Improperly operating this
vehicle on or off-pavement can
cause a crash or rollover in
which you and your passengers
could be seriously injured or
killed.●
Follow all instructions and
guidelines in this owner's
manual.
●
Keep your speed low, and
don't drive faster than
conditions permit.Important Safety Precautions
To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations.
●
Be sure to store cargo properly
and do not exceed your cargo load
limits (see page 429 and 481).
●
Whenever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
●
Keep your speed low, and never go
faster than the conditions allow.
●
It's up to you to continually assess
the situation and drive within the
limits. Check Out Your Vehicle
Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
for any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
carefully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsafe.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
Remember
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 off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.
CONTINUED
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
495
Driving
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page 589 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are
‘‘certified’’to EPA
standards. Maintenance Safety
.....................
500
Maintenance Minder
TM
...............
501
Fluid Locations
...........................
509
Engine Compartment Cover
........
510
Adding Engine Oil
......................
511
Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
.......................................
512
Engine Coolant
...........................
514
Windshield Washers
...................
516
Automatic Transmission Fluid
....
517
Brake Fluid
.................................
519
Power Steering Fluid
..................
520
Timing Belt
.................................
520
Lights
..........................................
521
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
528
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
528
Floor Mats
..................................
529
Wiper Blades
..............................
530
Tires
...........................................
534
Checking the Battery
..................
541
Vehicle Storage
...........................
542
Maintenance
499
Maintenance
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
1
B
●Replace engine oil
1and 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/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust system
#
●Fuel lines and connections
#
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 506.
NOTE:
●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. Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf 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).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump 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).●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid 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).
Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance Minder
50810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
Power Steering FluidCheck the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The fluid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering fluid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.Always use Acura Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering fluid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Acura PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer.
Turning the steering wheel to full left or
right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Timing Belt
The timing belt should be replaced at
the intervals shown in the
Maintenance Minder schedule.
Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (U.S.) or every 100,000 km
(Canada) if you regularly drive your
vehicle in any of the following
conditions:
●
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
●
In very low temperatures
(under
-20°F, -29°C).
●
Frequently tow a trailer.
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt52010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
Dust and Pollen Filter
This filter removes the dust and
pollen that is brought in from the
outside through the climate control
system.
Have your dealer replace the filter
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the multi-
information display. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air, or if the flow from
the climate control system becomes
less than usual.Cleaning the Seat Belts
If your seat belts get dirty, use a soft
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air-dry before
you use the vehicle.Dirt build-up around the openings of
the seat belt anchors can cause the
belts to retract slowly. Wipe the
openings with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
OPENING
Dust and Pollen Filter, Cleaning the Seat Belts52810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
U.S. Owners
Your new vehicle is covered by these
warranties:New Vehicle Limited Warranty
-
covers your new vehicle, except for
the emissions control systems, and
accessories, against defects in
materials and workmanship.
Emissions Control Systems Defects
Warranty and Emissions
Performance Warranty
- these two
warranties cover your vehicle's
emissions control systems. Time,
mileage, and coverage are
conditional. Please read your
warranty booklet for exact
information.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty
- a seat
belt that fails to function properly is
covered by a limited warranty. Please
read your warranty booklet for
details.
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
-
all exterior body panels are covered
for rust-through from the inside for
the specified time period with no
mileage limit.
Accessory Limited Warranty
- Acura
accessories are covered under this
warranty. Time and mileage limits
depend on the type of accessory and
other factors. Please read your
warranty manual for details.
Replacement Parts Limited Warranty- covers all Acura replacement parts
against defects in materials and
workmanship.
Replacement Battery Limited
Warranty
- provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from your dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Limited Warranty
- provides
coverage for as long as the purchaser
of the muffler owns the vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2011 Acura warranty information
booklet that came with your vehicle
for precise information on warranty
coverages. Your vehicle's original
tires are covered by their
manufacturer. Tire warranty
information is in a separate booklet.
Canadian Owners
Please refer to the 2011 warranty
manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty Coverages
587
Warranty and Client Relations
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
426
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
138
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
175
AC Power Outlet
........................
176
Active Damper System
...............
478
Active Head Restraints
...............
151
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
398
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.....................................
345
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
512
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....
133
Advanced Airbags
........................
30
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 26
Air Conditioning System
............
180
Rear A/C Control
....................
185
Air Outlets (Vents)
.....................
187
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
534, 535
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
418
Antifreeze
...................................
514 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator
............................
68, 456
Operation
................................
455
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
305
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
.......................................
138
Audio System
......................
190, 209
Automatic Climate Control.........
181
Automatic Lighting Off Feature
...................................
130
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
23
Automatic Speed Control
...........
342
Automatic Transmission
............
437
Capacity, Fluid
........................
572
Checking Fluid Level
..............
517
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
441
Shifting
...................................
438
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
437
Shift Lever Positions
...............
438
Shift Lock Release
...................
440
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
304 B
Battery
Charge Low
..............................
82
Charging System Indicator
........................
67, 556
Jump Starting
..........................
552
Maintenance
...........................
541
Specifications
..........................
573
Before Driving
...........................
417
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 21
Beverage Holders
......................
172
Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
......................................
470
Bluetooth
®Audio
.......................
295
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
......
362
Booster Seats
...............................
57
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu
BrakesAnti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...........
455
Break-in, New Linings
.............
418
Bulb Replacement
...................
525
Fluid
.......................................
519
Parking
...................................
163
System Design
........................
455
System Indicator
...............
67, 558
Wear Indicators
.......................
455
Braking System
..........................
454
Break-in, New Vehicle
................
418
Brightness Control,
Instruments
............................
132
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights
................
525, 526
Brake Lights
...........................
525
Front Parking Lights
...............
523
Front Side Marker Lights
........
523
Headlights
..............................
521
Rear Bulbs
..............................
525
Rear License Plate Lights
........
527
Specifications
..........................
573
Taillights
.................................
525
Turn Signal Lights
..........
523, 525
Bulbs, Halogen
..........................
521 C
Capacities Chart
.........................
572
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
............
60
Cargo
.........................................
428
Cargo Hooks
..............................
432
Cargo, How to Carry
..................
428
Carrying Cargo
..........................
428
CAUTION, Explanation of
............
iii
CD Care
.....................................
244
CD Error Messages
...................
243
CD Player
..................................
232
Certification Label
......................
570
Chains, Tires
..............................
540
Changing a Flat Tire
..................
545
Changing Oil How to
....................................
512
When to
..................................
501
Charging System Indicator
...........................
67, 556
Checklist, Before Driving
...........
435
Childproof Door Locks
...............
140
Child Safety
..................................
39
Booster Seats
...........................
57
Child Seats
....................
44, 45, 47 Important Safety Reminders
.....
43
Infants
......................................
44
Larger Children
.......................
56
LATCH
.....................................
49
Risks with Airbags
...................
40
Small Children
.........................
45
Tethers
....................................
53
Warning Labels
........................
41
Where Should a Child Sit?
........
40
Child Seats
.............................
39, 47
LATCH Anchorage Points
........
49
Tether Anchorage Points
.........
53
Cleaning the Seat Belts
..............
528
Client Service Information
..........
586
Climate Control System
.............
180
Clock
..........................................
306
Code, Audio System
...................
305
CO in the Exhaust
................
60, 580
Cold Weather, Starting in
...........
436
Collision Mitigation Braking System ™(CMBS ™)
...............
457
Compact Spare Tire
....................
544
Compass Operation
....................
338
Console Compartment
...............
173
Consumer Information
...............
586
Controls, Instruments and
............
63
IndexII10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu