2020 Acura MDX check engine

518
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properl y if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® system indicator comes on and stays
on while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stab ility Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 518 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

519
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To partially disable VSA ® functionality/
features, press and hold it until you hear a
beep.
Your vehicle will have normal braking and
cornering ability, but tra ction control function
will be less effective.
To restore VSA ® functionality/features, press
the (VSA ® OFF) button until you hear a
beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■VSA ® On and Off1 Vehicle Stability Assist ® (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fr esh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA ® temporarily switched off.
When the button is pressed, the traction control
function becomes less effective. This allows for the
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA ® off if
you are not able to free it when the VSA ® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA ® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA ® system switched off.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF Indicator
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 519 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

uuBraking uBrake System
532
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases
the stopping force when you depress th e brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS ) helps you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
2 Brake Assist System P. 536
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 535
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous me tallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an
occasional squeak or squeal when you initially apply
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by
high frequency vibration of the brake pads against
the rotating brake disc.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pe dal and downshifting to a
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also conf use drivers behind you.
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 532 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

535
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribu tion (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pu mp the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pe dal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”
■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Depress the brake
pedal and keep holding the pedal firmly do wn. On dry pavement, you will need to
press on the brake pedal very hard before th e ABS activates. However, you may feel
the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
ABS may activate when you depres s the brake pedal when driving on:
• Wet or snow covered roads.
• Roads paved with stone.
• Roads with uneven surf aces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.
When the vehicle speed goes unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use a tire of
the wrong size or type.
If the ABS indicator comes on while driving, there
may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking will not be affected, there is a
possibility that the ABS wi ll not be operating. Have
your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS is not designed for the purpose of reducing
the time or distance it takes for a vehicle to stop: It is
designed to limit brake lockup which can lead to
skidding and loss of steering control.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more
distance to stop than a vehicle without the ABS:
•You are driving on rough or uneven road surfaces,
such as gravel or snow.
•The tires are equipped with tire chains.
The following may be observed with the ABS system:
•Motor sounds coming from the engine
compartment when the brakes are applied, or
when system checks are being performed after the
engine has been started and while the vehicle
accelerates.
•Brake pedal and/or the vehicle body vibration when
ABS activates.
These vibrations and sou nds are normal to ABS
systems and are no cause for concern.
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 535 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

573
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 574
Safety When Performing Maintenance ..575
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service...576Maintenance MinderTM..................... 577
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 581
Opening the Hood ........................... 582
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 583
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 584
Oil Check ......................................... 585
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 586
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ...587 Engine Coolant ................................ 589
Transmission Fluid ............................ 591
Brake Fluid ....................................... 592
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 592
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 593Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades... 598Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 602
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 603
Tire Labeling .................................... 603
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 605Wear Indicators................................ 607
Tire Service Life ................................ 607 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 608
Tire Rotation .................................... 609
Winter Tires ..................................... 610
Battery ............................................... 611
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 613
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care
*........................... 615Climate Control System Maintenance.. 617Cleaning Interior Care .................................... 618
Exterior Care.................................... 620
Accessories and Modifications ........ 623
* Not available on all models
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 573 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

579
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.Maintenance Minder MessageSystem Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If the message
Maintenance Due Now 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).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check expiration date for tire repair kit bottle*
●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and li nes (Including ABS/VSA®)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission
temperature. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission
fluid changed at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
*5: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under -20°F, -29°C), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
*6: 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 (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance 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
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*5
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid*, *6
* Not available on all models
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 579 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

582
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
driver’s side lower co rner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push the hood latch lever (located under
the front edge of the hood to the center) to
the side and raise the hood.
Once you have raised the hood slightly, you
can release the lever.
4. Lift the hood up most of the way.
u The hydraulic supports will lift it up the
rest of the way and hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then pr ess down firmly with
your hands.1 Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised. The hood will strike the wipers, resulting in
possible damage to the hood and/or the wipers.
NOTICE
Do not press the engine cover forcibly. This may
damage the engine cover and component parts.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifti ng the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cl eaned and lubricated.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.
Models with Auto Idle Stop
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 582 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分

585
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engi ne oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turn ing the engine off before you check the
oil. 1.Remove the dipstick (orange).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way 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.1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil, being carefu l not to overfill.
Lower MarkUpper Mark
20 ACURA MDX-31TZ56600.book 585 ページ ２０１９年４月２４日　水曜日　午後５時４４分