2016 Acura MDX ECU

2 || 3 SAFETY VISUAL INDEX
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
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 tipping or rollover if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a signifi cantly
higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is signifi cantly 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 Dashboard and Ceiling Controls
1 Color information display
2 On-Demand Multi-Use Display
(ODMD) p. 54
3 Hazard warning button
4 Climate control buttons p. 47
5 Moonroof switch p. 34
Map lights p. 36
HomeLink® buttons p. 46
AcuraLink® buttons* p. 75
6 Power window switches p. 33
Door lock switches p. 32
Door mirror controls p. 42

Power folding mirror button* p. 42
7 Power tailgate button p. 31
Fuel fi ll door handle p. 114
8 Hood release handle p. 133
9 Driving Position Memory System
buttons p. 43
10 Integrated Dynamics System
(IDS) button p. 97
Electronic gear selector p. 94
Auto idle stop off button* p. 96
11 Parking brake p. 98
12 Audio/phone/navigation/Surround
View Camera* buttons p. 50, 65,
75, 105
13 Rear entertainment system* p. 63
14 (inside center console)
USB port p. 53
Auxiliary input jack p. 53
Accessory power socket p. 53
1
281134
5
67
9
101213
*if equipped
14

6 || 7 SAFETY SAFETY
TABLE OF
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VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of a serious injury or
death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them
properly.
WARNING
Seat Belt Inspection
Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:
• Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
• Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does
not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem. Only use a mild
soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning solvents. Make sure the
belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.
Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a dealer after
any collision.
Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if
the seat belts do not work properly when needed.
Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Fastening a Seat Belt
Adjust your seat to the proper position (see page 39), and then follow the
below steps.
1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.
2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug
on the belt to make sure the buckle is secure.
Make sure that the belt is not twisted or caught
on anything.
On models with CMBS
TM, the front seat belts
retract automatically.
3. Position the lap part of the belt as low as
possible across your hips, then pull up on the
shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fi ts
snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take
the force of a crash and reduces the chance of
internal injuries.
4. If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove
any slack, then make sure that the belt rests
across the center of your chest and over your
shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over
the strongest bones in your upper body.
To release the belt, push the red PRESS button
then guide the belt by hand until it has
retracted completely.
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor
The front seats have adjustable shoulder anchors to accommodate taller and
shorter occupants.
1. Move the anchor up and down while holding the
release button.
2. Position the anchor so that the belt rests across
the center of your chest and over your shoulder. Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a
crash.
Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.
Pull out
slowly.
Latch
plate
Buckle
Lap belt
as low as
possible
Push
WARNING

14 || 15 SAFETY SAFETY
TABLE OF
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VOICE COMMAND
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SAFETY
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INSTRUMENT
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VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
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HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
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 Safi ng 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 infl ated, 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 infl ate, 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 Traffi c 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 infl ating front or side airbag can injure or kill a child sitting in the front
passenger’s seat.
• A child in the front passenger’s 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

16 || 17 SAFETY SAFETY
TABLE OF
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SAFETY
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INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Protecting Infants
An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until
the infant reaches the seat manufacturer’s weight or height limit for the seat, and
the infant is at least one year old. Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing
seat for a child up to two years old if the child’s height and weight are appropriate
for a rear-facing seat.
Child seats must be placed and secured in a rear
seating position. Rear-facing child seats should never
be installed in a forward-facing position.
When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may
prevent the driver or a front passenger from moving
their seat all the way back, or from locking their
seat-back in the desired position. If this occurs, we
recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front passenger’s
seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you
may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or wrap one around their neck can
result in serious injury or death.
Instruct children not to play with any seat belt and make sure any unused
seat belt a child can reach is buckled, fully retracted, and locked.
Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or
death during a crash.
Always place a rear-facing child seat in the rear seat, not the front.
WARNING
WARNING
Protecting Smaller Children
If a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicated by the
child seat manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a fi rmly
secured forward-facing child seat.
We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing
child seat in a rear seating position.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat
can be hazardous, even with advanced front airbags
that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag
off. A rear seat is the safest place for a child.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious
injury or death if the front airbag infl ates.
If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat
as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.
Selecting a Child Seat
Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren). Some have a rigid-type connector, while others have a fl exible-type
connector. Both are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned
child seats can only be installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose,
follow the child seat manufacturer’s use and care instructions as well as the
instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing your child’s
safety.
In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be
secured with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the
child seat manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-
compatible seat once a child reaches a specifi ed weight. Please read the child
seat owner’s manual for proper installation instructions.
Important considerations when selecting a child seat
Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:
• The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.
• The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.
• The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
WARNING

18 || 19 SAFETY SAFETY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INDEX
VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat
A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in the second-row seats. A child
seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or fl exible type of
connectors.
1. Locate the lower anchors under the marks.
2. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then
attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came with
the child seat. Make sure that the lower anchors
are not obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object.
Outer seats: Raise the head restraint to its
highest position, then route the tether strap
between the head restraint legs, and secure the
tether strap hook onto the anchor.
Center seat: Lower the center head restraint to
its lowest position, then route the tether strap
over the top of the head restraint and secure the
tether strap hook onto the anchor.
3. Make sure the strap is not twisted. Tighten
the tether strap as instructed by the child seat
manufacturer.
4. Make sure the child seat is fi rmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side;
little movement should be felt.
5. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is
activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked.
Marks
Lower anchors
Rigid type
Flexible type
Tether strap hook
Anchor
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt
1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.
2. Route the seat belt through the child
seat according to the seat manufacturer’s
instructions, and insert the latch plate into the
buckle. Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.
3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the
way out until it stops. This activates the lockable
retractor.
4. Let the seat belt completely wind up into the
retractor, then try to pull it out to make sure
the retractor is locked. If you are able to pull the
shoulder belt out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way out, and
repeat steps 3 – 4.
5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near the
buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. When doing this, place your
weight on the child seat and push it into the
vehicle seat.
6. Make sure the child seat is fi rmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side;
little movement should be felt.
7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is
activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked.
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle and allow the seat belt to
wind up all the way.

