2004 MDX Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com. Contents

Owner's Identification Form Introduction ...... i A Few Words About Safety ...... ii Your Vehicle at a Glance...... 2 Driver and Passenger Safety ...... 5 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls...... 55 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features...... 103 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving ...... 157 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving...... 169 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance...... 195 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Taking Care of the Unexpected...... 229 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information...... 251 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)...... 265 A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...... 269 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index ...... I Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump. Owner’s Identification

OWNER This Owner’s Manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle, and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.

This Owner’s Manual covers all models of ADDRESS theMDX.Youmayfinddescriptionsof STREET equipment and features that are not on your particular model.

The information and specifications included CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/ in this publication were in effect at the time POSTAL CODE of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., V. I. N. Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and DELIVERY DATE without incurring any obligation whatsoever. (Date sold to original retail purchaser) POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN DEALER NAME DEALER NO. AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez besoin d’un Manuel du Conducteur en français, veuillez demander à ADDRESS votreconcessionnairede STREET commander le numéro de pièce 33S3V830

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/ POSTAL CODE OWNER’S SIGNATURE

DEALER’S SIGNATURE Introduction

Congratulations! Your selection of a 2004 Acura MDX was a wise investment. As you read this manual, you will It will give you years of driving pleasure. find information that is preceded by aNOTICE: symbol. This information One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Acura is to read is intended to help you avoid damage this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and to your Acura, other property, or the convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so environment. youcanrefertoitatanytime.

Several warranties protect your new Acura. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Acura dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Acura. Your Acura dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.

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.

i AFewWordsAboutSafety

Your safety, and the safety of others, You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, is very important. And operating this including: vehicle safely is an important Safety Labels － on the vehicle. responsibility. Safety Messages － preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words:DANGER , WARNING, or CAUTION . To help you make informed These signal words mean: decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY other information on labels and in HURT if you don’t follow instructions. this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY hurt you or others. HURT if you don’t follow instructions.

Of course, it is not practical or You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow possible to warn you about all the instructions. hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must Safety Headings － such as Important Safety Reminders or Important use your own good judgement. 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.

ii 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 page170 of this manual and the Off-Highway Guidelines section on page192 . Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident.

iii Your Vehicle at a Glance

INSTRUMENT PANEL (P.57) CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (P.104) GAUGES (P.66)

AUDIO SYSTEM POWER DOOR LOCK (P.110) SWITCHES (P.80)

MIRROR GLOVE BOX CONTROLS (P.99) (P.92)

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.90)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.160)

FUEL FILL DOOR PARKING BRAKE REAR A/C CONTROL ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET RELEASE PEDAL (P.109) (P.101) (P.159) (P.92)

2 Your Vehicle at a Glance

INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS VTM-4 LOCK PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (P.74) (P.176) INDICATOR (P.30)

HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS (P.72) REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P.75) VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEM OFF SWITCH HAZARD WARNING (P.184) BUTTON (P.74)

CRUISE CONTROL (P.144)

FOG LIGHTS HORN＊ (P.75)

REMOTE AUDIO STEERING WHEEL CRUISE CONTROL WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS CONTROLS ADJUSTMENT (P.144) (P.69) (P.128) (P.76)

＊: To use the horn, press the pad around the ‘‘A’’ logo. 3 4 Driver and Passenger Safety

This section gives you important Additional Information About Your All Children Should Sit in a Back information about how to protect Seat Belts...... 19 Seat...... 34 yourself and your passengers. It Seat Belt System Components.. . 19 The Passenger’s Front Airbag shows you how to use seat belts Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 19 Can Pose Serious Risks to properly. It explains how your airbag Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...... 20 Children ...... 34 work, and it tells you how to properly Seat Belt Maintenance...... 21 If You Must Drive with Several restrain infants and children in your Additional Information About Your Children ...... 36 vehicle. Airbags...... 22 If a Child Requires Close Airbag System Components...... 22 Attention...... 36 How Your Front Airbags Work...... 23 Additional Safety Precautions... . 36 Important Safety Precautions...... 6 Advanced Airbag ...... 25 Protecting infants and Your Vehicle’s Safety Features...... 7 How Your Side Airbags Work... . 27 Small Children...... 38 Seat Belts ...... 8 How Your Side Curtain Airbag Protecting Infants...... 38 Airbags...... 9 Work...... 28 Protecting Small Children...... 39 Protecting Adults and Teens...... 11 How the SRS Indicator Light Selecting a Child Seat...... 40 1. Close and Lock the Doors...... 11 Works...... 28 Installing a Child Seat ...... 41 2. Adjust the Front Seats...... 11 How The Side Airbag Off Installing a Child Seat with 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs...... 12 Indicator Works...... 29 LATCH...... 42 4. Adjust the Head Restraints... . 13 How the Passenger Airbag Installing a Child Seat with 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Off indicator Works...... 30 a Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 44 Belts ...... 14 Airbag Service...... 31 Installing a Child Seat with 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel.... . 16 Additional Safety Precautions... . 32 a Tether ...... 45 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Protecting Children－ General Protecting Larger Children...... 47 Position ...... 16 Guidelines...... 33 Carbon Monoxide Hazard...... 51 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17 All Children Must Be Safety Labels ...... 52 Additional Safety Precautions... . 17 Restrained ...... 33

Driver and Passenger Safety 5 Important Safety Precautions

You’ll find many safety and a lap/shoulder belt until they Control Your Speed recommendations throughout this canusethebeltproperlywithouta Excessive speed is a major factor in section, and throughout this manual. booster (see page49 ). crash injuries and deaths. Generally, Therecommendationsonthispage the higher the speed, the greater the are the ones we consider to be the Be Aware of Airbag Hazards risk, but serious injuries can also most important. While airbags can save lives, they occur at lower speeds. Never drive can cause serious or fatal injuries to faster than is safe for current Always Wear Your Seat Belt occupants who sit too close to them, conditions, regardless of the A seat belt is your best protection in or are not properly restrained. maximum speed posted. all types of collisions. Airbags Infants, young children, and short supplement seat belts, but airbags adults are at the greatest risk. Be Keep Your Vehicle in Safe are designed to inflate only in a sure to follow all instructions and Condition moderate to severe frontal impact, warnings in this manual. Having a tire blowout or a side impact, or rollover collision. So mechanical failure can be extremely even though your vehicle is equipped Don’t Drink and Drive hazardous. To reduce the possibility with airbags, make sure you and Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even of such problems, check your tire your passengers always wear your one drink can reduce your ability to pressures and condition frequently, seat belts, and wear them properly respond to changing conditions, and and perform all regularly scheduled (see page14 ). your reaction time gets worse with maintenance (see page197 ). every additional drink. So don’t drink Restrain All Children and drive, and don’t let your friends Children age 12 and under should drink and drive, either. ride properly restrained in a back seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster

6 Driver and Passenger Safety Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Your vehicle is equipped with many (9) (3) (1) (4) (11) features that work together to protect you and your passengers (10) during a crash. Some safety features do not require (7) anyactiononyourpart.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 seat belt tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in the event of a crash.

(10) (6) (5) (7) (8) (2) (1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (2) (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (9) Door Locks (10) Side Airbags (11) Side Curtain Airbags

Driver and Passenger Safety 7 Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

However, you and your passengers Seat Belts When properly worn, seat belts: can’t take full advantage of these Your vehicle is equipped with seat safety features unless you remain belts in all seating positions. Keep you connected to the vehicle sitting in a proper position and so you can take advantage of the always wear your seat belts properly. Your seat belt system also vehicle’s built-in safety features. Infact,somesafetyfeaturescan includes an indicator on the contribute to injuries if they are not instrument panel to remind you and Help protect you in almost every used properly. your passengers to fasten your seat type of crash, including frontal, belts. side, and rear impacts and The following pages explain how you rollovers. cantakeanactiveroleinprotecting Why Wear Seat Belts yourself and your passengers. Seat belts are the single most Help keep you from being thrown effectivesafetydeviceforadultsand against the inside of the vehicle larger children (Infants and smaller and against other occupants. children must be properly restrained in child seats). Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle. Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious Help keep you in a good position injury or death in a crash, even should the airbags ever deploy. A though your vehicle has airbags. good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, and In addition, most states and all allows you to get the best Canadian provinces require you to advantage from the airbag. wear seat belts.

8 Driver and Passenger Safety Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Of course, seat belts cannot Airbags completely protect you in every crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts can reduce your risk of serious injury.

What you should do: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even Your vehicle has a Supplemental Your vehicle also has side airbags to though your vehicle has airbags. Restraint System (SRS) with front help protect the upper torso of the airbags to help protect the heads and driver or a front seat passenger Be sure you and your chests of the driver and a front seat during a moderate to severe side passengers always wear seat passenger during a moderate to impact (see page27 for more belts and wear them properly. severe frontal collision (see page information on how your side airbags 23 for more information on how work). your front airbags work).

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety 9 Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

The most important things you need What you should do: Always wear to know about your airbags are: your seat belt properly, and sit upright, and as far back from the Airbags do not replace seat belts. steering wheel while allowing full They are designed to supplement control of the vehicle. A front the seat belts. passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as Airbags offer no protection in rear possible. impacts, rollovers, or minor frontal or side collisions. The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you Airbags can pose hazards. To do can maximize your safety. their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while Remember, however, that no safety Your vehicle also has side curtain airbags help save lives they can system can prevent all injuries or airbags to help protect the heads of cause minor injuries, or more deaths that can occur in severe the driver, front passenger, and serious or even fatal injuries if crashes, even when seat belts are passengers in the outer rear seating occupants are not properly properly worn and the airbags deploy. positions during a moderate to restrained or sitting properly. severe side impact or rollover.

(See page28 for more information on how your side curtain airbags work.)

10 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Adults and Teens

Introduction 1.Close and Lock the Doors 2.Adjust the Front Seats The following pages provide After everyone has entered the instructions on how to properly vehicle, be sure the doors and protect the driver, adult passengers, tailgate are closed and locked. and teenagers who are large enough and mature enough to ride in the Your vehicle has a door and tailgate front seat. See pages33－ 37 for monitor indicator on the instrument important guidelines on how to panel to indicate when a specific properly protect infants, small door or the tailgate is not tightly children, and larger children who closed. ride in your vehicle. Locking the doors reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent passengers from Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the accidentally opening a door and rear as possible while allowing you to falling out. maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a front passenger adjust their Locking the doors also helps prevent seat as far to the rear as possible. an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop.

See page80 for how to lock the doors, and page60 for how the monitor light works.

Driver and Passenger Safety 11 Protecting Adults and Teens

If you sit too close to the steering Once your seat is adjusted correctly, 3.Adjust the Seat-Backs wheel or dashboard, you can be rock it back and forth to make sure seriously injured by an inflating front the seat is locked into position. See airbag, or by striking the steering page84 for how to adjust the front wheel or dashboard. seats.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers Sitting too close to a front allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) airbag can result in serious between the center of the steering injury or death if the front wheel and the chest. airbags inflate.

If you cannot get far enough away Always sit as far back from the from the steering wheel and still front airbags as possible. Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a reach the controls, we recommend comfortable, upright position, that you investigate whether some leaving ample space between your type of adaptive equipment may help. 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.

12 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Adults and Teens

Reclining a seat-back so that the 4.Adjust the Head Restraints shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant’s chest Improperly positioning head reduces the protective capability of restraints reduces their the belt. It also increases the chance effectiveness and you can be of sliding under the belt in a crash seriously injured in a crash. and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the Make sure head restraints are greater the risk of injury. in place and positioned properly before driving. See page84 for how to adjust seat- backs. Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from Adjust the driver’s head restraint so whiplash and other crash injuries. Reclining the seat-back too far the back of your head rests against can result in serious injury or the center of the restraint. See page86 for how to adjust the death in a crash. head restraints. Have passengers with adjustable Adjust the seat-back to an restraints adjust their restraints upright position, and sit well properly as well. Taller persons back in the seat. should adjust their restraint as high as possible.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety 13 Protecting Adults and Teens

5.Fasten and Position the Seat If necessary, pull up on the shoulder Belts belt again to remove any slack, then Insert the latch plate into the buckle, check that the belt rests across the then tug on the belt to make sure the center of your chest and over your belt is securely latched. Check that shoulder. This spreads the forces of the belt is not twisted, because a a crash over the strongest bones in twisted belt can cause serious your upper body. injuries in a crash.

In the second row center seat and thethirdrowseats,besurethe Improperly positioning the seat detachable anchors are also latched. belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash. Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, Make sure all seat belts are then pull up on the shoulder part of properly positioned before the belt so the lap part fits snugly. driving. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries.

14 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Adults and Teens

If the seat belt touches or crosses To adjust the height of a front seat Never place the shoulder portion of a your neck, or if it crosses your arm belt anchor, squeeze the two release lap/shoulder belt under your arm or instead of your shoulder, you need to buttons and slide the anchor up or behind your back. This could cause adjust the seat belt anchor height. down as needed (it has four very serious injuries in a crash. positions). RELEASE If a seat belt does not seem to work BUTTONS as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash.

No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Anyone using a seat belt that is not working properly can be seriously injured or killed. Have your Acura dealer check the belt as soon as possible.

See page19 for additional information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.

Driver and Passenger Safety 15 Protecting Adults and Teens

6.Adjust the Steering Wheel 7.Maintain a Proper Sitting In addition, an occupant who is out of Position position in the front seat can be After all occupants have adjusted seriously or fatally injured in a crash their seats and put on seat belts, it is by striking interior parts of the very important that they continue to vehicle or being struck by an sit upright, well back in their seats, inflating front airbag. Being struck with their feet on the floor, until the by an inflating side airbag can result vehicle is parked and the engine is in possibly serious injuries. off.

Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For Sitting improperly or out of example, if an occupant slouches, position can result in serious lies down, turns sideways, sits injury or death. Adjust the steering wheel, if needed, forward, leans forward or sideways, so that the wheel points toward your or puts one or both feet up, the Always sit upright, well back in chest, not toward your face. This chance of injury during a crash is the seat, with your feet on the provides optimal protection from the greatly increased. floor. front airbag.

See page76 for how to adjust the steering wheel.

16 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Adults and Teens

Advice for Pregnant Women When driving, remember to sit Additional Safety Precautions upright and adjust the seat as far Never let passengers ride in the back as possible while allowing full cargo area or on top of a folded- control of the vehicle. When riding down back seat. All passengers as a front passenger, adjust the seat must sit in locked, upright seats as far back as possible. andbeproperlyrestrainedbyseat This will reduce the risk of injuries belts. to both you and your unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an Passengers should not stand up or inflating front airbag. change seats while the vehicle is moving. A passenger who is not Each time you have a check-up, ask wearing a seat belt during a crash your doctor if it’s okay for you to or emergency stop can be thrown drive. against the inside of the vehicle, If you are pregnant, the best way to against other occupants, or out of protect yourself and your unborn the vehicle. child when driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt, Two people should never use the and keep the lap part of the belt as same seat belt. If they do, they low as possible across the hips. could be very seriously injured in a crash.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety 17 Protecting Adults and Teens

Do not put any accessories on seat Keep your hands and arms away Do not attach hard objects on or belts. Devices intended to improve from the airbag covers. If your near a door. If a side airbag or a occupant comfort or reposition the hands or arms are close to an side curtain airbag inflates, a cup shoulder part of a seat belt can airbag cover, they could be injured holder or other hard object reduce the protective capability of if the airbag inflates. attached on or near the door could the seat belt and increase the be propelled inside the vehicle and chance of serious injury in a crash. Do not attach or place objects on hurt someone. the front airbag covers. Objects on Do not place hard or sharp objects the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ Do not modify the front seats. between yourself and a front could interfere with the proper This could make the driver’s seat airbag. Carrying hard or sharp operation of the airbags or be position sensor or the front objects on your lap, or driving with propelled inside the vehicle and passenger’s seat weight sensors a pipe or other sharp objects in hurt someone if the airbags inflate. ineffective (see page32 for more your mouth, can result in injuries information). if your front airbag inflates. Do not place any items under the Do not place the rear floor mat front seats. This could cause under the front passenger’s seat. problems with the driver’s seat This could make the front position sensor or the front passenger’s weight sensors passenger’s seat weight sensors. ineffective. Make sure the rear (See page32 for more information.) floor mat is hooked over the floor mat anchor (see page218 ).

18 Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt To fasten the belt, insert the latch Your seat belt system includes lap/ The lap/shoulder belts in the center plate into the buckle, then tug on the shoulder belts in all seven seating seat of the second row and both of belt to make sure the buckle is positions. The front seat belts are the third row seats are equipped with latched (see page14 for how to also equipped with automatic seat a detachable anchor that has two properly position the belt). belt tensioners. parts: a small latch plate and a buckle. To unlock the belt, push the red The seat belt system PRESSbuttononthebuckle.Guide includes an indicator on the The detachable anchor should the belt across your body so that it instrument panel and a beeper to normally be latched whenever the retracts completely. After exiting the remind you and your passengers to seats-backs are in an upright position. vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the fasten your belts. way and will not get closed in the The lap and shoulder belt goes over door. If you turn the ignition switch to ON your shoulder, across your chest, (II) before fastening your seat belt, and across your hips. All seat belts have an emergency the beeper will sound and the locking retractor. In normal driving, indicator will flash. If you do not the retractor lets you move freely in fasten your seat belt before the your seat while it keeps some beeper stops, the indicator will stop tension on the belt. During a collision flashing but remain on. or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help If you continue driving without restrain your body. fastening your seat belt, the beeper sounds and the indicator flashes again at regular intervals.

Driver and Passenger Safety 19 Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

The seat belts in all seating positions Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners The tensioners are designed to except the driver’s have an additional activate in any collision severe locking mechanism that must be enough to cause a front, side, or side activated to secure a child seat (see curtainairbagtoinflate. page44 ). However, the tensioners can be If the shoulder part of the belt is activated during a collision in which pulled all the way out, the locking there is no airbag deployment. In mechanism will activate. The belt this case, the airbags would not be will retract, but it will not allow the needed, but the additional restraint passenger to move freely. provided by the tensioners could be helpful. To deactivate the locking mechanism, unlatch the buckle and When the tensioners are activated, let the seat belt fully retract. To For added protection, the front seat the seat belts will remain tight until refasten the belt, pull it out only as belts are equipped with automatic they are unbuckled in the normal far as needed. seat belt tensioners. When activated, manner. the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a front passenger in place.

20 Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Seat Belt Maintenance Acura provides a lifetime warranty If a seat belt is worn during a crash, For safety, you should check the on seat belts for U.S. models. See it must be replaced by the dealer. A condition of your seat belts regularly. your Acura Warranty Information belt that has been worn during a booklet for details. crash may not provide the same level Pull each belt out fully and look for of protection in a subsequent crash. frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and The dealer should also inspect the the belts retract easily. Any belt not Not checking or maintaining anchors for damage and replace in good condition or not working seat belts can result in serious them if needed. If the automatic seat properly will not provide good injury or death if the seat belts belt tensioners activate during a protection and should be replaced as do not work properly when crash, they must be replaced. soon as possible. needed. For information on how to clean your Check your seat belts regularly seat belts, see page218 . and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.

Driver and Passenger Safety 21 Additional Information About Your Airbags

Airbag System Components Your Airbag System (SRS) includes: (7) (6) (9)(1) Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint (11) System) front airbags. The driver’s (2) airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ (see page23 ). Two side airbags, one for the (5) driver and one for a front (9) passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the seat- (3) backs. Both are marked ‘‘SIDE (4) AIRBAG’’ (see page27 ). Two side curtain airbags, one for each side of the vehicle. The (1) Driver’s Front Airbag airbags are stored in the front, and (2) Passenger’s Front Airbag (8) (3) Control Unit rear pillars and above the windows. (4) Seat Belt Tensioners The front and rear pillars on both (5) Side Airbags sides are marked ‘‘SIDE (6) Side Curtain Airbags (10) CURTAIN AIRBAG’’ (see page (7) Driver’s Seat Position Sensor (10) (8) Front Passenger’s Seat Weight Sensors 28 ). (9) Front Impact Sensor (8) (5) (4) Automatic seat belt tensioners (10) Side Impact Sensors (see page20 ). (11) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

22 Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Information About Your Airbags

Sensors that can detect a Front passenger’s weight sensors How Your Front Airbags Work moderate to severe frontal impact, that monitor the weight on the side impact or rollover. front passenger’s seat. These prevent the passenger’s front A sophisticated electronic system airbag from inflating if the weight that continually monitors and is less than about 65 lbs (30 kg) records information about the (see page26 ). sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, and driver and The SRS indicator on the frontpassengerseatbeltusewhen instrument panel that alerts you to the ignition is in the ON (II) a possible problem with your position. airbags (see page28 ).

A driver’s seat position sensor that Emergency backup power in case monitors the distance of the seat your vehicle’s electrical system is If you ever have a moderate to from the front airbag. If the seat is disconnected in a crash. severe frontal collision, sensors will too far forward, the airbag will detect the vehicle’s rapid inflate with less force. An indicator on the instrument deceleration. If the rate of panel that alerts you that the front deceleration is high enough, the Sensors that can detect whether a passenger’s side airbag has been control unit will instantly inflate the child’s head is in the deployment turned off (see page29 ). driver’s and front passenger’s front path of the passenger’s side airbag airbags, at the appropriate time and and automatically turn the airbag An indicator on the dashboard that with the force needed. off (see page27 ). alerts you that the passenger’s front airbag has been turned off (see page30 ). CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety 23 Additional Information About Your Airbags

During a frontal crash, your seat belt The total time for inflation and help restrains your lower body and deflation is one-tenth of a second, so torso and the airbag helps protect fast that most occupants are not your head and chest. aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps. Although both airbags normally inflate within a split second of each After a crash, you may see what other, it is possible for only one looks like smoke. This is actually airbag to deploy. powder from the airbag’s surface. Although the powder is not harmful, This can happen if the severity of a people with respiratory problems collision is at the margin, or mayexperiencesometemporary threshold, that determines whether discomfort. If this occurs, get out of or not the airbags will deploy. In the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do such cases, the seat belt will provide After inflating, the front airbags will so. sufficient protection, and the immediately deflate, so they won’t supplemental protection offered by interfere with the driver’s visibility, the airbag would be minimal. or the ability to steer or operate other controls. Only the driver’s airbag can deploy if there is no passenger in the front seat, or if the advanced airbag system has turned the passenger’s airbag off (see page30 ).

24 Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Information About Your Airbags

Dual-Stage Airbags Dual-Threshold Airbags Advanced Airbags Your front airbags are dual-stage Your front airbags are also dual- Your front airbags are also advanced airbags. This means they have two threshold airbags. Airbags with this airbags. The main purpose of this inflation stages that can be ignited feature have two deployment feature is to prevent airbag-caused sequentially or simultaneously, thresholds that depend on whether injuries to short drivers and children depending on crash severity. or not the occupant is wearing a seat who ride in front. belt. In a more severe crash, both stages For the advanced airbags to work will ignite simultaneously to provide If the occupant’s belt is not latched, properly, occupants must sit upright the quickest and greatest protection. the airbag will deploy at the same and wear their seat belts properly. If threshold as a conventional airbag, a child seat is installed in the front, it In a less severe crash, one stage will because the occupant would need must be properly secured. ignite first, then the second stage extra protection. will ignite a split second later. This In addition, do not spill any liquids on provides longer airbag inflation time If the occupant’s beltis latched , the or under the seats, cover the sensors, with a little less force. airbag will inflate at a slightly higher or put any cargo or metal objects threshold, when the airbag would be under the front seats. Ask second needed to supplement the protection row passengers to not put their feet provided by the seat belt. under the front seats. Any of these actions could damage the sensors or prevent them from working properly.

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

Driver and Passenger Safety 25 Additional Information About Your Airbags

When the airbag is turned off, an indicator in the center of the dashboard will come on indicating ‘‘Passenger Airbag Off’’ (see page 30 ). If there is no passenger in the front seat, the airbag will be off but the PASSENGER’S indicator will not come on. SEAT WEIGHT DRIVER’S SENSOR SEAT To ensure that the passenger’s POSITION advanced front airbag system will SENSOR work properly, do not do anything that would increase or decrease the The driver’s advanced front airbag position. weight on the front passenger’s seat. system includes a seat position This includes: sensor under the seat. If the seat is The passenger’s advanced front A rear passenger pushing or positioned too far forward, the airbag system has weight sensors pulling on the back of the airbag will inflate sequentially, under the seat. If the sensors detect passenger’s seat. regardless of the severity of the a total weight on the seat of about 65 impact. lbs (30 kg) or less, the system will Moving the front seat forcibly automatically turn the passenger’s back against cargo on the seat or If there is a problem with the sensor, front airbag off. floor behind it. the SRS indicator will come on in the instrument panel and the airbag will Hanging heavy items on the front inflate in the normal manner passenger seat, or placing heavy regardless of the driver’s seating items in the seat-back pocket.

26 Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Information About Your Airbags

How Your Side Airbags Work The passenger’s side airbag has a There will be some delay between cutoff system designed to turn off the moment the passenger moves the passenger’s side airbag if a child’s into or out of airbag deployment path head is in the airbag’s deployment and when the indicator comes on or path (see page29 ). goes off.

If a short adult leans sideways, or a To get the best protection from the larger adult slouches and leans side airbags, front seat occupants sideways into the side airbag should wear their seat belts and sit deployment path, the system may upright and well back in their seats. also shut off the side airbag. A front seat passenger should not If the side airbag off indicator comes use a cushion or other object as a on (see page29 ), have the backrest. It may prevent the cutoff If you ever have a moderate to passenger sit upright. Once the system from working properly. severe side impact, sensors will passenger is out of the deployment detect rapid deceleration and signal path of the side airbag, the system When you turn the ignition to ON the control unit to instantly inflate will turn the airbag back on and the (II), the indicator should come on either the driver’s or the passenger’s indicator will go out. briefly and go out (see page29 ). If it side airbag. doesn’t come on, stays on, or comes on while driving without a passenger Only one airbag will deploy during a in the front seat, have the system side impact. If the impact is on the checked. passenger’s side, the passenger’s side airbag will deploy even if there is no passenger.

Driver and Passenger Safety 27 Additional Information About Your Airbags

How Your Side Curtain Airbags If the impact is on the passenger’s Side curtain airbags are designed to Work side, the passenger’s side curtain help protect the heads of the driver, airbag will inflate even if there are no front passenger, and passengers in occupants on that side of the vehicle. the outer seating positions of the second and third rows. In a Rollover If sensors detect your vehicle is To get the best protection from the about to tip over, the control unit will side curtain airbags, occupants instantly deploy the side curtain should wear their seat belts and sit airbag on the downward side of the upright and well back in their seats. rolling motion. How the SRS Indicator Works If sensors detect the vehicle is The SRS indicator light continuing to roll over to the other alerts you to a potential side, the control unit will deploy the problem with your front airbags, side In a Side Impact other side curtain airbag. airbags, side curtain airbags, or seat In a moderate to severe side impact, belt tensioners. sensors will detect rapid deceleration In a rollover toward the passenger’s and signal the control unit to side of the vehicle, the side curtain When you turn the ignition to ON instantly inflate the side curtain airbag will inflate even if there are no (II), this indicator will come on airbag on the driver’s or the occupants on that side of the vehicle. briefly then go out. This tells you the passenger’s side of the vehicle. system is working properly.

28 Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Information About Your Airbags

If the indicator comes on at any How the Side Airbag Off other time, or does not come on at all, Indicator Works you should have the system checked Ignoring the SRS indicator can This indicator alerts you by your dealer. For example: result in serious injury or death that the passenger’s side if the airbag systems, or airbag has been automatically shut If the SRS indicator does not come tensioners do not work properly. off. It doesnot mean there is a on after you turn the ignition to problem with your side airbags. ON (II). Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if To reduce the risk of injury from an If the indicator stays on after the the SRS indicator alerts you to inflating side airbag, your vehicle has engine starts. a possible problem. an automatic cutoff system for the passenger’s side airbag. If the indicator comes on or flashesonandoffwhileyoudrive. Although Acura does not encourage children to ride in front, this system If you see any of these indications, is designed to shut off the side the airbags and the seat belt airbag if a child leans sideways and tensioners may not work properly the child’s head is in the side airbag when you need them. deployment path.

Objects placed on the front passenger seat can also cause the side airbag to shut off.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety 29 Additional Information About Your Airbags

A front seat passenger should not How the Passenger Airbag Off To reduce the chance of airbag- use a cushion or other object as a Indicator Works caused injuries, the system shuts off backrest. It may prevent the cutoff the passenger’s front airbag when system from working properly. PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR the total weight on the front passenger’s seat is about 65 lbs When you turn the ignition switch to (30 kg) or less. ON (II), the indicator should come on briefly and go out (see page58 ). If no one is riding in the front If it doesn’t light, stays on, or comes passenger’s seat, the airbag will be on while driving without a passenger automatically shut off, but the in the front seat, have the system indicator light will not come on. checked. However, if the light comes on with no passenger in the front, or with an adult in the seat, there may be a This indicator alerts you that the problem with the advanced airbag passenger’s front airbag has been system. Have the vehicle checked by shut off. It does not mean there is a the dealer as soon as possible. problem with the airbag. The Passenger Airbag Off indicator may also come on and off repeatedly if total weight on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold (65 lbs or 30 kg).

30 Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Information About Your Airbags

If this happens, have the passenger Airbag Service If your vehicle has a moderate to ride properly restrained in a back Your airbag systems are virtually severe impact, and even if your seat. If the passenger must ride in maintenance-free, and there are no airbags do not inflate, your dealer front, move the seat as far to the parts you can safely service. should inspect the driver’s seat rear as possible, have the passenger However, you must have your position sensor and the front sit upright and wear the seat belt vehicle serviced if: passenger’s weight sensors to properly. make sure they are operating An airbag ever inflates. Any airbag properly. This indicator may come on and off that has deployed must be repeatedly if objects are placed on replaced along with the control the front passenger’s seat, or if the unit and other related parts. If a interior temperature of the vehicle front airbag inflates, the seat belt changes suddenly when a door is tensioners must also be replaced. opened. Do not try to remove or replace See page25 for more information anyairbagbyyourself.Thismust about the passenger’s advanced be done by an Acura dealer or a front airbag. knowledgeable body shop.

The SRS indicator alerts you to a problem. Take your vehicle to an authorized Acura dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, your airbags may not operate properly.

Driver and Passenger Safety 31 Additional Information About Your Airbags

Additional Safety Precautions Do not place the second row floor Do not do anything that would Donotattempttodeactivateyour mat under the front passenger’s increase or decrease weight on the airbags. Together, airbags and seat. This could make the front front passenger’s seat. Pushing or seat belts provide the best passenger’s weight sensors pulling on the back of the seat, protection. ineffective. placing heavy items in the back seat pocket, pushing cargo against Do not tamper with airbag Do not cover or replace front seat- the seat, or hanging heavy items components or wiring for any back covers without consulting an on the seat back can interfere with reason. Tampering could cause Acura dealer. Improperly the proper operation of the the airbags to deploy, possibly replacing or covering front seat- passenger’s advanced front airbag. causing very serious injury. back covers can prevent your side airbags from inflating during a Do not remove or modify a front Do not expose the front seat-backs collision. seat without consulting an Acura to liquid. If water or another liquid dealer. This could make the driver’s or spilled water soaks into a seat- Do not modify the front seats. seat position sensor or the front back, it can prevent the side airbag This could make the driver’s seat passenger’s weight sensors cutoff system from working position sensor and the front ineffective. If it is necessary to properly. passenger’s weight sensors remove or modify a front seat to ineffective. accommodate a person with Do not place any items under the disabilities, first contact Acura front seats.This could make the Client Services at 800-382-2238. driver’s seat position sensor and the front passenger’s weight sensors ineffective.

32 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Children－ General Guidelines

All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured Children who are unrestrained or killed in vehicle crashes because or improperly restrained can be they are either unrestrained or not seriously injured or killed in a properly restrained. In fact, vehicle crash. accidents are the number one cause of death of children ages 12 and Any child too small for a seat under. belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A To reduce the number of child larger child should be properly deaths and injuries, every state and restrained with a seat belt and Canadian province requires that use a booster if necessary. infants and children be properly Children depend on adults to protect restrained when they ride in a them. However, despite their best vehicle. intentions many adults do not know If you have children, or if you ever how to properly protect child need to drive with a child in your Infants and small children must be passengers. vehicle, be sure to read this section. restrained in an approved child seat It begins with important general that is properly secured to the guidelines, then presents special vehicle (see pages38 － 47 ). information for infants, small children, and larger children. Larger children must be restrained with a lap/shoulder belt and ride on a booster until the seat belt fits them properly (see pages47 － 50 ).

Driver and Passenger Safety 33 Protecting Children－ General Guidelines

All Children Should Sit in a Back The Passenger’s Front Airbag With this system, the front Seat Can Pose Serious Risks passenger’s airbag is turned off if According to accident statistics, Front airbags have been designed to sensors detect a total weight of less children of all ages and sizes are help protect adults in a moderate to thanabout65lbs(30kg)intheseat. safer when they are restrained in a severe frontal collision. To do this, (See page25 for additional back seat. The National Highway the passenger’s front airbag is quite information about how the front Traffic Safety Administration and large, and it can inflate with enough passenger’s advanced airbag works.) Transport Canada recommend that force to cause very serious injuries. all children age 12 and under be Even if the passenger’s front airbag properly restrained in a back seat. To help prevent airbag-caused is turned off, we strongly injuries to children, this vehicle has recommend that children age 12 and Children who ride in the second or an advanced airbag system. under ride properly restrained in a thirdrowarelesslikelytobeinjured back seat where they will be safer. by striking interior vehicle parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating airbag when they ride in the back.

