2009 Acura MDX fuel

The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle's engine produces several
byproducts. Some of these are
carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons
(HC). Gasoline evaporating from the
tank also produces hydrocarbons.
Controlling the production of NOx,
CO, and HC is important to the
environment. Under certain
conditions of sunlight and climate,
NOx and HC react to form
photochemical‘‘smog. ’’Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas. The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act
ꭧ
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
390.ꭧIn Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specified in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manufactured. Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your vehicle has a positive crankcase
ventilation system. This keeps
gasses that build up in the engine's
crankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The positive crankcase
ventilation valve routes them from
the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
Emissions Controls46008/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The onboard refueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
filled with activated carbon. While
driving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include four systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, exhaust gas
recirculation, and three way catalytic
converter. These four systems work
together to control the engine's
combustion and minimize the
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport fuel injection.It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and fuel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine. It then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating
conditions.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)SystemThe exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system takes some of the exhaust
gas and routes it back into the intake
manifold. Adding exhaust gas to the
air/fuel mixture reduces the amount
of NOx produced when the fuel is
burned.
Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor.
Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more
information.
Emissions Controls
461
T echnical Inf ormat ion
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

D
DANGER, Explanation of
..............
iii
Dashboard
...............................
3, 62
Daytime Running Lights
............
120
Dead Battery
..............................
432
Defects, Reporting Safety
...........
468
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
122
Defrosting the Windows
............
174
Differential 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
Disc Player
..........................
190, 218
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
395
Doors Childproof Door Locks
............
131 Locking and Unlocking
...........
130
Lockout Prevention
.................
131
Monitor
................ ....................
11
Power Door Locks
..................
130
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
454
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
337
Economy
.................................
327
Driving Guidelines
.....................
338
Driving Position Memory System
...................................
157
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
409
DVD Player
................................
239
DVD Player Error Messages
...............................
265
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
327
Emergencies on the Road
..........
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
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................................
437
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
446
Overheated Engine
.................
434
Towing
....................................
446
Emergency Brake
......................
153
Emergency Flashers
..................
122
Emergency Towing
....................
446
Emissions Controls
....................
460
Emissions Testing
......................
463
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

