Download PDF Manual

10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Congratulations! Your selection of a 2011 Acura MDX was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure. One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time. Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities. Maintaining your vehicle according to the Maintenance Minder™ shown in the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.


Introduction


As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a


symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Introduction


California Proposition 65 Warning


WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Event Data Recorders This vehicle is equipped with one or more devices commonly referred to as event data recorders. These devices record front seat belt use, front passenger seat occupancy, airbag deployment data, and the failure of any airbag system component. This data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner. Service Diagnostic Recorders This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential. California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/


ii


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


A Few Words About Safety


Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.


You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including: ● Safety Labels - on the vehicle. ● Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol


and one of


three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, orCAUTION . These signal words mean:


You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.


You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.


You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.


● Safety Headings- such as Important Safety Reminders or Important


Safety Precautions.


● Safety Section - such as Driver and Passenger Safety. ● Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information - please read it carefully.


iii


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Important Handling Information


Your MDX has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier. These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts. For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read ‘‘Driving Guidelines’’ on page 434 of this manual and the Off-HighwayDrivingGuidelinessection on page 494. Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of control or an accident.


iv


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Contents


Owner's Identification Form


Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls).................................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection)........................................................................... 5
Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, multi-information display, dashboard, and steering column) ........... 63
Features (climate control, audio, rear entertainment, steering wheel, security, cruise control, and other convenience items).. 179
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading)....................................................................................... 417
Driving (engine and transmission operation) ........................................................................................................... 433
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage) ........................................................... 499
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, Jump starting, overheating, and fuses)................................................... 543
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ........................................................ 569
Warranty and Client Relations (U.S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information)............................... 585
Index.............................................................................................................................................................................. I


Service Information Summary (fluid capacities and tire pressures)


2011 MDX2011 MDX Online Reference Owner's Manual00X31-STX-6400 © 2010 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Overview of Contents


Contents A convenient reference to the sections in this manual. Your Vehicle at a Glance A quick reference to the main controls in your vehicle. Driver and Passenger Safety Important information about the proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, an overview of the supplemental restraint system, and valuable information on how to protect children with child restraints. Instruments and Controls Explains the purpose of each instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use the controls on the dashboard and steering column. Features How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, rear entertainment system, and other convenience features.


Before Driving What gasoline to use, how to break- in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park; plus what you need to know if you're planning to tow a trailer. Maintenance The Maintenance Minder™ shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer for maintenance service. There is also a list of things to check and instructions on how to check them. Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and details how to handle them.


Technical Information ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Client Relations (U.S. and Canada only) A summary of the warranties covering your new vehicle, and how to contact us for any reason. Refer to your warranty manual for detailed information. Index Service Information Summary A summary of the information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Your Vehicle at a Glance


INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS (P. 65) GAUGES (P. 76)


HOMELINK BUTTONS (P. 360)


MOONROOF SWITCH (P. 161)


DRIVER'S FRONT AIRBAG (P. 10, 29)


DRIVING POSITION MEMORY SYSTEM (P. 166)


POWER DOOR LOCK MASTER SWITCH (P. 139) PARKING BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE (P. 163)


POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P. 158)


FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE BUTTON (P. 419)


POWER TAILGATE BUTTON (P. 141)


HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P. 421)


PARKING BRAKE PEDAL (P. 163)


AUXILIARY INPUT JACKSꭧ (P. 336)


HEADPHONE CONNECTORSꭧ (P. 337)


ꭧ: If equipped


MIRROR CONTROL AUTO BUTTON (P. 163) PASSENGER'S FRONT AIRBAG (P. 10, 29) CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (P. 180)


AUDIO SYSTEM (P. 190) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P. 437) REAR CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (P. 185) AC POWER OUTLET (P. 176) AUXILIARY INPUT JACKS (P. 304)


USB ADAPTER CABLEꭧ (P. 277)


CONTINUED


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Your Vehicle at a Glance


BSI ALERT INDICATORꭧ2
(P. 473)


COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM™ (CMBS™) OFF BUTTONꭧ2 (P.461)


VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEM OFF SWITCH (P. 468) MIRROR CONTROLS (P. 164) HEADLIGHT WASHER SWITCHꭧ2
(P. 126)


BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (BSI) OFF BUTTONꭧ2
(P. 476)


HEADLIGHT/TURN SIGNAL/ FRONT FOG LIGHTS (P. 127)


