Acura MDX (2020 year). Manual in english - page 29

461

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Your Vehicle

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 (Hot) 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 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.

2

Emergency Towing

 P. 670

■

Turning and Braking

■

Driving in Hilly Terrain

■

Retrieving a Boat

462

Driving

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information

Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher 
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It is not 
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-highway activities.

If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat 
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it 
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get 
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and 
recommendations:

•

Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.

2

Maximum Load Limit

 P. 449

•

Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.

•

Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.

•

It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

1

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result 
in a crash or a rollover.

2

Important Handling Information

 P. 30

2

Precautions While Driving

 P. 470

Spinning the tires can also damage the SH-AWD

®

 

system.

3

WARNING

Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-
pavement can cause a crash or rollover in 
which you and your passengers could be 
seriously injured or killed.

•

Follow all instructions and guidelines in 
this owner’s manual.

•

Keep your speed low, and don’t drive 
faster than conditions permit.

463

uu

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

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Avoiding Trouble

Driving

Avoiding Trouble

•

Check Out Your Vehicle

 before you leave the pavement and make sure that all 

scheduled maintenance has been completed. Pay special attention to the 
condition of the tires, and check the tire pressures.

•

Remember

 the route you choose presents limits (too steep or bumpy), you have 

limits (driving skill and comfort), and your vehicle has limits (traction, stability, and 
power). Failing to recognize these limits will likely put you and your passengers in 
a hazardous situation.

•

Accelerating and Braking

 should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start 

or stop too fast can cause a loss of traction and you could lose control.

•

Avoiding Obstacles and Debris

 in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover 

or damage to your suspension or other components.

•

Driving on Slopes

 increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to 

drive across a slope that is too steep. Going straight up or down a slope is usually 
the safest. If you can’t clearly see all conditions or obstacles on a slope, walk it 
before you drive it. If there is any doubt whether you can safely pass, don’t try it. 
Find another route. If you get stuck when climbing, do not try to turn around. 
Back down slowly following the same route you took up the hill.

•

Crossing a Stream

 - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water 

in your route (a small stream or large puddle, for example), evaluate it carefully 
before going ahead. Make sure it is shallow, flowing slowly, and has firm ground 
underneath. If you are not sure of the depth or the ground, turn around and find 
another route. Driving through deep water can also damage your vehicle. The 
water can get into the transmission and differential, diluting the lubricant and 
causing an eventual failure. It can also wash the grease out of the wheel bearings.

•

If You Get Stuck

, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you 

unstuck. Do not spin the tires as this will only make things worse and could 
damage the transmission. If you are unable to free yourself, your vehicle will need 
to be towed. Front and rear tow hooks are provided for this purpose.

464

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1.

Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u

The electric parking brake indicator 
comes on for 15 seconds when you press 
the electric parking brake switch.

2.

Depress the brake pedal.

3.

Press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button 

without depressing the accelerator pedal.
The engine will crank until it starts.

1

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 
meters).

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.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold, 
an engine block heater will improve starting and 
warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

If exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can smell 
exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle 
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with 
the engine or exhaust system.

Bring the keyless access remote close to the 

ENGINE 

START/STOP

 button if the battery in the keyless 

access remote is weak.

2

If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is 
Weak

 P. 650

The engine may not start if the keyless access remote 
is subjected to strong radio waves.

Electric Parking Brake Switch

Brake Pedal

ENGINE

START

STOP

Continued

465

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.

1.

Put the transmission into 

(

P

.

2.

Press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button.

■

Stopping the Engine

1

Starting the Engine

Do not hold the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button to 

start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds 
before trying again.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from 
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s 
fuel system is disabled.

2

Immobilizer System

 P. 162

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

466

Driving

You can remotely start the engine using the two-way keyless access remote from 
extended distances.

■

To start the engine

The engine runs for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the 

 

button, then press and hold the 

 button.

u

The amber LED blinks, then the green LED comes back on if a 10-minute 
extension request was transmitted successfully.

After pressing the 

 button, wait for the green LED to blink. This indicates that 

the all the doors and the tailgate are locked. 

■

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

*

1

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

*

The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote engine start, check your 
local laws.

Remote Engine Start run timer extension

The engine runs for another 10 minutes from the 
time of extension request. The max engine run time is 
20 minutes, if the extension request is made after 10 
minutes of first engine run.

3

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can 
rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly 
enclosed areas.

Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and 
even kill you.

Never use the remote engine starter with 
the vehicle parked in a garage or other 
areas with limited ventilation.

Press the 

 button, then 

press and hold the 

 button.

Amber LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Continues to blink 
during a vehicle 
self check until the 
engine starts.

Go within the range, 
and try again.

Green LED: Comes on while 
the engine is running.

