Acura MDX 2012 Owner's Manual
2012 MDX
Owner’s Manual
(Unlinked)
This document does not contain hyperlinks and may be formatted for printing instead of web use. This is due to changes
in content and specifications of the vehicle that happen throughout the model year. This manual will be replaced with a
hyperlinked version at the end of the model year.
© 2011 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved
P/N 00X31-STX-
6501
Owner's Identification
OWNER _________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________
STREET
_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________
CITY STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
V. I. N. ___________________________________________________________
DELIVERY DATE __________________________________________________
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME ___________________ DEALER NO. ___________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________
STREET
_________________________________ _________________________________ ___________________
CITY STATE/PROVINCE/TERRITORY ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
OWNER'S SIGNATURE ___________________________________________
DEALER'S SIGNATURE ___________________________________________
This owner's manual should be considered a
permanent part of the vehicle and should
remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This Owner's Manual covers all models of the
MDX. You may find descriptions of
equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner's manual
(including the front cover) represent features
and equipment that are available on some,
but not all, models. Your particular model
may not have some of these features.
The information and specifications included
in this publication were in effect at the time of
approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or
change specifications or design at any time
without notice and without incurring any
obligation whatsoever.
POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN
AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez
besoin d'un Manuel du Conducteur
en français, veuillez demander à
votre concessionnaire de
commander le numéro de pièce
33STXC50
Introduction
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2012 Acura MDX was a wise investment.
It will give you years of driving pleasure.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read
this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so
you can refer to it at any time.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the Maintenance Minder™ shown in
the instrument panel helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it
preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in
mind that your dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many
systems unique to your vehicle. Your dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction
and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
As you read this manual, you will find
information that is preceded by a
symbol. This information is
intended to help you avoid damage to
your vehicle, other property, or the
environment.
i
Introduction
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).
The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment
or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•
Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
•
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
•
How fast the vehicle was traveling.
•
These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE:
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR
under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying
data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In
addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can
read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the
permission of the vehicle owner.
ii
Introduction
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Service Diagnostic Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data
can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It
may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.
California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act
The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special
handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/
iii
A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.
iv
You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
●
Safety Labels － on the vehicle.
●
Safety Messages － preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: DANGER, WARNING,orCAUTION.
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
●
Safety Headings－ such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
●
Safety Section － such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
●
Instructions － how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information － please read it
carefully.
Important Handling Information
Your MDX has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground
clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high
center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear
seat belts.
For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read ‘‘Driving Guidelines’’ on page 440 of this manual and the
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
control, a crash, or rollover.
section on page 500. Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result in loss of
v
Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls).................................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection)
Instruments and Controls (indicators, gauges, multi-information display, dashboard, and steering column)
Features (
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break-in, and cargo loading)
Driving (engine and transmission operation)
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, Jump starting, overheating, and fuses)
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls)
Warranty and Client Relations (U.S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information)
Index
Service Information Summary (fluid capacities and tire pressures) ............................................................... last page
climate control, audio, rear entertainment, steering wheel, security, cruise control, and other convenience items
....................................................................................... 421
........................................................................................................... 439
.............................................................................................................................................................................. I
........................................................................... 5
........... 65
).. 181
........................................................... 505
................................................... 549
........................................................ 575
............................... 593
INDEX
1
Overview of Contents
Contents
A convenient reference to the
sections in this manual.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
A quick reference to the main
controls in your vehicle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important information about the
proper use and care of your vehicle's
seat belts, an overview of the
supplemental restraint system, and
valuable information on how to
protect children with child restraints.
Instruments and Controls
Explains the purpose of each
instrument panel indicator and
gauge, and how to use the controls
on the dashboard and steering
column.
Features
How to operate the climate control
system, the audio system, rear
entertainment system, and other
convenience features.
2
Before Driving
What gasoline to use, how to breakin your new vehicle, and how to load
luggage and other cargo.
Driving
The proper way to start the engine,
shift the transmission, and park; plus
what you need to know if you're
planning to tow a trailer.
Maintenance
The Maintenance Minder™ shows
you when you need to take your
vehicle to the dealer for maintenance
service. There is also a list of things
to check and instructions on how to
check them.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers several problems
motorists sometimes experience, and
details how to handle them.
