2014 Acura MDX Owner's Manual

432Maintenance
CleaningInterior CareUse a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt.
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts.
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.■Cleaning Seat Belts
1Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical devices
such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a fire
inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.
Depending on their composition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as
benzene or gasoline.
After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe them
off using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.
Opening

433
uuCleaninguInterior Care
Maintenance
The front floor mats hook over the floor
anchors, which keep the mats from sliding
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn
the anchor knobs to the unlock position.
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn
the knobs to the lock position.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of
the anchored mat.
Vacuum dirt and dust from the leather frequently. Pay close attention to the pleats
and seams. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a 90% water and
10% neutral soap solution. Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Remove any dust or
dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
■Floor Mats
1Floor Mats
If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they are
not properly positioned, the floor mats can interfere
with the front seat functions.
Lock Unlock
■Maintaining Genuine Leather

434
uuCleaninguExterior Care
Maintenance
Exterior CareDust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
•If driving on roads with road salt.
•If driving in coastal areas.
•If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.
Fold in the door mirrors.
Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.
•Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.
•Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior. Do not spray water into the engine compartment.■Washing the Vehicle■Using an Automated Car Wash■Using High Pressure Cleaners
1Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents or engine
compartment. It can cause a malfunction.Air Intake Vents

435
uuCleaninguExterior Care
Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.■Applying Wax■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts■Cleaning the Window■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1Applying WaxNOTICEChemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.1Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

436

437
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 438
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 439
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*..... 446
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 457
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak ............................................. 458
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 459
Jump Starting.................................... 460
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 462Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 463
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 465If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 465
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 466If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes
On .................................................... 467
If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering
(EPS) System Indicator Comes On ........... 467If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 468
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 469
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 474
Emergency Towing........................... 475
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill
Door................................................. 476When You Cannot Open the Tailgate
.. 477
* Not available on all models

438Handling the Unexpected
ToolsTypes of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools are stored in the cargo area.
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle
Jack Jack Handle BarTowing Hook
Tool Case
Models with a compact spare tire

439
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatChanging a Flat Tire
*
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slippery surface and apply the parking brake.
2.Move the shift lever to
(P.
3.Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF
(LOCK).
1Changing a Flat Tire
*
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full-size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
* Not available on all models