2008 MDX Online Reference Owner's Manual
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .............................................................................................................................. iii Important Handling Information .................................................................................................................... iv
Your Vehicle at a Glance (main controls) .................................................................................................... 3
Driver and Passenger Safety (seat belts, SRS, and child protection) .................................................... 5
Instruments and Controls
(indicators, gauges, multi-information display, dashboard, and steering column)
..... 61
Features (
climate control,audio,rear entertainment,steering wheel,security,cruise control,and other convenience items
)
......... 169
Before Driving (fuel, vehicle break- in, and cargo loading) ..................................................................... 321
Driving (engine and transmission operation) ................................................................................................ 337
Maintenance (minder, fluid checking, minor services, and vehicle storage)........................................... 381
Taking Care of the Unexpected (flat tire, dead battery, overheating, and fuses) ............................... 423
Technical Information (vehicle specifications, tires, and emissions controls) ....................................... 449
Warranty and Customer Relations (U. S. and Canada only) (warranty and contact information) ... 465
Authorized Manuals (U. S. only) (how to order) ......................................................................................... 469
Index ............................................................................................................................... ........................................ I
Service Information Summary ( fluid capacities and tire pressures)
1 00X31-STX-6102
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
This indicator has two f unctions:This indicator monitors the
temperature of the automatic
transmission f luid. It should come on
f or a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on while driving,
it means the transmission fluid
temperature is too high. Pull to the
side of the road when it is saf e, shif t
to Park, and let the engine idle until
the indicator goes out.
You will also see an ‘‘A/T TEMP
HIGH’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
If this happens, pull to the side of
the road when it is saf e, check
which tire has lost pressure on the
multi-inf ormation display, and
determine the cause. If it is
because of a flat tire, have the flat
tire repaired as soon as possible. If
two or more tires are
underinf lated, call a prof essional
towing service. For more
inf ormation, see page .
If this indicator begins to f lash,
there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system
(TPMS). You will also see a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display. The indicator continues to
f lash f or a while (approximately 1
minute), then stays on. If this
happens, have your dealer check
the system as soon as possible.
For more inf ormation, see page
.
Check the tire pressure monitor on
the multi-inf ormation display and
determinethecause(seepage).
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). If it comes on while driving, it
indicates that one or more of your
vehicle’s tires are signif icantly low
on pressure.
1.
82
2.
82 446
352 354
Instrument Panel Indicators
Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator A/T Temperature
Indicator
68
Continuing to drive with the A/T
temperature indicator on may cause
serious damage to the transmission.
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2008 MDX
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .382
....................
Maintenance Minder .383
..............................
Fluid Locations .391
.......
Engine Compartment Cover .392
........................
Adding Engine Oil .393
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .394
..............................
Engine Coolant .396
....................
Windshield Washers .398
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .399
....................................
Brake Fluid .401
....................
Power Steering Fluid .402
....................................
Timing Belt .402
.............................................
Lights .403
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .409
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .409
.....................................
Floor Mats .410
.................................
Wiper Blades .411
...............................................
Tires .415
...................
Checking the Battery .421
.............................
Vehicle Storage .422
469
Maintenance
Maint enance
381
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Maintenance Minder
390
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: 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
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid
Symbol
Symbol
A B 1
2
3
4
5
61
1
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12
months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first
column on page .
Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy. 389
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every
60,000 miles (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada).
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
:
1:
NOTE :
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance
391
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
POWER STEERING FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
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CONT INUED
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 securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
1.
2. 3.4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
399
DIPSTICKDIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
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If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Make sure the rubber cap on the
dipstick f its in the dipstick guide
and that you push the dipstick in
all the way.The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is shown on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid).
5.
6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
400
Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). Do
not mix with other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
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Acura new vehicle warranty.
2008 MDX
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Specif ications
452
Dimensions
Air Conditioning
Weights
Capacities
Seating Capacities 1.93 US gal (7.3
)
2.43 US gal (9.2)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
4.2 US qt (4.0
)
5.3 US qt (5.0
)
3.0 US qt (2.8)
8.3 US qt (7.9)
190.7 in (4,844 mm)
77.0 in (1,955 mm)
68.2 in (1,733 mm)
21.00 US gal (79.5
)
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track 108.3 in (2,750 mm)
67.7 in (1,720 mm)
67.5 in (1,715 mm)
See the tire information label atta-
ched to the driver’s doorjamb. 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg)
2.6 US qt (2.5
)
2.9 US qt (2.7)
0.4 US qt (0.4
)
0.4 US qt (0.4)
4.2 US qt (4.0
)
6.1 US qt (5.8)
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:
0.18 US gal (0.7
)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation.
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
21.2 22.9 oz (600 650 g) ND-OIL8
Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross combined weight
rating (GCWR) Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Rear
differential
fluid
Transfer
assembly
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
Total
Front
Second
Third 7
2
3
2 Approx.
Front
Rear
1:
2:U.S. vehicles
Canadian
vehicles
Change
Total
Change
Including
filter
Without
filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
1:
1 1
2
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