2015 Acura MDX service

106 || 107
DrIvING
DrIvING
Surround view Camera*
Four cameras assist in helping you view blind spots around the vehicle.
*if equipped (Canadian models)
The surround 
view camera does not eliminate  all blind spots. Visually confirm safety  around the vehicle  with your 
own eyes  and the mirrors.  Do not rely  on the camera  view.
Front ground view Front blind viewright side viewCheck Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Displaying Front or Side views
Press CAMERA while the vehicle is stopped or at
a speed of 12 km/h or below. The camera display
turns off when the vehicle speed is 15 km/h or
above. Press CAMERA again to switch views.
Press any other button to turn off the camera view.
Displaying the r ear view
Shift into Reverse (R) to display the rear view.
Changing Camera Settings While on the camera view, press MENU. Use the interface dial to select Camera Settings,
and choose from the options.
Left/right side views
Front and side views
rear ground view rear view rear wide view
Rear viewsCheck
Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Check Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Check Your Surround ingsCheck Your Surround ings
Check Your Surround ingsCh eck Yo ur Surroundi ngs
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
Check Your Surroundings
How to r efuel
1. The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the vehicle.
Park next to the service pump that is most accessible.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Press the fuel fill door release on the inside of the driver’s
door. The fuel fill door opens.
4. Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to open. Place the fuel fill cap
in the holder.
5. Insert the filler nozzle fully. When the tank is full, the fuel
nozzle clicks off automatically.
6. Replace the fuel fill cap. Tighten it until you hear at least
one click. Close the fuel fill door.
refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performance and safety of
your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded premium gasoline of 91 octane or higher is recommended.
•  Acura recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline where available.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol.
•  Do NOT use gasoline containing MMT.
We 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.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
• Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
•  Handle fuel only outdoors.
•  Wipe up spills immediately.
Cap
WArNING
No TICe
Holder
Press

108 || 109
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD
Shift Lever Does Not move
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Park (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the built-in key from the remote transmitter.
3. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-tip screwdriver.
Place it at the back of the release lock cover, and remove
the cover.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever release
button and shift into Neutral (N). The lock is now released.
Have the shift lever checked by a dealer as soon as
possible.
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine, then
open the hood (see page 124).
1. Pull up the engine cover to remove it.
2. Connect the first jumper cable to your vehicle’s battery (+)
terminal.
3. Connect the other end of the first jumper cable to the
booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt booster battery
only.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster battery
(-) terminal.
5. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable to the
engine hanger as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable
to any other part.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle, start the
assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over
slowly, make sure that the jumper cables have good metal-
to-metal contact.
WArNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Keyless Access remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, a message appears in the MID with
information on how to start the engine.
1. Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the ENGINE
START/STOP button while the indicator is flashing.
2. With the brake pedal pressed, press the ENGINE START/
STOP button within 10 seconds.
Booster battery
Engine
hanger
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
After the engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (-) terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (+) terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Slot Cover
Release button Shift lock release slot
WArNING
Engine coverPin

114 || 115
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD
Setting Up the Jack
1. Place the jack under the jacking point closest to the tire
to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket clockwise (as shown in the image)
until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point.
Make sure that the jacking point tab is resting in the jack
notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and the jack
handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•  Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
•  Use the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the weight (“load”)
or fit the jacking point.
•  Do not use while the engine is running.
•  Use only where the ground is firm and level.
•  Use only at the jacking points.
•  Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
•  Do not put anything on top of or underneath the jack.
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
Jack handle
bar
Wheel nut wrench
as jack handle
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call your dealer or a professional towing
service.
WArNING
NoTICe
replacing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2. Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the wheel nuts,
and lightly tighten them.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten the
wheel nuts in the order indicated in the image. Go around,
tightening the nuts, two to three times in this order. Do
not over tighten the wheel nuts.
If you drive with the spare tire installed, the low tire
pressure/TPMS indicator appears. The indicator stays on
until a regular tire is installed.
Storing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the center cap and place the flat tire face up
under the hoist.
2. Insert the hoist bracket into the center hole of the flat tire.
3. Turn the wheel nut wrench with the jack handle bar
clockwise until the flat tire rests against the underbody of
the vehicle and you hear the hoist click.
4. Securely store the jack and wheel nut wrench back in the
tool case. Store the case in the cargo area.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.

