2008 Acura MDX maintenance

Most AcuraLink f unctions are
controlled by the interf ace dial. The
interface dial has two parts, a knob
and a selector.
The knob turns lef t and right. Use it
to make selections or adjustments to
a list or menu on the screen.The selector can be pushed lef t,
right, up, down, and in. Use the
selector to scroll through lists, to
select menus, and to highlight menu
items. When you make a selection,
push the center of the selector
(ENTER)togotothatselection.
AcuraLink enhances your ownership
experience by providing a direct
communication link between your
vehicleandtheAcuraServer.
Working through the XM radio
satellite, AcuraLink works in
conjunction with the navigation
system, Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink
(HFL),andaudiosysteminyour
vehicle. It displays and receives
several kinds of messages, including:
Operating tips and inf ormation on
your vehicle’s f eatures.
Important recall and safety
inf ormation.
Maintenance inf ormation to keep
your vehicle in top condition.
Diagnostic inf ormation to provide
inf ormation about any problems
with your vehicle.
U.S. Technology and Sport PackagesInterf ace Dial
AcuraLink
308
SELECTOR
KNOB
ENTER
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Select this button to
delete the current message.
Select this button to hear a
voice read the entire message. This
gives you more inf ormation than the
screen can display at one time. When
you select the Voice button, it
changes to a Stop Reading button.
Select the button again to stop the
voice.
Select this button to call a
phone number embedded in the
message. When you select , the
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink(HFL)
dials the number f or you. Select this
button to get more inf ormation about
the current diagnostic message. To
use this option, your cellphone must
be paired with the HFL. In addition,
the paired phone must have a
compatible data service and be set
up with the AcuraLink system to
make a data connection. Access the
handsf reelink.com website to f ind
out which data services are currently
compatible with AcuraLink.
To set your AcuraLink pref erences
(thetypesof messagesyouwantto
receive, if any), visit the Owner Link
website at
www.owners.acura.com,
and choose what you would like to
receive. If you do not have internet
access, call Acura Client Services at
(800) 382-2238; they can set your
message pref erences f or you.
Select this button to f ind the nearest
Acura dealer using the navigation
system.
Select
this button to call the Acura dealer
you purchased your vehicle f rom.
AcuraLink also directs you to this
dealer so you can schedule a
maintenance appointment or receive
inf ormation about a message. If your
assigned servicing dealer changes,
AcuraLink will reset to call that
dealer.
To make a call, your Bluetooth
compatible phone must be paired to
the vehicle’s HandsFreeLink system,
powered on, and located within the
vehicle(seepage ). 280
Delete
Voice
Call
Call Diagnostic Inf o
Message Pref erences
Find Nearest Acura Dealer
Call Your A cura Dealer
AcuraLink
Features
311
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There are six message categories in
AcuraLink: Quick Tips, Feature
Guides, Maintenance Minders,
Recalls/Campaigns, Diagnostic Inf o,
and Dealer Appointment Reminders.
The system can store up to 256
messages.
Message categories can be added,
revised, or deleted through
broadcast messages f rom Acura.These messages, based on updated
vehicle inf ormation and comments
f rom other MDX owners,
supplement your Owner’s Manual
and Quick Start Guide. They provide
you with relevant inf ormation f or a
safe and enjoyable ownership
experience. For additional
inf ormation, call Acura Client
Services directly through the HFL.During the f irst 90 days of
ownership, one of up to 32 dif f erent
messages appears each day. These
messages help you to use and
understand the f eatures of your
vehicle.
Feature Guide
Quick T ips
Message Categories
AcuraLink
Features
313
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If your vehicle is af f ected by a recall
or other important saf ety
inf ormation, a letter will be mailed to
you about the issue and how to f ix it.
If you don’t get your vehicle f ixed,
you will also receive a reminder
message through AcuraLink. You
can then use the message options to
call your dealer f or an appointment
or to f ind the nearest dealer.
You can then use the message
options to call your dealer f or an
appointment or to f ind the nearest
dealer.
These messages provide detailed
inf ormation about the service
needed f or your vehicle. When a
maintenance message appears on
the multi-information display, a list of
needed maintenance items is
provided through an AcuraLink
message. These messages tell you
the exact maintenance needed,
helping you to avoid unnecessary
maintenance costs. Recall/Campaigns
Maintenance Minder
AcuraLink
314
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Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.Remove the dipstick (orange loop). Remove the dipstick again, and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page . 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, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
Wipe of f the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into its hole.
1.
3.
2.
4.
393 396
389
Oil Check
A dding Engine OilEngine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant
Owner’sMaintenance
Checks
Service Station Procedures
326
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK RESERVE TANK
MIN MAX
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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption. In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption. Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible. Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
389
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
Drive moderatelyObserve the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
393
Vehicle Maint enance
Drive Ef f icient ly
Fuel Economy
328
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Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving of f -highway can be
hazardous if you f ail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in D position will help you
have a smoother start on snow or ice.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surf aces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not ‘‘pump’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them f or you.
Debris in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.If you can’t clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope bef ore you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can saf ely drive on the slope, don’t
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and f ind
that you cannot continue,
. Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
f ollowing the same route you took up
the hill.
Bef ore driving through water, stop,
get out if necessary, and make sure
that: The water is not deep enough to
cover your wheel hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe. You could stall and
not be able to restart your engine.
The water can also damage
important vehicle components.
do not try to
turn around
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember Accelerating and Braking
Avoiding ObstaclesDriving on Slopes
Crossing a Stream
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
378
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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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