EngineAdding Engine Coolant
...........
396
Check Starting System
............
340
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
72
If it Won ’t Start
........................
431
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
65, 437
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
383
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
65, 436
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
393
Overheating
............................
434
Specifications
..........................
453
Speed Limiter
..........................
346
Starting
...................................
339
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
322
Evaporative Emissions Controls
..................................
460
Exhaust Fumes
............................
58
Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
...................................
461
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
18 F
Fan, Interior
...............................
173
Features, Comfort and Convenience
...........................
169
Filling the Fuel Tank
..................
323
Filters Dust and Pollen
.......................
409
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
FM Stereo Radio Reception
................................
205
Fog Lights
..................................
120
Folding the Second Seat
.............
144
Folding the Third Seat
...............
145
Four-way Flashers
......................
122
Front Airbags
...........................
9, 27 Front Seat
..................................
140
Adjusting
.............................. ...
140
Airbags
.................................
9, 27
Heaters
...................................
148
Fuel
............................................
322
Fill Door and Cap
....................
323
Gauge
......................................
72
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
71
Octane Requirement
...............
322
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
.............................
446
Oxygenated
.............................
322
Reserve Indicator
.....................
71
Tank, Filling the
......................
323
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
324
Fuel Economy
............................
327
Fuses, Checking the
..................
440
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
327
Gasohol
......................................
322
Gasoline
.....................................
322
Gauge
......................................
72
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
71
IndexIV08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Octane Requirement
...............
322
Tank, Refueling
.......................
323
Gas Station Procedures
..............
323
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature
.........................
72
Fuel
..........................................
72
Speedometer
............................
72
Tachometer
..............................
72
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
...................................
364
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating)
...................................
364
Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission
.........
342
Glove Box
..................................
164
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
...................................
364
H
Halogen Headlight Bulbs
...........
403
HandsFreeLink
®........................
278
HFL Buttons
...........................
280
Hazard Warning Flashers
..........
122 Headlights
.................................
118
Aiming
....................................
403
Automatic Lighting
.................
118
Daytime Running Lights
.........
120
High Beam Indicator
................
70
High Beams, Turning on
.........
118
Lights On Indicator
..................
70
Low Beams, Turning on
..........
118
Reminder Chime
.....................
118
Replacing Halogen Bulbs
........
403
Turning on
..............................
118
Washers
..................................
117
Headphones
...............................
266
Head Restraints
..........................
141
Heated Mirror
............................
156
Heaters, Seats
............................
148
Heating and Cooling
..................
170
High-Low Beam Switch
..............
118
HomeLink
®Universal
Transceiver
............................
276
Hood, Opening and Closing
the
..........................................
325
Horn
..........................................
115 I
Identification Number,
Vehicle
...................................
450
Ignition Keys
........................................
126
Switch
.....................................
129
Timing Control System
...........
461
Immobilizer System
...................
128
Important Safety Precautions
.........
6
CONTINUED
Index
V
INDEX
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Indicators, Instrument Panel
........
63
ABS (Anti-lock Brake)
..............
66
Active Damper System
......
71, 361
A/T Temp
................................
68
Brake (Parking and Brake System)
.........................
65, 438
Charging System
..............
65, 436
Cruise Control
..........................
70
Cruise Main
.............................
70
Fog Lights
................................
70
High Beam
...............................
70
Key (Immobilizer System)
.......
70
Lights On
.................................
70
Low Fuel
..................................
71
Low Oil Pressure
..............
65, 436
Low Tire Pressure
....................
68
Maintenance Minder
...............
383
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
...................................
437
Passenger Airbag Off
.. .............
34
Seat Belt Reminder
.............
20, 64
Security System
.......................
71
SH-AWD
®.................................
69
Side Airbag Off
............ .............
66
SRS
.....................................
33, 66
System Message
.................
69, 80 Tire Pressure Monitor
..............
68
Turn Signal and Hazard Warning
...............................
67
VSA Activation
.........................
67
VSA System
.............................
67
Individual Map Lights
................
160
Infant Restraint
............................
42
Infant Seats
..................................
42
Tether Anchorage Point
...........
51
Inflation, Proper Tire
..................
415
Inside Mirror
.............................
154
Inspection, Tire
..........................
417
Installing a Child Seat
..................
46
Instrument Panel
..........................
63
Instrument Panel Brightness
..............................
123
Instruments and Controls
.............
61
Interface Dial
.............................
200
Interior Lights
............................
159
Introduction
...................................
i
J
Jacking up the Vehicle
...............
425
Jack, Tire
...................................
425 Jump Starting
.............................
432
K
Keyless Memory Settings
..........
139
Keys
...........................................
126
L
Label, Certification
.....................
450
Lane Change, Signaling
.............
118
Lap/Shoulder Belt
.................
15, 21
LATCH Anchorage System
..........
47
Light Control Switch
..................
159
Lights Bulb Replacement
...................
403
Indicator
.......... .........................
63
Interior
....................................
159
Parking
...................................
118
Load Limit
...........................
333, 364
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
129
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column
......
129
Childproof Door
......................
131
IndexVI08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Fuel Fill Door
..........................
323
Glove Box
...............................
164
Lockout Prevention
.................
131
Power Door
.............................
130
Tailgate
...........................
131, 132
Low Coolant Level
......................
326
Lower Anchors
.............................
47
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
71
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
65, 436
Lubricant Specifications Chart
......................................
452
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
332
M
Maintenance
..............................
381
Main Items and Sub Items
......
387
Minder
....................................
383
Owner's Maintenance Checks
................................
389
Safety
......................................
382
Schedule
.................................
390
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.......
437
Memory, Driving Position
..........
157 Message Display
..........................
80
Message Indicator
.......................
69
Meters, Gauges
............................
72
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
322
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
155
Modifications
.............................
331
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
331
Moonroof
...................................
152
Multi-Information Display
............
73
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
342
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
322
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
450
O
Odometer
.....................................
75
Odometer, Trip
............................
75
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
378
Off-Road Precautions
..................
378 Oil
Change, How to
......................
394
Change, When to
....................
383
Checking Engine
....................
326
Life, 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
P
Panel Brightness Control
...........
123
Park Gear Position
.....................
342
Parking
......................................
350
Parking Brake
............................
153
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator
...........................
65, 438
Parking Lights
...........................
118
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Parking Over Things thatBurn
................................
350, 462
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
...... .............................
34
PGM-FI System
..........................
461
Playing the AM/FM Radio
...............................
201, 207
Pollen Filter
...............................
409
Power Seat Adjustments
............
140
Power Socket Locations
.............
162
Power Windows
.........................
149
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts
.. ......
18
Preparing to Drive
......................
338
Proper Solution
..........................
396
Protecting Adults and Teens
........
11
Additional Safety Precautions
..........................
19
Advice for Pregnant Women
....
18
Protecting Children
......................
37
General Guidelines
..................
37
Protecting Infants
.....................
42
Protecting Larger Children
......
54
Protecting Small Children
........
43
Using Child Seats with Tethers
.................................
51
Using LATCH
..........................
47 R
Radiator Overheating
.................
434
Radio/Disc Sound System
............................
181, 201
Radio Theft Protection
...............
235
Readiness Codes
........................
463
Rear A/C Unit
............................
175
Rear Audio Control Panel
...........
241
Rear Entertainment System
.......
237
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement
...........................
406
Rearview Camera and Monitor
..................................
319
Rear View Mirror
.......................
154
Rear Window Defogger
..............
122
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer
...................................
117
Reclining the Seat Backs
............
140
Reclining the Second Seats
........
144
Refueling
....................................
323
Reminder Indicators
........ .............
64
Remote Audio Controls
..............
233
Remote Control (RES)
...............
262
Remote Transmitter
...................
135 Replacement Information
Dust and Pollen Filter
.............
409
Engine Oil and Filter
...............
394
Fuses
......................................
439
Light Bulbs
.............................
403
Schedule
.................................
383
Timing Belt
.............................
402
Tires
.......................................
418
Wiper Blades
..........................
411
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash
........................................
23
Reserve Tank, Engine
Coolant
............................
326, 396
Restraint, Child
........ ....................
37
Reverse Gear Position
................
342
Reverse Lockout
........................
346
Rotation, Tire
.............................
418
S
Safety Belts
..............................
8, 20
Safety Defects, Reporting (U.S. only)
.......................................
468
Safety Features
..............................
7
Airbags
......................................
9
IndexVIII08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX