2014 Acura MDX check engine

uuBrakinguBrake System
368Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.2Brake Assist System P. 370
2Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 369■Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

369
uuBrakinguAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.■ABS
1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

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

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

399
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Lower MarkUpper Mark

400
uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1.Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2.Add oil slowly.
3.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4.Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine compartment components.NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil Fill Cap

uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
402Maintenance
4.Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5.Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
uIf it is stuck, you must detach it.
6.Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the oil filter base, and
install a new oil filter.
uApply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7.Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
uTightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8.Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
uEngine oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.7 US qt (5.4 ℓ)
9.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
10.Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11.Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
uIf necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

403
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2.If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.Specified coolant: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■Reserve Tank
1Engine CoolantNOTICEIf temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are
expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to
a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for more
information.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
MAX
MIN