387
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 388
Safety When Performing Maintenance ..389
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 390
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 391
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 395
Opening the Hood ........................... 396
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 397
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 398
Oil Check ......................................... 399
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 400Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter... 401
Engine Coolant ................................ 403
Transmission Fluid ............................ 405
Brake Fluid ....................................... 406
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 406
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 407
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
... 413
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 417
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 418
Tire Labeling .................................... 418DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 420Wear Indicators................................ 422Tire Service Life ................................ 422
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 423
Tire Rotation .................................... 424
Winter Tires ..................................... 425
Battery............................................... 426
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 427
Remote Control and Wireless
Headphone Care
*........................... 429
Climate Control System Maintenance
.. 431
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 432
Exterior Care.................................... 434
* Not available on all models
388Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.■Periodic inspections
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.2Checking the Brake Fluid P. 406
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 417
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 407
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 413
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display (MID).
2Maintenance Service Items P. 393
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 489
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models
393
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
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.
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
(12,000km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items Main
Item
*1: If the message SERVICE 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.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under
-20°F, -29°C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
*
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6
●Replace rear differential fluid
*
* Not available on all models
426Maintenance
BatteryChecking the BatteryThe battery condition is being monitored by the sensor on the negative terminal.
If there is a problem with the sensor, the warning message on MID will let you know.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2Audio System Theft Protection P. 201
•The clock resets.
2Clock P. 114
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2Refer to navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
When replacing the battery, the replacement must be
of the same specifications.
Please consult a dealer for more information.
3
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
* Not available on all models
458
uuEngine Does Not StartuIf the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak
Handling the Unexpected
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is WeakIf the beeper sounds, the To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button message
appears on the MID, the indicator on the ENGINE START/STOP button flashes, and
the engine won’t start, start the engine as follows.
1.Touch the center of the ENGINE START/
STOP button with the A logo on the keyless
access remote while the indicator on the
ENGINE START/STOP button is flashing.
The buttons on the keyless access remote
should be facing you.
uThe indicator flashes for about 30
seconds.
2.Depress the brake pedal and press the
ENGINE START/STOP button within 10
seconds after the beeper sounds and the
indicator changes from flashing to on.
uIf you don’t depress the pedal, the mode
will change to ACCESSORY.
459
uuEngine Does Not StartuEmergency Engine Stop
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Engine StopThe ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, do either of the
following operations:
•Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for about two seconds.
•Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two times.
•The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF with
the shift lever in
(P, and to ACCESSORY with the shift lever in any position other
than
(P.
•Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides
to the steering and braking systems, it will require significantly more physical
effort and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet
on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a
safe place.
1Emergency Engine StopNOTICEDo not press the button while driving unless it is
absolutely necessary for the engine to be switched
off.
480Information
Specifications■Vehicle Specifications*1: 2WD models
*2: AWD modelsModel
Acura MDX
No. of Passengers:
Front 2
Rear 2nd Row 3
3rd Row 2
Total 7
Weights:Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating
U.S.:
5,368 lbs (2,435 kg)
*1
5,677 lbs (2,575 kg)
*2
Canada:
2,575 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Front)
U.S.:
2,811 lbs (1,275 kg)
*1
2,910 lbs (1,320 kg)
*2
Canada:
1,320 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Rear)
U.S.:
2,734 lbs (1,240 kg)
*1
2,965 lbs (1,345 kg)
*2
Canada:
1,345 kg
Gross Combined Weight
RatingU.S.: 8,036 lbs (3,645 kg)
*1
9,833 lbs (4,460 kg)
*2
Canada:
4,460 kg
Air Conditioning:Refrigerant Type
HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge Quantity
23.8 – 25.6 oz (675 – 725 g)
Lubricant Type
RL897PAG
■Engine Specifications
■Fuel
■Washer FluidDisplacement
211.8 cu-in (3,471 cm
3)
Spark Plugs NGK DILZKR7B11G
Type
Unleaded premium gasoline, Pump octane
number of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 US gal (74 ℓ)
Tank Capacity
U.S.: 4 US qt (3.8 ℓ)
Canada: 6.3 US qt (6.0 ℓ)
■Light Bulbs
■Brake FluidHeadlights (High/Low Beam)
LED
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker/
Parking Lights28/8W (Amber)
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Side Turn Signal Lights (on Door
Mirrors)LED
Brake Lights
21W
Rear Side Marker Lights LED
Taillights
LED
Back-Up Lights 21W
Rear Turn Signal Lights
21W
High-Mount Brake Light LED
Rear License Plate Light
LED
LED Puddle Lights LED
Interior Lights
Front, Second Row and Third
Row Lights
LED
Front and Rear Ambient Lights
LED
Vanity Mirror Lights
1.4W
Door Courtesy Lights
3.4W
Console Compartment Light
1.4W
Glove Box Light
1.4W
Foot Lights
5W
Cargo Area Lights
5W
Specified
Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
481
uuSpecificationsu
Information
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
■Rear Differential Fluid
*
■Transfer Assembly Fluid
*
Specified
Acura ATF DW-1(automatic transmission fluid)
Capacity Change 3.3 US qt (3.1 ℓ)
Specified
Acura All Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF)
Capacity Change 2.7 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
Specified
Acura HGO-Type1 to be applied.
Capacity Change 0.45 US qt (0.43 ℓ)
■Engine Oil
■Engine CoolantRecommended
·Genuine Acura Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
CapacityChange 5.4 US qt (5.1 ℓ)
Change
including
filter5.7 US qt (5.4 ℓ)
Specified
Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity
1.93 US gal (7.3 ℓ)
(change including the remaining 0.19 US gal
(0.72 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■Tire*1: BASE models
*2: Except BASE modelsRegular
Size
245/60R18 105H
*1
245/55R19 103H
*2
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2])
35 (240 [2.4])
Compact
Spare
*
Size T165/80D17 104M
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2])60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel Size
Regular
18 x 8J
*1
19 x 8J
*2
Compact Spare
*
17 x 4T
* Not available on all models