2016 Acura MDX tailgate

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
This Owner’s Guide is intended to help you quickly get acquainted with your 2016
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 fi nd 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 fi rst 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 Roadside 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 benefi ts are available:
- Towing services — full cost of towing to the closest Acura dealer
- Roadside assistance — jump starting, fuel delivery, lockout, and fl at 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 dissatisfi ed with the information you
receive, you can call Acura Client Relations (see page 149).
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 .................. 22
Reporting Safety Defects .............. 23
INSTRUMENT PANEL .................... 24
Malfunction Indicators .................. 24
Condition Indicators ...................... 26
On/Off Indicators .......................... 27
Multi-Information Display ........... 28
VEHICLE CONTROLS ..................... 29
Using the Remote Transmitter ..... 29
Keyless Access System .................. 30
Power Tailgate Operation ..............31
Door Operation from Inside the
Vehicle ............................................. 32
Power Window Operation ............ 33
Power Moonroof Operation ........ 34
Interior and Exterior Lights........... 35
One-Touch Turn Signal .................. 36
Wiper Operation ............................ 37
Adjusting the Seats ........................ 39
Adjusting the Mirrors..................... 42
Adjusting the Steering Wheel ...... 43
Driving Position Memory System ... 43
Rear Seats ........................................ 44
HomeLink® Garage Opener .......... 46
Climate Control System................ 47Seat Heaters and Ventilation* ..... 50
Customized Features ......................51
AUDIO AND CONNECTIVITY ...... 52
Basic Audio Operation ................... 52
On-Demand Multi-Use Display
(ODMD) ........................................... 54
FM/AM Radio .................................. 55
SiriusXM® Radio ............................. 56
Compact Disc (CD) or USB Flash
Drive ................................................. 57
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Audio* .... 58
iPod® ................................................ 59
Bluetooth® Audio ........................... 60
Pandora® ..........................................61
AcuraLink featuring Aha™ ............ 62
Rear Entertainment System
(RES)* .............................................. 63
BLUETOOTH® HANDSFREELINK® ...67
Basic HFL Operation ...................... 67
Pairing a Phone ............................... 69
Making a Call .................................. 70
SMS Text Messaging and E-Mail ... 73
Siri™ Eyes Free ............................... 74
ACURALINK
®* ................................. 75
AcuraLink Messages ....................... 75
Subscription Features .................... 76
NAVIGATION* ................................77
Basic Navigation Operation ..........77
Entering a Destination .................. 80
Routing ............................................ 82
DRIVING .......................................... 84
Before Driving ................................. 84
Maximum Load Limit ..................... 86
Towing a Trailer .............................. 88

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

4 || 5 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
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash or
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
Safety Messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
DANGER
Carbon Monoxide Gas
The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle and
follow the instructions set forth below, you will not accumulate dangerous levels
of carbon monoxide gas in the vehicle interior.
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:
• The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
• The exhaust system may have been damaged.
• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airfl ow can pull exhaust gas
into the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown
below.
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the
mode.
3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fi ll up with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even when the garage door is
open, drive out of the garage immediately after starting the engine.Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.
WARNING
Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts and
wear them properly.
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
All seven seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move
freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor locks to restrain your body. The front passenger’s, second-row, and
third-row seat belts also have a lockable retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance
safety. The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a
moderate-to-severe front collision, sometimes even if the collision is not severe
enough to infl ate the front airbags or the driver’s knee airbag.
Proper Use of Seat Belts
Follow these guidelines for proper use:
• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that
position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the
effectiveness of the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very
seriously injured in a crash.
• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve
comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective
capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
• No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that does not
appear to be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working properly
may not protect the occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the belt as soon
as possible.

28 || 29 VEHICLE CONTROLS INSTRUMENT PANEL
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
Multi-Information Display
Consists of several displays that provide you with useful information.
Right selector wheel:
Scroll to change main
displays.Main display
Lower display
TRIP button: Press to
change lower displays.
Main display
Vehicle SettingsInstant/average
fuel economy
Tire pressure
for each tireRange
Engine oil life
Main Displays
Outside temperature
Odometer Outside temperature
Trip AOutside temperature
Trip B
Lower Displays
Elapsed time
Compass/
directions*Average speed
SH-AWD*/IDS
*if equipped*if equipped
Learn about the various controls necessary for operating and driving the vehicle.
Using the Remote Transmitter
Lock or unlock the doors and tailgate.
Unlock button: Press once
to unlock the driver’s door.
Press again to unlock all
doors and the tailgate.
Release knob (front or back
of key): Slide the knob to
release the built-in key for
valet use. Power tailgate button:
Press and hold to unlock and
open the power tailgate.
Press again to close it.Lock button: Press to lock
the doors and tailgate. Press
again for verifi cation. LED indicators*: Check door
lock or engine status (see
page 92).
Panic button: Press and
hold to sound the alarm for
30 seconds. Press again to
cancel.
VEHICLE CONTROLS
Leaving the remote transmitter in the vehicle can result in theft or accidental
movement of the vehicle. Always take it with you whenever you leave the vehicle
unattended.
ENGINE HOLD button*:
After pressing the Lock
button once, press and
hold to remotely start the
engine.
NOTICE

