Acura MDX (2020 year). Manual in english - page 39

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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•

Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.

•

Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to 
enter the vehicle interior.

•

Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead, 
use low pressure water and a mild detergent. 

A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the 
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the 
elements, so reapply as necessary.

If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they 
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and 
clean water.

Wipe using a glass cleaner.

■

Using High Pressure Cleaners

■

Applying Wax

■

Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

■

Cleaning the Window

1

Applying Wax

NOTICE

Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage 
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe 
away spills immediately.

1

Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when 
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts 
made of resin.

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road 
contaminants. When necessary, as early as possible use a sponge and mild detergent 
to wipe away these contaminants. Do not use a stiff brush or harsh chemicals 
(including some commercial wheel cleaners). These can damage the protective finish 
on aluminum alloy wheels, resulting in corrosion. Depending on the type of finish, 
the wheels also may lose their luster or appear burnished. To avoid water stains, 
wipe the wheels dry with a cloth while they are still wet.

The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, etc.) may fog temporarily 
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash. 
Dew condensation also may build up inside the lenses when there is a significant 
enough difference between the ambient and inside lens temperatures (similar to 
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions). These conditions are natural 
processes, not structural design problems in the exterior lights.
Lens design characteristics may result in moisture developing on the light lens frame 
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.
However, if you see large amounts of water accumulation, or large water drops 
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

■

Maintaining Aluminum Wheels

■

Fogged Exterior Light Lenses

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Accessories and Modifications

Accessories

When installing accessories, check the following:

•

Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and 
delay your reaction to driving conditions.

•

Do not install any accessories over areas marked SRS Airbag, on the sides or backs 
of the front seats, on front or side pillars, or near the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the 
vehicle’s airbags or may be propelled into you or another occupant if the airbags 
deploy.

•

Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with 
proper operation of your vehicle.

2

Fuses

 P. 662

•

Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for 
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.

1

Accessories and Modifications

Acura Genuine accessories are recommended to 
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.

3

WARNING

Improper accessories or modifications can 
affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and 
performance, and cause a crash in which 
you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner’s 
manual regarding accessories and 
modifications.

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Accessories and Modifications

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Modifications

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Modifications

Do not modify your vehicle in a manner that may affect its handling, stability, or 
reliability, or install non-genuine Acura parts or accessories that may have a similar 
effect.

Even minor modifications to vehicle systems can affect overall vehicle performance.
Always make sure all equipment is properly installed and maintained, and do not 
make any modification to your vehicle or its systems that might cause your vehicle 
to no longer meet federal, state, province, territory, and local regulations.

The on-board diagnostic port (OBD-II/SAE J1962 connector) installed on this vehicle 
is intended to be used with automobile system diagnostic devices or with other 
devices that Acura has approved. Use of any other type of device may adversely 
affect the vehicle’s electronic systems or allow them to be compromised, possibly 
resulting in a system malfunction, drained battery, or other unexpected problems.

Do not modify or attempt to repair any of the electrical components.

625

Handling the Unexpected

This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.

Tools

Types of Tools .................................. 626

If a Tire Goes Flat

Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 627

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire....... 635

Engine Does Not Start

Checking the Engine ........................ 649
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is 

Weak ............................................. 650

Emergency Engine Stop ................... 651

Models with a compact spare tire

Models with temporary tire repair kit

Jump Starting

.................................... 652

Overheating

How to Handle Overheating............. 654

Indicator, Coming On/Blinking

If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On... 656
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On.. 656
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes 

On or Blinks ................................... 657

If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes 

On ................................................... 658

If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering 

(EPS) System Indicator Comes On........... 658

If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator 

Comes On or Blinks ....................... 660

If the Transmission System Indicator Blinks 

along with the Warning Message...... 661

Fuses

Fuse Locations ................................. 662
Inspecting and Changing Fuses........ 669

Emergency Towing

........................... 670

When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door

... 671

When You Cannot Open the Tailgate

..672

Refueling

........................................... 673

Refueling From a Portable Fuel Container . 673

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Tools

Types of Tools

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Types of Tools

The tools are stored in the cargo area.

Wheel Nut Wrench/Jack Handle

Jack

Jack Handle Bar

Models with a compact spare tire

Towing Hook

Funnel

Funnel

Tool Case

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If a Tire Goes Flat

Changing a Flat Tire

If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually 
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact 
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or 
replaced.

1.

Park the vehicle on firm, level, non-slippery surface and apply the parking brake.

2.

Put the transmission into 

(

P

.

3.

Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF 
(LOCK).

Models with a compact spare tire

1

Changing a Flat Tire

Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact 
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure. 
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm

2

)

When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the 
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with 
a full-size tire as soon as possible.

The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are 
specifically for this model. Do not use them with 
another vehicle. Do not use another type of compact 
spare tire or wheel with your vehicle.

Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire. 
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of 
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact 
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it 
with the full-size tire that was removed from the rear. 
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.

Do not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the 
one provided in the kit that came with your vehicle (if 
equipped). If a different agent is used, you may 
permanently damage the tire pressure sensor.

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If a Tire Goes Flat

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Changing a Flat Tire

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1.

Push the rear edge of the handle on the 
floor lid and open the lid.

2.

Take out the cargo floor box.

3.

Take the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack 
handle bar out of the tool case.

■

Getting Ready to Replace the Flat Tire

1

Changing a Flat Tire

NOTICE

Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call 
your dealer or a professional towing service.

