Acura MDX (2020 year). Manual in english - page 33

525

uu

When Driving

u

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

Driving

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire 
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain 
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the 
level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction 
indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire 
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the 
telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon 
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may 
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including 
the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.

Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or 
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to 
continue to function properly.

526

uu

When Driving

u

Blind spot information System

*

Driving

Blind spot information System

*

Is designed to detect vehicles in specified alert zones adjacent to your vehicle, 
particularly in harder to see areas commonly known as “blind spots.”

When the system detects vehicles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes, the 
appropriate indicator comes on for a few seconds, providing assistance when you 
change lanes.

■

How the system works

1

Blind spot information System

*

Important Safety Reminder

Like all assistance systems, blind spot information 
system has limitations. Over reliance on blind spot 
information system may result in a collision.

The blind spot information system alert indicator may 
not come on under the following conditions:

•

A vehicle does not stay in the alert zone for more 
than two seconds.

•

A vehicle is parked in a side lane.

•

The speed difference between your vehicle and the 
vehicle you are passing is greater than 6 mph (10 
km/h).

•

An object not detected by the radar sensors 
approaches or passes your vehicle.

•

A vehicle running in the adjacent lane is a 
motorcycle or other small vehicle.

3

WARNING

Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to 
change lanes before doing so may result in 
a crash and serious injury or death.
Do not rely only on the blind spot 
information system when changing lanes.

Always look in your mirrors, to either side 
of your vehicle, and behind you for other 
vehicles before changing lanes.

Alert zone range

A: Approx. 1.6 ft. (0.5 m)
B: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m)
C: Approx. 10 ft. (3 m)

Radar Sensors:
underneath the 
rear bumper 
corners

Alert Zone

A

B

C

●

The transmission is in 

(

D

 

or 

(

S

.

●

Your vehicle speed is 
between 20 mph (32 km/h) 
and 100 mph (160 km/h)

* Not available on all models

Continued

527

uu

When Driving

u

Blind spot information System

*

Driving

■

When the system detects a vehicle

Blind spot information System Alert Indicator: 
Located near the pillar on both sides.

Comes on when:

•

A vehicle enters the alert zone from behind 
to overtake you with a speed difference of 
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your 
vehicle.

•

You pass a vehicle with a speed difference 
of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).

Blinks and the beeper sounds when:

You move the turn signal lever in the direction 
of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds 
three times.

1

Blind spot information System

*

The system is for your convenience only. Even if an 
object is within the alert zone, the following 
situations may occur.

•

The blind spot information system alert indicator 
may not come on due to obstruction (splashes, 
etc.) even without the 

Blind Spot Info Not 

Available

 MID appearing.

•

The blind spot information system alert indicator 
may come on even with the message appearing.

You can turn off the audible alert, or all the blind spot 
information system alert using the information screen 
or MID.

2

Customized Features

 P. 126, 358

Turn the system off when towing a trailer.
The system may not work properly for the following 
reasons:

•

The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the 
radar coverage.

•

The trailer itself can be detected by the radar 
sensors, causing the blind spot information system 
alert indicators to come on.

The system does not operate when in 

(

R

.

Comes On

Blinks

* Not available on all models

uu

When Driving

u

Blind spot information System

*

528

Driving

1

Blind spot information System

*

Blind spot information system may be adversely 
affected when:

•

Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc,.) are 
detected.

•

An object that does not reflect radio waves well, 
such as a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.

•

Driving on a curved road.

•

A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent 
lane.

•

The system picks up external electrical interference.

•

The rear bumper or the sensors have been 
improperly repaired or the rear bumper has been 
deformed.

•

The orientation of the sensors has been changed.

•

In bad weather (Heavy rain, snow, and fog).

For a proper blind spot information system operation:

•

Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.

•

Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with 
labels or stickers of any kind. 

•

Take your vehicle to a dealer if you need the rear 
bumper corner area or the radar sensors to be 
repaired, or the rear bumper corner area is strongly 
impacted.

* Not available on all models

529

Continued

Driving

Braking

Brake System

Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. When the 
parking brake is applied, you can manually or automatically release it.

■

To apply

The electric parking brake can be applied any 
time the vehicle has battery, no matter which 
position the power mode is in.

Press the electric parking brake switch gently 
and securely.

u

The electric parking brake indicator 
comes on.

