Acura MDX 2017 Owner's Manual

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.

NOTICE

00X31-TZ5-6302 2017 MDX Owner's Manual Ver.3 BOM05166

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

A Few Words About Safety

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms,
including:

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 judgment.

● Safety Labels - on the vehicle.

● Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol

one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
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 Precautions.

● Safety Section - such as Safe Driving.

● Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information - please
read it carefully.

3

and

Contents

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 your vehicle. 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.

This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.

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.

2 Safe Driving P. 27

For Safe Driving P. 28 Seat Belts P. 33 Airbags P. 41

2 Instrument Panel P. 73

Indicators P. 74 Gauges and Multi-Information Display (MID) P. 116

2 Controls P. 133

Clock P. 134 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 135
Opening and Closing the Moonroof P. 162
Adjusting the Seats P. 186

2 Features P. 227

Audio System P. 228 Audio System Basic Operation P. 232
Customized Features P. 285 HomeLink® Universal Transceiver P. 307

2 Driving P. 347

Before Driving P. 348 Towing a Trailer P. 354
Parking Your Vehicle P. 445

Multi-View Rear Camera* P. 455

2 Maintenance P. 461

Before Performing Maintenance P. 462 Maintenance MinderTM P. 465
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 486
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care

*

P. 503

2 Handling the Unexpected P. 513

Tools P. 514 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 515
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 541 Fuses P. 546
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate P. 556

2 Information P. 559

Specifications P. 560 Identification Numbers P. 562
Emissions Testing P. 565 Warranty Coverages P. 567

Contents

Child Safety P. 56 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 71 Safety Labels P. 72

Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 150 Security System P. 157 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 160
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 163 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 183
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 200 Climate Control System P. 213

Audio Error Messages P. 276 General Information on the Audio System P. 281
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 310 Compass

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 365 When Driving P. 367 Braking P. 428
Refueling P. 456 Fuel Economy and CO

Maintenance Under the Hood P. 469 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 481
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 490 Battery P. 499 Remote Transmitter Care P. 501
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 505 Cleaning P. 506 Accessories and Modifications P. 511

Engine Does Not Start P. 534 Jump Starting P. 537 Overheating P. 539
Emergency Towing P. 554 When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door P. 555

*

P. 344

Emissions P. 459

2

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving

Instrument Panel

Controls

Features

Driving

Maintenance

Handling the Unexpected

Information

P. 4

P. 27

P. 73

P. 133

P. 227

P. 347

P. 461

P. 513

P. 559

Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 563 Reporting Safety Defects P. 564
Authorized Manuals P. 569 Client Service Information P. 570

Index

P. 572

Quick Reference Guide

Quick Reference Guide

❙

Steering Wheel Adjustments

(P182)

❙

ENGINE START/STOP Button

(P163)

❙

Navigation System*

() See the Navigation System Manual

❙

Audio/Information Screen

(P239)

❙

Hazard Warning Button

❙

On Demand Multi-Use DisplayTM

(P233)

❙

Audio System

(P228)

❙

System Indicators

(P74)

❙

Gauges

(P116)

❙

Multi-Information Display
(MID)

(P117)

❙

Climate Control System

(P213)

❙

Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
Button

(P179)

❙

(Surround View Camera) Button*

() See the Navigation System Manual

❙

(Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)

System OFF) Button

(P419)

❙

Parking Sensor System Button*

(P448)

❙

Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM
(CMBS

TM

) OFF Button

(P439)

❙

Headlight Washer Button*

(P177)

❙

Heated Windshield Button*

(P179)

❙

Electric Parking Brake Switch

(P428)

❙

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Button

(P407)

❙

Automatic Brake Hold Button

(P432)

Visual Index

4

Quick Reference Guide

❙

Wipers/Washers

(P174)

❙

Audio Remote Controls

(P231)

❙

Paddle Shifter (Shift down)

(P381)

❙

Paddle Shifter (Shift up)

(P381)

❙

Horn (Press an area around .)

❙

Navigation System Voice Control Buttons*

() See the Navigation System Manual

❙

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® System Voice Control Buttons

(P310)

❙

Brightness Control

(P178)

❙

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low
Speed Follow (LSF) Buttons

(P390)

❙

TRIP Button

(P118)

❙

Distance Button

(P399)

❙

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Button

(P412)

❙

Multi-function Steering-wheel Controls

(P117)

❙

Heated Steering Wheel Button*

(P210)

❙

Headlights/Turn Signals

(P166, 167)

❙

Fog Lights*

(P170)

* Not available on all models

5

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙

Power Window Switches

(P160)

❙

Hood Release Handle

(P470)

❙

Driver’s Side Interior Fuse Box

(P549)

❙

Driver’s Knee Airbag

(P48)

❙

Memory Buttons

(P181)

❙

SET Button

(P181)

❙

Shift Button
Electronic Gear Selector

(P374)

❙

Rearview Mirror

(P183)

❙

Driver’s Front Airbag

(P44)

❙

Accessory Power Socket

(P207)

❙

Passenger’s Side Interior Fuse
Box

(P551)

❙

Glove Box

(P202)

❙

Door Mirror Controls

(P184)

❙

Power Door Lock Master Switch

(P148)

❙

Driver’s Side Interior Fuse Box*

(P550)

❙

Passenger’s Front Airbag

(P44)

❙

Power Tailgate Button

(P154)

❙

Fuel Fill Door Release Button

(P457)

❙

Auto Idle Stop OFF Button

*

(P382)

❙

Dynamic Mode Button

(P387)

❙

USB Ports

(P229)

❙

Accessory Power Socket*

(P207)

❙

Auxiliary Input Jack

(P230)

❙

AC Power Outlet*

(P208)

6

Quick Reference Guide

❙

Side Curtain Airbags

(P52)

❙

Grab Handle

❙

Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor*

(P38)

❙

Accessory Power Socket

(P208)

❙

Side Airbags

(P50)

❙

Front Seat

(P186)

❙

Sun Visors

❙

Vanity Mirrors

❙

Coat Hook

(P209)

❙

Seat Belts

(P36)

❙

Rear Entertainment System*

() See the Navigation System Manual

❙

LATCH to Secure a Child Seat

(P61)

❙

Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat)

(P64)

❙

Third Row Seat

(P197)

❙

Second Row Seat

(P188)

❙

USB Ports*

(P229)

❙

Seat Belt to Secure a Child Seat

(P64)

❙

USB Ports*

() See the Navigation System Manual

Models with rear console compartment

❙

Map Lights

(P201)

❙

Moonroof Switch

(P162)

❙

Sunglasses Holder

(P210)

❙

Cargo Area Light

(P201)

* Not available on all models

7

Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide

❙

How to Refuel

(P457)

❙

High-Mount Brake Light

(P485)

❙

Opening/Closing the Tailgate

(P151)

❙

Back-Up Lights

(P484)

❙

Multi-View Rear Camera*

(P455)

❙

Tailgate Outer Handle

(P151)

❙

Rear Side Marker Lights

(P483)

❙

Taillights

(P483)

❙

Brake Light and Rear Turn Signal Lights

(P482)

❙

Rear Wiper

(P176)

❙

Maintenance Under the Hood

(P469)

❙

Windshield Wipers

(P174, 486)

❙

Tires

(P490, 515)

❙

Door Lock/Unlock Control

(P138)

❙

Power Door Mirrors

(P184)

❙

Headlights

(P167, 481)

❙

Side Marker Lights

(P167, 481)

❙

Front Turn Signal/Parking Lights

(P166, 481)

❙

Fog Lights*

(P170, 481)

8

Quick Reference Guide

Stop the vehicle and depress the brake pedal.

On

Keep the brake pedal
depressed.

U.S.

Canada

With the automatic brake hold system activated,
you can release the brake pedal when the
indicator comes on.

Off

Release the brake pedal. With the automatic brake hold system activated,

depress the accelerator pedal.

Restarting

* Not available on all models

Auto Idle Stop Function

To improve fuel economy, the engine stops and then restarts as detailed below. When Auto Idle Stop is on, the Auto Idle Stop indicator
(green) comes on. (P382)

At Automatic transmission Engine status

Deceleration

Stop

Start-up

*

9

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving

Airbags

(P41)

● Your vehicle is fitted with airbags to help protect you and
your passengers during a moderate-to-severe collision.

Child Safety

(P56)

● All children 12 and younger should be seated in the rear seat.

● Smaller children should be properly restrained in a forward-facing child seat.

● Infants must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat.

Exhaust Gas Hazard

(P71)

● Your vehicle emits dangerous exhaust gases that contain carbon
monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon
monoxide gas can accumulate.

