction Indicators .................. 23
Condition Indicators ...................... 25
on/off Indicators .......................... 26
multi-Information Display ........... 27
veHICLe CoNTroLS ..................... 28
Using the remote Transmitter ..... 28
Keyless Access System .................. 29
Power Tailgate operation ............. 30
Door operation from Inside the v ehicle
31
Power Window operation ............ 32
Power moonroof operation ........33
Interior and exterior Lights ...........34
one-Touch Turn Signal .................. 36
Wiper operation ............................ 36
Adjusting the Seats ........................ 38
Adjusting the mirrors..................... 41
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 42
Driving Position memory System ... 42
r ear Seats ........................................ 43
HomeLink® Garage opener .......... 45Climate Control System
................46
Seat Heaters and ventilation* ..... 49
Customized Features ..................... 50
AUDIo AND CoNNeCTIvITy ....... 51
Basic Audio operation .................... 51
Fm/Am radio .................................. 54
Siriusxm® radio ............................. 55
Compact Disc .................................. 56
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* .... 57
iPod® or USB Flash Drive .............. 58
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 59
Pandora® ......................................... 60
AcuraLink featuring Aha™ ............. 61
r ear entertainment System* ....... 62
Bluetooth® HANDSFreeLINK ®.... 66
Basic HFL operation ...................... 66
Pairing a Phone ............................... 68
making a Call .................................. 69
SmS Text messaging and e-mail .... 72
A CUrALINK
®* ................................. 73
AcuraLink messages ....................... 73
Subscription Features .................... 74
NA vIGATIoN* ............................... 76
Basic Navigation operation ......... 76
entering a Destination .................. 79
r outing ............................................ 81
DrIvING .......................................... 83
Before Driving ................................. 83
maximum Load Limit ..................... 85
Towing a Trailer .............................. 87
r emote engine Start* ..................... 91
Starting to Drive ............................. 92
Integrated Dynamics System ....... 94

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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
1
281134
5
67
9
1012
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

8 || 9
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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
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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

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Side Airbags
The side airbags help protect the upper torso and pelvis of the driver or a front passenger
during a moderate-to-severe side impact. They are housed in the outside edge of the
driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs. Both are marked SIDe AIrBAG.
Side Curtain Airbags
Side curtain airbags help protect the head and torso of the driver and passengers in outer
seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain airbags
equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of partial and
complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes, particularly
rollover crashes.
The side curtain airbags are located in the ceiling above the
side windows on both sides of the vehicle.
The side curtain airbags are designed to deploy in a rollover
or moderate-to-severe side impact. If the SRS control unit
senses that your vehicle is about to roll over, it immediately
deploys both side curtain airbags and activates both front
seat belt tensioners. If the impact is on the passenger’s side,
the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even if there
are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.
To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags,
occupants should wear their seat belts properly and sit
upright and well back in their seats.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars, as they can interfere with
the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision
One or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled frontal
collision. In this case, the side curtain airbags will deploy slightly after the front airbags.
Side curtain airbag storage
Deployed side curtain airbags
Important Facts About your Airbags
Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering
wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should
move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag. Carrying hard
or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth,
can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on the front and driver’s knee airbag covers. Objects on
the covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags
or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags. They can interfere with the
proper operation of the airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.
Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars. They can interfere with
the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.
Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers. This can prevent your side airbags
from properly deploying during a side impact.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag
systems or tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator
alerts you to a possible problem.
Airbag System
(SRS) Problem
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Airbag System Indicators
If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator comes on and a message
appears on the multi-information display.
SrS (Supplemental r estraint System) Indicator
If the indicator comes on at any other time besides vehicle
start-up, or does not come on at all, have the system
checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you don’t, your
airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly
when they are needed. An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even
if the passenger is wearing the seat belt.
Always keep the glove box closed while driving.
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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).

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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.
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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.
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Second-row seat
Anchor
Tether strap hook
Third-row seat

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veHICLe CoNTroLS
veHICLe CoNTroLS
Adjusting the Seats
Make seat adjustments before driving to ensure the best comfort and safety.
Adjusting the Front Seats
Adjust the driver’s seat as far back as possible while
allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. You
should be able to sit upright and well back in the seat,
adequately press the pedals without leaning forward, and
grip the steering wheel comfortably. The passenger’s seat
should be adjusted so that it is as far back from the front
airbag in the dashboard as possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and
Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least
10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest.
Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the
front airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible while maintaining
control of the vehicle.
Allow sufficient
space.
Move
back.
Horizontal position
adjustment
Height adjustment Lumbar support
adjustment*
Seat-back angle
adjustment
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*if equipped
Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.
Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a
crash.
Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor.
Adjusting the
Head restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with head restraints in all seating positions. Head restraints are
most effective for protection against whiplash and other rear-impact crash injuries.
The center of the back of the occupant’s head should
rest against the center of the restraint. The tops of the
occupant’s ears should be level with the center height of
the restraint.
Front and second-row seats
To raise the head restraint: Pull it upward.
To lower the head restraint: Push it down while pressing
the release button.
To remove the head restraint: Pull the restraint up as far
as it will go. Then push the release button, and pull the
restraint up and out.
To reinstall a head restraint: Insert the legs back in
place, then adjust the head restraint to an appropriate
height while pressing the release button. Pull up on the
restraint to make sure it is locked in position.
Front and second-row outer seat
Second-row center seat
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Third-row seats
To fold down the head restraint: Pull the handle.
To fold up the head restraint: Pull up the head
restraint and push it back until it latches into
place.Third-
row seat
Handle