30 || 31 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
Unlocking the Tailgate
Press and hold the tailgate release button under
the tailgate handle to unlock and open the tailgate.
The vehicle can be on or off.
If there is not enough clearance for the tailgate
to fully open, press and hold the tailgate release
button until you hear two beeps. The tailgate
unlatches, and you can open it manually.
Tailgate release
button
Keyless Access System
When you carry the remote transmitter (for example, in a pocket or purse) and it
is outside the vehicle and within range (about 32 inches or 80 cm), you can lock or
unlock the doors and tailgate without handling the transmitter.
Unlocking/Locking the Doors
To unlock: Grab the driver’s door handle when the
vehicle is off to unlock the driver’s door. Grab the
front passenger’s (or rear*) door handle to unlock
all doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the door lock button on any front
(or rear*) door handle when the vehicle is off. If the
remote transmitter is inside the vehicle, the doors
will not lock.
Door lock
button
*Some models include rear door keyless access.
Power Tailgate Operation
Use these methods to operate the power tailgate.
Power Tailgate Release Button
The vehicle must be in Park (P).
Press and hold the power tailgate button on the
inside of the driver’s door to open the tailgate.
Press it again at any time to close it.
Power Tailgate Close Button
Press the power tailgate close button to
automatically close the tailgate. Press it again at
any time to reverse the tailgate direction.
Power tailgate
close button
Closing the power tailgate while anyone is in the path of the tailgate can
cause serious injury.
Make sure everyone is clear before closing the tailgate.
WARNING
Power tailgate button

32 || 33 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
Door Operation from Inside the Vehicle
Use these methods to lock or unlock and open or close the doors.
Using the Lock Tab
To unlock: Pull the lock tab rearward. When you
unlock either front door using the lock tab, the
specifi c door (driver’s or passenger’s) unlocks.
To lock: Push the lock tab forward. When you lock
the door using the lock tab on the driver’s door, all
the other doors and tailgate lock at the same time.
Using the Master Door Lock Switch
To unlock: Press the unlock side of the switch to
unlock all doors and the tailgate.
To lock: Press the lock side of the switch to lock all
doors and the tailgate.
Using the Front Door Inner Handle
Pull the front door inner handle. The door unlocks
and opens in one motion. Unlocking and opening
the driver’s door from the inner handle unlocks all
other doors.
Do not pull a front door inner handle while the
vehicle is moving.
Childproof Door Locks
The childproof door locks prevent the rear doors
from being opened from the inside regardless of the
position of the lock tab.
Slide the lever in the rear door to the lock position,
and close the door.
Open the door using the outer door handle.
Unlock
Lock
Inner handle
To lock
To unlock
Lock tab
To lock
To unlock
Master door lock switch
Power Window Operation
The power windows can be opened and closed when the vehicle is on by using the
switches on the doors. The switches on the driver’s side can be used to open and
close all the windows.
Automatic Operation
To open: Push the switch down fi rmly.
To close: Pull the switch up fi rmly.
The window opens or closes completely. To stop
the window at any time, push or pull the switch
again briefl y.
Manual Operation
To open: Push the switch down lightly.
To close: Pull the switch up lightly.
Release the switch when the windows reach the
desired position.
Power Window Lock
Push in the power window lock button so only the driver’s window can be
operated.
Closing a power window on someone’s hands or fi ngers can cause serious
injury.
Make sure your passengers are away from the windows before closing them.
WARNING
Close
On
Off
Power window
lock button
Open

36 || 37 VEHICLE CONTROLS VEHICLE CONTROLS
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
Interior Lights
Change the interior light settings using the switches on the ceiling.
Front lights
On position: Interior lights remain on.
Door-activated position: Interior lights come on
when any of the doors are opened, the driver’s door
is unlocked, or the vehicle is turned off.
Off position: Interior lights remain off.
Press the map light button to turn lights on or off.
Cargo lights
Located on the inside of the tailgate door.
On position: The light comes on when the tailgate
is open and goes off when it is closed.
Off position: The light stays off.
Door-activated position
On
Off
On
Off
One-Touch Turn Signal
Use this quick and convenient method to signal a lane change.
Lightly push the turn signal lever up or down for a
three-blink sequence.
For a continuous signal, push the lever up or down
until it locks into place.
Right
Left
*if equipped
Wiper Operation
The windshield wipers and washers can be used when the vehicle is on. Move the
wiper lever up or down to the desired position.
Headlight-Wiper Integration
When the headlights are in the AUTO position, they automatically turn on when
the front wipers operate several times within a certain interval. The headlights
turn off shortly after the wipers are turned off, or if there is enough ambient light.
Mist
Pull toward
you for
washer.
OFF
INT (intermittent)*/
AUTO (automatic)*
LO: low speed
HI: high speed
Intermittent Wipers*
When you move the lever to the INT position, the wipers operate based on the
delay adjustment.
Rotate the adjustment ring to adjust the wiper delay.
Long delayRotate the
adjustment
ring.
Short delay
INT position

84 || 85 DRIVING DRIVING
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
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
• Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
• Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite fl ammable materials left under
the hood, causing a fi re. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover fl ammable materials after you
or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DRIVING
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Interior Checks
• Store or secure all items on board properly.
• Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the fl oor
mats.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
• Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
• Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
• Make sure items placed on the fl oor behind the front seats cannot roll under
the seats.
• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
• Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
NOTICE
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a signifi cantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that raises its center of gravity.
• Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura
accessory).
In addition:
• During the fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration
or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
• Avoid hard braking for the fi rst 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause crash or
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions and guidelines in this guide.
Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifi cations can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories
and modifi cations.
WARNING