Before Driving Checklist

(P)

● Before driving, check that the front seats, head restraints,
steering wheel, and mirrors have been properly adjusted.

Seat Belts

(P33)

● Fasten your seat belt and sit upright well
back in the seat.

● Check that your passengers are wearing
their seat belts correctly.

Fasten your lap belt as
low as possible.

(P27)

10

Quick Reference Guide

Instrument Panel

System Indicators

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

Charging System
Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator

Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA®) System
Indicator

VSA® OFF Indicator

Speed-sensitive Electric
Power Steering (EPS)
System Indicator

Lights Indicators

Lights On Indicator

High Beam Indicator

Immobilizer System
Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator

System Indicators

System Message
Indicator

Brake System
Indicator (Red)

Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Gauges

(P116)

/Multi-Information Display (MID)

(P117)

/System Indicators

(P74)

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator

Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators

Keyless Access System
Indicator

Temperature
Gauge

Security System Alarm Indicator Fuel

Gauge

Tachometer

MID

Speedometer

Gear Position Indicator

M (sequential mode) Indicator/
Sequential Mode Gear Selection
Indicator

Brake System
Indicator (Amber)

SH-AWD Indicator

*

Blind spot information
(BSI) Indicator

*

System Indicators

Collision Mitigation Braking
System

TM

(CMBSTM) Indicator

Road Departure Mitigation
(RDM) Indicator

Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS) Indicator

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
with Low Speed Follow (LSF)
Indicator

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

Fog Light Indicator

*

Auto Idle Stop System
Indicator (Amber)

*

Auto Idle Stop
Indicator (Green)

*

Automatic Brake Hold
System Indicator

Automatic Brake Hold
Indicator

U.S.

Canada

Electric Parking Brake
System Indicator

Electric Parking Brake
Indicator

U.S.

Canada

Auto High-Beam
Indicator

* Not available on all models

(P73)

11

Quick Reference Guide

Controls

Models with navigation system

Turn Signal Control Lever

Right

Left

Light Control Switches

Low Beam

High Beam

Flashing

(P133)

Clock

a

Enter the Clock Adjustment screen.

2 Adjusting the Clock (P134)

b

Rotate to change hour, then press

c

Rotate to change minute, then
press .

The navigation system receives signals from
GPS satellites, updating the clock
automatically.

(P134)

.

ENGINE START/STOP
Button

Press the button to change the vehicle’s
power mode.

(P163)

Turn Signals

Lights

(P167)

(P166)

12

Quick Reference Guide

Wipers and Washers

Wiper/Washer Control Lever

MIST
OFF
AUTO

*1

: Wiper speed varies

automatically

INT

*2

: Low speed with

intermittent

LO: Low speed wipe
HI: High speed wipe

Pull toward
you to spray
washer fluid.

Adjustment Ring

(-

: Low Sensitivity

*1

: Lower speed, fewer sweeps

*2

(+

: High Sensitivity

*1

: Higher speed, more sweeps

*2

Models with automatic intermittent wipers

Tailgate Outer Handle

(P174)

Steering Wheel

● To adjust, push and hold the adjustment
switch to move the steering wheel to the
desired position.

(P182)

Unlocking the Front
Doors from the Inside

(P147)

● Pull either front door inner handle to
unlock and open it at the same time.

Tailgate

● Press the tailgate outer handle to unlock
and open the tailgate when you carry the
keyless access remote.

● Press the power tailgate button on the
driver’s door or the remote transmitter to
open and close the power tailgate.

(P151, 152)

*1:Models with automatic intermittent

wipers

*2:Models without automatic intermittent

wipers

AUTO should always be turned OFF before
cleaning the windshield or driving through a
car wash.

13

Quick Reference Guide

Power Door Mirrors

Selector Switch

Adjustment Switch

Fold Button

*

Power Window Lock Button

Window Switch

Indicator

(P184)

● With the power mode in ON, move the

selector switch to L or R.

● Push the appropriate edge of the
adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.

● Press the fold button
mirrors.

*

to fold the door

Power Windows

● With the power mode in ON, open and
close the power windows.

● If the power window lock button is in the
off position, each passenger’s window
can be opened and closed with its own
switch.

● If the power window lock button is in the
on position (indicator is on), each
passenger’s window switch is disabled.

(P160)

14

Quick Reference Guide

Models with navigation system

Driver’s Side
Temperature
Control Switch

Air flows from floor and
windshield defroster vents.

Air flows from floor vents.

Air flows from floor and
dashboard vents.

Air flows from dashboard vents.

AUTO Button

Passenger’s Side
Temperature
Control Switch

(On/Off) Button

Driver’s Side
Temperature Icon

Passenger’s Side
Temperature Icon

On Demand
Multi-Use
Display

TM

(Windshield Defroster) Button

A/C (Air
Conditioning) and
SYNC
(Synchronized) Icon

Recirculation/
Fresh Air Mode
Icon

Fan Control Icon

REAR (Rear Climate
Control) Icon

Vent Mode
Control Icon

Rear Temperature
Control Buttons

/
(Fan Control)
Button

AUTO Button

(On/Off)

Button

Mode Control Button

Air flows from the rear floor vents.

Air flow from the rear console
vents and floor vents.

Air flows from the rear console vents.

* Not available on all models

Climate Control System

● Press the AUTO button to activate the climate control system.

● Press the button to turn the system on or off.

● Press the button to defrost the windshield.

The climate control system is voice operable. See the Navigation System Manual for
complete details.

(P213)

Rear Climate Control

● Press the AUTO button to activate the

rear climate control system.

● Press the button to turn the system
on or off.

(P224)

15

Quick Reference Guide

Features

Audio/Information Screen

Interface Dial/ENTER Button

(Power) Button

CD Slot

(CD Eject) Button

SETTINGS Button

VOL (Volume) Knob

BACK Button

MENU Button

AUDIO Button

INFO Button

On Demand Multi-Use Display

TM

PHONE Button

(Tune Down) Icon

*1

Source

(Tune Up) Icon

*1

More

(Day/Night) Button

Shortcuts

(Sound) Icon

Preset Icons

*1

Tune

*1

(P227)

Audio system

For navigation system operation

(P228)

() See the Navigation System Manual

*1:Icons that appear on the screen vary by the source selected.

16

Quick Reference Guide

Audio Remote Controls

Left Selector Wheel

SOURCE Button

(P231)

● SOURCE Button

● Left Selector Wheel

Press to change the audio mode: FM/AM/
SiriusXM®/CD/USB/iPod/Bluetooth® Audio/
Pandora®/Aha

Roll to adjust the volume up/down.
Radio:Move to a side to change the

CD/USB device:

TM

/AUX.

preset station.
Move to a side and hold to select
the next or previous strong station.

Move to a side to skip to the
beginning of the next song or
return to the beginning of the
current song.
Move to a side and hold to change
a folder.

17

Quick Reference Guide

Driving

Automatic Transmission

(P374)

● Always depress the brake pedal before selecting

(P

or changing the gear position from (P.

● Select

(P

and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.

Park

Press the

(P

button.
Used when parking or before
turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.

Reverse

Pull back the

(R

button.

Used when reversing.

Neutral

Press the (N button.
Transmission is not locked.

Drive

Press the

(D

button.

Used for normal driving.
D-paddle shift mode can be used.

Gear Position Indicator

The gear position indicator and the
shift button indicator indicate the
current gear selection.

Gear Position Indicator

Shift Button
Indicator

● Gear selection

S Position

Press the

(D

button twice.

Sequential shift mode can be used.

(P347)

18

Quick Reference Guide

Paddle Shifters

(P381)

● Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears much like a manual
transmission (1st through 9th). This is useful for engine braking.

● D-paddle shift mode: The
transmission will shift back to
automatic mode once the
system detects that the vehicle
is cruising.

● Sequential mode gear selection:
Holds the selected gear, and the
M (sequential mode) indicator
comes on.

● The sequential mode gear
selection is shown in the
instrument panel.

Gear Position Indicator

Shift Down

(-

Paddle Shifter

Shift Up (+
Paddle Shifter

Selected Gear Number

M Indicator

19

Quick Reference Guide

VSA® OFF Button

Wait for five seconds

● The vehicle stability assist (VSA®) system
helps stabilize the vehicle during
cornering, and helps maintain traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces.

● VSA® comes on automatically every time
you start the engine.

● To partially disable or fully restore VSA®
function, press and hold the button until
you hear a beep.

Collision Mitigation
Braking System

TM

(CMBS

(P439)

● When a possible collision is likely
unavoidable, the CMBS
reduce the vehicle speed and the severity
of the collision.