34 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Children－ General Guidelines

U.S. Models Canadian Models To remind you of the passenger’s To remind you of the front airbag front airbag hazards, and that hazards, your vehicle has warning children must be properly restrained labels on the driver’s and front in the back seat, your vehicle has passenger’s visors. Please read and warninglabelsonthedashboardand follow the instructions on these on the driver’s and front passenger’s labels. visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.

Driver and Passenger Safety 35 Protecting Children－ General Guidelines

If You Must Drive with Several If a Child Requires Close Additional Safety Precautions Children Attention Neverholdaninfantorchildon Your vehicle has two rows of back Many parents say they prefer to put your lap. If you are not wearing a seats where children can be properly an infant or small child in the front seat belt in a crash, you could be restrained. If you ever have to carry passenger seat so they can watch the thrown forward and crash the a group of children, and a child must child, or because the child requires child against the dashboard or a ride in front: attention. seat-back. If you are wearing a seat belt the child can be torn Place the largest child in the front Placing a child in the front seat from your arms and be seriously seat, provided the child is large exposes the child to hazards in a hurt or killed. enough to wear the lap/shoulder frontal collision, and paying close belt properly (see page48 ). attention to a child distracts the Never put a seat belt over yourself driver from the important tasks of or a child. During a crash, the belt Move the vehicle seat as far to the driving, placing both of you at risk. could press deep into the child and rear as possible (see page11 ). cause serious or fatal injuries. If a child requires close physical Have the child sit upright and well attention or frequent visual contact, Use childproof door locks to backintheseat(seepage16 ). we strongly recommend that another prevent children from opening the adult ride with the child in a back doors. This can prevent children Make sure the seat belt is properly seat. The back seat is far safer for a from accidentally falling out (see positioned and secured (see page child than the front. page80 ). 14 ).

36 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Children－ General Guidelines

Use the main power window Lock all doors and tailgate when Keep vehicle keys and remote switch to prevent children from your vehicle is not in use. Children transmitters out of the reach of opening the rear windows. This who play in vehicles can children. Even very young will prevent children from playing accidentally get trapped inside. children learn how to unlock with the windows, which could Teach your children not to play in vehicle doors, turn on the ignition, expose them to hazards or distract or around vehicles. and open the tailgate, which can thedriver(seepage90 ). lead to accidental injury or death.

Do not leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, and can be very hazardous.

For example, infants and small childrenleftinavehicleonahot day can die from heatstroke. A child left alone with the key in the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others.

Driver and Passenger Safety 37 Protecting Infants and Small Children

Protecting Infants Child Seat Placement A rear-facing child seat should Placing a rear-facing child seat always be installed in a back seat, not in the front seat can result in in the front. Even with advanced serious injury or death during a airbags, which can automatically collision. turn the passenger’s front airbag off (see page30 ), a back seat is the Always place a rear-facing child safest place for an infant. seat in the back seat, not the front. When properly installed, a rear- facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front passenger from Two types of seats may be used: a moving the seat as far back as seat designed exclusively for infants, recommended, or from locking the Child Seat Type or convertible seat used in the rear- seat-back in the desired position. Only a rear-facing child seat provides facing, reclining mode. proper support for a baby’s head, In either of these situations, we neck, and back. Do not put a rear-facing child seat in strongly recommend that you install a forward-facing position. If placed the child seat in a different back An infant must be properly facing forward, an infant could be seating position or get a smaller rear- restrained in a rear-facing, reclining very seriously injured during a facing child seat. child seat until the child reaches the frontal collision. seat maker’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the child is at least one year old.

38 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Infants and Small Children

Protecting Small Children Of the different seats available, we Child Seat Placement recommend those that have a five- We strongly recommend placing a point harness system as shown. forward-facing child seat in a back seat,notthefront.Evenwith We also recommend that a small advanced airbags, which can child uses the child seat as long as automatically turn the passenger’s possible, until the child reaches the front airbag off (see page30 ), a weight or height limit for the seat. back seat is the safest place for a small child.

If it is necessary to put a forward- Placing a forward-facing child facing child seat in the front, move seat in the front seat can result the vehicle seat as far to the rear as in serious injury or death if the possible, be sure the child seat is Child Seat Type front airbag inflates. firmly secured to the vehicle, and the A child who is at least one year old, child is properly strapped in the seat. and who fits within the child seat Ifyoumustplaceaforward- maker’s weight and height limits, facing child seat in front, move should be restrained in a forward- the vehicle seat as far back as facing, upright child seat. possible, and properly restrain the child.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety 39 Selecting a Child Seat

When buying a child seat, you need We also recommend selecting a Whatever type of seat you choose, to to choose between a conventional LATCH-compatible seat with a rigid, provide proper protection, a child child seat, or one designed for use rather than a flexible, anchor (see seat should meet three with the Lower Anchors and Tethers page42 ). requirements: for Children (LATCH) system. In seating positions and vehicles not 1. The child seat should meet U.S. or Conventional child seats must be equipped with LATCH, a LATCH- Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety secured to a vehicle with a seat belt, compatible child seat can be installed Standard 213. Look for FMVSS whereas LATCH-compatible seats using a seat belt. 213 or CMVSS 213 on the box. are secured by attaching the seat to hardware built into the two second- 2.The child seat should be of the row seat. proper type and size to fit the child. Rear-facing for infants, forward- Since LATCH-compatible child seats facing for small children. are easier to install and reduce the possibility of improper installation, 3.The child seat should fit the we recommend selecting this style. vehicle seating position (or positions) where it will be used.

Before purchasing a conventional child seat, or using a previously purchased one, we recommend that you test the seat in the specific vehicle seating position, or positions, where the seat will be used.

40 Driver and Passenger Safety Installing a Child Seat

After selecting a proper child seat, A child seat secured with a seat belt The following pages provide and a good place to install the seat, should be installed as firmly as guidelines on how to properly install there are three main steps in possible. However, it does not need a child seat. A forward-facing child installing the seat: to be ‘‘rock solid’’. Some side-to-side seat is used in all examples, but the movement can be expected and instructions are the same for a rear- 1.Properly secure the child seat to should not reduce the child seat’s facing child seat. the vehicle. All child seats must be effectiveness. secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt or with If the child seat is not secure, try the LATCH (Lower Anchors and installing it in a different seating Tethers for Children) system. A position, or use a different style of child whose seat is not properly child seat that can be firmly secured. secured to the vehicle can be endangered in a crash. 3.Secure the child in the back seat. Make sure the child is properly 2.Make sure the child seat is firmly strappedinthechildseat secured. After installing a child according to the child seat maker’s seat, push and pull the seat instructions. A child who is not forward and from side to side to properly secured in a child seat verify that it is secure. can be seriously injured in a crash.

Driver and Passenger Safety 41 Installing a Child Seat

Installing a Child Seat Using To install a LATCH-compatible child LATCH seat:

MARKS 1. Move the seat belt buckle or tongue away from the lower anchors.

2. Make sure there are no objects near the anchors that could prevent a secure connection between the child seat and anchors.

LOWER ANCHORS RIGID TYPE

Your vehicle is equipped with 3. Place the child seat on the vehicle LATCH (Lower Anchors and seat, and attach the seat to the Tethers for Children) at the outer lower anchors according to the second row seats. The lower anchors child seat maker’s instructions. are located between the seat-back and seat bottom, and are to be used Some LATCH-compatible seats only with a child seat designed for have a rigid-type connection as use with LATCH. shown above. The location of each lower anchor is marked with a small button above the point.

42 Driver and Passenger Safety Installing a Child Seat

6. Make sure the strap is not twisted, then tighten the strap according to the child seat maker’s instruction.

7. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure.

FLEXIBLE TYPE

Other LATCH-compatible seats have 5. Route the tether strap through the a flexible-type connection as shown legs of the head restraint, then above. attach the hook to the anchorage point on the back of the seat back. 4. Whatever type you have, follow the child seat maker’s instructions for adjusting or tightening the fit.

Driver and Passenger Safety 43 Installing a Child Seat

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/ Shoulder Belt When not using the LATCH system, all child seats must be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/ shoulder belt.

In addition, the lap/shoulder belts in the back seating positions, and in the front passenger seat, have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat.

1. With the child seat in the desired 2. To activate the lockable retractor, seating position, route the belt slowly pull the shoulder part of the through the child seat according belt all the way out until it stops, to the seat maker’s instructions, then let the belt feed back into the then insert the latch plate into the retractor. buckle. 3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull thebeltout,itisnotlocked,and you will need to repeat these steps.

44 Driver and Passenger Safety Installing a Child Seat

Installing a Child Seat with a Tether A child seat with a tether can be installed in any seating position in the second or third row.

Since a tether can provide additional security to the lap/shoulder belt installation, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available. (Tethers are required in Canada.)

4. Confirm that the belt is locked, 5. Push and pull the child seat then grab the shoulder part of the forward and from side to side to belt near the buckle, and pull up to verify that it is firmly secured. If remove any slack from the lap part the child seat is not secure, of the belt. Remember, if the lap unlatch the belt, allow it to retract part of the belt is not tight, the fully, then repeat these steps. child seat will not be secure. To deactivate the locking To remove slack, it may help to mechanism and remove a child seat, putweightonthechildseat,or unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat push on the back of the seat while belt, and let the belt fully retract. pulling up on the belt. CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety 45 Installing a Child Seat

Second Row Installation

TETHER ANCHORAGE POINT

Each second row seat has a tether 1. After securing the child seat in the 2. Attach the tether strap hook to the anchorage point behind the seat desired position (see page44 ), anchor as shown above, then back. route the tether strap over the top tighten the strap according to the of the seat-back and between the child seat maker’s instructions. head restraint legs. Make sure the strap is not twisted.

46 Driver and Passenger Safety Installing a Child Seat, Protecting Larger Children

Third Row Installation Protecting Larger Children When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit Allowing a larger child age 12 or for a forward-facing child seat, the under to sit in front can result in child should sit in a back seat on a injury or death if the passenger’s booster and wear a lap/shoulder belt. front airbag inflates.

The following pages provide If a larger child must ride in front, guidelines to help you decide when a move the vehicle seat as far given child may ride in front, and back as possible, use a booster how to properly protect the child. seat if needed, and have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly.

There are two anchorage points on the tailgate sill.

1. Select the anchor point you want to use. Raise the cargo area floor, and remove the cover with a small flat-tipped screwdriver or fingernail file.

2. Followsteps1and2ofthesecond row seat installation.

Driver and Passenger Safety 47 Protecting Larger Children

Checking Seat Belt Fit 3. Does the shoulder belt cross Using a Booster Seat between the child’s neck and arm?

4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the child’s thighs?

5. Will the child be able to stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the To determine if a lap/shoulder belt child needs to ride on a booster seat. A child who has outgrown a forward- properly fits a child, have the child facing child seat should ride in a put on the seat belt, then ask back seat and use a booster seat yourself: until the lap/shoulder belt fits them properly without the booster. 1. Does the child sit all the way back against the seat?

2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat?

48 Driver and Passenger Safety Protecting Larger Children

Some states also require children to booster. When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front use a booster until they reach a The National Highway Traffic Safety given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or Even then, the child may still need to Administration and Transport 60lbs).Besuretocheckcurrent use a booster seat. Note that some Canada recommend that all children laws in the state or states where you states now require children to use ages 12 and under be properly intend to drive. boosters until they reach a certain restrained in the back seat. ageand/orweight.Besuretocheck Booster seats can be high-back or current laws in the state or states Even with advanced front airbag, the low-back. Whichever style you select, where you intend to drive. back seat is the safest place for a make sure the booster meets federal child of any age or size. safety standards (see page33 ) and We strongly recommend that a child that you follow the booster seat whousedaboosterrideinaback If the passenger’s front airbag is on, maker’s instructions. seat,notthefront.Evenifthe and it inflates in a moderate to passenger’s front airbag is off, a severe frontal collision, the airbag If a child who uses a booster must back seat is the safest place for the can cause serious injuries to a child ride in front, move the vehicle seat child. who is unrestrained, improperly as far to the rear as possible, and be restrained, sitting too close to the sure the child is wearing the seat airbag, or out of position. belt properly. The side airbag also poses risks. If A child may continue using a booster any part of a larger child’s body is in seat until the tops of their ears are the path of a deploying side airbag, even with the top of the vehicle’s or the child could receive possibly booster’s seat-back. A child of this serious injuries. height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a

Driver and Passenger Safety 49 Protecting Larger Children

Of course, children vary widely. And If you decide that a child can safely Additional Safety Precautions while age may be one indicator of ride up front, be sure to: Do not let a child wear a seat belt when a child can safely ride in front. across the neck. This could result in There are other important factors Carefully read the owner’s manual, serious neck injuries during a crash. youshouldconsider. and make sure you understand all seat belt instructions and all safety Do not let a child put the shoulder Maturity information. part of a seat belt behind the back or To safely ride in front, a child must under the arm. This could cause be able to follow the rules, including Move the vehicle seat to the rear- very serious injuries during a crash. sitting properly, and wearing the seat most position. It also increases the chance that the belt properly throughout a ride. child will slide under the belt in a Have the child sit up straight, back crash and be injured. Physical Size against the seat, and feet on or Physically, a child must be large near the floor. Two children should never use the enough for the lap/shoulder belt to same seat belt. If they do, they could properly fit (see page48 ). If the seat Check that the child’s seat belt is be very seriously injured in a crash. belt does not fit properly, with or properly and securely positioned. without the child sitting on a booster, Do not put any accessories on a seat the child should not sit in the front. Supervise the child. Even mature belt. Devices intended to improve a children sometimes need to be child’s comfort or reposition the reminded to fasten the seat belts shoulder part of a seat belt can make or sit properly. the belt less effective, and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

50 Driver and Passenger Safety Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Your vehicle’s exhaust contains With the tailgate open, air flow can carbon monoxide gas. You should pull exhaust gas into your vehicle’s have no problem with carbon Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. interior and create a hazardous monoxide entering the vehicle in Breathing it can cause condition. If you must drive with the normal driving if you maintain your unconsciousness and even kill tailgate open, open all the windows vehicle properly. you. and set the heating and cooling Have the exhaust system inspected system/climate control system as for leaks whenever: Avoid any enclosed areas or shown below. activities that expose you to The vehicle is raised for an oil carbon monoxide. If you must sit in your parked vehicle, change. even in an unconfined area, with the You notice a change in the sound engine running, adjust the heating of the exhaust. High levels of carbon monoxide can and cooling system/climate control The vehicle was in an accident collect rapidly in enclosed areas, system as follows: that may have damaged the under- such as a garage. Do not run the side. engine with the garage door closed. 1. Select the Fresh Air mode. Even with the door open, run the 2. Select the mode. engine only long enough to move the 3. Turn the fan on high speed. vehicle out of the garage. 4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Driver and Passenger Safety 51 Safety Labels

These labels are in the locations DASHBOARD shown. They warn you of potential U.S. models only hazards that could cause serious injury. Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which is removed by the owner), contact your Acura dealer for a replacement. HOOD

RADIATOR CAP

BATTERY LABEL

52 Driver and Passenger Safety Safety Labels

SUN VISOR DOORJAMBS U.S. models On vehicles with side curtain airbags U.S. models Canadian models

Canadian models

Driver and Passenger Safety 53 54 Instruments and Controls

This section gives information about Control Locations ...... 56 Mirrors...... 92 the controls and displays that Instrument Panel ...... 57 Driving Position Memory contribute to the daily operation of Instrument Indicators ...... 58 System...... 94 your Acura. All the essential controls Gauges ...... 66 Interior Lights...... 96 are within easy reach. Controls Near the Steering Interior Convenience Items...... 98 Wheel ...... 68 Beverage Holders...... 99 Windshield Wipers and Console Compartment...... 99 Washers...... 69 Glove Box ...... 99 Rear Window Wiper and Rear Compartment...... 100 Washer...... 71 Cargo Hooks ...... 100 Turn Signal and Headlights...... 72 Sun Visor ...... 100 Instrument Panel Brightness...... 74 Vanity Mirror ...... 100 Hazard Warning Button...... 74 Accessory Power Sockets...... 101 Rear Window Defogger...... 75 Fog Light ...... 75 Steering Wheel Adjustment...... 76 Keys...... 77 Immobilizer System...... 78 Ignition Switch ...... 79 Door Locks ...... 80 Remote Transmitter...... 81 Seats ...... 84 Seat Heaters ...... 89 Power Windows ...... 90 Moonroof ...... 91 Parking Brake ...... 92

Instruments and Controls 55 Control Locations

INSTRUMENT PANEL (P.57) CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (P.104) GAUGES (P.66)

AUDIO SYSTEM POWER DOOR LOCK (P.110) SWITCHES (P.80)

MIRROR GLOVE BOX CONTROLS (P.99) (P.92)

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.90)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.160)

FUEL FILL DOOR PARKING BRAKE REAR A/C CONTROL ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET RELEASE PEDAL (P.109) (P.101) (P.159) (P.92)

56 Instruments and Controls Instrument Panel

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT LAMP (P.243) INDICATOR SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.58) (P.61) LOW OIL PRESSURE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.58) HIGH BEAM INDICATOR INDICATOR(P.59) (P.61) ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.59) WASHER LEVEL INDICATOR (P.61) LIGHTS ON INDICATOR (P.62) SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P.58) SEAT BELT CHARGING SYSTEM REMINDER INDICATOR (P.58) INDICATOR (P.58) TPMS INDICATOR (P.64) MAINTENANCE DOOR AND TAILGATE LOW TIRE PRESSURE REQUIRED OPEN MONITOR (P.60)/ INDICATOR (P.64) INDICATOR (P.65) TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (P.60, 64) PARKING BRAKE AND VTM-4 INDICATOR (P.62) LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P.61) BRAKE LAMP BRAKE INDICATOR (P.60) SYSTEM A/T TEMPERATURE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST INDICATOR＊ SYSTEM (VSA) INDICATOR (P.63) VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR (P.62) INDICATOR (P.63) (P.59) The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text. CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls 57 Instrument Panel Indicators

The instrument panel has many Malfunction Indicator Supplemental Restraint indicators to give you important Lamp System Indicator information about your vehicle. See page243 . This indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If Seat Belt Reminder Low Oil Pressure it comes on at any other time, it Indicator Indicator indicates a potential problem with This indicator comes on when you The engine can be severely damaged your front airbags or automatic seat turn the ignition switch to ON (II). It if this indicator flashes or stays on belt tensioners. This indicator will is a reminder to you and your when the engine is running. For also alert you to a potential problem passengers to fasten your seat belts. more information, see page242 . with your side airbags, passenger’s A beeper also sounds if you have not side airbag automatic cutoff system, fastened your seat belt. Charging System driver’s seat position sensor, front Indicator passenger’s weight sensors, or side If you turn the ignition switch to ON If this indicator comes on when the curtain airbags. For complete (II) before fastening your seat belt, engine is running, the battery is not information, see page28 . the beeper sounds and the indicator being charged. For more information, flashes. If you do not fasten your see page242 . Side Airbag Off Indicator seat belt before the beeper stops, the indicator stops flashing but remains This indicator comes on when you on. turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, it If you continue driving without indicates that the passenger’s side fastening your seat belt, the beeper airbag has automatically shut off. sounds and the indicator flashes For more information, see page29 . again at regular intervals.

58 Instruments and Controls Instrument Panel Indicators

U.S. Canada Anti-lock Brake System Immobilizer System (ABS) Indicator Indicator This indicator normally comes on for This indicator comes on for a few Parking Brake and Brake System a few seconds when you turn the seconds when you turn the ignition Indicator ignition switch to ON (II), and when switch to ON (II). It will go off if you This indicator has two functions: the ignition switch is turned to have inserted a properly-coded START (III). If it comes on at any ignition key. If it is not a properly- 1. This indicator comes on when you other time, there is a problem in the coded key, the indicator will blink turn the ignition switch to ON (II). ABS. If this happens, have your and the engine will not start (see It is a reminder to check the vehicle checked by your Acura page78 ). parking brake. A beeper sounds if dealer. With this indicator on, your you try to drive with the parking vehicle still has normal braking This indicator also blinks several brake not fully released. Driving ability but no anti-lock. For more times when you turn the ignition with the parking brake not fully information, see page181 . switch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY released can damage the brakes (I) or LOCK (0). and tires.

2. If it remains on after you fully release the parking brake while the engine is running, or if it comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the brake system. For more information, see page244 .

Instruments and Controls 59 Instrument Panel Indicators

Turn Signal and Brake Lamp Indicator Door and Tailgate Open Monitor Hazard Warning Indicators If a brake light does not work, the The left or right turn signal indicator BRAKE LAMP indicator comes on blinks when you signal a lane change when you push the brake pedal with or turn. If the indicator does not the ignition switch to ON (II). blink or blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is A burned out brake light is a hazard burned out. Replace the bulb as soon when drivers behind you cannot tell The appropriate indicator comes on as possible, since other drivers you are braking. Replace the bulb as in this display if the tailgate or any cannot see that you are signaling soon as possible (see page216 ). door is not closed tightly. (see page215 ). All of the indicators in the monitor When you push the hazard warning display come on for a few seconds button, both turn signal lights blink. when you turn the ignition switch to All turn signals on the outside of the ON (II). vehicle should flash.

60 Instruments and Controls Instrument Panel Indicators

‘‘Daytime Running High Beam Indicator Washer Level Indicator Lights’’ Indicator Canadian models only This indicator comes on with the This indicator comes on when the This indicator comes on when you high beam headlights. See page washer fluid level is low. Add washer turn the ignition switch to ON (II) 72 for information on the headlight fluidwhenyouseethisindicator with the headlight switch off and the controls. comes on (see page209 ). parking brake set. It should go off if youturnontheheadlightsorrelease On Canadian models, this indicator the parking brake. If it comes on at comes on with reduced brightness any other time, it means there is a when the Daytime Running Lights problem with the DRL. There may (DRL) are on (see page74 ). also be a problem with the high beam headlights. Low Fuel Indicator

Cruise Control Indicator This indicator comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon. This indicator comes on when you set the cruise control. See page 144 for information on operating the cruise control.

Instruments and Controls 61 Instrument Panel Indicators

Lights On Indicator A/T Temperature VTM-4 Indicator U.S. models only Indicator On vehicles with automatic lighting (see This indicator monitors the This indicator normally comes on for page73 ) temperature of the automatic a few seconds when you turn the This indicator reminds you that the transmission fluid. The indicator ignition switch to ON (II). If this exterior lights are on. It comes on should come on for a few seconds indicator comes on at any other time, when the light switch is in either the when you turn the ignition switch to there is a problem in the 4WD or position. This indicator ON (II). If it comes on while driving, system. Take the vehicle to your will also come on when the light it indicates the transmission fluid dealer to have it checked. switch is in AUTO and the lights temperature is too high. Pull to the turn on automatically. If you turn the side of the road when it is safe, shift If the indicator blinks while driving, ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I) to Park, and let the engine idle until pull to the side of the road when it is or LOCK (0) without turning off the the indicator goes out. safe, shift to Park, and let the engine light switch, this indicator will idle until the indicator goes out. remain on. A reminder chime will also sound when you open the driver’s door. Continuing to drive with the A/T Temperature indicator lit may cause Continuing to drive with the VTM-4 serious damage to the transmission. indicator blinking may cause serious damage to the system.

62 Instruments and Controls Instrument Panel Indicators

Vehicle Stability Assist VSA Activation Indicator (VSA) System Indicator This indicator normally comes on for This indicator has three functions: a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). 1. It comes on as a reminder that you have turned off the Vehicle Ifitcomesonandstaysonatany Stability Assist (VSA) system. other time, or it does not come on when you turn the ignition switch to 2. It flashes when VSA is active (see ON (II), there is a problem with the page183 ). VSA system. Have your vehicle checked by your Acura dealer. 3. It comes on along with the VSA Without VSA, your vehicle still has system indicator if there is a normal driving ability, but will not problem with the VSA system. have VSA traction and stability enhancement. See page183 for more This indicator normally comes on for information on the VSA system. a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). See page 183 for more information on the VSA system.

Instruments and Controls 63 Instrument Panel Indicators

Low Tire Pressure Tire Pressure Monitor Tire Pressure Monitoring Indicator System (TPMS) Indicator This indicator normally comes on for The appropriate tire indicator will This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the come on along with the Low Tire a few seconds when you turn the ignition to ON (II). Pressure Indicator if a tire is ignition to ON (II). If it comes on while driving, it extremely under inflated or has indicates that one or more of your suddenly lost pressure. See Low Tire If this indicator comes on and stays vehicle’s tires are extremely low on Pressure Indicator for what to do if on at any other time, or it does not pressure. this indicator comes on. come on when you turn the ignition If this happens, pull to the side of the switch to ON (II), there is a problem road when it is safe, check which tire with the TPMS. With this indicator has lost the pressure on the Tire on, the low tire pressure indicator Pressure Monitor, and determine the and the tire pressure monitor will not cause. If it is because of a flat tire, come on when a tire loses pressure. replace the flat tire with the compact Take the vehicle to your dealer to spare (see page231 ), and have the have the system checked. flat tire repaired as soon as possible. If two or more tires are underinflated, call a professional towing service (see page244 ). Refer to page 178 for more information.

64 Instruments and Controls Instrument Panel Indicators

Maintenance Required Between 6,000 miles (9,600 km) and SELECT BUTTON Indicator 7,500 miles (12,000 km), it will light This indicator reminds you that it is for 2 seconds when you first turn the time to take your vehicle in for ignition switch to ON (II), and then scheduled maintenance. flash for 10 seconds. Refer to the Maintenance Schedules for Normal and Severe Driving If you exceed 7,500 miles (12,000 Conditions on pages199 and 200 . km) without having the scheduled maintenance performed, this For the first 6,000 miles (9,600 km) indicator will remain on as a constant after the Maintenance Required reminder. Indicator is reset, it will come on for RESET BUTTON 2 seconds when you turn the ignition Your dealer will reset this indicator switch to ON (II). after completing the scheduled 1. Turn off the engine. maintenance. If this maintenance is done by someone other than your 2. Press and hold the Select and Acura dealer, reset the indicator as Reset buttons on the instrument follows. panel, then turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

3. Hold the buttons for approximately 10 seconds until the indicator goes off.

Instruments and Controls 65 Gauges

Odometer This shows the total distance your TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE TEMPERATURE vehicle has been driven. It measures GAUGE miles in U.S. models and kilometers in the Canadian models. It is illegal under U.S. federal law and Canadian provincial regulations to disconnect, reset, or alter the odometer with the intent to change the number of miles or kilometers indicated.

Fuel Gauge This shows how much fuel you have. It may show slightly more or less than the actual amount. The needle TRIP METER returns to the bottom after you turn SELECT off the ignition. BUTTON NOTICE: Avoid driving with an TRIP METER extremely low f uel level. Running out of f uel could cause the engine to ODOMETER TRIP METER RESET misf ire, damaging the catalytic BUTTON converter.

66 Instruments and Controls Gauges

Trip Meter There are two trip meters: Trip A Temperature Gauge and Trip B. Switch between these This shows the temperature of the SELECT BUTTON displays by pressing the Select engine’s coolant. During normal button repeatedly. Each trip meter operation, the pointer should rise to works independently, so you can about the middle of the gauge. In keep track of two different distances. severe driving conditions, the pointer When you turn the ignition switch mayrisetotheupperwhitemark.If ON (II), what you last selected is it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull displayed. safely to the side of the road. Turn to page240 for instructions and To reset a trip meter, display it, and precautions on checking the engine’s then press and hold the Reset button cooling system. RESET BUTTON until the number resets to ‘‘0.0’’. Both trip meters will reset if the This meter shows the number of vehicle’s battery goes dead or is miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) disconnected. driven since you last reset it.

Instruments and Controls 67 Controls Near the Steering Wheel

HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS INSTRUMENT PANEL VTM-4 LOCK (P.72) BRIGHTNESS (P.176) (P.74)

REAR WINDOW FOG LIGHTS DEFOGGER (P.75) (P.75)

CRUISE CONTROL (P.144)

VEHICLE STABILITY HAZARD WARNING ASSIST SYSTEM OFF BUTTON SWITCH (P.74) (P.184) HORN＊

REMOTE AUDIO CRUISE CONTROL PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR CONTROLS (P.144) (P.30) (P.128) STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P.76) (P.69)

＊ To use the horn, press the pad around the ‘‘A’’ logo. 68 Instruments and Controls Windshield Wipers and Washers

Turntherotaryswitchattheendof MIST: The wipers run at high speed the lever or push down or pull the until you release the lever. lever to select a position. Windshield Washer:Pullthewiper OFF: The wipers are not activated. control lever toward you and hold it. The washers spray INT: The length of the wiper until you release the lever. interval is varied The wipers run at low speed, automatically according to the then complete one more vehicle’s speed. sweep after you release the lever. Vary the delay by turning the INT TIME ring. If you turn it 1. OFF to the shortest delay, the 2. INT : Intermittent wipers will change to low 3. : Low speed speed operation when the 4. : High speed vehicle speed exceeds 12 mph 5. MIST (20 km/h). 6. Windshield Washers : The wipers run at low speed.

: The wipers run at high speed.

Instruments and Controls 69 Windshield Wipers and Washers

Automatic Wipers When the system senses rainfall, it Touring Model turns on the windshield wipers and varies their speed (intermittent, low speed, or high speed) depending on how hard it is raining.

Whentherotaryswitchisinthe (low speed) or (high speed) position, the windshield wipers run at that speed. Automatic sensing is disabled.

The automatic wiper system senses You can adjust the sensitivity of the rainfall and automatically turns on system by turning the AUTO SENS the windshield wipers. To enable ring next to the rotary switch. sensing, turn the rotary switch at the end of the wiper lever to AUTO.

70 Instruments and Controls Windshield Wipers and Washers

Rear Window Wiper and Washer

RAINFALL SENSOR

The rear window wiper switch is The rainfall sensor is located in the located next to the windshield wiper windshield near the rearview mirror. switch. If the sensor is covered with mud, oil, dust, etc., the wipers may not 1. OFF operate properly or may operate 2. ON unexpectedly. 3. Turnandholdtousethewiper and washer. Do not put the wiper switch in AUTO when driving through a car wash.

Instruments and Controls 71 Turn Signal, Headlights

Turn Signal and Headlights Turn Signal － Push down on the When the light switch is in either of left lever to signal a left turn and up these positions, the Lights On to signal a right turn. To signal a lane indicator comes on as a reminder. change, push lightly on the lever and This light remains on if you leave the hold it. The lever will return to light switch on and turn the ignition center when you release it or switch to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK complete a turn. (0).

Headlights － Rotating the switch High Beams － To turn on, pull the on the left lever to the ‘‘ ’’ lever back until you hear a click. The position turns on the parking lights, blue high beam indicator will come taillights, instrument panel lights, on (see page61 ). Pull it back again side-marker lights, and rear license to return to low beams. plate lights. 1. Turn signal To flash the high beams, pull the 2. Off Turning the switch to the ‘‘ ’’ lever back lightly, then release it. 3. Parking and indicator lights position turns on the headlights. If The high beams will stay on as long 4. AUTO you leave the lights on with the key as you hold the lever back. 5. Headlights on removed from the ignition switch, 6. High beams you will hear a reminder chime when 7. Flashhighbeams you open the driver’s door.

72 Instruments and Controls Headlights

AUTO － The Automatic Lighting The lights will remain on when you feature turns on the headlights, all turn off the ignition switch. They will other exterior lights, and the turn off automatically when you open instrument panel lights when it the driver’s door. To turn them on senses low ambient light. again, either turn the ignition switch to ON (II) or turn the light switch to To turn on automatic lighting, turn . the light switch to AUTO at any time. The lights will come on automatically Even with the automatic lighting when the outside light level becomes feature turned on, we recommend low (at dusk, for example). The thatyouturnonthelightsmanually Lights On indicator comes on as a when driving at night or in a dense LIGHT SENSOR reminder. The lights and indicator fog, or when you enter dark areas, will turn off automatically when the such as long tunnels or parking The automatic lighting feature is system senses high ambient light. structures. controlledbyasensorlocatedontop of the dashboard. Do not cover this Do not leave the light switch in sensor or spill liquids on it. AUTO if you will not be driving the vehicle for an extended period (a weekormore).Youshouldalsoturn off the lights if you plan to leave the engine idling or the engine off for a long time.

Instruments and Controls 73 Headlights, Instrument Panel Brightness, Hazard Warning Button

Daytime Running Lights Instrument Panel Brightness Hazard Warning Button Canadian Models With the headlight switch off, the INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS CONTROL DIAL high beam headlights come on with reduced brightness when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II) and release the parking brake. They remain on until you turn the ignition off, even if you set the parking brake.

The headlights revert to normal operation when you turn them on with the switch.

The dial on the instrument panel Push the red button to the right of controls the brightness of the the display to turn on the hazard instrument panel lights. Turn the dial warning lights (four-way flashers). to adjust the brightness. This causes all four outside turn signals and both indicators in the instrument panel to flash. Use the hazard warning lights if you need to park in a dangerous area near heavy traffic, or if your vehicle is disabled.

74 Instruments and Controls Rear Window Defogger, Fog Lights

Rear Window Defogger Make sure the rear window is clear Fog Lights and you have good visibility before starting to drive.

Thedefoggerwiresontheinsideof the rear window can be accidentally damaged. When cleaning the glass, always wipe side to side.

The rear window defogger will clear Turn the fog lights on and off by fog,frost,andthinicefromthe pressing the button. The indicator in window. Push the defogger button to the button lights to show the fog turn it on and off. The indicator in lights are on. the button lights to show the defogger is on. If you do not turn it You can use the fog lights only when off, the defogger will shut itself off the headlights are on low beam. after about 15 minutes. It also shuts They will go off when you turn the off when you turn off the ignition. headlights off or onto high beam. You have to turn it on again when you restart the vehicle.

