2002 Acura MDX air condition

When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the transmission shif ts f requently
while going up a hill, shif t down one
gear.
If you must stop when f acing uphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
placebypressingontheaccelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shif t down to D . Do
not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and remember
it will take longer to slow down and
stop when towing a trailer.Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause your trailer
to sway. When being passed by a
truck or other large vehicle, keep a
constant speed and steer straight
ahead. Do not try to make quick
steering or braking corrections.
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including putting the
transmission in PARK and f irmly
setting the parking brake when you
have f inished parking.
Donotparkonaninclineunlessitis
unavoidable. If you must park on an
incline, turn the vehicle wheels
toward the curb on a downhill and
awayfromthecurbonanuphill.
After parking, place wheel chocks at
each trailer tire, on the downhill side.
If the vehicle wheels slip when
retrieving a boat f rom the water,
shifttofirstgearandturnonVTM-4
Lock (see page ).
Disengage VTM-4 Lock as soon as
the boat is out of the water to
prevent damage to the VTM-4
system.
217
3
bottom
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Driving on Hills
Handling Crosswinds and
T urbulence
Backing Up Parking
Ret rieving a Boat
237
01/09/07 12:33:01 31S3V610_242

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .248
.
Important Safety Precautions .249
.................
Maintenance Schedule .250
...
Required Maintenance Record .257
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks .259
..............................
Fluid Locations .260
......................................
Engine Oil .261
..................................
Adding Oil .261
....................
Recommended Oil .261
..............................
Synthetic Oil .262
....................................
Additives .262
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter .263
.............................
Cooling System .265
............
Adding Engine Coolant .265
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant .267
....................
Windshield Washers .270
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .271
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .272
....................................
Brake Fluid .273
............................
Brake System .273
..............................
Power Steering .274
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .275
....................................
Hood Latch .277
....................................
Spark Plugs .277
..............................
Replacement .277
............................
Specif ications .279 ...........................................
Battery .280
.................................
Wiper Blades .282
..............
Air Conditioning System .284
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .285
.....................................
Drive Belts .285
....................................
Timing Belt .286
...............................................
Tires .286
......................................
Inf lation .286
..................................
Inspection .288
..............................
Maintenance .289
.............................
Tire Rotation .289
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels .290
......................
Wheels and Tires .291
..........................
Winter Driving .291
.............................
Snow Tires .292
............................
Tire Chains .292
.............................................
Lights .293
.....................
Headlight Aiming .295
........................
Replacing Bulbs .295
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .303
357
Maintenance
Maint enance247
01/09/07 12:34:33 31S3V610_252

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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only
drive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
252
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections 7.5
12 6 15
24
12 45
72
36
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) 120
192
96
75
120 60 105
168
84
90
144 72
60
96
48
30
48
24
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Necessary for proper break-in of the VTM-4 rear differential. Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 yearsAdjust only if noisy
:
1: 251
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
01/09/07 12:35:29 31S3V610_257

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Maint enance253
Canadian owners: A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
then every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs Do items in A, D
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage)
Replace transmission fluid. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace transmission fluid. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
Replace transmission fluid.
Inspect idle speed . Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace engine coolant. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page289).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system .
Inspect fuel lines and connections .
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.


Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Necessary for proper break-in of the VTM-4 rear differential.
NOTE: :
1: 251
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/07 12:35:40 31S3V610_258

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Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km)
per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less than
10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over
90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods
of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads.
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you drive
your vehicle
MAINLYunder one or
more of the f ollowing conditions:
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
254
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and conditions of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls
Vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Follow this schedule for rear differential
fluid replacement if you use your vehicle
for off-highway driving, trailer towing,
or mainly in stop-and go driving.
Otherwise, use the fluid replacement
schedule in the Maintenance Schedule
for Normal Conditions.
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Use normal schedule except in dusty
conditions
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month) 7.5
12 6
Adjust only if noisy
Necessary for proper break-in of the
VTM-4 rear differential.
1:
2:
3:
4:
: See page251.Refer to page286for replacement
information under special driving
conditions.
Refer to page285for replacement
information under special driving
conditions.
,1
3
2 4
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
01/09/07 12:36:06 31S3V610_259

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CONT INUED
Maint enance255
A, B, C, D, E
Canadian Owners U.S. Owners
B
C A
D
E
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km/6 mos
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,E .
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage)
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page289).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element every 15,000 mi
(24,000 km) under dusty couditions. Otherwise, use
Normal Conditions schedule.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system .
Inspect fuel lines and connections .
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace transmission fluid.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace rear differential fluid .
254
4
2
3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/07 12:36:15 31S3V610_260

Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it f or at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the ref rigerant.If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Ref rigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specif ications on page
.)
Your vehicle’s air conditioning is a
sealed system. Any major mainte-
nance, such as recharging, should be
done by a qualif ied mechanic. You
can do a couple of things to make
sure the air conditioning works
ef f iciently.
Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser f or leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the f ront surf ace. These
block the air f low and reduce cooling
ef f iciency. Use a light spray f rom a
hose or a sof t brush to remove them. 342
A ir Condit ioning Syst em
Maint enance284
A A
I
IRR C
COON NDDI
ITT I
IOON NIINNG G
C
CO ON NDDE
EN
NS SEER
R
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.
01/09/07 12:40:32 31S3V610_289

µµ
Check the condition of the two drive
belts (power steering belt and
alternator belt). Examine the edges
of each belt f or cracks or f raying. If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts. Power steering belt: Thebeltshouldhavethefollowing
‘‘play’’ or def lection.
Check the tension of the power
steering belt by pushing on it with
your thumb midway between the
pulleys.
This f ilter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air f rom industry and diesel-pow-
ered vehicles. Replace it more of ten
if air f low f rom the climate control
system becomes less than usual.
Have dust and pollen f ilter replaced
by your Acura dealer. The dust and pollen f ilter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
f rom the outside through the heating
and cooling system/climate control
system.
Drive Belts
Dust and Pollen Filter
Maint enance
Dust and Pollen Filter, Drive Belts
285
A A L
LTT E
ER
RN NA AT
TO
OR R B
BEEL
LTT
P
P
O
OW WE ER
R S
STTE
EE
ER
RI INNG G B
BEEL
LTT
0.51 0.65 in (13.0 16.5 mm)
01/09/07 12:40:44 31S3V610_290