2017 Acura MDX Owner's Guide

90 |
DRIVING
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Maximum load for a vehicle with with second-row bench seats: 1,173 lbs (532 kg).
Maximum load for a vehicle with with second-rowcaptain seats: 1,005 lbs (456 kg).
Label Example
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1.
Locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.
Determine the combined weight of the driv

er and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the driv

er and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.
The resulting figur

e equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.)
5.
Determine the combined weight

of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6.
If your v

ehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.acura.com to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a
label on the driver’s doorjamb.

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DRIVING
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg )Cargo weight

873 lbs
(396 kg)
Example2 Max load
1,173 lbs
(532 kg) Passenger weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo weight

423 lbs
(192 kg)
Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause
a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.
WARNING
The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory, and does not need to be
adjusted. However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area or pull a
trailer, have the aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualified technician.

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DRIVING
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. An accessory front towing grille is
required whenever a trailer is towed. You can get the accessory grille at a dealer.
See the Owner’s Manual on the Owner Information CD or visit owners.acura.com
for more information.
Towing
Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of
the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown
in the table below.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously affect
vehicle handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
Total load
Number of
occupants
AWD models with
ATF cooler
AWD models
without ATF cooler2WD model s
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg )3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
34,750 lbs (2,155 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 kg )3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
64,000 lbs (1,814 kg )2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
7Towing not recommended
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
•
Occupants fill seats
from the front of the vehicle to the back.
•
Each occupant weights 150 lbs (68 kg).
•
Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of car

go in the cargo area.
Any additional weight, cargo or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight
and maximum tongue load.
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

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DRIVING
Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately:
Boat trailers: 5-15% of the total trailer weight.
Other trailers: 10-15% of total trailer weight.
To
ng ue Loa dTongue load
Number of
occupant s
AWD models 2WD model s
2500 lbs (227 kg)350 lbs (159 kg )
3475 lbs (215 kg)325 lbs (147 kg)
4380 lbs (172 kg)300 lbs (136 kg)
5290 lbs (132 kg)260 lbs (118 kg)
6165 lbs (75 kg)140 lbs (63 kg)
7Towing not recommended
Estimate tongue load
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by measuring the trailer hitch height from the
ground in the following steps:
1.
Park the v

ehicle on level ground.
2.
Measure the distance between the

ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3.
Connect the full

y loaded trailer to the hitch.
4.
Measure the distance between the

ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch
again.
5.
Subtract the second measur

ement from the first measurement, then refer to
the following table.
If the difference isAWD model s2WD models
1 inches (2.5 cm)150 lbs (68 kg)
1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm )250 lbs (114 kg)
2 inches (5.1 cm)350 lbs (159 kg)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm )450 lbs (205 kg)—
2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm )500 lbs (227 kg)—
If the difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute the load or
remove cargo as needed.

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DRIVING
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 fo
r
Front gross axle2,811 lbs
(1,275 kg)2,910 lbs
(1,320 kg)
Gross vehicle 5,368 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 combine d8,036 lbs
(3,645 kg )9,833 lbs

(4,460 kg)
AWD models
2WD model s
• 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

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DRIVING
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 first 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 inflated.
•
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 94). If a pu

blic
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 ar

e 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

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DRIVING
Remote Engine Start*
Start your vehicle’s engine from extended distances using the two-way remote
transmitter before you enter the vehicle.
Green indicator:
Confirms 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 flammable 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

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DRIVING
Starting to Drive
The keyless access system allows simple push-button start.
Before
Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly 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 firmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
Turning the vehicle off:
U.S. models
Stop, press and hold the brake pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP. The
transmission changes to Park (P) and the engine shuts off.
Canadian models
Stop, change the gear to Park (P), press the brake pedal, 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