PADDLE SHIFTERS (P. 441)


WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P. 125)


HORNꭧ1


STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS (P. 302) STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS (P. 133)


VOICE CONTROL BUTTONSꭧ3


BLUETOOTH HANDSFREELINK BUTTONS (P. 363)


DISTANCE BUTTONꭧ2
(P. 354)


CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (P. 342) / ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) BUTTONSꭧ2 (P. 350)


INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P. 132) PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P. 36) HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P. 131) REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P. 131) ACCESSORY POWER SOCKETS (P. 175)


SEAT HEATER SWITCHES (P. 156) / SEAT HEATER AND SEAT VENTILATION BUTTONSꭧ2
(P. 157) ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM SWITCHꭧ2
(P. 478)


ꭧ1: To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel. ꭧ2: If equipped ꭧ3: Refer to the navigation system manual. For how to operate Bluetooth®HandsFreeLink by voice, see page 379.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Driver and Passenger Safety


This section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts. It explains how your airbags work. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle.


Important Safety Precautions.............. 6
Your Vehicle's Safety Features............ 8
Seat Belts ..................................... 9
Airbags ....................................... 10
Protecting Adults and Teens............. 12
1. Close and Lock the Doors.......... 12
2. Adjust the Front Seats ............... 14
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs................ 15
4. Adjust the Head Restraints......... 15
5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts ................................... 16
Position ............................... 18
Advice for Pregnant Women.......... 19
Additional Safety Precautions ........ 20
Seat Belts ............................... 21
Seat Belt System Components ....... 21


Additional Information About Your


6. Maintain a Proper Sitting


Additional Information About Your


Lap/Shoulder Belt........................ 22
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners ..... 23
Seat Belt e-pretensioners............... 24
Seat Belt Maintenance .................. 25
Airbags................................... 26
Airbag System Components .......... 26
How Your Front Airbags Work ...... 29
How Your Side Airbags Work........ 32
How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work ...................................... 34
How the SRS Indicator Works ....... 35
How the Side Airbag Off Indicator Works..................................... 35
Indicator Works ....................... 36
Airbag Service ............................. 37
Additional Safety Precautions ........ 38
Guidelines .............................. 39
Restrained ............................... 39
Seat ........................................ 40
Pose Serious Risks ................... 40


The Passenger's Front Airbag Can


All Children Should Sit in a Back


How the Passenger Airbag Off


All Children Must Be


Protecting Children - General


If You Must Drive with Several


If a Child Requires Close


Installing a Child Seat with


Protecting Infants and Small


Children.................................. 42
Attention ................................. 42
Additional Safety Precautions ........ 43
Children ................................. 44
Protecting Infants......................... 44
Protecting Small Children ............. 45
Selecting a Child Seat ...................... 47
Installing a Child Seat ...................... 48
LATCH ................................... 49
Shoulder Belt........................... 52
Tether..................................... 53
Protecting Larger Children............... 56
Checking Seat Belt Fit .................. 56
Using a Booster Seat .................... 57
When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front....................................... 58
Additional Safety Precautions ........ 59
Carbon Monoxide Hazard ................ 60
Safety Labels .................................. 61


Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/


Installing a Child Seat with a


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Important Safety Precautions


You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important.


Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly (see page 16). Restrain All Children Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/ shoulder belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat (see pages 39 - 59).


Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual. Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Important Safety Precautions


Pay Appropriate Attention to the Task of Driving Safely Engaging in mobile phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying close attention to the road, other vehicles and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert attention away from driving.


Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.


Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance (see page 501).


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Your Vehicle's Safety Features


(9)


(8)


(11)


(12)


(3)


(4)


(8) (6) (11)


(10)


(1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Side Airbags (9) Side Curtain Airbags (10) Front seat Belt Tensioners/ Seat Belt e-pretensionersꭧ


(11) Door Locks (12)Occupant Position Detection


System (OPDS) Sensor


(7)


(5)


(7)


(2)


(1)


(2)


ꭧ:


On models with Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)


Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in a crash. However, you and your passengers can't take full advantage of these features unless you remain sitting in the correct position and alwayswear yourseatbelts.In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly. The following pages explain how you can take an active role in protecting yourself and your passengers.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Seat Belts Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions. Your seat belt system also includes an indicator on the instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. WhyWearSeatBelts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.) Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags. In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces and territories require you to wear seat belts.


Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.


Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.


