2022 ACURA MDX Owners Manual

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
424
Driving
■How to weigh the trailer lo ads using the public scale
Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each we ight’s limit except for the tongue load.
2Tongue load P. 423
•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 manu al for additional information.
1How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale
Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who
watches the scale is needed as all occupants should
stay in the vehicle.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or
tongue gauge or estima te it based on cargo
distribution. Weight limit for 2WD models AWD models
Front gross axle2,921 lbs
(1,325 kg)2,976 lbs
(1,350 kg)
Gross vehicle 5,600 lbs
(2,540 kg) 5,820 lbs
(2,640 kg)
Rear gross axle2,767 lbs
(1,255 kg)2,965 lbs
(1,345 kg)
Gross combined 8,311 lbs
(3,770 kg) 10,053 lbs
(4,560 kg)
1. Front gross axle weight.
2. Gross vehicle weight.4. Gross combined weight.
3. Rear gross axle weight. 5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.
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Continued425
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
Towing generally requires a vari ety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we reco mmend that you purchase Acura equipment
whenever possible.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your trai ler maker for prope r installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and br aking performance of your
vehicle.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
Trailer packages and products:
•Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.•Wiring harness kit
•Trailer hitch kit (jum per harness included)
2 Trailer brakes P. 426
Are available at a dealer.
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
426
Driving
■Trailer brakes
Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brake s: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure th ey are electronically actuated. Do not
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your ve hicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to
install most electric trailer brake controllers.
Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer
brake controller following the trailer brake
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure
to properly install the trailer brake controller
may increase the distance it takes for you to
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.1 Trailer brakes
The 4-pin gray connector is located under the left
side instrument panel.
Electric Brake
(Light Green)
Ground
(Brown) +B Electric Brake
(Yellow) (20A)
Stop
(Violet)
Trailer brake controller
connector’s terminals:
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Continued427
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
We recommend that you have a dealer inst all a Acura wiring harness and converter.
They are designed for your vehicle.
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer ’s instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.
■Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please cons ult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.
1 Trailer light
The trailer lighting connect or is located behind the
rear panel lining in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Acura trailer
lighting harness and converte r, ask a dealer for the
correct connector and pins.
Brake Diag
Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:
+B Back Up
Carg o L
i

ght
Rear Left Welcome
Light
Ground
Interior Light Cut
Relay Out 2
Hands Free Access
Signal
Right Small Light
Right Turn Signal +B Trailer Back Light
+B Trailer Small Light
+B Trailer Hazard Light
+B Trailer Charge
Electric Brake
Back Light
IG2 A/C
Left Turn Signal
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428
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Sway control
This device can be used if your trailer te nds to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.
■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and te rritories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.
■Automatic transmission cooler
An additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler is required to keep the
transmission from overheating when towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You
can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.
AWD models
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429
uuTowing a Trailer uTrailer Stability Assist
Driving
Trailer Stability Assist
Helps to stabilize the vehicle and tra iler when the trailer severely sways.
■How trailer stability assist works
When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist
determines the cause. If the trailer oscilla tion is detected as the cause, and the
swaying increases, the system applies the br akes or controls engine output to reduce
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights co me on automatically if you brake to
reduce vehicle speed.
1 Trailer Stability Assist
Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying.
When swayed too severely, the system becomes
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle,
causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged. 2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 430
Trailer towing sway is caused by:
•Crosswinds
•Improper towbar down load
•Excessive Speed
The VSA ® system indicator blinks during the trailer
stability assist operation. 2 VSA ® Operation P. 463
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430
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. 422
•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 trailer tires.
• Turn off the Auto Idle Stop syst em using the Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The
trailer weight can affect your vehicle’s br ake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is
activated on a hill while towing a trailer.
• Turn off the rear parking sensor system.
2 Turning off All Rear Sensors P. 565
•Turn off the Low Speed Braking Control syst em. It may activate if it detects the
towed object as an obstacle.
2 System On and Off P. 493
•Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
Remember to unhitch the tra iler before changing a
flat tire. Ask the trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer’s spare tire.
Models with Low Speed Braking Control
1 Towing 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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431
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Behind a Motorhome
Driving
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (H) mark, turn off the climate
control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down
the engine if necessary.
• Change the shift position to
(S position if the transmi ssion 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 Behind a Motorhome
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. 685
■Turning and Braking
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
■Retrieving a Boat
1Driving in Hilly Terrain
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature
exceeds the specified limit, the transmission will also
automatically up shift, even in the sequential shift
mode.
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