2015 Acura MDX Owner's Manual

uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
368Driving
To select the tire pressure monitor, set the power
mode to ON, and roll the multi-function
steering-wheel controls until you see the tire
pressure screen.The pressure for each tire is displayed in psi
(U.S.) or kPa (Canada).
Tire Pressures Low is displayed when a tire
has significantly low pressure. The specific tire
is displayed on the screen.
■
Tire Pressure Monitor
1 Tire Pressure Monitor
The pressure displayed on the MID can be slightly
different from the actual pressure as measured by a
gauge. If there is a significant difference between the
two values, or if the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator
and the message on the MID do not go off after you
have inflated the tire to the specified pressure, have
the system checked by a dealer.
Tire Pressure Monitor Problem may appear if you
drive with the compact spare tire, or there is a
problem with the TPMS.

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uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Continued
Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal ExplanationEach tire, including th e spare (if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with
a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Un der-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.

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uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Driving
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously il luminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including
the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.

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Continued
Driving
BrakingBrake SystemUse the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.To apply:
Depress the parking brake pedal down with
your foot.
To release:
1.Depress the brake pedal.
2. Depress the parking brake.■
Parking Brake
1Parking BrakeNOTICERelease the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axl e can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and Release
Parking Brake appears on the MID.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.

uuBraking uBrake System
372Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.2 Brake Assist System P. 374
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 373■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

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uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.■
ABS
1 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

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uuBraking uBrake Assist System
Driving
Brake Assist SystemDesigned to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.■Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.

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uuBraking uCollision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
Continued
Driving
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBS
TM
)*
Can assist you when there is a possibility of your vehicle colliding with a vehicle
detected in front of yours. The CMBS
TM is designed to alert you when a potential
collision is determined, as well as to reduce your vehicle speed when a collision is
deemed unavoidable to help minimize collision severity.
■How the system works
1 Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
Important Safety Reminder
The CMBS
TM is designed to reduce the severity of an
unavoidable collision. It does not prevent a collision
nor stop the vehicle automatically. It is still your
responsibility to operate the brake pedal and steering
wheel appropriately according to the driving
conditions.
The CMBSTM may not activate or may not detect a
vehicle in front of your vehicle under the following
conditions:
•The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead of you is too short.•A vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed, and
it brakes suddenly.•When you accelerate rapidly and approach the
vehicle ahead of you at high speed.•The vehicle ahead of you is a motorcycle or other
small vehicle.•A vehicle suddenly crosses in front of you.•When you drive on a curved or winding road that
makes it difficult for the sensor to properly detect a
vehicle in front of you.•When there are pedestrians or animals in front of
your vehicle.
A radar sensor starts to monitor if there is a vehicl e in front of you when your
vehicle speed is above about 10 mph (15 km/h).
The radar sensor is
in the front grille.
The CMBS
TM activates when the speed difference between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected in front of you becomes more than about 10 mph (15 km/h) with
a chance of a collision.
* Not available on all models