Acura MDX (2020 year). Manual in english - page 36

573

Maintenance

This chapter discusses basic maintenance.

Before Performing Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance ............ 574
Safety When Performing Maintenance..575
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service...576

Maintenance Minder

TM

..................... 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

....................... 593

Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades

... 598

Checking and Maintaining Tires

Checking Tires ................................. 602
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 603
Tire Labeling .................................... 603
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 605
Wear 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

*

........................... 615

Climate Control System Maintenance

..617

Cleaning

Interior Care .................................... 618
Exterior Care.................................... 620

Accessories and Modifications

........ 623

* Not available on all models

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Before Performing Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance

For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle 
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient 
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. 
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in 
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and 
inspection information.

■

Daily inspections

Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when 
refueling.

■

Periodic inspections

•

Check the brake fluid level monthly.

2

Checking the Brake Fluid

 P. 592

•

Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.

2

Checking and Maintaining Tires

 P. 602

•

Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.

2

Replacing Light Bulbs

 P. 593

•

Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.

2

Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades

 P. 598

■

Types of Inspection and Maintenance

1

Inspection and Maintenance

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 (MID).

2

Maintenance Service Items

 P. 579

If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks 
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a 
subscription to the Service Express website at 

www.techinfo.honda.com

.

2

Authorized Manuals

 P. 685

If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make 
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in 
the separate maintenance booklet.

U.S. models

575

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Before Performing Maintenance

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Safety When Performing Maintenance

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Safety When Performing Maintenance

Some of the most important safety precautions are given here. However, we cannot 
warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. 
Only you can decide whether you should perform a given task.

•

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.

u

Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them, causing a fire.

•

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.

•

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.

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Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.

•

The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.

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Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and 
the engine is off.

•

Be aware that hot parts can burn you.

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Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before 
touching vehicle parts.

•

Be aware that moving parts can injure you.

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Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away 
from moving parts.

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Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop function

*

 is activated.

■

Maintenance Safety

■

Vehicle Safety

1

Safety When Performing Maintenance

3

WARNING

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 owner’s manual.

3

WARNING

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 owner’s manual.

* Not available on all models

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Before Performing Maintenance

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Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

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Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

The use of Acura genuine parts and fluids is recommended when maintaining and 
servicing your vehicle. Acura genuine parts are manufactured according to the same 
high quality standards used in Acura vehicles.

1

Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

NOTICE

Do not press the engine cover forcibly. This may 
damage the engine cover and component parts.

577

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Maintenance Minder

TM

If the engine oil life is less than 15%, you will see the Maintenance Minder messages 
appear on the multi-information display (MID) every time you set the power mode 
to ON. The messages notify you when to change the engine oil, or when to bring 
your vehicle to a dealer for indicated maintenance services.

To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

Maintenance items, which should be serviced at the same time that you replace the 
engine oil, appear on the MID.
You can view them on the engine oil life screen at any time.

1.

Set the power mode to ON.

2.

Roll the multi-function steering-wheel controls until the engine oil life appears on 
the MID.

■

Displaying the Maintenance Minder Information

1

Displaying the Maintenance Minder Information

Based on the engine operating conditions, the 
remaining engine oil life is calculated and displayed 
as a percentage.

There is a list of maintenance main and sub items you 
can view on the MID.

2

Maintenance Service Items

 P. 579

Displayed Engine Oil 

Life (%)

Calculated Engine Oil 

Life (%)

100

100 to 91

90

90 to 81

80

80 to 71

70

70 to 61

60

60 to 51

50

50 to 41

40

40 to 31

30

30 to 21

20

20 to 16

15

15 to 11

10

10 to 6

5

5 to 1

0

0

Remaining Engine Oil Life

Maintenance Service Items

Multi-function 
Steering-wheel 
Controls

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Maintenance Minder

TM

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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The system message indicator (

) comes on along with the Maintenance Minder message.

■

Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-Information 

Display (MID)

Maintenance Message

Oil Life Display

Explanation

Information

Maintenance Due Soon

15%

The remaining engine oil life is 15 to 
6 percent. Once you switch the 
display by rolling the multi-function 
steering-wheel controls, this 
message will go off.

The engine oil is approaching the end 
of its service life, and the maintenance 
items should be inspected and serviced 
soon.

Maintenance Due Now

5%

The remaining engine oil life is 5 to 1 
percent. Roll the multi-function 
steering-wheel controls to switch to 
another display.

The engine oil has almost reached the 
end of its service life, and the 
maintenance items should be inspected 
and serviced as soon as possible.

Maintenance Past Due

Negative Distance

The remaining engine oil life has 
passed its service life, and a negative 
distance appears after driving over 
10 miles (U.S. models) or 10 km 
(Canadian models). Roll the multi-
function steering wheel control to 
switch to another display.