● To turn the CMBS
hold the button until you hear a beep.

) OFF Button

TM

TM

can help you to

TM

on or off, press and

(P419)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

● The TPMS monitors tire pressure.

● TPMS is turned on automatically every time you start the engine.

● TPMS fill assist provides audible and visual guidance during tire pressure adjustment.

Refueling

Fuel recommendation: Unleaded premium gasoline with a pump octane

Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 US gal (73.8 ℓ)

a

Press the fuel fill door
release button.

b

After refueling, wait for
about five seconds
before removing the
filler nozzle.

(P456)

number 91 or higher recommended

(P424, 545)

20

Quick Reference Guide

AcuraWatch

The camera is located
behind the rearview
mirror.

The radar sensor is in
the front grille.

Front Sensor
Camera

Radar Sensor

TM

AcuraWatchTM is a driver support system
which employs the use of two distinctly
different kinds of sensors, a radar sensor
located in the front grille and a front sensor
camera mounted to the interior side of the
windshield, behind the rear view mirror.

Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) with Low Speed
Follow (LSF)

Helps maintain a constant vehicle speed and
a set following distance behind a vehicle
detected ahead of yours and, if the detected
vehicle comes to a stop, can decelerate and
stop your vehicle, without you having to
keep your foot on the brake or the
accelerator.

(P390)

Road Departure
Mitigation (RDM) System

(P405)

Alerts and helps to assist you when the
system detects a possibility of your vehicle
unintentionally crossing over detected lane
markings.

Lane Keeping Assist
System (LKAS)

Provides steering input to help keep the
vehicle in the middle of a detected lane and
provides tactile and visual alerts if the
vehicle is detected drifting out of its lane.

(P410)

Collision Mitigation

TM

Braking System

TM

)

(CMBS

Can assist you when there is a possibility of
your vehicle colliding with a vehicle or a
pedestrian detected in front of yours. The

TM

is designed to alert you when a

CMBS
potential collision is determined, as well as
to reduce your vehicle speed to help
minimize collision severity when a collision is
deemed unavoidable.

(P436)

21

Quick Reference Guide

Maintenance

Under the Hood

(P469)

● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.

● Check brake fluid.

● Check the battery condition monthly.

a

Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.

b

Locate the hood latch lever, pull up the lever and lift the
hood.

c

When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.

Lights

(P481)

● Inspect all lights regularly.

Wiper Blades

(P486)

● Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.

Tires

(P490)

● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.

● Check tire pressures regularly.

● Install snow tires for winter

driving.

(P461)

22

Quick Reference Guide

Handling the Unexpected

Vehicles with tire repair kit

Vehicles with compact spare tire

(P513)

Flat Tire

● Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the tire repair kit.

● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire
located under the cargo area.

Indicators Come On

● Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.

(P515)

(P541)

Engine Won’t Start

● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.

Blown Fuse

● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.

(P546)

(P534)

Overheating

● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.

Emergency Towing

● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

(P539)

(P554)

23

Quick Reference Guide

What to Do If

Canadian models

The power mode does not
change from VEHICLE OFF
(LOCK) to ACCESSORY.
Why?

●

The steering wheel may be locked.

●

Move the steering wheel left and right
while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP
button.

24

Why does the brake pedal
pulsate slightly when
applying the brakes?

The rear door cannot be
opened from inside the
vehicle. Why?

This can occur when the ABS activates, and does not indicate a
problem. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Never
pump the brake pedal.

Check if the childproof lock is in the
lock position. If so, open the rear
door with the outside door handle.
To cancel this function, slide the
lever up to the unlock position.

Quick Reference Guide

* Not available on all models

Why do the doors lock
after I unlocked the doors?

If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are
relocked automatically for security.

Why does the beeper
sound when I open the
driver’s door?

Why does the beeper
sound when I start driving?

Pulling the electric parking
brake switch does not
release the parking brake.
Why?

I’m seeing an amber
indicator of a tire with an
exclamation point. What is
that?

The beeper sounds when:

●

The power mode is in ACCESSORY.

●

The exterior lights are left on.

●

Auto Idle Stop* is in operation.

The beeper sounds when the driver and/or front passenger are
not wearing their seat belts.

Pull the electric parking brake switch with the brake pedal
depressed.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) needs attention.
Check tire pressure.

2 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (P424)

25

Quick Reference Guide

Depressing the accelerator
pedal does not release the
parking brake
automatically. Why?

●

Fasten the driver’s seat belt.

●

Check if the transmission is in (P or (N. If so, select any other
position.

Why does the gear position
automatically change to

(P

when I open the driver’s
door to check for parking
space lines when
reversing?

Why do I hear a screeching
sound when I apply the
brake pedal?

Unleaded gasoline with a
Pump Octane Number
(PON) of 91 or higher is
recommended.
Is it possible to use
unleaded gasoline with a
Pump Octane Number
(PON) of 87 or lower on
this vehicle?

●

Fasten the driver’s seat belt.

●

Close the driver’s door and manually change the gear
position.

u

When opening the driver’s door (P377)

The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.

Unleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane Number (PON) of 91 or
higher is recommended.
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic
knocking noise in the engine and will result in decreased engine
performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.

26

Safe Driving

You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.

For Safe Driving

Important Safety Precautions.............. 28

Important Handling Information......... 30

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features............ 31

Safety Checklist ................................. 32

Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts ........................ 33

Fastening a Seat Belt.......................... 36

Seat Belt Inspection............................ 40

Airbags

Airbag System Components............... 41

Types of Airbags ................................ 44

Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 44

Driver’s Knee Airbag .......................... 48

Side Airbags....................................... 50

Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 52

Airbag System Indicators.................... 53

Airbag Care ....................................... 55

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers ............... 56

Safety of Infants and Small Children .. 58

Safety of Larger Children ................... 69

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas....................... 71

Safety Labels

Label Locations .................................. 72

27

Safe Driving

For Safe Driving

1Important Safety Precautions

Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use
of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the
driver while driving.

The following pages explain your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them
properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the
most important.

Important Safety Precautions

■

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.

■

Restrain all children

Children ages 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 seat belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat.

■

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.

28

Safe Driving

■

Engaging in cell 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 some attention away from driving.

■

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.

■

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.

uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions

Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely

Control your speed

Keep your vehicle in safe condition

29

uuFor Safe Driving u Important Handling Information

Safe Driving

1Important Handling Information

For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover,
read:

2 Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

P. 372

2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 365

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

Important Handling Information

Your vehicle 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 higher center gravity making it more susceptible to tripping
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.

30

Safe Driving

Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

1Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Your vehicle is equipped with many features that
work together to help 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 sufficient crash.

However, you and your passengers cannot take full
advantage of these features unless you remain seated
in the correct position and always wear your seat
belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to
injuries if they are not used properly.

6

7

8

Safety Cage
Crush Zones
Seats and Seat-Backs
Head Restraints
Collapsible Steering Column
Seat Belts
Front Airbags

Side Curtain Airbags
Door Locks

Side Airbags

11

Seat Belt Tensioners

6

9

11

7

Knee Airbag

uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle’s Safety Features

9

10

11

7

8

The following checklist will help you take an active role in protecting yourself and
your passengers.

10

12

9

10

12

31

uuFor Safe Driving u Safety Checklist

Safe Driving

1Safety Checklist

If the door and/or tailgate open message appears on
the multi-information display (MID), a door and/or
the tailgate is not completely closed. Close all doors
and the tailgate tightly until the message disappears.

Safety Checklist

For the safety of you and your passengers, make a habit of checking these items
each time before you drive.

• After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure all doors and the tailgate are
closed and locked. Locking the doors and the tailgate helps prevent an occupant
from being ejected and an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door or the
tailgate.

2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 146

• Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the front seats are
adjusted as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the
vehicle. Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a
crash.

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 186

• Adjust head restraints to the proper position. Head restraints are most effective
when the center of the head restraint aligns with the center of your head. Taller
persons should adjust their head restraint to the highest position.

2 Adjusting the Front and Second Row Outer Head Restraint Positions P. 192

• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any
passengers are properly belted as well.

2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 36

• Protect children by using seat belts or child seats according to a child’s age, height
and weight.

2 Child Safety P. 56

32

Safe Driving

Seat Belts

1About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts cannot completely protect you in every
crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your
risk of serious injury.

Most states and all Canadian provinces and territories
require you to wear seat belts.

The emergency locking retractor may lock if you lean
forward too quickly. Slower movements will allow
the belt to extend fully without locking.

3

WARNING

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.