■

Parking Brake

1

Parking Brake

You may hear the electric parking brake system 
motor operating from the rear wheel area when you 
apply or release the parking brake. This is normal.

The brake pedal may slightly move due to the electric 
parking brake system operation when you apply or 
release the parking brake. This is normal.

You cannot apply or release the parking brake if the 
battery goes dead.

2

Jump Starting

 P. 652

If you press and hold the electric parking brake 
switch while driving, the brakes on all four 
wheels are applied by the VSA

®

 system until the 

vehicle comes to a stop. The electric parking 
brake then applies, and the switch should be 
released.

Electric Parking 
Brake Switch

uu

Braking

u

Brake System

530

Driving

■

To release

The power mode must be in ON in order to 
release the electric parking brake.

1.

Depress the brake pedal.

2.

Pull the electric parking brake switch up.

u

The electric parking brake indicator goes 
off.

Manually releasing the parking brake using 
the switch helps your vehicle start slowly and 
smoothly when facing down hill on steep hills.

1

Parking Brake

In the following situations, the parking brake 
automatically operates.

•

When the vehicle stops more than 10 minutes 
while ACC with Low Speed Follow is activated.

•

When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while 
your vehicle is stopped automatically by ACC with 
Low Speed Follow.

•

When the engine is turned off, except by Auto Idle 
Stop system, while ACC with Low Speed Follow is 
activated.

•

When the vehicle stops with the automatic brake 
hold system activated for more than 10 minutes.

•

When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while 
your vehicle is stopped and automatic brake hold is 
applied.

•

When the engine is turned off, except by Auto Idle 
Stop system, while automatic brake hold is applied.

•

When there is a problem with the Automatic Brake 
Hold System while automatic brake hold is applied.

Electric Parking 
Brake Switch

Continued

531

uu

Braking

u

Brake System

Driving

■

To release automatically

Depressing the accelerator pedal releases the parking brake.
Use the accelerator pedal to release the brake when you are starting the vehicle 
facing uphill, or in a traffic jam.

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
When on a hill, it may require more 
accelerator input to release.

u

The electric parking brake indicator goes 
off.

You can release the parking brake automatically when:

•

You are wearing the driver’s seat belt.

•

The engine is running.

•

The transmission is not in 

(

P

 or 

(

N

.

1

Parking Brake

If the parking brake cannot be released 
automatically, release it manually.

When the vehicle is traveling uphill, the accelerator 
pedal may need to be pressed farther to 
automatically release the electric parking brake.

The parking brake cannot be released automatically 
while the following indicators are on:

•

Malfunction indicator lamp

•

Transmission system indicator

The parking brake may not be released automatically 
while the following indicators are on:

•

Electric parking brake system indicator

•

VSA

®

 system indicator

•

ABS

 indicator

•

Supplemental restraint system indicator

Accelerator Pedal

uu

Braking

u

Brake System

532

Driving

Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist 
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases 
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency 
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when 
braking very hard.

2

Brake Assist System

 P. 536

2

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

 P. 535

■

Foot Brake

1

Foot Brake

Check the brakes after driving through deep water, 
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If 
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the 
pedal several times.

If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when 
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear 
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates 
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the 
vehicle checked by a dealer. If you hear only an 
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply 
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by 
high frequency vibration of the brake pads against 
the rotating brake disc.

Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a 
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake 
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your 
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a 
lower gear.

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while 
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause 
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad 
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

Continued

533

uu

Braking

u

Brake System

Driving

Keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal until the accelerator pedal is 
pressed. You can use this system while the vehicle is temporarily stopped, like at 
traffic lights and in heavy traffic.

■

Automatic Brake Hold

1

Automatic Brake Hold

3

WARNING

Activating the automatic brake hold system 
on steep hills or slippery roads may still 
allow the vehicle to move if you remove 
your foot from the brake pedal.

If a vehicle unexpectedly moves, it may 
cause a crash resulting in serious injury or 
death.

Never activate the automatic brake hold 
system or rely on it to keep a vehicle from 
moving when stopped on a steep hill or 
slippery roads.

3

WARNING

Using the automatic brake hold system to 
park the vehicle may result in the vehicle 
unexpectedly moving.

If a vehicle moves unexpectedly, it may 
cause a crash, resulting in serious injury or 
death.

Never leave the vehicle when braking is 
temporarily kept by automatic brake hold 
and always park the vehicle by putting the 
transmission in 

(

P

 and applying the parking 

brake.

