Acura MDX (2020 year). Manual in english - page 28

445

Driving

This chapter discusses driving and refueling.

Before Driving

................................... 446

Towing a Trailer

................................ 452

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

..... 462

When Driving

Starting the Engine .......................... 464
Automatic Transmission ................... 471
Shifting ............................................ 472
Auto Idle Stop.................................. 480
Integrated Dynamics System............. 486
Front Sensor Camera ....................... 487
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low 

Speed Follow ................................. 489

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) 

System ........................................505

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) .. 510

Vehicle Stability Assist

®

 (VSA

®

), aka Electronic 

Stability Control (ESC), System ............... 518

Agile Handling Assist ....................... 520
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

 (SH-

AWD

®

)

*

......................................... 521

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 

with Tire Fill Assist.......................... 522

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - 

Required Federal Explanation ......... 524

Blind spot information System

*

........ 526

Braking

Brake System ................................... 529
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 535

Brake Assist System ......................... 536
Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 

(CMBS

TM

) ....................................... 537

Parking Your Vehicle

When Stopped ................................ 546
Parking Sensor System

*

................... 548

Cross Traffic Monitor

*

..................... 552

Multi-View Rear Camera

*

................ 557

Surround View Camera System

*

..... 559

Refueling

Fuel Information .............................. 569
How to Refuel ................................. 570

Fuel Economy and CO

2

 Emissions

.... 572

* Not available on all models

446

Driving

Before Driving

Driving Preparation

Check the following items before you start driving.

•

Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior 
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.

u

Remove any frost, snow, or ice.

u

Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of 
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.

u

When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel 
or wheel components.

•

Make sure the hood is securely closed.

u

If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.

•

Make sure the tires are in good condition.

u

Check air pressure, and check for damage and excessive wear.

2

Checking and Maintaining Tires

 P. 602

•

Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.

u

There are blind spots from the inside.

■

Exterior Checks

1

Exterior Checks

NOTICE

When 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.

Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert the key if the water 
freezes in the hole.

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.

Continued

447

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Store or secure all items on board properly.

u

Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s 
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.

2

Maximum Load Limit

 P. 449

•

Do not pile items higher than the seat height.

u

They can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden 
braking.

•

Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor 
mat.

u

An object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator 
pedal operation while driving.

•

If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.

u

They may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.

•

Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.

2

Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside

 P. 151

•

Adjust your seating position properly.

u

Adjust the head restraint, too.

2

Adjusting the Seats

 P. 191

2

Adjusting the Front and Second Row Outer Head Restraint Positions

 P. 198

•

Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly.

u

Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.

2

Adjusting the Steering Wheel

 P. 187

2

Adjusting the Mirrors

 P. 188

■

Interior Checks

1

Interior Checks

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not 
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry 
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have 
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified 
technician.

Your vehicle is equipped with the automatic 
headlight adjusting system that automatically adjusts 
the vertical angle of the low beam headlights.

Models with automatic headlight adjusting system

448

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

•

Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the 
seats.

u

They can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation 
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.

•

Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.

2

Fastening a Seat Belt

 P. 36

•

Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the 
vehicle, and go off soon after.

u

Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.

2

Indicators

 P. 78

449

uu

Before Driving

u

Maximum Load Limit

Continued

Driving

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,173 lbs (532 kg).

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,005 lbs (456 kg).
See the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s 
doorjamb.

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and 
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.

Steps for Determining 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 driver and passengers 
that will be riding in your vehicle.

(3)

Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers 
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

1

Maximum Load Limit

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all 
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue 
load.

2

Specifications

 P. 676

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.

2

Specifications

 P. 676

3

WARNING

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.

Models with bench seat

Models with captain seat

Label Example

450

uu

Before Driving

u

Maximum Load Limit

Driving

(4)

The resulting figure 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 vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will 
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.

451

uu

Before Driving

u

Maximum Load Limit

Driving

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.

1

Maximum Load Limit

Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your 
vehicle is designed to tow a trailer.

2

Towing a Trailer

 P. 452

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)

452

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Towing Preparation

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper 
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.

■

Total trailer weight

Do not exceed the maximum allowable 
weight of the trailer, cargo, and everything in 
or on it shown in the table.
Towing loads in excess of this can seriously 
affect vehicle handling and performance and 
can damage the engine and drivetrain.

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 17.6 lbs (8 kg) of cargo in the cargo area

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

■

Towing Load Limits

1

Towing Load Limits

Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
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 estimate it based on cargo 
distribution.

Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional 
information.

Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 
miles (1,000 km).

Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information

2

Vehicle Specifications

 P. 676

3

WARNING

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.

Total Load

Number of 

occupants

AWD models with 

ATF cooler

AWD models 

without ATF cooler

2WD models

2

5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)

3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)

3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)

3

4,750 lbs (2,155 kg)

3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)

3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)

4

4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)

3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)

3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)

5

4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)

2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)

2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)

6

4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)

2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)

2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)

7

Towing not recommended

453

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

Continued

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

Ton

g

ue Loa

d

Tongue Load

Number of 

occupants

AWD models with or without 

ATF cooler

2WD models

2

500 lbs (227 kg)

350 lbs (159 kg)

3

475 lbs (215 kg)

325 lbs (147 kg)

4

380 lbs (172 kg)

300 lbs (136 kg)

5

290 lbs (132 kg)

260 lbs (118 kg)

6

165 lbs (75 kg)

140 lbs (63 kg)

7

Towing not recommended

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

454

Driving

■

How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale

Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.

2

Tongue load

 P. 453

•

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

How 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 estimate it based on cargo 
distribution.

Weight limit for

2WD models

AWD models

Front gross axle

2,811 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 axle

2,734 lbs 

(1,240 kg)

2,965 lbs 

(1,345 kg)

Gross combined

8,036 lbs 

(3,645 kg)

9,833 lbs 

(4,460 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.

Continued

455

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

Driving

Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we recommend that you purchase Acura equipment 
whenever possible.

■

Towing Equipment and Accessories

1

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and 
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.

Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and 
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the 
handling, stability, and braking performance of your 
vehicle.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other 
items are recommended or required for your towing 
situation.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type 
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only 
be installed by a qualified technician.

Trailer packages and products:

•

Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.

•

Wiring harness kit

•

Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included)

2

Trailer brakes

 P. 456

Are available at a dealer.

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

456

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 brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are 
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not 
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’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) (20A)

Ground 
(Brown)

Brake 
(Green)

Stop 
(Violet)

Trailer brake controller 
connector’s terminals:

Continued

457

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing 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 install 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 consult 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 connector is located behind the 
left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Acura trailer 
lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the 
correct connector and pins.

+B Trailer Charge

+B Trailer Hazard Light

+B Trailer Hazard Light

+B Trailer Back Light 

Back Light

+B ELEC Brake

Right Turn Signal

Stop Light

Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:

+B Trailer Small

IG2 HAC

Left Turn Signal

458

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing 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 tends 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 territories 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

* Not available on all models

459

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Trailer Stability Assist

Driving

Trailer Stability Assist

Helps to stabilize the vehicle and trailer 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 oscillation is detected as the cause, and the 
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce 
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come 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. 460

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. 518

460

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Driving 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.

2

Towing Load Limits

 P. 452

•

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, including the spare.

•

Turn off the Auto Idle Stop system using the Auto Idle Stop 

OFF

 button. The 

trailer weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is 
activated on a hill while towing a trailer.

•

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

1

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel 
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

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 trailer may sway or affect 
vehicle handling.