2008 Acura MDX brake fluid

If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a ‘‘LOW
BRAKE FLUID’’ or ‘‘CHECK
BRAKE SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
pages).For more inf ormation,
see page .
If this indicator comes on when
the engine is running, the battery
is not being charged, and you will
also see a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. For more
inf ormation, see page .
The engine can be severely
damaged if this indicator f lashes
or stays on when the engine is
running, or if a ‘‘CHECK ENGINE
OIL LEVEL’’ message is on the
multi-inf ormation display. For
more information, see page .
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display. For
more information, see page . This indicator has two f unctions:
Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not f ully
released can damage the rear
brakes, axles, and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will sound,
and you will also see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
1.
2.
81
436
436 437 438
81
Instrument Panel Indicators
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp Parking Brake
and Brake
System
Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
65
U.S. Canada
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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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ÌÌ
µµ
Ì
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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Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Replace the brake f luid when this
service is indicated on a maintenance
message in the multi-inf ormation
display.
Check the f luid level in the brake
f luid reservoir monthly.
Brake Fluid
Maint enance
401
MAX
MIN
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You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ).
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
f ully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ).
You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE
FLUID’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see page ). If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator come on with the
brake system indicator, have your
vehicle inspected by your dealer
immediately.
81
81
401 446
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
438
U.S. Canada
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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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