2015 Acura MDX maintenance

128 || 129
mAINTeNANCe
mAINTeNANCe
Window Washer Fluid
Add washer fluid as necessary. Pour it carefully, and do not overflow the reservoir.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A vinegar/water solution can damage the
windshield washer pump.
For Jump starting, see page 108.
Checking the Battery
The battery condition is monitored by the sensor on the negative terminal. If there is
a problem with the sensor, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Check the battery
terminals monthly for corrosion.
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.
WArNING
Canadian models
If the washer fluid
is low, a message
appears on the multi-
information display.Washer Fluid Lo w
WArNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
If there is a problem
with the battery
sensor, a message
appears on the multi-
information display.Charging
System Problem
No TICe
Changing Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades leave streaks across the windshield, try cleaning them first with a paper
towel or soft cloth and wiper fluid. If the wiper blade rubber has deteriorated, you should
change the wiper blades.
1. Lift the driver side wiper arm first, then the passenger side.
2. Place a cloth on the edge of the lock tab. Push the lock tab
up with a flat-tip screwdriver.
3. Slide the blade from the wiper arm.
4. Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by pulling the
tabbed end out.
5. Remove the retainers from the rubber blade that has been
removed, and mount to a new rubber blade. Correctly
align the rubber protrusion and the retainer grooves.
6. Slide the new wiper blade onto the holder from the
bottom end. The tab on the holder should fit in the indent
of the wiper blade.
7. Slide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm, then push down
the lock tab.
8. Lower the passenger side wiper arm first, then the driver
side.
Lock tab
Blade
Retainer
Blade
Indent
Tab
Avoid dropping the wiper arm, as it may damage the windshield.
No TICe

130 || 131
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mAINTeNANCe
Tire Information
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in good
condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
Inflation Guidelines
•  Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the specifications (see page 138) for the
specified pressure.
•  Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from overheating.
•  Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards, and
wear unevenly.
•  Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the others,
check the pressure with a tire gauge.
•  Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for
at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If necessary, add or release air until
the specified pressure is reached. If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4-6 psi (30-40 kPa, 0.3-0.5 kgf/cm
2) higher than checked when cold.
•  At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in all
tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1-2 psi
(10-20 kPa, 0.1-0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection Guidelines
Every time you inflate the tires, check for the following:
•  Any damage to tires, including bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, or cracks in the side or tread.
Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. Replace tires if you see fabric or
cord.
•  Uneven or excessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•  Cracks or other damage around the valve stems.
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 low that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire. Worn out
tires have poor traction on wet roads.
Example of a wear
indicator mark
Tire and Loading Information LabelThe label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and loading
information. Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s guide regarding tire inflation
and maintenance.
Original
tire sizes
Number of
people your
vehicle can
carry Proper
cold tire
pressure
Total weight
your vehicle
can carry (do
not exceed)

Tire and Wheel r eplacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum
cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a different size or
construction can cause certain vehicle systems to work incorrectly. It is best to replace all
four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the front or rear tires in pairs.
If you change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those
of the original wheels. Only use TPMS-specified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability.
This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires recommended in the Owner’s Manual.
WArNING
WArNING

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Tire Service Life
The 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.
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M+S”, snow tires, or
tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles when driving.
For winter tires, select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires, and
mount them to all four wheels.
Tire Chains
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance,
we strongly recommend using the following chains: Cable type: SCC Cable Chain ZT735.
Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they do not touch the brake lines
or suspension.
Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage the
brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of tire
chains.
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your
vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting
any part of the vehicle.
WArNING
NoTICe
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should
be aware of are described below.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number (TIN)
is a group of numbers and letters that
look like the example shown. TIN is
located on the sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Cold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at
least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation
pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the tire can
hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure recommended
by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal grooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
DO T B97R FW6X 2209
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all
requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
B97R: Manufacturer’s identication mark.
FW6X: Tire type code.
22 09: Date of manufacture.
YearWeek
Here is an example of what each marking
means:
215/70R16 100S
•  215: tire width in millimeters
•  70: aspect ratio (tire section height as a
percentage of its width)
•  R: tire construction code (radial)
•  16: rim diameter in inches
•  100: load index (code indicating maximum
load tire can carry)
•  S: speed symbol (code indicating
maximum speed rating)Tire size Tire
Identication
Number (TIN)
Maximum
tire load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire size