Jack handle bar
Wheel nut wrench
WArNING

120 || 121
mAINTeNANCe
HANDLING THe UNexPeCTeD
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1. Turn off the vehicle, including headlights and all
accessories.
2. Remove the fuse box cover.
3. Check the large fuse in the engine compartment If the
fuse is blown, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove
the screws and replace the fuse with a new one. Reinstall
the screws.
4. Inspect the small fuses in the engine compartment and
the vehicle interior. If there is a burned out fuse, remove
it with the fuse puller and replace it with a new one.
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances
of damaging the electrical system.
Blown fuse
Combined
fuse Fuse puller
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers
are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage
the transmission.
emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best
way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires
and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way
to tow your vehicle.
No TICe
NoTICe Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourself, as well as
information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however, we cannot warn
you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can
decide whether or not you should perform a given task.

maintenance Safety
•  To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
•  Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
•  To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
•  Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•  Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.
vehicle Safety
•  The vehicle must be stationary, and parked on level ground with the parking brake set
and the engine off.
•  Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
•  Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
mAINTeNANCe
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before
driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this guide.
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can
cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WArNING
WArNING

122 || 123
mAINTeNANCe
mAINTeNANCe
maintenance minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the Maintenance
Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you turn the vehicle on. Roll
the right selector wheel to change displays.
maintenance minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*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.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil flter•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessar y•Check parking brake adjustment•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s•Inspect suspension components•Inspect driveshaft boots•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)•Inspect all fuid levels and condition of fuid s•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 (unde r
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trai ler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1
•Rotate tires
2
•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen flte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer fuid*
4•Replace spark plug s•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearanc
e
5
•Replace engine coolan t
6
•Replace rear diferential fuid*
*2:I f you drive in dusty condi tion s, replac e the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen flter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
U.S. models
maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems may
be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using parts that are
certified to ePA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions warranties.
However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
Maintenance Minder
Engine oil life
Service codes
Roll the right
selector wheel
to change
displays.
*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.
CODEMaintenance Main Item s
A
•Replace engine oi l*1
B•Replace engine oil*1 and oil flter
•Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessar y
•Check parking brake adjustment
•Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boot s
•Inspect suspension components
•Inspect driveshaft boots
•Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
•Inspect all fuid levels and condition of fuid s
•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 (unde r
-20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trai ler, repl ace ever y 60,000 mi les/100,000 km .
CODEMaintenance Sub Item s
1
•Rotate tires
2•Replace air cleaner element*2
•Replace dust and pollen flte r*3
•Inspect drive belt
3
•Replace transmission and transfer fuid*
4•Replace spark plug s
•Replace timing belt an d inspect water pump*4
•Inspect valve clearanc
e
5
•Replace engine coolan t
6•Replace rear diferential fuid*
*2:If you drive in dusty condi tion s, replac e the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of i\
ndustrial soot and pollution from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen flter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
• 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.
*if equipped

126 || 127
mAINTeNANCe
mAINTeNANCe
Adding 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.
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. Overfilling the engine oil can result
in leaks and engine damage.
Engine oil fill cap
r esetting the engine oil Life
If you change or replace the vehicle’s engine oil yourself, you must reset the engine oil
life. Use the right selector wheel to make selections in the MID.
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance service results in the system
showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious mechanical
problems.
1. Scroll to Maintenance
Info and select it to
display the oil life reset
mode.
2. Select Reset. The service
code disappears and the
oil life returns to 100%.
No TICe
NoTICe
Adding Coolant
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Remove the engine compartment cover.
3. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and relieve any
pressure in the coolant system. Do not push the cap
down when turning.
4. Push down and turn the radiator cap counterclockwise
to remove it.
5. The coolant level should be up to the base of the filler
neck. Add coolant if it is low.
6. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
7. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on the reserve tank.
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.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
Radiator cap
WArNING
engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant level in the
radiator. We recommend Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the reserve Tank
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.
If 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.
MAX
MIN
No TICe
NoTICe

132 || 133
mAINTeNANCe
mAINTeNANCe
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

134 || 135
mAINTeNANCe
mAINTeNANCe
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.