Red LED: Blinks when the 
remote is out of the keyless 
access system range.

* Not available on all models

Continued

467

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

■

To stop the engine

Press and hold the 

 button 

for one second.

Go within the range, 
and try again.

Amber LED: Blinks when any 
button is pressed.

Red LED:

●

Comes on for one second to let you 
know that the engine has stopped.

●

Blinks when the remote is out of 
the keyless access system range. 
The engine will not stop.

1

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

*

If there are buildings and obstacles between your 
vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical 
interference.
The engine may not start by the remote engine start 
if:

•

You have disabled a remote engine start setting 
using the multi-information display (MID).

•

The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).

•

The transmission is in a position other than 

(

P

.

•

The hood is open, or any door or the tailgate is 
unlocked.

•

You have already used the remote twice to start 
the engine.

•

Another registered keyless access remote is in the 
vehicle.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

The door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The telematics unit malfunctions.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

Before starting the engine, make sure to check the 
door lock status using the remote. When you press 
the 

 button, wait for the green LED to blink. If 

the red LED turns on, the doors and tailgate did not 
lock, and the engine does not start.

* Not available on all models

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

468

Driving

1

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

*

While the engine is running, the vehicle will 
automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:

•

The climate control system is activated in 
recirculation mode.

•

The seat ventilation

*

 is activated.

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm 
temperature.

•

The rear defogger and door mirror heaters are 
activated.

•

The seat heaters and heated steering wheel are 
activated

*

.

2

Heated Steering Wheel

*

 P. 216

2

Front Seat Heaters and Seat 
Ventilation

*

 P. 217, 218

* Not available on all models

469

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

1.

Depress the brake pedal and press the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button 

simultaneously.

2.

Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, press the 

 button. Select 

(

R

 

when reversing.

3.

With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the 
accelerator pedal.

u

Make sure the electric parking brake indicator goes off.

2

Parking Brake

 P. 529

2

If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning Message

 

P. 661

■

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from 
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

Change the gear position to 

(

D

 or 

(

S

 when facing uphill, or 

(

R

 when facing 

downhill, then release the brake pedal.

The brakes remain engaged briefly as you release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

1

Starting to Drive

The engine stops when the gear position is changed 
from 

(

P

 before the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button is 

pressed. Follow step 1 when starting to drive.

You can also release the parking brake by pulling the 
electric parking brake switch while depressing the 
brake pedal.
When facing downhill, you can start your vehicle 
more smoothly by manually releasing it with the 
electric parking brake switch than by releasing it with 
the accelerator pedal.

When the engine was started using the keyless access 
remote

*

When the engine was started using the keyless access remote

*

When the engine was started in any case

D/S

1

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from 
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and 
will not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking 
brake.

Hill start assist will operate even when VSA

®

 is 

switched off.

* Not available on all models

470

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When Driving

u

Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. 
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:

•

Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.

•

Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.

•

Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.

•

Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).

Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or 
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.

If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location. 
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.

■

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

■

In Rain

■

Other Precautions

1

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not change the gear position while pressing the 
accelerator pedal. You could damage the 
transmission.

NOTICE

If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an 
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in 
the full left or right position for a while, the electric 
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system 
goes into a protective mode, and limits its 
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder 
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down, 
the EPS system is restored. Repeated operation under 
these conditions can eventually damage the system.

If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY while 
driving, the engine will shut down and all steering 
and brake power assist functions will stop, making it 
difficult to control the vehicle.

Do not change the gear position to 

(

N

, as you will 

lose engine braking (and acceleration) performance.

During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, 
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so 
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.

Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). 
You should also follow this when the brake pads are 
replaced.

471

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When Driving

u

Automatic Transmission

Driving

Automatic Transmission

The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the 
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress 
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

1

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result 
in a crash or a rollover.

2

Important Handling Information

 P. 30

2

Precautions While Driving

 P. 470

472

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the gear position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift button positions

1

Shifting

To prevent malfunction and unintended 
engagement:

•

Do not spill any liquids on or around shift buttons.

•

Do not place or drop any objects on or around shift 
buttons.

•

Do not let passengers or children operate the shift 
buttons.

The beeper sounds and the message appears on the 
MID when you depress the accelerator pedal with the 
gear position in 

(

N

.

2

Multi-Information Display (MID) Warning 
and Information Messages

 P. 100

Change the gear position to 

(

D

 or 

(

R

 with the brake 

pedal depressed.

3

WARNING

The vehicle can roll away if left unattended 
without confirming that Park is engaged.

A vehicle that rolls away could cause a crash 
resulting in serious injury or death.

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal 
until you have confirmed that 

(

P

 is shown 

on the gear position indicator.

