2008 Acura MDX check oil

The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in 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.
Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine. 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. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda motor oil in your vehicle.
Make sure the API Certif ication Seal
says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance
393
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
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2008 MDX

Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter. Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
9.
8.
7.
6.
4.
5.
3.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
395
OIL FILTER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.5 US qt (4.3
) Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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2008 MDX

Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page).
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on.
If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, the battery is not being
charged.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
326
393
446 81
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
436
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications .330
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.....................................
Position) .129
............
Accessory Power Sockets .166
...........................
AC Power Outlet .167
................
Active Damper System .361
.....................................
Acura Link .308
....................
Additives, Engine Oil .394
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9,24
..............
Air Conditioning System .170
.....................
Rear A/C Control .175
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .177
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .415
......................................
Antif reeze .396
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
....................
Indicator Light .66,357
...................................
Operation .357
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System .235
Anti-thef t Steering Column
............................................
Lock .129
................
Audio System .180,181,200
Auto Control Mode, Starting
........................................
Engine .339
..........
Automatic Climate Control .170 .......................
Automatic Lighting .119
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .22
.............
Automatic Speed Control .270
..............
Automatic Transmission .341
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .452
...............
Checking Fluid Level .399
.......................................
Shif ting .341
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators .341
................
Shif t Lever Positions .342
....................
Shif t Lock Release .346
................................
Cancel Button .272
............................
Capacities Chart .452
Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .65,436
............................
Jump Starting .432
..............................
Maintenance .421
............................
Specif ications .453
..............................
Bef ore Driving .321
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .163
..................................
Booster Seats .55
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) .357 .............
Break-in, New Linings .322
...........................................
Fluid .401
.......................................
Parking .153
.................
System Indicator .65,438
........................
Wear Indicators .357
.............................
Braking System .356
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle .322
Brightness Control,
...............................
Instruments .123
......................
Brights, Headlights .118
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights .407
................
Front Parking Lights .404
........
Front Side Marker Lights .404
.................................
Headlights .403
.................................
Rear Bulbs .406
............................
Specif ications .453
....................
Turn Signal Lights .404
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .403
Index
A
BC
INDEX
I
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Î
...............
DANGER, Explanation of .iii
...................................
Dashboard .3,62
..............
Daytime Running Lights .120
.................................
Dead Battery .432
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety .468
..............
Def ogger, Rear Window .122
..............
Def rosting the Windows .174
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .452
....................................
Dimensions .452
.............
Dimming the Headlights .118
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission .399
..................................
Engine Oil .326
..........................
Directional Signals .67
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .357
.......................................
Disc Care .229
........................
Disc Changer .190,218
Disc Changer Error
...........................
Messages .199,228
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard .58
..........................
Cargo Area Light .161
...................................
Cargo Hook .336
....................
Cargo, How to Carry .332
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of .iii
........................
Certif ication Label .450
.................................
Chains, Tires .420
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .425
Changing Oil
........................................
How to .394
......................................
When to .383
...
Charging System Indicator .65,436
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving .338
................
Childproof Door Locks .131
.....................................
Child Saf ety .37
..............................
Booster Seats .55
.............................
Child Seats .42,45
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders .41
..........................................
Inf ants .42
..........................
Larger Children .54
.........................................
LATCH .47
......................
Risks with Airbags .38
.............................
Small Children .43
..........................................
Tether .51
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? .38 .......................................
Child Seats .45
........
LATCH Anchorage Points .47
....
Tether Anchorage Points .52,53
.......................
Cleaning Seat Belts .409
....................
Client Service Of f ice .466
...............
Climate Control System .170
..............................................
Clock .236
.....................
Code, Audio System .235
........................
CO in the Exhaust .460
......................
Compact Spare Tire .424
.................
Console Compartment .164
...............
Consumer Inf ormation .466
.............
Controls, Instruments and .61
Coolant
........................................
Adding .396
....................................
Checking .326
.........................
Proper Solution .396
...................
Temperature Gauge .72
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .460
................
Cruise Control Indicator .70
............
Cruise Control Operation .270
...................................
Cup Holders .163
.........................
Customize Settings .83
................
Door/Window Setup .105
...........................
Lighting Setup .100 .................................
Meter Setup .89
..............................
Position Setup .97
........................
Setting to Def ault .86
...............................
Wiper Setup .113
Index
D
II
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CONT INUED
............................
Disc Player .190,218
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .395
Doors
............
Locking and Unlocking .130
..................
Lockout Prevention .131
........................................
Monitor .11
....................
Power Door Locks .130
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .454
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .337
....................................
Economy .327
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .157
......
DVD Player Error Messages .265
...................................
DVD Player .240 ...................................
Fan, Interior .173
Features, Comfort and
..............................
Convenience .169
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .323
Filters
...............................................
Oil .394
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning .122
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .425
.....................................
Floor Mats .410
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .399
..........................................
Brake .401
..........................
Power Steering .402
..................
Windshield Washer .398
..............................
Economy, Fuel .327
..................................
Emergencies .423
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .432
...........
Brake System Indicator .438
................
Changing a Flat Tire .425
.....
Charging System Indicator .436
..................
Checking the Fuses .440
...........
Driving with a Flat Tire .424 .......
Hazard Warning Flashers .122
............................
Jump Starting .432
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .436
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .437
..................
Overheated Engine .434
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
................................
Manually .446
.......................................
Towing .446
.........................
Emergency Brake .153
....................
Emergency Flashers .122
......................
Emergency Towing .446
.......................
Emissions Controls .460
........................
Emissions Testing .463
Engine
............
Check Starting System .340
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .72
.........................
If it Won’t Start .431
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .65,437
.......................................
Oil Lif e .383
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .65,436
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .393
...............................
Overheating .434
............................
Specif ications .453
............................
Speed Limiter .346
.......................................
Starting .339 .
Evaporative Emissions Controls .460
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .58
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System .461
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
Index
E F
INDEX
III
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2008 MDX

