Acura MDX Hybrid (2017 year). Instruction — part 15

232

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Before Driving

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Driving Preparation

Driving

• Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the

seats.

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They can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.

• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.

2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 40

• Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the

vehicle, and go off soon after.

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Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.

2 Indicators P. 78

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233

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Before Driving

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Maximum Load Limit

Continued

Driving

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,173 lbs (532 kg).

The maximum load for your vehicle is 1,005 lbs (456 kg).
See the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle’s placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers

that will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers

from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

1

Maximum Load Limit

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo.

2 Specifications P. 432

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.

2 Specifications P. 432

3

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this instruction.

Models with bench seat

Models with captain seat

Label Example

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234

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Before Driving

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Maximum Load Limit

Driving

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being

loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will

be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this instruction to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

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235

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Before Driving

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Maximum Load Limit

Driving

In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.

Load Limits Example

Example1

Max Load

1,173 lbs

(532 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs

(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)

Cargo Weight

873 lbs

(396 kg)

Example2

Max Load

1,173 lbs

(532 kg)

Passenger Weight

150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs

(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)

Cargo Weight

423 lbs

(192 kg)

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236

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.

Towing Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

2 Emergency Towing P. 427

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237

Driving

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

General Information

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

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

Important Safety Precautions

To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations:
• Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.

2 Maximum Load Limit P. 233

• Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
• Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.
• It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.

1

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

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

2 Important Handling Information P. 34
2 Precautions While Driving P. 245

Spinning the tires can also damage the SPORT
HYBRID Super Handling-All Wheel Drive

TM

system.

3

WARNING

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

• Follow all instructions and guidelines in

this owner’s instruction.

• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive

faster than conditions permit.

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238

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Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

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Avoiding Trouble

Driving

Avoiding Trouble

• Check Out Your Vehicle before you leave the pavement and make sure that all

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

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

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

• Accelerating and Braking should be done slowly and gradually. Trying to start

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

• Avoiding Obstacles and Debris in the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover

or damage to your suspension or other components.

• Driving on Slopes increases your risk of a rollover, particularly if you attempt to

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

• Crossing a Stream - Avoid driving through deep water. If you encounter water

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

• If You Get Stuck, carefully go in the direction that you think will get you

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

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239

Continued

Driving

When Driving

Turning on the Power

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

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

2. Depress the brake pedal.

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Make sure the transmission is in

(

P.

1

Turning on the Power

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the power system.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).

When turning on the power system in cold weather,
turn off all electrical accessories such as the lights,
climate control system, and rear defogger in order to
reduce 12-volt battery drain.

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

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

Brake Pedal

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When Driving

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Turning on the Power

240

Driving

3. Press the POWER button without

depressing the accelerator pedal.

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The Ready To Drive message appears
on the multi-information display (MID).

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If the High Voltage battery is fully
charged, the gasoline engine may not
start.

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If the High Voltage battery charge level is
low, the gasoline engine starts.

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When the ambient temperature is
extremely low, the vehicle does not move
until certain conditions are met.
A warning message appears instead of
Ready To Drive.

2 Multi-Information Display (MID)

Warning and Information Messages
P. 99

You can turn the power system off when the vehicle is completely stopped.
1. Select

(

P.

2. Press and hold the POWER button.

1

Turning on the Power

Bring the keyless access remote close to the POWER
button if the battery in the keyless access remote is
weak.

2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is

Weak P. 405

The power system may not activate if the keyless
access remote is subjected to strong radio waves.
Do not hold the POWER button to start the power
system.
If the power system does not start, wait at least 30
seconds before trying again.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft.
If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used,
the power system does not activate.

2 Immobilizer System P. 158

When you turn the power system on, you may feel
the brake pedal slightly sink down. This is normal.

■

Stopping the Power System

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Continued

241

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When Driving

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Turning on the Power

Driving

You can remotely turn the power system on using the two-way keyless access
remote from extended distances.

■

To turn the power system on

The power system is on for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the time for another 10 minutes during the first 10 minutes, press the

button, then press and hold the

button.

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

After pressing the (lock) button, wait for the green LED to blink. This indicates that
the all the doors and the tailgate are locked.

■

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

1

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

WARNING:

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can

rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly enclosed
areas.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Never use the remote engine starter with the vehicle
parked in a garage or other areas with limited
ventilation.