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Do T Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also
graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example,
a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WArNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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Tire Pressure monitoring System (TPmS) - r equired Federal explanation
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires
or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Testing of readiness Codes
Your vehicle has “Readiness Codes” as part of the onboard self-diagnostic system. Some
states refer to these codes as a test to see if your vehicle’s emissions components are
working properly. The codes may not be read if you go through the testing just after the
battery has gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, set the power mode to ON without starting the engine. The
malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it goes off, the readiness
codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle tested before the readiness codes are set, prepare
the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1. Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3. Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°C and 35°C).
4. Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle for 20 seconds.
5. Keep the vehicle in Park (P). Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there
for about 3 minutes.
6. Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
7. Select a nearby, lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed of 50 to
60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the highway with the vehicle
in Drive. Do not use cruise control. When traffic allows, drive for 90 seconds without
using the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary slightly; this is OK.) If you cannot
do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of traffic conditions, drive for at least 30
seconds, then repeat two more times (for a total of 90 seconds).
8. Drive in city/suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions allow, let
the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
9. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 30 minutes.
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set again only after
several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, you may be requested
to return at a later date to complete the test, or see your dealer.

142 || 143

voICe CommAND INDex
voICe CommAND INDex
General Commands
The system accepts these commands on any screen.
Navigation CommandsThe system accepts these commands on the map/guidance screen.
map Display Commands
•  Display current location
•  Display north up/heading up/3D map
•  Display zoom in/zoom out
•  Display/Hide (specify icon type):

– AT M

– gas station

– restaurant

– post office

– grocery store

– lodging (hotel, motel)
– parking lot

– school

– hospital

– freeway exit information

– traffic

– traffic speeds

– traffic icons

– traffic incidents
Learn about all available voice commands on vehicles with navigation. Press the Talk button
each time you want to say a command.
To view a list of available commands in the vehicle, press INFO and use the interface dial to
select Voice Help. After selecting a category, press the interface dial to hear the commands
read aloud.
v
oICe CommAND INDex
•  Voice help (displays commands for
current screen)
•  Display map
•  Display navigation (when en route)
•  Display menu
•  Display settings
•  Display information
•  Display audio • 
Display phone
•  Cancel
•  Trip computer
•  Traffic information
•  Display clock/wallpaper
•  What is today’s date?
•  What time is it?
•  Go home
r oute Commands
The system accepts these commands when a route is set.
•  How long to the destination?
•  How far to the destination?
•  Display destination map
•  Display entire route
•  Cancel route
•  Repeat guidance
Navigation Commands (continued)
Find Place Commands
Find nearest (specify place):
– Fuel and auto