About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts are the single most effective safety device because they keep you
connected to the vehicle so that you can take advantage of many built-in safety
features. They also help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the
vehicle, against any passengers, or out of the vehicle. When worn properly, seat
belts also keep your body properly positioned in a crash so that you can take full
advantage of the additional protection provided by the airbags.

In addition, seat belts help protect you in almost every type of crash, including:

- frontal impacts

- side impacts

- rear impacts

- rollovers

■

Lap/shoulder seat belts

All six or seven seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving the retractor lets you move freely
while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop the
retractor locks to restrain your body.
The front passenger’s, second row and third row seat belts also have a lockable
retractor for use with child seats.

2 Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt P. 64

Continued

33

uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts

Safe Driving

1About Your Seat Belts

If a rear seat passenger moves around and extends
the seat belt, the lockable retractor may activate. If
this happens, release the retractor by unfastening the
seat belt and allow the belt to retract completely.
Then refasten the belt.

1Seat Belt Reminder

The indicator will also come on if a front passenger
does not fasten their seat belt within six seconds after
the power mode is set to ON.

When no one is sitting in the front passenger’s seat,
the indicator will not come on and the beeper will not
sound.
The indicator also may not come on and the beeper
may not sound when the occupant is not heavy
enough to trigger the weight sensor. Such occupants
(e.g., infants and smaller children) should be moved
to the rear seat as a deploying front airbag likely will
injure or kill them.

2 Protecting Child Passengers P. 56

■

Proper use of seat belts

Follow these guidelines for proper use:

• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position
for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduce the effectiveness of the
belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or
behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.

• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very
seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort
or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability
and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Seat Belt Reminder

■

Your vehicle monitors front seat belt use. If
the power mode is set to ON before the
driver’s seat belt is fastened, the beeper will
sound and the indicator will blink. If the driver
does not fasten the belt before the beeper
stops, the indicator will remain on.

The beeper will periodically sound and the
indicator will blink while driving until the
driver’s and/or the front passenger’s seat belt
is fastened.

34

Safe Driving

■

1Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

The seat belt tensioners can only operate once.
If a tensioner is activated, the SRS indicator will come
on. Have a dealer replace the tensioner and
thoroughly inspect the seat belt system as it may not
offer protection in a subsequent crash.

During a moderate-to-severe side impact, the
tensioner on that side of the vehicle also activates.

uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts

Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

The front seats are equipped with automatic
seat belt tensioners to enhance safety.

The tensioners automatically tighten the front
seat belts during a moderate-to-severe frontal
collision, sometimes even if the collision is not
severe enough to inflate the front airbags or
the driver’s knee airbag.

35

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

Safe Driving

1Fastening a Seat Belt

No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat
belt or one that does not appear to be working
correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working
properly may not protect the occupant in a crash.
Have a dealer check the belt as soon as possible.

Never insert any foreign objects into the buckle or
retractor mechanism.

Pull out slowly.

Correct
Seated
Posture.

Latch
Plate

Buckle

Fastening a Seat Belt

After adjusting a front seat to the proper position, and while sitting upright and well
back in the seat:

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 186

1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.

2. Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then

tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is
secure.

u Make sure that the belt is not twisted or

caught on anything.

36

Safe Driving

1Fastening a Seat Belt

To release the belt, push the red PRESS button then
guide the belt by hand until it has retracted
completely.
When exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of
the way and will not get caught by closing the door.

3

WARNING

Improperly positioning the seat belts can
cause serious injury or death in a crash.

Make sure all seat belts are properly
positioned before driving.

Lap belt
as low as
possible

1Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor

The shoulder anchor height can be adjusted to four
levels. If the belt contacts your neck, lower the height
one level at a time.

After an adjustment, make sure that the shoulder
anchor position is secure.

Push

Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor

■

The front seats have adjustable shoulder anchors to accommodate taller and shorter
occupants.

3. 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.

4. 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.

1. Move the anchor up and down while

holding the release button.

2. Position the anchor so that the belt rests

across the center of your chest and over
your shoulder.

Continued

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

37

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

Safe Driving

Models with second row bench seat

1Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor

To unlatch the detachable anchor, insert the latch
plate into the slot on the side of the anchor buckle.

3

WARNING

Using the seat belt with the detachable
anchor unlatched increases the chance of
serious injury or death in a crash.

Before using the seat belt, make sure the
detachable anchor is correctly latched.

Small Latch Plate

Latch Plate

Small Latch Plate

Latch Plate

Small Latch Plate

Anchor Buckle

Latch
Plate

Buckle

Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor

■

1. Pull out the seat belt’s small latch plate and

the latch plate from each holding slot in the
ceiling.

38

2. Line up the triangle marks on the small

latch plate and anchor buckle. Make sure
the seat belt is not twisted. Attach the belt
to the anchor buckle.

3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle.

Properly fasten the seat belt the same way
you fasten the lap/shoulder seat belt.

Safe Driving

Advice for Pregnant Women

1Advice for Pregnant Women

Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it is
okay for you to drive.

To reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your
unborn child that can be caused by an inflating front
airbag:

•

When driving, sit upright and adjust the seat as far
back as possible while allowing full control of the
vehicle.

•

When sitting in the front passenger’s seat, adjust
the seat as far back as possible.

Wear the shoulder belt
across the chest avoiding
the abdomen.

Wear the lap part of the
belt as low as possible
across the hips.

■

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.

uuSeat BeltsuFastening a Seat Belt

39

uuSeat BeltsuSeat Belt Inspection

Safe Driving

1Seat Belt Inspection

3

WARNING

Not checking or maintaining seat belts can
result in serious injury or death if the seat
belts do not work properly when needed.

Check your seat belts regularly and have
any problem corrected as soon as possible.

Seat Belt Inspection

Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:

• Pull each belt out fully, and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.

• Check that the latch plate and buckles work smoothly and the belts retract easily.

u If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct the problem. Only

use a mild soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or cleaning solvents. Make
sure the belt is completely dry before allowing it to retract.

Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide proper
protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of
protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a dealer after
any collision.

40

Safe Driving

Airbags

6

Airbag System Components

9

13

7

9

9

810119

6

9

12

Continued

41

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Components

Safe Driving

The front, driver’s knee, front side, and side
curtain airbags are deployed according to
the direction and severity of impact. Both
side curtain airbags are deployed in a
rollover. The airbag system includes:

a

Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
front airbags. The driver’s airbag is stored
in the center of the steering wheel; the
front passenger’s airbag is stored in the
dashboard. Both are marked SRS
AIRBAG.

b

Driver’s knee airbag. The knee airbag is
stored under the steering column. It is
marked SRS AIRBAG.

c

Two side airbags, one for the driver and
one for a front passenger. The airbags are
stored in the outer edges of the seat­backs. Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.

d

Two side curtain airbags, one for each
side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored
in the ceiling, above the side windows.
The front and rear pillars are marked
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG.

e

An electronic control unit that, when the
power mode is on, continually monitors
information about the various impact
sensors, seat and buckle sensors, airbag
activators, and seat belt tensioners.

f

Automatic front seat belt tensioners. In
addition, the driver’s and front
passenger’s seat belt buckles incorporate
sensors that detect whether or not the
belts are fastened.

g

A driver’s seat position sensor. If the seat
is too far forward, the airbag will inflate
with less force.

h

Weight sensors in the front passenger’s
seat. The front passenger’s airbag will be
turned off if the weight on the seat is
approximately 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the
weight of an infant or small child).

i

Impact sensors that can detect a
moderate-to-severe front or side impact.

j

An indicator on the dashboard that alerts
you that the front passenger’s front
airbag has been turned off.

k

An indicator on the instrument panel that
alerts you to a possible problem with your
airbag system or seat belt tensioners.

l

Safing Sensor

m

A rollover sensor that can detect if your
vehicle is about to roll over and signal the
control unit to deploy both side curtain
airbags.

42

Safe Driving

Important Facts About Your Airbags

1Important Facts About Your Airbags

Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together,
airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.

When driving, keep hands and arms out of the
deployment path of the front airbag by holding each
side of the steering wheel. Do not cross an arm over
the airbag cover.

■

Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with
tremendous force. So, while airbags help save lives, they can cause burns, bruises,
and other minor injuries, sometimes even fatal ones if occupants are not wearing
their seat belts properly and sitting correctly.

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.

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.

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.

Do not attach or place objects on the front and driver’s knee 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.

uuAirbags u Airbag System Components

43

uuAirbagsuTypes of Airbags

Safe Driving

1Types of Airbags

The airbags can inflate whenever the power mode is
in ON.

After an airbag inflates in a crash, you may see a
small amount of smoke. This is from the combustion
process of the inflator material and is not harmful.
People with respiratory problems may experience
some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

1Front Airbags (SRS)

Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags
(SRS)

Your vehicle is equipped with dual-stage, multiple­threshold front airbags (SRS).
During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or
both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate
at different rates, depending on the severity of the
crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/
or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to
supplement the seat belts to help reduce the
likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal
crashes.

Types of Airbags

Your vehicle is equipped with four types of airbags:

• Front airbags: Airbags in front of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.

• Driver’s knee airbag: Airbag under the steering column.

• Side airbags: Airbags in the driver’s and front passenger’s seat-backs.

• Side curtain airbags: Airbags above the side windows.

Each is discussed in the following pages.

Front Airbags (SRS)

The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help protect
the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary
restraint system.

44

Housing Locations

■

The front airbags are housed in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and
in the dashboard for the front passenger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.

Safe Driving

Operation

1How the Front Airbags Work

Although the driver’s and front passenger’s airbags
normally inflate within a split second of each other, it
is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can
happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin,
or threshold that determines whether or not the
airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will
provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental
protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

■

Front airbags are designed to inflate during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions.
When the vehicle decelerates suddenly, the sensors send information to the control
unit which signals one or both front airbags to inflate.

A frontal collision can be either head-on or angled between two vehicles, or when a
vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a concrete wall.

How the Front Airbags Work

■

The total time for inflation and deflation is so fast that most occupants are not
aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in front of them.

uuAirbags u Front Airbags (SRS)

While your seat belt restrains your torso, the
front airbag provides supplemental protection
for your head and chest.

The front airbags deflate immediately so that
they won’t interfere with the driver’s visibility
or the ability to steer or operate other
controls.

Continued

45

uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)

Safe Driving

■

When front airbags should not deploy

Minor frontal crashes: Front airbags were designed to supplement seat belts and

help save lives, not to prevent minor scrapes, or even broken bones that might occur
during a less than moderate-to-severe frontal crash.
Side impacts: Front airbags can provide protection when a sudden deceleration
causes a driver or front passenger to move towards the front of the vehicle. Side
airbags and side curtain airbags have been specifically designed to help reduce the
severity of injuries that can occur during a moderate-to-severe side impact which
can cause the driver or passenger to move towards the side of the vehicle.
Rear impacts: Head restraints and seat belts are your best protection during a rear
impact. Front airbags cannot provide any significant protection and are not designed
to deploy in such collisions.
Rollovers: Seat belts, and in vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor, side curtain
airbags offer the best protection in a rollover. Because front airbags could provide
little if any protection, they are not designed to deploy during a rollover.

■

When front airbags deploy with little or no visible damage

Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.

■

When front airbags may not deploy, even though exterior damage
appears severe

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they
had deployed.

46

Safe Driving

■

1Advanced Airbags

If there is a problem with the driver’s seat position
sensor, the SRS indicator will come on and the airbag
will inflate with full (normal) force, regardless of the
driver’s seating position.

For both advanced front airbags to work properly:

•

Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats.

•

Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat.

•

Make sure any objects are positioned properly on
the floor. Improperly positioned objects can
interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.

•

All occupants should sit upright and wear their seat
belts properly.

•

Do not place any cover over the passenger side
dashboard.

2 Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator

P. 54

Make sure the floor mat behind the front passenger’s
seat is hooked to the floor mat anchor. An improperly
placed mat can interfere with the advanced airbag
sensors.

2 Floor Mats P. 507

Driver’s
Seat
Position
Sensor

Passenger’s
Seat
Weight
Sensors

Your front airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag
related injuries to smaller occupants.

uuAirbags u Front Airbags (SRS)

Advanced Airbags

The driver’s advanced front airbag system
includes a seat position sensor.

Based on information from this sensor and the
severity of the impact, the advanced airbag
system determines the optimal deployment of
the driver’s airbag.

The passenger’s advanced front airbag system
has weight sensors.

Although we recommend against letting
children under the age of 12 sit in passenger
seat, if the sensors detect the weight of a child
(up to about 65 lbs or 29 kg), the system will
automatically turn off the passenger’s front
airbag.

47

uuAirbagsuDriver’s Knee Airbag

Safe Driving

1Driver’s Knee Airbag

Do not attach accessories on or near the driver’s knee
airbag. They can interfere with the proper operation
of the airbag, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.

Housing
Location

When
inflated

Knee
Airbag

Driver’s Knee Airbag

The driver’s knee SRS airbag inflates in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help
keep the driver in the proper position and to help maximize the benefit provided by
the vehicle’s other safety features.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbag is designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’s primary
restraint system.

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

The driver’s knee airbag is housed under the
steering column.

The airbag is marked SRS AIRBAG.

When the driver’s front airbag inflates, the
driver’s knee airbag also inflates.

48

Safe Driving

■

Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the
vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy.
Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object
that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is
underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent.

■

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of
visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some
collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags
would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they
had deployed.

uuAirbagsu Driver’s Knee Airbag

When driver’s knee airbag deploys with little or no visible damage

When driver’s knee airbag may not deploy, even though exterior damage
appears severe

49

uuAirbagsuSide Airbags

Safe Driving

1Side Airbags

Make sure you and your front seat passenger always
sit upright. Leaning into the path of a side airbag can
prevent the airbag from deploying properly and
increases your risk of serious injury.

Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags.
They can interfere with the proper operation of the
airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.

Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers
without consulting a dealer.
Improperly replacing or covering front seat-back
covers can prevent your side airbags from properly
deploying during a side impact.

Housing
Location

When
inflated

Side
Airbag

Side Airbags

The side airbags help protect the torso and pelvis of the driver or a front passenger
during a moderate-to-severe side impact.

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

The side airbags are housed in the outside
edge of the driver’s and passenger’s seat­backs.

Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.

When the sensors detect a moderate-to­severe side impact, the control unit signals the
side airbag on the impact side to immediately
inflate.

50

Safe Driving

■

Because the airbag system senses sudden acceleration, a strong impact to the side
of the vehicle’s framework can cause a side airbag to deploy. In such cases, there
may be little or no damage, but the side impact sensors detected a severe enough
impact to deploy the airbag.

■

It is possible for a side airbag to not deploy during an impact that results in
apparently severe damage. This can occur when the point of impact was toward the
far front or rear of the vehicle, or when the vehicle’s crushable body parts absorbed
most of the crash energy. In either case, the side airbag would not have been
needed nor provided protection even if it had deployed.

uuAirbags u Side Airbags

When a side airbag deploys with little or no visible damage

When a side airbag may not deploy, even though visible damage appears
severe

51

uuAirbagsuSide Curtain Airbags

Safe Driving

1Side Curtain Airbags

If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is
about to rollover, it immediately deploys both side
curtain airbags and activates both front seat belt
tensioners.

If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the
passenger’s side curtain airbag deploys even if there
is no passenger in the passenger seat.

To get the best protection from the side curtain
airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts
properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.

Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof
pillars as they can interfere with the proper operation
of the side curtain airbags.

Side Curtain Airbag Storage

Deployed Side Curtain Airbag

Side Curtain Airbags

The side curtain airbags help protect the heads of the driver and passengers in outer
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.

Housing Locations

■

Operation

■

The side curtain airbags are located in the
ceiling above the side windows on both sides
of the vehicle.

The side curtain airbag is designed to deploy
in a rollover or a moderate-to-severe side
impact.

52

Safe Driving

■

1Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator

3

WARNING

Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in
serious injury or death if the airbag systems
or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as
soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts
you to a possible problem.

When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision

One or both side curtain airbags may also inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled
frontal collision.

Airbag System Indicators

If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a
message appears on the MID.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Indicator

■

■

When the power mode is set to ON

The indicator comes on for a few seconds,
then goes off. This tells you the system is
working properly.

If the indicator comes on at any other time, or
does not come on at all, have the system
checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you
don’t, your airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when they are needed.

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators

Continued

53

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators

Safe Driving

1Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator

If the indicator comes on with no front passenger and
no objects on the passenger’s seat, or with an adult
riding there, something may be interfering with the
weight sensors, such as:

•

An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back
pocket.

•

A child seat or other object pressing against the
rear of the seat-back.

•

A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of
the front passenger’s seat.

•

The front seat or seat-back is forced back against
an object on the seat or floor behind it.

•

An object placed under the front passenger’s seat.

If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The passenger front airbag off indicator may come
on and goes off repeatedly if the total weight on the
seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.

U.S. Canada

Passenger Front Airbag Off Indicator

■

Children under the age of 12 should always ride properly restrained in a back seat.

2 Child Safety P. 56

Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on.

