2015 Acura MDX transmission

22 || 23
INSTrUmeNT P
ANeL
SAFeTy
r eporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that
a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-
4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov;  or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other
information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov .
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc., and you may also inform
Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a recall and remedy
campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may call
1-800-333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or about motor vehicle
safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety . Learn about the indicators and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Indicators briefly appear with each engine start and then go out. Red and amber indicators
are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general information.
malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or at any
other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake fluid is low.
•  There is a malfunction in the brake system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check the brake
fluid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary,
downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking. Have your
vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page 125), and add oil if necessary. If the indicator does not turn off,
have your vehicle repaired immediately.
malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
•  The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is loose or
missing.
•  (Blinks) A misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place, and
wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
Ca nada
U.S.
INSTrUmeNT P
ANeL

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

120 || 121
mAINTeNANCe
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1. Turn off the vehicle, including headlights and all
accessories.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Check the large fuse in the engine compartment If the
fuse is blown, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove
the screws and replace the fuse with a new one. Reinstall
the screws.
4. Inspect the small fuses in the engine compartment and
the vehicle interior. If there is a burned out fuse, remove
it with the fuse puller and replace it with a new one.
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances
of damaging the electrical system.
Blown fuse
Combined
fuse Fuse puller
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers
are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage
the transmission.
emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best
way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires
and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way
to tow your vehicle.
No TICe
NoTICe Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourself, as well as
information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however, we cannot warn
you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can
decide whether or not you should perform a given task.

maintenance Safety
•  To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
•  Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
•  To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
•  Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•  Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.
vehicle Safety
•  The vehicle must be stationary, and parked on level ground with the parking brake set
and the engine off.
•  Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
•  Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
mAINTeNANCe
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before
driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this guide.
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can
cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WArNING
WArNING

122 || 123
mAINTeNANCe
mAINTeNANCe
maintenance minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the Maintenance
Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you turn the vehicle on. Roll
the right selector wheel to change displays.
maintenance minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If the message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is\
reset, change the
engine oil every year .
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil flter•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessar y•Check parking brake adjustment•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s•Inspect suspension components•Inspect driveshaft boots•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)•Inspect all fuid levels and condition of fuid s•Inspect exhaust system#
•Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °\
C), in very low temperatures (unde r
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trai ler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1
•Rotate tires
2
•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen flte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer fuid*
4•Replace spark plug s•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearanc
e
5
•Replace engine coolan t
6
•Replace rear diferential fuid*
*2:I f you drive in dusty condi tion s, replac e the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen flter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
U.S. models
maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems may
be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using parts that are
certified to ePA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions warranties.
However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
Maintenance Minder
Engine oil life
Service codes
Roll the right
selector wheel
to change
displays.
*1: If the message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is\
reset, change the
engine oil every year .
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Item s
A
•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil flter
•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessar y
•Check parking brake adjustment
•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s
•Inspect suspension components
•Inspect driveshaft boots
•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
•Inspect all fuid levels and condition of fuid s
•Inspect exhaust system#
•Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °\
C), in very low temperatures (unde r
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trai ler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODEMaintenance Sub Item s
1
•Rotate tires
2•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen flte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer fuid*
4•Replace spark plug s
•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearanc
e
5
•Replace engine coolan t
6•Replace rear diferential fuid*
*2:If you drive in dusty condi tion s, replac e the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen flter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
• Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake fluid every 3
years.
•  Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
•  Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
*if equipped