Instruments and Controls 75 Steering Wheel Adjustment

See page16 for important safety 3. Push the lever up to lock the information about how to properly steering wheel in position. position the steering wheel. 4. Make sure you have securely Make any steering wheel adjustment locked the steering wheel in place before you start driving. by trying to move it up and down.

Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and be seriously injured inacrash. 1. Push the lever under the steering column all the way down. Adjust the steering wheel only when the vehicle is stopped. 2. Move the steering wheel so it points toward your chest, not toward your face. Make sure you can see the instrument panel gauges and indicators.

76 Instruments and Controls Keys

Youshouldhavereceivedakey These keys contain electronic KEY MASTER VALET KEY NUMBER KEYS (GRAY) number tag with your keys. You will circuits that are activated by the TAG (BLACK) need this key number if you ever Immobilizer System. They will not have to get a lost key replaced. Use work to start the engine if the only an Acura-approved key blank. circuits are damaged.

Protect the keys from direct sunlight, high temperature, and high humidity.

Donotdropthekeysorsetheavy objects on them.

The master key fits all the locks on Keep the keys away from liquids. your vehicle. The valet key works If they get wet, dry them only in the ignition and the door immediately with a soft cloth. locks. You can keep the glove box locked when you leave your vehicle The keys do not contain batteries. and the valet key at a parking facility. Do not try to take them apart.

Instruments and Controls 77 Immobilizer System

The Immobilizer System protects The system may not recognize your As required by the FCC: your vehicle from theft. If an key’s coding if another immobilizer This device complies with Part 15 of the improperly-coded key (or other key or other metal object (i.e. key FCC rules. Operation is subject to the device) is used, the engine’s fuel fob) is near the ignition switch when following two conditions: (1) This device system is disabled. you insert the key. may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any When you turn the ignition switch to If the system repeatedly does not interference received, including ON (II), the Immobilizer System recognize the coding of your key, interference that may cause undesired indicator should come on for a few contact your Acura dealer. operation. seconds, then go out. If the indicator starts to blink, it means the system Do not attempt to alter this system Changes or modifications not expressly does not recognize the coding of the or add other devices to it. Electrical approved by the party responsible for key. Turn the ignition switch to problems could result that may make compliance could void the user’s LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert your vehicle undriveable. authority to operate the equipment. it, and turn the switch to ON (II) again. If you have lost your key and cannot This device complies with Industry start the engine, contact your Acura Canada Standard RSS-210. dealer. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

78 Instruments and Controls Ignition Switch

LOCK (0) － You can insert or START (III) － Use this position remove the key only in this position. only to start the engine. The switch To turn the key, the shift lever must returns to ON (II) when you let go of be in Park, and you must push the the key. key in slightly. You will hear a reminder beeper if If the front wheels are turned, the you leave the key in the ignition anti-theft lock may make it difficult switch in the LOCK (0) or to turn the key. Firmly turn the ACCESSORY (I) position and open steering wheel to the left or right as the driver’s door. Remove the key to you turn the key. turn off the beeper.

ACCESSORY (I) － You can TheshiftlevermustbeinPark The ignition switch has four operate the audio system and the before you can remove the key from positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY accessory power sockets in this the ignition switch. (I), ON (II), and START (III). position.

ON (II) － This is the normal key position when driving. Several of the indicators on the instrument panel come on as a test when you turn the ignition switch from ACCESSORY (I) to ON (II).

Instruments and Controls 79 Door Locks

MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH driver’s door from the outside, turn Childproof Door Locks the key and release it. If you turn and hold it, all doors and the tailgate unlock.

Lockout Prevention With the driver’s door open and the key in the ignition, both master door lock switches are disabled. They are not disabled if the driver’s door is closed. Pushing the switch down on LOCK TAB the open passenger’s door will lock all doors and the tailgate. LOCK LEVER To lock all doors and the tailgate, press the master door lock switch on Tailgate The childproof door locks are either front door, press the lock tab To open the tailgate, pull the handle, designed to prevent children seated down on the driver’s door, or use the then lift up. To close the tailgate, use in the rear from accidentally opening keyontheoutsidelockonthedriver’s the inner handle to pull it down, then the rear doors. Each rear door has a door. press down on the back edge. lock lever near the edge. With the lever in the LOCK position, the door Pressing up on either master door Keep the tailgate closed at all times cannot be opened from the inside lock switch will unlock all of the while driving to avoid damaging the regardless of the position of the lock doors and the tailgate. tailgate and to prevent exhaust gas tab. To open the door, pull the lock from getting into the interior. See tab up and use the outside door The lock tab on any door locks and Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page handle. unlocks that door. To unlock the 51.

80 Instruments and Controls Remote Transmitter

UNLOCK －－Press this button once PANIC Pressthisbuttonfor LED LOCK to unlock the driver’s door and the about 1 second to attract attention; BUTTON tailgate. Push it twice to unlock the thehornwillsoundandtheexterior other doors. Some exterior and lights will flash for about 30 seconds. interior lights will flash twice when To cancel panic mode, press any you push the button. If you do not other button on the remote open any door or the tailgate within transmitter or turn the ignition 30 seconds, they will automatically switch to ON (II). relock. Remote Transmitter Care UNLOCK PANIC When you press the UNLOCK Avoid dropping or throwing the BUTTON BUTTON button, the front and rear individual transmitter. map lights and the cargo area light, Protect the transmitter from LOCK － Press this button once to depending on their switch positions, extreme temperature. lock all doors and the tailgate. Some will come on (see page96 ). If you Do not immerse the transmitter in exterior and interior lights will flash. do not open any door or the tailgate, any liquid. When you push LOCK twice within 5 the lights stay on for about 30 If you lose a transmitter, the seconds, you will hear a beep to seconds, then go out. If you relock replacement needs to be verify that the doors and tailgate are thedoorsandthetailgatewiththe reprogrammed by an Acura dealer. locked and the security system has remote transmitter before 30 set. This button does not work if any seconds have elapsed, the lights will door or tailgate is not fully closed. go off immediately.

Instruments and Controls 81 Remote Transmitter

Replacing the Transmitter As required by the FCC: Battery This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

If it takes several pushes on the To replace the battery, place a cloth This device complies with Industry button to lock or unlock the doors on the edge of the transmitter and Canada Standard RSS-210. and the tailgate, replace the battery remove the upper half by carefully Operation is subject to the following two as soon as possible. prying on the edge with a small flat- conditions: (1) this device may not cause Battery type: CR2025 tip screwdriver. Remove the old interference, and (2) this device must battery and insert a new battery with accept any interference that may cause the＋ side facing up. Snap the two undesired operation of the device. halves of the transmitter case back together.

82 Instruments and Controls Remote Transmitter

Recalling a Memorized Driving If the seat and mirrors are already in You can turn the driving position Position the proper positions, you will hear memory activation off and on. To On Touring Model three beeps when you open the door. turn it off, press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same With Memory 1 With Memory 2 The driving position memory time for about one second. The LED activated (Memory 1, Memory 2) is in the remote transmitter will blink shownonthebackofeach twice. Then release the buttons. transmitter. Make sure you store your desired driving position in the To turn it back on, repeat this memory that is activated by the procedure. The LED will come on transmitter you normally carry. for one second to indicate the feature has been turned on.

Each remote transmitter will also activate the Driving Position Memory System (see page94 ). When you unlock the driver’s door with the remote transmitter, you will hear a beep. The driver’s seat and outside mirrors move to the positions stored in that memory location. You will hear two beeps when the movement is complete.

Instruments and Controls 83 Seats

Front Seat Power Adjustments See pages11－ 12 for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position seats and seat-backs.

The controls for the power adjustable front seats are on the outside edge of each seat bottom. You can adjust the seats with the ignition switch in any position. Make all seat adjustments before you start driving.

On the Touring Package, you can Moves the seat forward Adjusts the seat-back only adjust the passenger seat-back and backward. angle forward or angle, lumbar support, and move the backward. seat bottom forward and backward. Moves the front of the Increases or decreases seat up or down and the the lumbar support. rear of the seat up or (Driver’s touring seat down. only)

Raises or lowers the seat.

84 Instruments and Controls Seats

Passenger Manual Seat Driver’s Manual Lumbar Support Adjustments Without Touring Package See pages11－ 12 for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position seats and seat-backs.

To adjust the seat forward and backward, pull up on the lever under Without Touring Package the seat cushion’s front edge. Move Vary the lumbar support by moving the seat to the desired position and the lever on the right side of the releasethelever.Trytomovethe seat-back. Move the lever forward or seat to make sure it is locked in backward to adjust the lumbar Make all seat adjustments before position. support through its full range. you start driving.

To change the seat-back angle of the front seats, pull up on the lever on the outside of the seat bottom.

Instruments and Controls 85 Seats

Head Restraints The head restraints adjust for height. Detachable Seat Belt Anchors See page13 for important safety You need both hands to adjust the information and a warning about how to restraint. Do not attempt to adjust it SMALL LATCH PLATE properly position the head restraints. while driving. To raise it, pull upward. To lower the restraint, push the release button sideways, and push the restraint down.

Using a seat belt with the detachable anchor unlatched increases the chance of serious TRIANGULAR MARKS injury or death in a crash. To unlatch the detachable anchor, RELEASE BUTTON Before using the seat belt, insert a key into the slot on the side make sure the detachable of the small buckle. Line up the Your vehicle is equipped with head anchor is correctly latched. triangle marks on the plate and restraints in all seating positions to buckle when reattaching the belt and help protect you and your buckle. passengers from whiplash and other injuries. Theyaremosteffectivewhenyou adjust them so the back of the occupant’s head rests against the center of the restraint.

86 Instruments and Controls Seats

Adjusting the Second Seat Folding the Second Seat Third Row Access The left and right halves can be folded up separately.

1. If you are folding the left half of the seat, use the ignition key to release the center seat belt from the detachable anchor. Allow the seat belt to retract into the roof. Insert the latch plate into the roof holder.

HANDLE 2. Lower the head restraint to its RELEASE LEVER lowest position. To change the seat-back angle of the To get into the third row seats, pull seats in the second row, pull up on 3. Pull up the handle on the outside uptheleveronthesideofthe thehandleontheoutsideoftheseat- of the seat-back. passenger’s side second row seat- back. back. The seat-back will tilt forward, 4. Fold the seat-back forward. and the seat will slide forward.

Reverse this procedure to return the After you return the seat-back to the seat to the upright position. Make upright position, push the whole seat sure the seat is locked securely backwards until it latches. Make before driving. sure the seat is fully latched before sitting in it.

Instruments and Controls 87 Seats

Adjusting the Third Row Seat NOTE: To fold the third row seat, the second row must be folded down or completely up right.

4. Unlock the seat-back by pulling the handle. Push the seat-back forward.

Make sure the outer shoulder belts are positioned on each hook whenever the third seat is folded. THIRD SEAT HANDLE Reverse this procedure to return the seat to the upright position. Make Pull on the handle on the back of the 2. Store the head restraints in the sure the seat is locked securely seat-back, move the seat-back to the storage compartment. Make sure before driving. Reinstall the head desired position, and release the the head restraints are face up restraints. Reconnect the seat belts handle. Let the seat-back latch in the (storing them face down can to the detachable anchors. new position. damage the compartment or the headrests), then insert the shafts Make sure all items in the cargo area Folding the Third Row Seat into the holes in the sides of the are secured. Loose items can fly 1. Remove the head restraints by storage compartment. forward and cause injury if you have pushing the release buttons and to brake hard. See Carrying Cargo pulling the restraints out. 3. Use the ignition key to release the on page165 . seat belt from the detachable anchor.

88 Instruments and Controls Seat Heaters

In HI, the heater turns off when the Follow these precautions when using SEAT HEATERS seat gets warm, and turns back on the seat heaters: after the seat’s temperature drops. Use the HI setting only to heat the In LO, the heater does not cycle with seats quickly, because it draws temperature change. large amounts of current from the battery. Because of the sensors for the side airbag system, there is no heater in If the engine is left idling for an the passenger’s seat-back. extended period, do not use the seat heaters, even on the LO setting. It can weaken the battery, causing hard starting. Both front seats are equipped with seat heaters. The ignition switch must be in the ON (II) position to usethem.Pushthefrontofthe switch, HI, to rapidly heat up the seat. After the seat reaches a comfortable temperature, select LO by pushing the back of the switch. This will keep the seat warm.

Instruments and Controls 89 Power Windows

DRIVER’S WINDOW MAIN SWITCH AUTO REVERSE － If the driver’s SWITCH window runs into any obstacle while Closing a power window on it is closing automatically, it will someone’s hands or fingers can reverse direction and then stop. To cause serious injury. close the window, remove the obstacle, then use the window switch Make sure your passengers are again. away from the windows before If your vehicle’s battery is closing them. disconnected or goes dead, or the driver’s window fuse is removed, the AUTO function will be disabled. The AUTO － To open/close the driver’s power window system needs to be window, push the window switch reset after reconnecting the battery Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) firmly down or up to the second or installing the fuse. toraiseorloweranywindow.To detent, and release it. The window open the window, push the switch will automatically go up or down all 1. Start the engine. Push down and downandholdit.Releasetheswitch the way. To stop the window, pull/ hold the driver’s window switch when you want the window to stop. push on the window switch briefly. until the window is fully open. Pull back on the switch and hold it to 2. Pull and hold the driver’s window close the window. If the MAIN switch is OFF, the switch to close the window passenger windows cannot be raised completely, then hold the switch The windows will operate for up to or lowered. Keep the MAIN switch for a second or two more. 10 minutes after you turn off the offwhenyouhavechildreninthe If the power windows do not operate ignition switch. Opening either front vehicle so they do not injure properly after resetting, have your door cancels this function. themselves by operating the vehicle checked by an Acura dealer. windows unintentionally.

90 Instruments and Controls Moonroof

To tilt the moonroof up, press the You can still open and close the button in. To closed it, push the moonroof for up to 10 minutes after button forward. Make sure everyone’s you turn off the ignition. Opening hands are away from the moonroof either front door cancels this Open before opening or closing it. function. NOTICE: If you try to open moonroof Close in below-f reezing temperatures, or Opening or closing the when it is covered with snow or ice, you moonroof on someone’s hands can damage the moonroof panel or its or fingers can cause serious motor. MOONROOF SWITCH injury. To open the moonroof, pull back the Make sure all hands and fingers moonroof switch firmly. are clear of the moonroof before opening or closing it. To close the moonroof fully, push the switch forward.

Instruments and Controls 91 Parking Brake, Mirrors

Parking Brake sound if the vehicle is put into gear Theinsidemirrorcanautomatically with the parking brake on. darken to reduce glare. To turn on this feature, press the button on the Mirrors bottom of the mirror. The AUTO indicator comes on as a reminder. SENSOR INDICATOR When it is on, the mirror darkens when it senses the headlights of a vehicle behind you, then returns to normal visibility when the lights are gone. Press the button again to turn off this sensing.

PARKING BRAKE PEDAL To apply the parking brake, push the pedal down with your foot. To AUTO SWITCH release it, push on the pedal again. The parking brake indicator on the Keeptheinsideandoutsidemirrors instrument panel should go out when clean and adjusted for best visibility. the parking brake is fully released Be sure to adjust the mirrors before with the engine running (see page you start driving. 59 ).

NOTICE: Driving the vehicle with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles. A beeper will

92 Instruments and Controls Mirrors

Adjusting the Power Mirrors 4. When you finish, move the selector switch to the center (off) ADJUSTMENT SWITCH position. This turns off the HEATED MIRROR BUTTON adjustment switch to keep your settings.

Touring model only With the selector switch in the center (off) position, the passenger’s side mirror will pivot downward slightly when you shift the transmission into Reverse. This SELECTOR SWITCH gives you a better view of the side of the vehicle while parallel parking. 1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). The mirror returns to its original The outside mirrors are heated to position when you take the remove fog and frost. With the 2. Move the selector switch to L transmission out of reverse. ignition switch in the ON (II) (driver’s side) or R (passenger’s position, turn on the heaters by side). Turn this feature off by leaving the pressing the button. The indicator in selector switch in the Left or Right the button comes on as a reminder. 3. Push the appropriate edge of the position. Press the button again to turn the adjustment switch to move the heaters off. mirrorright,left,up,ordown.

Instruments and Controls 93 Driving Position Memory System

Touring Model Storing a Driving Position in Memory MEMO BUTTON Your Acura has a memory feature Store a driving position only when for the driver’s seat and outside the vehicle is parked. mirror positions. 1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Seat and outside mirror positions, You cannot add a new driving canbestoredinseparatememories. position in the memory unless the Youselectamemorizedpositionby ignition switch is the ON (II) pushing the appropriate button or position. You can recall a using the appopriate remote memorized position with the transmitter (Memory 1 or Memory2). ignition switch in any position. MEMORY BUTTONS 2. Adjust the seat to a comfortable position (see page84 ). 3. Press and release the MEMO Adjust the outside mirrors for best buttononthecontrolpanel.You visibility (see page93 ). will hear a beep. Immediately press and hold one of the memory buttons (1 or 2) until you hear two beeps. The indicator in the memory button will come on. The current positions of the driver’s seat and outside mirrors are now stored.

94 Instruments and Controls Driving Position Memory System

Doing any of the following after Selecting a Memorized Position To stop the system’s automatic pressing the MEMO button will To select a memorized position, do adjustment, do any of these actions: cancel the storing procedure. this: Press any button on the control Not pressing a memory button 1. Make sure the parking brake is set panel: MEMO, 1, or 2. within 5 seconds. and the shift lever is in Park. Push any of the adjustment switches for the seat. Readjusting the seat position. 2. Press the desired memory button Shift out of Park. (1 or 2) until you hear a beep, then Adjust the outside mirrors. Readjusting the outside mirror release the button. position. If desired, you can use the The system will move the seat and adjustment switches to change the Each memory button stores only one outside mirrors to the memorized positions of the seat or outside driving position. Storing a new positions. The indicator in the mirrors after they are in their position erases the previous setting selected memory button will flash memorized position. If you change stored in that button’s memory. If during movement. When the the memorized position, the you want to add a new position while adjustments are complete, you will indicator in the memory button will retaining the current one, use the hear two beeps, and the indicator will go out. To keep this driving position other memory button. remain on. for later use, you must store it in the driving position memory.

Instruments and Controls 95 Interior Lights

Light Control Switch When the switch is in the Door Withanydoororthetailgateleft Activated position: open, the lights stay on about 3 DOOR ACTIVATED POSITION minutes, then go out. The individual map lights come on OFF whenanydoororthetailgateis When the light control switch is in the opened, or when the remote ON position: transmitter is used to unlock the doors. When the doors and the All the individual map lights come tailgate are closed, each light can onandstayonaslongasthe be turned on and off by pushing switch remains in the ON position. the lens. The cargo (3rd row) area light ON The cargo area (3rd row) light comes on if the switch is in the comes on when any door or the door activated position. When this switch is in theOFF position: tailgate is opened if the switch in the light is in the door activated None of the lights come on when a position. When the doors and the door or the tailgate is opened. tailgate are closed, the cargo area lightcanbeturnedonwiththe The individual map lights in the switch in the light. front can be turned on and off by pushing each lens. The lights go out about six seconds after all the doors and the tailgate are closed.

96 Instruments and Controls Interior Lights

Individual Map Lights Individual Interior Lights Cargo Area Light Turn on the front and second row The courtesy lights in the front individual map lights by pushing the doors and around the ignition switch DOOR ACTIVATED lens. Push the lens again to turn it come on when you open any door. off. You can also operate these lights After you close the door, the ignition with the light control switch (see switch light stays on for several page96 ). seconds.

Tailgate Light The light in the tailgate has an on-off switch to control if the light comes on when the tailgate is opened.

The cargo area light has a three- position switch. In the OFF position, the light does not come on. In the center position, it comes on when you open the tailgate or doors. In the ON position, it stays on continuously.

This light also works with the light control switch (see page96 ).

Instruments and Controls 97 Interior Convenience Items

VANITY MIRROR CONSOLE COMPARTMENT BEVERAGE HOLDER

REAR COMPARTMENT

GLOVE BOX

CARGO HOOKS

COIN BOX BEVERAGE HOLDER

98 Instruments and Controls Interior Convenience Items

Beverage Holders Console Compartment Glove Box Be careful when you are using the Open the glove box by squeezing the beverage holders. A spilled liquid handle. Close it with a firm push. that is very hot can scald you or your Lock or unlock the glove box with passengers. Spilled liquids can also the master key. damage the upholstery, carpeting, and electrical components in the interior. An open glove box can cause Open the front beverage holder by serious injury to your passenger pushing on the lid. inacrash,evenifthe passenger is wearing the seat LEVER belt. Your vehicle is equipped with a flip- Always keep the glove box over center console lid that provides closed while driving. a tray and a beverage holder for the second row passengers. To open the beverage holders, pull up the center lever on the center console and lift the lid.

Instruments and Controls 99 Interior Convenience Items

Rear Compartment Sun Visor Vanity Mirror Storage compartments are located in the armrests for the third row seat. EXTENSION To open a compartment, pull the lever and lift the lid.

Cargo Hooks The hooks on the floor of the cargo area enable you to tie down items stored in the back. Make sure all stored items are secured before driving. SUN VISOR Whenusingthesunvisorforthe Pull up the vanity mirror cover to use side window, remove the support rod it. from the clip and swing it out. Slide the extension out to get more The light comes on only when the coverage on the side window. parking lights or headlights are on.

Make sure you put the sun visor back in place when you are getting into or out of the vehicle. Do not use the sun visor extension over the rear view mirror.

100 Instruments and Controls Interior Convenience Items

Accessory Power Sockets When both the front and console Your vehicle has three accessory sockets are being used, the power sockets. The front accessory combined power rating of both power socket is located under the accessories should be 120 watts or audio system. The second socket is less (10 amps). located in the center console compartment. The rear socket is None of the sockets will power an behind the third seat on the driver’s automotive type cigarette lighter side. element.

Tousethesocketintheconsole compartment, pull the cover up.

To use an accessory power socket, the ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).

These sockets are intended to supply power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 120 watts or less (10 amps).

Instruments and Controls 101 102 Comfort and Convenience Features

The climate control system in your Vents, Heating, and A/C...... 104 Acura provides a comfortable driving Airflow Buttons...... 105 environment in all weather Rear Climate Control...... 109 conditions. Climate Control Sensors...... 109 Playing the Radio...... 110 The standard audio system has Radio Reception...... 113 many features. This section de- Playing a CD...... 115 scribes those features and how to Protecting Your CDs...... 119 use them. (If you selected an CD Player Error Messages...... 120 optional audio system, refer to the CD Changer Error Messages...... 122 operating instructions that came Playing a Tape...... 125 with it.) Steering Wheel Controls...... 128 Radio Theft Protection...... 129 Your Acura has an anti-theft audio Setting the Clock ...... 130 system that requires a code number Rear Entertainment System...... 131 to enable it. Security System ...... 143 Cruise Control...... 144 Trip Computer ...... 146 Rear View Camera...... 152 HomeLink Universal Transceiver...... 153

Comfort and Convenience Features 103 Vents, Heating, and A/C

RECIRCULATION BUTTON

TEMPERATURE DISPLAY REAR A/C CONTROL

AUTO BUTTON TEMPERATURE BUTTONS OFF BUTTON

DEFROST BUTTON (Without Navigation System) (With Navigation System)

MODE A/C FAN SPEED MODE A/C FAN SPEED BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON ICON ICON ICONS

104 Comfort and Convenience Features Airflow Buttons

Fan Control Button/Icon Recirculation Button Mode Control Button/Icon Push the▲ button or icon to When the indicator in the button is Use the mode control button or icon increase the fan speed and air flow. on, air from the vehicle’s interior is to select the vents the air flows from. Push the▼ button or icon to recirculated throughout the system. decrease it. When the indicator is off, air is Air flows from the center brought in from the outside of the and corner vents in the dashboard. Temperature Control Buttons vehicle (Fresh Air mode). Push the△ button to increase the Airflow is divided between temperature of air flow. Push the ▽ The outside air intakes for the the vents in the dashboard and the button to decrease it. When you set heating and cooling system are at floor vents. the temperature to its lower limit or the base of the windshield. Keep this its upper limit, the system runs at full area clear of leaves and other debris. Air flows from the floor cooling or heating only. It does not vents. regulate the interior temperature. ThesystemshouldbeleftinFresh Air mode under almost all conditions. Airflow is divided between Air Conditioning (A/C) Button/ Keeping the system in Recirculation the floor vents and the defroster Icon mode, particularly with the A/C off, vents at the base of the windshield. This button or icon turns the air can cause the windows to fog up. conditioningonandoff.Youwillsee Air flows from the defroster A/C ON or A/C OFF in the display. Switch to Recirculation mode when vents at the base of the windshield. driving through dusty or smoky Rear Window Defogger Button conditions, then return to Fresh Air When you select , the system This button turns the rear window mode. automatically switches to Fresh Air defogger on and off (see page75 ). mode and turns on the A/C.

Comfort and Convenience Features 105 Vents, Heating, and A/C

Ventilation Using the Heater Using the A/C The flow-through ventilation system The heater uses engine coolant to Air conditioning places an extra load draws in outside air, circulates it warm the air. If the engine is cold, it on the engine. Watch the engine through the interior, then exhausts it will be several minutes before you coolant temperature gauge (see page through vents near the rear side feel warm air coming from the 67 ). If it moves near the red zone, panels. system. turn off the A/C until the gauge reads normally. 1. Set the temperature to maximum. Vehicles without Navigation System 2. Make sure the A/C is off. 1. Select and Fresh Air mode. 1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the 3. Select and Fresh Air mode. 2. Set the fan to the desired speed. A/CbuttonortouchingtheA/C 4. Set the fan to the desired speed. 3. Adjust the warmth of the air with icon on the models with navigation the temperature control buttons. system. A/C ON will be displayed on the screen. Vehicles without Navigation System 2. Make sure the temperature is set 1. Press the A/C button to show the to maximum heat. A/C screen. 3. Select . 2. Select the desired mode by 4. If the outside air is humid, select touching the MODE icon, and set Recirculation mode. If the outside the fan to the desired speed by air is dry, select Fresh Air mode. touching the▲▼ or icon. 5. Set the fan to the desired speed. 3. Adjustthewarmthwiththe temperature control buttons (△ or ▽).

106 Comfort and Convenience Features Vents, Heating, and A/C

If the interior is very warm, you can Dehumidify the Interior To Defog and Defrost cool it down more rapidly by partially Air conditioning, as it cools, removes To remove fog from the inside of the opening the windows, turning on the moisture from the air. When used in windows: A/C, and setting the fan to combination with the heater, it maximum speed in Fresh Air mode. makes the interior warm and dry. 1. Set the fan to the desired speed, or high for faster defrosting. NOTE: The vehicle has two A/C and 1. Switch the fan on. 2. Select . The system heater units. These units are 2. Turn on the air conditioning. automatically switches to Fresh controled by the front panel controls, 3. Select and Fresh Air mode. Air mode and turns on the A/C. unless the RR A/C button is turned 4. Adjust the temperature to your The A/C indicator will not come on. The rear passengers can also preference. on in U.S. vehicles. adjust the direction, and temperature 3. Adjust the temperature so the and amount of the airflow. This setting is suitable for all driving airflow feels warm. conditions whenever the outside 4. Select to help clear the temperature is above 32°F (0°C). rear window. 5. To increase airflow to the windshield, close the corner vents.

When you switch to another mode from , the A/C stays on. Press the A/C button to turn it off.

Comfort and Convenience Features 107 Vents, Heating, and A/C

To Remove Exterior Frost or Ice Using Automatic Climate Control In cold weather, the fan will not From the Windows The Automatic Climate Control come on automatically until the system can adjust the fan speed and heater starts to develop warm air. 1. Select . The system airflow levels to maintain the interior automatically switches to Fresh temperature you select. Manual Operation Air mode and turns on the A/C. You can manually select various The A/C indicator will not come 1. Press the AUTO button. functions of the Climate Control on in U.S. vehicles. 2. Set the desired temperature with system when it is in FULL AUTO. 2. Select . the temperature control buttons. All other features remain 3. Set the fan and temperature You will see FULL AUTO in the automatically controlled. controls to maximum level. system’s display. Manually selecting a function causes thewordFULLinthedisplaytogo To clear the windows faster, you can The system automatically selects the out. close the dashboard corner vents by proper mix of conditioned and/or rotating the wheel below each vent. heated air that will, as quickly as To Turn Everything Off This sends more warm air to the possible, raise or lower the interior Press the OFF button. However, a windshield defroster vents. Once the temperature from its current level to lack of air flow can cause the windshield is clear, select Fresh Air the set temperature. In FULL AUTO windows to fog up. It is mode to avoid fogging the windows. the rear A/C control panel cannot be recommended that you keep the fan used. on at all times so stale air and For your safety, make sure you have moisture do not build up in the a clear view through all the windows If you set the temperature to its interior and cause fogging. before driving. lower or its upper limit, the system runs at full cooling or heating only. It does not regulate the interior temperature.

108 Comfort and Convenience Features Rear Climate Control, Climate Control Sensors

Using the Rear A/C Unit Sunlight and Temperature Sensors TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL TEMPERATURE SENSOR MODE BUTTONS

FAN SPEED CONTROL DIAL SUNLIGHT SENSOR Press the RR A/C MANUAL button to enable the rear A/C control panel. Theclimatecontrolsystemhastwo The light in the button will come on. sensors. A sunlight sensor is in the A passenger in the second row can top of the dashboard, and a then use the temperature control dial, temperature sensor is next to the fan speed dial, and mode buttons to steering column. Do not cover the adjust the temperature and airflow to sensors or spill any liquid on them. their preference. This is limited by the system’s minimum and maximum temperature.

Comfort and Convenience Features 109 Playing the Radio

(Touring Package) AM FM STEREO BUTTON BUTTON INDICATOR PWR/VOL KNOB TUNE KNOB

SEEK BUTTONS

(Premium Package) SCAN BUTTON PRESET BUTTONS (Touring Package with RES) PWR/VOL PRESET BUTTONS TUNE KNOB STEREO INDICATOR TUNE KNOB KNOB

SCAN INDICATOR AM/FM BUTTON

SCAN BUTTON

SCAN AM FM SEEK BUTTONS PWR/VOL SEEK BAR BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON KNOB PRESET BUTTONS

110 Comfort and Convenience Features Playing the Radio

To Play the Radio SEEK － The SEEK function Preset － Each preset button can The ignition switch must be in the searches up and down from the store one frequency on AM, and two ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) position. current frequency to find a station frequencies on FM. Turn the system on by pushing the with a strong signal. To activate it, PWR/VOL knob. Adjust the volume press the＋－ or SEEK button, then 1. Select the desired band, AM or by turning the same knob. release it. FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each preset The band and frequency that the SCAN － The SCAN function button. radio was last turned to is displayed. samples all stations with strong 2. UsetheTUNE,SEEK,orSCAN To change bands, press the AM or signals on the selected band. To function to tune the radio to a FM button. On the FM band, ST will activate it, press the SCAN button, desired station. be displayed if the station is then release it. You will see SCAN in 3. Pick a preset button, and hold it broadcasting in stereo. Stereo the display. The system will scan for until you hear a beep. reproduction in AM is not available. a station with a strong signal. When 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total it finds one, it will stop and play that of six stations on AM and twelve To Select a Station station for about 5 seconds. stations on FM. You can use any of five methods to find radio stations on the selected If you do nothing, the system will The preset frequencies will be lost if band: TUNE,SEEK,SCAN,the then scan for the next strong station your vehicle’s battery goes dead, is preset buttons, and AUTO SELECT. andplayitfor5seconds.Whenit disconnected, or the radio fuse is plays a station that you want to listen removed. TUNE － Use the TUNE knob to to, press the SCAN button again. tune the radio to a desired frequency. Turn the knob right to tune to a higher frequency, or left to tune to a lower frequency. CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 111 Playing the Radio

AUTO SELECT － If you are To turn off Auto Select, press the With Touring Package traveling far from home and can no A. SEL button. This restores the Press the TUNE knob repeatedly to longer receive your preset stations, presets you originally set. display Bass (BAS). Treble (TRE), you can use the Auto Select feature Balance (BAL), and Fader (FAD), to find stations in the local area. Adjusting the Sound setting. Turn the TUNE knob to BAL － Adjust the Balance, or side- adjust the setting. The indicators on Press the A. SEL Button. ‘‘A.SEL’’ to-side strength of the sound. the display will show you the flashes in the display, and the system adjustable range. The system will goes into scan mode for several FAD － Adjust the Fader, or the return to the audio display in about 5 seconds. It stores the frequencies of front-to-back strength of the sound. seconds. six AM, and twelve FM stations in the preset buttons. TRE － AdjusttheTrebleinthe sound. You will see a ‘‘0’’ displayed if Auto Select cannot find a strong station BAS － Adjust the Bass in the sound. for every preset button. Without Touring Package If you do not like the stations Auto Push the control knob to get it to pop Select has stored, you can store out. Turn the appropriate knob to other frequencies on the preset adjust the Bass or Treble level. Pull buttons. Use the TUNE, SEEK, or the knob out farther to adjust the SCAN function to find stations, then FaderorBalance.Pushtheknob store them in the preset buttons as back in when you are finished. described previously.

112 Comfort and Convenience Features Radio Reception

Audio System Lighting Stations must use these exact go off and the sound will fade You can use the instrument panel frequencies. It is fairly common for completely as you get out of range of brightness control knob to adjust the stations to round-off the frequency in the station’s signal. illumination of the audio system (see their advertising, so your radio could page74 ). The audio system display a frequency of 100.9 even illuminates when the parking lights though the announcer may identify are on, even if the radio is turned off. the station as ‘‘FM101.’’