Technical Information
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities,
and technical information.
Warranty and Client Relations
(U.S. and Canada only)
A summary of the warranties
covering your new vehicle, and how
to contact us for any reason. Refer to
your warranty manual for detailed
information.
Index
Service Information Summary
A summary of the information you
need when you pull up to the fuel
pump.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
DRIVER'S FRONT
AIRBAG (P. 10, 30)
DRIVING POSITION
MEMORY SYSTEM
(P. 168)
POWER DOOR LOCK
MASTER SWITCH
(P. 140)
PARKING BRAKE
RELEASE HANDLE
(P. 164)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P. 160)
FUEL FILL DOOR
RELEASE BUTTON
(P. 424)
POWER TAILGATE
BUTTON (P. 142)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE (P. 426)
ᤳ: If equipped
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INDICATORS (P. 67)
GAUGES (P. 78)
PARKING BRAKE
PEDAL (P. 164)
HOMELINK BUTTONS
(P. 363)
AUXILIARY INPUT
ᤳ
JACKS
(P. 339)
MOONROOF SWITCH
(P. 163)
HEADPHONE
CONNECTORSᤳ(P. 340)
MIRROR CONTROL
AUTO BUTTON
(P. 165)
PASSENGER'S
FRONT AIRBAG
(P. 10, 30)
CLIMATE CONTROL
SYSTEM (P. 182)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P. 192)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(P. 443)
REAR CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM
(P. 187)
AC POWER OUTLET
(P. 178)
AUXILIARY INPUT
JACKS (P. 307)
USB ADAPTER
ᤳ
CABLE
(P. 280)
CONTINUED
Your Vehicle at a Glance
3
Your Vehicle at a Glance
BSI ALERT INDICATOR
ᤳ2
(P. 479)
COLLISION MITIGATION
BRAKING SYSTEM™ (CMBS™)
OFF BUTTON
ᤳ2
(P.467)
HEADLIGHT/TURN SIGNAL/
FRONT FOG LIGHTS
(P. 128)
PADDLE SHIFTERS
(P. 447)
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST SYSTEM
OFF BUTTON
(P. 474)
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P. 166)
HEADLIGHT WASHER
BUTTON
ᤳ2
(P. 127)
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (BSI) OFF BUTTON
(P. 482)
ᤳ2
HORN
ᤳ1
DISTANCE
STEERING WHEEL
AUDIO CONTROLS
(P. 305)
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENTS
(P. 134)
VOICE CONTROL
BLUETOOTH
BUTTONS
HANDSFREELINK
BUTTONS (P. 365)
ᤳ3
BUTTON
(P. 357)
CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (P. 345) /
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
BUTTONS
ᤳ1: To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
ᤳ2: If equipped
ᤳ3: Refer to the navigation system manual. For how to operate
4
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
(P. 126)
ᤳ2
ᤳ2
(P. 353)
Bluetooth
®
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS
(P. 133)
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
(P. 37)
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
(P. 132)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
(P. 132)
ACCESSORY POWER
SOCKETS
(P. 177)
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
(P. 157) /
SEAT HEATER AND SEAT
VENTILATION BUTTONS
(P. 158)
ACTIVE DAMPER
SYSTEM BUTTON
(P. 484)
HandsFreeLink by voice, see page 383.
ᤳ2
ᤳ2
Driver and Passenger Safety
This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It shows
you how to use seat belts. It explains
how your airbags work. And it tells you
how to properly restrain infants and
children in your vehicle.
