ABS Acura MDX 2003 Owner's Manua

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Maint enance299
Canadian owners: A, B, C, D
A
B
C
D
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
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.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page335).
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 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.
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
6yrs
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
9yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
then every 60,000 mi/
96,000 km/5 yrs Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D .
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace transmission fluid.
Replace transfer assembly fluid. Do items in A,
B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace transmission fluid.
Replace transfer assembly fluid. Do items in A,
B.
Do items in A. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump.
Replace transmission fluid.
Replace transfer assembly fluid.
Inspect valve clearance.
Replace spark plugs. Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D. Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Replace engine coolant.


See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
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: 297
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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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:
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
Maint enance
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
300
Visually inspect the following items:
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.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Service at the indicated distance or
time whichever comes first.
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
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
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls
Vehicle underbody 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
15
24
12
30
48
2445
72
3660
96
4875
120 60 90
144 72 105
168
84 120
192
96
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
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
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Replace transfer assembly 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) Adjust only if noisy
Refer to page332for replacement
information under special driving
conditions.
Refer to page 331for replacement
information under special driving
conditions.
See page 297.
1:
2:
3:
:
,1
3
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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CONT INUED
Maint enance301
Canadian Owners U.S. Owners A, B, C, D
B
C A
D
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
3,750 mi/6,000 km
7,500 mi/12,000 km/6 mos
11,250 mi/18,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km
22,500 mi/36,000 km
26,250 mi/42,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km
37,500 mi/60,000 km
41,250 mi/66,000 km
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km
52,500 mi/84,000 km
56,250 mi/90,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km
67,500 mi/108,000 km
71,250 mi/114,000 km Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval.
Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page335).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element every 15,000 mi
(24,000 km) under dusty conditions. Otherwise, use
Normal Conditions schedule.
Replace rear differential fluid .
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect exhaust system .
Inspect fuel lines and connections .
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace transmission fluid.
Replace transfer assembly fluid.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
300
3
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)

Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal rein-
f orcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinf orcement
strips f rom the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.
Remove the blade f rom its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull f irmly until the tabs
come out of the holder. Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place. Front only:
Lower the wiper arm down against
the window.
Windshield: Lower the passenger’s
side first, then the driver’s side.
6.
7.
4. 5.
3.
Wiper Blades
Maint enance329
BLADE BLADE
REINFORCEMENT

´
Tires that are marked ‘‘M S’’ or
‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable f or most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed f or
optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate
perf ormance in winter driving.
For the best perf ormance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.
TheABSworksbycomparingthe
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the vehicle. Tire size
and construction can affect wheel
speed and may cause the system to
work inconsistently.
Wheel:
Tire:
See page f or inf ormation about
DOT Tire Quality Grading.
If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure the wheel’s specif ications
match those of the original wheel
that came on your vehicle. Re-
placement wheels are available at
your Acura dealer. 392
CONT INUED
Winter Driving
Wheels and T ires
Tires
Maint enance337
17x61/2JJ
P235/65R17 103T

Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs. Snap the lens back in place.
Front individual map light:
Pry on the f ront edge in f ront of both
map lights.
Rear individual map light:
Pryontherearedgeof thelensin
the middle.
Tailgate light:
Pry on the upper edge to the lef t and
right of center. Cargo area light:
Pry on the rear edge to the lef t and
right of center.
3.
2.
CONT INUED
Lights
Maint enance347
REAR INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHT CARGO AREA LIGHT

Two f actors normally contribute to
causing corrosion in your vehicle:Moisture trapped in body cavities.
Dirtandroadsaltthatcollectsin
hollows on the underside of the
vehicle stays damp, promoting
corrosion in that area.
Removal of paint and protective
coatings f rom the exterior and
underside of the vehicle. Repair chips and scratches in the
paint as soon as you discover them.
Inspect and clean out the drain
holes in the bottom of the doors
and body.
Check the f loor coverings f or
dampness. Carpeting and f loor
mats may remain damp f or a long
time, especially in winter. This
dampness can eventually cause
the f loor panels to corrode.Use a high-pressure spray to clean
the underside of your vehicle. This
is especially important in areas
that use road salt in winter. It is
also a good idea in humid climates
and areas subject to salt air. Be
caref ul of the ABS wheel sensors
and wiring at each wheel.
Have the corrosion-preventive
coatings on the underside of your
vehicle inspected and repaired
periodically.
Many corrosion-preventive measures
are built into your Acura. You can
help keep your vehicle f rom
corroding by perf orming some
simple periodic maintenance:
1.
2.
Corrosion Prot ect ion
Appearance Care357

If the electric motor will not close
the moonroof , do the f ollowing:Check the f use f or the moonroof
motor (see page ). If the f use
is blown, replace it with one of the
same or lower rating.
Try closing the moonroof . If the
new f use blows immediately or the
moonroof motor still does not
operate, you can close the
moonroof manually.
Get the moonroof wrench out of
the tool kit in the cargo area. To remove the round plug in the
center of the headliner, turn the
plug by using a screwdriver or
coin, then pry it out. Make sure to
align the tabs on the round plug to
the notches on the ceilling as
shown in the illustration.Insert the moonroof wrench into
the socket behind this plug. Turn
the wrench until the moonroof is
f ully closed.
Remove the wrench. Reinstall the
round plug.
1.
380
2.
3.
6. 5.
4.
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Closing t he Moonroof
378
TAB NOTCH
ROUND PLUG SOCKET

If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
youshouldcheckforisablownfuse.
Determine f rom the chart on pagesand , or the diagram on the
f use box lid (the diagram f or the
driver’s side interior f use box is on
the kick panel below the f use box),
which f use or f uses control that
component. Check those f uses f irst,
but check all the f uses bef ore
deciding that a blown f use is not the
cause. Replace any blown f uses and
check the component’s operation.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are off.
Remove the cover f rom the f use
box.
The secondary f use box is in the
engine compartment next to the
battery.
The primary under-hood f use box is
located in the back of the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side.
To open it, push the tabs as shown.
1.
2. 383 384
Checking and Replacing Fuses
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed380
UNDER-HOOD
UNDER-HOOD

CONT INUED
BatteryCharging System ...........................
Indicator .68, 374
............................
Jump Starting .369
..............................
Maintenance .326
............................
Specif ications .391
..............................
Bef ore Driving .235
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,46
.........................
Beverage Holders .121 ...................................
Body Repair .358
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 263
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 236
...........................................
Fluid .319
....................
Bulb Replacement .344
.......................................
Parking .117
.................
System Indicator . 69,377
........................
Wear Indicators .262
.............................
Braking System .262
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 236
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 82
........................
Brights, Headlights .79
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 243
................................
Accessories .243
...
Additional Safety Precaution . 244
............................
Modif ications .244
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .93
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 125
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 308
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 50
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .321
..............
Air Conditioning System . 136
..............................
Maintenance .330
.....................
Rear A/C Control .142
.........................................
Usage .136
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .134
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .332
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .395
.......
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning . 353
......................................
Antif reeze .311
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .69, 264
...................................
Operation .263
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 182
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 92..........................
Appearance Care .351
................
Audio System . 149,163,183
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 48
.........................
Automatic Lighting .80
...
Automatic Lighting Off Feature . 81
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 216
..............
Automatic Transmission . 253
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .390
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 317
.......................................
Shif ting .254
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 253
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 254
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 257
...........................
Automatic Wipers .85
Index
A
B
I