If the front passenger seat is empty, the passenger’s front airbag will not deploy and
the indicator will not come on.

■

When the passenger front airbag off
indicator comes on

The indicator comes on to alert you that the
passenger’s front airbag has been turned off.
This occurs when the weight sensors detect
65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant
or small child, on the seat.

54

Safe Driving

Airbag Care

1Airbag Care

We recommend against the use of salvaged airbag
system components, including the airbag, tensioners,
sensors, and control unit.

You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any
airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer in the following situations:

■

If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced.
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be
replaced.

■

Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver’s
seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat belt
tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash.

■

This would likely disable or affect the proper operation of the driver’s seat position
sensor or the weight sensors in the passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or
modify a front seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact an Acura
dealer, or for U.S. vehicles, Acura Client Service at 1-800-382-2238 and for
Canadian vehicles, Acura Client Service at 1-888-9-ACURA-9.

uuAirbags u Airbag Care

When the airbags have deployed

When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision

Do not remove or modify a front seat without consulting a dealer

55

Safe Driving

Child Safety

1Protecting Child Passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
and Transport Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear
seat. Some states or provinces/territories have laws
restricting where children may ride.

3

WARNING

Children who are unrestrained or
improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be
properly restrained in a child seat. A larger
child should be properly restrained with a
seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.

Protecting Child Passengers

Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle crashes are the
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride
in a vehicle.

Children should sit properly restrained in a rear seat. This is because:

• An inflating front or side airbag can injure
or kill a child sitting in the front seat.

56

• A child in the front seat is more likely to
interfere with the driver’s ability to safely
control the vehicle.

• Statistics show that children of all sizes and
ages are safer when they are properly
restrained in a rear seat.

Safe Driving

• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an

1Protecting Child Passengers

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

To remind you of the passenger’s front airbag
hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning
labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the
front visors. Please read and follow the instructions
on these labels.

2 Safety Labels P. 72

3

WARNING

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.

approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the seat
belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.

• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the
event of a collision.

• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very
seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows or seat adjustments.

• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when

the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate
vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.

uuChild SafetyuProtecting Child Passengers

57

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Protecting Infants

Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat
for a child up to two years old if the child’s height and
weight are appropriate for a rear-facing seat.

Rear-facing child seats should never be installed in a
forward facing position.

Always refer to the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions before installation.

3

WARNING

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front
seat can result in serious injury or death
during a crash.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the
rear seat, not the front.

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Protecting Infants

■

An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the
infant reaches the seat manufacturer’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the
infant is at least one year old.

When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-back
in the desired position.

It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger’s advanced front airbag
system.

2 Airbags P. 41

If this occurs, we recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front
passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied.
Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

■

Positioning a rear-facing child seat

Child seats must be placed and secured in a
rear seating position.

58

Safe Driving

Protecting Smaller Children

1Protecting Smaller Children

Educate yourself about the laws and regulations
regarding child seat use where you are driving, and
follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

3

WARNING

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the
front seat can result in serious injury or
death if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward-facing child
seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far
back as possible, and properly restrain the
child.

■

If a child is at least one year old and has exceeded the weight and height limitations
of a rearward facing child seat, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly
secured forward facing child seat until they exceed the weight and height limitations
for the forward facing child seat.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can be hazardous, even with
advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off. A
rear seat is the safest place for a child.

■

Forward-facing child seat placement

We strongly recommend placing a forward­facing child seat in a rear seating position.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

Continued

59

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Selecting a Child Seat

Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is
simple.

LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed
to simplify the installation process and reduce the
likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.

Selecting a Child Seat

■

Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Some have a rigid-type connector while others have a flexible-type connector. Both
are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be
installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat
manufacturer’s use and care instructions including recommended expiration dates
as well as the instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing
your child’s safety.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured
with the seat belt. In addition, the child seat manufacturer may advise that a seat
belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat once a child reaches a specified
weight. Please read the child seat owner’s manual for proper installation
instructions.

■

Important consideration when selecting a child seat

Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:

• The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.

• The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.

• The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or

Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

60

Safe Driving

■

Models with second row captain seat

Marks

Marks

Models with second row bench seat

A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in the second row seats. A child seat
is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of connectors.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

1. Locate the lower anchors under the marks.

Continued

61

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

Rigid Type

Lower Anchors

Flexible Type

2. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then

attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came
with the child seat.

u When installing the child seat, make sure

that the lower anchors are not
obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object.

62

Safe Driving

Models with second row captain seat

Tether Strap Hook

Anchor

Outer positions

1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

For your child’s safety, when using a child seat
installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the
child seat is properly secured to the vehicle. A child
seat that is not properly secured will not adequately
protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the
child or other vehicle occupants.

Tether Strap Hook

Anchor

Models with second row bench seat

Center position of second row bench seat

All positions

3. Put the outer head restraint to its upper-

most position, then route the tether strap
between the head restraint legs, and secure
the tether strap hook to the anchor. Make
sure the strap is not twisted.

3. Put the center head restraint to its lowest

position, then route the tether strap over
the top of the head restraint and secure the
tether strap hook to the anchor. Make sure
the strap is not twisted.

4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

5. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by

rocking it forward and back and side to
side; little movement should be felt.

6. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child

can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

2 Protecting Child Passengers P. 56

Continued

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

63

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

A child seat that is not properly secured will not
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

■

1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.

2. Route the seat belt through the child seat

according to the seat manufacturer’s
instructions, and insert the latch plate into
the buckle.

u Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all

the way out until it stops. This activates the
lockable retractor.

4. Let the seat belt retract a few inches and

check that the retractor has switched
modes by pulling on the webbing. It should
not pull out again until it is reset by
removing the latch plate from the buckle.

u If you are able to pull the shoulder belt

out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Slowly pull the seat belt all the
way out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.

64

Safe Driving

1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near

the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack
from the lap part of the belt.

u When doing this, place your weight on

the child seat and push it into the vehicle
seat.

6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by

rocking it forward and back and side to
side; little movement should be felt.

7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child

can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

2 Protecting Child Passengers P. 56

Continued

65

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

1Adding Security with a Tether

Always use a tether for forward facing child seats
when using the seat belt or lower anchors.

Models with second row captain seat

Tether Anchorage Points

Tether Anchorage Points

Models with second row bench seat

Tether Anchorage Points

Third row seat

Adding Security with a Tether

■

A tether anchorage point is provided behind
each second and third row seating position. If
you have a child restraint system that comes
with a tether but can be installed with a seat
belt, the tether may be used for additional
security.

66

Safe Driving

Models with second row captain seat

Anchor

Tether Strap Hook

Outer positions

Anchor

Models with second row bench seat

Tether Strap Hook

Center position of second row bench seat

All positions

■

Using a second row anchor

1. Put the outer head restraint to its upper-

most position, then route the tether strap
between the head restraint legs, and secure
the tether strap hook to the anchor. Make
sure the strap is not twisted.

1. Put the center head restraint to its lowest

position, then route the tether strap over
the top of the head restraint and secure the
tether strap hook to the anchor. Make sure
the strap is not twisted.

2. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

Continued

67

uuChild Safety u Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

Tether Strap Hook

Anchor

Third row seat

■

Using a third row anchor

1. Pull up the head restraint and push

rearwards until it latches, then route the
tether strap through the head restraint legs.
Make sure the strap is not twisted.

2. Open the anchor cover.

3. Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.

4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

68

Safe Driving

Safety of Larger Children

1Safety of Larger Children

3

WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in
front can result in injury or death if the
passenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in front, move the
vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible,
have the child sit up properly and wear the
seat belt properly, using a booster seat if
needed.

Protecting Larger Children

■

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind
of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who
must sit in front.

Checking Seat Belt Fit

■

When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/
shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the
following questions.

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder
seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a
booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

■

Checklist

• Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over
the edge of the seat?

• Does the shoulder belt cross between the
child’s neck and arm?

• Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as
possible, touching the child’s thighs?

• Will the child be able to stay seated like this
for the whole trip?

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children

Continued

69

uuChild Safety u Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

1Booster Seats

When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the
instructions that came with it, and install the seat
accordingly.
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat
belt correctly.

Some U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and
territories require children to use a booster seat until
they reach a given age or weight (e.g. six years or 60
lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or
province, or territory where you intend to drive.

Booster Seats

■

Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks

■

Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:

• Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information
in this manual.

• Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

• Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.

• Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the

70

seat.

■

Monitoring child passengers

We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up
properly.

If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used
properly, position the child in a booster seat in
the rear seat. For the child’s safety, check that
the child meets the booster seat
manufacturer’s recommendations.