Important Safety Precautions
Your Vehicle's Safety Features
Seat Belts
Airbags
Protecting Adults and Teens
1. Close and Lock the Doors
2. Adjust the Front Seats
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs
4. Adjust the Head Restraints
5. Fasten and Position the Seat
6. Maintain a Proper Sitting
Advice for Pregnant Women
Additional Safety Precautions
Additional Information About Your
Seat Belt System Components
..................................... 9
....................................... 10
................................... 16
Belts
Position
Seat Belts
............................... 18
............................... 21
.............. 6
............ 8
............. 12
.......... 12
............... 14
................ 15
......... 15
.......... 19
........ 20
....... 21
Lap/Shoulder Belt
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
Seat Belt e-pretensioners
Seat Belt Maintenance
Additional Information About Your
Airbags
Airbag System Components
How Your Front Airbags Work
How Your Side Airbags Work
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
Work
How the SRS Indicator Works
How the Side Airbag Off Indicator
Works
How the Passenger Airbag Off
Indicator Works
Airbag Service
Additional Safety Precautions
Protecting Children － General
Guidelines
All Children Must Be
Restrained
All Children Should Sit in a Back
Seat
The Passenger's Front Airbag Can
Pose Serious Risks
................................... 27
...................................... 35
..................................... 36
........................................ 41
........................ 22
............... 24
.................. 25
.......... 27
........ 33
....................... 37
............................. 38
........ 39
.............................. 40
............................... 40
................... 41
..... 23
...... 30
....... 36
If You Must Drive with Several
Children
If a Child Requires Close
Attention
Additional Safety Precautions
Protecting Infants and Small
Children
Protecting Infants
Protecting Small Children
Selecting a Child Seat
Installing a Child Seat
Installing a Child Seat with
LATCH
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Belt
Installing a Child Seat with a
Tether
Protecting Larger Children
Checking Seat Belt Fit
Using a Booster Seat
When Can a Larger Child Sit in
Front
Additional Safety Precautions
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Safety Labels
.................................. 43
................................. 43
................................. 45
......................... 45
............. 46
...................... 48
...................... 49
................................... 50
........................... 53
..................................... 54
............... 57
.................. 57
.................... 58
....................................... 59
................ 61
.................................. 62
Driver and Passenger Safety
........ 44
........ 60
5
Important Safety Precautions
You'll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
The recommendations on this page
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
6
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with
airbags, make sure you and your
passengers always wear your seat
belts, and wear them properly (see
page 16).
Restrain All Children
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat, not the front seat. Infants and
small children should be restrained
in a child seat. Larger children
should use a booster seat and a lap/
shoulder belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat
(see pages 40 － 60).
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
Don't Drink and Drive
Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don't drink
and drive, and don't let your friends
drink and drive, either.
Important Safety Precautions
Pay Appropriate Attention to the
Task of Driving Safely
Engaging in mobile phone
conversation or other activities that
keep you from paying close attention to
the road, other vehicles and
pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change
quickly, and only you can decide when
it is safe to divert attention away from
driving.
Control Your Speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also occur
at lower speeds. Never drive faster
than is safe for current conditions,
regardless of the maximum speed
posted.
Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition
Having a tire blowout or a mechanical
failure can be extremely hazardous. To
reduce the possibility of such
problems, check your tire pressures
and condition frequently, and perform
all regularly scheduled maintenance
(see page 507).
Driver and Passenger Safety
7
Your Vehicle's Safety Features
(9)
(8)
(11)
(7)
(5)
(2)
On models with Collision Mitigation
ᤳ:
Braking System™ (CMBS™)
(1)
8
(2)
(12)
(7)
(3)
(4)
(8)
(6)
(11)
(10)
(1) Safety Cage
(2) Crush Zones
(3) Seats and Seat-Backs
(4) Head Restraints
(5) Collapsible Steering Column
(6) Seat Belts
(7) Front Airbags
(8) Side Airbags
(9) Side Curtain Airbags
(10) Front seat Belt Tensioners/
Seat Belt e-pretensioners
(11) Door Locks
(12)Occupant Position Detection
System (OPDS) Sensor
ᤳ
Your vehicle is equipped with many
features that work together to protect
you and your passengers during a
crash.
Some features do not require any
action on your part. These include a
strong steel framework that forms a
safety cage around the passenger
compartment, front and rear crush
zones, a collapsible steering column,
and tensioners that tighten the front
seat belts in a crash.
However, you and your passengers
can't take full advantage of these
features unless you remain sitting in
the correct position and
your seat belts.
features can contribute to injuries if
they are not used properly.
The following pages explain how you
can take an active role in protecting
yourself and your passengers.
In fact, some safety
always wear
Your Vehicle's Safety Features
Seat Belts
Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts in all seating positions.
Your seat belt system also includes
an indicator on the instrument panel
and a beeper to remind you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
Why Wear Seat Belts
Seat belts are the single most
effective safety device for adults and
larger children. (Infants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats.)
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces and territories
require you to wear seat belts.