Radio Frequencies Radio Reception Your Acura’s radio can receive the How well your Acura’s radio receives complete AM and FM bands. stations is dependent on many Those bands cover these frequen- factors, such as the distance from cies: the station’s transmitter, nearby large objects, and atmospheric AM band: conditions. 530 to 1,710 kilohertz FM band: A radio station’s signal gets weaker Driving very near the transmitter of 87.7 to 107.9 megahertz as you get farther away from its a station that is broadcasting on a transmitter. If you are listening to an frequency close to the frequency of Radio stations on the AM band are AM station, you will notice the sound the station you are listening to can assigned frequencies at least ten volume becoming weaker, and the also affect your radio’s reception. kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550). stationdriftinginandout.Ifyouare You may temporarily hear both Stations on the FM band are listening to an FM station, you will stations,orhearonlythestationyou assigned frequencies at least 0.2 see the stereo indicator flickering off are close to. megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). and on as the signal weakens. Eventually, the stereo indicator will CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 113 Radio Reception

As required by the FCC: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Radio signals, especially on the FM Radio reception can be affected by band, are deflected by large objects atmospheric conditions such as such as buildings and hills. Your thunderstorms, high humidity, and radio then receives both the direct even sunspots. You may be able to signal from the station’s transmitter, receive a distant radio station one and the deflected signal. This causes day and not receive it the next day the sound to distort or flutter. This is because of a change in conditions. a main cause of poor radio reception in city driving. Electrical interference from passing vehicles and stationary sources can cause temporary reception problems.

114 Comfort and Convenience Features Playing a CD

(Touring Package) CD LOAD BUTTON CD EJECT BUTTON CD SLOT

PWR/VOL KNOB REPEAT BUTTON RANDOM CD BUTTON SKIP BUTTONS BUTTON (Premium Package) CD SLOT SKIP BUTTONS (Touring Package with RES) CD SLOT CD EJECT BUTTON

CD EJECT BUTTON PWR/VOL KNOB

PWR/VOL KNOB REPEAT BUTTON REPEAT BUTTON CD BUTTON RANDOM BUTTON RANDOM BUTTON CD BUTTON SKIP BAR

Comfort and Convenience Features 115 Playing a CD, CD Changer

To Play a CD REPEAT － To continuously replay Insert a tape in the player to switch With the ignition in the a track, press and release the RPT to the tape while a CD is playing. If a ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) position, button. You will see RPT/REPEAT tape is in the player, press the TAPE insert a CD into the CD slot. The in the display. Press the RPT button button. Press the CD button again to drive will pull the CD in the rest of again to turn it off. switch back to CD player. the way and begin to play it. RANDOM － This feature plays the If you turn the system off while a CD You operate the CD player with the tracks in random order. To activate is playing, either with the PWR/VOL same controls used for the radio. Random Play, press and release the knob or by turning off the ignition, The number of the track playing is RDM button. You will see RDM in the disc will stay in the drive. When shown in the display. The system will the display. Press the RDM button youturnthesystembackon,theCD continuously play a CD until you again to return to normal play. will begin playing where it left off. change modes. To Stop Playing a CD Operating the Optional CD SKIP － Each time you press and Press the eject button to remove the Changer release the＋ skip button the player CD. If you eject the CD, but do not An optional six disc CD changer is skips forward to the beginning of the remove it from the slot, the system available for your vehicle from your next track. Press and release the － will automatically reload the CD Acura dealer. skipbuttontoskipbackwardtothe after 15 seconds and put it in pause This disc changer uses the same beginning of the current track. Press mode. To begin playing, press the controls used for the in-dash CD it again to skip to the beginning of CD button. player or the radio. the previous track. Press the AM or FM button (AM/ Load the CDs in the magazine and To move rapidly within a track, press FMbuttononthemodelwithRear load the magazine in the changer andholdthe＋－ or skipbutton. Entertainment System) to switch to according to the instructions that the radio while a CD is playing. came with the unit.

116 Comfort and Convenience Features CD Changer

To select the CD changer, press the Operating the In-Dash CD 3. When you see LOAd in the display, CD button. The disc and track Changer insert the disc into the CD slot. numbers will be displayed. To select On Touring Model Insert it only abut halfway, the a different disc, use the appropriate The audio system on Touring model drive will pull it in the rest of the preset buttons (1－ 6). On the model has an in-dash CD changer that way. You will again see the dashes with Rear Entertainment System, holdsuptosixdiscs. in the display as the CD is loaded. use the preset 5 (DISC－ ) button to To load CDs or operate CD changer, select previous disc, or the preset 6 the ignition switch must be in the 4. When LOAd appears again in the (DISC＋ ) button to select the next ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) position. display, insert the next disc into disc in sequence. the CD slot. Do not try to insert a You cannot load and play 3-inch (8- disc until LOAd appears. You If you select an empty slot in the cm) discs in this system. could damage the audio unit. magazine, the changer will, after finding that slot empty, try to load Loading CDs in the Changer 5. Repeat this until all six positions the CD in the next slot. This 1. Press and hold the Load button are loaded. The system will then continues until it finds a CD to load until you hear a beep and see begin playing the last CD loaded. and play. ‘‘----’’inthedisplay,thenrelease the button. If you are not loading CDs into all six positions, press the Load button To load only one CD, press and again after the last CD has loaded. release the Load button. The system will begin playing the last CD loaded. 2. On the left side of the display, the CD Loaded indicator for an empty position will begin blinking. CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 117 CD Changer

If you stop loading CDs before all six Removing CDs from the Changer If you press the Eject button while positions are filled, and you do not To remove the disc that is currently listening to the radio or tape, or with press the Load button, the system playing, press the eject button. You the audio system turned off, the disc will wait for 10 seconds, then stop will see ‘‘EJECT’’ in the display. The that was last selected is ejected. the load operation and begin playing system automatically begins the After that disc is ejected, pressing the last CD loaded. Load sequence so you can load the Eject button again will eject the another CD in that position. If you do next disc in the numerical order. By If you press the LOAD button while not load another CD, after 10 doing this six times, you can remove a disc is playing, the system will stop seconds the system begins playing all the CDs from the changer. playing that disc and start the the next disc in the changer. If the loading sequence. It will then play changer is empty, the system selects In any mode, if you press the eject the disc just loaded. the previous mode (AM, FM, or button and hold it until you hear a Tape). beep, the system will eject all of the You can also load a CD into an empty discs in the changer. position while a CD is playing by If you do not remove the disc from pressing the appropriate preset the slot, the system will reload the You can also eject discs when the button. Select an empty position (the disc after 10 seconds and begin ignition switch is off. The disc that CD Loaded indicator is off), and playing it. was last selected is ejected first. You press the preset button for that can eject up to six discs, one at a position (1 to 6). The system will To remove a different CD from the time. stop playing the current CD and start changer,firstselectitwiththe the loading sequence. It will then appropriate preset button. When that play the CD just loaded. CD begins playing, press the eject button.

118 Comfort and Convenience Features Protecting Your CDs

General Information Protecting CDs When using CD-R discs, use only When a CD is not being played, store high quality CDs labeled for audio it in its case to protect it from dust use. and other contamination. To prevent warpage, keep CDs out of direct When recording a CD-R, the sunlight and extreme heat. recording must be closed for it to be used by the CD players. To clean a CD, use a clean soft cloth. Wipe across the CD from the center CD-RW discs will not work in this to the outside edge. unit. AnewCDmayberoughonthe Play only standard round CDs. inner and outer edges. The small Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the plastic pieces causing this roughness Handle a CD by its edges; never driveorcauseotherproblems. can flake off and fall on the re- touch either surface. Do not place cording surface of the CD, causing stabilizer rings or labels on the CD. Handle your CDs properly to skipping or other problems. Remove These, along with contamination prevent damage and skipping. these pieces by rubbing the inner from fingerprints, liquids, and felt-tip and outer edges with the side of a pens, can cause the CD to not play pencil or pen. properly, or possibly jam in the drive.

Never try to insert foreign objects in the CD player or the magazine.

Comfort and Convenience Features 119 CD Player Error Messages

If you see an error message in the Without Touring Package display while playing a CD, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error message, take Error Message Cause Solution your vehicle to an Acura dealer. FOCUS/CLV Error Press the EJECT button and pull out the CD. Data Read Error Check if it is inserted correctly in the CD player. Search Error Make sure the CD is not scratched or damaged. Press the EJECT button and pull out the CD. Check the CD for damage or deformation. Mechanical Error If the CD cannot be pulled out or the error message does not disappear after the CD is ejected, see an Acura dealer. Control Error Consult your Acura dealer. LSI Error

120 Comfort and Convenience Features CD Player Error Messages

Models with Rear Entertainment System

Error Message Cause Solution

Press the EJECT button and pull out the CD. FOCUS Error Check if it is inserted correctly in the CD player. Make sure the CD is not scratched or damaged. Press the EJECT button and pull out the CD. Mechanical Error or a Check the CD for damage or deformation. DVD has been loaded in If the CD cannot be pulled out or the error the CD player message does not disappear after the CD is ejected, see an Acura dealer. High Temperature Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal.

Comfort and Convenience Features 121 CD Changer Error Messages

If you see an error message in the Without Touring Package display while operating the CD changer, find the cause in the following charts. If you cannot clear Error Message Cause Solution theerrormessage,takeyourvehicle to an Acura dealer. Disc changer See an Acura dealer. malfunction. Disc is in changer Press the magazine eject button, and insert an mechanism. empty magazine. Disc changer If the message disappears within a few seconds, malfunction. unit is OK. If it does not, see an Acura dealer.

Press the magazine eject button and pull it out Disc changer the magazine, check for error message. Insert malfunction. the magazine again. If the magazine can not be pulled out, see an Acura dealer. CD magazine ejection Press the magazine eject button. If the maga- impossible. zine does not eject, see an Acura dealer. High temperature. Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal. Misconnection or disconnection of CD See an Acura dealer. changer. No CD magazine in the Insert CD magazine. CD changer. No CD in magazine. Insert CD in magazine.

122 Comfort and Convenience Features CD Changer Error Messages

Touring Model

Error Messages Cause Solution

Disc changer See an Acura dealer. malfunction. High temperature. Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal. Disc changer See an Acura dealer. malfunction. High temperature. Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal.

Comfort and Convenience Features 123 CD Changer Error Messages

Models with Rear Entertainment System

Error Messages Cause Solution

Press the magazine eject button and pull it out, check for error message, and insert the FOCUS Error magazine again. If the message does not disappear or the magazine cannot be pulled out, see an Acura dealer. No CD in the CD Insert CD. magazine Press the magazine eject button and pull it out, check for error message, and insert the Mechanical Error magazine again. If the message does not disappear or the magazine cannot be pulled out, see an Acura dealer. High Temperature Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal. No CD magazine in the Insert CD magazine. CD changer

124 Comfort and Convenience Features Playing a Tape

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR CASSETTE SLOT

PWR/VOL KNOB TAPE EJECT BUTTON TAPE BUTTON

PLAY BUTTON DOLBY BUTTON PROGRAM BUTTON CD BUTTON FAST FORWARD BUTTON PROGRAM DOLBY CASSETTE REWIND BUTTON FAST FORWARD DOLBY BUTTON TAPE EJECT BUTTON BUTTON SLOT BUTTON BUTTON TAPE DIRECTION PWR/VOL INDICATOR KNOB DOLBY INDICATOR PLAY TAPE BUTTON BUTTON

TAPE BUTTON TAPE EJECT REWIND FAST FORWARD PWR/VOL BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON KNOB PROGRAM BUTTON CASSETTE SLOT

Comfort and Convenience Features 125 Playing a Tape

To Play a Tape Dolby＊ noise reduction turns on To switch to the radio while a tape is The ignition switch must be in the when you insert a tape. The playing, press the AM or FM button. ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) position. indicator will come on in the To change back to the tape player, Make sure the open side of the tape display. If the tape was not recorded press the TAPE button. is facing right, then insert the tape in Dolby, turn it off by pressing the most of the way into the slot. The button. Dolby remains off until Tape Search Function system will pull the tape in the rest you press the button again. FF/REW － To rewind the tape, of the way, and begin to play it. push the REW ( ) button. You ＊ Dolby noise reduction manufactured under will see REW in the display. To fast Thetapedirectionindicatorinthe license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo- forward the tape, push the FF display comes on to show you which ration. ‘‘DOLBY’’ and the double-D symbol ( ) button. You will see FF side of the tape is playing. The ▲ are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories displayed. Press the PLAY/PROG indicates the side you inserted Licensing Corporation. button to take the system out of upward is now playing. If you want to rewind or fast forward. play the other side, press the PROG To Stop Playing a Tape button. When the player reaches the To remove the tape, press the tape end of the tape, it will automatically EJECT button. If you want to turn reverse direction and play the other the player off, press the PWR/VOL side. knob or turn off the ignition. The tape will remain in the drive. When youturnthesystembackon,the tape will begin playing where it left off.

126 Comfort and Convenience Features Playing a Tape

SKIP －－Press the SKIP button/ NOTE: The SKIP and REPEAT Use 100-minute or shorter tapes. bar to find the beginning of the functions use silent periods on the Tapes longer than that may break or current song or passage. Press the tape to find the end of a song or jam the drive. ＋ SKIP button/bar to find the passage. These features may not beginning of the next song or work if there is almost no gap If the tape is loose, tighten it by passage. When the system reaches between selection, a high noise level, turning the hub with a pencil or your the beginning of a song or passage, it or a silent period in the middle of a finger. If the label is peeling off, begins to play it. selection. remove it or it could cause the tape to jam in the player. Never try to REPEAT － Press the RPT button Caring for the Player and Tapes insert a warped or damaged tape in to continuously play a song or Thetapeplayerpicksupdirtand the player. passage. You will see RPT/REPEAT oxides from the tape. This displayed. The track will repeat until contamination build up over time and Store tapes in their cases to protect you press the RPT button again. causes the sound quality to degrade. them from dust and moisture. Never To prevent this, you should clean the place tapes where they will be player after every 30 hours of use. exposed to direct sunlight, high heat, or high humidity. If a tape is exposed If you do not clean the tape player to extreme heat or cold, let it reach a regularly, it may eventually become moderate temperature before impossible to remove the inserting it into the player. contamination with a normal cleaning kit. Your Acura dealer has a Never try to insert foreign object cleaning kit available. into the tape player.

Comfort and Convenience Features 127 Steering Wheel Controls

The middle button adjusts the If you are playing a tape, use the CH CH BUTTON volume up (▲▼ ) or down ( ). Press button to advance to the next the top or bottom of the button and selection. You will see ‘‘FF’’ blinking hold it until the desired volume is in the display when you press the CH reached, then release it. button. The system fast forwards until it senses a silent period, then The CH button has three functions, resume playing. depending on whether you are listening to the radio, or playing a If you are playing a CD, the system tape or CD. skips to the beginning of the next VOLUME AM/FM track each time you push the CH BUTTON BUTTON If you are listening to the radio, use the button. You will see the disc and CH button to change stations. Each track number in the display. Three controls for the audio system time you press this button, the are mounted in the steering wheel system advances to the next preset hub. These let you control basic station on the band you are listening functions without removing your to. You will see the number of the hand from the wheel. selected preset button in the display. To change bands, or to change from The MODE button changes the FM1 to FM2, press the AM/FM audio mode between FM1, FM2, AM, button. CD, and DVD/AUX (if a disc is inserted).

128 Comfort and Convenience Features Radio Theft Protection

Your vehicle’s audio system will If your vehicle’s battery is Ifthecodecardislost,anAcura disable itself if it is disconnected disconnected or goes dead, the audio dealer can access your code with from electrical power for any reason. system will disable itself. If this your radio’s serial number. To To make it work again, you must happens, you will see ‘‘Code’’ in the access the serial number, turn the enter a specific five-digit code with frequencydisplaythenexttimeyou radio on. It must display ‘‘COdE’’, the Preset buttons. Because there turn on the system. Use the Preset then turn the radio off. Push the are hundreds of number buttons to enter the five-digit code. preset 1, preset 6, and power buttons combinations possible from the five The code is located on the radio code at the same time, then quickly digits, making the system work card included in your Owner’s release. without knowing the exact code is Manual kit. When it is entered nearly impossible. correctly, the radio will start playing. You will have to store your favorite stations in the Preset buttons after Youshouldhavereceivedacardthat If you make a mistake entering the the system begins working. Your lists your audio system code number code, do not start over; complete the original settings were lost when the and serial number. It is best to store five-digit sequence, then enter the power was disconnected. this card in a safe place at home. In correct code. You have ten tries to addition, you should write the audio enter the correct code. If you are system’s serial number in this unsuccessful in ten attempts, you Owner’s Manual. must then leave the system on for one hour before trying again. Ifyoushouldhappentolosethecard, you must obtain the code number from an Acura dealer. To do this, you will need the system’s serial number.

Comfort and Convenience Features 129 Setting the Clock

CLOCK BUTTON

SET BUTTON

H BUTTON R BUTTON M BUTTON H BUTTON M BUTTON

If your vehicle’s battery is You can quickly set the time to the Model with Rear Entertainment System disconnected or goes dead, you will nearest hour. If the displayed time is and Navigation System need to reset the clock. before the half hour, pressing and Therightdisplayshowsthetime. Touring model with Navigation System holding the clock button, then Press and hold the SET button until Press and hold the CLOCK button pressing the R button sets the clock the numbers flash. Change the hours until the number flash. Change the back to the previous hour. If the by pressing the H button. Change hours by pressing the H button. displayed time is after the half hour, the minutes by pressing M button. Change the minute by pressing the the clock sets forward to the When you are finished, press the M button. When you are finished, beginning of the next hour. SET button again. press the CLOCK button again. For example: 1:06 will reset to 1:00 To set the clock on the model 1:53 will reset to 2:00 without Navigation, see page148 .

130 Comfort and Convenience Features Rear Entertainment System

RR CTRL SELECTOR KNOB REAR CONTROL OFF ICON

REAR PWR REAR SPEAKERS OFF ICON BUTTON

REAR SYSTEM DISPLAY

REPEAT BUTTON PLAY BUTTON PAUSE BUTTON RANDOM BUTTON SEEK/SKIP BAR

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 131 Rear Entertainment System

If equipped To Turn On the System Rear Speakers With this system, the rear Press the REAR PWR button. To Whenyouturnonthesystem,the passengers can enjoy a different turn on the rear controls (ceiling rear speakers are automatically entertainment source (radio, tape panel or remote), press the RR turned off. You will see the Rear player, CD player, or DVD player) CTRL knob. The system’s icon Speakers Off icon in the display. The than the front seat occupants. The shows in the right side display. Your sound for the rear system is sent to audio is broadcast through the passengers can then operate the rear the wireless headphones. supplied wireless headphones. system with the control panel in the ceiling or with the remote control. Ifyouwanttoturntherearspeakers Press the RR CTRL knob again to on again, press and hold the REAR turn the rear controls off. You will PWR button until the Rear Speakers seetheRearControlsOfficoninthe Off icon goes off. right display. NOTE: The rear speakers are The rear system selects the source it connected to the front system, so waslastsetto.Ifthatsourcehas they will always play the source that been removed (the DVD has been the front system is set to. ejected from the player, for example), youwillsee‘‘____’’inthedisplay. You must select another source.

132 Comfort and Convenience Features Rear Entertainment System

To Select Rear Entertainment Operating the DVD Player from REAR CONTROL PANEL from the Front Control Panel the Front Control Panel To operate the rear entertainment The DVD player in your Rear system from the front panel, turn the Entertainment System can play DVD RR CTRL knob clockwise. The video discs and CDs. It features amber RR LED comes on to show Dolby＊ noise reduction. that the control panel is enabled. ＊ Dolby noise reduction manufactured under To play the radio or tape, the buttons license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo- BUTTON for the front entertainment system ration. ‘‘DOLBY’’ and the double-D symbol have the same functions. are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. OVERHEAD SCREEN IfaCDisloadedinthemainCD player or CD changer, select CD/ Open the overhead screen by CHG.IftheCDisloadedinthe pushingonthebutton.Thescreen lower player, select DVD/AUX. will swing down part-way. Pivot the screen the rest of the way. If you pivot the screen too far forward, past the detent, the display will turn off. Pivot the screen back to the detent to turn the display back on. To close the screen, pivot it up until it latches.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 133 Rear Entertainment System

DVD SLOT EJECT BUTTON PLAY － Press the PLAY button beginning of the previous track or if the DVD does not start playing chapter. automatically. EJECT － Press the eject button to PAUSE － Press the PAUSE button remove the DVD from the drive. to pause the DVD. Press the button again or press PLAY to resume. To Return to Front Audio Pause works only with the DVD Controls player. To return front panel control to the front audio system, turn the RR SEEK/SKIP － Press and hold the CTRL knob counterclockwise. ＋ side to move forward; you will see ‘‘CUE’’ in the display. Press and hold Turn the RR CTRL knob clockwise. the－ sidetomovebackward;you The amber RR LED will come on to will see ‘‘REV’’ in the display. show that the control panel is now Release the bar when the system enabled. reaches the point you want.

Insert a DVD or CD into the DVD Each time you press and release the player below the front panel. ＋ side of the SEEK/SKIP bar, the system skips forward to the Push the disc in halfway, the drive beginning of the next track or will pull it in the rest of the way. chapter. Press and release the － side of the bar to skip backward to the beginning of the current track or chapter. Press it again to skip to the

134 Comfort and Convenience Features Rear Entertainment System

Using the Rear Control Panel Use these buttons to select the SOURCE SELECTION BUTTONS MENU BUTTON entertainment source (radio, tape SEEK/SKIP player, CD player/CD changer, or REAR CONTROLS BUTTON DVD player/Auxiliary device). The OFF BUTTON selected source will be shown in the CH/DISK display. Make sure the rear control BUTTON operation has not been disabled with theRRCTRLknobonthefront SEEK/SKIP panel. BUTTON

To Play the Radio from the Rear Control Panel CH/DISK BUTTON Use the and buttons to select from the stations on the radio PLAY/PAUSE/PROG BUTTON ENTER BUTTON preset buttons. Pressing the or button will cause the system to search up or down the band for a To Play a Tape from the Rear skip backward to the beginning of station with a strong signal. You will Control Panel the current song or passage. You will see SEEK in the display. On the rear control panel, use the seeREVflashinginthedisplay. PLAY/PAUSE/PROG button to reverse the tape direction. Press the button to skip forward to beginning of the next song or passage. You will see FF flashing in the display. Press the button to

Comfort and Convenience Features 135 Rear Entertainment System

To Play a CD from the Rear To Play a DVD from the Rear MENU/ENT － To select the menu Control Panel Control Panel on the DVD, press the MENU IfaCDisloadedinthemainCD The video screen is for use by rear button. Use the , ,▲ , player or CD changer, select it by seat passengers only. The driver and and▼ buttons to move to the pressing the CD/CHG button. If the front seat passenger should not try desired menu selection, then press CD is loaded in the DVD player, to view the screen while driving. the ENT button to enter your press the DVD/AUX button. selection. PLAY/PAUSE/PROG － Press Pressthe buttontoskiptothe this button when you want to pause beginning of the next track. Press the DVD. Press this button again to the button to return to the go back to PLAY. beginning of the current track. If the changer is selected, use the▼ and SEEK/SKIP － Press the ▲ buttons to change discs. button to skip to the beginning of the next chapter. Press the REPEAT － Press the RPT button buttontoskipbacktothe to continuously replay the current beginning of the current chapter. track. You will see RPT in the display. Press the button again to turn it off.

RDM － To play the tracks within a CD in random order, press the RDM button. You will see RDM in the display. Press the button again to cancel RDM.

136 Comfort and Convenience Features Rear Entertainment System

Using the Remote Control You can use the remote control to SOURCE SELECTION select the entertainment source BUTTONS (radio, tape player, CD player, or DVD player/Auxiliary device). The selected source will be shown in the REW/FWD BUTTONS display. SEEK/SKIP BUTTONS Make sure the rear control operation has not been disabled with the RR CTRL knob on the front panel. STOP BUTTON When using the remote control, PAUSE BUTTON point it at the rear control panel in PLAY/PROG BUTTON DISP BUTTON the ceiling. MENU BUTTON SUBTITLE BUTTON To Play a Tape, CD, or Radio AUDIO BUTTON ThePLAY/PROG,PAUSE,SKIP, ANGLE BUTTON RETURN (T/C) BUTTON and FWD/REW buttons work the TITLE BUTTON same function as the front and rear control panel buttons.

To Play a DVD ThePLAY/PROG,PAUSE,SKIP, and FWD/REW buttons work the same function as the front and rear control panel buttons. CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 137 Rear Entertainment System

STOP Button － Pressthisbutton SUBTITLES and AUDIO Buttons ANGLE Button － On some DVDs, to stop playing a DVD. － Many DVDs are recorded with the scenes are recorded by more subtitles or dubbed in multiple than one camera, giving different MENU and TITLE Buttons － languages. To select subtitles, press viewpoints of the same scene. By Some DVDs have menus that allow the SUBTITLE button. To select a pressing the Angle button, you can you to select a dubbed language, different language than the one select a different viewpoint. subtitles, a chapter list, previews, etc. being heard, press the AUDIO Themenucontentswillvaryfrom button. Continue to press and RETURN (T/C) Button － In the DVD to DVD. release the SUBTITLE or AUDIO MENU selection mode, pressing the button to scan through all available RETURN button for less than 2 Usethe,,,and▲ languages. seconds changes the MENU display ▼ buttons to select the desired to the previous page. Pressing the menu option. Then press ENT to DISP Button － To change the RETURN button for more than 2 enter your selection. Use the color, contrast, aspect ratio, and seconds while a DVD is playing and buttons to change brightness of the video screen, press brings the system into the TITLE pages. You can also use the the DISP button. The current setting enter mode. When you enter your numbered buttons to enter the two- of one will be displayed on the selection, the DVD player will start digit number of a menu option. You screen each time you press the playing from the selected title. do not have to press ENT. Press the button. Use the and button again to close the window. buttons to change the setting as desired. The display will disappear from the screen several seconds after you stop adjusting the setting.

138 Comfort and Convenience Features Rear Entertainment System

Replacing the Remote Control As required by the FCC: This device Storing the Remote Control Batteries complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. HOLDER

This device complies with Industry When you are not using the remote The remote control uses two Canada Standard RSS-210. Operation is control, store it in holder in the front AA batteries. To replace the subject to the following two conditions: seat-back pocket. batteries, put a coin in the notch on (1) this device may not cause the back. Turn it one-quarter, then interference, and (2) this device must slide the cover off. Remove the old accept any interference that may cause batteries.Makesurethepolarityof undesired operation of the device. the new batteries is correct when you install them. Slide the cover on until it locks.

Comfort and Convenience Features 139 Rear Entertainment System

Playable DVDs DVD Player Error Messages If you see an error message in the display while operating the DVD player, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the message, take your vehicle to an Acura dealer.

Error Message Cause Solution

Press the EJECT button and pull out the DVD. FOCUS Error Check if it is inserted correctly in the DVD Player.MakesuretheDVDisnotscratchedor damaged. Press the EJECT button and pull out the DVD. Mechanical Error, or a Check it for damage or deformation. There are various types of DVDs DVD has been loaded in If the DVD cannot be pulled out, or the error available. Some of them are not the CD player message does not disappear after the DVD is compatible with your system. ejected, see an Acura dealer. The DVD player in your Rear Do not try to force the DVD out of the player. Entertainment System can play High Temperature Will disappear when the temperature returns to DVDs and CDs bearing the above normal. marks on their packages or jackets. Low Vehicle Battery Run the engine to recharge the battery. Those packages or jackets should Voltage also bear the designation of ‘‘1’’ or ‘‘ALL’’. DVD-ROMs cannot be played in this system.

140 Comfort and Convenience Features Rear Entertainment System

Wireless Headphones The audio for the rear entertainment Replacing Batteries system is sent to the wireless headphones that come with the COVER system. To turn on the headphones, presstheredbuttonontheearpiece. Adjust the volume level with the dial at the bottom of the same earpiece.

To adjust the comfort of the headphones, slide the earpieces up or down the headband. VOLUME ON/OFF BUTTON DIAL For greater battery life, turn off the headphones when they are not in use Some state and local goverment by pressing the red button again. The batteries are under the domed agencies prohibit the use of They will turn off automatically if covers on the back of each earpiece. headphones by the driver of a motor they do not receive an audio signal To remove a cover, press down on it vehicle. Always obey applicable laws from the system for several minutes. with your thumb, slide it backward and regulations. When not in use, store the (away from the headband), then lift headphones in the pocket on the it up. Remove the batteries and note back of either front seat. their polarity. Install the new batteries in the earpiece with the same polarity. Set the cover in place, then slide it up until it locks. Each headphone uses two AAA batteries.

Comfort and Convenience Features 141 Rear Entertainment System

Auxiliary Input Jacks

ARMREST LEVER VOLUME DIALS

AUXILIARY INPUT JACKS HEADPHONE CONNECTORS Auxiliary input jacks and headphone The system will accept auxiliary There are three headphone connectors for the rear inputs from standard video games connectors for the third seat entertainment system are under the and video equipment. passengers. Each connector has its third seat armrest on the passenger’s own volume control. These side. To access these connectors, Some video game power supplies handphones are not supplied with open the cover by pulling up on the may cause poor picture quality. the vehicle. lever. V=Videojack L = Left audio jack R = Right audio jack

142 Comfort and Convenience Features Security System

The security system helps to protect SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT The security system will not set if your vehicle and valuables from theft. the hood, tailgate, or any door is not The horn sounds and a combination fully closed. If the system will not set, of headlights, parking lights, side check the Door and Tailgate Open marker lights and taillights flashes if Monitor on the instrument panel someone attempts to break into your (see page60 ) to see if the doors and vehicleorremovetheradio.This tailgate are fully closed. Since it is alarm continues for two minutes, notpartofthemonitordisplay, then the system resets. To reset an manually check the hood. alarming system before the two minutes have elapsed, unlock the Do not attempt to alter this system driver’s door with the key or the or add other devices to it. remote transmitter. Once the security system is set, The security system automatically opening any door or the tailgate sets 15 seconds after you lock the without using the key or the remote doors, hood, and the tailgate. For the transmitter, or the hood, will cause it system to activate, you must lock the to alarm. It also alarms if the radio, doors from the outside with the key, navigation and DVD components are lock tab, door lock switch, or remote removed from the dashboard or the transmitter. The security system wiring is cut. indicator next to the driver’s door lock starts blinking immediately to show you the system is setting itself.

Comfort and Convenience Features 143 Cruise Control

Cruise control allows you to maintain Using the Cruise Control asetspeedabove25mph(40km/h) without keeping your foot on the CRUISE CONTROL MASTER SWITCH RESUME/ACCEL accelerator pedal. It should be used for cruising on straight, open highways. It is not recommended for city driving, winding roads, slippery roads, heavy rain, or bad weather.

CANCEL Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash. SET/DECEL

Use the cruise control only 1. Push in the Cruise Control Master The cruise control may not hold when traveling on open Switch. The indicator in the switch the set speed when you are going highways in good weather. will come on. up and down hills. If your speed increases going down a hill, use 2. Accelerate to the desired cruising the brakes to slow down. This will speedabove25mph(40km/h). cancelthecruisecontrol.To resume the set speed, press the 3. Press and release the SET/ RESUME/ACCEL button. The DECELbuttononthesteering indicator on the instrument panel wheel. Indicator on the instrument will come back on. panel comes on to show the system is now activated.

144 Comfort and Convenience Features Cruise Control

Changing the Set Speed To slow down in very small Cancelling the Cruise Control You can increase the set cruising amounts, tap the SET/DECEL Youcancancelthecruisecontrolin speed in any of these ways: button. Each time you do this, any of these ways: your vehicle will slow down about Press and hold the RESUME/ 1 mph (1.6 km/h). Tap the brake pedal. ACCEL button. When you reach Push the CANCEL button on the the desired cruising speed, release Tap the brake pedal lightly with steering wheel. the button. your foot. The CRUISE Press the Cruise Control Master CONTROL indicator on the Switch. Push on the accelerator pedal. instrument panel will go out. Accelerate to the desired cruising When the vehicle slows to the Resuming the Set Speed speed and press the SET/DECEL desired speed, press the SET/ When you push the CANCEL button, button. DECEL button. or tap the brake pedal, the system will remembers the previously set To increase your speed in very Even with the cruise control turned cruising speed. To return to that small amounts, tap the RESUME/ on, you can still use the accelerator speed, accelerate to above 25 mph ACCEL button. Each time you do pedal to speed up for passing. After (40 km/h) and then press and this, the vehicle will speed up completing the pass, take your foot release the RESUME/ACCEL about 1 mph (1.6 km/h). off the accelerator pedal. The vehicle button. The CRUISE CONTROL will return to the set cruising speed. indicator comes on. The vehicle will You can decrease the set cruising accelerate to the same cruising speed in any of these ways: Resting your foot on the brake pedal speed as before. will cause the cruise control to Pressing the Cruise Control Master Press and hold the SET/DECEL cancel. Switch turns the system completely button. Release the button when off and erases the previous cruising you reach the desired speed. speed.