Safe Driving

Exhaust Gas Hazard

1Carbon Monoxide Gas

An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed.
Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the
garage immediately after starting the engine.

3

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.

Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide Gas

The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.

■

Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever

• The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.

• The exhaust system may have been damaged.

• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the tailgate
open, open all the windows and set the climate control system as shown below.

1. Select the fresh air mode.

2. Select the mode.

3. Set the fan speed to high.

4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.

71

Safe Driving

Safety Labels

Sun Visor

U.S. models

Canadian models

Radiator Cap

U.S. models

U.S. models only

Dashboard

Canadian models

Doorjambs

U.S. models only

Sun Visor

Label Locations

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels
carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer
for a replacement.

72

Instrument Panel

This chapter describes the buttons, indicators, and gauges that are used while driving.

Indicators ............................................ 74

Multi-Information Display (MID) Warning

and Information Messages ............... 96

Gauges and Multi-Information Display

(MID)

Gauges............................................ 116

MID ................................................. 117

73

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

(Red)

Indicators

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Brake System
Indicator (Red)

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on when the brake fluid
level is low.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the brake system.

●

Comes on while driving - Check the brake
fluid level.

2 What to do when the indicator comes on

●

while driving P. 543

Comes on along with the ABS indicator -

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 If the Brake System Indicator (Red)

Comes On P. 543

74

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

(Amber)

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem

●

Comes on while driving - Have your vehicle
checked by a dealer.

●

With this indicator on, your vehicle still has

normal braking ability.
with a system related to braking
other than the conventional
brake system.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the electric parking brake
system.

Brake System
Indicator (Amber)

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the automatic brake hold
system.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 432

Continued

75

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on when the parking
brake is applied, and goes off

●

Blinks and the electric parking brake
system indicator comes on at the same
time - There is a problem with the electric

parking brake system. The parking brake may
not be set.

when it is released.

●

Comes on for about 15 seconds
then goes off when you push the

Electric Parking
Brake Indicator

electric parking brake switch with
the power mode in OFF.

●

Comes on for about 15 seconds
then goes off when you set the
power mode to OFF with the
parking brake applied.

●

Comes on when you pull the
electric parking brake switch
without depressing the brake

●

Depress the brake pedal to release the parking
brake.

2 Parking Brake P. 428

pedal.

76

Electric Parking
Brake System
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the electric parking brake
system.

●

Comes on while driving - Avoid using the
parking brake and have your vehicle checked
by a dealer immediately.

2 If the Electric Parking Brake System

Indicator Comes On P. 544

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on for a few seconds

Automatic Brake
Hold System
Indicator

when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on when the automatic

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 432

brake hold system is on.

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

Automatic Brake
Hold Indicator

●

Comes on when the automatic
brake hold is activated.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 432

—

Continued

77

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the
power mode to ON, and goes off
when the engine starts.

●

Comes on when the engine oil

●

Comes on while driving - Immediately stop
in a safe place.

2 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes

On P. 541

pressure is low.

Malfunction
Indicator Lamp

●

Comes on when you set the
power mode to ON, and goes off
either when the engine starts or
after several seconds if the
engine did not start. If “readiness
codes” have not been set, it
blinks five times before it goes
off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the emissions control
systems.

●

Blinks when a misfire in the

●

Readiness codes are part of the on board
diagnostics for the emissions control systems.

2 Testing of Readiness Codes P. 565

●

Comes on while driving - Have your vehicle
checked by a dealer.

●

Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe place
where there are no flammable objects. Stop
the engine for 10 minutes or more, and wait
for it to cool down. Then, take your vehicle to
a dealer.

2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes

On or Blinks P. 542

engine’s cylinders is detected.

Charging System
Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the
power mode to ON, and goes off
when the engine starts.

●

Comes on when the battery is
not charging.

●

Comes on while driving - Turn off the
climate control system and rear defogger in
order to reduce electricity consumption.

2 If the Charging System Indicator Comes

On P. 541

78

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Gear Position
Indicator

Indicates the current gear
selection.

2 Shifting P. 374

—

M (sequential
mode) Indicator/
Sequential Mode
Gear Selection
Indicator

●

Comes on when the manual
sequential shift mode is applied.

2 Sequential Mode P. 380

—

Continued

79

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

The indicated current gear
selection blinks if there is a
problem with the transmission

●

Avoid sudden start and acceleration, and stop
in a safe place immediately.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

system.

●

All the gear positions may light
for several seconds, and go off.

●

When all the gear positions light, immediately
stop your vehicle in a safe place.

●

Indicators go off if there is no problem.
However, even if they go off, take your vehicle
to a dealer for inspection.

Transmission
Indicator

●

The indicated current gear
selection or all the gear positions
blink if there is a problem with

●

Immediately stop in a safe place.

2 Emergency Towing P. 554

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
the transmission system, and the
vehicle no longer moves.

●

The indicated current gear
selection or all the gear positions
blink if you cannot select (P due
to the transmission system
failure.

●

The engine can be activated as a temporary

measure.

2 If the Transmission Indicator Blinks along

●

●

with the Warning Message P. 545

Set the parking brake when parking.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer

immediately.

80

Instrument Panel

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Seat Belt
Reminder
Indicator

●

Comes on and the beeper sounds
if you are not wearing a seat belt
when you set the power mode to
ON.

●

If the front passenger is not
wearing a seat belt, the indicator
comes on about a few seconds
later.

●

Blinks while driving if either you

●

The beeper stops and the indicator goes off
when you and the front passenger fasten their
seat belts.

●

Stays on after you or the front passenger
has fastened the seat belt - A detection

error may have occurred in the sensor. Have
your vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 Seat Belt Reminder P. 34

or the front passenger has not
fastened a seat belt. The beeper
sounds and the indicator blinks at
regular intervals.

Low Fuel Indicator

●

Comes on when the fuel reserve
is running low (approximately 2.5
U.S. gal./9.5 Liter left).

●

Blinks if there is a problem with
the fuel gauge.

●

Comes on - Refuel your vehicle as soon as
possible.

●

Blinks - Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer.

Continued

81

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

If it comes on at any other time,
there is a problem with the ABS.

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to

●

Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle

checked by a dealer. With this indicator on,

your vehicle still has normal braking ability but

no anti-lock function.

2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 434

●

Stays on constantly or does not come on

at all - Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

ON, then goes off.

Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator

●

Comes on if a problem with any
of the following is detected:

- Supplemental restraint system

- Side airbag system

- Side curtain airbag system

- Seat belt tensioner

●

Auto High-Beam
Indicator

Comes on when all the operating
conditions of the Auto high­beam are met.

2 Auto High-Beam P. 171

—

82

Instrument Panel

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA®)
System Indicator

VSA® OFF
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Blinks when VSA®, or trailer
stability assist is active.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the VSA®, hill start assist,
trailer stability assist or brake
lighting system.

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on when you partially

●

Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle
checked by a dealer.

2 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

P. 418

2 Trailer Stability Assist P. 362
2 Hill start assist system P. 371

●

When Trailer Stability Assist Problem is
displayed on the MID, the VSA® does not
activate.

2 VSA® On and Off P. 419

—

disable VSA®.

Continued

83

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

* Not available on all models

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Speed-sensitive
Electric Power
Steering (EPS)
System Indicator

Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the
power mode to ON, and goes off
when the engine starts.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the EPS system.

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if the tire pressure of
any of the tires becomes
significantly low.

●

Blinks for about one minute, and
then stays on if there is a problem

●

Stays on constantly or does not come on

at all - Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power

Steering (EPS) System Indicator Comes
On P. 543

●

Comes on while driving - Stop in a safe

place, check tire pressures, and inflate the

tire(s) if necessary.

●

Blinks and remains on - Have your vehicle

checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is fitted with

a spare, get your regular tire repaired or

replaced and put back on your vehicle as soon

as you can.
with the TPMS, or when a spare

*

is temporarily installed.

tire

Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators

●

Blinks when you operate the turn
signal lever.

●

Blinks along with all turn signals if
you press the hazard warning

●

Does not blink or blinks rapidly

2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 481

—

button.

●

High Beam
Indicator

Comes on when the high beam
headlights are on.

— —

84

Instrument Panel

* Not available on all models

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Lights On
Indicator

●

Comes on whenever the light
switch is on, or in AUTO when
the exterior lights are on.

●

If you set the power mode to ACCESSORY or
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) while the lights are on, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is

—

opened.

●

Fog Light
Indicator

*

Comes on when the fog lights
are on.

— —

Immobilizer
System Indicator

●

Comes on briefly when you set
the power mode to ON, then
goes off.