20 || 21 SAFETY SAFETY
TABLE OF
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VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
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SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
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INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in the front can result in injury or
death if the passenger’s front airbag infl ates.
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.
WARNING
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.
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.
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
over the top of the head restraint.
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.
Second row seatTether anchorage points
Third row seat
Second row seat
AnchorTether strap hook
Tether anchorage points
Third row seat
Tether strap hookAnchor

44 || 45 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
INDEX
SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
INFORMATION
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
Rear Seats
Adjust second-row seats, access third-row seats, or fold down seats for additional
cargo space.
Adjusting the Second-Row Seats
Horizontal position
adjustment
Pull up the bar to move the
seat, then release the bar.Seat-back angle
adjustment
Pull up the lever to
change the angle.
Accessing the Third-Row Seats
Press the button on the second-row seat back
or outer seat side. The second-row seat slides
forward to allow easy access to the third row.
The button is inoperable when the vehicle is
moving.
Folding Down the Second-Row Seats
Separately fold down the left and right halves of the second-row seat to make
room for cargo.
1. Store the center seat belt by inserting the latch
plate into the slot on the side of the anchor
buckle.
2. Retract the seat belt into the holder on the
ceiling.
3. Lower the center head restraint to its lowest
position. Put the armrest back into the seat-
back.
4. Pull up the seat-back angle adjustment lever.
To return the seat to its original position, pull up the seat-back to an upright
position until it is securely latched into place. Reposition the seat belts as
necessary.
Folding Down the Third-Row Seats
Separately fold down the left and right halves of the third-row seat to make room
for cargo.
1. Pull the handle on the seat-back. The head
restraint folds down.
2. Push the seat-back forward while pulling the
handle.
To return the seat to its original position, pull up
the seat-back while pulling up the handle. Push the
head restraint up to its original position.
Lever
Handle

46 || 47 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
TABLE OF
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VISUAL INDEX
VOICE COMMAND
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SAFETY
INFORMATION
CLIENT
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INSTRUMENT
PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE
CONTROLS
MAINTENANCE
AUDIO AND
CONNECTIVITY
HANDLING THE
UNEXPECTED
BLUETOOTH®
HANDSFREELINK®
DRIVING
ACURALINK®
NAVIGATION
HomeLink® Garage Opener
Program your vehicle to operate up to three remote-controlled devices around your
home—such as garage doors, lighting, or home security systems—using the buttons
on the ceiling.
Training a Button
Park near the system you want to program, and follow the instructions in the
fl owchart below.
Press and hold the button on the remote
and the HomeLink button at the same
time. Then, while continuing to hold the
HomeLink button, press and release the
button on the remote every 2 seconds.
Does the LED blink at a faster rate within 20 seconds?
Press and hold the
HomeLink button
again.Training
complete
YES NO
HomeLink indicator
flashes for 2 seconds,
then remains on.HomeLink LED
remains on.YES NO
YES NO
Position the remote transmitter
1–3 inches (3–8 cm) from the
HomeLink button you want to program.1
Press and hold the desired HomeLink
button and the button on the remote
transmitter.
Does the HomeLink indicator (LED) blink at a faster
rate after about 10 seconds?
2
a
The remote has a rolling code. Press
the “learn” button on the
remote-controlled device (e.g., garage
door opener).
Press the programmed HomeLink
button again; the remote-controlled
device should operate. Within 30 seconds, press and hold the
programmed HomeLink button for 2
seconds.a
Press and hold the programmed
HomeLink button for about a second.
Does the device (garage door opener) work?
3
b
4
5
To retrain a button or erase codes, see the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.acura.com (U.S.) or myacura.ca (Canada). If you
need help, call HomeLink at (800) 355-3515 or visit www.homelink.com.
Indicator HomeLink buttons
Climate Control System
Set your preferred interior temperature by selecting the proper mix of heated or
cooled air and fan speed.
Front Operation
Use the On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen or the buttons
below the screen to operate the system.
Recirculation/
fresh air mode Driver’s side
temperature
On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD)
When you select a climate control icon, a new screen appears where you can make
adjustments or change settings.
Air ow
control mode
AC: Turn the air conditioning on or off.
SYNC: Set the passenger’s side temperature
to the same as the driver’s side.Fan
speedRear temperature
Passenger’s side
temperature
Windshield
defroster
button Driver’s side
temperature switch
Climate control buttons
ON/OFF
buttonAUTO button: Press, then
adjust the temperature to
your preferred setting.
Rear window
defogger/heated
mirror buttonPassenger’s side
temperature switch