2014 Acura MDX service indicator

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.

383Driving
RefuelingFuel Information■Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.■Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit Acura Owners at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.■Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 US gal (74 liters)Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel InformationNOTICEWe recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try
another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.

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

392
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance
The system message indicator ( ) comes on along with the Maintenance Minder message.■Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-Information
Display (MID)Maintenance Message
Oil Life Display
Explanation
Information
Maintenance Due Soon
15%
The remaining engine oil life is 15 to
6 percent. Once you switch the
display by rolling the multi-function
steering-wheel controls, this
message will go off.
The engine oil is approaching the end
of its service life, and the maintenance
items should be inspected and serviced
soon.
Maintenance Due Now
5%
The remaining engine oil life is 5 to 1
percent. Roll the multi-function
steering-wheel controls to switch to
another display.
The engine oil has almost reached the
end of its service life, and the
maintenance items should be inspected
and serviced as soon as possible.
Maintenance Past Due
Negative Distance
The remaining engine oil life has
passed its service life, and a negative
distance appears after driving over
10 miles (U.S. models) or 10 km
(Canadian models). Roll the multi-
function steering wheel control to
switch to another display.
The engine oil life has passed.
The maintenance items must be
inspected and serviced immediately.
U.S.
Canada

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

422
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWear Indicators
Maintenance
Wear Indicators
The groove where the wear indicator is
located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than
elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn so
that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire.
Worn out tires have poor traction on wet
roads.
Tire Service LifeThe life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five
years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after 10
years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.
Example of a Wear
Indicator mark

492Index
BBack-Up Light............................................ 411
Battery....................................................... 426
Charging System Indicator ................. 71, 465
Jump Starting .......................................... 460
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 426
Belts (Seat).................................................. 31
Beverage Holders...................................... 177
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System........ 361
Indicator .................................................... 83
Bluetooth® Audio..................................... 237
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 268
Booster Seats (For Children)....................... 65
Brake System............................................. 367
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 369
Brake Assist System ................................. 370
Brake System Indicator............................... 70
Fluid ........................................................ 406
Foot Brake ............................................... 368
Indicator ............................................ 70, 467
Parking Brake .......................................... 367
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 153
BSI (Blind Spot Information) System........ 361
Bulb Replacement..................................... 407
Back-Up Light .......................................... 411
Brake Light and Turn Signal Light............. 409
Daytime Running Light ............................ 148
Front Turn Signal/Front Side Marker/
Parking Light.......................................... 408
Headlights ............................................... 407
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 412LED Puddle Light ..................................... 412
Rear License Plate Light ........................... 412
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Light...................................................... 408
Taillight and Rear Side Marker Light ........ 410
Bulb Specifications................................... 480
CCarbon Monoxide Gas............................... 66
Carrying Cargo................................. 305, 307
CD Player................................................... 224
Center Pocket........................................... 176
Certification Label.................................... 482
Changing Bulbs........................................ 407
Charging System Indicator................. 71, 465
Child Safety................................................. 54
Childproof Door Locks............................. 126
Child Seat.................................................... 54
Booster Seats ............................................ 65
Child Seat for Infants................................. 56
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 57
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 61
Larger Children ......................................... 64
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 56
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 58
Childproof Door Locks............................. 126
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 434
Cleaning the Interior................................ 432
Client Service Information....................... 490Climate Control System........................... 185
Changing the Mode................................ 188
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 191
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 431
Rear Climate Control System................... 192
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 190
Sensors ................................................... 196
Synchronized Mode ................................ 189
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 185
Clock......................................................... 114
CMBS
TM (Collision Mitigation Braking
SystemTM)................................................ 371
Coat Hook................................................ 180
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBS
TM)................................................. 371
Indicator ................................................... 83
Compact Spare Tire.......................... 439, 481
Compass.................................................... 301
Console Compartment............................. 175
Controls.................................................... 113
Coolant (Engine)...................................... 403
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 404
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 403
Overheating ............................................ 463
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 328
Cruise Control.......................................... 334
Indicator ................................................... 78
Cup Holders.............................................. 177
Customized Features....................... 104, 248

496Index
MMaintenance............................................. 387
Battery..................................................... 426
Brake Fluid............................................... 406
Cleaning .................................................. 432
Climate Control System ........................... 431
Coolant ................................................... 403
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 391
Oil ........................................................... 399
Precautions .............................................. 388
Radiator................................................... 404
Remote Control ....................................... 429
Remote Transmitter ......................... 427, 428
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 407
Safety ...................................................... 389
Service Items............................................ 393
Tires ........................................................ 417
Transmission Fluid.................................... 405
Under the Hood....................................... 395
Wireless Headphone ................................ 430
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............. 71, 466
Map Lights................................................ 173
Maximum Load Limit................................ 307
Meters, Gauges........................................... 97
MID (Multi-information Display)............... 98
Mirrors....................................................... 158
Adjusting ................................................. 158
Door ........................................................ 159
Exterior .................................................... 159
Interior Rearview...................................... 158
Modifications (and Accessories)............... 386Moonroof................................................. 140
MP3................................................... 224, 234
Multi-function Steering-wheel Controls... 98
Multi-Information Display (MID)............... 98
Multi-View Rear Camera.......................... 382
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 482OOdometer................................................... 99
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines............. 320
Oil (Engine)............................................... 398
Adding .................................................... 400
Checking................................................. 399
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 391
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 71, 465
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 398
Viscosity .................................................. 398
On Demand Multi-Use Display
TM............. 204
Opening/Closing
Hood....................................................... 396
Moonroof ............................................... 140
Power Windows ...................................... 138
Tailgate ................................................... 128
Outside Temperature Display.................. 100
Overheating.............................................. 463
PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)..................................................... 331
Pandora®.................................................. 232
Panic Mode............................................... 137
Parking..................................................... 377
Parking Brake........................................... 367
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator........................................... 70, 467
Parking Sensor System............................. 378
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator................. 52
Passing Indicators..................................... 145
Power Tailgate......................................... 130
Power Windows....................................... 138
Precautions While Driving....................... 327
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility
Vehicle .................................................. 327
Rain ........................................................ 327
Pregnant Women....................................... 37
Puncture (Tire)................................. 439, 446RRadiator.................................................... 404
Radio (AM/FM)......................................... 217
Radio (XM®).............................................. 221
Radio Data System (RDS)......................... 219
Range........................................................ 101
RDS (Radio Data System)......................... 219
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing)...... 485