When properly worn, seat belts: ● Keep you connected to the vehicle


so you can take advantage of the vehicle's built-in safety features. ● Help protect you in almost every


type of crash, including: – frontal impacts – side impacts – rear impacts – rollovers


Your Vehicle's Safety Features


● Help keep you from being thrown


against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants.


● Keep you from being thrown out of


the vehicle.


● Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag. Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury. Whatyoushoulddo:Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Your Vehicle's Safety Features


Airbags


Your vehicle has a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe frontal collision (see page 29
for more information on how your front airbags work).


Your vehicle also has side airbags to help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact (see page 32 for more information on how your side airbags work).


In addition, your vehicle has side curtain airbags to help protect the heads of the driver, front passenger, and passengers in the outer rear seating positions during a moderate to severe side impact or rollover (see page 34 for more information on how your side curtain airbags work).


10


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Your Vehicle's Safety Features


Whatyoushoulddo:Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.


The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.


The most important things you need to know about your airbags are: ● Airbagsdonotreplaceseatbelts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.


● Airbagsoffernoprotectioninrear impacts,orminorfrontalorside collisions.


● Airbagscanposeserioushazards.


To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.


11


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Protecting Adults and Teens


Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver, adult passengers, and teenage children who are large enough and mature enough to drive or ride in the front. See pages 39 - 59 for important guidelines on how to properly protect infants, small children, and larger children who ride in your vehicle.


1. Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors and the tailgate are closed and locked.


Your vehicle has a door/ tailgate open indicator (red)


on the instrument panel to indicate when any door or the tailgate is not tightly closed. See page 139 for how to lock the doors, and page 74 for how the door/ tailgate open indicator works. Your vehicle has a door and tailgate open indicator on the multi- information display to indicate when a specific door or the tailgate is not tightly closed. You will see the appropriate indicator and the message for each condition.


12


When one or more doors are not tightly closed, the ‘‘DOOR OPEN’’ message will come on.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


When the tailgate is not tightly closed, the ‘‘TAILGATE OPEN’’ message will come on.


When both tailgate and one or more doors are not tightly closed, the ‘‘DOOR & TAILGATE OPEN’’ message will come on.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Locking the doors reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent passengers from accidentally opening a door and falling out. Locking the doors also helps prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop. Your vehicle has the auto door locking/unlocking feature. For more information, see page 139.


13


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Protecting Adults and Teens


2. Adjust the Front Seats


Adjust the driver's seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a front passenger adjust their seat as far to the rear as possible.


14


Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.


Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.


See page 148 for how to adjust the front seats.


If you sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, you can be seriously injured by an inflating front airbag, or by striking the steering wheel or dashboard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest. In addition to adjusting the seat, you can adjust the steering wheel up and down, and in and out (see page 133). If you cannot get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


3. Adjust the Seat-Backs


4. Adjust the Head Restraints


Protecting Adults and Teens


Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.


Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.


Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. See page 148 for how to adjust the seat-backs.


Adjust the driver's head restraint so the center of the back of your head rests against the center of the restraint. Have passengers adjust their head restraints properly as well. Taller persons should adjust their restraint as high as possible.


CONTINUED 15


Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. Passengers with adjustable seat- backs should also adjust their seat- back to a comfortable, upright position.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


5. Fasten and Position the Seat


Belts


Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash. The second row center seat, and both third row seats, have a detachable shoulder belt that can be unlatched and retracted, to allow the seats to be folded down. See page 154 for how to unlatch and relatch the seat belts.


Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries.


Protecting Adults and Teens


Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash.


Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving.


Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries. See page 149 for how to adjust the head restraints and how the driver's and front passenger's active head restraints work.


16


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body.


Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash.


Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.


If the seat belt touches or crosses your neck, or if it crosses your arm instead of your shoulder, you need to adjust the seat belt anchor height.


RELEASE BUTTON


The front seats have adjustable seat belt anchors. To adjust the height of an anchor, squeeze the release button and slide the anchor up or down as needed (it has four positions).


Protecting Adults and Teens


Neverplacetheshoulderportionofa lap/shoulderbeltunderyourarmor behindyourback.This could cause very serious injuries in a crash. If a seat belt does not seem to work properly, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. Nooneshouldsitinaseatwithan inoperativeseatbelt.Using a seat belt that is not working properly can result in serious injury or death. Have your dealer check the belt as soon as possible. See page 21 for additional information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.


