MDX Backup Sensors Owner’s Manual © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................... 3 Important Information ........................................................................................... 4 How the Backup Sensors Work ............................................................................ 5 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 7 Operation ........................
Introduction Thank you for purchasing this Acura accessory. Please read this Owner’s Manual carefully before using the backup sensors, and keep this manual in the glove box for future reference. This product is designed to be used exclusively on a Acura MDX. Acura is not responsible if the unit is used for any other intended purpose. This Owner’s Manual should be considered a permanent part of the the vehicle. It should remain with the vehicle at all times and stay with the vehicle when sold.
Important Information Before using the backup sensors, make sure you read and understand the operation and limitations of the system as discussed below and elsewhere in this manual. • The backup sensors are designed to provide and audible sound when they detect large stationary objects while the vehicle is moving in reverse at low speed. However, the system may not detect all possible objects depending on their size, shape, or location.
How the Backup Sensors Work Backup Sensors The sensors are ready for operation when the shift lever is moved to the reverse position with the backup sensor switch turned ON. Operation of the sensors is dependent upon the ultrasonic waves they emit. They calculate the distance between the sensor and a rear obstacle by measuring the time until the ultrasonic waves reach the sensor after being reflected by the obstacle.
How the Backup Sensors Work Corner Sensors: Center Sensors: The sensors detect the closest rear obstacle. The sensors may not detect the rear bumper of tall vehicles. In this example, the corner sensor detects the side wall. When towing a trailer, the audible signal may keep sounding if the shift lever is moved to the reverse position. When this occurs, turn the backup sensor switch OFF. 6 © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Limitations The sensors detect only the closest obstacle. The sensors may detect other obstacles as the vehicle moves. The sensors may not work if the obstacle is an odd shape or made of material that does not reflect ultrasonic waves. Examples: POLE CARDBOARD CARTON SMALL or SLENDER TREE TIRE of BICYCLE RECTANGULAR LUMBER The sensors may not work if the ambient air temperature is below -4°F (-20°C) or above 122°F (50°C). CURBSTONE © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Limitations The sensors may not sound for the following obstacles or under the following conditions: • • Objects that absorb ultrasonic waves, such as soft snow, cotton and sponges Piece of wire, rope, and net fence The audible signal may sound warning even if there is no obstacle behind the vehicle: • • 8 Droplets of water frozen on the sensor Objects low in height such as curbstone, etc. © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Limitations The audible signal may sound warning even if there is no obstacle behind the vehicle: • • When the vehicle is equipped with a highpower radio and antenna • When detecting loud noises such as a vehicle horn, a motorcycle’s engine, or air brakes • When driving in rain or melted snow Sensors clogged with snow, dirt or mud The sensors may sound continuously under the following conditions: • When driving on rough surfaces or gravel roads or in grass, or when stopped on a hill © 2002 America
Operation Before using the backup sensors, become familiar with the types of sounds in relation to the distances between the sensors and the obstacle by actually backing your vehicle into a garage or parking space. Also confirm the obstacle detecting range of each backup sensor. 1. Check that the parking brake is applied. 2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Do not start the engine yet. 3. Turn the backup sensor switch ON. ON RIGHT QUARTER PILLAR TRIM ON 4. 10 Move the shift lever to reverse.
Operation 5. From behind the vehicle, check that the audible signal sounds by slowly bringing the palm of your hand close to each sensor as described: 6. For the corner sensors: About 1.5 feet For the corner sensors: From 2 feet For the center sensors: From 6 feet Check that the intermittent warning beeps become quicker as you bring the palm of your hand closer to the sensor. For the center sensors: About 4 feet 7.
Daily Inspection 12 1. Start the engine. 2. Apply the parking brake, and depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever to the reverse position. Check that the audible signal sounds for about one second. • The sensors are normal if the audible signal sounds for about one second. • If the audible signal keeps sounding, this is an indication that the sensors are frozen or clogged with mud, dirt, etc. • The sensors will also keep sounding when there is an abnormality in the circuit.
Care of the Backup Sensors Wipe the sensors clean with a clean cloth, or flush with low-pressure water when the sensors are clogged with mud and dirt. Do not direct high-pressure water against the sensors. LOW-PRESSURE WATER HIGHPRESSURE WATER (Do not use.) © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Troubleshooting Perform the following checks if the audible signal does not sound when the vehicle is approaching an obstacle. Symptom Take your vehicle to your Acura dealer if you encounter either of these problems: • The audible signal sounds continuously when the shift lever is in the reverse position, and the sensors are not frozen or clogged with snow or mud. • The audible signal does not sound when the shift lever is in the reverse position and the backup sensor switch is turned ON.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting With Beeps Corner Sensors Series of two intermittent beeps: right sensor is faulty. Series of three intermittent beeps: left sensor is faulty. Series of four intermittent beeps: right and left sensors are faulty. Center Sensors Series of three beeps: either or both sensors are faulty. Be careful not to confuse the sound of the sensors with those of other components or systems. © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
08V67-S3V-2000-81 16 © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc - All Rights Reserved. © 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights PrintedReserved.
