Acura MDX (2018 year). Instruction — part 33

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When Driving

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Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

518

Driving

This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially disable VSA® functionality/
features, press and hold it until you hear a
beep.

Your vehicle will have normal braking and
cornering ability, but traction control function
will be less effective.

To restore VSA® functionality/features, press
the

(VSA® OFF) button until you hear a

beep.

VSA® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.

■

VSA® On and Off

1

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System

In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.

When the

button is pressed, the traction control

function becomes less effective. This allows for the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA® off if
you are not able to free it when the VSA® is on.

Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA® system switched off.

You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

VSA® OFF Indicator

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519

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When Driving

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Agile Handling Assist

Driving

Agile Handling Assist

Lightly brakes each of the front and rear wheels, as needed, when you turn the
steering wheel, and helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during
cornering.

1

Agile Handling Assist

The agile handling assist cannot enhance stability in
all driving situations. You still need to drive and
corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and
always leave a sufficient margin of safety.

When the VSA® system indicator comes on and stays
on while driving, the agile handling assist does not
activate.

You may hear a sound coming from the engine
compartment while the agile handling assist is
activated. This is normal.

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When Driving

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Blind spot information (BSI) System

*

Driving

Blind spot information (BSI) System

*

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

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

■

How the system works

1

Blind spot information (BSI) System

*

Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, BSI has limitations. Over
reliance on BSI may result in a collision.

The BSI alert indicator may not come on under the
following conditions:

•

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

•

A vehicle is parked in a side lane.

•

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

•

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

•

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

3

WARNING

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

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

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

Radar Sensors:
underneath the
rear bumper
corners

Alert Zone

A

B

C

●

The transmission is in

(

D

or

(

S.

●

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

* Not available on all models

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521

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When Driving

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Blind spot information (BSI) System

*

Driving

■

When the system detects a vehicle

BSI Alert Indicator: Located near the outside
rearview mirror on both sides.

Comes on when:
• A vehicle enters the alert zone from behind

to overtake you with a speed difference of
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your
vehicle.

• You pass a vehicle with a speed difference

of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).

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

1

Blind spot information (BSI) System

*

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

•

The BSI alert indicator may not come on due to
obstruction (splashes, etc.) even without the Blind
Spot Info Not Available MID appearing.

•

The BSI alert indicator may come on even with the
message appearing.

You can turn off the audible alert, or all the BSI alert
using the information screen or MID.

2 Customized Features P. 126, 358

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

•

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

•

The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the BSI alert indicators to come
on.

The system does not operate when in

(

R.

Comes On

Blinks

* Not available on all models

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When Driving

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Blind spot information (BSI) System

*

522

Driving

1

Blind spot information (BSI) System

*

BSI may be adversely affected when:

•

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

•

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

•

Driving on a curved road.

•

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

•

The system picks up external electrical interference.

•

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

•

The orientation of the sensors has been changed.

•

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

For proper BSI use:

•

Always keep the rear bumper corner area clean.

•

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

•

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

* Not available on all models

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When Driving

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Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

(SH-AWD®)

*

Driving

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

(SH-AWD®)

*

The system controls and transfers varying amounts of engine torque to each wheel
in accordance with the driving conditions.

SH-AWD® helps to enhance driving stability, and lets you handle situations like
slippery surfaces, such as on wet, icy, or snowy roads, better than when driving with
two wheel drive. However, the system does not help to enhance braking. Be
precautious about the following:
• It is still your responsibility to drive safely when you steer, accelerate, and apply

brakes.

• Leave a sufficient margin when braking on slippery surfaces.

1

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

(SH-AWD®)

*

The SH-AWD® system may not function properly if
tire type and size are mixed.
Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and
the air pressures as specified.

2 Tire and Wheel Replacement P. 608

Do not continuously spin the front tires of your
vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can
cause damage to the transmission and SH-AWD®
unit.

If the SH-AWD indicator blinks while driving, it
indicates the differential temperature is too high. If
this happens, pull to the side of the road when it is
safe, change the gear position to

(

P, and idle the

engine until the indicator goes out.

* Not available on all models

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When Driving

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist

Driving

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire
Fill Assist

Monitors the tire pressure while you are
driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes
significantly low, the low tire pressure/TPMS
indicator comes on and a message appears on
the MID.

1

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist

Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come
on.

2 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator

Comes On or Blinks P. 657

Tire pressure checked and inflated in:

•

Warm weather can become under-inflated in
colder weather.

•

Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer
weather.

The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will not come
on as a result of over inflation.

