2016 Acura MDX towing

336
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 327
•When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump
octane number of 91 or higher is recommended.
u Towing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or
steep uphill.
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
1Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
At higher speeds, the trai ler may sway or affect
vehicle handling.
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337
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and redu ce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
• Change the gear position to
(S position if the transmission shifts frequently.
If the vehicle tires slip when retrieving a boat from the water, keep the transmission
in
(D and do not use the sequential shift mode in (S. This prevents damage to the
transmission.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 531
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
■Retrieving a Boat
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uuWhen Driving uBlind Spot Information (BSI) System*
406
Driving
■When the system detects a vehicle1Blind Spot Inform ation (BSI) System*
You can change the setting for BSI.
2 Customizable Features P. 120, 271
Turn the system off when towing a trailer.
The system may not work properly for the following
reasons:
•The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the
radar coverage.
•The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the BSI al ert indicators to come on.
BSI may be adversel y affected when:
•Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc,.) are
detected.
•An object that does not re flect radio waves well,
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.
•Driving on a curved road.
•A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent
lane.
•The system picks up external electrical interference.•The rear bumper or the sens ors have been improperly
repaired or the rear bu mper has been deformed.
•The orientation of the sensors has been changed.•In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).
For proper BSI use:
•Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.
•Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with
labels or sticke rs of any kind.
•Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be repaired,
or the rear bumper corner area is strongly impacted.
■Comes on when●A vehicle enters the ale rt zone from behind
to overtake you with a speed difference of
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your
vehicle.
●You pass a vehicle with a speed difference
of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
BSI Alert Indicator: Located near the outside
rearview mirror on both sides.
■Blinks and the beeper sounds when
You move the turn signal lever in the direction
of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds
three times. Comes On
Blinks
* Not available on all models
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445
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•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.
Maintenance Minder MessageSystem Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If the message
Maintenance Due Now 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.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Check expiration date for tire repair kit bottle*
●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and li nes (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
temperature. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under
-20°F, -29°C), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
*6: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3
●Replace transmission fluid*4
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *6
* Not available on all models
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491
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 492
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 493
Temporarily Repair ing a Flat Tire*..... 500
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 512
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ............................................. 513
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 514
Jump Starting .................................... 515 Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 517
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 519
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 519
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 520
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................... 521
If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering
(EPS) System Indicator Comes On ........... 521
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks ....................... 522
If the Transmission I ndicator Blinks along
with the Warning Message ............ 522
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 523
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 530
Emergency Towing ........................... 531
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door.. 532
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate.. 533
* Not available on all models
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492
Handling the Unexpected
Tools
Types of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools are stored in the cargo area.
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle
Jack
Jack Handle Bar Towing Hook
Tool Case
Models with a compact spare tire
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uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire*
494
Handling the Unexpected
1. Push the rear edge of the handle on the
floor lid and open the lid.
2. Take out the cargo floor box.
3. Take the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack
handle bar out of the tool case.
■Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire1Changing a Flat Tire*
NOTICE
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call
your dealer or a prof essional towing service.
Handle
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
* Not available on all models
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507
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire*
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
4. Recheck the air pressure using the air only
hose on the compressor.
5. Turn the selector switch to AIR ONLY.
u Do not turn the air compressor on to
check the pressure.
2 Inflating an Under-inflated Tire P. 509
6.If the air pressure is
• Less than 19 psi (130 kPa):
Do not add air or continue driving. The leak
is too severe. Call for help and have your
vehicle towed.
2 Emergency Towing P. 531
•35 psi (240 kPa) or more:
Continue driving for another 10 minutes or
until you reach the nearest service station.
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
u If the air pressure do es not go down after
the 10 minute driving, you do not need
to check the pressure any more.
Air Only Hose
AIR ONLY
side
ON
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