2016 Acura MDX Owner's Guide

90 || 91 DRIVING DRIVING
TABLE OF
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INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
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INDEX
SAFETY
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PANEL
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AUDIO AND
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Weigh trailer loads using a public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table below for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.
Weight limit for
Front gross axle2,811 lbs
(1,275 kg)2,910 lbs
(1,320 kg)
Gross vehicle5,368 lbs
(2,435 kg)5,677 lbs
(2,575 kg)
Rear gross axle2,734 lbs
(1,240 kg)2,965 lbs
(1,345 kg)
Gross combined8,036 lbs
(3,645 kg)9,833 lbs
(4,460 kg)
4WD models 2WD models
• If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
• The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet
(305 meters) of elevation.
• To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
• Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional information.
1. Front gross axle weight
2. Gross vehicle weight
3. Rear gross axle weight4. Gross combined weight
5. Hitched trailer weight
6. Unhitched trailer weight
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 fi rst 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 infl ated.
• 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 90). 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

92 || 93 DRIVING DRIVING
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Remote Engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine from extended distances using the two-way remote
transmitter before you enter the vehicle.
Green indicator:
Confi rms 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 HOLD button:
After pressing the LOCK
button, press and hold
to start the engine.
LOCK button
Make sure the vehicle is in a safe location when using remote engine start (i.e., a
well ventilated area, away from any fl ammable materials).
Starting the Engine
Press the LOCK button, then press and hold the ENGINE HOLD button to
remotely start the 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.
Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or cause unconsciousness.
Never use the remote engine starter when the vehicle is parked in a garage or
other area with limited ventilation.
WARNING
*if equipped
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before Starting the Engine
Make sure the gear is in Park (P) and the parking
brake is released, then depress the brake pedal.
Keep your foot fi rmly 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 fi rmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Change the gear to Park (P), then press ENGINE START/
STOP. If you press the button and the gear is not in Park, the vehicle goes into
Accessory mode.
Brake pedal

94 || 95 DRIVING DRIVING
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When you change from D to R and vice versa, press the brake pedal and come
to a complete stop, then select the intended gear position while maintaining
brake pressure.
NOTICE
Shifting
Change your vehicle’s gears to begin driving.
Electronic Gear Selector
Select the vehicle’s gear using a simple button interface.
Park (P): Used for parking or starting or turning off
the vehicle. Press P with the brake pedal pressed. A
red indicator appears.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing. Pull back R. A green
indicator appears.
Neutral (N): Used for idling. Press N. A red
indicator appears
Drive (D/S): Used for normal driving (D) or driving in sequential mode (S) (see
page 95). Press D/S once for normal driving. Press D/S twice for sequential
mode driving. A green indicator appears. Make sure the parking brake is released
(see page 98).
Auto park mode
For your convenience, Park (P) is automatically selected when all of the following
conditions are met:
• The vehicle is stopped.
• The driver’s seatbelt is unbuckled.
• The driver’s door is opened.The vehicle can roll away if left unattended without confi rming that Park is
engaged. Always keep your foot on the brake pedal until you have confi rmed
that P is shown on the gear position indicator.
WARNING
Sequential Mode
Use the paddle shifters to change gears from 1st through 9th without removing
your hands from the steering wheel.
When the transmission 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 mode and the gear position indicator
automatically go off.
When the transmission is in S: The vehicle goes into sequential mode, and the M
(sequential mode) indicator and gear position indicator come on. Use the paddle
shifters to change gears.
To cancel this mode, hold the + paddle shifter for two seconds. The M indicator
and gear position indicator go off.
(-) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift down to
a lower gear.(+) Paddle shifter:
Pull to shift up to a
higher gear.
M indicator/gear
position indicator
Car wash mode
If you are driving through a conveyor-style car wash where you or the attendant
do not remain in the vehicle, follow these steps while the engine is on:
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Select N.
3. Within 5 seconds, press the ENGINE START/STOP button. The gear position
remains in Neutral with the power mode in Accessory for 15 minutes. After 15
minutes (or if the vehicle is turned off at any time), the gear position changes
to Park and the vehicle turns off.
Shift up Normal acceleration1st to 2nd15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 47 mph (76 km/h)
5th to 6th52 mph (84 km/h)
6th to 7th 57 mph (92 km/h)
7th to 8th62 mph (100 km/h)
8th to 9th 67 mph (108 km/h)
Recommended shift points

