Acura MDX (2018 year). Manual - part 29

454

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

To estimate the tongue load

Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. Too little 
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.

You can estimate the tongue load by measuring the trailer hitch height from the 
ground in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hitch 

again.

5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then refer to the 

following table.

If the difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute the load or 
remove cargo as needed.

If the difference is

AWD models

2WD models

1 inches (2.5 cm)

150 lbs (68 kg)

1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

250 lbs (114 kg)

2 inches (5.1 cm)

350 lbs (159 kg)

2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm)

450 lbs (205 kg)

—

2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm)

500 lbs (227 kg)

—

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  454 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

Continued

455

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale

Check each weight in the order indicated as shown.
Refer to the table on the right for each weight’s limit except for the tongue load.

2 Tongue load P. 453

• If you cannot weigh the rear axle, subtract 1 from 2.
• The maximum gross combined weight (4) decreases by 2% for every 1,000 feet 

(305 meters) of elevation.

• To calculate the tongue load, subtract 5 from 6.
• Refer to the trailer owner’s manual for additional information.

1

How to weigh the trailer loads using the public scale

Fully load the vehicle and trailer. An attendant who 
watches the scale is needed as all occupants should 
stay in the vehicle.

If a public scale is not available, add the estimated 
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your 
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and then 
measure the tongue load with an appropriate scale or 
tongue gauge or estimate it based on cargo 
distribution.

Weight limit for

2WD models

AWD models

Front gross axle

2,811 lbs 

(1,275 kg)

2,910 lbs 

(1,320 kg)

Gross vehicle

5,368 lbs 

(2,435 kg)

5,677 lbs 

(2,575 kg)

Rear gross axle

2,734 lbs 

(1,240 kg)

2,965 lbs 

(1,345 kg)

Gross combined

8,036 lbs 

(3,645 kg)

9,833 lbs 

(4,460 kg)

1. Front gross axle weight.

2. Gross vehicle weight.

4. Gross combined weight.

3. Rear gross axle weight.

5. Hitched trailer weight.
6. Unhitched trailer weight.

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  455 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

456

Driving

Towing generally requires a variety of supplemental equipment.
To ensure the best quality, we recommend that you purchase Acura equipment 
whenever possible.

■

Towing Equipment and Accessories

1

Towing Equipment and Accessories

Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and 
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.

Consult your trailer maker for proper installation and 
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the 
handling, stability, and braking performance of your 
vehicle.

Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other 
items are recommended or required for your towing 
situation.

The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type 
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only 
be installed by a qualified technician.

Trailer packages and products:

•

Ball mount, hitch plug, hitch pin etc.

•

Wiring harness kit

•

Trailer hitch kit (jumper harness included)

2 Trailer brakes P. 457

Are available at a dealer.

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  456 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

Continued

457

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

Trailer brakes

Recommended for any trailer with a total weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) or more:
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are 
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not 
attempt to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it will lower 
braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.
The 4-pin gray connector installed in your vehicle has all of the circuits required to 
install most electric trailer brake controllers.

Have a qualified mechanic install your trailer 
brake controller following the trailer brake 
controller manufacturer’s instructions. Failure 
to properly install the trailer brake controller 
may increase the distance it takes for you to 
stop your vehicle when towing a trailer.

1

Trailer brakes

The 4-pin gray connector is located under the left 
side instrument panel.

Electric Brake 
(Light Green) (20A)

Ground 
(Brown)

Brake 
(Green)

Stop 
(Violet)

Trailer brake controller 
connector’s terminals:

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  457 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

458

Driving

■

Trailer light

Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and 
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the 
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.

We recommend that you have a dealer install a Acura wiring harness and converter. 
They are designed for your vehicle.

■

Hitches

Read the trailer manufacturer’s instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for 
the height of the trailer you will be towing.

■

Weight distribution hitches

Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you 
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of 
your vehicle.

1

Trailer light

The trailer lighting connector is located behind the 
left side panel in the cargo area.
Even if you are planning to use the non-Acura trailer 
lighting harness and converter, ask a dealer for the 
correct connector and pins.

+B Trailer Charge

+B Trailer Hazard Light

+B Trailer Hazard Light

+B Trailer Back Light 

Back Light

+B ELEC Brake

Right Turn Signal

Stop Light

Pins’ wiring color codes and their purposes:

+B Trailer Small

IG2 HAC

Left Turn Signal

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  458 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

459

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Preparation

Driving

■

Safety chains

Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the 
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

■

Sway control

This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you 
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could 
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.

■

Trailer mirrors

Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a 
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the 
trailer creates a blind spot.

■

Automatic transmission cooler

*

An additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler is required to keep the 
transmission from overheating when towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You 
can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.

AWD models

* Not available on all models

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  459 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

460

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Trailer Stability Assist

Driving

Trailer Stability Assist

Helps to stabilize the vehicle and trailer when the trailer severely sways.

