2003 Acura MDX recommended oil

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration. Youshouldfollowthesesamere-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are replaced.
Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
intervalshowninthemaintenance
schedule.
Avoidhardbraking.Newbrakes
need to be broken-in by moderate
use f or the f irst 200 miles (300
km). Your Acura is designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Use of a lower octane gasoline can
cause occasional, metallic knocking
noises in the engine and will result in
decreased engine perf ormance.
We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
f uel system and engine deposits.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls. This contributes to air
pollution.
We also recommend that you do not
tow a trailer during the f irst 500
miles (800 km).
Break-in Period, Gasoline
Bef ore Driving
Break-in Period
Gasoline
236

This section explains the importance
of keeping your vehicle well
maintained and why you should
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 .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .294
.
Important Safety Precautions . 295
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 296
...
Required Maintenance Record . 303
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 305
..............................
Fluid Locations .306
......................................
Engine Oil .307
..................................
Adding Oil .307
....................
Recommended Oil .307
..............................
Synthetic Oil .308
....................................
Additives .308
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 309
.............................
Cooling System .311
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 311
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 313
....................
Windshield Washers .316
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 317
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .318
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid . 318
....................................
Brake Fluid .319
............................
Brake System .319
..............................
Power Steering .320
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .321
....................................
Hood Latch .323
....................................
Spark Plugs .323
..............................
Replacement .323 ............................
Specif ications .325
...........................................
Battery .326
.................................
Wiper Blades .328
..............
Air Conditioning System . 330
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 331
.....................................
Drive Belts .331
....................................
Timing Belt .332
...............................................
Tires .332
......................................
Inf lation .332
..................................
Inspection .334
..............................
Maintenance .335
.............................
Tire Rotation .335
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 336
......................
Wheels and Tires .337
..........................
Winter Driving .337
.............................
Snow Tires .338
............................
Tire Chains .338
.............................................
Lights .339
.....................
Headlight Aiming .341
........................
Replacing Bulbs .341
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .349
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.
405
Maintenance
Maint enance293

To add oil, unscrew and remove the
engine oil f ill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and install the
engine oil f ill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a f ew minutes and recheck the
oil level. Do not f ill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine.Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
Pour the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Honda Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection.
CONT INUED
Recommended Oil
A dding Oil
Engine Oil
Maint enance307
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL

Service Inf ormat ion Summary
Gasoline:Tire Pressure (measured cold):
Power Steering Fluid:
Brake Fluid:
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Recommended Engine Oil:
Rear Differential Fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Transfer Assembly Fluid: 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm
)
Honda Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of
power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page ).
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page ). Front/Rear:
Compact Spare Tire:
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or
higher.
Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid
(see page ).
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page ).
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) preferred, or
aDEXRON
III ATF as a
temporary replacement (see page ). SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90 viscosity
hypoid gear oil, API service
classified GL4 or GL5 only (see
page ).
307
320
319
318
317 319
19.21 US gal (72.7)