Comfort and Convenience Features 145 Trip Computer

INSTANTANEOUS OUTSIDE FUEL MILEAGE TEMPERATURE CLOCK COMPASS

CLOCK BUTTON

TRIP BUTTON RESET BUTTON

－/CALIBRATE BUTTON

＋/ZONE BUTTON DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS RESET, SET BUTTON CONTROL

146 Comfort and Convenience Features Trip Computer

All models of MDX have a trip The Range, or estimated distance Changing and Resetting the computer. To operate the trip you can travel on the fuel Display computer on models with the remaining in the tank estimated Press the TRIP button to show either navigation system, refer to the from the fuel economy you have the range and Avg fuel economy, or navigation manual. gotten over the last several miles the E/T and Trip odometer. (kilometers). (Without Navigation System) To reset the Avg fuel economy, E/T, The Trip Computer displays the TheAvgdisplayshowsyouthe and Trip odometer, press and hold following information. average fuel economy since you the RESET button until you hear a last reset the display. beep. Clock The E/T is the elapsed time that Changing Units of Measurement Direction of travel the ignition has been on. It The outside temperature, fuel automatically resets to 0.0 when it economy, range, and trip odometer Outside temperature reaches twelve hours. This display can be displayed in either English or can be reset at any time. Metric units. To change between The temperature sensor is located units, press the TRIP button and in the front bumper, and can be The Trip display shows you the hold it for five seconds. affected by heat from the road total distance you have driven surface, engine heat, and the since it was last reset. exhaust from the surrounding traffic. Because of these The display also has manual conditions, it may take a while for functions for the Climate Control the temperature to read correctly. System. Refer to page104 .

Instantaneous fuel mileage

Comfort and Convenience Features 147 Trip Computer

Setting the Clock 2. To change the hours to a lower You can quickly set the time to the number, press and hold the nearest hour. Press the CLOCK MODE button. To change the button, then press the RESET button. hours to a higher number, press If the displayed time is before the andholdtheA/Cbutton. half hour, it will reset back to the previous hour. If the displayed time 3. When the hours reach the desired is after the half hour, it will reset number, release the button. forward to the next hour.

4. To set the minutes, press the For example: CLOCK button again. The 1:06 will reset to 1:00 minutes digits will start blinking. 1:52 will reset to 2:00

5. Use the MODE or A/C button to To set the clock: set the minutes to the desired number. 1. Push the CLOCK button. The hours digits will start blinking. If 6. Press the CLOCK button again. you want to only set the minutes, The clock will return to its normal go to step 4. display.

148 Comfort and Convenience Features Trip Computer

Compass Operation Compass operation can be affected by driving near power lines or stations, across bridges, through tunnels, over railroad crossings, past large vehicles, or driving near large objects that can cause a magnetic disturbance. It can also be affected by accessories such as antennas and roof racks that are mounted by magnets.

Compass Calibration If you see ‘‘－－ ’’ in the direction 1. Press and hold the CLOCK and 4. Drive the vehicle slowly in two display and ‘‘Calibrate’’ is blinking, TRIP buttons until the display complete circles. the compass is self-calibrating. changes (about 1 second). The compass may need to be 5. When the display goes from manually calibrated after exposure to 2. Press the Calibrate (MODE) ‘‘－－ ’’ to an actual heading, the a strong magnetic field. If the button. unit is calibrated. compassseemstobecontinually showing the wrong direction and is 3. Press the Set (FAN) button. 6. Press the CLOCK, TRIP, or not self-calibrating, do the following. ‘‘Calibrate’’ will start blinking, and RESET button to complete the the direction display will change to calibration and return the display NOTE: You should do this procedure ‘‘－－ ’’. to normal. in an open area, away from buildings, power lines, and other vehicles. CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 149 Trip Computer

Compass Zone Selection 4. If the zone is incorrect, press and In most areas, there is a variation hold the MODE button to get the between magnetic north and true number to count down, or the A/C north. Zone selection is required so button to get the number to count the compass can compensate for this up. If the zone is correct, continue variation. To check and select the to step 5. zone set into the compass, do the following. 5. Press the Set (FAN) button to set the zone selection.

6. Press the CLOCK, TRIP or RESET button to exit the zone selection and return display to 2. Press the Zone (A/C) button. The normal. zone the compass is currently set to is displayed.

3. Find the zone for your area on the map.

1. Press and hold the CLOCK and TRIP buttons until the display changes (about 1 second).

150 Comfort and Convenience Features Trip Computer

Comfort and Convenience Features 151 Trip Computer, Rear View Camera and Monitor

BRIGHTNESS control Rear View Camera and Monitor When in reverse, the touch screen, The Brightness control has seven If equipped and Navi ‘‘hard’’ buttons are locked positions. In the middle five positions out, except the A/C-INFO button. the display will dim when you turn REAR VIEW CAMERA Touching the A/C-INFO button on the parking lights or headlights. allows you to adjust the brightness of the rear view camera image. Touch Moving the control to the far left the A/C-INFO button again to leave position turns off the display. It will the brightness adjust mode. come back on for several seconds if you press any of the buttons. NOTE: The camera brightness In the far right (maximum cannot be adjusted by voice control. brightness) position, the display will notdimwhenyouturnonthe Since the rear view camera display parking lights. area is limited, you should always back up slowly and carefully, and Cleaning the Display Whenever you shift to R (Reverse) look behind you for obstacles. Always use a soft cloth and mild with the ignition switch in the ON glass/plastic cleaner (such as (II) position, the rear view is shown cleaners for computer monitor in the navigation system display. screens) to clean the display. For the best picture, always keep the When you wipe the screen, some rear view camera clean, and do not black lines may appear because of cover the camera lens. static electricity build-up. This is normal. They will disappear in 5 to 10 minutes.

152 Comfort and Convenience Features HomeLink Universal Transceiver

The HomeLink Universal the motor to stop and reverse if an Training HomeLink Transceiver built into your vehicle obstacle is detected during closing, Before you begin － If you just canbeprogrammedtooperateupto increasing the risk of injury. received your vehicle and have not three remotely controlled devices trained any of the buttons in around your home, such as garage Important Safety Precautions HomeLink before, you should erase doors, lighting, or home security Always refer to the opening any previously learned codes before systems. instructions and safety information training the first button. that came with your garage door Todothis,pressandholdthetwo General Information opener or other equipment you outside buttons on the HomeLink If you are training HomeLink to intend to operate with the HomeLink transceiver for about 20 seconds, operate a garage door or gate, you Universal Transceiver. If you do not until the red light flashes. Release should unplug the motor for that have this information, contact the the buttons, then proceed to Step 1. device during training. Repeatedly manufacturer of the equipment. pressing the remote control button If you are training the second or could burn out the motor. third buttons, go directly to Step 1.

The HomeLink transceiver stores the code in a permanent memory. There should be no need to retrain HomeLink if your vehicle’s battery goes dead or is disconnected. If your garage door opener was manufactured before April 1982, you may not be able to program HomeLink to operate it. They do not have the safety feature that causes CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features 153 HomeLink Universal Transceiver

3. Press and hold the remote control 6. Plug in the garage door opener button and one of the HomeLink motor, then test the HomeLink buttons at the same time. transceiver button by pushing it. If the button does not work, repeat Canadian Owners: The remote control the procedure to train it again. If it you are training from may stop still does not work, you may have a transmitting after two seconds. This variable or rolling code garage is not long enough for HomeLink to door opener. See if you do by learn the code. Release and press the pressing and holding the button on the remote control every HomeLink transceiver button you two seconds until HomeLink has just trained. If the red light blinks learned the code. for 2 seconds then stays on, you have a rolling code garage door 1. Unplug the garage door opener 4. The red light in HomeLink should opener. Go to ‘‘Training with a motor from the house current. begin flashing. It will flash slowly Rolling Code System’’ (see page at first, then rapidly. 155 ). 2. Holdtheendofthegaragedoor opener remote control 2 to 5 5. When the red light flashes rapidly, 7. Repeat these steps to train the inches from HomeLink. Make release both buttons. HomeLink other two HomeLink buttons to sure you are not blocking your should have learned the code from operate any other remotely view of the red light in HomeLink. the remote control. controlled devices around your home (lighting, automatic gate, security system, etc.).

154 Comfort and Convenience Features HomeLink Universal Transceiver

Training With a Rolling Code TRAINING BUTTON 4. Press and hold the button on System HomeLink for 3－ 4 seconds. For security purposes, newer garage door opening systems use a ‘‘rolling’’ 5. Press and hold the HomeLink or variable code. Information from button again for 3－ 4 seconds. the remote control and the garage This should turn off the training door opener are needed before light on the garage door opener HomeLink can operate the garage unit. (Some systems may require door opener. youtopressthebuttonuptothree times.) The ‘‘Training HomeLink’’ procedure trains HomeLink to the 6. Press the HomeLink button again. proper garage door opener code. It should operate the garage door. The following procedure 3. Press the Training button on the synchronizes HomeLink to the garage door opener unit until the garage door opener so they send and light next to the button comes on, receive the correct codes. then release it. The light may blink, or come on and stay on. You then 1. Make sure you have properly have approximately 30 seconds to completed the ‘‘Training complete the following steps. HomeLink’’ procedure.

2. Find the ‘‘Training’’ button on your garage door opener unit. The location will vary, depending on the manufacturer.

Comfort and Convenience Features 155 HomeLink Universal Transceiver

Erasing Codes Customer Assistance As required by the FCC: Toerasethecodesstoredinallthree If you have problems with training This device complies with Part 15 of the buttons, press and hold the two the HomeLink Universal Transceiver, FCC rules. Operation is subject to the outside buttons until the red light or would like information on home following two conditions: (1) This device begins to flash, then release the products that can be operated by the may not cause harmful interference, and buttons. transmitter, call (800) 355-3515. On (2) this device must accept any the Internet, go to www.homelink. interference received, including Youshoulderaseallthreecodes com. interference that may cause undesired before selling the vehicle. operation.

Retraining a Button Changes or modifications not expressly Totrainanalreadyprogrammed approved by the party responsible for transceiver button with a new device, compliance could void the user’s you do not have to erase all the authority to operate the equipment. memory. Train the selected button over the existing memory code This device complies with Industry following the steps under Training Canada Standard RSS-210. HomeLink. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

156 Comfort and Convenience Features Before Driving

Before you begin driving your Acura, Break-in Period ...... 158 youshouldknowwhatgasolineto Gasoline Type ...... 158 use, and how to check the levels of Service Station Procedures...... 159 important fluids. You also need to Fuel Economy ...... 162 know how to properly store luggage Accessories and Modifications... . 163 or packages. The information in this Carrying Cargo ...... 165 section will help you. If you plan to add any accessories to your vehicle, please read the information in this section first.

Before Driving 157 Break-in Period, Gasoline Type

Break-in Period Gasoline Type If this happens, contact your Help assure your vehicle’s future Your Acura is designed to operate on authorized Acura dealer for service. reliability and performance by paying premium unleaded gasoline with a For further important fuel-related extra attention to how you drive pump octane number of 91 or higher. information, please refer to your during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). Useofaloweroctanegasolinecan Quick Start Guide. During this period: cause occasional metallic knocking noises in the engine and will result in Some gasoline today is blended with Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid decreased engine performance. oxygenates such as ethanol or acceleration. MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to We recommended using a gasoline operate on oxygenated gasoline Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst containing detergent additives that containing up to 10 percent ethanol 200 miles (300 km). help prevent fuel system and engine by volume and up to 15 percent deposits. MTBE by volume. Do not use Do not change the oil until the gasoline containing methanol. scheduled maintenance time. In addition, in order to maintain good performance, fuel economy, and If you notice any undesirable You should also follow these same emissions control, we strongly operating symptoms, try another recommendations with an recommend, in areas where it is service station or switch to another overhauled or exchanged engine, or available, the use of gasoline that brand of gasoline. when the brakes are replaced. does NOT contain manganese-based fuel additives such as MMT. Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely affect performance, and cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on your instrument panel to come on.

158 Before Driving Service Station Procedure

Fueling 3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes. Gasoline is highly flammable Place the cap in the holder on the and explosive. You can be Pull fuel fill door. burned or seriously injured when handling fuel. 4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Do Stop the engine and keep not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank. Leave heat, sparks, and flames some room for the fuel to expand away. with temperature changes. Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately. If the fuel nozzle keeps clicking off even though the tank is not full, there may 1. Park with the driver’s side closest be a problem with your vehicle’s fuel to the service station pump. vapor recovery system. The system helps keep fuel vapors from going 2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling into the atmosphere. Consult your onthehandletotheleftofthe dealer. driver’s seat.

FUEL FILL CAP

CONTINUED

Before Driving 159 Service Station Procedure

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on Opening the Hood until it clicks at least three times. If you do not properly tighten the HOOD RELEASE HANDLE cap, the Malfunction Indicator Lampmaycomeon(seepage 243 ).

6. Push the fuel fill door closed until it latches.

LATCH 1. Park the vehicle, and set the 2. Put your fingers under the front parking brake. Pull the hood edge of the hood to the left of release handle located under the center. Slide your hand to the left lower left corner of the dashboard. until you feel the hood latch The hood will pop up slightly. handle. Push this handle up until it releases the hood. Lift the hood.

If the hood latch handle moves stiffly, or if you can open the hood without lifting the handle, the mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated (see page214 ).

160 Before Driving Service Station Procedure

3. Lift the hood up most of the way. Oil Check The hydraulic supports will lift it uptherestofthewayandholdit up.

To Close the Hood Lower the hood to about a foot (30 cm) above the fender, then press down firmly with your hands. Make sure it is securely latched. UPPER MARK LOWER MARK DIPSTICK

Wait a few minutes after turning the 4. Remove the dipstick again and engine off before you check the oil. check the level. It should be between the upper and lower 1. Remove the dipstick (orange marks. handle). If it is near or below the lower mark, 2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean see Adding Oil on page205 . cloth or paper towel.

3. Insert it all the way back in its tube.

Before Driving 161 Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy

Engine Coolant Check Improving Fuel Economy Try to maintain a constant speed. Always maintain your vehicle Everytimeyouslowdownand RESERVE TANK according to the maintenance speed up, your vehicle uses extra schedule. See Owner’s fuel.Usethecruisecontrolwhen Maintenance Checks (see page appropriate. 198 ). Combine several short trips into For example, an underinflated tire one. causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’ MAX which uses fuel. The air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine which makes it The build-up of snow or mud on usemorefuel.Usethefresh-air MIN your vehicle’s underside adds ventilation when possible. weight and rolling resistance. Look at the coolant level in the Frequent cleaning helps your fuel radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is mileage and reduces the chance of between the MAX and MIN lines. If corrosion. it is below the MIN line, see Adding Engine Coolant on page208 for Drive moderately. Rapid information on adding the proper acceleration, abrupt cornering and coolant. hard braking use more fuel.

Refer to Owner’s Maintenance Always drive in the highest gear Checks on page198 for information possible. about checking other items on your Acura.

162 Before Driving Accessories and Modifications

Modifying your vehicle, or installing Before installing any accessory: some non-Acura accessories, can make your vehicle unsafe. Before Improper accessories or Make sure the accessory does not you make any modifications or add modifications can affect your obscure any lights, or interfere anyaccessories,besuretoreadthe vehicle’s handling, stability, and with proper vehicle operation or following information. performance, and cause a performance. crash in which you can be hurt Accessories or killed. Be sure electronic accessories do Your dealer has Acura accessories not overload electrical circuits that allow you to personalize your Follow all instructions in this (see page246 ) or interfere with vehicle. These accessories have owner’s manual regarding proper operation of your vehicle. been designed and approved for your accessories and modifications. vehicle. Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the rear Although aftermarket accessories When properly installed, cellular windows as these may interfere may fit on your vehicle, they may not phones, alarms, two-way radios, and with proper operation of the side meet factory specifications, and low-powered audio systems should curtain airbags. could adversely affect your vehicle’s not interfere with your vehicle’s handling and stability. (See computer controlled systems, such Have the installer contact your ‘‘Modifying Your Vehicle’’ on page as the SRS, TPMS, and anti-lock Acura dealer for assistance before 164 for additional information.) brake system. installing any electronic accessory.

If possible, have your dealer inspect the final installation.

Before Driving 163 Accessories and Modifications

Modifying Your Vehicle Larger or smaller wheels and tires Additional Safety Precautions Removing parts from your vehicle, can interfere with the operation of Do not attach or place objects on or replacing components with non- your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and the front airbag covers. Any object Acura (aftermarket) components other systems. attached to or placed on the covers could seriously affect your vehicle’s marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’ in the handling, stability, and reliability. Do not modify your steering wheel center of the steering wheel and or any other part of your on top of the dashboard, could Some examples are: Supplemental Restraint System. interfere with the proper operation Lowering your vehicle with an Modifications could make the of the airbags. Or, if the airbags aftermarket suspension kit that system ineffective. See the safety inflate, the objects could be significantly reduces ground precautions on page32 . propelled inside the vehicle and clearance can allow the hurt someone. undercarriage to hit speed bumps If you plan to modify your vehicle, or other raised objects, which consult your Acura dealer. Do not attach hard objects on or could cause the airbags to deploy. near a front door. If a side airbag inflates,acupholderorotherhard Raising your vehicle with an object attached on or near the aftermarket suspension kit can door could be propelled inside the affect handling and stability. vehicle and hurt someone.

Aftermarket wheels, because they Do not place any objects over or are a universal design, can cause replacetheoutsideedgeofafront excessive stress on suspension seat-back. This could prevent the components. airbag from inflating properly.

164 Before Driving Carrying Cargo

Your vehicle has several convenient storage areas: GLOVE BOX DOOR POCKETS REAR COMPARTMENT Glove box Front door and seat-back pockets Rear cargo area, including the second and third row seats when folded flat Console compartment Rear compartment Roof-rack (if equipped)

However, carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. Before carrying any type of cargo, be sure to read the following pages.

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT SEAT-BACK POCKETS

CARGO AREA

Before Driving 165 Carrying Cargo

The maximum load for your vehicle 3. Subtract the combined weight of is 1,158 lbs (525 kg). This figure the driver and passengers from includes the total weight of all 1,158 lbs (525 kg). Overloading or improper occupants, cargo, accessories, and loading can affect handling and the tongue weight if you are towing a 4. The resulting figure equals the stability and cause a crash in trailer. available amount of cargo and which you can be hurt or killed. luggage load capacity. To determine the correct cargo and Follow all load limits and other luggage load limit: For example, if there will be five 150 loading guidelines in this lbs (70 kg) occupants in your vehicle, manual. 1. Locate the statement, ‘‘the the amount of available cargo and combined weight of occupants and luggage load capacity is 408 lbs (175 cargo should never exceed 1,158 kg). 6. If your vehicle will be towing a lbs (525 kg)’’ on your vehicle’s 5× 150 lbs (70 kg) = 750 lbs (350 trailer, the load from your trailer placard (on the driver’s doorjamb). kg) will be transferred to your vehicle. 1,158 lbs (525 kg)－ 750 lbs (350 kg) Consult this manual to determine 2. Determine the combined weight = 408 lbs (175 kg) how this reduces the available of the driver and passengers that cargo and luggage load capacity of will be riding in your vehicle. 5. Determine the combined weight your vehicle. (Seven is the seating capacity of of accessories, luggage, and cargo your vehicle.) beingloadedinthevehicle.The weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4 [408 lbs(175kg)inthisexample].

166 Before Driving Carrying Cargo

Carrying Items in the Passenger Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area Optional Separation Net Compartment or on a Roof Rack Theseparationnetcanbeusedto Store or secure all items that could Distribute cargo evenly on the hold back soft, lightweight items be thrown around and hurt floor of the cargo area, placing the stored in the cargo area. Heavy someone during a crash. heaviest items on the bottom and items should be properly secured on as far forward as possible. Tie the floor of the cargo area. The net Be sure items placed on the floor down items that could be thrown may not prevent heavy items from behind the front seats cannot roll about the vehicle during a crash or being thrown forward in a crash or a under the seats and interfere with sudden stop. sudden stop. the pedals or seat operation. If you carry large items that Optional Cargo Cover Keep the glove box closed while prevent you from closing the The cargo cover can be used to driving. If it is open, a passenger tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the cover the cargo area behind the third could injure their knees during a passenger area. To avoid the row seats. When the third row seats crash or sudden stop. possibility of carbon monoxide are folded down, the cargo cover can poisoning, follow the instructions be installed in a forward position and Ifyoufolddownthesecondor on page51 . extended over the larger cargo area. third row seats, follow the Do not install the cargo cover in the instructions above and be sure to If you carry any items on a roof forward position if the third row keep all cargo near the windows rack,besurethetotalweightof seats are not folded down. below the bottom of the windows. the rack and the items does not If cargo is higher, it could exceed 165 lbs (75 kg). interfere with proper operation of If you use an accessory roof rack, thesidecurtainairbags. the roof rack weight limit may be lower. Refer to the information that came with your roof rack.

Before Driving 167 168 Driving

This section gives you tips on Driving Guidelines...... 170 starting the engine under various Preparing to Drive ...... 170 conditions, and how to operate the Starting the Engine...... 171 automatic transmission. It also Automatic Transmission...... 172 includes important information on Variable Torque Management parking your vehicle, the braking 4WD System...... 176 system, the VTM-4 System, the VSA VTM-4 Lock ...... 176 system, Tire Pressure Monitoring Tire Pressure Monitoring System System, and facts you need if you are (TPMS)...... 177 planning to tow a trailer. Parking...... 179 Braking System...... 180 Anti-lock Brakes ...... 181 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System...... 183 Towing Weight Limits...... 185 Towing a Trailer ...... 188 Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...... 190 Off-Highway Guidelines...... 192

Driving 169 Driving Guidelines, Preparing to Drive

Driving Guidelines Do not modify your vehicle in any 3. Check that any items you may be Your vehicle has higher ground way that would raise the center of carrying are stored properly or clearance that allows you to travel gravity. fastened down securely. over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good Do not carry heavy cargo on the 4. Check the seat adjustment (see visibility so you can anticipate roof. page84 ). problems earlier. See page192 for additional guidelines 5. Check the adjustment of the Because your vehicle rides higher for driving off-highway. inside and outside mirrors (see off the ground, it has a high center page92 ). of gravity that can cause it to roll Preparing to Drive over if you make abrupt turns. Utility Youshoulddothefollowingchecks 6. Check the steering wheel vehicles have a significantly higher and adjustments before you drive adjustment (see page76 ). roll over rate than other types of your vehicle. vehicles. 7. Make sure the doors and tailgate 1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, are securely closed and locked. To prevent rollovers or loss of and outside lights are clean and control: unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, 8. Fasten your seat belt. Check that or ice. your passengers have fastened Take corners at slower speeds their seat belts (see page14 ). than you would with a passenger 2. Visually check the tires. If a tire vehicle. looks low, use a gauge to check its 9. When you start the engine, check pressure. the gauges and indicators in the Avoid sharp turns and abrupt instrument panel (see page57 ). maneuvers whenever possible.

170 Driving Starting the Engine

1. Apply the parking brake. 6. If the engine fails to start, press the accelerator pedal all the way 2. In cold weather, turn off all downandholdittherewhile electrical accessories to reduce starting to clear flooding. If the the drain on the battery. engine still does not start, return to step 5. 3. Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal. NOTICE: The engine is harder to start in cold weather. Also, the thinner air 4. Without touching the accelerator f ound at altitudes above 8,000 f eet pedal, turn the ignition key to the (2,400 meters) adds to this problem. START (III) position. Do not hold the key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start right away, pause for at least 10 seconds before trying again.

5. If the engine does not start within 15 seconds, or starts but stalls right away, repeat step 4 with the accelerator pedal pressed halfway down. If the engine starts, release pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

Driving 171 Automatic Transmission

Shift Lever Position Indicators If the malfunction indicator lamp To shift from: Do this: come on along with the ‘‘D5 ’’ PtoR Press the brake pedal, then indicator, there is a problem in the move the shift lever. automatic transmission control RtoN system. Avoid rapid acceleration and NtoD5 havethetransmissioncheckedbyan DtoD54 Acura dealer as soon as possible. DtoD43 Dto23 Shifting 2to1 To shift from any position, press 1to2 Move the lever. firmly on the brake pedal. You 2toD3 cannot shift out of Park when the DtoD34 ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) or DtoD45 ACCESSORY (I) position. DtoN5 These indicators on the instrument NtoR panel show which position the shift RtoP lever is in.

The ‘‘D5 ’’ indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If it flashes while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission.

172 Driving Automatic Transmission

Park (P) －－This position mechani- Reverse (R) Press the brake Neutral (N) － Use Neutral if you cally locks the transmission. Use pedal to shift from Park to Reverse. need to restart a stalled engine, or if Park whenever you are turning off or To shift from Reverse to Neutral, it is necessary to stop briefly with starting the engine. To shift out of come to a complete stop and then the engine idling. Shift to the Park Park, you must press on the brake shift. position if you need to leave your pedal and have your foot off the vehicle for any reason. Press on the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle has a reverse lockout so brake pedal when you are moving you cannot accidentally shift to the shift lever from Neutral to If you have done all of the above and Reverse from Neutral or any other another gear. still cannot move the lever out of driving position when the vehicle Park, see Shift Lock Release on speed exceeds 7－－ 9 mph (12 14 Drive (D5 ) － Use this position for page175 . km/h). normal driving. The transmission automatically selects a suitable gear To avoid transmission damage, come If you cannot shift to Reverse when for your speed and acceleration. You to a complete stop before shifting the vehicle is stopped, press the may notice the transmission shifting into Park. The shift lever must be in brake pedal and slowly shift to up at higher speeds when the engine Park before you can remove the key Neutral, and then to Reverse. is cold. This helps the engine warm from the ignition switch. up faster. If there is a problem in the reverse lockout system, or your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead, you cannot shift to Reverse. (Refer to Shift Lock Release on page175 ).

CONTINUED

Driving 173 Automatic Transmission

Drive(D,D)43－－These positions Second(2) This position locks First(1) －With the lever in this are similar to D5 , except when you thetransmissioninsecondgear.It position, the transmission locks in select the D4 position, only the first does not downshift to first gear First gear. four gears are selected. When you when you come to a stop. select D3 , only the first three gears If you shift into First position when are selected. D4 can also keep the Use Second gear: the vehicle speed is above 31 mph transmission from cycling between For more power when climbing. (50 km/h), the transmission shifts fourth and fifth gears in stop-and-go To increase engine braking when into Second gear first to avoid driving, and D3 can keep the going down steep hills. sudden engine braking. transmission from cycling between For starting out on a slippery third and fourth gears. surface or in deep snow. Engine Speed Limiter When driving downhill with a If you exceed the maximum speed Use D3 to provide engine braking trailer. for the gear you are in, the engine when going down a steep hill. D3 speed will enter into the tachometer’s gives you more power and increased red zone. If this occurs, you may feel engine braking. the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone.

174 Driving Automatic Transmission

Shift Lock Release Do this if pushing on the brake pedal does not shift the transmission out of Park. This procedure is also used to release the Reverse Lockout.

1. Set the Parking brake.

2. Make sure the ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) position.

To release the Reverse Lockout, COVER SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT make sure the ignition switch is in the ACCESSORY (I) position.3. Put a cloth on the edge of the Shift To release the reverse lockout, Lock Release slot cover. Using a move the shift lever from Neutral key, carefully pry on the edge of to Reverse, then to Park. the cover to remove it. 6. Remove the key from the Shift 4. Insert the key in the Shift Lock Lock Release slot, then install the Release slot. cover. Press the brake pedal, and restart the engine. 5. Push down on the key and move the shift lever out of Park to If you need to use the Shift Lock Neutral. Release, it means your vehicle is developing a problem. Have it checked by an Acura dealer.

Driving 175 VTM-4 System

To Engage the VTM-4 Lock To Disengage the VTM-4 Lock, do 1. The vehicle must be stopped with one of the following: the engine running. Press the VTM-4 Lock button.

2. Move the shift lever to First (1), Move the shift lever to D54 , D or Second (2), or Reverse (R) gear. D.3

3. Press the VTM-4 Lock button. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK The light in the button will come (0). on. The VTM-4 Lock will temporarily To get unstuck, apply light pressure disengage when the vehicle speed to the accelerator pedal. Do not spin exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h). It will The Variable Torque Management the front tires for more than a few automatically engage again as the 4WD System (VTM-4) automatically seconds. Because of the amount of speed slows below 18 mph (30 transfers varying amounts of engine torque applied to the rear tires, they km/h). The button light will remain torque to the rear wheels under should not spin. This is normal. If on. lower traction conditions. you are not able to move the vehicle, stop and reverse direction. NOTICE: Do not continuously spin the If more traction is needed when your f ront tires of your MDX. Continuously MDX is stuck, or is likely to become NOTICE: Do not use the VTM-4 Lock spinning the f ront tires can cause stuck, you can use the VTM-4 Lock button on dry, paved roads. Driving on transmission or rear dif f erential button to increase torque to the rear dry, paved roads with VTM-4 Lock ON damage. wheels. may damage the rear dif f erential when making a turn. Strange noise and vibration can also result.

176 Driving Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Your Acura is equipped with a Tire Driving on a significantly under- Although your tire pressure is Pressure Monitoring System inflated tire causes the tire to monitored, you must manually check (TPMS) that turns on every time you overheat and can lead to tire failure. thetirepressuresmonthly. start the engine and monitors the Under-inflation also reduces fuel pressure in your tires while driving. efficiency and tire tread life, and may If you think you can safely drive a affect the vehicle’s handling and short distance to a service station, Each tire has its own pressure stopping ability. proceed slowly to the station and sensor. If the air pressure of a tire inflate the tire to the recommended becomes significantly low, the Each tire, including the spare should pressure shown on the driver’s sensor in that tire immediately sends be checked monthly when cold and doorjamb. a signal that causes the low tire set to the recommended inflation pressure indicator and the pressure as specified in the vehicle If the tire is flat, or if the tire appropriate tire on the Tire Pressure placard and owner’s manual (see pressure is too low to continue Monitor to come on. page222 ). driving, replace the tire with the compact spare tire. Low Tire Pressure Indicator When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressureasindicatedonthevehicle’s tire information placard.

Driving 177 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Tire Pressure Monitor Tire Pressure Monitoring Each wheel is equipped with a tire System (TPMS) Indicator pressure sensor mounted inside the The appropriate tire indicator and The indicator comes on and stays on tire behind the valve stem. You must Low Tire Pressure Indicator will when there is a problem with the use TPMS specific wheels. It is come on if a tire becomes Tire Pressure Monitoring System. recommended that you always have significantly underinflated. Follow your tires serviced by your Acura the instructions under ‘‘Low Tire If this happens, the system will shut dealer or qualified technician. Pressure Indicator’’. off and no longer monitor tire After you replace the flat tire, the pressures. Have the system checked Low Tire Pressure indicator will stay by an Acura dealer as soon as on.Thisisnormal;thesystemisnot possible. monitoring the spare tire pressure. Manually check the spare tire ChangingtheTirewithTPMS pressure to be sure it is correct. If you have a flat tire, the Low Tire Pressure and Tire monitor indicators Never use a puncture-repairing agent will come on. Replace the indicated in a flat tire. If used, you will have to flat tire with the compact spare tire replace the tire pressure sensor. (see page231 ). Havetheflattirerepairedbyan Acura dealer as soon as possible.

178 Driving Parking

Always use the parking brake when Parking Tips If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn you park your vehicle. Make sure Make sure the moonroof and the the front wheels away from the the parking brake is set firmly or windows are closed. curb. your vehicle may roll if it is on an incline. Turn off the lights. If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels toward the Set the parking brake before you put Place any packages, valuables, etc. curb. the transmission in Park. This keeps in the cargo area, or take them the vehicle from moving and putting with you. Make sure the parking brake is pressure on the parking mechanism fully released before driving away. in the transmission. Lock the doors. Driving with the parking brake partially set can overheat or Never park over dry leaves, tall damage the rear brakes. grass, or other flammable materials. The hot three way catalytic converter could cause these materials to catch on fire.

Driving 179 Braking System

Your vehicle is equipped with disc Check the brakes after driving etc.). If one circuit should develop a brakes at all four wheels. A power through deep water. Apply the problem, you will still have braking assist helps reduce the effort needed brakes moderately to see if they feel at two wheels. on the brake pedal. The ABS helps normal. If not, apply them gently and you retain steering control when frequently until they do. Be extra Brake Wear Indicators braking very hard. cautious in your driving. If the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive, metallic Resting your foot on the pedal keeps Braking System Design screeching sound when you apply the brakes applied lightly, builds up the brake pedal. If you do not have heat, and reduces their effectiveness. the brake pads replaced, they will It also keeps your brake lights on all screech all the time. It is normal for the time, confusing drivers behind the brakes to occasionally squeal or you. squeak when you apply them. Front Constant application of the brakes when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective- ness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by taking your foot off the accelerator and downshifting to a lower gear. The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits. Each circuit works diagonally across the vehicle (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake,

180 Driving Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Activating the Anti-lock Brakes ABS Indicator helps prevent the brakes from You will feel a pulsation in the brake locking up and helps you retain pedal when the ABS activates, and If the ABS indicator comes on, the steering control by pumping the may hear some noise. This is normal: anti-lock function of the braking brakes rapidly, much faster than a it is the ABS rapidly pumping the system has shut down. The brakes person can do it. brakes. On dry pavement, you will still work like a conventional system, need to press on the brake pedal but without anti-lock. You should The ABS also balances the front-to- very hard before the ABS activates. have the dealer inspect your vehicle rear braking distribution according However, you may feel the ABS as soon as possible. to vehicle loading. activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. 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.’’

Driving 181 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

If the ABS indicator and the break Important Safety Reminders A vehicle with ABS may require a system indicator come on together ABS does not reduce the time or longer distance to stop on loose or and the parking break is fully distance it takes to stop the uneven surfaces, such as gravel or released, the front-to-rear braking vehicle. It only helps with the snow, than a vehicle without anti- distribution system may also shut steering control during braking. lock. down. ABS will not prevent a skid that Test your brakes as instructed on results from changing direction page244 . If the brakes feel normal, abruptly, such as trying to take a drive slowly and have your vehicle corner too fast or making a sudden repaired by your Acura dealer as lane change. Always drive at a safe soon as possible. Avoid sudden hard speed for the road and weather braking which could cause the rear conditions. wheels to lock up and possibly lead to a loss of control. ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement can still cause your vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road.