●

Comes on if the immobilizer
system cannot recognize the key
information.

●

Blinks - You cannot start the engine. Set the
power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK), then
select the ON mode again.

●

Repeatedly blinks - The system may be
malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked by
a dealer.

●

Do not attempt to alter this system or add
other devices to it. Electrical problems can
occur.

—

Continued

85

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Blinks when the security system

Security System
Alarm Indicator

alarm has been set.

2 Security System Alarm P. 157

—

86

System Message
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on along with a beep
when a problem is detected. A
system message on the MID
appears at the same time.

●

While the indicator is on, roll the multi-

function steering wheel control to see the

message again.

●

Refer to the Indicators information in this

chapter when a system message appears on

the MID. Take the appropriate action for the

message.

●

The MID does not return to the normal screen

unless the warning is canceled, or the multi-

function steering-wheel controls is rolled.

—

Instrument Panel

* Not available on all models

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on for a few seconds

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Keyless Access
System Indicator

Comes on as soon as a problem is
detected in the keyless access
system or keyless starting system.

Super Handling­All Wheel Drive
(SH-AWD®)
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the SH-AWD® system.

TM

●

Blinks when the differential

*

temperature is too high.

●

Stays on constantly - The engine drives the

front wheels only in this state. Have your

vehicle checked by a dealer.

●

Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe place,

change to (P, and idle the engine until the

indicator goes off. If the indicator does not

stop blinking, take your vehicle to a dealer.

2 Super Handling-All Wheel DriveTM (SH-

AWD®)

*

P. 423

Continued

87

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

* Not available on all models

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Auto Idle Stop
Indicator (Green)

Comes on when Auto Idle Stop is
in operation. The engine

*

automatically shuts off.

2 Auto Idle Stop* P. 382

—

Auto Idle Stop
System Indicator
(Amber)

88

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to

●

Blinks - Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer.

ON, then goes off.

●

Blinks if there is a problem with
the Auto Idle Stop System.

*

●

Comes on when Auto Idle Stop
System has been turned off by
Auto Idle Stop OFF Button.

2 Auto Idle Stop System ON/OFF P. 382

Instrument Panel

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Lane Keeping
Assist System
(LKAS) Indicator
(Amber)

Lane Keeping
Assist System
(LKAS) Indicator
(Green)

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the LKAS.

●

Comes on when you press the
MAIN button.

●

Comes on when the LKAS is in
operation, or the LKAS button is
pressed, but the temperature
inside the front sensor camera is
too high. The LKAS cancels
automatically. The beeper sounds
simultaneously.

●

Comes on when the area around
the camera is blocked by dirt,
mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a

●

Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle

checked by a dealer.

2 Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

P. 410

●

Use the climate control system to cool down

the camera.

●

Goes off - The camera has been cooled down

and the system activates normally.

2 Front Sensor Camera P. 388

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the

indicator and message come back on after

you cleaned the area around the camera.

—

safe place, and wipe it off with a
soft cloth.

●

May come on when driving in
bad weather (rain, snow, fog,
etc.)

Continued

89

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you change the power

●

Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle
checked by a dealer.

mode to ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the RDM system.

●

Comes on when the RDM system
shuts itself off.

●

Stays on - The temperature inside the camera
is too high.

Use the climate control system to cool down
Road Departure
Mitigation (RDM)
Indicator

the camera.

The system activates when the temperature

inside the camera cools down.

2 Front Sensor Camera P. 388

●

Stays on - The area around the camera is

blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in

a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth.

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the

indicator and message come back on after

you cleaned the area around the camera.

2 Front Sensor Camera P. 388

90

Instrument Panel

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)
with Low Speed
Follow (LSF)
Indicator (Amber)

Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)
with Low Speed
Follow (LSF)
Indicator (Green)

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with ACC with LSF.

●

Comes on when you press the
MAIN button.

●

Comes on if anything covers the
radar sensor cover and prevents
the sensor from detecting a
vehicle in front.

●

May come on when driving in bad
weather (rain, snow, fog, etc.)

●

ACC has been automatically

●

Comes on while driving - Have your vehicle
checked by a dealer.

2 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low

Speed Follow (LSF) P. 390

●

When the radar sensor gets dirty, stop your
vehicle in a safe place, and wipe off dirt using
a soft cloth.

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the
message does not disappear even after you
clean the sensor cover.

—

canceled.

Continued

91

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on when ACC with LSF is
in operation, but the temperature
inside the front sensor camera is
too high. ACC with LSF cancels

●

Use the climate control system to cool down

the camera.

●

Goes off - The camera has been cooled down

and the system activates normally.

automatically. The beeper sounds

Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)
with Low Speed
Follow (LSF)
Indicator (Green)

simultaneously.

●

Comes on when the area around
the camera is blocked by dirt,
mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the

indicator and message come back on after

you cleaned the area around the camera.

safe place, and wipe it off with a
soft cloth.

●

May come on when driving in
bad weather (rain, snow, fog,
etc.)

92

Instrument Panel

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

Collision
Mitigation Braking
SystemTM

TM

(CMBS

)

Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you change the power
mode to ON, then goes off.

●

Comes on when you deactivate
the CMBSTM. A multi-information
display message appears for five
seconds.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the CMBS

TM

.

●

Stays on constantly without the CMBSTM
off - Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM

(CMBS

TM

) P. 436

Continued

93

uuIndicatorsu

Instrument Panel

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on when the CMBSTM
system shuts itself off.

●

Stays on - The area around the camera is

blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in

a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth.

2 Front Sensor Camera P. 388

●

When the radar sensor gets dirty, stop your

vehicle in a safe place, and wipe off dirt using

Collision
Mitigation Braking

TM

System
(CMBSTM)
Indicator

a soft cloth.

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the

message does not disappear even after you

clean the sensor cover.

2 Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM

●

Stays on - The temperature inside the camera

(CMBS

TM

) P. 436

is too high. Use the climate control system to

cool down the camera. The system activates

when the temperature inside the camera cools

down.

2 Front Sensor Camera P. 388

94

Instrument Panel

Models with BSI

* Not available on all models

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator Name On/Blinking Explanation Message

●

Comes on for a few seconds
when you set the power mode to
ON, then goes off.

●

Stays on while BSI is turned off.

—

Blind spot
information (BSI)
Indicator

●

Comes on when mud, snow, or
ice accumulates in the vicinity of
sensor.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the system.

●

Comes on while driving - Remove the
obstacle in the vicinity of sensor.

2 Blind spot information (BSI) System*

P. 421

●

Comes on while driving - Have your vehicle
checked by a dealer.

95

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Multi-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages

The following messages appear only on the MID. Roll the multi-function steering-wheel controls to see the message again with the system
message indicator on.

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears if any door or the tailgate is not completely
closed.

●

Goes off when all doors and the tailgate are closed.

96

●

Appears when the hood is opened.

●

Close the hood.

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears when the washer fluid is low.

●

Refill washer fluid.

2 Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 480

●

Appears while you are customizing the settings and the
transmission is in other than (P.

●

Appears when the transmission system temperature is
too high. The vehicle does not operate properly.

●

Appears when there is a problem with the sensor on the
battery.

●

Appears along with the battery charging system
indicator when the battery is not charging.

2 Customized Features P. 123

●

You may find it difficult to accelerate, or to start the
vehicle on uphill.

●

Immediately stop in a safe place in (P.

●

Let the engine idle until the message disappears.

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 Checking the Battery P. 499

●

Turn off the climate control system and rear defogger to
reduce electricity consumption.

2 If the Charging System Indicator Comes On P. 541

Continued

97

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.

●

Consequently, Maintenance Due Now and
Maintenance Past Due follow.

2 Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-

Information Display (MID) P. 466

98

●

Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.

●

Appears when there is a problem with the power
tailgate system.

2 Overheating P. 539

●

Manually open or close the power tailgate.

●

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Instrument Panel

U.S.

Canada

Models with Auto Idle Stop

Models with Auto Idle Stop

Canadian models

uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages

Message Condition Explanation

●

Appears if there is a problem with the starter system.

●

Hold the ENGINE START/STOP button up to 15
seconds to start the engine.

2 Starting the Engine P. 367

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

●

Appears when you set the power mode to ACCESSORY
or ON.

2 Starting the Engine P. 367

●

Appears when the engine does not restart automatically
due to the following reason:

●

The hood is open.

●

There is a problem in the system that disables Auto Idle
Stop.

●

Appears when the steering wheel is locked.

●

Follow the normal procedure to start the engine.

2 Starting the Engine P. 367

●

Close the hood.

●

Move the steering wheel left and right while pressing
the ENGINE START/STOP button.

Continued

99