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has
airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
When properly worn, seat belts:
●
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle's built-in safety features.
●
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including:
–
frontal impacts
–
side impacts
–
rear impacts
–
rollovers
●
Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
●
Keep you from being thrown out of
the vehicle.
●
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inflating airbag and
allows you to get the best
advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash. But in most cases, seat belts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
What you should do:
Always wear
your seat belt, and make sure you
wear it properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
9
Your Vehicle's Safety Features
Airbags
Your vehicle has a supplemental
restraint system (SRS) with front
airbags to help protect the heads and
chests of the driver and a front seat
passenger during a moderate to
severe frontal collision (see page 30
for more information on how your
front airbags work).
10
Your vehicle also has side airbags to
help protect the torso and pelvis of
the driver or a front seat passenger
during a moderate to severe side
impact (see page 33 for more
information on how your side airbags
work).
In addition, your vehicle has side
curtain airbags to help protect the
heads of the driver and passengers in
outboard seating positions during a
moderate-to-severe side impact. The
side curtain airbags equipped in this
vehicle are also designed to help
reduce the likelihood of partial and
complete ejection of vehicle occupants
through side windows in crashes,
particularly rollover crashes (see page
35 for additional information on how
your side curtain airbags work).
Your Vehicle's Safety Features
The most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
●
Airbags do not replace seat belts.
They are designed to supplement
the seat belts.
●
Airbags offer no protection in rear
impacts, or minor frontal or side
collisions.
●
Airbags can pose serious hazards.
To do their job, airbags must
inflate with tremendous force. So
while airbags help save lives, they
can cause minor injuries or more
serious or even fatal injuries if
occupants are not properly
restrained or sitting properly.
What you should do:
Always wear
your seat belt properly, and sit
upright and as far back from the
steering wheel as possible while
allowing full control of the vehicle. A
front passenger should move their
seat as far back from the dashboard
as possible.
The rest of this section gives more
detailed information about how you
can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that no safety
system can prevent all injuries or
deaths that can occur in a severe
crash, even when seat belts are
properly worn and the airbags
deploy.
Driver and Passenger Safety
11
Protecting Adults and Teens
Introduction
The following pages provide
instructions on how to properly
protect the driver, adult passengers,
and teenage children who are large
enough and mature enough to drive
or ride in the front.
See pages 40 － 60 for important
guidelines on how to properly protect
infants, small children, and larger
children who ride in your vehicle.
12
1. Close and Lock the Doors
After everyone has entered the
vehicle, be sure the doors and the
tailgate are closed and locked.
Your vehicle has a door/
tailgate open indicator (red)
on the instrument panel to indicate
when any door or the tailgate is not
tightly closed.
See page 140 for how to lock the
doors, and page 76 for how the door/
tailgate open indicator works.
Your vehicle has a door and tailgate
open indicator on the multiinformation display to indicate when
a specific door or the tailgate is not
tightly closed. You will see the
appropriate indicator and the
message for each condition.
When one or more doors are not
tightly closed, the ‘‘DOOR OPEN’’
message will come on.
When the tailgate is not tightly
closed, the ‘‘TAILGATE OPEN’’
message will come on.
When both tailgate and one or more
doors are not tightly closed, the
‘‘DOOR & TAILGATE OPEN’’
message will come on.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Locking the doors reduces the
chance of someone being thrown out
of the vehicle during a crash, and it
helps prevent passengers from
accidentally opening a door and
falling out.
Locking the doors also helps prevent
an outsider from unexpectedly
opening a door when you come to a
stop.
Your vehicle has the auto door
locking/unlocking feature. For more
information, see page 140.
Driver and Passenger Safety
13
Protecting Adults and Teens
2. Adjust the Front Seats
Adjust the driver's seat as far to the
rear as possible while allowing you to
maintain full control of the vehicle.
Have a front passenger adjust their
seat as far to the rear as possible.
14
If you sit too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard, you can be
seriously injured by an inflating front
airbag, or by striking the steering
wheel or dashboard.
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that drivers
allow at least 10 inches (25 cm)
between the center of the steering
wheel and the chest. In addition to
adjusting the seat, you can adjust the
steering wheel up and down, and in
and out (see page 134).