– Acura dealer

– Gas station

– Auto parts & electronics

– Auto repair & maintenance

– Car wash & detailing

– Motorcycle dealers

– Roadside assistance

– AT M

– Bank

– Check cashing

– Currency exchange

– Community

– Business

– City hall

– Civic center

– Convention center

– Court house

– Higher education

– Library

– Post office

– School

– Emergency room

– Hospital

– Police station

– Veterinarian

– Lodging

– Bed & breakfast

– Hotel

– Resort

– Recreation

– Amusement park

– Golf course

– Historical monument

– Marina

– Movie theater

– Museum

– Park

– Performing arts

– Sports complex

– Tourist attraction
– Restaurant

– American restaurant

– Californian restaurant

– Chinese restaurant

– Coffee shop

– Continental restaurant

– Fast food

– French restaurant

– German restaurant

– Greek restaurant

– Indian restaurant

– Italian restaurant

– Japanese restaurant

– Korean restaurant

– Mexican restaurant

– Pizza

– Seafood restaurant

– Thai restaurant

– Vegetarian restaurant

– Vietnamese restaurant

– Shopping

– Shopping area

– Accessory store

– Book store

– Clothing store

– Grocery store

– Home improvement store

– Mall

– Office supply store

– Pharmacy

– Pet food store

– Sewing store

– Shoe store

– Sporting goods store

– Toy store

– Travel center

– Airport

– Automobile club

– Bus station

– Camping

– Commuter rail station

150 || 151
INDex
INDex
Exterior Lights ............................................ 34
Front Lights .................................................. 35
Interior Lights .............................................. 35
LKAS ................................................... 24, 101
Lock tab ............................................................ 31
Low fuel ............................................................ 25
Low oil pressure .............................................. 23
Low tire pressure ............................................. 25
Maintenance .................................................. 121
Battery ....................................................... 128
Engine Coolant ......................................... 127
Engine Oil .................................................. 125
Opening the Hood ................................... 124
Service Codes ............................................ 122
Under the Hood ....................................... 124
Window Washer Fluid ............................. 128
Wiper Blades ............................................. 129
Maintenance Minder .................................... 122
Making a Call .................................................. 69
Malfunction indicator lamp .......................... 23
Map Legend ...................................................... 81
Master Door Lock Switch .............................. 31
Maximum Load Limit .................................... 85
MENU button .................................... 53, 66, 77
Mirrors ............................................................ 41
Moonroof ........................................................ 33
Multi-Information Display ............................ 27
System message ......................................... 25
Multi-View Rear Camera ............................. 105
Navigation ....................................................... 76
Detour .......................................................... 82
Entering a Destination ............................... 79
Find Nearest Place ..................................... 80
Home Address ............................................. 79
INFO button ................................................ 77
Interface dial ................................................ 77
Map Legend .................................................. 81
MENU button .............................................. 77
NAV button .................................................. 77
Place Category ........................................... 80
Routing ......................................................... 81
SETTINGS button ....................................... 77
Shortcuts ..................................................... 80
Steering Wheel Controls ........................... 76
Street Address ............................................. 79
System Guidance Volume ......................... 78
Talk button ................................................... 76
Traffic ........................................................... 82
Voice Command Tips .................................. 76
Voice Prompt ............................................... 78
Navigation Commands ................................ 142
ODMD ............................................................ 53
On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) ... 53
One-Touch Turn Signal ................................. 36
Opening the Hood ........................................ 124Overheating ...................................................
110
Paddle shifters ................................................ 93
Pairing a Phone ............................................... 68
Pandora® ......................................................... 60
Parking brake ............................................ 25, 95
Parking Sensor System ................................ 104
Phone ........................................................... 68
Phonebook ....................................................... 70
PHONE button ............................................... 66
Phone Commands ....................................... 146
Pick-Up button ............................................... 66
Place Category ............................................... 80
Power Door Mirrors ........................................ 41
Power Moonroof ............................................ 33
Power Tailgate ................................................ 30
Power Windows .............................................. 32
Rain-Sensing Wipers ..................................... 36
Readiness Codes ............................................ 137
Rear Camera .................................................. 105
Rear Climate Control ..................................... 47
Rear Entertainment System .......................... 62
Headphones ................................................ 63
Remote Control .......................................... 64
Ultrawide Dual Screen ............................... 65
Rear Seats ........................................................ 43
Second-Row Seats .............................. 43, 44
Third-Row Seats .................................. 43, 44
Rearview Mirror ............................................... 41
Rear Wiper ........................................................ 37
