coolant level Acura MDX 2002 Owner's Manual

This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.
There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays by pressing the Select
button repeatedly. Each trip meter
works independently, so you can
keep track of two dif f erent distances.
When you turn the ignition switch
ON (II), what you last selected isdisplayed.
To reset a trip meter, display it, and
then press and hold the Reset button
until the number resets to ‘‘0.0’’.
Both trip meters will reset if the
vehicle’s battery goes dead or is
disconnected.
This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom blue mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill
driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper white mark. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull saf ely to the
side of the road. Turn to page f or
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine’s cooling
system.
This shows how much f uel you have.
It is most accurate when the vehicle
is on level ground. It may show
slightly more or less than the actual
amount when you are driving on
curvy or hilly roads.
The needle returns to the bottom
after you turn off the ignition. The
gauge shows the f uel level reading
immediately af ter you turn the
ignition switch back ON (II).
325
Trip Meter
Temperature GaugeFuel Gauge
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Gauges
68
S SE
EL
LEE C
CT T B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
R
RE ES
SE ET
T B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
01/09/07 12:06:38 31S3V610_073

Bef ore you begin driving your Acura,
youshouldknowwhatgasolineto
use, and how to check the levels of
important f luids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage
or packages. The inf ormation in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your vehicle,
please read the inf ormation in this
section f irst..............................
Break-in Period .194
.........................................
Gasoline .194
.........
Service Station Procedures .195
................
Filling the Fuel Tank .195
....................
Opening the Hood .196
...............................
Oil Check .198
.........
Engine Coolant Check .199
...............................
Fuel Economy .200
.....................
Vehicle Condition .200
...........................
Driving Habits .200
...
Accessories and Modif ications .201
.............................
Carrying Cargo .203
.................................
Load Limit .204
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving193
01/09/07 12:25:46 31S3V610_198

Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page . Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Acura.
4. 261 265259
A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil Owner Maintenance
Checks
Engine Coolant Check
Bef ore Driving
Service Station Procedures
199
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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only
drive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
252
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections 7.5
12 6 15
24
12 45
72
36
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) 120
192
96
75
120 60 105
168
84
90
144 72
60
96
48
30
48
24
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Necessary for proper break-in of the VTM-4 rear differential. Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 yearsAdjust only if noisy
:
1: 251
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
01/09/07 12:35:29 31S3V610_257

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Maint enance253
Canadian owners: A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
then every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs Do items in A, D
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage)
Replace transmission fluid. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace transmission fluid. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
Replace transmission fluid.
Inspect idle speed . Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace engine coolant. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page289).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system .
Inspect fuel lines and connections .
Replace air cleaner element.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace rear differential fluid.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.


Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Necessary for proper break-in of the VTM-4 rear differential.
NOTE: :
1: 251
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/07 12:35:40 31S3V610_258

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Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km)
per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less than
10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over
90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods
of stop-and-go driving.
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof top carrier, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads.
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you drive
your vehicle
MAINLYunder one or
more of the f ollowing conditions:
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
254
Visually inspect the following items: Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and conditions of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls
Vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Follow this schedule for rear differential
fluid replacement if you use your vehicle
for off-highway driving, trailer towing,
or mainly in stop-and go driving.
Otherwise, use the fluid replacement
schedule in the Maintenance Schedule
for Normal Conditions.
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Use normal schedule except in dusty
conditions
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at
least once per month) 7.5
12 6
Adjust only if noisy
Necessary for proper break-in of the
VTM-4 rear differential.
1:
2:
3:
4:
: See page251.Refer to page286for replacement
information under special driving
conditions.
Refer to page285for replacement
information under special driving
conditions.
,1
3
2 4
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
01/09/07 12:36:06 31S3V610_259

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Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page . 198
199
271 286
293
273
Owner Maintenance Checks
Maint enance259
01/09/07 12:36:49 31S3V610_264

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system f or leaks.
The coolant you add should always
be a mixture of 50 percent antif reeze
and 50 percent water. Never add
straight antif reeze or plain water.If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water. It
does not require any additional
mixing.
If it is not available, you may use
another major-brand non-silicate
coolant as a temporary replacement.
Make sure it is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malf unction or f ail. Have
the cooling system f lushed and
ref illed with Honda antif reeze/
coolant as soon as possible.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance265
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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.
01/09/07 12:37:40 31S3V610_270

Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
Turn the radiator cap counter-
clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Put the radiator cap back on.
Tighten it f ully.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
3. 4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
Cooling Syst em
Maint enance266
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01/09/07 12:37:51 31S3V610_271

If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ). Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the f iller neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See
on page .)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. 9.10.
11.
12.
199 338
338
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
If Your Engine Overheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
326
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.
01/09/07 12:47:18 31S3V610_331