2012 Acura MDX engine oil

U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with＃will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Acura
recommends that all maintenance
services be performed in accordance
with the intervals indicated by the
multi-information display.Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.
●
Engine oil level－Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
427.
●
Engine coolant level－Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 427.
●
Automatic transmission－Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
523.
●
Brakes－Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 525.
●
Tires－Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
541.
●
Lights－Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See page
527.
Maintenance Minder
TM
513
Maintenance

Symbol Maintenance 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 512.
NOTE:
●Independent of the Maintenance Midner information, 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 filter
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).●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
514

POWER STEERING FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
WASHER FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
RADIATOR CAPAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
Fluid Locations
515
Maintenance

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour
in the oil slowly and carefully so you
do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification 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
Acura motor oil in your vehicle.
Make sure the API Certification Seal
says‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container's label.
5W-20 oil is formulated for year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
fuel economy.
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
CONTINUED
Adding Engine Oil
517
Maintenance

Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the multi-
information display.
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
information display. The oil and filter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
WASHER DRAIN BOLT
Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter518

3. Remove the oil filter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil filter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it before installing a
new oil filter.4. Install a new oil filter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean off any dirt and
dust on the connecting surface of a
new oil filter.
5. Put a new washer on the drain
bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m, 4.0 kgf·m)
6. Refill the engine with the
recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)7. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.
8. Let the engine run for several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine and let it sit for
several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful 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.
OIL FILTER
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
519
Maintenance

Replacing Front Fog/Daytime
Running Light Bulbs
Your vehicle uses halogen light
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its plastic case, and protect the
glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass,
clean it with denatured alcohol and a
clean cloth.Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the
glass can cause the bulb to overheat
and shatter.
1. To change the bulb on the driver's
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn off the engine. To
change the bulb on the
passenger's side, turn the steering
wheel to the left.
2. Remove the bolt and use the flat-
tip screwdriver to remove the
holding clips located under the
front bumper.
3. Use a flat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip from the
inner fender, and remove the
screw with a Phillips-head
screwdriver.
4. Pull the inner fender cover away
from the fender and bumper.
BOLT
HOLDING
CLIP
HOLDING
CLIP
SCREW
Lights530

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If
not, you will also find instructions on
getting your vehicle towed.Compact Spare Tire
....................
550
Changing a Flat Tire
...................
551
If the Engine Won't Start
.............
557
Jump Starting
..............................
558
If the Engine Overheats
..............
560
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
.........
562
Charging System Indicator
.........
562
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
........
563
Brake System Indicator
...............
564
Fuses
..........................................
565
Fuse Locations
............................
569
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.................................
572
Emergency Towing
.....................
572
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
..........
573
Taking Care of the Unexpected
549
Taking Care of the Unexpected