■

Turning on the system

Fasten your seat belt 
properly, then start the 
engine. Press the 
automatic brake hold 
button.

●

The automatic brake 
hold system indicator 
comes on. The system 
is turned on.

■

Activating the system

Depress the brake pedal 
to come to a complete 
stop. The transmission 
must be in 

(

D

, 

(

S

 or 

(

N

.

●

The automatic brake 
hold indicator comes 
on. Braking is kept for 
up to 10 minutes.

●

Release the brake 
pedal after the 
automatic brake hold 
indicator comes on.

■

Canceling the system

Depress the accelerator 
pedal while the 
transmission is in 

(

D

 or 

(

S

. The system is 

canceled and the vehicle 
starts to move.

●

The automatic brake 
hold indicator goes 
off. The system 
continues to be on.

Accelerator Pedal

Brake Pedal

Automatic Brake 
Hold Button

Goes 
Off

Comes 
On

On

On

Comes 
On

Comes 
On

U.S.

Canada

uu

Braking

u

Brake System

534

Driving

■

The system automatically cancels when:

•

You depress the brake pedal and change to 

(

P

 or 

(

R

.

•

You engage the parking brake.

■

The system automatically cancels and the parking brake is applied when:

•

Braking is kept for more than 10 minutes.

•

The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.

•

The engine is turned off.

•

Brake Hold System Problem

 appears on the MID.

■

Turning off the automatic brake hold system

While the system is on, press the automatic 
brake hold button again.

u

The automatic brake hold system 
indicator goes off.

If you want to turn off automatic brake hold 
while the system is in operation, press the 
automatic brake hold button with the brake 
pedal depressed.

1

Automatic Brake Hold

While the system is activated, you can turn off the 
engine or park the vehicle through the same 
procedure as you normally do.

2

When Stopped

 P. 546

Whether the system is on, or the system is activated, 
the automatic brake hold turns off once the engine is 
off.

1

Turning off the automatic brake hold system

Make sure to turn off the automatic brake hold 
system before using an automated car wash.

You may hear an operating noise if the vehicle moves 
while the automatic brake hold system is in 
operation.

Automatic Brake 
Hold Button

Goes 
Off

535

uu

Braking

u

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Driving

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by 
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.

The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also 
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.

You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always 
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as 
“stomp and steer.”

■

ABS operation

The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Depress the brake 
pedal and keep holding the pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to 
press on the brake pedal very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel 
the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

ABS may activate when you depress the brake pedal when driving on:

•

Wet or snow covered roads.

•

Roads paved with stone.

•

Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.

When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.

■

ABS

1

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

NOTICE

The ABS may not function correctly if you use a tire of 
the wrong size or type.

If the 

ABS

 indicator comes on while driving, there 

may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking will not be affected, there is a 
possibility that the ABS will not be operating. Have 
your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

The ABS is not designed for the purpose of reducing 
the time or distance it takes for a vehicle to stop: It is 
designed to limit brake lockup which can lead to 
skidding and loss of steering control.

In the following cases, your vehicle may need more 
distance to stop than a vehicle without the ABS:

•

You are driving on rough or uneven road surfaces, 
such as gravel or snow.

•

The tires are equipped with tire chains.

The following may be observed with the ABS system:

•

Motor sounds coming from the engine 
compartment when the brakes are applied, or 
when system checks are being performed after the 
engine has been started and while the vehicle 
accelerates.

•

Brake pedal and/or the vehicle body vibration when 
ABS activates.

These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS 
systems and are no cause for concern.

536

uu

Braking

u

Brake Assist System

Driving

Brake Assist System

Designed to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress 
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.

■

Brake assist system operation

Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.

When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise 
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.

537

uu

Braking

u

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

Continued

Driving

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

Can assist you when there is a possibility of your vehicle colliding with a vehicle or a 
pedestrian detected in front of yours. The CMBS

TM

 is designed to alert you when a 

potential collision is determined, as well as to reduce your vehicle speed to help 
minimize collision severity when a collision is deemed unavoidable.

■

How the system works

1

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

Important Safety Reminder

The CMBS

TM

 is designed to reduce the severity of an 

unavoidable collision. It does not prevent a collision 
nor stop the vehicle automatically. It is still your 
responsibility to operate the brake pedal and steering 
wheel appropriately according to the driving 
conditions.