182 Driving Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System

The Vehicle Stability Assist system VSA Activation Indicator VSA System Indicator helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more When VSA activates, you will see the If the VSA system indicator comes or less than desired. It also assists VSA Activation indicator blink. on while driving, pull to the side of you in maintaining traction while theroadwhenitissafe,andturnoff accelerating on loose or slippery the engine. Reset the system by road surfaces. It does this by restarting the engine. If the VSA regulating the engine’s output, and system indicator stays on, or comes by selectively applying the brakes. back on while driving, have the VSA system inspected by an Acura dealer. When VSA activates, you may notice that the engine does not respond to the accelerator in the same way it does at other times.

The VSA system cannot enhance the vehicle’s driving stability in all situations and does not control your vehicle’s entire braking system. It is still your responsibility to drive and corner at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient margin of safety.

CONTINUED

Driving 183 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System

If the indicator does not come on VSA Off Switch VSA is turned on every time you when the ignition switch is turned to start the engine, even if you turned it ON(II),theremaybeaproblem off the last time you drove the with the VSA system. Have an Acura vehicle. dealer inspect your vehicle as soon as possible. VSA and Tire Sizes Driving with varying tire or wheel Without VSA, your vehicle will have sizes may cause the VSA to normal braking and cornering ability, malfunction. When replacing tires, but it will not have VSA traction and make sure they are of the same size stability enhancement. and type as your original tires (see page224 ).

Deactivate the VSA system if you This switch is under the left vent. need to drive with the compact spare Press it to turn the Vehicle Stability tire installed (see page230 ). Assist system on and off. If you install winter tires, make sure When VSA is off, the VSA Activation they are the same size as those that Indicator comes on as a reminder. were originally supplied with your vehicle. Exercise the same caution during winter driving as you would if your vehicle was not equipped with VSA.

184 Driving Towing Weight Limits

To safely tow a trailer, you should Estimating Loads Load Limits observe the load limits, use the To help ensure a safe drive to a scale, proper equipment, and follow the or if you cannot get to a public scale, guidelines in this section. we recommend that you estimate your total trailer weight and tongue Be sure to read the Off-Highway load as described next. Driving Guidelines section on page 192 if you plan to tow off paved Gross Vehicle Weight Rating surfaces. (GVWR) － The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo and the tongue load is 5,787 lbs (2,630 kg). Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle Gross Axle Weight Ratings and trailer can cause a crash in (GAWR) － The maximum Total Trailer Weight which you can be seriously hurt allowable weight on the vehicle axles See page187 for limits for your or killed. are 2,882 lbs (1,307 kg) on the front towing situation. axle, and 2,992 lbs (1,360 kg) on the Check the loading of your rear axle. To Estimate the Total Trailer Weight vehicle and trailer carefully The GCWR must be reduced 2 Add the weight of your trailer (as beforestartingtodrive. percent for every 1,000 feet (305 quoted by the manufacturer) with meters) of elevation. everything in or on the trailer. Check the tables on page187 that you do Thebestwaytoconfirmthatall not exceed the limit for your loads are within limits is to check conditions. them at a public scale. CONTINUED

Driving 185 Towing Weight Limits

Too much tongue load reduces front- Fig.1 tire traction and steering control. Too little tongue load can make the Ifthedifferenceis: trailer unstable and cause it to sway. 1 ½’’ = 150 lbs (68 kg) 2 ¼’’ = 250 lbs (114 kg) To Estimate the Tongue Load 3’’ = 350 lbs (159 kg) 1. Park the vehicle on level ground. 3 ¾’’ = 450 lbs (204 kg) 4’’ = over 450 lbs (204 kg) 2. Measure and record the distance Ifthedifferenceismorethan4’’ from the ground to the bottom of you have too much tongue load the trailer hitch. at the rear. Move or remove cargo from the trailer and the 3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to vehicle, and measure again. Tongue Load the hitch. The weight that the tongue of a fully If the estimated trailer weight and loaded trailer puts on the hitch 4. Measure again from the ground to tongue load do not exceed the limits, shouldbe5to10percentofthetotal the same spot on the bottom of the drive your trailer to a public scale trailer weight for boat trailers, and 8 hitch. fully loaded with all occupants and to 15 percent of total trailer weight cargo you plan to take on the road. for all other trailers. See page187 for 5. Subtract the second measurement limits for your towing situation. from the first measurement. Refer to Fig. 1.

186 Driving Towing Weight Limits

Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits: BOAT TRAILERS

Number of Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering fluid cooler. Occupants＊ Max. Trailer Weight Max. Tongue Load 2 4500 lbs (2045 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg) 3 4500 lbs (2045 kg) 410 lbs (185 kg) 4 4500 lbs (2045 kg) 310 lbs (140 kg) 5 4000 lbs (1820 kg) 215 lbs (100 kg) 6 1700 lbs (770 kg) 90 lbs (40 kg) 7 Towing is Not Recommended

Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load Limits: OTHER TYPES OF TRAILERS

Number of Equipped with transmission cooler and power steering fluid cooler. Occupants＊ Max. Trailer Weight Max. Tongue Load 2 3500 lbs (1590 kg) 450 lbs (205 kg) 3 3500 lbs (1590 kg) 410 lbs (185 kg) 4 3000 lbs (1365 kg) 310 lbs (140 kg) 5 2000 lbs (910 kg) 215 lbs (100 kg) 6 1000 lbs (455 kg) 90 lbs (40 kg) 7 Towing is Not Recommended

＊ The corresponding weight limits assume occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back, each occupant weighs 150 lbs (70 kg) and each has 15lbs(7 kg) of luggage in the cargo area.

Driving 187 Towing a Trailer

Towing Equipment and Safety Chains Trailer Brakes Accessories Always use safety chains when you Acura requires that any trailer with a Towing generally requires a variety tow a trailer. Make sure the chains total trailer weight of 1,000 lbs (455 of supplemental equipment. To are secured to the trailer and hitch, kg) or more have its own brakes. ensure the best quality, we and that they cross under the tongue recommend that you purchase Acura and can catch the trailer if it There are two common types of equipment whenever possible. becomes unhitched. Leave enough trailer brakes: surge and electric. slack to allow the trailer to turn Surge brakes are common for boat Discuss any additional needs with corners easily, but do not let the trailers, since the brakes will get wet. your trailer sales or rental agency, chains drag on the ground. and make sure all equipment is Electric brakes must be properly installed, maintained, and Sway Control electronically actuated. Do not also meets state regulations. This device is recommended if your attempt to tap into your vehicle’s trailer tends to sway. Your trailer hydraulic system. See your brake Hitch maker can tell you what kind of sway manufacturer for more information We strongly recommend that you control you need and how to install it. on installing electric brakes. have your Acura dealer install an Acura hitch and use the required Transmission Fluid Cooler and Trailer Mirrors fluid coolers. Using non-Acura Power Steering Fluid Cooler Many states and provinces require equipment may result in serious To help prevent overheating, a special exterior mirrors when towing damage to your vehicle. heavy-duty transmission fluid cooler a trailer. Even if they don’t, you and a heavy-duty power steering should install special mirrors if you Weight Distributing Hitch fluid cooler are required for trailer cannot clearly see behind you, or if A weight distributing hitch is not towing. These coolers are available the trailer creates a blind spot. recommended for use with your only from your Acura dealer. MDX.

188 Driving Towing a Trailer

Trailer Lights If you use a non-Acura trailer Driving Safely With a Trailer lighting harness and converter, you Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof GROUND BACK-UP LEFT TURN cangetthematingconnectorand others, take time to practice driving (BLACK) LIGHT SIGNAL pins that mate with the connector in maneuvers before heading for the (GREEN/ (GREEN/ BLACK) BLUE) your vehicle from your Acura dealer. open road, and follow the guidelines below. Cennector-98530-00006-00 Terminal Kit-07JAZ-001-030A Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km). Spare Tires RIGHT TURN BRAKE When towing a trailer, we Drive slower than normal in all SIGNAL LIGHT TAILLIGHT recommend that you carry a full-size driving conditions. (GREEN/ (WHITE/ (RED/ YELLOW) BLACK) BLACK) spare wheel and tire for your vehicle and trailer. See page224 for proper Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider Check trailer light requirements for tire size, page235 for how to store a than normal. The trailer has a the areas where you plan to tow. full size wheel and tire, and page smaller arc and it can hit or run 231 for information on changing a over something the vehicle misses. To get to your vehicle’s trailer flat tire. lighting connector, open the tailgate, Remember to unhitch the trailer Allow more time and distance for remove the cargo cover, then before changing a flat. Ask your braking. Do not brake or turn remove the rear panel trim. The trailer sales or rental agency where suddenly－ the trailer could connector is on the left side. We and how to store the trailer’s spare jackknife or turn over. recommend that you have your tire. Acura dealer install an Acura wiring harness and converter. CONTINUED

Driving 189 Towing a Trailer

When driving with a fix-sided (e.g. Backing Up Driving on Hills camper, utility) trailer, do not Always drive slowly and have When climbing hills, closely watch exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At someone guide you when backing up. your temperature gauge. If it nears higher speeds, the trailer may Grip thebottom of the steering the red (Hot) mark, reduce speed sway or affect vehicle handling. wheel; then turn the wheel to the left and, if necessary, pull to the side of to get the trailer to move to the left, the road and let the engine cool. Whenbeingpassedbyatruckor andturnthewheelrighttomovethe large vehicle, cross-winds and air trailer to the right. If the transmission shifts frequently turbulence can disrupt your while going up a hill, shift down one steering and cause your trailer to Retrieving a Boat gear. sway. Keep a constant speed, steer If the vehicle’s wheels slip when straight ahead, and do not try to retrieving a boat from the water, Ifyoumuststopwhenfacinguphill, make quick steering or braking shift to first gear, and turn on VTM-4 use the foot brake or parking brake. corrections. Lock (see page176 ). Disengage Do not try to hold the vehicle in VTM-4 Lock as soon as the boat is placebypressingontheaccelerator, Do not park on an incline unless it out of the water to prevent damage this could cause the automatic is unavoidable. If you must, turn to the VTM-4 system. transmission to overheat. the vehicle’s wheels toward the curb on a downhill or away from When driving down hills, reduce the curb on an uphill. After your speed and shift down to D3 . Do parking, place wheel chocks at not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes. Remember it each trailer tire on the downhill will take longer to slow down and side. stop when towing a trailer.

190 Driving Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome

Your MDX can be towed behind a Press on the brake pedal. Shift the Extended Towing motorhome at legal highway speeds lever through all the positions (P, If you tow more than 8 hours in one up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not R,N,D,D,D,2,1).543 day, you should repeat the above exceed 65 mph (100 km/h) or severe procedure at least every 8 hours transmission damage will occur. To ShifttoD,thentoN.Letthe5 (when you stop for fuel, etc.) avoid damage to the 4WD system, it engine run for three minutes, then must be towed with all four wheels turn it off. NOTICE: The steering system can be on the ground (flat towing). damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the When purchasing a tow bar, make ACCESSORY (I) position, and make sure you select a reputable Leave the ignition switch in the sure the steering wheel turns f reely manufacturer. Follow the ACCESSORY (I) position so the bef ore you begin towing. manufacturer’s attachment steering wheel does not lock. instructions carefully. Make sure the radio and any items plugged into the accessory power Perform this procedure every day sockets are turned off so you do immediately before you begin towing. not run down the battery. Otherwise, severe automatic transmission damage will occur.

Check the transmission fluid level (see page210 ).

Start the engine.

Driving 191 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Your vehicle has been designed Important Safety Precautions primarily for use on pavement. But To avoid loss of control or rollover, its higher ground clearance and four- Improperly operating this be sure to follow all precautions and wheel drive VTM-4 system allow you vehicle on or off-pavement can recommendations. to occasionally travel on unpaved cause an accident or rollover in roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites, which you and your passengers Be sure to store cargo properly and similar locations. It is not could be seriously injured or and do not exceed your cargo load designed for trailblazing, mountain killed. limits (see page166 and 185 ). climbing, or other challenging off- road activities. Follow all instructions and Whenever you drive, make sure guidelines in the owner’s you and your passengers always If you decide to drive on unpaved manual. wear seat belts. roads, you will find that it requires Keep your speed low and somewhat different driving skills. don’t drive faster than Keep your speed low, and never Your vehicle will also handle conditions permit. go faster than the conditions allow. somewhat differently than it does on pavement. Be sure to pay extra It’s up to you to continually assess attention to the precautions and tips the situation and drive within the in this section, and get acquainted limits. with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.

192 Driving Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

Check Out Your Vehicle Accelerating and Braking vehicle to tip or roll over. Before you leave the pavement, be Forbettertractiononallsurfaces, sure to do all scheduled maintenance accelerate slowly and gradually build Driving on Slopes and service and that you inspect your up speed. If you try to start too fast If you can’t clearly see all road vehicle. Pay special attention to the on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you conditions or obstacles, walk the condition of the tires and check the might not have enough traction to slope before you drive on it. If you tire pressure. get underway and you may dig have any doubt whether or not you yourself a hole. Starting with the can safely drive on the slope, don’t After you return to the pavement, shift lever in second gear (2) will do it. Find another route. carefully inspect your vehicle to help you have a smoother start on make sure there is no damage that snow and ice. If you are driving up a hill and find could make driving it unsafe. that you cannot continue, do not try to Recheck the condition of the tires Keep in mind that you will usually turn around. Your vehicle could roll and the tire pressure. need more time and distance to over. Slowly back down the hill, brake to a stop on unpaved surfaces. following the same route you took up Remember: Avoid hard braking. Do not pump the hill. The route presents limits (too steep the brakes; let the anti-lock braking or bumpy roads). You have limits system pump them for you. Crossing a Stream (driving skill and comfort). And your Before driving through water, stop vehicle has limits (traction, stability, Avoiding Obstacles and make sure that: and power). Debris in the road can damage your The water is not deep enough to suspension or other components. cover your wheel hubs, axles or Driving off-highway can be Because your vehicle has a high exhaust pipe. You could stall and hazardous if you fail to recognize center of gravity, driving over a large not be able to restart your engine. limits and take the proper obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop The water can also damage precautions. into a deep hole can cause your important vehicle components.

Driving 193 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

The banks are sloped so you can If the water is deeper than the wheel needs good traction to avoid drive out. hubs, some additional service may becoming stuck, too. The water is not flowing too fast. be required. This service is not Deep rushing water can sweep you covered by your warranties. You should never use a jack to try to downstream. Even very shallow get unstuck. Your vehicle could rushingwatercanwashthe If You Get Stuck easily slip off the jack and hurt you ground from under your tires and If you get stuck, engage the VTM-4 or someone else. cause you to lose traction and Lock (see page176 ). Carefully try to possibly roll over. go in the direction (forward or Towinga TrailerOff-Road The banks and surface under the reverse) that you think will get you You may be able to safely tow a water provide good traction. The unstuck. Do not spin the tires at high lightweight trailer (such as a water may hide hazards such as speeds. It will not help you get out motorcycle or small tent trailer) off- rocks, holes, or mud. and may cause damage to the road if you follow these guidelines. transmission or VTM-4 system. Do not exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg) If you decide it is safe to drive or a tongue weight of 100 lbs (45 through water, choose a suitable If you are unable to free yourself, kg). speed and engage the VTM-4 Lock. your vehicle is equipped with front Trytostayonsmooth,leveldirt Proceed without shifting or changing and rear tow hooks designed for this roads, and avoid driving in hilly speeds, and do not stop the vehicle purpose. terrain. or shut off the engine. Allow extra room for starting, Use a nylon strap to attach the MDX stopping, and turning. After driving through water, test to the recovery vehicle and carefully Slow down if you encounter bumps your brakes. If they got wet, gently take out the slack in the strap. Once or other obstacles. pump them while driving slowly until the strap is tight, the recovery they operate normally. vehicle should apply force. Remember that the recovery vehicle

194 Driving Maintenance

This section explains why it is Maintenance Safety...... 196 important to keep your vehicle well Maintenance Schedule...... 197 maintained and how to follow basic Maintenance Record ...... 201 maintenance safety precautions. Fluid Locations...... 204 Adding Engine Oil ...... 205 This section also includes Changing the Oil and Filter...... 206 Maintenance Schedules for normal Engine Coolant...... 208 driving and severe driving conditions, Windshield Washers ...... 209 a Maintenance Record, and instruc- Automatic Transmission Fluid.... . 210 tions for simple maintenance tasks Differential Fluid ...... 211 you may want to take care of Transfer Assembly Fluid...... 211 yourself. Brake Fluid...... 212 Power Steering Fluid...... 213 If you have the skills and tools to per- Timing Belt...... 213 form more complex maintenance Hood Latch...... 214 tasks on your Acura, you may want Lights ...... 214 to purchase the Service Manual. See Seat Belts...... 218 page269 for information on how to Floor Mats ...... 218 obtain a copy, or see your Acura Wiper Blades...... 219 dealer. Tires ...... 221 Checking the Battery...... 226 Vehicle Storage...... 227

Maintenance 195 Maintenance Safety

All service items not detailed in this Wear eye protection and before touching any parts. sectionshouldbeperformedbyan protective clothing when working Acura technician or other qualified with the battery or compressed air. Injury from moving parts. Do mechanic. not run the engine unless instructed to do so. Important Safety Precautions To eliminate potential hazards, read Improperly maintaining this the instructions before you begin, vehicle or failing to correct a and make sure you have the tools problem before driving can Failure to properly follow and skills required. cause a crash in which you can maintenance instructions and be seriously hurt or killed. precautions can cause you to Make sure your vehicle is parked be seriously hurt or killed. on level ground, the parking brake Always follow the inspection is set, and the engine is off. and maintenance Always follow the procedures recommendations in this owner’s and precautions in this owner’s To clean parts, use a commercially manual. manual. available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline. Potential Vehicle Hazards Some of the most important safety To reduce the possibility of fire or Carbon Monoxide poison from precautions are given here. However, explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, engine exhaust. Be sure there is we cannot warn you of every and flames away from the battery adequate ventilation whenever you conceivable hazard that can arise in and all fuel-related parts. operate the engine. performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you Burns from hot parts. Let the should perform a given task. engine and exhaust system cool

196 Maintenance Maintenance Schedule

The maintenance schedule assumes Used primarily as a delivery NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY you will use your vehicle as normal vehicle or taxi that is driven drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you transportation for passengers and mostly in stop-and-go traffic and/ should follow the Maintenance their possessions. You should also or parked with the engine idling. Schedule for Normal Conditions. follow these recommendations: Which Schedule to Follow: Canadian Owners － Follow the Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s U.S. Owners － Follow the Maintenance Schedule for Severe load limit. This puts excess stress Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions. on the engine, brakes, and many Conditions if you drive your vehicle other vehicle parts. The load limit MAINLY under one or more of the is shown on the tire information following conditions. label on the driver’s doorjamb. Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) Operate your vehicle on per trip or, in freezing reasonable roads within the legal temperatures, driving less than 10 speed limit. miles (16 km) per trip.

Drive your vehicle regularly over a Driving in extremely hot [over distance of several miles 90°F (32°C)] conditions. (kilometers). Trailer towing, driving with a roof Always use unleaded gasoline with rack, or driving in mountainous theproperoctanerating(seepage conditions. 158 ). Driving on muddy, dusty, or de- iced roads.

Maintenance 197 Maintenance Schedule

Servicing Your Vehicle U.S. Vehicles: Maintenance, Engine oil level－ Check every Your authorized Acura dealer knows replacement, or repair of time you fill the fuel tank. See your vehicle best and can provide emissions control devices and page161 . competent, efficient service. systems may be done by any However, service at a dealer is not automotive repair establishment Engine coolant level－ Check the mandatory to keep your warranties or individual using parts that are radiator reserve tank every time in effect. Maintenance may be done ‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards. you fill the fuel tank. See page162 . by any qualified service facility or skilled person to keep your According to state and federal Automatic transmission－ Check warranties in effect. Keep all the regulations, failure to perform the fluid level monthly. See page receipts as proof of completion, and maintenance on the items marked 210 . have the person who does the work with＃ will not void your emissions fill out the Maintenance Record. warranties. However, Acura Brakes－ Check the fluid level Check your warranty booklet for recommends that all maintenance monthly. See page212 . more information. services be performed at the recommended time or mileage Tires－ Check the tire pressure We recommend the use of Acura period to ensure long-term reliability. monthly. Examine the tread for parts and fluids whenever you have wear and foreign objects. See page maintenance done. Owner’s Maintenance Checks 222 . Youshouldcheckthefollowing items at the specified intervals. If Lights－ Check the operation of you are unsure of how to perform the headlights, parking lights, any check, turn to the appropriate taillights, high-mount brake light, page listed. turn signals, brake lights, and license plate light monthly. See page214 .

198 Maintenance Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given). miles x 1,000 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 km x 1,000 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192 216 240 Check engine oil and coolant Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop Check tires Check inflation and condition once a month Replace engine oil Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 223 ) Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) Replace engine oil filter Check front and rear brake wear Conditions Normal for Schedule Maintenance Check parking brake adjustment Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots Suspension components Driveshaft boots (Or every 1 year, whichever comes first) Brake hoses and lines (including ABS) All fluid levels and condition of fluids Exhaust system＃ Fuel lines and connections＃ Inspect drive belts Replace dust and pollen filter (Or every 2 years, whichever comes first) Replace air cleaner element Inspect valve clearance (Otherwise adjust only if noisy) Replace automatic transmission fluid＊1 Replace transfer fluid＊1 Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid＊2 Inspect idle speed Replace spark plugs Replace timing belt and inspect water pump (Or every 7 years, whichever comes first) Replace engine coolant At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Replace brake fluid Every 3 years (independent of mileage)

＊1: At 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. ＊2: At every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) up to 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 1 year, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. ＃: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page198 .

Maintenance 199 Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given). miles x 1,000 7.5 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 km x 1,000 12 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192 216 240 Check engine oil and coolant Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop Check tires Check inflation and condition once a month Replace engine oil and oil filter Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 223 ) Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) Check front and rear brake wear Inspect the following items: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots Suspension components, Driveshaft boots Check parking brake adjustment Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS) All fluid levels and condition of fluids (Or every 1 year, whichever comes first) Exhaust system＃ Fuel lines and connections＃ Lights and controls/vehicle underbody Inspect drive belts Replace dust and pollen filter Replace automatic transmission fluid (Or every 2 years, whichever comes first) Replace transfer fluid Replace air cleaner element Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) Inspect valve clearance (Otherwise adjust only if noisy) Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid＊＊1, 2 Inspect idle speed Replace spark plugs Replace timing belt＃＊,3 , and inspect water pump (Or every 7 years, whichever comes first) Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions Replace engine coolant At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Replace brake fluid Every 3 years (independent of mileage) ＊1: At every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) up to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 6 months, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 1 year. ＊2: Follow this schedule for rear differential fluid replacement if you use your vehicle for off-highway driving, trailer towing, mainly in stop-and-go driving. Otherwise, use the fluid replacement schedule in the Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions. ＊3: See timing belt on page213 for replacement information under special driving conditions. ＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page198 . 200 Maintenance Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)

You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page199 ) or severe conditions (page200 ). Keep the receipts for all work done on your vehicle.

3,750 mi Signature or dealer stamp mi/km 33,750 mi Signature or dealer stamp mi/km 6,000 km 54,000 km Date Date

7,500 mi mi/km 37,500 mi mi/km 12,000 km 60,000 km Date Date

11,250 mi mi/km 41,250 mi mi/km 18,000 km 66,000 km Date Date

15,000 mi mi/km 45,000 mi mi/km 24,000 km 72,000 km Date Date

18,750 mi mi/km 48,750 mi mi/km 30,000 km 78,000 km Date Date

22,500 mi mi/km 52,500 mi mi/km 36,000 km 84,000 km Date Date

26,250 mi mi/km 56,250 mi mi/km 42,000 km 90,000 km Date Date

30,000 mi mi/km 60,000 mi mi/km 48,000 km 96,000 km Date Date

CONTINUED Maintenance 201 Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)

63,750 mi Signature or dealer stamp mi/km 93,750 mi Signature or dealer stamp mi/km 102,000 km 150,000 km Date Date

67,500 mi mi/km 97,500 mi mi/km 108,000 km 156,000 km Date Date

71,250 mi mi/km 101,250 mi mi/km 114,000 km 162,000 km Date Date

75,000 mi mi/km 105,000 mi mi/km 120,000 km 168,000 km Date Date

78,750 mi mi/km 108,750 mi mi/km 126,000 km 174,000 km Date Date

82,500 mi mi/km 112,500 mi mi/km 132,000 km 180,000 km Date Date

86,250 mi mi/km 116,250 mi mi/km 138,000 km 186,000 km Date Date

90,000 mi mi/km 120,000 mi mi/km 144,000 km 192,000 km Date Date

202 Maintenance Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)

123,750 mi Signature or dealer stamp mi/km 198,000 km Date

127,500 mi mi/km 204,000 km Date

131,250 mi mi/km 210,000 km Date

135,000 mi mi/km 216,000 km Date

138,750 mi mi/km 222,000 km Date

142,500 mi mi/km 228,000 km Date

146,250 mi mi/km 234,000 km Date

150,000 mi mi/km 240,000 km Date

Maintenance 203 Fluid Locations

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK BRAKE FLUID (Orange loop) (Gray cap)

WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)

COOLANT RESERVOIR

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK POWER STEERING (Yellow loop) FLUID (Red cap) RADIATOR CAP ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

204 Maintenance Adding Engine Oil

ENGINE OIL FILL CAP Recommended Engine Oil Honda Motor Oil is the preferred Oil is a major contributor to your 5W-20 lubricant for your vehicle. It is engine’s performance and longevity. highly recommended that you use Always use a premium-grade 5W-20 Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for detergent oil displaying the API optimum engine protection. Make Certification Seal. This seal indicates sure the API Certification Seal says the oil is energy conserving, and that ‘‘For Gasoline Engines’’. it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s latest requirements. The oil viscosity or weight is provided on the container’s label. 5W-20 oil is formulated for year- round protection of your Acura to improve cold weather starting and Unscrew and remove the engine oil fuel economy. fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour in the oil slowly and carefully so you do not spill. Clean up any spills immediately. Spilled oil could damage components in the engine compartment. Install the engine oil fill cap and tighten it securely. Wait a API CERTIFICATION SEAL few minutes and recheck the oil level (see page161 ). Do not fill above the upper mark on the dipstick; you could damage the engine. Ambient Temperature

Maintenance 205 Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter

Synthetic Oil Changing the Oil and Filter You may use a synthetic motor oil if Always change the oil and filter it meets the same requirements according to the recommendations in given for a conventional motor oil: it the maintenance schedule. The oil displays the API Certification Seal and filter collect contaminants that and it is the proper weight. You must can damage your engine if they are follow the oil and filter change not removed regularly. intervals given in the maintenance schedule. Changing the oil and filter requires special tools and access from Engine Oil Additives underneath the vehicle. The vehicle Your Acura does not require any oil should be raised on a service station- WASHER DRAIN BOLT additives. Additives may adversely type hydraulic lift for this service. affect your engine’s or transmission’s Unless you have the knowledge and 2. Open the hood and remove the performance and durability. proper equipment, you should have engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil this maintenance done by a skilled drain bolt and washer from the mechanic. bottom of the engine. Drain the oil into an appropriate container. 1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then shut it off.

206 Maintenance Changing the Oil and Filter

OIL FILTER 6. Refill the engine with the recom- NOTICE: Improper disposal of engine mended oil. oil can be harmf ul to the environment. If you change your own oil, please Engine oil change capacity dispose of used oil properly. Put it in a (including filter): sealed container, and take it to a 4.5 US qt (4.3 ) recycling center. Do not discard used oilinatrashbinordumpitonthe 7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. ground. Start the engine. The oil pressure indicator should go out within 5 seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine and check your work.

3. Remove the oil filter, and let the 8. Let the engine run for several remaining oil drain. A special minutes, then check the drain bolt wrench (available from your Acura and oil filter for leaks. dealer) is required. 9. Turn off the engine and let it sit 4. Install a new oil filter according to for several minutes, then check the instructions that come with it. the oil level on the dipstick. If necessary, add more oil. 5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt. Tighten it to: 29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)

Maintenance 207 Engine Coolant

Adding Engine Coolant Always use Honda All Season If the reserve tank is completely Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This empty, you should also check the coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent coolant level in the radiator. antifreeze and 50 percent water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water. Removing the radiator cap If it is not available, you may use while the engine is hot can another major-brand non-silicate cause the coolant to spray out, coolant as a temporary replacement. seriously scalding you. Make sure it is a high-quality coolant recommended for aluminum engines. Always let the engine and RESERVE TANK Continued use of any non-Honda radiator cool down before coolant can result in corrosion, removing the radiator cap. If the coolant level in the reserve causing the cooling system to tank is at or below the MIN line, add malfunction or fail. Have the cooling coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. system flushed and refilled with Inspect the cooling system for leaks. Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as possible.

208 Maintenance Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers

3. The coolant level should be up to Windshield Washers the base of the filler neck. Add Check the fluid level in the coolant if it is low. windshield washer reservoir at least monthly during normal use. Pourthecoolantslowlyand The low washer level indicator will carefully so you do not spill. Clean come on when the level is low (see up any spill immediately; it could page61 ). damage components in the engine compartment. Fill the reservoir with a good-quality windshield washer fluid. This 4. Put the radiator cap back on, and increases the cleaning capability and tighten it fully. prevents freezing in cold weather. When you refill the reservoir, clean 5. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. the edges of the windshield wiper 1. Make sure the engine and radiator Fill it to halfway between the MAX blades with windshield washer fluid are cool. and MIN marks. Put the cap back on a clean cloth. This will help to on the reserve tank. condition them. When the radiator and engine are cool, relieve any pressure in the Do not add any rust inhibitors or NOTICE: Do not use engine antif reeze cooling system by turning the other additives to your vehicle’s or a vinegar/water solution in the radiator cap counterclockwise, cooling system. They may not be windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze without pressing down. compatible with the coolant or can damage your vehicle’s paint, while engine components. a vinegar/water solution can damage 2. Remove the radiator cap by the windshield washer pump. Use only pushing down and turning commercially-available windshield counterclockwise. washer f luid.

Maintenance 209 Automatic Transmission Fluid

DIPSTICK replacement. However, continued use can affect the shift quality. Have the transmission flushed and refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as soon as it is convenient.

To thoroughly flush the transmission, the technician should drain and refill it with UPPER MARK Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic LOWER MARK Transmission Fluid), then drive DIPSTICK the vehicle for a short distance. Do this three times. Then drain Check the fluid level with the engine 4. Remove the dipstick and check and refill the transmission a final at normal operating temperature. the fluid level. It should be time. 1. Park the vehicle on level ground. between the upper and lower Shut off the engine. marks. 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back in the transmission. 2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) 5. If the level is below the lower from the transmission, and wipe it mark, add fluid into the tube to The transmission should be drained with a clean cloth. bring it to the upper mark. and refilled with new fluid according Always use Honda ATF-Z1 to the time and distance recommen- 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into (Automatic Transmission Fluid). If dations in the maintenance schedule. the transmission. it’s not available, you may use a DEXRON III automatic If you are not sure how to add fluid, transmission fluid as a temporary contact your Acura dealer.

210 Maintenance DifferentialFluid,TransferAssembly Fluid

Differential Fluid Put a new washer on the filler bolt, Transfer Assembly Fluid then reinstall the filler bolt. Tighten FILLER BOLT it securely. Tightening torque: FILLER PLUG 33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)

The differential should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the recommendations in the maintenance schedule.

CORRECT LEVEL DRAIN PLUG Check the fluid level with the Checkthefluidinthetransfer differential at normal operating assembly with the vehicle sitting on temperature and the vehicle sitting level ground. Remove the filler plug on level ground. Remove the and check that the fluid level is up to differential fluid filler bolt and the edge of the filler plug hole. washer, and carefully feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, slowly add VTM-4 Differential Fluid until it starts to run out of the hole. CONTINUED

Maintenance 211 Transfer Assembly Fluid, Brake Fluid

If it is not, slowly add proper fluid Brake Fluid until it starts to run out of the hole. Check the fluid level in the brake MAX Reinstall the filler plug and tighten it fluid reservoir monthly. Replace it securely. according to the maintenance Tightening torque: schedule recommendations. 33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m) Always use Honda Heavy Duty UseaSAE90orSAE80W-90 Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not viscosity hypoid gear oil, API service available, you should use only DOT 3 classified GL4 or GL5 only, in the or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed transfer assembly. container, as a temporary replacement. Using any non-Honda MIN Viscosity brake fluid can cause corrosion and SAE 90: above 0°F (－ 18°C) decrease the life of the system. Have The fluid level should be between SAE 80W-90: below 0°F (－ 18°C) the brake system flushed and refilled theMINandMAXmarksontheside with Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid of the reservoir. If the level is at or The transfer assembly fluid should DOT 3 as soon as possible. below the MIN mark, your brake be drained and refilled with new fluid system needs attention. Have the accordingtothetimeanddistance Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not brake system inspected for leaks or recommendations in the compatible with your vehicle’s worn brake pads. maintenance schedule. braking system and can cause extensive damage.