17


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Protecting Adults and Teens


In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured in a crash by striking interior parts of the vehicle or being struck by an inflating front airbag.


Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash.


Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor.


6. Maintain a Proper Sitting


Position


After all occupants have adjusted their seats and head restraints, and put on their seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is safely parked and the engine is off. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased.


18


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Advice for Pregnant Women


Protecting Adults and Teens


When driving, remember to sit upright and adjust the seat as far back as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. When riding as a front passenger, adjust the seat as far back as possible.


This will reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating front airbag. Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive.


If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt, and keep the lap part of the belt as low as possible across the hips.


19


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Protecting Adults and Teens


Additional Safety Precautions ● Neverletpassengersrideinthe cargoareaorontopofafolded- downbackseat.If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.


● Passengersshouldnotstandupor


changeseatswhilethevehicleis moving.A passenger who is not wearing a seat belt during a crash or emergency stop can be thrown against the inside of the vehicle, against other occupants, or out of the vehicle.


● Twopeopleshouldneverusethe


sameseatbelt.If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.


20


● Donotputanyaccessoriesonseat belts.Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability of the belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.


● Donotplacehardorsharpobjects


betweenyourselfandafront airbag.Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.


● Keepyourhandsandarmsaway


fromtheairbagcovers.If your hands or arms are close to an airbag cover, they could be injured if the airbag inflates.


● Donotattachorplaceobjectson thefrontairbagcovers.Objects on the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.


● Donotattachhardobjectsonor nearadoor.If a side airbag or a side curtain airbag inflates, a cup holder or other hard object attached on or near the door could be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone.


● Donotcoverorreplacefrontseat-


backcoverswithoutconsulting yourdealer.Improperly replacing or covering front seat-back covers can prevent your side airbags from inflating during a side impact.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Seat Belt System Components Your seat belt system includes lap/ shoulder belts in all seating positions. The front seat belts are also equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners and, on models with collision mitigation braking system™ (CMBS™), seat belt e-pretensioners.


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


The seat belt system includes an indicator on the


instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. This system monitors the front seat belts. If you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position before your seat belt is fastened, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash. If your seat belt is not fastened before the beeper stops, the indicator will stop flashing but remain on. If a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the indicator will come on about 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position.


If either the driver or a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt while driving, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals. You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER SEAT BELT’’ message on the multi- information display (see page 86). When no one is sitting in the front passenger's seat, or a child or small adult is riding there, the indicator should not come on and the beeper should not sound.


CONTINUED 21


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


If the indicator comes on or the beeper sounds when the driver's seat belt is latched and there is no front seat passenger and no items on the front seat, something may be interfering with the monitoring system. Look for and remove: ● Any items under the front


passenger's seat.


● Any object(s) hanging on the seat


or in the seat-back pocket.


● Any object(s) touching the rear of


the seat-back.


If no obstructions are found, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.


Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belt goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips. To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched (see page 16 for how to properly position the belt). To unlock the belt, press the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body so that it retracts completely. After exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door.


All seat belts have an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body. The seat belts in all positions except the driver's have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat (see page 52). If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the lockable retractor will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely. To deactivate the lockable retractor, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the seat belt, pull it out only as far as needed.


22


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners


DETACHABLE ANCHOR


The lap/shoulder belts in the center seat of the second row and both of the third row seats are equipped with a detachable anchor that has two parts: a small latch plate and a buckle. The detachable seat belt should normally be latched whenever the seat-backs are in an upright position. For more information about the detachable seat belt, see page 154.


For added protection, the front seat belts are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. When activated, the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a front passenger in position.


The tensioners can be activated during a collision in which the front airbags donotdeploy.In this case, the airbags would not be needed, but the extra tension in the seat belt could be helpful. If the tensioner is activated, the SRS indicator comes on and the tensioner must be replaced.


CONTINUED 23


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


If the automatic seat belt tensioners are activated by a collision, both front seat belts and all related components must be replaced (see page 25). If only the e-pretensioners were activated, no components need to be replaced. In addition, the front passenger's e- pretensioner does not activate when the passenger's airbag is automatically turned off because the weight sensor detects a child in the front passenger's seat.


If your vehicle gets too close to the vehicle ahead of it in your lane, the driver's e-pretensioner slightly retracts the seat belt to alert the driver of the approaching vehicle. If a collision with the vehicle in front of you is likely, the e-pretensioners on both front seats retract the seat belts with enough force to properly restrain you and your front passenger. After they activate, the e- pretensioners release the retracted seat belts. To get the full benefit of the e- pretensioners, you and your front passenger must sit normally in your seats and wear your seat belts properly (see page 16). The e-pretensioners do not activate when the vehicle stability assist (VSA) off indicator on the instrument panel is on.


