2014 Acura MDX engine overheat

18Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P437)
Flat Tire
(P439)
●Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the tire repair kit.
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire
located under the cargo area.
Indicators Come On
(P465)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Vehicles with tire repair kitVehicles with compact spare tire kit
Engine Won’t Start
(P457)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse
(P474)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P463)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing
(P475)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

86
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages
Instrument Panel
Message
Condition
Explanation
●Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.●Consequently, Maintenance Due Now and
Maintenance Past Due follow.
2Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-
Information Display (MID) P. 392
●Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.
2Overheating P. 463
●Appears when there is a problem with the power
tailgate system.
●Manually open or close the power tailgate.●Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
U.S.Canada

97Instrument Panel
Gauges and Multi-Information Display (MID)GaugesGauges include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and related indicators.
They are displayed when the power mode is in ON.
Displays your driving speed in mph (U.S.) or km/h (Canada).
Shows the number of engine revolutions per minute.
Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
Displays the temperature of the engine coolant.■Speedometer■Tachometer■Fuel Gauge■Temperature Gauge
1Fuel GaugeNOTICEYou should refuel when the reading approaches .
Running out of fuel can cause the engine to misfire,
damaging the catalytic converter.
The actual amount of remaining fuel may differ from
the fuel gauge reading.
E
1Temperature GaugeNOTICEDriving with the temperature gauge pointer in the
upper zone can cause serious engine damage. Pull
safely to the side of the road and allow engine
temperature to return to normal.
2Overheating P. 463

uuInterior Lights/Interior Convenience ItemsuInterior Convenience Items
178Controls
The accessory power sockets can be used when the power mode is in ACCESSORY
or ON.
■Accessory power socket (center pocket)
Open the lid and the cover to use it.■Accessory power socket (console
compartment)
Pull the handle and open the cover to use it.
■Accessory Power Sockets
1Accessory Power SocketsNOTICEDo not insert an automotive type cigarette lighter
element.
This can overheat the power socket.
The accessory power sockets are designed to supply
power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 180
watts or less (15 amps).
To prevent battery drain, only use the power socket
with the engine running.

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

Continued
449
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
4.Plug in the compressor to the accessory
power socket.
uBe careful not to pinch the cord in a
door or window.
uDo not plug any other electronic
devices into other accessory power
sockets.
2Accessory Power Sockets P. 178
5.Start the engine.
uKeep the engine running while injecting
sealant and air.
2Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 66
6.Turn the selector switch to SEALANT/
AIR.
1Injecting Sealant and AirNOTICEDo not operate the temporary tire repair kit
compressor for more than 15 minutes. The
compressor can overheat and become permanently
damaged.
Until the sealant injection is complete, the pressure
shown on the pressure gauge will appear higher than
actual. After the sealant injection is complete the
pressure will drop and then begin to rise again as the
tire is inflated with air. This is normal. To accurately
measure the air pressure using the gauge, turn the air
compressor off only after the sealant injection is
complete.
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engine to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
SEALANT/AIR side

463
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
OverheatingHow to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
•The temperature gauge needle is at the mark or the engine suddenly loses
power.
•Steam or spray comes out of the engine compartment.■First thing to do
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2.Turn off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning lights.
uNo steam or spray present: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
uSteam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and wait until it subsides.
Then, open the hood.
1How to Handle OverheatingNOTICEContinuing to drive with the temperature gauge
needle at the mark may damage the engine.
3
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
H
H

uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
464Handling the Unexpected
■Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the temperature
gauge needle goes down.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2.Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.■Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN