2004 Acura MDX check transmission fluid

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how 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 .196
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 197
....................
Maintenance Record .201
..............................
Fluid Locations .204
........................
Adding Engine Oil .205
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 206
..............................
Engine Coolant .208
....................
Windshield Washers .209
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 210
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .211
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid . 211
....................................
Brake Fluid .212
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 213
....................................
Timing Belt .213
....................................
Hood Latch .214
.............................................
Lights .214
.......................................
Seat Belts .218
.....................................
Floor Mats .218
.................................
Wiper Blades .219
...............................................
Tires .221
...................
Checking the Battery . 226
.............................
Vehicle Storage .227
269
Maintenance
Maint enance195

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Maint enance199
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
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Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
At every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) up to 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 1 year, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. At 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page .
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192 135
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144
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60
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24 105
168
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 223)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brake wear
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace transfer fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
1:
2:: 198
1
1 2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance200
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
7.5
12 15
2430
4845
7260
9675
120 90
144 105
168 135
216150
240
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Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions)
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At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) up to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 6 months, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 1 year.
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Follow this schedule for rear differential fluid replacement if you use your vehicle for off-highway driving, trailer towing, mainly in stop-and-go driving. Otherwise, use
the fluid replacement schedule in the Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page . Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
120
192
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 223)
Check front and rear brake wear
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace transfer fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 1:
2:
3: : 198
213
1, 2
,3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission. Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the tube to
bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it’s not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary replacement. However, continued
use can af f ect the shif t quality.
Have the transmission flushed and
ref illed with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly f lush the
transmission, the technician
should drain and ref ill it with
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive
the vehicle f or a short distance.
Do this three times. Then drain
and ref ill the transmission a f inal
time.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule. Insert the dipstick all the way back
in the transmission.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your Acura dealer.
1.
2.
3.
5.
6.
4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance210
DIPSTICK DIPSTICK
LOWER MARK UPPER MARK

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 163
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .79
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 101
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 206
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 22
..............
Air Conditioning System . 104
.....................
Rear A/C Control .109
.........................................
Usage .105
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .106
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .221
......................................
Antif reeze .208
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .59, 181
...................................
Operation .181
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 129
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 79
................
Audio System . 110,115,125
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.........................
Automatic Lighting .73
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 144
..............
Automatic Transmission . 172
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .254
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 210.......................................
Shif ting .172
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 172
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 172
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 175
...........................
Automatic Wipers .70
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .58, 242
............................
Jump Starting .238
..............................
Maintenance .226
............................
Specif ications .255
..............................
Bef ore Driving .157
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,19
...........................
Beverage Holders .99
..................................
Booster Seats .48
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 181
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 158
...........................................
Fluid .212
....................
Bulb Replacement .216
.........................................
Parking .92
.................
System Indicator . 59,244
........................
Wear Indicators .180 .............................
Braking System .180
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 158
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 74
........................
Brights, Headlights .72
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .216
..............................
Brake Lights .216
................
Front Parking Lights . 215
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 215
.................................
Headlights .214
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 217
.................................
Rear Bulbs .216
............................
Specif ications .255
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 215
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .214
Index
A
B
I