Refueling ......................................................... 107
Remote Battery Strength ........................... 108
Remote Control .............................................. 64
Remote Engine Start ...................................... 91
Remote Transmitter ...................................... 28
Reporting Safety Defects .............................. 22
Reverse Tilt Door Mirrors .............................. 41
Roadside Assistance ..................................... 141
Routing ............................................................ 81
Safety Information ........................................... 3
Child Safety .................................................. 15
Reporting Safety Defects .......................... 22
Safety Label Locations ............................... 21
Safety Messages ............................................ 4
Seat Belts ........................................................... 5
Adjusting the Shoulder Anchor .................. 7
Fastening a Seat Belt .................................... 7
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts .............................. 5
Proper Use of Seat Belts .............................. 5
Seat Belt Inspection ..................................... 6
Seat belt Reminder ..................................... 25
Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor ............ 8
Seat Heaters and Ventilation ...................... 49
Seats ........................................................... 38
Rear Seats .................................................... 43
Second-Row Seats .............................. 43, 44Third-Row Seats ..................................
43, 44
Second-Row Seat Heaters ........................... 49
Second-Row Seats .................................. 43, 44
Selector wheel .................................... 27, 52, 66
Sequential Shift Mode .................................. 93
Service Codes ................................................ 122
Settings ........................................................... 50
SETTINGS button ............................. 53, 66, 77
Setting the Clock ........................................... 50
SH-AWD ........................................................... 24
Shifting ............................................................ 92
Sequential Shift Mode .............................. 93
Shift Lever Does Not Move ........................ 109
Shoulder Anchor ............................................... 7
Side Airbags ..................................................... 10
Side Curtain Airbags ....................................... 10
SiriusXM® Radio ............................................. 55
SMS Text Messaging ....................................... 72
Sound ............................................................ 52
SOURCE button .............................................. 52
Specifications ............................................... 138
Speed Dial .................................................. 70, 71
SRS ............................................................ 24
Steering Wheel
............................................... 42
Heated Steering Wheel ............................. 48
Steering Wheel and Nearby Controls ........... 1
Steering Wheel Controls ........................ 52, 76
Street Address ................................................. 79
Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive ................. 24
Supplemental Restraint System .................. 24
Surround View Camera ............................... 106
System Guidance Volume ............................. 78
System message ............................................. 25
Tailgate ............................................................ 29
Talk button ................................................ 66, 76
Text Messaging ................................................ 72
Third-Row Seats ...................................... 43, 44
Tire Chains ...................................................... 132
Tire Information ........................................... 130
DOT Tire Quality Grading ...................... 134
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 131
Tire and Wheel Replacement.................. 131
Tire Chains .................................................. 132
Tire Identification Number ..................... 133
Tire Labeling ............................................... 133
Tire Terminology ....................................... 133
Winter Tires ................................................ 132
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...24, 111, 136
Tire Repair Kit ................................................ 116
Tire Specifications ........................................ 138
Tongue load .................................................... 88
Towing a Trailer ............................................... 87
Load limits .................................................... 87
Tongue load ................................................ 88
Trailer weight ............................................... 87TPMS
.................................................... 24, 111
Traffic ........................................................... 82
TRIP button ...................................................... 27
Troubleshooting ............................................ 139
Turn Signal ...................................................... 36
Ultrawide Dual Screen ................................... 65
Under the Hood ............................................ 124
USB Flash Drive .............................................. 58
USB Port ........................................................... 51
Utility Vehicle ................................................. 84
Vehicle Controls ............................................. 28
Vehicle Specifications ................................. 138
Vehicle Stability Assist ............................ 24, 94
Voice Command Index ................................. 142
Voice Command Tips ................................67, 76
Voice Prompt ................................................... 78
VSA® ..................................................... 24, 94
Warranty Coverages ..................................... 141
Windows ........................................................... 32
Window Washer Fluid .................................. 128
Winter Tires .................................................... 132
Wipers ........................................................... 36
Wiper Blades .................................................. 129
Wireless headphones .................................... 63