The engine oil life has passed.
The maintenance items must be 
inspected and serviced immediately.

U.S.

Canada

579

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Maintenance Minder

TM

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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■

Maintenance Service Items

1

Maintenance 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 Message

System 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).

CODE

Maintenance 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 lines (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).

CODE

Maintenance Sub Items

1

●

Rotate tires

2

●

Replace air cleaner element

*2

●

Replace dust and pollen filter

*3

●

Inspect drive belt

3

●

Replace transmission and transfer

*

 fluid

*4

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

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Maintenance Minder

TM

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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Reset the engine oil life display if you have performed the maintenance service.

1.

Set the power mode to ON.

2.

Go to 

Vehicle Settings

, then go to the 

Maintenance Info.

 group.

2

Customized Features

 P. 126

3.

Push the multi-function steering-wheel controls.

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The oil life reset mode is displayed on the MID.

4.

Select 

Reset

 with the multi-function steering-wheel controls, then push the 

multi-function steering wheel control.

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The displayed maintenance items disappear, and the engine oil life display 
returns to 

100%

.

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To cancel the oil life reset mode, select 

Cancel

, then push the multi-function 

steering-wheel controls.

■

Resetting the Display

1

Resetting the Display

NOTICE

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.

The dealer will reset the engine oil life display after 
completing the required maintenance service. If 
someone other than a dealer performs maintenance 
service, reset the engine oil life display yourself.

You can also reset the engine oil life display using the 
audio/information screen.

2

Customized Features

 P. 358

Remaining Engine Oil Life

Maintenance Service Items

Multi-function 
Steering-wheel 
Controls

581

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Maintenance Items Under the Hood

Brake Fluid 
(Black Cap)

Washer Fluid

Radiator Cap

Engine Coolant 
Reserve Tank

Engine Oil Dipstick 
(Orange)

Engine Oil Fill Cap

Battery

582

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Opening the Hood

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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 corner of the dashboard.

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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.

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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 press 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 lifting the lever, the latch 
mechanism should be cleaned 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

583

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Engine Compartment Cover

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Engine Compartment Cover

The component parts in the engine compartment are protected by a cover.
You may need to remove the cover when you perform certain maintenance work.
Pull up on the engine compartment cover carefully until all pins are removed from 
their grommets.

Remove the Engine Compartment Cover

584

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Recommended Engine Oil

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Recommended Engine Oil

Oil is a major contributor to your engine’s 
performance and longevity. If you drive the 
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil, 
the engine may fail or be damaged.

This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving 
and that it meets the American Petroleum 
Institute’s latest requirements.

Use a Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another 
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for 
the ambient temperature as shown.

■

Synthetic oil

You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal 
and is the specified viscosity grade.

•

Genuine Acura Motor Oil

•

Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the 
container.

1

Recommended Engine Oil

Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact, 
they may adversely affect the engine performance 
and durability.

Ambient Temperature

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Oil Check

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Oil Check

We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning 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.

1

Oil Check

If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly 
add oil, being careful not to overfill.

Lower Mark

Upper Mark

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Adding Engine Oil

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Adding Engine 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.

1

Adding Engine Oil

NOTICE

Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. 
Overfilling the engine oil may result in leaks and 
engine damage.

If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil 
may damage the engine compartment components.

Engine Oil Fill Cap

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the 
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.

Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display.

1.

Run the engine until it reaches normal 
operating temperature, and then turn the 
engine off.

2.

Open the hood and remove the engine oil 
fill cap.

3.

Remove the drain bolt and washer from 
the bottom of the engine, and drain the 
oil into a suitable container.

1

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

NOTICE

You may damage the environment if you do not 
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are 
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of 
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take 
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away 
into a garbage can or onto the ground.

Drain Bolt

Washer

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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4.

Remove the oil filter and dispose of the 
remaining oil.

5.

Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to 
the engine contact surface.

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If it is stuck, you must detach it.

6.

Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the 
contact surface of the engine block, and 
install a new oil filter.

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Apply a light coat of new engine oil to 
the filter gasket.

7.

Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then 
reinstall the drain bolt.

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Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)

8.

Pour the recommended engine oil into the 
engine.

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Engine oil change capacity (including 
filter):
5.7 US qt (5.4 L)

9.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and 
start the engine.

10.

Run the engine for a few minutes, and   
then check that there is no leak from the   
drain bolt or oil filter.

11.

Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,   
and then check the oil level on the   
dipstick.

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If necessary, add more engine oil.

1

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You will need a special wrench to replace the oil 
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.

When installing the new oil filter, follow the 
instructions supplied with the oil filter.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The 
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five 
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check 
your work.

Oil Filter