2009 Acura MDX Manual

The 2009 Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV featuring a 3.7L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), advanced navigation system with voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, premium audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, power tailgate, and leather-trimmed interior. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Vehicle Specifications 3. Controls and Instrument Panel 4. Driving Operation 5. Navigation System 6. Audio and Connectivity 7. Climate Control 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Safety Features 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.7L V6 engine, SH-AWD system, 5-speed automatic transmission, navigation system, Bluetooth, power features, premium audio.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.7L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission	5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift
Drivetrain	Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Navigation System	Voice-activated with real-time traffic
Audio System	Premium 10-speaker system with CD/DVD
Bluetooth	HandsFreeLink for phone connectivity
Climate Control	Tri-zone automatic temperature control
Seating	Leather-trimmed with 8-way power driver seat
Power Features	Tailgate, windows, moonroof
Safety	Vehicle Stability Assist, multiple airbags

Vehicle Specifications

Engine: 3.7L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 275 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain: Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity: 21.0 gallons
Fuel Economy: 15 city / 20 highway mpg
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (with proper equipment)
Seating Capacity: 7 passengers
Cargo Volume: 15.0 cu ft (behind 3rd row)

Controls and Instrument Panel

Steering wheel controls: Audio, cruise control, phone, paddle shifters. Center console: Navigation, climate, audio controls.

Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, multi-information display. Steering wheel: Volume, track selection, phone buttons, cruise control. Center stack: Navigation screen, audio controls, climate controls, power tailgate button.

Multi-Information Display: Shows trip computer, fuel economy, maintenance reminders, and system messages.

Driving Operation

Starting: Insert key, press brake, push START button. Transmission: Drive (D), Sport (S) mode with paddle shifters.

Start engine: Press brake pedal, push ENGINE START button.
Select drive mode: Move shift lever to D for normal driving.
Sport mode: Move lever to S for manual shifting with paddles.
SH-AWD: Automatically distributes torque for optimal traction.
Parking: Come to complete stop, shift to P, apply parking brake.

WARNING! Always wear seat belts. Never shift to P while vehicle is moving.

Navigation System

Voice-activated navigation with real-time traffic updates.

Power on: Press NAVI button on center console.
Destination entry: Use voice command or touch screen interface.
Route guidance: Follow visual and voice prompts.
Traffic updates: Real-time traffic information with alternate routes.
Points of interest: Search for gas stations, restaurants, etc.
System settings: Adjust screen brightness, voice volume, map display.

CAUTION! Program navigation only when vehicle is stopped.

Audio and Connectivity

Premium audio system with AM/FM/XM radio, CD/DVD, Bluetooth audio streaming.

Audio sources: Press SOURCE to cycle through AM, FM, XM, CD, AUX.
Bluetooth phone: Pair phone through HandsFreeLink system.
Audio streaming: Connect compatible devices for wireless audio.
Steering controls: Use wheel-mounted buttons for volume and track changes.
System settings: Adjust equalizer, balance, fade in audio menu.

Tip: Maximum of 6 phones can be paired with HandsFreeLink.

Climate Control

Tri-zone automatic climate control with air filtration.

Auto mode: Set desired temperature, system adjusts automatically.
Manual control: Adjust fan speed, mode, temperature separately.
Rear controls: Second and third row passengers can adjust their zones.
Defrost: Press front/rear defrost buttons for quick clearing.
Air conditioning: A/C button for dehumidification and cooling.

WARNING! Do not use recirculation mode in cold weather to prevent window fogging.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow Acura maintenance schedule for optimal performance.

Service	Interval	Items
Oil Change	7,500 miles/12 months	Engine oil and filter replacement
Tire Rotation	7,500 miles	Rotate tires, check pressure
Air Filter	30,000 miles	Engine air filter replacement
Cabin Filter	15,000 miles	Climate control air filter
Brake Fluid	3 years/45,000 miles	Brake system fluid replacement
Transmission Fluid	60,000 miles	Automatic transmission fluid
Coolant	10 years/120,000 miles	Engine coolant replacement

Safety Features

Advanced safety systems including multiple airbags, stability control, and collision mitigation.

Airbags: Front, side, side curtain airbags
Vehicle Stability Assist: Helps maintain control during cornering
Anti-lock Brakes: Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking
Traction Control: Limits wheel spin during acceleration
Collision Mitigation: Warns of potential collisions
TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Rearview Camera: Displays rear view when backing up

CAUTION! Always check mirrors and surroundings before backing up, even with camera.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/key fob	Check battery; ensure key fob is present; try spare key.
Navigation not working	GPS signal/disc	Ensure clear view of sky; check navigation DVD in trunk.
Bluetooth disconnects	Phone compatibility	Delete phone from system and re-pair; check phone settings.
TPMS warning light	Tire pressure	Check all tire pressures; inflate to recommended PSI.
Transmission shifting hard	Fluid level	Check transmission fluid level; have dealer inspect if needed.
Climate control noise	Blower motor	Have dealer inspect blower motor and cabin filter.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset electronic systems.

Service: Contact Acura dealer or 1-800-382-2238 for assistance.