I have a 2008 MDX tech. When I turn on AC, it will also turn on rear AC. What is the purpose of the "REAR" button on the front console. At times when I am driving alone, I would like to turn off rear controls, but how.

 

the rear button allows you to "set" the rear a/c or heat in a way.

Suppose you have a baby in the back and you can see the baby is cold b/c of the a/c. All you do is turn off the rear button (if it's lit up) change it to your desired rear setting, then turn ON the rear button and simply bring it back down to whatever you had it for yourself.

Basically the rear button ON means that the back controls are not reliant on the front, with it OFF it means that it is whatever it is in the front.

 

So there is no way to turn OFF the rear from the front.

 

There is, but it's a slightly convoluted process. Turn off the system and press the rear button, then simply turn on the front system by pressing AUTO and you should be good.