212 Maintenance Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt

Power Steering Fluid Always use Honda Power Steering Timing Belt Fluid. You may use another power The timing belt should be replaced UPPER LEVEL steering fluid as an emergency at the intervals shown in the replacement, but have the power maintenance schedule. steering system flushed and refilled with Honda PSF as soon as possible. Replace the belt at 60,000 miles (100,000 km) if you regularly drive A low power steering fluid level can your vehicle in one or more of these indicate a leak in the system. Check conditions: the fluid level frequently, and have the system inspected as soon as In very high temperatures possible. (over 110°F, 43°C). LOWER LEVEL In very low temperatures NOTICE: Turning the steering wheel to (under－－ 20°F, 29°C). Check the level on the side of the f ull lef t or right lock and holding it Frequently tow a trailer. reservoir when the engine is cold. there can damage the power steering The fluid should be between the pump. UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If not add power steering fluid to the UPPER LEVEL mark.

Maintenance 213 Hood Latch, Lights

Hood Latch Headlight Aiming Replacing a Headlight Bulb Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed Your vehicle has halogen headlight LATCH ASSEMBLY when your vehicle was new. If you bulbs, two on each side. When regularly carry heavy items in the replacing a bulb, handle it by its base cargo area or pull a trailer, and protect the glass from contact readjustment may be required. with your skin or hard objects. If you Adjustment should be done by an touch the glass, clean it with Acura dealer or other qualified denaturedalcoholandacleancloth. mechanic. NOTICE: Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to overheat and shatter.

Clean the hood latch assembly with a 1. Open the hood. mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a multipurpose grease. Lubricate all the moving parts (as shown), including the pivot. Follow the time and distance recommendations in the Maintenance Schedule. If you are not sure how to clean and grease the latch, contact your Acura dealer.

214 Maintenance Lights

Replacing Front Turn Signal/ Parking and Side Marker Light Bulbs

TAB BULB CONNECTOR

2. Remove the electrical connector 4. Push the electrical connector onto from the bulb by squeezing the the new bulb. connector to unlock the tab, then slide the connector off the bulb. 5. Insert the new bulb into the hole 1. Remove the socket from the and turn it one-quarter turn clock- headlight assembly by turning it 3. Remove the bulb by turning it wise to lock it in place. one-quarter turn counterclockwise. approximately one-quarter turn counterclockwise. 6. Turn on the headlights to test the 2. To remove a bulb, pull it straight new bulb. out of its socket.

CONTINUED

Maintenance 215 Lights

Replacing Rear Bulbs

1. Open the tailgate. Use a 4. Remove the socket by turning it screwdriver protected with a cloth one-quarter turn counterclockwise. 3. Install the new bulb into the to pry open the two covers. socket. 5. Remove the burned-out bulb by 2. Remove the two screws and pulling it straight out of the socket. 4. Insert the socket back into the remove the rear light assembly headlight assembly. Turn it from the rear pillar. clockwise to lock it in place. 3. Determine which of the four bulbs 5. Testthelightstomakesurethe is burned out: brake/taillight, turn new bulb is working. signal/hazard lights, side marker light, or back-up light.

216 Maintenance Lights

6. Install the new bulb into the Replacing a High-mount Brake 3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Light Bulb socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms. 7. Push the socket into the light assembly and turn it clockwise 4. Testthelightstomakesurethe until it locks. new bulb is working.

8. Testthelightstomakesurethe 5. Put the socket back into the light new bulb is working. assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. 9. Install the rear light assembly in the body. Tighten the two screws. 6. Place the cover back into the light Snap the covers back into position. assembly. Push it up until it locks in place.

1. Remove the light assembly cover by prying carefully with a cloth- covered screwdriver in the notches along the top edge. Then pivot the cover out and down.

2. Remove the socket from the light assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

Maintenance 217 Seat Belts, Floor Mats

Seat Belts Floor Mats If you use a non-Acura floor mat, make sure it fits properly and that it LOOP canbeusedwiththefloormat anchor. Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored mat.

If your seat belts get dirty, use a soft The driver’s floor mat that came brush with a mixture of mild soap with your vehicle hooks over the and warm water to clean them. Do floor mat anchor. This keeps the not use bleach, dye, or cleaning floor mat from sliding forward and solvents. Let the belts air-dry before possibly interfering with the pedals. you use the vehicle. Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat If you remove the driver’s floor mat, belt anchors can cause the belts to make sure to re-anchor it when you retract slowly. Wipe the insides of putitbackinyourvehicle. the loops with a clean cloth dampened in mild soap and warm water or isopropyl alcohol.

218 Maintenance Wiper Blades

Check the condition of the wiper WIPER ARMS blades at least every six months. Replace them if you find signs of cracking in the rubber, and areas that are getting hard, or if they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used.

LOCK TAB To replace a wiper blade: 2. Front only: Disconnect the blade assembly 1. Raise the wiper arm off the fromthewiperarmbypushingin windshield. the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in Windshield: Raise the driver’s side while you push the blade assembly first, then the passenger’s side. toward the base of the arm.

CONTINUED

Maintenance 219 Wiper Blades

BLADE BLADE 5. Slide the new wiper blade into the holder until the tabs lock.

6. Front only: Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place.

7. Lower the wiper arm down against the window. Windshield: Lower the passenger’s REINFORCEMENT side first, then the driver’s side.

3. Remove the blade from its holder 4. Examine the new wiper blades. If by grasping the tabbed end of the they have no plastic or metal blade. Pull firmly until the tabs reinforcement along the back come out of the holder. edge, remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade, and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade.

220 Maintenance Tires

To safely operate your vehicle, your Inflation Use a gauge to measure the air tires must be the proper type and Keeping the tires properly inflated pressure at least once a month. Even size, in good condition with adequate provides the best combination of tires that are in good condition may tread, and correctly inflated. handling, tread life, and riding lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1 The following pages give more comfort. to 0.2 kgf/cm ) per month. detailed information on how to take Underinflated tires wear unevenly, Remember to check the spare tire at care of your tires and what to do adversely affect handling and fuel thesametime. when they need to be replaced. economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Check the pressure in the tires when Overinflated tires can make your they are cold. This means the vehicle vehicleridemoreharshly,aremore has been parked for at least three Using tires that are excessively prone to damage from road hazards, hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 worn or improperly inflated can and wear unevenly. km). cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. The Tire Pressure Monitoring Add or release air, if needed, to System (TPMS) will warn you when match the recommended cold tire Follow all instructions in this a tire pressure is low. See page pressures on page222 . owner’s manual regarding tire 177 for information on the TPMS. inflation and maintenance. We recommend that you visually check your tires every day. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately with a tire gauge.

CONTINUED

Maintenance 221 Tires

If you check the pressure when the Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure Inspection tires are hot [driven for several miles for Normal Driving Every time you check inflation, you (kilometers)], you will see readings 4 P235/65R17 103T 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 should also examine the tires for to6psi(30to40kPa,0.3to0.4 kgf/cm ) damage, foreign objects, and wear. kgf/cm ) higher than the cold reading. This is normal; do not Thecompactsparetirepressureis: Youshouldlookfor: release air to match the cold 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm ) Bumps or bulges in the tread or pressure. side of the tire. Replace the tire if For convenience, the recommended youfindeitherortheseconditions. Tubeless tires have some ability to tire sizes and cold air pressures are self-seal if they are punctured. You on a label on the driver’s doorjamb. Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side should look closely for punctures if a of the tire. Replace the tire if you tire starts losing pressure. For additional technical information can see fabric or cord. about your tires, see page256 . Youshouldgetyourowntire Excessive tread wear. pressure gauge and use it whenever Tire pressure for high speed driving you check your tire pressures. This is the same as for normal driving. will make it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges.

222 Maintenance Tires

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS Tire Maintenance Tire Rotation In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to Front Front decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment.

Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the TREAD WEAR INDICATORS wheel. When you have new tires (For Non-directional (For Directional installed, make sure they are Tires and Wheels) Tires and Wheels) Your vehicle’s tires have wear balanced. This increases riding indicators molded into the tread. comfort and tire life. For best results, To help increase tire life and When the tread wears down to that have the installer perform a dynamic distribute wear more evenly, rotate point, you will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 balance. the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 mm) wide band running across the km). Move the tires to the positions tread. This shows there is less than NOTICE: Improper wheel weights can showninthecharteachtimethey 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on damage your vehicle’s aluminum are rotated. If you purchase the tire. A tire that is this worn gives wheels. Use only genuine Acura wheel directional tires, rotate only front-to- very little traction on wet roads. You weights f or balancing. back. should replace the tire if you can see the tread wear indicator in three or more places around the tire.

Maintenance 223 Tires

Replacing Tires It is best to replace all four tires at Replace your tires with radial tires of thesametime.Ifthatisnotpossible the same size, load range, speed or necessary, replace the two front Installing improper tires on your rating and maximum cold tire tires or two rear tires as a pair. vehicle can affect handling and pressure rating (as shown on the Replacing just one tire can seriously stability. This can cause a crash tire’s side wall). affect your vehicle’s handling. in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on If you ever replace a wheel, make your vehicle can reduce braking sure that the wheel’s specifications Always use the size and type of ability, traction, and steering match those of the original wheels. tires recommended in this accuracy. Using tires of a different owner’s manual. size or construction can cause the ABS to work inconsistently. Wheel and Tire Specifications TheABSworksbycomparingthe Wheel: 17x61/2JJ speed of the wheels. When replacing Tires: P235/65R17 103T tires, use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Tire size See page256 for DOT tire quality and construction can affect wheel grading information, and page speed and may cause the system to 258 for tire size explanation. work. Replacement wheels are available at your Acura dealer.

224 Maintenance Tires

Winter Driving Tire Chains NOTICE: Traction devices that are the Tires marked ‘‘M＋ S’’ or ‘‘All Because your vehicle has limited tire wrong size or improperly installed can Season’’ on the sidewall have an all- clearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’ damage your vehicle’s brake lines, weather tread design suitable for cable-type traction devices, with suspension, body, and wheels. Stop most winter driving conditions. rubber chain tensioners on the rear driving if they are hitting any part of tires. Use traction devices only when the vehicle. For the best performance in snowy required by driving conditions or or icy conditions, you should install local laws. Make sure they are the snow tires or tire chains. They may correct size for your tires. Metal link- be required by local laws under type ‘‘chains’’ should not be used. certain conditions. When installing cables, follow the Snow Tires manufacturer’s instructions, and If you mount snow tires on your mount them as tight as you can. vehicle, make sure they are radial Make sure they are not contacting tires of the same size and load range the brake lines or suspension. Drive as original tires. Mount snow tires on slowly with them installed. If you all four wheels. The traction hear them coming into contact with provided by snow tires on dry roads the body or chassis, stop and maybelowerthanyouroriginaltires. investigate. Remove them as soon as Check with the tire dealer for you begin driving on cleared roads. maximum speed recommendations.

Maintenance 225 Checking the Battery

Check the terminals for corrosion (a If you need to connect the battery to TEST INDICATOR WINDOW white or yellowish powder). To a charger, disconnect both cables to remove it, cover the terminals with a prevent damaging your vehicle’s solution of baking soda and water. It electrical system. Always disconnect will bubble up and turn brown. When the negative (－ ) cable first, and this stops, wash it off with plain reconnect it last. water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent further corrosion. The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal If additional battery maintenance is operation. needed, see your Acura dealer or a Check the condition of the battery qualified technician. A spark or flame can cause the monthlybylookingatthetest battery to explode with enough indicator window. The label on the WARNING: Battery posts, force to kill or seriously hurt you. battery explains the test indicator’s terminals, and related accessories colors. contain lead and lead compounds. Wear protective clothing and a Wash your hands after handling. face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery maintenance.

226 Maintenance Vehicle Storage

If you need to park your vehicle for Block the rear wheels. Cover the vehicle with a an extended period (more than one ‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made month), there are several things you If the vehicle is to be stored for a from a porous material such as should do to prepare it for storage. longer period, it should be cotton. Non-porous materials, such Proper preparation helps prevent supported on jackstands so the as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, deterioration and makes it easier to tires are off the ground. which can damage the paint. get your vehicle back on the road. If possible, store your vehicle indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if If possible, periodically run the the vehicle is being stored engine until it reaches full Fill the fuel tank. indoors). operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle on and off Change the engine oil and filter. Disconnect the battery. twice). Preferably, do this once a month. Wash and dry the exterior Support the front and rear wiper completely. blade arms with a folded towel or If you store your vehicle for 12 ragsotheydonottouchthe months or longer, have your Acura Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe windshield. dealer perform the inspections called carpeting, floor mats, etc., are for in the 24 months/30,000 miles completely dry. To minimize sticking, apply a (48,000 km) maintenance schedule silicone spray lubricant to all door (Normal Conditions) as soon as you Leave the parking brake off. Put and tailgate seals. Also, apply a take it out of storage (see page199 ). the transmission in Park. vehiclebodywaxtothepainted The replacements called for in the surfaces that mate with the door maintenance schedule are not and tailgate seals. needed unless the vehicle has actually reached that time or mileage.

Maintenance 227 228 Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more Compact Spare Tire...... 230 common problems that motorists Changing a Flat Tire ...... 231 experience with their vehicles. It If Your Engine Won’t Start...... 237 gives you information about how to Jump Starting ...... 238 safely evaluate the problem and what If Your Engine Overheats...... 240 to do to correct it. If the problem has Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 242 stranded you on the side of the road, Charging System Indicator...... 242 you may be able to get going again. Malfunction Indicator Lamp...... 243 If not, you will also find instructions Brake System Indicator...... 244 on getting your vehicle towed. Emergency Towing ...... 244 Fuses ...... 245 Fuse Locations...... 248

Taking Care of the Unexpected 229 Compact Spare Tire

Use the compact spare tire as a Do not mount snow chains on a INDICATOR LOCATION MARK temporary replacement only. Get compact spare. your regular tire repaired or replaced and put it back on your vehicle as Do not use the compact spare tire soon as you can. if you are towing a trailer.

Check the inflation pressure of the Do not use your compact spare compact spare tire every time you tire on another vehicle unless it is check the other tires. It should be thesamemakeandmodel. inflated to: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm ) TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR Follow these precautions: Replace the tire when you can see Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) the tread wear indicator bars. The under any circumstances. replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the This tire gives a harsher ride and same wheel. The spare tire is not less traction on some road sur- designed to be mounted on a regular faces. Use greater caution while wheel, and the spare wheel is not driving. designed for mounting a regular tire.

230 Taking Care of the Unexpected Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while driving, JACK stop in a safe place to change it. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area to stop that is far away from the traffic lanes.

The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.

Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the vehicle when it is supported only by the TOOLS SPARE TIRE jack. 1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and 2. Turn on the hazard warning lights, non-slippery ground. Put the and turn the ignition switch to transmission in Park. Apply the LOCK (0). Have all the parking brake. passengers get out of the vehicle while you change the tire.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected 231 Changing a Flat Tire

COVER COVER 3. Open the tailgate. 5. Take the tools out of the storage 7. The spare tire is stored compartment. underneath the rear cargo area. 4. Thetoolsandjackarebehinda Remove the plastic cover on the cover in the cargo area on the 6. Turn the jack’s end bracket cargo area lining to access the driver’s side. Remove the cover by counterclockwise to loosen it, then shaft for the spare tire hoist. pushing the top of the cover. remove the jack.

232 Taking Care of the Unexpected Changing a Flat Tire

SPARETIREWRENCH BRACKET

8. Put the wheel nut wrench on the 9. Keep turning the wheel wrench to 11.Loosen each wheel nut 1/2 turn hoist shaft. Turn the wrench create slack in the cable. with the wheel wrench. counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground. 10.Remove the bracket from the spare tire.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected 233 Changing a Flat Tire

EXTENSION

JACKING POINT WHEEL WRENCH BRAKE HUB 12.Place the jack under the jacking 13.Use the extension and wheel 15.Before mounting the spare tire, point nearest the tire you need to wrench as shown to raise the wipe any dirt off the mounting change. It is pointed to by a △ vehicle until the flat tire is off the surface of the wheel and hub with mark molded into the underside of ground. a clean cloth. Wipe the hub the body. Turn the end bracket carefully;itmaybehotfrom clockwise until the top of the jack 14.Remove the wheel nuts, then driving. contacts the jacking point. Make remove the flat tire. sure the jacking point tab is restinginthejacknotch.

234 Taking Care of the Unexpected Changing a Flat Tire

16.Put on the spare tire. Put the 20.Place the flat tire face up under wheel nuts back on finger-tight, the hoist. then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel wrench 21.Insert the hoist bracket into the until the wheel is firmly against center hole of the flat tire. the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully.

17.Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack.

18.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

19.Remove the center cap from the flat tire.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected 235 Changing a Flat Tire

NOTICE: Always raise the spare tire hoist, even if you are not stowing a tire. If the hoist is lef t down, it will be Loose items can fly around the damaged during driving and need to be interiorinacrashandcould replaced. seriously injure the occupants.

24.Store the jack in its holder. Turn Store the wheel, jack, and tools the jack’s end bracket to lock it in securely before driving. place. Store the tools, and install the cover.

22.Slowly turn the wheel wrench clockwisetotakeuptheslackof the hoist cable. Make sure the bracketisseatedinthecenter hole of the spare tire.

23.Turn the wheel wrench clockwise until the flat tire rests against the underbody of the vehicle and you hear the hoist click.

236 Taking Care of the Unexpected If Your Engine Won’t Start

Diagnosing why the engine won’t Check the transmission interlock. If the headlights dim noticeably or start falls into two areas, depending The transmission must be in Park go out when you try to start the on what you hear when you turn the orNeutralorthestarterwillnot engine, either the battery is dis- key to START (III): operate. charged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of You hear nothing, or almost Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). the battery and terminal connec- nothing. The engine’s starter Turn on the headlights, and check tions (see page226 ). You can motor does not operate at all, or their brightness. If the headlights then try jump starting the vehicle operates very slowly. are very dim or don’t light at all, from a booster battery (see page the battery is discharged. See 238 ). You can hear the starter motor Jump Starting on page238 . operating normally, or the starter The Starter Operates Normally motor sounds like it is spinning Turn the ignition switch to START In this case, the starter motor’s faster than normal, but the engine (III). If the headlights do not dim, speed sounds normal, or even faster does not start up and run. check the condition of the fuses. If than normal, when you turn the thefusesareOK,thereis ignition switch to START (III), but Nothing Happens or the Starter probably something wrong with the engine does not run. Motor Operates Very Slowly the electrical circuit for the When you turn the ignition switch to ignition switch or starter motor. Are you using a properly coded START (III), you do not hear the You will need a qualified key? An improperly coded key will normal noise of the engine trying to technician to determine the cause the immobilizer system start. You may hear a clicking sound problem (see Emergency Towing indicator in the dash panel to blink or series of clicks, or nothing at all. on page244 ). rapidly(seepage78 ). Check these things:

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected 237 If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting

Are you using the proper starting Jump Starting To jump start your vehicle: procedure? Refer to Starting the Although this seems like a simple Engine on page171 . procedure, you should take several 1. Open the hood, and check the precautions. physical condition of the battery. Do you have fuel? Check the fuel In very cold weather, check the gauge; the warning indicator may condition of the electrolyte. If it not be working. seems slushy or like ice, do not try A battery can explode if you do jump starting until it thaws. There may be an electrical not follow the correct procedure, problem, such as no power to the seriously injuring anyone NOTICE: If a battery sits in extreme fuel pump. Check all the fuses nearby. cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. (see page246 ). Attempting to jump start with a frozen Keep all sparks, open flames, battery can cause it to rupture. Ifyoufindnothingwrong,youwill and smoking materials away need a qualified technician to find from the battery. 2. Turn off all the electrical acces- the problem. See Emergency sories: heater, A/C, climate Towing on page244 . control, audio system, lights, etc. You cannot start your Acura by Put the transmission in Neutral or pushing or pulling it. Park, and set the parking brake.

3. Connect one jumper cable to the positive (＋ ) terminal on your Acura’s battery. Connect the other end to the positive (＋ ) terminal on the booster battery.

238 Taking Care of the Unexpected Jump Starting

6. Start your vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables make sure they have good metal-to-metal contact.

7. Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, BOOSTER BATTERY then from the booster battery.

4. Connect the second jumper cable The numbers in the illustration show Keep the ends of the jumper cables to the negative (－ ) terminal on you the order to connect the jumper away from each other and any metal the booster battery. Connect the cables. on the vehicle until everything is other end to the grounding strap disconnected. Otherwise, you may as shown. Do not connect this 5. If the booster battery is in another cause an electrical short. jumper cable to any other part of vehicle, have an assistant start the engine. that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 239 If Your Engine Overheats

If Your Engine Overheats 1. Safely pull to the side of the road. The pointer of your vehicle’s Put the transmission in Neutral or temperature gauge should stay in Steam and spray from an Park, and set the parking brake. the midrange. If it climbs to the red overheated engine can Turn off all accessories, and turn mark, you should determine the seriously scald you. on the hazard warning indicators. reason. Do not open the hood if steam 2. If you see steam and/or spray If the vehicle overheats, you should is coming out. coming from under the hood, turn take immediate action. The only off the engine. Wait until you see indication may be the temperature no more signs of steam or spray, gauge climbing to or above the red then open the hood. mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood. 3. If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running, and NOTICE: Driving with the temperature watch the temperature gauge. If gauge pointer at the red mark can the high heat is due to overloading, cause serious damage to your engine. the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.

240 Taking Care of the Unexpected If Your Engine Overheats

4. If the temperature gauge stays at 9. Start the engine and set the the red mark, turn off the engine. temperature control dial to Removing the radiator cap maximum (climate control to 5. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, while the engine is hot can FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add such as a split radiator hose. cause the coolant to spray out, coolant to the radiator up to the Everything is still extremely hot, seriously scalding you. base of the filler neck. If you do so use caution. If you find a leak, it not have the proper coolant must be repaired before you Always let the engine and mixture available, you can add continue driving (see Emergency radiator cool down before plain water. Remember to have Towing on page244 ). removing the radiator cap. the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as 6. If you don’t find an obvious leak, soon as you can. check the coolant level in the 8. Using gloves or large heavy cloth, radiator reserve tank. Add coolant turn the radiator cap 10.Put the radiator cap back on if the level is below the MIN mark. counterclockwise, without pushing tightly. Run the engine, and watch down, to the first stop. After the the temperature gauge. If it goes 7. If there was no coolant in the pressure releases, push down on back to the red mark, the engine reserve tank, you may need to add the cap, and turn it until it comes needs repair (see Emergency coolant to the radiator. Let the off. Towing on page244 ). engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera- 11.If the temperature stays normal, ture gauge, or lower, before check- check the coolant level in the ing the radiator. radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 241 Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator

Low Oil Pressure Indicator 1. Safely pull off the road, and shut Charging System Indicator This indicator should never off the engine. Turn on the hazard If the charging system come on when the engine is warning indicators. indicator comes on brightly running. If it starts flashing or stays when the engine is running, the on, the oil pressure has dropped very 2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. battery is not being charged. low or lost pressure. Serious engine Open the hood, and check the oil damage is possible and you should level (see page161 ). An engine Immediately turn off all electrical take immediate action. very low on oil can lose pressure accessories. Try not to use other during cornering and other driving electrically operated controls such as NOTICE: Running the engine with low maneuvers. the power windows. Keep the engine oil pressure can cause serious running; starting the engine will mechanical damage almost immediately. 3. If necessary, add oil to bring the discharge the battery rapidly. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can level back to the full mark on the saf ely get the vehicle stopped. dipstick (see page205 ). GotoanAcuradealeroraservice station where you can get technical 4. Start the engine and watch the oil assistance. pressure indicator. If it does not go out within ten seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving (see Emergency Towing on page 244 ).

242 Taking Care of the Unexpected Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Malfunction Indicator Lamp If the indicator comes on repeatedly, If your vehicle battery has been If this indicator comes on even though it may turn off as you disconnected or gone dead, these while driving, it means one continue driving, have the vehicle codes are erased. It takes at least of the engine’s emissions control checked by the dealer as soon as three days of driving under various systems may have a problem. Even possible. conditions to set the codes again. though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, it can NOTICE: If you keep driving with the To check if they are set, turn the reduce your fuel economy and cause Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you ignition to ON (II), without starting increased emissions. Continued can damage your vehicle’s emission the engine. The Malfunction operation may cause serious damage. controls and the engine. Those repairs Indicator Lamp will come on for 20 may not be covered by your vehicle’s seconds. If it then goes off, the If you have recently refueled your warranties. readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5 vehicle, the indicator could come on times, the readiness codes are not because of a loose or missing fuel fill Readiness Code set. If possible, do not take your cap. Tighten the cap until it clicks at Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness vehicle for a state emissions test least three times. Tightening the cap codes’’ that are part of the on-board until the readiness codes are set. will not turn the indicator turn off diagnostics for the emissions Refer to State Emissions Testing for immediately; it takes at least three systems. In some states, part of the more information (see page262 ). days of normal driving. emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 243 Brake System Indicator, Emergency Towing

Brake System Indicator However, if the brake pedal does not Emergency Towing U.S. The brake system indicator feel normal, you should take If your vehicle needs to be towed, normally comes on when immediate action. A problem in one call a professional towing service or you turn the ignition switch part of the system’s dual circuit organization. Never tow your vehicle to ON (II), and as a design will still give you braking at with just a rope or chain. It is very Canada reminder to check the two wheels. You will feel the brake dangerous. parking brake. It will stay pedal go down much farther before on if you do not fully the vehicle begins to slow down, and The only way you can safely tow release the parking brake. you will have to press harder on the your vehicle is with flat-bed pedal. equipment. The operator will load If the brake system indicator comes your vehicle on the back of a truck. on while driving, the brake fluid level Slow down by shifting to a lower Any other method of towing will is probably low. Press lightly on the gear, and pull to the side of the road damage the drive system. When you brake pedal to see if it feels normal. when it is safe. Because of the long contact the towing agency, inform If it does, check the brake fluid level distance needed to stop, it is them a flat-bed is required. thenexttimeyoustopataservice hazardous to drive the vehicle. You station (see page212 ). should have it towed, and repaired as NOTICE: Towing your vehicle with soon as possible. two tires on the ground will damage If the fluid level is low, take the parts of the 4WD system. It should be vehicle to your dealer and have the If you must drive the vehicle a short transported on a flat-bed truck or brake system inspected for leaks or distance in this condition, drive trailer. worn brake pads. slowly and carefully. Refer to Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome on page 191 for non-emergency towing information.

244 Taking Care of the Unexpected Fuses

DRIVER’S SIDE PASSENGER’S SIDE INTERIOR UNDER-HOOD (PRIMARY) INTERIOR

The vehicle’s fuses are located in To open the passenger’s side, pull five fuse boxes. the right edge of the cover. UNDER-HOOD (SECONDARY)

Theinteriorfuseboxesarelocated The primary under-hood fuse box is under the dashboard on the driver’s locatedonthepassenger’sside.The and passenger’s side. secondary fuse box is next to the battery.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 245 Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, the first thing youshouldcheckforisablownfuse. Determine from the chart on pages 148and 149 , or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that device. The diagram for theinteriordriver’ssidefuseboxis on the kick panel below the fuse box. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that a BLOWN FUSE PULLER blown fuse is the cause. Replace any blown fuses, and check if the device 3. Check each of the large fuses in 4. Check the smaller fuses in the works. the primary under-hood fuse box under-hood fuse boxes and all the by looking through the top at the fuses in the interior fuse box by 1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK wire inside. Removing these fuses pulling out each one with the fuse (0). Make sure the headlights and requires a Phillips-head puller provided in the primary all other accessories are off. screwdriver. under-hood fuse box.

2 Remove the cover from the fuse box.

246 Taking Care of the Unexpected Fuses

If you cannot drive the vehicle NOTICE: Replacing a f use with one BLOWN without fixing the problem, and you that has a higher rating greatly do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse increases the chances of damaging the of the same rating or a lower rating electrical system. If you do not have a from one of the other circuits. Make replacement f use with the proper rating sureyoucandowithoutthatcircuit f or the circuit, install one with a lower temporarily (such as the accessory rating. power socket or radio). 6. If the replacement fuse of the If you replace the blown fuse with a same rating blows in a short time, spare fuse that has a lower rating, it there is probably a serious might blow out again. This does not electrical problem in your vehicle. indicate anything wrong. Replace the Leave the blown fuse in that 5. Look for a burned wire inside the fuse with one of the correct rating as circuit, and have your vehicle fuse. If it is burned, replace it with soon as you can. checked by a qualified mechanic. oneofthesparefusesofthesame rating or lower. If the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. The nexttimeyouturnontheradioyou will see ‘‘ ’’ in the frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page 129 ).

Taking Care of the Unexpected 247 Fuse Locations

PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX No. Amps. Circuits Protected No. Amps. Circuits Protected

1 20 A Spare Fuse 14 40 A Power Seat 2 30 A Spare Fuse 15 40 A Heater Motor 3 20 A Right Headlight 16 30 A Cooling Fan 4 15 A ACG S 17 7.5 A Spare Fuse 5 15 A Hazard 18 10 A Spare Fuse 6 － Not used 19 15 A Spare Fuse 7 20 A Stop 20 120 A Battery 8 20 A Left Headlight 21 30 A Condenser Fan 9 20 A Radio 22 7.5 A MG Clutch 10 40 A Power Window Motor 23 50 A IGI Main 11 30 A Rear A/C 24 20 A Fog Lights 12 30 A Rear Defroster 13 40 A Back Up, ACC

SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX No. Amps. Circuits Protected No. Amps. Circuits Protected

1 20 A Rear Entertainment System 6 15 A ETC 2 40 A VSA F/S Relay 7 15 A IG Coil 3 30 A VSA Motor 8 15 A LAF 4 20 A 4WD 9 7.5 A FI-Back-up 5 20 A Rear Accessory Socket 10 20 A P/W DR

248 Taking Care of the Unexpected Fuse Locations

INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s Side No. Amps. Circuits Protected Passenger’s Side No. Amps. Circuits Protected

1 15 A Fuel Pump 1 30 A Moonroof 2 10 A SRS 2 20 A Driver’s Power Seat Reclining 3 7.5 A Heater Control, A/C Clutch Front 3 20 A Passenger’s Power Seat Sliding Front Relay, Cooling Fan Relay 4 20 A Driver’s Power Seat Sliding 4 7.5 A Power Mirror 5 20 A Passenger’s Power Seat 5 10 A Daytime Running Light＊ / Reclining Rear Wiper 6 10 A Daytime Running Light＊ 6 15 A ECU(PCM),CruiseControl 7 20 A Driver’s side Rear Power 7 7.5 A OPDS Window 8 7.5 A ACC Relay 8 20 A Front Passenger’s Power 9 10 A Back-up Lights, Instrument Window Lights, TPMS 9 15 A Front Accessory Socket 10 7.5 A Turn Signals 10 15 A Small Light 11 15 A IG Coil 11 10 A Interior Light, TPMS 12 30 A Front Wiper 12 20 A Power Door Lock 13 － Not Used 13 7.5 A Back Up, Clock 14 20 A Heated Seat Driver’s Side ＊ : Canadian models Auxiliary 15 20 A Driver’s Power Window No. Amps. Circuits Protected 16 20 A Passenger’s Side Rear Power Window 1 7.5 A Horn 2 7.5 A ELD Unit, Immobilizer Control ＊ : Canadian models Unit, VSA Control Unit, Alternator 3 7.5 A Auto Wipers

Taking Care of the Unexpected 249 250 Technical Information

Thediagramsinthissectiongive Identification Numbers...... 252 Emissions Controls...... 259 you the dimensions and capacities of Specifications ...... 254 The Clean Air Act...... 259 your Acura, and the locations of the DOT Tire Quality Grading...... 256 Crankcase Emissions Control identification numbers. It also Uniform Tire Quality System...... 259 includes information you should Grading ...... 256 Evaporative Emissions Control know about your vehicle’s tires and Treadwear ...... 256 System...... 259 emissions control systems. Traction...... 256 Onboard Refueling Vapor Temperature ...... 257 Recovery...... 259 Tire Labeling...... 258 Exhaust Emissions Controls... . 260 PGM-FI System ...... 260 Ignition Timing Control System...... 260 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System...... 260 Three Way Catalytic Converter...... 260 Replacement Parts...... 260 Three Way Catalytic Converter.. . 261 State Emissions Testing...... 262

Technical Information 251 Identification Numbers

Your vehicle has several identifying numbers located in various places. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Acura dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. The easiest placetofindtheVINisonaplate fastened to the top of the dashboard. Youcanseeitbylookingthrough the windshield on the driver’s side. It is also on the Certification label at- tached to the driver’s doorjamb, and is stamped on the engine com- partment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the Certification label.

