Which wires give constant, ignition and ground on a 2016 Acura MDX?
On a 2016 Acura MDX, take constant power from the Green wire at the grey 36-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pin 18, ignition from the Pink wire at the grey 36-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pin 17, and ground to clean, bare body metal. Meter every wire first.
Meter every wire before you tap it. Colors change with trim and build date.
OBD-II port:Above the glove boxBest power spot:Smart PCU moduleSystem voltage:12VIgnition type:Push-to-start (this page)
Where do I get constant, ignition and ground on a 2016 Acura MDX?
Constant, ignition and accessory are all on one plug at the smart PCU module above the glove box.
Option 1 All the power
Smart PCU plug
Grey 36-pin plug above the glove box.
Constant
Green
Grey 36-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pin 1812V battery feed. Fortin adds a fuse.
Ignition
Pink
Grey 36-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pin 17Hot with the car on.
Accessory
Blue
Grey 36-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pin 16Accessory.
Ground
Body ground
Bare metal under the dashNo ground wire in the guide. Never the battery negative post.
Start is Lt.Blue on pin 32 and the start button is Black on pin 10. Never tap them.
Option 2 Backup
Fuse tap
If you would rather not open the dash.
Ignition
Fuse tap
Interior fuse panelBackup: a slot that is dead off and hot on.
Use an add-a-fuse.
From Fortin's install guide for the 2014 to 2020 MDX with push-to-start (guide 97011).
Where are the turn signal, reverse and light wires on a 2016 Acura MDX for advanced 360 multicam and video telematics installs?
Circuit
Wire color
Location and what it does
Left turnNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Right turnNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Park lightNegative -Not yet checked
Grey
Blue 12-pin parking lights harness plug, pin 8Ground when the parking lights are on. Meter it first.
HeadlightNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
ReverseNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Dome lightNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Each chip shows the main insulation color with its stripe. Source: Fortin's install guide for the 2014 to 2020 MDX with push-to-start (guide 97011).
Where are the brake, door, speed and CAN wires on a 2016 Acura MDX for advanced 360 multicam and video telematics installs?
Circuit
Wire color
Location and what it does
CAN dataDataNot yet checked
Pink (CAN 1 high)
Lt.Blue (CAN 1 low)
Grey 20-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pins 1 and 11CAN 2 is White or Black (high, pin 2) and Brown or Green (low, pin 12). Never cut or splice them.
DoorsNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
BrakeNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Parking brakeNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Vehicle speedNot foundNot yet checked
Not found
Not foundWe found no source for this wire.
Source: Fortin's install guide for the 2014 to 2020 MDX with push-to-start (guide 97011). Wires marked Not found were not in the guide.
Where are the fuse boxes and ground points on a 2016 Acura MDX?
Above the glove boxSmart PCU moduleConstant, ignition, accessory, CAN.
Interior fuse panelFuse tapBackup ignition.
Ground pointsBare body metalNever the battery negative post.
Locations from Fortin's install guide.
Where is the OBD-II port on a 2016 Acura MDX?
OBD II
Diagnostic portOBD-II port: above the glove boxPlug-in GPS trackers and OBD harnesses connect here. Check the port before you plan the install.
Sister modelHonda PilotRelated platform. Check its own page.
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This page covers the 2016 Acura MDX with push-to-start.
The wire colors come from Fortin's install guide, read wire by wire. Our own team has not yet metered these on a 2016 MDX.
Written by API Signal, fleet GPS and camera installers for 35+ years across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, installing every major telematics and camera brand. Every wire on this page lists its source.
Test every wire with a meter before you tap it
No wiring information is ever guaranteed. Colors and locations change with trim, options and build date, and the manufacturer can change them in the middle of a model year. We share this as a starting point for installers, and you are responsible for confirming every connection on the vehicle in front of you.
Common questions about 2016 Acura MDX wiring
What wire is constant power on a 2016 Acura MDX?
Green at the grey 36-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pin 18. 12V battery feed. Meter it before you tap it.
What wire is ignition on a 2016 Acura MDX?
Pink at the grey 36-pin plug on the smart PCU module, above the glove box, pin 17. Hot with the car on. Meter it before you tap it.
Which years share wiring with the 2016 Acura MDX?
2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Fortin uses the same guide for these years.
Help build this page
Had the panels off on one of these? Show the next installer what you found.
No one has sent photos for the 2016 Acura MDX yet, so yours could be the first. Every photo, wire color and tip we use goes on this page with your name on it, and it saves the next installer time under the dash.
1. Snap it
The plugs, tap points, fuse boxes and ground points. Phone photos are fine.
2. Send it
Tap "Add yours" at the top of this page. Your tip and your photos go in the same box.
3. See your name on it
We check every tip, then post it here "Compliments of" you, by name.
Compliments of
The installers who helped build this page.
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Founding contributor spot: openThe first installer to confirm a wire or send photos for the 2016 Acura MDX gets their name here, and it stays here.
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Every tip we use gets a creditThe wire you checked is marked "Checked on a vehicle, compliments of" you.
Want to be famous?
Your name, right on this page, for everyone who uses it to see. Add your tip and your photos in one box.