Locks.....
Anti-thef t Steering Column .129
............................
Fuel Fill Door .323
..................................
Glove Box .164
..................
Lockout Prevention .131
...............................
Power Door .130
..............................
Tailgate .131,132
........................
Low Coolant Level .326
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .71
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .65,436
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart .452
............
Luggage, Storing (cargo) .332
..................................
Maintenance .381
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .389
........................................
Minder .383
..........................................
Saf ety .382
....................................
Schedule .390
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .437
...........
Memory, Driving Position .157
.............................
Message Display .80
..........................
Message Indicator .69
...............................
Meters, Gauges .72 ........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .155
.................................
Modif ications .331
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle .331
.......................................
Moonroof .152
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display .73
...................
Neutral Gear Position .342
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .322
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .450
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline .322
.........................................
Odometer .75
...............................
Odometer, Trip .75
....................
Of f -Highway Driving .377
...................
Of f -Road Precautions .377
Oil
........................
Change, How to .394
......................
Change, When to .383
......................
Checking Engine .326
...............................
Lif e, Engine .383
..............
Pressure Indicator .65,436 Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart .393
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) .129
............................
Outside Mirrors .154
.....................
Outside Temperature .76
....................
Overheating, Engine .434
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks .389
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .322
............
Panel Brightness Control .123
........................
Park Gear Position .342
...........................................
Parking .350
...............................
Parking Brake .153
Parking Brake and Brake
.................
System Indicator .65,438
...............................
Parking Lights .118
..
Parking Over Things that Burn .350
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator .34
.............................
PGM-FI System .461
..............
Power Seat Adjustments .140
...............
Power Socket Locations .162
............................
Power Windows .149
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .18
Index
N
O P
M
VI
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CONT INUED
Unexpected, Taking Care..........................................
of the .423
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading .454
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .322
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of .395
..........................................
Tailgate .131
...............................
Opening the .131
..............................
Open Monitor .11
.........................................
Power .132
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in .406
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected .423
Technical Descriptions
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .454
.....
Emissions Control Systems .460
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .461
.......................
Temperature Gauge .72
........
Temperature, Inside Sensor .179
....................
Temperature, Outside .76
...................
Tensioners, Seat Belts .22
..............
Tether Anchorage Points .51
................
Thef t Protection, Radio .235
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter .462
.
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel .124
....................................
Timing Belt .402
....................................
Tire Chains .420
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat .425
.................................
Tire Labeling .456 Tire Pressure Monitoring
............
System (TPMS) .351,458
Low Tire Pressure ...........................
Indicator .68,351
.......
Tire Pressure Monitor .77,352
...............................................
Tires .415
..............................
Air Pressure .415
.........................
Checking Wear .417
..........................
Compact Spare .424
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading .454
......................................
Inf lation .415
..................................
Inspection .417
..............................
Maintenance .418
...................................
Replacing .418
......................................
Rotating .418
...........................................
Snow .419
............................
Specif ications .453
................................
Tire Chains .420
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .425
Torque Distribution Monitor
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .363
................
Emergency Wrecker .446
....
Equipment and Accessories .368
.............................
Weight Limit .364 .........................
Trailer Loading .364
..............
Trailer Stability Assist .376
.................
Trailer Towing Tips .372
..................
Trailer Stability Assist .375
Transmission
...............
Checking Fluid Level .399
...........................
Fluid Selection .400
..............
Identif ication Number .450
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .341
.....................................
Treadwear .417
................................
Trip Computer .78
.......................................
Trip Meter .75
....................................
Turn Signals .67
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .425
Index
INDEX
U
IX
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(SH-AWD®)............................... .348
2008 MDX