2017 Acura MDX check engine light

26 |
I
NSTRUMENT PANEL
Learn about the indicators and displays related to driving the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or
at any other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
•
Brake fluid is low

.
•
There is a malfunction in the brak

e system.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check
the brake fluid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action.
If necessary, downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine
braking. Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood and check
the oil level (see page 140), and add oil if necessary. If the indicator does
not turn off, have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
•
The emissions control system may have a pr

oblem.
•
(Blinks) A misfire in

the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place,
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired
immediately.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has
normal braking ability, but no anti-lock function.
Ca nada
U.S.
INSTRUMENT PANEL

88 |
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•
Make sur
e there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•
Remov

e any frost, snow, or ice.
•
Make sure

the hood is securely closed.
•
Heat from

the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under
the hood, causing a fire. 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 flammable 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
Interior Checks•
Store or secur
e 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 floor
mats.
•
If you hav

e any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•
Securely close and lock all

doors and the tailgate.
•
Adjust y

our seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•
Make sure items placed

on the floor 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.
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.
NOTICE

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HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If you see the multi-information display (MID) message “Stop Driving When Safe.
Engine Temperature Too Hot,” your engine is overheating. You may also notice the
temperature gauge is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power, or steam or
spray comes out from under the hood.
1.
Immediately park the

vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If no steam or spray is present: Keep the engine

running and open the hood (see page 139).
If steam or spray is present

: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3.
Check that the cooling

fan is operating. If it is not, immediately stop the engine.
Otherwise, idle the engine until the MID message goes off.

4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect

the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on. Then, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator
cap.
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage
the engine.
NOTICE
MAX MIN
Reserve tank

| 135
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1.
Turn off the
vehicle, including headlights and all
accessories.
2.
Remov

e the fuse box cover.
3.
Check the large

fuse inside the engine
compartment. If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-
head screwdriver to remove the screws and
replace the fuse with a new one. Reinstall the
screws.
4.
Inspect the small fuses in

the engine
compartment and the vehicle interior. If there is
a blown fuse, remove it with the fuse puller and
replace it with a new one.
Blown fuse
Combined
fuse Fuse puller
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances
of damaging the electrical system.
NOTICE
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the
front tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is
an acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE

152 |
MAINTENANCE
Testing of
Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has readiness codes as part of the onboard self-diagnostic system.
Some states use these codes for testing to verify your vehicle’s emissions
components are working properly. The codes may not be read if you go through the
testing just after the battery has gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, set the power mode to ON without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it goes off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle emissions tested before the readiness codes
are set, prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1.
Fill the gas tank to appr

oximately 3/4 full.
2.
Park the

vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3.
Make sure

the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°C and 35°C).
4.
Start the engine without

touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle for 20
seconds.
5.
Keep the

vehicle in Park (P). Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it
there for about 3 minutes.
6.
Let the engine idle with

your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
7.
Select a nearby, lightl

y traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed
of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the highway
with the vehicle in Drive. Do not use cruise control. When traffic allows, drive
for 90 seconds without using the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary
slightly; this is OK.) If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of
traffic conditions, drive for at least 30 seconds, then repeat two more times (for
a total of 90 seconds).
8.
Drive in city or suburban

traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions
allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator
pedal or the brake pedal.
9.
Park the

vehicle and leave the engine off for 30 minutes.
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set again
only after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If an emissions testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, you
may be requested to return at a later date to complete the test, or see your dealer.

154 |
CLIENT INFORMATION
Learn about information specific to you as an Acura client and how to get help.
Frequently Asked Questions/Troubleshooting
Below are some frequently asked questions and troubleshooting items that you
may have about the vehicle.
Q: How do I set the vehicle clock?
A:
For vehicles without navigation, see page 55. For vehicles with navigation, the


time is automatically set using GPS signals.
Q:

Why doesn’t the vehicle start when I press the ENGINE START/STOP button?
A: The brake pedal must be pressed to start the engine.
Q: What is the AUTO setting on my headlight lever?
A: When in the AUTO position, the vehicle’s exterior lights will automatically turn


on or off depending on the ambient lighting.
Q:

Why won’t the driver’s door unlock when I grab the door handle, even though the


keyless ac

cess remote is within range?
A: If you pull the handle too quickly, the system may not have time to confirm the


door is unlocked. W

ait to hear a beep to confirm the door is unlocked. If you are


wearing gloves,

the system may be slow to respond.
Q: After my battery was disconnected or went dead, the audio system is asking for a


code. Wher

e do I find this?
A: In most cases, you do not need to enter a code. Turn on the vehicle and the audio


system, and press and hold the power button until

the system reactivates.
Q: Why can’t I operate Pandora* through the audio system?
A: Audio may be streaming through Bluetooth® Audio. Make sure Pandora mode


is selected and the phone cable is properl

y connected to the USB adapter. Some


phones may prompt y

ou to “Allow” a connection.
Q: Is my phone compatible with Bluetooth features?
A: Visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink (U.S) or www.handsfreelink.ca (Canada) to


check phone compatibility for Bluet

ooth® Audio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®,


and SMS text messaging.
Q:

Every time I press the Talk button, the system gives me voice prompts. Can I turn


these off?*
A: Pr

ess SETTINGS. Use the interface dial to select System Settings then Voice Rec.


For the V

oice Prompt option, select Off.
CLIENT INFORMATION
*if equipped