96 || 97 DRIVING DRIVING
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Auto Idle Stop*
Automatically stops and restarts the engine to help maximize fuel economy,
depending on environmental and vehicle conditions.
Activating Auto Idle Stop
When the vehicle stops with the gear position in
Drive (D) and the brake pedal is pressed, the engine
turns off and the auto idle stop indicator appears if
conditions permit.
When you release the brake pedal, turn the steering
wheel, or press the accelerator pedal, the engine
restarts and the vehicle begins to move.
Auto idle stop does not activate (or the engine may automatically restart) when
the driver’s seat belt is unfastened, the vehicle is stopped on a steep hill, the
windshield defroster is on, and other conditions.
Turning the System On or Off
Press the Auto Idle Stop Off button to turn the
system off. Press the button again to turn it on.
*if equipped
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
briefl y appears in
the MID.IDSIDSIntegrated Dynamics SystemIntegrated Dynamics System
NormalNormalSportSport
Comfort
Press the IDS button
to cycle through
modes.
Vehicle 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 VSA traction and stability
enhancement become less effective.
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.
When VSA 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 buttonVSA OFF
indicator

98 || 99 DRIVING DRIVING
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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 Brake
Keep 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 System
During 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 fi rmly 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 fi rmly 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
NOTICE
NOTICE
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.
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). Take your foot off the accelerator pedal, and
press SET/- to set the speed. The CRUISE CONTROL
indicator appears.
Adjusting the Vehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase speed or SET/- to decrease
speed.
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/+ switch
SET/- switch
CANCEL button
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
WARNING
*if equipped

100 || 101 DRIVING DRIVING
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HANDLING THE
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Adaptive Cruise Control ( ACC) with Low Speed Follow*
Helps maintain a constant vehicle speed and a set following interval behind a
vehicle detected ahead of yours.
CANCEL
MAIN button
RES/+ switch
SET/- switch
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: Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal, and press SET/- to set the speed.
Below 25 mph/40 km/h (Low Speed Follow): Press
SET/- to set the speed at 25 mph/40 km/h
when there is a vehicle ahead of you.
Adjusting the Vehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase speed or SET/- to decrease
speed.
Each time you press the switch up or down, the
vehicle speed is increased or decreased by about
1 km/h. If you keep the switch pressed up or down,
the vehicle speed increases or decreases by 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 Control
Press and hold the Distance button.
*if equipped
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 gear 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.
If your vehicle is stationary and there is no vehicle detected ahead of you, the
system cancels and a beep sounds.
Canceling ACC
You 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/+.
WARNING
WARNING
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.
WARNING
Beep

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Forward Collision Warning ( FCW) with Pedestrian Detection*
Alerts you if the system determines the possibility of your vehicle colliding with
a vehicle detected in front of you when your vehicle speed is 10 mph (15 km/h)
or higher, or a pedestrian is detected in front of you when your vehicle speed is
between 10–62 mph (15–100 km/h).
If you do not brake in time or take preventive
action, BRAKE fl ashes 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 with Pedestrian Detection 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. The system does not include a braking function. It
is always your responsibility to safely operate the vehicle and avoid collisions.
*if equipped
BRAKE
messageBeep
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ ( CMBS™)*
Can assist you when there is a possibility of your vehicle colliding with a vehicle or a
pedestrian detected in front of yours.
The system can alert you when a potential collision
is determined, and reduce your vehicle speed to
help minimize collision severity when a collision is
deemed unavoidable.
The system activates when:
• The speed difference between your vehicle and a vehicle or pedestrian detected in
front of you is about 3 mph (5 km/h) and over with a chance of a collision.
• Your vehicle speed is about 62 mph (100 km/h) or less and there is a chance of a
collision with an oncoming detected vehicle or a pedestrian in front of you.
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 beep
Stage 2: Head-up warning, beep, light seat belt retraction, and light brake
application
Stage 3: Head-up warning, beep, strong seat belt retraction, and strong
brake application
*if equipped
BRAKE
message
BeepHead-up warning lights
Changing Settings
Determine the warning timing. 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, or Short.
5. Press BACK to exit the menu.

104 || 105 DRIVING DRIVING
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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.
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
Lane Departure Warning ( LDW)*
Alerts you if the system detects a possibility of your vehicle unintentionally
crossing over detected lane markings while driving between 45–90 mph (72–145
km/h).
If your vehicle is getting too close to detected left
or right side lane markings without a turn signal
activated, the system provides visual and tactile
alerts.
A Lane Departure message appears on the MID,
and the steering wheel vibrates. Take appropriate
action to stay within your driving lane.
Turning LDW On or Off
Press the LDW button 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.
Lane departure message
Steering wheel vibrations
Indicator
LDW button