spark plugs replace Acura MDX 2002 Owner's Manual

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Acura, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Acura
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .248
.
Important Safety Precautions .249
.................
Maintenance Schedule .250
...
Required Maintenance Record .257
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks .259
..............................
Fluid Locations .260
......................................
Engine Oil .261
..................................
Adding Oil .261
....................
Recommended Oil .261
..............................
Synthetic Oil .262
....................................
Additives .262
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter .263
.............................
Cooling System .265
............
Adding Engine Coolant .265
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant .267
....................
Windshield Washers .270
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .271
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .272
....................................
Brake Fluid .273
............................
Brake System .273
..............................
Power Steering .274
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .275
....................................
Hood Latch .277
....................................
Spark Plugs .277
..............................
Replacement .277
............................
Specif ications .279 ...........................................
Battery .280
.................................
Wiper Blades .282
..............
Air Conditioning System .284
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .285
.....................................
Drive Belts .285
....................................
Timing Belt .286
...............................................
Tires .286
......................................
Inf lation .286
..................................
Inspection .288
..............................
Maintenance .289
.............................
Tire Rotation .289
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels .290
......................
Wheels and Tires .291
..........................
Winter Driving .291
.............................
Snow Tires .292
............................
Tire Chains .292
.............................................
Lights .293
.....................
Headlight Aiming .295
........................
Replacing Bulbs .295
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .303
357
Maintenance
Maint enance247
01/09/07 12:34:33 31S3V610_252

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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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Maint enance256
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
78,750 mi/126,000 km
82,500 mi/132,000 km
86,250 mi/138,000 km
6yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
93,750 mi/150,000 km
97,500 mi/156,000 km
101,250 mi/162,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
108,750 mi/174,000 km
112,500 mi/180,000 km
116,250 mi/186,000 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 DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage)
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water
pump. Inspect valve clearance. Replace spark plugs.
Inspect idle speed . Do items in A, B, C, E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D,E. Replace engine coolant. 

1,
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
See timing belt on page to determine need for replacement.
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement
information under special driving conditions.
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.
Necessary for proper break-in of the VTM-4 rear differential.
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: :
1:
2:
3:
4:
285
251
286
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
01/09/07 12:36:24 31S3V610_261

The spark plugs in your vehicle are a
special platinum-tipped design f or
longer lif e. The spark plugs should
be replaced according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.Loosen the two holding clips by
turning the heads one-quarter turn
counterclockwise with a f lat-tipped
screwdriver. Remove the cover on
the f ront cylinder bank by pulling
it straight up.
Clean up any dirt and oil that have
collected around the ignition coils.
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Acura dealer. 1.
2.
CONT INUED
Hood L atch
Spark PlugsReplacement
Hood L at ch, Spark Plugs
Maint enance277
L LAA T
TC
CH H A
AS
SSSEEM
M B
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HO
OL LDD I
INNG G C
CLLIIPP
01/09/07 12:39:30 31S3V610_282

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....................
Overheating, Engine .325
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks .259
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .346
..............................
Paint Touch-up .307
..............
Panel Brightness Control .73
........................
Park Gear Position .212
...........................................
Parking .219
...............................
Parking Brake .106
.................................
Parking Lights .72
..
Parking Over Things that Burn .350
.............................
PGM-FI System .349
..................
Polishing and Waxing .307
................
Power Seat Adjustments .90
............
Pre-Drive Saf ety Checklist .11
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .19
............................
Protecting Adults .12
...
Additional Safety Precautions .19
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women .19
........................
Protecting Children .21
.......................
Protecting Inf ants .30
.......
Protecting Larger Children .38
.........
Protecting Small Children .35 Using Child Seats with
.....................................
Tethers .42
.............................
Using LATCH .44
..................................
Saf ety Belts .8, 46
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 356
.................................
Saf ety Features .7
..........................................
Air bags .9
..................................
Door Locks .10
..........................
Head Restraints .10
.......................................
Seat Belts .8
.....................
Seats & Seat-Backs .10
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 57
...............................
Saf ety Messages . ii
.....................................
Seat Belts .8, 46
...............
Additional Information . 46
...................
Radiator Overheating . 325
.....
Radio/CD Sound System . 133,151
...............................
Rear A/C Unit .130
.......................
Rear Compartment .112
..
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 298
..........................
Rear View Mirror .104
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 77
.
Rear Window Wiper and Washer . 76
.........
Reclining the Seat Backs . 91,92
...........
Reclining the Second Seats . 93
................
Reclining the Third Seat . 93
.............................
Reminder Lights .61
................
Remote Audio Controls . 169
.......................
Remote Transmitter .84
Replacement Inf ormation .................
Air Cleaner Element . 275
.......................................
Coolant .267
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 263
..........................................
Fuses .333
................................
Light Bulbs .295 ....................................
Schedule .252
................................
Spark Plugs .277
................................
Timing Belt .286
...........................................
Tires .290
.............................
Wiper Blades .282
Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a ............................................
Crash .49
...
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant . 199
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 213
................................
Rotation, Tire .289
Index
P
S
R
VI
01/09/07 12:52:48 31S3V610_369

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CONT INUED
.....................................
Tachometer .67
......
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in .298
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected .313
...........................
Tape Player .139,165
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................
Tensioners .48
.....................................
Cleaning .309
......................
Lap/Shoulder Belt .46
................................
Maintenance .49
Reminder Light and
................................
Beeper .46,62
...................
System Components .46
...............
Use During Pregnancy .19
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt .15
.................................................
Seats .90
............
Folding the Second Seat .95
...............
Folding the Third Seat .96
..........................
Head Restraints .94
.........
Reclining the Second Seat .93
............
Reclining the Third Seat .93
........................
Rear Seat Access .95
...............................
Serial Number .340
...........................
Service Intervals .250
...........................
Service Manual .357
.........
Service Station Procedures .195
Shif ting the Automatic
.............................
Transmission .212
.....
Shif t Lever Position Indicator .211
........................
Shif t Lock Release .215 Side Marker Lights, Bulb
.........................
Replacement in .296
...............................
Signaling Turns .74
.....................................
Snow Tires .292
...................
Solvent-type Cleaners .306
........................
Sound System .133,151
Spare Tire
......................................
Inf lating .314
............................
Specif ications .343
....................................
Spark Plugs .277
....................
Specif ications Charts .342
................................
Speed Control .172
...................................
Speedometer .67
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation .50
...
Additional Safety Precautions .55
..
How the SRS Indicator Works .53
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work .50
...
How Your Side Airbags Work .52
........................
SRS Components .50
..................................
SRS Service .55
.............................
SRS Indicator .53,62
....
START (Ignition Key Position) .82
.......................
Starting the Engine .210
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .210 ................
With a Dead Battery .323
..............
State Emissions Testing .351
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine .325
Steering Wheel
..................................
Adjustment .78
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock .81
...........
Stereo Sound System .133,151
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .303
........................
Sunglasses Holder .113
........................................
Sun Visor .114
Supplemental Restraint System
......................................
Servicing .55
.........................
SRS Indicator .53,62
...................
System Components .50
..................................
Synthetic Oil .262
Index
T
VII
01/09/07 12:52:54 31S3V610_370