CERTIFICATION LABEL

252 Technical Information Identification Numbers

The Engine Number is stamped into the engine block. It is on the front. ENGINE NUMBER The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER

Technical Information 253 Specifications

Dimensions Capacities Length 188.7 in (4,793 mm) Fuel tank Approx. Width 77.0 in (1,955 mm) 19.21 US gal (72.7 ) Height Standard 68.7 in (1,744 mm) Engine Change＊1 1.88 US gal (7.1 ) Premium 71.3 in (1,811 mm) coolant Total 2.38 US gal (9.0 ) Wheelbase 106.3 in (2,700 mm) Engine oil Change＊2 Track Front 66.3 in (1,685 mm) Including 4.5 US qt (4.3 ) Rear 66.5 in (1,690 mm) filter Without 4.2 US qt (4.0 ) Weights filter Gross vehicle weight rating See the tire information label atta- Total 5.3 US qt (5.0 ) ched to the driver’s doorjamb. Automatic Change 2.9 US qt (2.7 ) Gross combined weight＊2 9,835 lbs (4,461 kg)＊1 transmission Total 7.7 US qt (7.3 ) rating (GCWR) fluid Rear Change 2.9 US qt (2.7 ) ＊1:Equipped with transmission fluid cooler and power steering fluid differential Total 3.0 US qt (2.8 ) cooler. fluid ＊2:The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305 Transfer Change 0.45 US qt (0.43 ) meters) of elevation. assembly Total 0.48 US qt (0.45 ) fluid Air Conditioning Windshield Refrigerant type HFC-134a (R-134a) washer 4.8 US qt (4.5 ) Charge quantity 24.7－－ 26.5 oz (700 750 g) reservoir Lubricant type ND-OIL8 ＊1:Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.6 ) ＊2:Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

254 Technical Information Specifications

Lights Fuses Headlights High 12 V － 60 W (HB3) Interior Driver’s side See page 249 or the fuse label Low 12 V－ 55 W (H11) attached to the dashboard. Front side marker lights 12 V － 3CP Passenger’s side See page 249 or the fuse label Front turn signal lights/ 12 V－ 28/8 W attached to the inside of the fuse Parking lights box door under the dashboard. Fog light 12 V－ 51 W (HB4) Under-hood See page 248 or the fuse box Front foot lights 12 V－ 5 W cover. Rear turn signal/hazard lights 12 V－ 21 W Brake/Taillights 12 V－ 21 W/5 W Engine Backup lights 12 V－ 21 CP (18 W) Type Water cooled 4-stroke SOHC, License plate lights 12 V－ 3 CP V6 gasoline engine High-mount brake light 12 V－ 21 W BorexStroke 3.50 x 3.66 in (89.0 x 93.0 mm) Individual map lights Front 12 V－ 5 W Displacement 211.8 cu-in (3,471 cm ) Rear 12 V－ 5 W Compression ratio 10.0 : 1 Cargo area light 12 V － 5W Spark plugs NGK: IZFR5K-11 Tailgate light 12 V － 5W DENSO: SKJ16DR-M11 Vanity mirror light 12 V － 1.1 W Door light 12 V － 3.8 W Alignment Toe-in Front 0.00 in (0.0 mm) Battery Rear 0.00 in (0.0 mm) Capacity 12 V－ 20 AH/5 HR Camber Front －0°50’ Rear －0°50’ Caster Front 1°53’

Tires Size Front/Rear P235/65R17 103T Spare T155/90D16 110M Pressure Front/Rear 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) Spare 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )

Technical Information 255 DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

The tires on your vehicle meet all Treadwear Traction－ AA, A, B, C U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. The treadwear grade is a compara- The traction grades, from highest to All tires are also graded for tive rating based on the wear rate of lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those treadwear, traction, and temperature the tire when tested under controlled grades represent the tire’s ability to performance according to conditions on a specified government stop on wet pavement as measured Department of Transportation test course. For example, a tire under controlled conditions on (DOT) standards. The following graded 150 would wear one and one- specified government test surfaces explains these gradings. half (1 1/2) times as well on the of asphalt and concrete. A tire government course as a tire graded marked C may have poor traction Uniform Tire Quality Grading 100. The relative performance of performance. Quality grades can be found where tires depends upon the actual condi- applicable on the tire sidewall tions of their use, however, and may Warning: The traction grade between the tread shoulder and the depart significantly from the norm assignedtothistireisbasedon maximum section width. For due to variations in driving habits, straight-ahead braking traction tests, example: service practices, and differences in and does not include acceleration, Treadwear 200 road characteristics and climate. cornering, hydroplaning, or peak Traction AA traction characteristics. Temperature A

All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.

256 Technical Information DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

Temperature－ A,B,C Warning: The temperature grade for The temperature grades are A (the this tire is established for a tire that highest), B, and C, representing the is properly inflated and not over- tire’s resistance to the generation of loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla- heat and its ability to dissipate heat tion, or excessive loading, either when tested under controlled separately or in combination, can conditions on a specified indoor cause heat buildup and possible tire laboratory test wheel. Sustained high failure. temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Technical Information 257 Tire Labeling

The tires that came on your vehicle 16 － Rim diameter in inches. 2202 － Date of manufacture. have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described 94 － Load index (a numerical code below. associated with the maximum load the tire can carry). Tire Size Whenever tires are replaced, they V － Speed symbol (an should be replaced with tires of the alphabetical code indicating same size. Following is an example the maximum speed rating). of tire size with an explanation of what each component means. Tire Identification Number Tire Identification Number (TIN) is P225/55R16 94V a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example TIN. P － Vehicletype(Pindicates passenger vehicle). DOT B97R FW6X 2202

225 － Tire width in millimeters. DOT － This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of 55 － Aspect ratio (the tire’s section the U.S. Department of height as a percentage of its Transportation. width). B97R － Manufacturer’s R － Tire construction code (R identification mark. indicates radial). FW6X － Tire type code.

258 Technical Information Emissions Controls

The burning of gasoline in your The Clean Air Act case Ventilation valve routes them vehicle’s engine produces several by- The United States Clean Air Act＊ from the crankcase back to the products. Some of these are carbon sets standards for automobile intake manifold. They are then monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen emissions. It also requires that drawn into the engine and burned. (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). automobile manufacturers explain to Gasoline evaporating from the tank owners how their emissions controls Evaporative Emissions Control also produces hydrocarbons. Con- workandwhattodotomaintain System trolling the production of NOx, CO, them. This section summarizes how As gasoline evaporates in the fuel and HC is important to the environ- the emissions controls work. tank, an evaporative emissions ment. Under certain conditions of Scheduled maintenance is on page control canister filled with charcoal sunlight and climate, NOx and HC 199 . adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this react to form photochemical ‘‘smog.’’ canister while the engine is off. After Carbon monoxide does not contri- ＊ In Canada, Acura vehicles comply the engine is started and warmed up, bute to smog creation, but it is a with the Canadian emission the vapor is drawn into the engine poisonous gas. requirements, as specified in an and burned during driving. agreement with Environment Canada, at the time they are Onboard Refueling Vapor manufactured. Recovery The Onboard Refueling Vapor Crankcase Emissions Control Recovery (ORVR) system captures System the fuel vapors during refueling. The Your vehicle has a Positive vapors are adsorbed in a canister Crankcase Ventilation System. This filled with activated carbon. While keeps gasses that build up in the driving, the fuel vapors are drawn engine’s crankcase from going into into the engine and burned off. the atmosphere. The Positive Crank-

Technical Information 259 Emissions Controls

Exhaust Emissions Controls Ignition Timing Control System Replacement Parts The exhaust emissions controls This system constantly adjusts the The emissions control systems are include four systems: PGM-FI, ignition timing, reducing the amount designed and certified to work Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust of HC, CO, and NOx produced. together in reducing emissions to Gas Recirculation and Three Way levels that comply with the Clean Air Catalytic Converter. These four Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Act. To make sure the emissions systems work together to control the System remain low, you should use only new engine’s combustion and minimize The Exhaust Gas Recirculation Acura replacement parts or their the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that (EGR) system takes some of the equivalent for repairs. Using lower comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust exhaust gas and routes it back into qualitypartsmayincreasethe emissions control systems are the intake manifold. Adding exhaust emissions from your vehicle. separate from the crankcase and gas to the air/fuel mixture reduces evaporative emissions control the amount of NOx produced when The emissions control systems are systems. the fuel is burned. covered by warranties separate from the rest of your vehicle. Read your PGM-FI System Three Way Catalytic Converter warranty manual for more informa- The PGM-FI System uses sequential The three way catalytic converter is tion. multiport fuel injection. in the exhaust system. Through It has three subsystems: Air Intake, chemical reactions, it converts HC, Engine Control, and Fuel Control. CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust The Powertrain Control Module to carbon dioxide (CO2 ), dinitrogen (PCM) uses various sensors to (N2 ), and water vapor. determine how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating conditions.

260 Technical Information Three Way Catalytic Converter

The three way catalytic converter contains precious metals that serve as catalysts, promoting chemical reactions to convert the exhaust gasses without affecting the metals. The catalytic converter is referred to as a three-way catalyst, since it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an original Acura part or its equivalent.

The three way catalytic converter THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER must operate at a high temperature for the chemical reactions to take A defective three way catalytic Keep the engine tuned-up. place. It can set on fire any com- converter contributes to air pollution, bustible materials that come near it. and can impair your engine’s per- Have your vehicle diagnosed and Parkyourvehicleawayfromhigh formance. Follow these guidelines to repaired if it is misfiring, back- grass, dry leaves, or other flamma- protect your vehicle’s three way firing, stalling, or otherwise not bles. catalytic converter. running properly.

Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three way catalytic converter ineffective.

Technical Information 261 State Emissions Testing

Testing of Readiness Codes If the testing facility determines that Without touching the accelerator If you take your vehicle for a state the readiness codes are not set, you pedal, start the engine, and let it emissions test shortly after the will be requested to return at a later idle for 20 seconds. battery has been disconnected or date to complete the test. If you must gone dead, it may not pass the test. get the vehicle re-tested within the Keep the vehicle in Park. Increase This is because of certain ‘‘readiness next two or three days, you can the engine speed to 2,000 rpm and codes’’ that must be set in the on- condition the vehicle for re-testing hold it there until the temperature board diagnostics for the emissions by doing the following. gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the systems. These codes are erased scale (approximately 3 minutes). when the battery is disconnected, Make sure the gas tank is nearly, and set again only after several days but not completely, full (around of driving under a variety of 3/4). conditions. Make sure the vehicle has been parked with the engine off for 8 hours or more.

Make sure the ambient temperature is between 20° and 95°F.

262 Technical Information State Emissions Testing

Select a nearby lightly traveled readiness codes are still not set, see major highway where you can your Acura dealer. maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph (80to97km/h)foratleast20 minutes. Drive on the highway in D. Do not use the cruise control. When traffic allows, drive for 90 seconds without moving the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of traffic conditions, drive for at least 30 seconds, then repeat it two more times (for a total of 90 seconds).

Then drive in city/suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.

If the testing facility determines the

Technical Information 263 264 Warranty and Customer Relations

Customer Service Information...... 266 Warranty Coverages ...... 267 Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)...... 268 Authorized Manuals...... 269

Warranty and Customer Relations 265 Customer Service Information

Acura dealership personnel are In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin When you call or write, please give trained professionals. They should Islands: us this information: be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your Vortex Motor Corp. Vehicle Identification Number dealership does not solve to your Bella International (see page252 ) satisfaction, please discuss it with P.O. Box 190816 Name and address of the dealer the dealership’s management. The San Juan, PR 00919-0816 who services your vehicle Service Manager or General Date of purchase Manager can help. Almost all Tel:(787) 250-4327 Mileage on your vehicle problems are solved in this way. Your name, address, and tele- Canadian Owners: phone number If you are dissatisfied with the CUSTOMER RELATIONS A detailed description of the decision made by the dealership’s RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTÉLE problem management, contact the Acura Honda Canada Inc. Name of the dealer who sold the Customer Service Office. 715 Milner Avenue vehicle to you Toronto, ON U.S. Owners: M1B 2K8 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Acura Client Services Tel:1-888-9-ACURA-9 Mail Stop 500-2N-7E Fax:Toll-free 1-877-939-0909 1919 Torrance Blvd. Toronto (416) 287-4776 Torrance, CA 90501-2746

Tel: (800) 382-2238

266 Warranty and Customer Relations Warranty Coverages

U.S. Owners Seat Belt Limited Warranty － a seat Replacement Battery Limited Your new Acura is covered by these belt that fails to function properly is Warranty － provides prorated warranties: coveredfortheusefullifeofthe coverage for a replacement battery vehicle. purchased from an Acura dealer. New Vehicle Limited Warranty － covers your new vehicle, except for Rust Perforation Limited Warranty Replacement Muffler Lifetime the battery, emissions control － all exterior body panels are Limited Warranty － provides systems, and accessories, against covered for rust-through from the coverageforaslongasthepur- defects in materials and inside for the specified time period chaser of the muffler owns the workmanship. with no mileage limit. vehicle.

Emissions Control Systems Defects Accessory Limited Warranty － Restrictions and exclusions apply to Warranty and Emissions Acura accessories are covered under all these warranties. Please read the Performance Warranty － these two this warranty. Time and mileage 2004 Acura Warranty Information warranties cover your vehicle’s emis- limits depend on the type of booklet that came with your vehicle sions control systems. Time, mileage, accessory and other factors. Please for precise information on warranty and coverage are conditional. Please read your warranty manual for coverages. Your Acura’s original read the warranty manual for exact details. tires are covered by their information. manufacturer. Tire warranty Replacement Parts Limited information is in a separate booklet. Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty － covers all Acura Warranty － this warranty gives up replacement parts against defects in Canadian Owners to 100 percent credit toward a materials and workmanship. Please refer to the 2004 Warranty replacement battery. Manual that came with your vehicle.

Warranty and Customer Relations 267 Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)

If you believe that your vehicle has a If NHTSA receives similar com- To contact NHTSA, you may either defect which could cause a crash or plaints, it may open an investigation, call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free could cause injury or death, you and if it finds that a safety defect at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in should immediately inform the exists in a group of vehicles, it may Washington D.C. area) or write to: National Highway Traffic Safety order a recall and remedy campaign. NHTSA, U.S. Department of Administration (NHTSA) in addition However, NHTSA cannot become Transportation, Washington, to notifying Acura Automobile involved in individual problems D.C. 20590. You can also obtain Division, American Honda Motor Co., between you, your dealer, or Acura other information about motor Inc. Automobile Division, American vehicle safety from the Hotline. Honda Motor Co., Inc.

268 Warranty and Customer Relations Authorized Manuals

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only) Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should The publications shown below can be purchased from Helm contact their authorized Acura dealer. Incorporated. You can order in any of three ways: Detach and mail the order form on the right half of this page ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356 Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only) (NOTE: For Credit Card Holder Orders Only) Go online at www. helminc. com Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.－ 6:00 P.M. EST If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc. MINIMUM CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00 at 1-800-782-4356 OR By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can Publication Form Description Price pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to Form Number Each＊ Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form. 61S3V04 2004 Acura MDX Service Manual $69.00 61S3V04EL 2001-04 Acura MDX $47.00 VEHICLE MODEL Price Total PUBLICATION NUMBER Qty Electrical Troubleshooting Manual ２ Name Year Each＊ Price ０ 61S3V30 2001-03 Acura MDX $44.00 ０ Body Repair Manual ４ 31S3V630 2004 Acura MDX Owner’s Manual $37.00 31S3V830 2004 Acura MDX $29.00 Ａ Ｃ Navigation Manual Ｕ 31S3V910 2004 Acura MDX Maintenance Journal $12.00 ＊ 31S3VQ10 2004 Acura MDX Quick Start Guide $12.00 Prices are subject to change without TOTAL MATERIAL ACU-R Order Form for Previous Years- FREE notice and without incurring obligation. Mich. Purchases Indicate Year and Model Desired Add 6% Sales Tax ＊ Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring Orders are mailed within 10 days. Please HANDLING CHARGE $6.95 obligation. allow adequate time for delivery. GRAND TOTAL

269 Authorized Manuals

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, Service Manual: and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown This manual covers maintenance and recommended below for a quotation. procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. Ｓ It is written for the journeyman mechanic, but is simple Ｈ enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under- Ｉ stand. Ｐ Customer Name Attention Electrical Troubleshooting Manual: Ｔ Street Address－ No P.O. Box Number Apartment Number This manual complements the Service Manual by Ｏ providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each City State & Zip Code electrical circuit in your vehicle.

Daytime Telephone Number () Body Repair Manual: This manual describes the procedures involved in the

Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc－ U.S. funds only. replacement of damaged body parts. Ｐ Do not send cash

Ａ Master VISA Check here if your billing address is different Ｙ Card from the shipping address shown above. Ｍ Account Number Expiration: Mo. Yr.

Ｅ － Ｎ Ｔ

CUSTOMER SIGNATURE DATE

These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356

270 Index

A Shifting...... 172 Braking System...... 180 Shift Lever Position Indicator. . 172 Break-in, New Vehicle...... 158 Accessories and Modifications... . 163 Shift Lever Positions...... 172 Brightness Control, Instruments.. . 74 ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Shift Lock Release...... 175 Brights, Headlights ...... 72 Position)...... 79 Automatic Wipers...... 70 Bulb Replacement Accessory Power Sockets...... 101 Back-up Lights...... 216 Additives, Engine Oil...... 206 B Brake Lights...... 216 Airbag (SRS) ...... 9, 22 Front Parking Lights...... 215 Air Conditioning System...... 104 Battery Front Side Marker Lights...... 215 Rear A/C Control ...... 109 Charging System Headlights ...... 214 Usage ...... 105 Indicator...... 58, 242 High-mount Brake Light...... 217 Air Outlets (Vents)...... 106 Jump Starting ...... 238 Rear Bulbs ...... 216 Air Pressure, Tires ...... 221 Maintenance...... 226 Specifications ...... 255 Antifreeze ...... 208 Specifications ...... 255 Turn Signal Lights...... 215 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Before Driving ...... 157 Bulbs, Halogen...... 214 Indicator Light ...... 59, 181 Belts,Seat...... 8,19 Operation...... 181 Beverage Holders...... 99 Anti-theft, Audio System...... 129 Booster Seats ...... 48 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock. . 79 Brakes Audio System...... 110, 115, 125 Anti-lock System (ABS)...... 181 Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners... . 20 Break-in, New Linings...... 158 Automatic Lighting...... 73 Fluid ...... 212 Automatic Speed Control...... 144 Bulb Replacement ...... 216 Automatic Transmission...... 172 Parking...... 92 Capacity, Fluid ...... 254 System Indicator...... 59, 244 Checking Fluid Level...... 210 Wear Indicators ...... 180 CONTINUED

I Index

C Child Seats...... 40, 41 Cruise Control Operation...... 144 Important Safety Reminders...... 36 Cup Holders...... 99 Cancel Button...... 144 Infants ...... 38 Customer Relations Office...... 266 Capacities Chart...... 254 Larger Children ...... 47 Carbon Monoxide Hazard...... 51 LATCH...... 42 D Carrying Cargo ...... 165 Risks with Airbags...... 34 Cassette Player Small Children...... 39 DANGER, Explanation of...... ii Care ...... 127 Tether ...... 45 Dashboard ...... 2, 56 Operation...... 125 Where Should a Child Sit?...... 34 Daytime Running Lights...... 74 CAUTION, Explanation of...... ii Child Seats...... 40 Dead Battery ...... 238 CD Care ...... 119 Tether Anchorage Points...... 45 Defects, Reporting Safety...... 268 CD Changer ...... 116, 117 Climate Control System...... 104 Defogger, Rear Window...... 75 CD Changer Error Messages...... 122 Clock ...... 130 Defrosting the Windows...... 107 CD Player...... 116 Code, Audio System ...... 129 Differential Fluid ...... 211 CD Player Error Messages...... 120 CO in the Exhaust ...... 259 Dimensions...... 254 Certification Label...... 252 Compact Spare Tire...... 230 Dimming the Headlights...... 72 Chains, tires ...... 225 Consumer Information＊...... 266 Dipstick Change Oil Controls, Instruments and...... 55 Automatic Transmission...... 210 How to...... 206 Coolant Engine Oil...... 161 When to...... 197 Adding...... 208 Directional Signals...... 72 Changing a Flat Tire ...... 231 Checking...... 162 Disc Brake Wear Indicators...... 180 Charging System Indicator... . 58, 242 Proper Solution ...... 208 Disposal of Used Oil...... 207 Checklist, Before Driving...... 170 Temperature Gauge...... 67 Doors Childproof Door Locks...... 80 Crankcase Emissions Control Locking and Unlocking...... 80 Child Safety ...... 33 System...... 259 Lockout Prevention...... 80 Booster Seats ...... 48 Cruise Control Indicator...... 61 Power Door Locks...... 80

II Index

DOT Tire Quality Grading...... 256 Emissions Controls...... 259 Filters Driver and Passenger Safety...... 5 Engine Oil ...... 206 Driving ...... 169 Coolant Temperature Gauge.... . 67 Flashers, Hazard Warning...... 74 Economy ...... 162 Malfunction Indicator Flat Tire, Changing a...... 231 Driving Position Memory Lamp ...... 58, 243 Fluids System...... 94 Oil Pressure Indicator...... 58, 242 Automatic Transmission...... 210 DVD Error Messages...... 140 Oil, What Kind to Use...... 205 Brake...... 212 DVD Player ...... 133 Overheating...... 240 Differential Fluid ...... 211 Specifications ...... 255 Power Steering...... 213 E Speed Limiter...... 174 Transfer Assembly...... 211 Starting...... 171 Windshield Washer...... 209 Economy, Fuel ...... 162 Engine, if it won’t start...... 237 FM Stereo Radio Emergencies...... 229 Evaporative Emissions Controls. . 259 Reception...... 113 Battery, Jump Starting...... 238 Exhaust Fumes ...... 51 Fog Lights...... 75 Brake System Indicator...... 244 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Folding the Second Seat...... 87 Changing a Flat Tire...... 231 System...... 260 Folding the Third Seat...... 88 Charging System Indicator...... 242 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Four-way Flashers ...... 74 Checking the Fuses...... 246 Belts by ...... 17 Front Seat ...... 84 Hazard Warning Flashers...... 74 Adjusting...... 84 Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 242 F Airbags...... 23 Malfunction Indicator Lamp... . 243 Heaters...... 89 Overheated Engine...... 240 Fan, Interior...... 105 Towing ...... 244 Features, Comfort and Emergency Brake...... 92 Convenience...... 103 Emergency Flashers ...... 74 Filling the Fuel Tank...... 159 Emergency Towing ...... 244 CONTINUED

III Index

Fuel...... 158 GCWR (Gross Combined Weight High-Low Beam Switch...... 72 Fill Door and Cap...... 159 Rating) ...... 185 HomeLink Universal Gauge ...... 66 Gearshift Lever Positions...... 172 Transceiver...... 153 Octane Requirement...... 158 Glove Box ...... 99 Hood Latch...... 214 Oxygenated ...... 158 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Hood, Opening the ...... 160 Reserve Indicator...... 61 Rating) ...... 185 Horn...... 68 Tank, Filling the...... 159 Fuses, Checking the...... 246 HI

G Halogen Headlight Bulbs...... 214 Identification Number, Vehicle... . 252 Hazard Warning Flashers...... 74 Ignition Gas Mileage, Improving...... 162 Headlights...... 72 Keys...... 77 Gasoline ...... 158 Aiming...... 214 Switch...... 79 Fuel Reserve Indicator...... 61 Automatic Lighting ...... 73 Timing Control System...... 260 Gauge ...... 66 Daytime Running Lights...... 74 Immobilizer System...... 78 Octane Requirement...... 158 High Beam Indicator...... 61 Important Safety Precautions...... 6 Tank, Filling the...... 159 High Beams, Turning on...... 72 Indicators, Instrument Panel...... 58 Gas Station Procedures...... 159 Low Beams, Turning on...... 72 ABS (Anti-lock Brake)...... 59 Gauges Reminder Chime...... 72 A/T Temp...... 62 Engine Coolant Temperature... . 67 Replacing Halogen Bulbs...... 214 Brake (Parking and Brake Fuel...... 66 Turning on...... 72 System)...... 59 Speedometer ...... 66 Headphones...... 141 Brake Lamp...... 60 Tachometer ...... 66 Head Restraints ...... 86 Charging System ...... 58 GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Heated Mirror ...... 93 Cruise Control...... 61 Rating) ...... 185 Heaters, Seats ...... 89 DRL (Daytime Running Heating and Cooling...... 104 Lights)...... 61

IV Index

High Beam...... 61 Interior Lights...... 96 LOCK (Ignition Key Position)...... 79 Key (Immobilizer System)...... 59 Introduction...... i Locks Lights On...... 62 Anti-theft Steering Column...... 79 Low Fuel...... 61 J Fuel Fill Door ...... 159 Low Oil Pressure ...... 58 Glove Box ...... 99 Low Tire Pressure...... 64 Jacking up the Vehicle...... 234 Lockout Prevention...... 80 Maintenance Required...... 65 Jack, Tire ...... 231 Power Door ...... 80 Side Airbag Off ...... 58 Jump Starting ...... 238 Low Coolant Level...... 162 Seat Belt...... 58 Low Fuel Indicator ...... 61 SRS ...... 58 K Low Oil Pressure Indicator... . 58, 242 Tire Pressure Monitor...... 64 Lubricant Specifications Chart... . 254 TPMS System ...... 64 Keys...... 77 Luggage, storing (cargo)...... 165 Turn Signal and Hazard Warning ...... 60 L M VSA Activation...... 63 VSA System...... 63 Label, Certification...... 252 Maintenance...... 195 VTM-4 ...... 62 Lane Change, Signaling...... 72 Owner’s Maintenance Washer Level ...... 61 Lap/Shoulder Belts...... 14, 19 Checks ...... 198 Individual Map Lights ...... 97 Light Control Switch ...... 96 Record...... 201-203 Infant Restraint ...... 38 Lights Required Indicator...... 65 Infant Seats...... 38 Bulb Replacement ...... 214 Safety...... 196 Inflation, Proper Tire...... 221 Indicator...... 58 Schedule ...... 197-200 Inside Mirror...... 92 Interior ...... 96 Malfunction Indicator Lamp. . 58, 243 Inspection, Tire...... 222 Parking...... 72 Manual Seat Adjustments...... 85 Instrument Panel ...... 2, 57 Turn Signal...... 72 Instrument Panel Brightness...... 74 Load Limit ...... 166, 185 CONTINUED

V Index

Memory, Driving Position...... 94 Selecting Proper Viscosity Protecting Larger Children...... 47 Meters, Gauges...... 66 Chart ...... 205 Protecting Small Children...... 39 Mirrors, Adjusting ...... 92 ON (Ignition Key Position)...... 79 Using Child Seats with Modifying Your Vehicle...... 164 Outside Mirrors ...... 92 Tethers...... 45 Moonroof ...... 91 Overheating, Engine ...... 240 Using LATCH ...... 42 Owner’s Maintenance Checks.... . 198 N Oxygenated Fuels...... 158 R

Neutral Gear Position...... 173 P Radiator Overheating...... 240 New Vehicle Break-in...... 158 Radio/CD/Cassette Sound NOTICE, Explanation of...... i Panel Brightness Control...... 74 System ...... 110, 115, 125 Numbers, Identification...... 252 Park Gear Position...... 173 Rear A/C Unit...... 109 Parking...... 179 Rear Audio Control Panel...... 135 O Parking Brake ...... 92 Rear Entertainment System...... 131 Parking Lights...... 72 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement.. . 216 Octane Requirement, Gasoline... . 158 Parking Over Things that Burn.. . 261 Rear View Mirror...... 92 Odometer...... 66 PGM-FI System...... 260 Rear Window Defogger...... 75 Odometer, Trip ...... 67 Power Seat Adjustments...... 84 Rear Window Wiper and Washer. . 71 Off-Highway Driving...... 192 Power Socket Locations...... 101 Reclining the Seat Backs...... 84, 85 Off-Road Precautions...... 192 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts...... 17 Reclining the Second Seats...... 87 Oil Protecting Adults and Teens...... 11 Reclining the Third Seat...... 88 Change, How to ...... 206 Additional Safety Precautions... . 17 Reminder Lights ...... 58 Change, When to...... 199 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17 Remote Audio Controls...... 128 Checking Engine ...... 161 Protecting Children...... 33 Remote Control (RES)...... 137 Pressure Indicator...... 58, 242 General Guidelines...... 33 Remote Transmitter...... 81 Protecting Infants...... 38

VI Index

Replacement Information Seat Belts...... 8, 19 Shift Lock Release...... 175 Engine Oil and Filter...... 206 Additional Information...... 19 Side Airbags ...... 27 Fuses ...... 246 Automatic Seat Belt Side Curtain Airbags ...... 28 Light Bulbs...... 214 Tensioners...... 20 Side Marker Lights, Bulb Schedule ...... 197 Cleaning...... 218 Replacement in ...... 215 Timing Belt...... 213 Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 19 Signaling Turns...... 72 Tires ...... 221 Maintenance...... 21 Snow Tires...... 225 Wiper Blades...... 219 Reminder Light and Sound System...... 110, 115, 125 Replacing Seat Belts After a Beeper...... 19, 58 Spare Tire Crash...... 21 System Components...... 19 Inflating...... 222, 230 Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant... . 162 Use During Pregnancy...... 17 Specifications ...... 255 Reverse Gear Position...... 173 Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt... . 14 Specifications Charts...... 254 Rotation, Tire ...... 223 Seats ...... 84 Speed Control...... 144 Adjusting the Second Seat...... 87 Speedometer ...... 66 S Adjusting the Third Seat...... 88 SRS, Additional Information...... 22 Folding the Second Seat...... 87 Additional Safety Precautions... . 32 Safety Belts...... 8, 19 Folding the Third Seat...... 88 Airbag System Components...... 22 Safety Defects, Reporting＊ ...... 268 Head Restraints ...... 86 Airbag Service...... 31 Safety Features ...... 7 Third Row Access...... 87 How the SRS Indicator Works.. . 28 Airbags...... 9 Serial Number ...... 252 How Your Front Airbags Door Locks...... 11 Service Intervals ...... 199 Work...... 23 Head Restraints ...... 13 Service Manual＊ ...... 269 How Your Side Airbags Work... . 27 Seat Belts...... 8, 14 Service Station Procedures...... 159 How Your Side Curtain Airbags Seats & Seat-Backs...... 11, 12 Shifting the Automatic Work...... 28 Safety Labels, Location of...... 52 Transmission...... 172 Safety Messages ...... ii Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 172 CONTINUED

VII Index

SRS Indicator...... 28, 58 Three Way Catalytic Snow ...... 225 START (Ignition Key Position).... . 79 Converter...... 261 Specifications ...... 255 Starting the Engine...... 171 Temperature Gauge ...... 67 Tire Chains...... 225 With a Dead Battery...... 238 Tensioners, Seat Belts...... 20 Towing Steam Coming from Engine...... 240 Theft Protection...... 129 A Trailer...... 188 Steering Wheel Three Way Catalytic Converter.. . 261 Emergency Wrecker...... 244 Adjustment ...... 76 Timing Belt...... 213 Equipment and Accessories.... . 188 Anti-theft Column Lock...... 79 Tire Chains...... 225 Weight Limit ...... 185 Stereo Sound System... . 110, 115, 125 Tire, How to Change a Flat...... 231 Your Vehicle Behind a Storing Your Vehicle...... 227 Tire Labeling...... 258 Motorhome...... 190 Sun Visor...... 100 Tire Pressure Monitoring Trailer Loading ...... 185 Supplemental Restraint System System (TPMS) ...... 178 Trailer Towing Tips...... 189 Servicing ...... 31 Low Tire Pressure Transfer Assembly Fluid...... 211 SRS Indicator...... 28, 58 Indicator...... 64, 177 Transmission System Components...... 22 Tire Pressure Monitor...... 64, 178 Checking Fluid Level...... 210 Synthetic Oil...... 206 TPMS Indicator...... 64, 178 Fluid Selection...... 210 Tires ...... 221 Identification Number...... 252 T Air Pressure ...... 221 Shifting the Automatic...... 172 Checking Wear ...... 222 Treadwear ...... 256 Tachometer ...... 66 Compact Spare...... 230 Trip Meter ...... 67 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in...... 216 DOT Tire Quality Grading...... 256 Turn Signals ...... 72 Taking Care of the Unexpected. . 229 Inflation...... 221 Tools, Tire Changing...... 231 Tape Player...... 125 Inspection ...... 222 Technical Descriptions Maintenance...... 223 DOT Tire Quality Grading...... 256 Replacing ...... 224 Emissions Control Systems...... 259 Rotating...... 223

VIII Index

U W ＊ : U.S. and Canada only

Unexpected, Taking Care WARNING, Explanation of...... ii of the ...... 229 Warning Labels, Location off...... 52 Uniform Tire Quality Grading.... . 256 Warranty Coverages＊ ...... 267 Unleaded Gasoline...... 158 Used Oil, How to Dispose of...... 207 Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level...... 209 V Level Indicator ...... 61 Operation...... 69 Vanity Mirror ...... 100 Wheels Vehicle Capacity Load...... 166 Adjusting the Steering...... 76 Vehicle Dimensions...... 254 Wrench ...... 233 Vehicle Identification Number.... . 252 Windows Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Operating the Power...... 90 System...... 183 Rear, Defogger ...... 75 VSA System Indicator...... 63, 183 Windshield VSA Activation Indicator... . 63, 183 Defroster ...... 107 VSA Off Switch...... 184 Washers...... 69 Vehicle Storage...... 227 Wipers, Windshield Ventilation ...... 106 Changing Blades...... 219 VIN ...... 252 Operation...... 69 Viscosity, Oil...... 205 Rear Windshield Wiper and VTM-4 Lock ...... 176 Washer...... 71 Worn Tires ...... 222 Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 244

IX Service Information Summary

Gasoline: Power Steering Fluid: Tire Pressure (measured cold): Premium unleaded gasoline, Honda Power Steering Fluid Front/Rear: pump octane number of 91 or preferred, or another brand of 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) higher. power steering fluid as a Compact Spare Tire: temporary replacement. Do not 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm ) Fuel Tank Capacity: use ATF (see page213 ). 19.21 US gal (72.7 ) Brake Fluid: Recommended Engine Oil: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid API Premium grade 5W-20 DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or detergent oil (see page205 ). DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page212 ). Oil change capacity (including filter): Rear Differential Fluid: 4.5 US qt (4.3 ) Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid (see page211 ). Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transfer Assembly Fluid: Transmission Fluid) preferred, or SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90 viscosity aDEXRON III ATF as a hypoid gear oil, API service temporary replacement (see page classified GL4 or GL5 only (see 210). page211 ).