Seat Belt e-pretensioners


OnmodelswithCollisionMitigation BrakingSystem™(CMBS™) For added safety, the front seat belts are equipped with e-pretensioners that work in combination with the collision mitigation braking system™ (CMBS™) (see page 457) and the brake pedal assist function (see page


454).


24


2011 MDX


10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Seat Belts


If a seat belt is worn during a crash, it must be replaced by the dealer. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash. The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed. If the automatic seat belt tensioners activate during a crash, they must be replaced.


Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.


Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.


Seat Belt Maintenance For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly. Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem (see page 528). Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible. Acura provides a limited warranty on seat belts. See your AcuraWarranty Informationbooklet for details.


25


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Airbag System Components


(3)


(8)


(13)


(2)


(7)


(10)


(11)


(1)


(13)


(9)


(5)


(4)


(14)


(1) Driver's Front Airbag (2) Passenger's Front Airbag (3) Control Unit (4) Front Seat Belt Tensioners/Seat Belt


e-pretensionersꭧ


(5) Side Airbags (6) Driver's Seat Position Sensor (7) Front Passenger's Weight Sensors (8) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator (9) Occupant Position Detection System


(OPDS) Sensors


(10) Front Passenger's Weight Sensors/OPDS


(5)


(6)


Sensors Control Unit


(11) SRS Indicator (12) e-pretensioner Control Unitꭧ (13) Front Impact Sensors (14) Side Curtain Airbags (15) Side Impact Sensors (First) (16) Side Impact Sensors (Second) (17) Safing Sensor ꭧ: On models with CMBS


26


(15)


(4)


(12)


(16)


(16)


(14)


(17)


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


● On models with CMBS, front seat belt e-pretensioners (see page 24).


● Automatic front seat belt tensioners (see page 23).


● Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe front impact, side impact, or if your vehicle is about to rollover.


● Sensors that can detect whether a


child is in the passenger's side airbag path and signal the control unit to turn the airbag off (see page 33).


● Sensors that can detect whether


the driver's seat belt and the front passenger's seat belt are latched or unlatched (see page 21).


● A driver's seat position sensor that


monitors the distance of the seat from the front airbag. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force (see page 30).


Your Airbag System (SRS) includes: ● Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) front airbags. The driver's airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ (see page 29).


● Two side airbags, one for the


driver and one for a front passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the seat- backs. Both are marked ‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page 32).


● Two side curtain airbags, one for


each side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored in the ceiling above the side windows. The front and rear pillars are marked ‘‘SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG’’ (see page 34).


CONTINUED 27


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


● Weight sensors that monitor the weight on the front passenger's seat. If the weight is about 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant or small child), the passenger's front airbag will be turned off (see page 30).


● A rollover sensor that can detect if


your vehicle is about to roll over and signal the control unit to deploy both side curtain airbags (see page 34).


● A sophisticated electronic system


that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, the seat belt tensioners, and driver and front passenger seat belt use when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position.


● An indicator on the instrument


panel that alerts you to a possible problem with your airbag system components (see page 35).


● An indicator on the instrument


panel that alerts you that the passenger's side airbag has been turned off (see page 35).


● An indicator on the dashboard that


alerts you that the passenger's front airbag has been turned off (see page 36).


● Emergency backup power in case your vehicle's electrical system is disconnected in a crash.


28


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


How Your Front Airbags Work


If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, sensors will detect the vehicle's rapid deceleration. If the rate of deceleration is high enough, the control unit will inflate the driver's and front passenger's airbags, at the time and with the force needed.


During a frontal crash, your seat belt restrains your lower body and torso, and the front airbag helps protect your head and chest. Although both airbags normally inflate within a split second of each other, it is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal. Only the driver's airbag will deploy if there is no passenger in the front seat, or if the advanced airbag system has turned the passenger's airbag off (see page 36).


After inflating, the front airbags immediately deflate, so they won't interfere with the driver's visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls.


CONTINUED 29


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


The total time for inflation and deflation is one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps. After a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag's surface. Although the powder is not harmful, people with respiratory problems may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.