Park

Used when parking, before turning off or 
starting the engine

Reverse

Used when reversing

Neutral

Transmission is not locked

Drive

Used for:

●

Normal driving (gears change between 1st 
and 9th automatically)

●

Temporarily driving in the sequential 
mode

Drive (S)

Used for:

●

Automatically changing gears between 1st 
and 7th (7th gear is used only at high 
speed)

●

Driving in the sequential mode

Continued

473

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

■

(

P

 (parking) button

The gear position changes to 

(

P

 when you 

press the 

(

P

 button while the vehicle is 

parked with the power mode in ON.
The indicators on the sides of the 

(

P

 button 

come on.

1

Shifting

When shifting gears in extremely low temperatures 
(−22°F/−30°C), there may be a short delay before the 
shift is indicated in the display. Always confirm you 
are in the correct gear before driving.

(

P

 Button

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

474

Driving

■

Shift Operation

1

Shift Operation

NOTICE

When you change 

(

D

 to 

(

R

 and vice versa, come to 

a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift button before the vehicle has 
come to a complete standstill can damage the 
transmission.

Use the gear position indicator and the shift button 
indicator to check the gear position before selecting 
a shift button.

If the indicator of the currently selected gear position, 
or all the gear position indicators are blinking 
simultaneously, there is a problem with the 
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission 
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine 
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine 
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a 
slight jolt.

When the engine speed is increased while the 
transmission is in 

(

N

, 

(

P

 or 

(

R

, the fuel supply may 

be cut off even without the engine speed entering 
the tachometer’s red zone.

The beeper sounds once when you change to 

(

R

.

2

Customized Features

 P. 126, 358

Gear Position Indicator

Tachometer’s red zone

Press the 

(

P

 button.

Pull back the 

(

R

 button.

Press the 

(

N

 button.

Press the 

 button.

D/S

Shift Button 
Indicator

M

 (sequential mode) 

Indicator

Sequential Mode Gear 
Selection Indicator

Press the 

 button twice.

If the gear position is in 

(

D

, 

press the 

 button again.

D/S

D/S

Continued

475

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

In freezing or sub-freezing conditions, the gear selection response may be slow.
Always depress the brake pedal before changing the gear position to 

(

P

, and 

confirm that 

(

P

 is shown on the gear position indicator before releasing the brake.

■

When opening the driver’s door

If you open the driver’s door under the following conditions, the gear position 
automatically changes to 

(

P

.

•

The vehicle is in stationary with the engine running, or moving at 1 mph (2 km/h) 
or slower.

•

The transmission is in other than 

(

P

.

•

You have unfastened the driver side seat belt.

u

If you manually change the gear position from 

(

P

 with the brake pedal 

depressed, the gear position will automatically return to 

(

P

 once you release 

the brake pedal.

■

When turning off the power mode

If you turn the engine off while the vehicle is stationary, and the transmission is in 
other than 

(

P

, the gear position automatically changes to 

(

P

.

1

When opening the driver’s door

While the system is designed to automatically change 
the gear position to 

(

P

 under the described 

conditions, in the interest of safety you should always 
select 

(

P

 before opening the driver’s door.

Make sure to park the vehicle in a safe place.

2

When Stopped

 P. 546

If you want to drive the vehicle after the gear position 
has automatically changed to 

(

P

 under the described 

conditions, close the door, fasten the seat belt, 
depress the brake pedal, then change the gear 
position.

If you leave the vehicle, turn off the engine and lock 
the doors.

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

476

Driving

■

If you want to keep the transmission in 

(

N

 position [car wash mode]

With the engine running:

1.

Press and hold the brake pedal.

2.

Select 

(

N

, then release the button to display 

(

N

 (Neutral) hold mode on the MID.

3.

Press and hold 

(

N

 again for two seconds.

u

This puts the vehicle in car wash mode which must be used when your vehicle 
is pulled through a conveyor type automatic car wash where you or an 
attendant do not remain in the vehicle.

If the 

ENGINE START/STOP

 button is pressed 

after car wash mode has been activated, the 
power mode will change to ACCESSORY and 
a message will be displayed on the multi-
information display.

u

The gear position remains in 

(

N

 with the 

power mode in ACCESSORY for 15 
minutes, then, it automatically changes 
to 

(

P

 and the power mode changes to 

OFF.

u

Manually changing to 

(

P

 cancels 

ACCESSORY mode. The 

(

P

 indicator 

comes on and the power mode changes 
to OFF. You must always shift to 

(

P

 

when car wash mode is no longer 
needed.

1

If you want to keep the transmission in 

(

N

 position [car wash 

mode]

The transmission may not stay in 

(

N

 position while 

the following indicators are on or when the message 
below appears:

•

Malfunction indicator lamp

•

Transmission system indicator

•

Charging system indicator

•

The 

Charging System Problem

 message on the 

MID.