If you cannot get far enough away
from the steering wheel and still
reach the controls, we recommend
that you investigate whether some
type of adaptive equipment may help.
Sitting too close to a front
airbag can result in serious
injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
front airbags as possible.
See page 149 for how to adjust the
front seats.
Protecting Adults and Teens
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs
Adjust the driver's seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position, leaving
ample space between your chest and
the airbag cover in the center of the
steering wheel.
Passengers with adjustable seatbacks should also adjust their seatback to a comfortable, upright
position.
Reclining the seat-back too far
can result in serious injury or
death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position, and sit well
back in the seat.
Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against the occupant's chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt. It also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt in a crash
and being seriously injured. The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
See page 149 for how to adjust the
seat-backs.
4. Adjust the Head Restraints
Driver and Passenger Safety
Adjust the driver's head restraint so
the center of the back of your head
rests against the center of the
restraint.
Have passengers adjust their head
restraints properly as well. Taller
persons should adjust their restraint
as high as possible.
CONTINUED
15
Protecting Adults and Teens
Improperly positioning head
restraints reduces their
effectiveness and you can be
seriously injured in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are
in place and positioned properly
before driving.
Properly adjusted head restraints will
help protect occupants from whiplash
and other crash injuries.
See page 150 for how to adjust the
head restraints and how the driver's
and front passenger's active head
restraints work.
5. Fasten and Position the Seat
Belts
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Check that
the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
The second row center seat, and
both third row seats, have a
detachable shoulder belt that can be
unlatched and retracted, to allow the
seats to be folded down. See page
155 for how to unlatch and relatch
the seat belts.
Position the lap part of the belt as low
as possible across your hips, then
pull up on the shoulder part of the
belt so the lap part fits snugly. This
lets your strong pelvic bones take the
force of a crash and reduces the
chance of internal injuries.
16
Protecting Adults and Teens
If necessary, pull up on the belt again
to remove any slack, then check that
the belt rests across the center of
your chest and over your shoulder.
This spreads the forces of a crash
over the strongest bones in your
upper body.
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death in a crash.
Make sure all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
If the seat belt touches or crosses
your neck, or if it crosses your arm
instead of your shoulder, you need to
adjust the seat belt anchor height.
RELEASE
BUTTON
The front seats have adjustable seat
belt anchors. To adjust the height of
an anchor, squeeze the release
button and slide the anchor up or
down as needed (it has four
positions).
Never place the shoulder portion of a
lap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back.
This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
If a seat belt does not seem to work
properly, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash.
No one should sit in a seat with an
inoperative seat belt.
Using a seat
belt that is not working properly can
result in serious injury or death.
Have your dealer check the belt as
soon as possible.
See page 21 for additional
information about your seat belts and
how to take care of them.
17
Driver and Passenger Safety
Protecting Adults and Teens
6. Maintain a Proper Sitting
Position
After all occupants have adjusted
their seats and head restraints, and
put on their seat belts, it is very
important that they continue to sit
upright, well back in their seats, with
their feet on the floor, until the
vehicle is safely parked and the
engine is off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches, lies
down, turns sideways, sits forward,
leans forward or sideways, or puts
one or both feet up, the chance of
injury during a crash is greatly
increased.
18
In addition, an occupant who is out of
position in the front seat can be
seriously or fatally injured in a crash
by striking interior parts of the
vehicle or being struck by an
inflating front airbag.
Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Advice for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant, the best way to
protect yourself and your unborn
child when driving or riding in a
vehicle is to always wear a seat belt,
and keep the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across the hips.
When driving, remember to sit
upright and adjust the seat as far
back as possible while allowing full
control of the vehicle. When riding
as a front passenger, adjust the seat
as far back as possible.
This will reduce the risk of injuries to
both you and your unborn child that
can be caused by a crash or an
inflating front airbag.
Each time you have a checkup, ask
your doctor if it's okay for you to
drive.
19
Driver and Passenger Safety
Protecting Adults and Teens
Additional Safety Precautions
●
Never let passengers ride in the
cargo area or on top of a foldeddown back seat.
If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
●
Passengers should not stand up or
change seats while the vehicle is
moving.
A passenger who is not
wearing a seat belt during a crash
or emergency stop can be thrown
against the inside of the vehicle,
against other occupants, or out of
the vehicle.
