2015 Acura MDX Owner's Guide

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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

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Under the Hood
Engine oil
dipstick
Brake fluid
(black cap)
Engine oil
fill cap
Washer fluid
(blue cap)
Battery
Engine
coolant
reservoir
Radiator
cap
opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set the parking
brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the lower left corner
of the dashboard.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center of the hood to
release the lock mechanism, and open the hood.
4. Lift the hood up about halfway. The hydraulic supports
will continue to lift and hold it up.
When closing, lower the hood to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then press down firmly with your hands.
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised. The hood will strike the wipers, and
may damage either the hood or the wipers.
Hood release handle
Pull
Lever
engine Compartment CoverCertain parts in the engine compartment are protected
by a cover. You may need to remove the cover when you
perform certain maintenance work.
Remove the engine
compartment cover
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engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground, and wait approximately three minutes after turning the
engine off before you check the oil.
Checking the oil
1. Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way back into its hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the level. It should
be between the upper and lower marks. Add oil if
necessary.
Upper mark
Lower mark
Ambient temperature
r ecommended engine oil
•  Genuine Acura motor oil
•  Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the container
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving and
that it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s latest
requirements.
Use Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another commercial
engine oil of suitable viscosity for the ambient temperature
as shown.
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal and is
of the specified viscosity grade.

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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%.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.