Î
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 74
.................................
Dead Battery .238
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 268
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 75
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 107
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .211
....................................
Dimensions .254
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 72
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 210
..................................
Engine Oil .161
..........................
Directional Signals .72
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 180
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .207
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 80
....................
Lockout Prevention . 80
......................
Power Door Locks .80
................................
Cancel Button .144
............................
Capacities Chart .254
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 51
.............................
Carrying Cargo .165
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .127
...................................
Operation .125
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .119
..........................
CD Changer .116, 117
.....
CD Changer Error Messages . 122
.......................................
CD Player .116
.........
CD Player Error Messages . 120
........................
Certif ication Label .252
...................................
Chains, .225
Change Oil ........................................
How to .206
......................................
When to .197
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .231
...
Charging System Indicator . 58,242
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 170
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 80
.....................................
Child Saf ety .33
..............................
Booster Seats .48 .............................
Child Seats .40, 41
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 36
..........................................
Inf ants .38
..........................
Larger Children .47
.........................................
LATCH .42
......................
Risks with Airbags .34
.............................
Small Children .39
..........................................
Tether .45
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 34
.......................................
Child Seats .40
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 45
...............
Climate Control System . 104
..............................................
Clock .130
.....................
Code, Audio System .129
........................
CO in the Exhaust .259
......................
Compact Spare Tire .230
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 266
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant ........................................
Adding .208
....................................
Checking .162
.........................
Proper Solution .208
...................
Temperature Gauge . 67
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .259
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 61............
Cruise Control Operation . 144
.....................................
Cup Holders .99
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 266
tires
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .105
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .103
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 159Filters
...............................................
Oil .206
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 231
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 210
..........................................
Brake .212
......................
Dif f erential Fluid .211
..........................
Power Steering .213
...................
Transf er Assembly . 211
..................
Windshield Washer . 209
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .113
........................................
Fog Lights .75
................
Folding the Second Seat . 87
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 88
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
........................................
Front Seat .84
......................................
Adjusting .84
.........................................
Airbags .23
.........................................
Heaters .89
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 256
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .169
....................................
Economy .162
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .94
..................
DVD Error Messages . 140
...................................
DVD Player .133
..............................
Economy, Fuel .162
..................................
Emergencies .229
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 238
...........
Brake System Indicator . 244
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 231
.....
Charging System Indicator . 242
..................
Checking the Fuses . 246
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 74
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 242
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 243
..................
Overheated Engine . 240
.......................................
Towing .244
...........................
Emergency Brake .92
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .244 .......................
Emissions Controls .259
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 67
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .58, 243
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 58,242
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 205
...............................
Overheating .240
............................
Specif ications .255
............................
Speed Limiter .174
.......................................
Starting .171
...................
Engine, .237
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 259
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .51
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .260
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .17
if it won’t start
Index
E
F
III

.............................
SRS Indicator .28 ,58
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 79
.......................
Starting the Engine .171
................
With a Dead Battery . 238
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 240
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .76
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 79
...
Stereo Sound System . 110,115,125
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .227
........................................
Sun Visor .100
Supplemental Restraint System ......................................
Servicing .31
.........................
SRS Indicator .28 ,58
...................
System Components . 22
..................................
Synthetic Oil .206
.....................................
Tachometer .66
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . 216
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 229
....................................
Tape Player .125
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 256
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 259Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .261
.......................
Temperature Gauge .67
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts . 20
............................
Thef t Protection .129
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 261
....................................
Timing Belt .213
....................................
Tire Chains .225
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 231
.................................
Tire Labeling .258
Tire Pressure Monitoring ....................
System (TPMS) .178
Low Tire Pressure ...........................
Indicator .64, 177
.......
Tire Pressure Monitor . 64,178
..................
TPMS Indicator . 64,178
...............................................
Tires .221
..............................
Air Pressure .221
.........................
Checking Wear .222
..........................
Compact Spare .230
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 256
......................................
Inf lation .221
..................................
Inspection .222
..............................
Maintenance .223
...................................
Replacing .224
......................................
Rotating .223 ...........................................
Snow .225
............................
Specif ications .255
................................
Tire Chains .225
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .188
................
Emergency Wrecker . 244
....
Equipment and Accessories . 188
.............................
Weight Limit .185
Your Vehicle Behind a ............................
Motorhome .190
.........................
Trailer Loading .185
.................
Trailer Towing Tips . 189
.............
Transf er Assembly Fluid . 211
Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 210
...........................
Fluid Selection .210
..............
Identif ication Number . 252
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 172
.....................................
Treadwear .256
.......................................
Trip Meter .67
....................................
Turn Signals .72
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 231
Index
T
VIII