●
Two people should never use the
same seat belt.
If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
20
●
Do not put any accessories on seat
belts.
Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt can
reduce the protective capability of
the belt and increase the chance of
serious injury in a crash.
●
Do not place hard or sharp objects
between yourself and a front
airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp
objects on your lap, or driving with
a pipe or other sharp object in your
mouth, can result in injuries if your
front airbag inflates.
●
Keep your hands and arms away
from the airbag covers.
If your
hands or arms are close to an
airbag cover, they could be injured
if the airbag inflates.
●
Do not attach or place objects on
the front airbag covers.
Objects on
the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’
could interfere with the proper
operation of the airbags or be
propelled inside the vehicle and
hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
●
Do not attach hard objects on or
near a door.
If a side airbag or a
side curtain airbag inflates, a cup
holder or other hard object
attached on or near the door could
be propelled inside the vehicle and
hurt someone.
●
Do not cover or replace front seatback covers without consulting
your dealer.
Improperly replacing
or covering front seat-back covers
can prevent your side airbags from
inflating during a side impact.
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Seat Belt System Components
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in all seating
positions. The front seat belts are
also equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners and, on models with
collision mitigation braking system™
(CMBS™), seat belt e-pretensioners.
The seat belt system
includes an indicator on the
instrument panel and a beeper to
remind you and your front passenger
to fasten your seat belts.
This system monitors the front seat
belts. If you turn the ignition switch
to the ON (II) position before your
seat belt is fastened, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will flash. If
your seat belt is not fastened before
the beeper stops, the indicator will
stop flashing but remain on.
If a front passenger does not fasten
their seat belt, the indicator will
come on about 6 seconds after the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position.
If either the driver or a front
passenger does not fasten their seat
belt while driving, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will flash
again at regular intervals.
You will also see a ‘‘FASTEN SEAT
BELT’’ or ‘‘FASTEN PASSENGER
SEAT BELT’’ message on the multiinformation display (see page 87).
When no one is sitting in the front
passenger's seat, the indicator
should not come on and the beeper
should not sound. When an infant or
small child is riding there, the
indicator may not come on and the
beeper may not sound.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
21
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
If the indicator comes on or the
beeper sounds when the driver's seat
belt is latched and there is no front
seat passenger and no items on the
front seat, something may be
interfering with the monitoring
system. Look for and remove:
●
Any items under the front
passenger's seat.
●
Any object(s) hanging on the seat
or in the seat-back pocket.
●
Any object(s) touching the rear of
the seat-back.
If no obstructions are found, have
your vehicle checked by a dealer.
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Lap/Shoulder Belt
The lap/shoulder belt goes over your
shoulder, across your chest, and
across your hips.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched (see page 16 for how to
properly position the belt).
To unlock the belt, press the red
PRESS button on the buckle. Guide
the belt across your body so that it
retracts completely. After exiting the
vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the
way and will not get closed in the
door.
All seat belts have an emergency
locking retractor. In normal driving,
the retractor lets you move freely in
your seat while it keeps some tension
on the belt. During a collision or
sudden stop, the retractor
automatically locks the belt to help
restrain your body.
The seat belts in all positions except
the driver's have a lockable retractor
that must be activated to secure a
child seat (see page 53).
If the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled all the way out, the lockable
retractor will activate. The belt will
retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely.
To deactivate the lockable retractor,
unlatch the buckle and let the seat
belt fully retract. To refasten the seat
belt, pull it out only as far as needed.
DETACHABLE ANCHOR
The lap/shoulder belts in the center
seat of the second row and both of
the third row seats are equipped with
a detachable anchor that has two
parts: a small latch plate and a
buckle.
The detachable seat belt should
normally be latched whenever the
seat-backs are in an upright position.
For more information about the
detachable seat belt, see page 155.
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Allowing a child to play with a
seat belt or wrap one around
their neck can result in serious
injury or death.
Instruct children not to play with
any seat belt and make sure
any unused seat belt a child
can reach is buckled, fully
retracted, and locked.
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
Driver and Passenger Safety
For added protection, the front seat
belts are equipped with automatic
seat belt tensioners. When activated,
the tensioners immediately tighten
the belts to help hold the driver and a
front passenger in position.
CONTINUED
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