2014 ACURA MDX Owner’s Manual

The 2014 Acura MDX is a luxurious SUV that can be used in many ways. It combines style, performance, and utility. The MDX is elegant and shows that Acura cares about style with its smooth and aerodynamic exterior design. The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which gives it plenty of power and quick response. The MDX’s interior is made with high-quality materials and has room for up to seven people, making it perfect for trips with the whole family. Modern technology like a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a high-quality sound system make driving fun and easy to stay in touch with others. With features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera, the MDX makes safety a top priority. The 2014 Acura MDX is a top choice in the midsize SUV segment because it has a good mix of luxury, performance, and versatility.

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.
  • Maximum Load Limit P. 307
• 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.

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
WARNING: Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash or rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or killed.

• Follow all instructions and guidelines in this owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in a crash or a rollover. Spinning the tires can also damage the SH-AWD system.

Avoiding Trouble

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Avoiding Obstacles and Debris on the road reduces the likelihood of a rollover or damage to your suspension or other components.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Precautions While Driving

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
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.

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

Other Precautions
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.

NOTICE

• Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could damage the transmission.
• 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 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 operations under these conditions can eventually damage the system.
• If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) while driving, the engine will shut down and all steering and brake power assist functions will stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
• Do not put the shift lever in (N, as you will lose engine 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.

Automatic Transmission

Creeping
The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases. Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

Kickdown
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.

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle: Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in a crash or a rollover.

If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks

• Reasons for the indicator to come on or blink
  Tire pressure is significantly low. If there is a problem with the TPMS or the compact spare tire* is installed, the indicator blinks for about one minute and then stays on.
• What to do when the indicator comes on
  Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust the pressure to the specified level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on the driver-side doorjamb.
• What to do when the indicator blinks
  Have the tire inspected by a dealer as soon as possible. If the compact spare tire* causes the indicator to blink, change the tire to a full-size tire. The indicator goes off after driving for a few miles (kilometers).

NOTICE: Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. An overheated tire can fail. Always inflate your tires to the prescribed level.

Fuses

Fuse Locations
If any electrical devices are not working, set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) and check to see if any applicable fuse is blown.

Engine Compartment Fuse Box
There are two fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Fuse locations are shown on the fuse box cover. Locate the fuse in question by the fuse number and box cover number. Located near the brake fluid reservoir. Push the tabs to open the box. Located near the battery. Push the tabs to open the box.

FAQ’s