The TPMS audibly and visually informs you of
changes in tire pressure of the individual tire that you
are adjusting using audible and visual indications.

If a change in tire pressure has been significant, the
system beeps and the hazard lights flash continuously
for five seconds when the specified tire pressure is
reached. Stop filling the tire.

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator

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When Driving

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist

Driving

To select the tire pressure monitor, set the power
mode to ON, and roll the multi-function
steering-wheel controls until you see the tire
pressure screen.

The pressure for each tire is displayed in psi
(U.S.) or kPa (Canada).

Tire Pressures Low is displayed when a tire
has significantly low pressure. The specific tire
is displayed on the screen.

■

Tire Pressure Monitor

1

Tire Pressure Monitor

The pressure displayed on the MID can be slightly
different from the actual pressure as measured by a
gauge. If there is a significant difference between the
two values, or if the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator
and the message on the MID do not go off after you
have inflated the tire to the specified pressure, have
the system checked by a dealer.

Tire Pressure Monitor Problem may appear if you
drive with the compact spare tire, or there is a
problem with the TPMS.

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When Driving

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

Driving

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required
Federal Explanation

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label.

(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with
a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale

when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure.

Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability.

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When Driving

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

Driving

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

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

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

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

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

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Driving

Braking

Brake System

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

■

To apply

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

Press the electric parking brake switch gently
and securely.

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The electric parking brake indicator
comes on.

■

Parking Brake

1

Parking Brake

You may hear the electric parking brake system
motor operating from the rear wheel area when you
apply or release the parking brake, or set the power
mode to OFF. This is normal.

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

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

2 Jump Starting P. 649

If you press and hold the electric parking brake
switch while driving the brakes on all four
wheels are applied (by the VSA® system) until
the vehicle come to a stop (at which point the
electric parking brake is applied) or the switch is
released.

Electric Parking
Brake Switch

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Braking

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Brake System

Driving

■

To release

The power mode must be in the ON position
to release the electric parking brake.
1. Depress the brake pedal fully.
2. Pull the electric parking brake switch up

gently and securely.

u

The electric parking brake indicator goes
off.

Instructionly releasing the parking brake using
the switch helps your vehicle start slowly and
smoothly when facing downhill on steep hills.

1

Parking Brake

In the following situations, the parking brake
automatically operates.

•

When the vehicle stops more than 10 minutes
while ACC with LSF is activated.

•

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

•

When the engine is turned off while ACC with LSF
is activated.

•

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

•

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

•

When the engine is turned off while brake hold
system is applied.

•

When there is a problem with the Brake Hold
System.

Electric Parking
Brake Switch

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Braking

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Brake System

530

Driving

■

To release automatically

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

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

u

The electric parking brake indicator goes
off.

You can release the parking brake automatically when:
• You are wearing the driver’s seat belt.
• The engine is running.
• The transmission is not in

(

P or

(

N.

1

Parking Brake

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

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

•

Malfunction indicator lamp

•

Transmission system indicator

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

•

Electric parking brake system indicator

•

VSA® system indicator

•

ABS indicator

•

Supplemental restraint system indicator

Accelerator Pedal

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531

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Braking

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Brake System

Driving

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

2 Brake Assist System P. 535
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 534

■

Foot Brake

1

Foot Brake

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

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

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

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

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Braking

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Brake System

532

Driving

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

■

Automatic Brake Hold

1

Automatic Brake Hold

3

WARNING

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

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

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

3

WARNING

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

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

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

(

P

and applying the parking

brake.

■

Turning on the system

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

●

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

■

Activating the system

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

(

D or

(

N.

●

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

●

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

■

Canceling the system

Depress the accelerator
pedal while the
transmission is in

(

D.

The system is canceled
and the vehicle starts to
move.

●

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

Accelerator Pedal

Brake Pedal

Automatic Brake
Hold Button

Goes
Off

Comes
On

On

On

Comes
On

Comes
On

U.S.

Canada

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Braking

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Brake System

Driving

■

The system automatically cancels when:

• You depress the brake pedal and change to

(

P or

(

R.

• You engage the parking brake.

■

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

• Braking is kept for more than 10 minutes.
• The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
• The engine is turned off.
• Brake Hold System Problem appears on the MID.

■

Turning off the automatic brake hold system

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

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The automatic brake hold system
indicator goes off.

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

1

Automatic Brake Hold

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

2 When Stopped P. 545

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

1

Turning on the system

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

You may hear an operating noise if the vehicle moves
while the automatic brake hold system is in
operation. The system generates sound while holding
the vehicle and it moves.

Automatic Brake
Hold Button

Goes
Off

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