Dual-Stage,Multiple-ThresholdFront Airbags(SRS) Your vehicle is equipped with dual- stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS). During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate at different rates, depending on the severity of the crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/or other factors. Front airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal crashes.


30


AdvancedAirbags Your front airbags are also advanced airbags. The main purpose of this feature is to help prevent airbag- caused injuries to short drivers and children or small statured adults who ride in front. For both advanced airbags to work properly: ● Occupants must sit upright and


wear their seat belts properly. ● Do not spill any liquids on or


under the seats, cover the sensors, or put any objects or metal items under the front seats.


● Objects placed or pushed under


the front passenger's seat may cause the sensor to malfunction, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.


Failure to follow these instructions could damage the sensors or prevent them from working properly.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


DRIVER'S SEAT POSITION SENSOR The driver's advanced front airbag system includes a seat position sensor under the seat. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force, regardless of the severity of the impact. If there is a problem with the sensor, the SRS indicator will come on, and the airbag will inflate in the normal manner regardless of the driver's seating position.


PASSENGER'S SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR The passenger's advanced front airbag system has weight sensors under the seat. Although Acura does not encourage carrying an infant or small child in front, if the sensors detect the weight of an infant or small child (up to about 65 lbs or 29
kg), the system will automatically turn the passenger's front airbag off.


Be aware that objects placed on the passenger's seat can also cause the airbag to be turned off. When the passenger airbag gets turned off by the weight sensors, a ‘‘passenger airbag off’’ indicator in the center of the dashboard comes on (see page 36). If the weight sensors detect there is no passenger in the front seat, the airbag is automatically turned off. However, the passenger airbag off indicator in this situation will not come on.


CONTINUED 31


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


Also, make sure the floor mat behind the front passenger's seat is hooked to the floor mat anchor (see page 529). If it is not, the mat may interfere with the proper operation of the sensors and operation of the seat.


How Your Side Airbags Work


If you ever have a moderate to severe side impact, sensors will detect rapid acceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate either the driver's or the passenger's side airbag and activate the seat belt tensioner on the affected side.


To ensure that the passenger's advanced front airbag system will work properly, donotdoanything thatwouldincreaseordecreasethe weightonthefrontpassenger'sseat. This includes: ● A second-row passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger's seat.


● Moving the front seat forcibly back


against cargo on the seat or floor behind it.


● Hanging heavy items on the front passenger seat, or placing heavy items in the seat-back pocket.


● Moving the front passenger's seat or seat-back forcibly back against the folded right-side second-row seat.


● Second-row seat passenger should not wedge objects or intentionally force their feet under the front passenger seat.


32


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Only one airbag will deploy during a side impact. If the impact is on the passenger's side, the passenger's side airbag will deploy even if there is no passenger. To get the best protection from the side airbags, front seat occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.


Additional Information About Your Airbags


SideAirbagCutoffSystem Your vehicle has a side airbag cutoff system designed primarily to protect a child riding in the front passenger's seat. Although Acura does not encourage children to ride in front, if the position sensors detect a child has leaned into the side airbag's deployment path, the airbag will shutt off. The side airbag may also shut off if a short adult leans sideways, or a larger adult slouches and leans sideways into the airbag's deployment path. Objects placed on the front passenger seat can also cause the side airbag to be shut off.


If the side airbag off indicator comes on (see page 35), have the passenger sit upright. Once the passenger is out of the airbag's deployment path, the system will turn the airbag back on, and the indicator will go out. There will be some delay between the moment the passenger moves into or out of the airbag deployment path and when the indicator comes on or goes off. A front seat passenger should not use a cushion or another object as a backrest. It may prevent the cutoff system from working properly.


33


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu


Additional Information About Your Airbags


How Your Side Curtain Airbags Work


If the impact is on the passenger's side, the passenger's side curtain airbag will inflate even if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.


InaSideImpact In a moderate to severe side impact, sensors will detect rapid acceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate the side curtain airbag.


34


InaRollover If the rollover sensor detects your vehicle is about to roll over, it signals the control unit, which immediately deploys both side curtain airbags and activates both front seat belt tensioners. The airbag on the passenger's side will deploy, and the seat belt tensioner will activate, even if there are no passengers on that side of the vehicle. To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.


2011 MDX 10/06/29 11:59:04


11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Loading...
x
An error has occurred.

We're sorry....

A temporary error occurred while processing your request.

Please wait a moment and refresh this page by clicking here.

Thank you for your patience.