2002 Acura MDX service

Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page . Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Acura.
4. 261 265259
A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil Owner Maintenance
Checks
Engine Coolant Check
Bef ore Driving
Service Station Procedures
199
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Many states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don’t, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.
When towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a f ull-size
spare wheel and tire f or your vehicle.
Using the compact spare that came
with the MDX may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
We also recommend that you carry a
f ull-size spare wheel and tire f or your
trailer. Ask your trailer sales or
rental agency where and how to
store the spare. See page f or proper tire size,
page f or how to store a f ull-sized
wheel and tire, and page for
inf ormation on changing a f lat tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
bef ore changing a f lat.When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the brakes,
suspension and cooling system are
in good operating condition. If you
tow f requently, f ollow the Severe
Conditions maintenance schedule.
The trailer has been properly
serviced and is in good condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ).
Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure.
Allitemsonandinthetrailerare
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Your vehicle tires and spare are in
good condition and properly
inf lated (see page ).
The trailer tires and spare are in
good condition and inf lated as
recommended by the trailer
maker.
320 315
291
226 228287
Towing a Trailer
Driving
Trailer Mirrors
Spare TiresPre-T ow Checklist
235
01/09/07 12:32:38 31S3V610_240

The f ollowing pages contain practical
tips on basic of f -highway operation.
Driving of f -highway can be hard on a
vehicle. Bef ore you leave the
pavement, be sure all scheduled
maintenance and service has been
done, and that you have inspected
your vehicle. Pay special attention to
the condition of the tires, and use a
gauge to check the tire pressures.Of f -highway, the general rule is to
keep your speed low. Of course,
you’ll need enough speed to keep
moving forward. But at higher
speeds, you have less time to assess
conditions and make good decisions.
There’s also a greater chance of
sliding if you brake or turn too
quickly on wet soil, gravel, or ice. In
any situation, never go f aster than
conditions allow.Generally, the best of f -pavement
braking technique is to gently
depress the brake pedal, then
increase pressure as more braking is
needed. Avoid hard braking. Keep in
mind that you will usually need more
time and distance to brake to a stop
on unpaved surf aces.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e. Check
the tires for damage and for proper
pressure. If you need to brake hard because of
an emergency, apply steady, even
pressure to the brake pedal. Do not
pump the brakes; let the anti-lock
braking system pump them f or you.
If you pump the brakes, the anti-lock
cannot work as ef f iciently, and your
stopping distance may be increased.
Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway. You may even dig
yourself into a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in second gear (2) will
help get you to a smooth start on
snow and ice.
Driving
Cont rolling Speed
Check Out Your Vehicle
A ccelerat ing and BrakingDriving T ips
Off-Highway Guidelines
242
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Bef ore driving through water, stop
and make sure that:The water is never deep enough to
cover your wheel hubs, axles or
exhaust pipe. You could stall, and
not be able to restart the engine.
The water could also damage
important vehicle components. The water is not f lowing too f ast.
Deep rushing water can sweep you
downstream. Even very shallow
rushingwatercanwashthe
ground f rom under your tires and
cause you to lose traction and
possibly roll over.The banks are sloped so you can
drive out.
The banks and surf ace under the
water provide good traction. The
water may hide hazards such as
rocks, holes, or mud.
If you decide it’s saf e to drive
through water, choose a suitable
speed and engage VTM-4 Lock (see
page ), then proceed without
shif ting or changing speed. Do not
stop the vehicle or shut of f the
engine while trying to cross a stream.
After driving through water, test
your brakes. If the brakes got wet,
drive slowly while gently pumping
the brakes until they operate
normally.
If the water is deeper than the wheel
hubs, some additional service to the
engine, transmission and dif f erential
mayberequired.Thisserviceisnot
covered by your warranties. 217
Driving
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Crossing a Stream
244
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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
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Regularly maintaining your vehicle is
the best way to protect your
investment. Proper maintenance is
essential to your saf ety and the
saf ety of your passengers. It will also
reward you with more economical,
trouble-f ree driving and help reduce
air pollution.Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
This section includes instructions f or
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be perf ormed by an Acura
technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance248
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.
01/09/07 12:34:40 31S3V610_253

The Maintenance Schedule specif ies
how of ten you should have your
vehicle serviced and what things
need attention. It is essential that
you have your vehicle serviced as
scheduled to retain its high level of
saf ety, dependability, and emissions
control perf ormance.Service your vehicle according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages. Select the schedule
f or ‘‘Severe Conditions’’ if most of
your driving is done under one or
more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, f ollow the schedule
f or ‘‘Normal Conditions.’’
The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
vehicle as normal transportation f or
passengers and their possessions.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations:
Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s
load limit. This puts excess stress
on the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your vehicle. The
load limit is shown on the tire
inf ormation label on the driver’s
doorjamb. Operate your vehicle on
reasonable roads within the legal
speed limit.
Drive your vehicle regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
theproperoctanerating(seepage
).
194
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Which Schedule to Follow:
250
01/09/07 12:34:59 31S3V610_255

Ì
U.S. Vehicles:
Your authorized Acura dealer knows
your vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation. We recommend the use of genuine
Acura parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability.
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Maintenance, replacement or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
251
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