The blind spot detection in your Acura is not the best system in the world. It may detect wrong obstacles on the road or not detect real obstacles just randomly. So, I strongly recommend against relying heavily on this technology. But still, when the system doesn't work and throws some error messages, it doesn't feel right for an Acura owner.
Blind spot information system problem message highlights
- Common reasons:rear sensors are blocked or broken
- How to fix:clean the bumper, disconnect the battery for some time
- Possible consequences:blind spot monitoring will not work
- Priority level:Low
- Can you drive?Yes
- DIY repair:Possible
- Repair price range:$0-$250
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The blind spot is off in your MDX
First of all, you need to make sure that the blind spot is activated. For this, press the safety switch button located on the front panel, above your left leg. When you press this button, use the right selector wheel on your steering wheel to scroll through the options. Find the Blind Spot pictogram which shows the car following another car from the right rear side.
Make sure that the box is ticked near this pictogram. If it's not ticked, press the selector wheel and it will be on.
Radar is blocked
The blind spot monitoring radar is located in the corner area of the rear bumper in your MDX. There are two sensors that are used for various safety reasons including monitoring the blind zones.
If you have applied some visual tuning elements and they now cover the corner area of your bumper, you may be sure that the monitoring system will not work. It may or may not throw some error messages. But it will not detect vehicles on the road which may easily lead to road accidents.
Also, make sure that the corner areas of your rear bumper are always clean. Heavy dirt buildup or snow on the bumper cover may affect the work of the blind spot detection system.
Wiring issues or damaged radars
Very often, the blind spot in your MDX may not be working because of the wrong signals. This may happen when the wiring is affected. Also, even minor accidents involving the rear end of your MDX may be the reason why the blind spot and some other safety functions won't work.
The radars are mounted on metal brackets and they should be properly positioned and wired. Once someone hits your car in its bumper, the radars may be destroyed or the metal mounting bracket may be bent.
If there are issues with the radar, it's not clear if the entire radar system should be replaced. Sometimes, it's enough to change the mounting system. But the dealer will, of course, tell you that the radar is faulty and requires replacement. If it's done under warranty, it's OK, but if you are made to pay for this, you better recheck the situation with an independent shop.
Just poor blind spot detection system in your Acura
Unfortunately, the system used by Acura in its MDX is not perfect. If you open the driver's manual which explains the functioning of the blind spot detection, you will find several conditions that can affect the proper work of the function.
Here they are:
- the object is small and fast like the motorcycle;
- curved road may affect the work of the radars;
- there are external electrical signals that block the radars;
- bad weather like heavy fog or rain;
- when turning in an intersection, the system may be faulty;
- bumpy roads may affect the preciseness;
- short turns and tilting the vehicle will affect the system;
- the vehicle is below 20 MPH or goes faster than 100 MPH.
This actually covers all those strange situations when the blind spot suddenly doesn't work in the Acura MDX when you are trying to change your lane in the city traffic. You will be most likely driving at a lower speed than 20 MPH and the blind spot detection will just not work at this speed range.
So, it's basically OK on highways with some serious exceptions but it's helpless in the city. Also, the manual clearly says that you should make sure that turning or maneuvering is safe without relying on the blind spot system.
Final thoughts
Although new cars are packed with safety technologies, not all of them are really good. While blind spot monitoring systems are not new to many cars, especially to Acura, the new MDX still struggles to create safe and convenient use of this technology for drivers.
Unfortunately, the blind spot detection system in your MDX will not work under any circumstances or it may detect false obstacles, so many drivers just turn it off to not get distracted on the road.
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About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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