■

How trailer stability assist works

When the vehicle and trailer become unstable while driving, trailer stability assist 
determines the cause. If the trailer oscillation is detected as the cause, and the 
swaying increases, the system applies the brakes or controls engine output to reduce 
vehicle speed.
Both the vehicle and trailer brake lights come on automatically if you brake to 
reduce vehicle speed.

1

Trailer Stability Assist

Trailer stability assist is not a function that prevents 
the vehicle and trailer from swaying. Avoid high 
speeds, abrupt steering, improper trailer load, and 
sudden braking to keep the trailer from swaying. 
When swayed too severely, the system becomes 
ineffective, and you may lose control of your vehicle, 
causing the trailer to roll over or get damaged.

2 Driving Safely with a Trailer P. 461

Trailer towing sway is caused by:

•

Crosswinds

•

Improper towbar down load

•

Excessive Speed

The VSA® system indicator blinks during the trailer 
stability assist operation.

2 VSA® Operation P. 517

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  460 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

461

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Continued

Driving

Driving Safely with a Trailer

• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.

2 Towing Load Limits P. 452

• When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump 

octane number of 91 or higher is recommended.

u

Towing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or 
steep uphill.

• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while 

driving.

• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.

• Turn off Auto Idle Stop system using Auto Idle Stop OFF button. The trailer 

weight can affect your vehicle’s brake effectiveness if Auto Idle Stop is activated 
on a hill while towing a trailer.

• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the 

(

D position when towing a trailer on level roads.

■

Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer

■

Towing Speeds and Gears

1

Driving Safely with a Trailer

Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel 
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.

Models with Auto Idle Stop

1

Towing Speeds and Gears

When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do 
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). 
At higher speeds, the trailer may sway or affect 
vehicle handling.

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  461 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

462

uu

Towing a Trailer

u

Towing Your Vehicle

Driving

• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.

• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the 

climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool 
down the engine if necessary.

• Change the gear position to 

(

S position if the transmission shifts frequently.

If the vehicle tires slip when retrieving a boat from the water, keep the transmission 
in 

(

D and do not use the sequential shift mode in 

(

S. This prevents damage to the 

transmission.

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. 666

■

Turning and Braking

■

Driving in Hilly Terrain

■

Retrieving a Boat

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  462 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

463

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. 449

• 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. 30
2 Precautions While Driving P. 470

Spinning the tires can also damage the SH-AWD® 
system.

3

WARNING

Improperly operating this vehicle on or 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 manual.

• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive 

faster than conditions permit.

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  463 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

464

uu

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines

u

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.

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  464 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

465

Continued

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u

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

2. Depress the brake pedal.

3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button 

without depressing the accelerator pedal.
The engine will crank until it starts.

1

Starting the Engine

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

When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all 
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control 
system, and rear defogger in order to reduce 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.

Bring the keyless access remote close to the ENGINE 
START/STOP button if the battery in the keyless 
access remote is weak.

2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is 

Weak P. 647

The engine may not start if the keyless access remote 
is subjected to strong radio waves.
Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to 
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds 
before trying again.

Electric Parking Brake Switch

Brake Pedal

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  465 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

466

Driving

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.
1. Put the transmission into 

(

P.

2. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button with your foot on the brake pedal.

■

Stopping the Engine

1

Starting the Engine

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from 
theft.
If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s 
fuel system is disabled.

2 Immobilizer System P. 163

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  466 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

Continued

467

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

You can remotely start the engine using the two-way keyless access remote from 
extended distances.

■

To start the engine

The engine runs for up to 10 minutes without you starting the vehicle.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the 

 

button, then press and hold the 

 button.

u

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 engine runs for another 10 minutes from the 
time of extension request. The max engine run time is 
20 minutes, if the extension request is made after 10 
minutes of first engine run.

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 engine may not start 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 transmission 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 start 
the engine.

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 
engine starts.

Go within the range, 
and try again.

Green LED: Comes on while 
the engine is running.

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

* Not available on all models

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  467 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

468

Driving

■

To stop the engine

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 engine has stopped.

●

Blinks when the remote is out of 
the keyless access system range. 
The engine will not stop.

1

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

*

•

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 starting the engine, 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 engine does not start.

While the engine is running, 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. 216

2 Front Seat Heaters and Seat 

Ventilation

*

 P. 217, 218

* Not available on all models

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  468 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分

469

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

1. Depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button 

simultaneously.

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

(

D button. Select 

(

R when 

reversing.

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

accelerator pedal.

u

Make sure the electric parking brake indicator goes off.

2 Parking Brake P. 528
2 If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks along with the Warning Message 

P. 657

■

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.

The brakes remain engaged briefly as you release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

1

Starting to Drive

The engine stops when the gear position is changed 
from 

(

P before the ENGINE START/STOP 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 manually releasing it with the 
electric parking brake switch than by releasing it with 
the accelerator pedal.

When the engine was started using the two-way keyless 
access remote

*

When the engine was started using the two-way keyless access remote

*

When the engine was started in any case

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.

Hill start assist will operate even when VSA® is 
switched off.

* Not available on all models

18 ACURA MDX-31TZ56400.book  469 ページ  ２０１７年８月２３日　水曜日　午後４時１分