The CMBS

TM

 may not activate or may not detect a 

vehicle in front of your vehicle under certain 
conditions:

2

CMBS

TM

 Conditions and Limitations

 P. 541

You can read about handling information for the 
camera equipped with this system.

2

Front Sensor Camera

 P. 487

Be careful not to severely impact the radar sensor 
cover.

1

How the system works

Rapid vibrations on the steering wheel alert you 
when your vehicle speed is between 19 and 62 mph 
(30 and 100 km/h) with an oncoming vehicle 
detected in front of you.

The system starts monitoring the roadway ahead when your vehicle speed is about 
3 mph (5 km/h) and there is a vehicle in front of you.

The radar sensor is 
behind the emblem.

The CMBS

TM

 activates when:

●

The speed difference between your vehicle and a vehicle or pedestrian 
detected in front of you becomes about 3 mph (5 km/h) and over with a chance 
of a collision.

●

Your vehicle speed is about 62 mph (100 km/h) or less and there is a chance of a 
collision with an oncoming detected vehicle or a pedestrian in front of you.

The camera is 
located behind the 
rearview mirror.

When to use

uu

Braking

u

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

538

Driving

■

When the system activates

At system’s earliest collision alert stage, you can change the distance (

Long

/

Normal

/

Short

) between vehicles at which alerts will come on through MID setting 

options.

2

List of customizable options

 P. 129

■

Vibration alert on the steering wheel

When a potential collision to an oncoming detected vehicle is determined, the 
system alerts you with rapid vibration on the steering wheel, in addition to visual and 
audible alerts.

u

Take appropriate action to prevent a collision (apply the brakes, operate the 
steering wheel, etc.).

1

When the system activates

The camera in the CMBS

TM

 is also designed to detect 

pedestrians.
However, this pedestrian detection feature may not 
activate or may not detect a pedestrian in front of 
your vehicle under certain conditions.
Refer to the ones indicating the pedestrian detection 
limitations from the list.

2

CMBS

TM

 Conditions and Limitations

 P. 541

The head-up warning

*

 uses a lens located at the front 

end of the dashboard.
Do not cover the lens or spill any liquid on it.

Lens

The system provides visual, audible and tactile alerts of a possible collision, 
and stops if the collision is avoided.

u

Take appropriate action to prevent a collision (apply the brakes, change 
lanes, etc.)

Beep

Head-up 
Warning 
Lights

*

Visual Alerts

Audible Alert

Tactile Alert

1

Vibration alert on the steering wheel

Vibration alert function is disabled when the electric 
power steering (EPS) system indicator comes on.

2

Speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering 
(EPS) System Indicator

 P. 88

* Not available on all models

539

uu

Braking

u

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

Continued

Driving

The system has three alert stages for a possible collision. However, depending on circumstances, the CMBS

TM

 may not go through all of 

the stages before initiating the last stage.

■

Collision Alert Stages

Distance between vehicles

CMBS

TM

The sensors detect a 

vehicle

Audible & Visual WARNINGS

Steering Wheel

Braking

Stage one

There is a risk of a 
collision with the 
vehicle ahead of you.

When in 

Long

, visual and audible 

alerts come on at a longer 
distance from a vehicle ahead 
than in 

Normal

 setting, and in 

Short

, at a shorter distance than 

in 

Normal

.

In case of an 
oncoming vehicle 
detected, rapid 
vibration is 
provided.

—

Stage two

The risk of a collision 
has increased, time to 
respond is reduced.

Visual and audible alerts.

—

Lightly 

applied

Stage three 

The CMBS

TM

 

determines that a 
collision is 
unavoidable.

Forcefully 

applied

Your Vehicle

Vehicle 
Ahead

Normal

Short

Long

Your 
Vehicle

Vehicle 
Ahead

Your 
Vehicle

Vehicle 
Ahead

uu

Braking

u

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

540

Driving

Press and hold the button until the beeper 
sounds to switch the system on or off.

When the CMBS

TM

 is off:

•

The CMBS

TM

 indicator in the instrument 

panel comes on.

•

A message on the MID reminds you that the 
system is off.

The CMBS

TM

 is turned on every time you start 

the engine, even if you turned it off the last 
time you drove the vehicle.

■

CMBS

TM

 On and Off

1

Collision Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

The CMBS

TM

 may automatically shut off, and the 

CMBS

TM

 indicator will come and stay on under certain 

conditions:

2

CMBS

TM

 Conditions and Limitations

 P. 541