Cold weather start +SH-AWD, VSA lights- still operational or disabled?

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Old Jan 15, 2022 | 10:03 AM
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Cold weather start +SH-AWD, VSA lights- still operational or disabled?

So I know the RL's electrical system goes crazy in cooler temps. It seems like the dash will light up like a Christmas tree but it will all go away (aside from my stupid AFS light), once you restart the car. I was curious if the systems still work or not when those lights are on/if they function differently? The reason I bring it up is I had some issue getting out of the driveway this morning and usually the car is a tank and has no problem.
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Old Jan 15, 2022 | 04:09 PM
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A new battery should solve that problem. If the battery is relatively new then there could be something draining the battery when turned off. The Hands free phone module is famous for failing and creating a trickle battery drain. Have you checked for vampire battery drain issues?
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Old Jan 16, 2022 | 08:51 AM
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I've gone through probably 4 batteries on my RL before Acura finally disconnected the HFL system which was draining my battery. Started fine pretty well today considering it's -3 out, but the dash still lights up like a Christmas light. Car had trouble getting out of the driveway again. I feel like the AWD does not function properly when that light is on.
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Old Jan 16, 2022 | 09:18 AM
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Originally Posted by sfmarine0311
I've gone through probably 4 batteries on my RL before Acura finally disconnected the HFL system which was draining my battery. Started fine pretty well today considering it's -3 out, but the dash still lights up like a Christmas light. Car had trouble getting out of the driveway again. I feel like the AWD does not function properly when that light is on.
What DTC codes show up when you do a scan?
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 10:23 AM
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You are correct - it goes all FWD and the associated horrible handling.

At least mine did, when it did its low airspeed warning. Even on roundabouts & bends once could feel the difference.

New battery & regular treatment with a trickle charger (that could be a name for a Chrysler BEV) seems to keep the gremlins (AMC) at bay.


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Old Jan 20, 2022 | 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Blues Legend
You are correct - it goes all FWD and the associated horrible handling.

At least mine did, when it did its low airspeed warning. Even on roundabouts & bends once could feel the difference.

New battery & regular treatment with a trickle charger (that could be a name for a Chrysler BEV) seems to keep the gremlins (AMC) at bay.
I thought so. Thanks for the confirmation. That explains why I was getting bad handling and even spinning in my driveway. From now on, i'll let the ice buildup defrost and restart the car once it's properly warmed up.
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Old Jan 28, 2024 | 03:38 PM
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i have 2017 Acura MDX. I have same issue with AWS light coming on.

It happens when I first start car. if I idle car for a minute or so, and turn off car and turn back on, the light does NOT come on.

also, it seems to only happen when cold outside like 35 or below. I live in virginia and a few weeks back we had snow and was very cold and light came on almost every time I started it cold. Went to north carolina with 60 degree weather and light NEVER came on.

any suggestions??
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Old Feb 10, 2026 | 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by brunjest
i have 2017 Acura MDX. I have same issue with AWS light coming on.

It happens when I first start car. if I idle car for a minute or so, and turn off car and turn back on, the light does NOT come on.

also, it seems to only happen when cold outside like 35 or below. I live in virginia and a few weeks back we had snow and was very cold and light came on almost every time I started it cold. Went to north carolina with 60 degree weather and light NEVER came on.

any suggestions??
this winter I have confirmed that this problem goes away if I idle the car for a few minutes. I have been using the remote start this winter. temps into teens. This issue has NOT happened this year. Will continue to remote start whenever cold.
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Old Feb 10, 2026 | 11:14 AM
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^Time for a new battery.
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Old Feb 10, 2026 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by EasyLoveRDX
^Time for a new battery.
I have a 2 year old battery.
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Old Feb 11, 2026 | 11:01 AM
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Swap it out and report back.
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