2005 Acura MDX radiator

These labels are in the locations
shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels caref ully.
If a label comes of f or becomes hard
to read (except for the U.S.
dashboard label which is removed by
the owner), contact your Acura
dealer f or a replacement.
CONT INUED
U.S. models only
Saf ety L abels
Driver and Passenger Saf ety
55
RADIATOR CAP
HOOD DASHBOARD
BATTERY LABEL

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, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
schedule. See
(see page
). Try to maintain a constant speed.
Everytimeyouslowdownand
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
fuel.Usethecruisecontrolwhen
appropriate.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Usethefresh-air
ventilation when possible.
The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
mileage and reduces the chance of
corrosion.
Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering and
hard braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear
possible. an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses more f uel.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle. 240
230 230
For example,
Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
190
RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN

µµµ
µ µµ
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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
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. 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 Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page .
U.S. Vehicles:
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability. 189
190
242 243
253
245
Maintenance Schedule
Servicing Your Vehicle
Owner’s Maintenance ChecksMaintenance,
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.
230

Fluid Locations
236
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)COOLANT
RESERVOIR
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) RADIATOR CAP ENGINE OIL FILL CAPAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to between the
MIN and MAX lines. Inspect the
cooling system f or leaks.Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Engine Coolant
A dding Engine Coolant
240
RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill. Clean
up any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
The low washer level indicator will
come on when the level is low (see
page ).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2. 63
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
Windshield Washers
Maint enance
241
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ). Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
4.
5.
6.
7. 8.
10.
11.9.
274 274
If Your Engine Overheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
271
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 192
.........................................
Moonroof .93
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 201
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 186
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 282
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 186
.........................................
Odometer .68
...............................
Odometer, Trip .69
....................
Of f -Highway Driving . 223
...................
Of f -Road Precautions . 223
Oil ........................
Change, How to .238
......................
Change, When to .231
......................
Checking Engine .189
..............
Pressure Indicator . 60,272
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .237
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 81
............................................
OnStar .173 ..............................
Outside Mirrors .95
....................
Overheating, Engine .270
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 230
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .186
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 76
........................
Park Gear Position .201
...........................................
Parking .207
.................................
Parking Brake .94
.................................
Parking Lights .74
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 291
.............................
PGM-FI System .290
................
Power Seat Adjustments . 86
...............
Power Socket Locations . 104
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 18
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 13
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 18
........................
Protecting Children .35
.....................
General Guidelines .35
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .40
.......
Protecting Larger Children . 50
.........
Protecting Small Children . 41Using Child Seats with
.....................................
Tethers .48
.............................
Using LATCH .45
...................
Radiator Overheating . 270
.....
Radio/CD Sound System . 112,113
...............................
Rear A/C Unit .111
............
Rear Audio Control Panel . 136
........
Rear Entertainment System . 132
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 247
.
Rear View Camera and Monitor . 155
............................
Rear View Mirror .95
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 77
.
Rear Window Wiper and Washer . 73
.........
Reclining the Seat Backs . 86,87
...........
Reclining the Second Seats . 89
................
Reclining the Third Seat . 90
.............................
Reminder Lights .60
................
Remote Audio Controls . 130
.................
Remote Control (RES) . 137
.......................
Remote Transmitter .83
Index
N
O P
R
VI