The wheel nut wrench supplied with your vehicle is 
specially adapted to fit the holder shaft. Do not use 
any other tool.

The subwoofer is located on the rear right side. Do 
not store anything in this area. Doing so may 
compromise vehicle audio performance.

Handle

Cargo Floor Box

Tool Case

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If a Tire Goes Flat

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Changing a Flat Tire

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4.

Remove the cover on the cargo area lining 
to access the shaft for the spare tire hoist.

5.

Put the wheel nut wrench with the jack 
handle bar on the hoist shaft.
Turn the wrench to the left to lower the 
spare tire to the ground.

6.

Keep turning the wheel nut wrench to 
create slack in the cable.

7.

Remove the bracket from the spare tire.

Cover

Jack Handle Bar

Wheel Nut Wrench

Bracket

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Changing a Flat Tire

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8.

Place a wheel block or rock in front and 
rear of the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.

9.

Place the compact spare tire (wheel side 
up) under the vehicle body, near the tire 
that needs to be replaced.

10.

Loosen each wheel nut about one turn 
using the wheel nut wrench.

Wheel 
Blocks

The tire to be replaced.

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Changing a Flat Tire

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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.

u

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.

■

How to Set Up the Jack

1

How to Set Up the Jack

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 
may not fit the jacking point.

The following instructions must be followed to use 
the jack safely:

•

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.

3

WARNING

The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, 
seriously injuring anyone underneath.

Follow the directions for changing a tire 
exactly, and no person should place any 
portion of their body under a vehicle that is 
supported by a jack.

Jacking Points

Jack Handle Bar

Wheel Nut Wrench as Jack Handle

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Changing a Flat Tire

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1.

Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire.

2.

Wipe the mounting surfaces of the wheel 
with a clean cloth.

3.

Mount the compact spare tire.

4.

Screw the wheel nuts until they touch the 
lips around the mounting holes, then stop 
rotating.

5.

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.

Wheel nut torque:

94 lbf∙ft (127 N∙m, 13.0 kgf∙m)

■

Replacing the Flat Tire

1

Replacing the Flat Tire

Do not over tighten the wheel nuts by applying extra 
torque using your foot or a pipe.

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If a Tire Goes Flat

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Changing a Flat Tire

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1.

Remove the center cap.

2.

Place the flat tire face up under the hoist.

3.

Insert the hoist bracket into the center hole 
of the flat tire.

4.

Slowly turn the wheel nut wrench clockwise 
to take up the hoist cable slack. Make sure 
the bracket is seated in the center hole of 
the flat tire.

5.

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.

6.

Securely store the jack and wheel nut 
wrench and jack handle bar back in the tool 
case. Store the case in the cargo area.

■

Storing the Flat Tire

1

Storing the Flat Tire

3

WARNING

Loose items can fly around the interior in a 
crash and can seriously injure the 
occupants.
Store the jack and tools securely before 
driving.

Center Cap

Wheel Nut Wrench

Jack Handle Bar

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Changing a Flat Tire

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If you replace a flat tire with the spare tire, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator 
comes on while you are driving. After driving for a few miles (kilometers), 

Tire 

Pressure Monitor Problem

 will appear on the multi-information display and the 

indicator will start blinking for a short time and then stay on; however, this is normal 
and is no cause for concern.

If you replace the tire with a full-size tire, the warning message on the multi-
information display and the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator will go off after a few 
miles (kilometers).

■

TPMS and the Compact Spare Tire

1

TPMS and the Compact Spare Tire

The system cannot monitor the pressure of the spare 
tire. Manually check the spare tire pressure to be sure 
that it is correct.

Use the TPMS specific wheels. Each is equipped with 
a tire pressure sensor mounted inside the tire behind 
the valve stem.

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Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

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Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

If the tire has a large cut or is otherwise severely damaged, you will need to have the 
vehicle towed. If the tire only has a small puncture, from a nail for instance, you can 
use the temporary tire repair kit so that you can drive to the nearest service station 
for a more permanent repair.

If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually 
to reduce speed. Then stop in a safe place.

1.

Park the vehicle on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface and apply the parking 
brake.

2.

Put the transmission into 

(

P

.

3.

Turn on the hazard warning lights and set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF 
(LOCK).

Models with temporary tire repair kit

1

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

The kit should not be used in the following situations. 
Instead, contact a dealer or roadside assistance to 
have the vehicle towed.

•

The tire sealant has expired.

•

More than one tire is punctured.

•

The puncture or cut is larger than 3/16 inch (4mm).

•

The tire side wall is damaged or the puncture is 
outside the contact area.

•

Damage has been caused by driving with the tire 
extremely under inflated.

•

The tire bead is no longer seated.

•

The rim is damaged.

Do not remove a nail or screw that punctured the 
tire. If you remove it from the tire, you may not be 
able to repair the puncture using the kit.

NOTICE

Do not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the 
one provided in the kit that came with your vehicle. If 
a different agent is used, you may permanently 
damage the tire pressure sensor.

When the puncture is:

Kit Use

Smaller than 3/16 inch 

(4 mm)

Yes

Larger than 3/16 inch 

(4 mm)

No

Contact 
Area

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Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat Tire

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Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat Tire

Repair notification label and speed restriction label 
are applied to the side of temporary tire repair kit.

When making a temporary repair, carefully read the 
instruction manual provided with the kit.

Pressure Relief Button

AIR

Repair Notification Label

Speed Restriction Label

Pressure Gauge

Power Plug

Instruction Manual

Sealant/Air Hose

Inflator Switch

REPAIR