Loading

How to turn off SH-AWD Acura MDX?


The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system in the Acura MDX is designed to enhance performance and traction, especially in challenging driving conditions. However, there may be times when you want to turn off this feature, whether for maintenance purposes or personal preference. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to deactivate the SH-AWD system in your Acura MDX.


Understanding SH-AWD


Before we dive into the steps, it's important to understand what SH-AWD does. This system distributes power to all four wheels, improving handling and stability. While it is beneficial in most driving scenarios, there are instances where you might want to turn it off, such as:



  • When driving on dry, flat surfaces where all-wheel drive is not necessary.

  • To save fuel in certain conditions.

  • During specific maintenance procedures.


Steps to Turn Off SH-AWD


Here’s how you can turn off the SH-AWD system in your Acura MDX:



  • Locate the SH-AWD Button: The SH-AWD button is typically found on the center console of your vehicle.

  • Press the Button: Simply press the SH-AWD button. You should see a light on the dashboard indicating that the system is off.

  • Check the Dashboard: Ensure that the SH-AWD indicator light is illuminated, confirming that the system has been successfully deactivated.


Important Considerations


While turning off the SH-AWD system can be useful, keep in mind the following:



  • Driving without SH-AWD may affect your vehicle's handling in adverse weather conditions.

  • Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your model year.

  • If you experience any issues or have concerns, consider reaching out to a professional mechanic for assistance.


Conclusion


Turning off the SH-AWD system in your Acura MDX is a straightforward process that can be beneficial in certain situations. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily manage your vehicle's performance to suit your driving needs. If you have any further questions or require assistance, feel free to contact us at Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off SH-AWD on my Acura?


Turning the System On or Off
Press the parking sensor button. A green indicator light appears on the button when the system is on. Do not continuously spin the front tires of your vehicle. Continuously spinning the front tires can cause damage to the transmission and SH-AWD unit.



Is it safe to drive with SH-AWD light on?


Can I Drive with the SH-AWD Light On? Although you can, it's not safe to drive with the SH-AWD light on.



What does the SH-AWD light mean on an Acura MDX?


If the SH-AWD indicator on the instrument panel stays on, and the multi-information display shows an SH-AWD message, there is a problem with the system. Your vehicle still has normal front-wheel drive with vehicle stability assist (VSA), but does not have the advantages of SH-AWD.



Is SH-AWD always AWD?


The answer is yes. Allow us to introduce SH-AWD. SH-AWD stands for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. After hard acceleration, SH-AWD moves 45% of the engine's power to the rear and side to side, reducing the chances of wheelspin and producing more traction for better acceleration.



Is it OK to drive with AWD light on?


The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem. If the automatic transmission warning indication/light illuminates, the transmission has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause damage to your transmission.



Is the Acura AWD always on?


If it's like my 2012 TL than yes it stays on at all times. You should be able to pull up a feature on your dash to show that all wheels are working and it'll show which ones are getting more power when used. They use mostly front wheel but acuras awd is pretty amazing.



Can you turn AWD on and off?


The all-wheel drive lock exists to allow drivers to toggle the system on and off. This means driving with the AWD system on at all times isn't always the best idea.



What is the difference between Acura AWD and SH-AWD?


All-wheel drive is designed to improve traction for your vehicle by diverting most power to the front wheels. Acura SH-AWD® takes this one step further by also diverting a portion of your vehicle's power to the rear wheels as well, which improves traction even further and maximizes your car's performance.



Does AWD turn off automatically?


All-wheel drive uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot. The AWD system is active all the time and requires no input from the operator.



Why does my SH-AWD light keep coming on?


these lights simply indicate there is some failure in the awd/traction control system. This is just a generic driver warning to let you know the system is faulted and offline. The warning is not specific and can be triggered by any failed sensor, module or other component in the system.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.