Remote Engine Start run timer extension
The power system is on for another 10 minutes from
the time of extension request. The max time is 20
minutes, if the extension request is made after 10
minutes of first 10 minutes.

The vehicle may start in EV mode depending on High
Voltage battery conditions.

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If the High Voltage battery is fully charged, the

gasoline engine may not start.

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If the High Voltage battery charge level is low, the

gasoline engine starts.

Press the

button, then press and hold

the

button.

Amber LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Continues to blink
during a vehicle
self check until the
power system is
turned on.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Green LED: Comes on while
the power system is on.

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

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When Driving

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Turning on the Power

242

Driving

■

To turn the power system off

Press and hold the

button

for one second.

Go within the range,
and try again.

Amber LED: Blinks when any
button is pressed.

Red LED:

●

Comes on for one second to let you know
that the power system is turned off.

●

Blinks when the remote is out of the
keyless access system range. The power
system will not be turned off.

1

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

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

•

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

•

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

•

The gear is in a position other than

(

P.

•

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

•

You have already used the remote twice to turn the
power system on.

•

Another registered keyless access remote is in the
vehicle.

•

There is any antenna failure.

•

Door is unlocked with the built-in key.

•

The engine oil pressure is low.

•

The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.

•

The telematics unit malfunctions.

•

The security system alarm is not set.

Before turning the power system on, make sure to
check the door lock status using the remote. When
you press the

button, wait for the green LED to

blink. If the red LED turns on, the doors and tailgate
did not lock, and the power system is not turned on.

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Continued

243

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When Driving

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Turning on the Power

Driving

1

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

While the power system is on, the vehicle will
automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:

•

The air conditioning is activated in recirculation
mode.

•

The seat ventilation is activated

*

.

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.

•

The rear defogger and door mirror heaters are
activated.

•

The seat heaters and heated steering wheel are
activated

*

.

2 Heated Steering Wheel

*

P. 211

2 Front Seat Heaters and Seat

Ventilation

*

P. 212, 213

* Not available on all models

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When Driving

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Turning on the Power

244

Driving

1. Depress the brake pedal and press the POWER button simultaneously.

2. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, press the

button. Select

(

R

when reversing.

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

accelerator pedal.

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Make sure the electric parking brake indicator goes off.

2 Parking Brake P. 299
2 If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning Message

P. 416

■

Hill start assist system

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

Change the gear position to

(

D or

(

S when facing uphill, or

(

R when facing

downhill, then release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

1

Starting to Drive

The power system is turned off when the gear
position is changed from

(

P before the POWER

button is pressed. Follow the step 1 when starting to
drive.

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

When the power system was started using the two-way
keyless access remote

When the power system was started using the two-way keyless access remote

When the power system was started in any case

D/S

1

Hill start assist system

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

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

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245

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When Driving

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Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

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

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

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

■

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

■

In Rain

■

Other Precautions

1

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not select a shift button while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.

NOTICE

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

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

Do not press the

(

N button, as you will lose

regenerative braking (and acceleration) performance.

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

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

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246

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When Driving

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Dual Clutch Transmission

Driving

Dual Clutch Transmission

As with a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission,
this vehicle will creep.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

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

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

1

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

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

2 Important Handling Information P. 34
2 Precautions While Driving P. 245

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247

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When Driving

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Shifting

Continued

Driving

Shifting

Change the gear position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift button positions

1

Shifting

To prevent malfunction and unintended
engagement:

•

Do not spill any liquids on or around shift buttons.

•

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

•

Do not let passengers or children operate the shift
buttons.

You may occasionally find that it takes longer than
usual for the vehicle to start moving when you select

(

R, release the brake pedal, and/or depress the

accelerator pedal. This may occur when the High
Voltage battery level is extremely low, and does not
indicate a vehicle malfunction.

3

WARNING

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

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

(

P

is shown

on the gear position Indicator.

Park
Used when parking or starting the power
system

Reverse
Used when reversing

Neutral
Used when idling

Drive
Used for:

●

Normal driving (gears change between 1st
and 7th automatically)

●

Temporarily driving in the sequential
mode

Drive (S)
Used for:

●

Automatically changing gears between 1st
and 6th (6th gear is used only at high
speed)

●

Driving in the sequential mode

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