belt Acura MDX 2003 Owner's Manua

This f ilter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under nor-
mal conditions. It should be replaced
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you
drive primarily in urban areas that
have high concentrations of soot in
the air f rom industry and diesel-pow-
ered vehicles. Replace it more of ten
if air f low f rom the climate control
system becomes less than usual.
Have dust and pollen f ilter replaced
by your Acura dealer. The dust and pollen f ilter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
f rom the outside through the heating
and cooling system/climate control
system.Check the condition of the drive belt.
Examine the edges of the belt f or
cracks or fraying.
An auto-tensioner adjusts the tension
of the drive belt. The pointer on the
auto-tensioner should be in the
proper range. It should be checked
accordingtothetimeanddistance
recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
If the pointer is out of this range or
you see signs of wear, have the drive
belt replaced by your Acura dealer as
soon as possible.
Maint enance
Dust and Pollen Filter Drive Belt
Dust and Pollen Filter, Drive Belt
331
Proper range
POINTER

µµKeeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort. Underinf lated tires wear
unevenly, adversely affect handling
and f uel economy, and are more
likely to f ail f rom being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehicleridemoreharshly,aremore
prone to damage from road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
We recommend that you visually
check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
To saf ely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inf lated. The
f ollowing pages give more detailed
informationonhowandwhento
check air pressure, how to inspect
your tires f or damage and wear, and
what to do when your tires need to
be replaced.
The timing belt should normally be
replaced at the intervals shown in
the maintenance schedule.
Replace the belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you regu-
larly drive your vehicle in one or
more of these conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently tow a trailer. Inf lation
Tires
Timing Belt
Timing Belt, Tires
Maint enance332
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.

Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Acura helps to keep it ‘‘new’’
looking. This section gives you
informationonhowtocleanyour
vehicle and preserve its appearance:
the paint, brightwork, wheels and
interior. Also included are several
things you can do to help prevent
corrosion..................................
Exterior Care .352
.....................................
Washing .352
.......................................
Waxing .353
....................
Aluminum Wheels .353
..........................
Paint Touch-up .353
..................................
Interior Care .354
...................................
Carpeting .354
.................................
Floor Mats .354
.........................................
Fabric .355
...........................................
Vinyl .355
.......................................
Leather .355
...................................
Seat Belts .355
....................................
Windows .356
..........................
Air Fresheners .356
....................
Corrosion Protection .357
.................................
Body Repairs .358
Appearance Care
Appearance Care351

Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum
cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a sof t
cloth dampened in a solution of mild
soap and water. Use the same
solution with a soft-bristle brush on
more dif f icult spots. You can also use
commercially-available spray or
f oam-type vinyl cleaners.If your seat belts get dirty, you can
use a sof t brush with a mixture of
mild soap and warm water to clean
them. Do not use bleach, dye, or
cleaning solvents. They can weaken
the belt material. Let the belts air-
drybeforeyouusethevehicle.
Vacuum dirt and dust out of the
material f requently. For general
cleaning, use a solution of mild soap
and lukewarm water, letting it air dry.
To clean of f stubborn spots, use a
commercially-available f abric cleaner.
Test it on a hidden area of the f abric
first, to make sure it does not bleach
or stain the f abric. Follow the
instructions that come with the
cleaner.
Vacuum dirt and dust f rom the
leather f requently. Pay particular
attention to the pleats and seams.
Clean the leather with a sof t cloth
dampened with clear water, then
buf f it with a clean, dry cloth. If
f urther cleaning is needed, use a
soap specif ically f or leather, such as
saddle soap. Apply this soap with a
damp,softcloth.Wipedownand
buf f as described above.
CONT INUED
Vinyl Seat Belts
Fabric
Leather
Interior Care
Appearance Care355
LOOP

Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.Clean the windows, inside and out,
with a commercially-available glass
cleaner. You can also use a mixture
of one part white vinegar to ten parts
water. This will remove the haze that
builds up on the inside of the
windows. Use a sof t cloth or paper
towels to clean all glass and clear
plastic surf aces.If you want to use an air f reshener/
deodorizer in the interior of your
vehicle, it is best to use a solid type.
Some liquid air f resheners contain
chemicals that may cause parts of
the interior trim and f abric to crack
or discolor.
If youusealiquidairfreshener,
make sure you f asten it securely so it
does not spill as you drive.
Windows
A ir Fresheners
Interior Care
Appearance Care356
The rear window def ogger wires are
bonded to the inside of the glass.
Wiping vigorously up-and-down can
dislodge and break the def ogger wires.
When cleaning the rear window, use
gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side.

µµ
µ
µ
µ
µ µ
µ µ
a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
coveredfortheusefullifeof the
vehicle.
provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the
vehicle.
all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
covers
your new vehicle, except f or the
battery, emissions control systems,
and accessories, against def ects in
materials and workmanship.
these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s emis-
sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact
inf ormation.
this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery. Your new Acura is covered by these
warranties:
Acura accessories are covered under
this warranty. Time and mileage
limits depend on the type of
accessory and other f actors. Please
read your warranty manual f or
details.covers all Acura
replacement parts against defects in
materials and workmanship. provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom an Acura dealer.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2003 Acura Warranty Inf ormation
booklet that came with your car f or
precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your Acura’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty
inf ormation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2003 Warranty
Manual that came with your vehicle.Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Replacement Muf f ler L if et imeLimited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant y
New Car Limited Warranty
Emissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect sWarrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance Warranty
Original Equipment Bat t ery L imit edWarranty Accessory Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarranty Replacement Bat t ery L imit ed
WarrantyU.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Warranty Coverages
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions403

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

Î
Bulb Replacement..........................
Back-up Lights .344
..............................
Brake Lights .344
......................
Cargo Area Light .347
................
Front Parking Lights . 342
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 342
.................................
Headlights .341
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 345
..............
Individual Map Lights . 346
...................
License Plate Light . 346
.................................
Rear Bulbs .344
............................
Specif ications .391
............
Turn Signal Lights . 342,344
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .341
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 66
................
Daytime Running Lights . 82
................................
Cancel Button .218
............................
Capacities Chart .390
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 62
..........................
Cargo Area Light .130
.............................
Carrying Cargo .245
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .180
...................
Operation . 151,177,191
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii...................................
CD Changer .155
..............................
CD Player .171, 194
........................
Certif ication Label .388
............................................
Chains .338
Change Oil ........................................
How to .309
......................................
When to .296
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .361
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 313
...
Charging System Indicator . 68,374
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 251
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 99
.....................................
Child Saf ety .21
.......................................
Child Seats .21
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 42
....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 321
Cleaning ....................
Aluminum Wheels .353
...................................
Carpeting .354
......................................
Exterior .352
.........................................
Fabric .355
.......................................
Interior .354
.......................................
Leather .355
...................................
Seat Belts .355
...........................................
Vinyl .355
....................................
Windows .356 ...............
Climate Control System . 134
......................................
Coat Hook .127
.....................
Code, Audio System .182
........................
CO in the Exhaust .397
........................................
Coin Box .127
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 252
..............................
Compact Spare .361
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 402
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 65
Coolant ........................................
Adding .311
....................................
Checking .241
.........................
Proper Solution .311
...................................
Replacing .313
...................
Temperature Gauge . 75
....................
Corrosion Protection .357
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .397
............
Cruise Control Operation . 216
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 402
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
............................
Fabric, Cleaning .355
...................................
Fan, Interior .138
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .133
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 237
Filters ...............................................
Air .321
.......................
Air Conditioning .331
...............................................
Oil .309
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 404
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 88
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 140
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .318
..........................
Digital Clock .150, 190
....................................
Dimensions .390
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 79
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 317
..................................
Engine Oil .240
..........................
Directional Signals .83
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 262
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .310
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 93
....................
Lockout Prevention . 94
......................
Power Door Locks .93
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 392
.....................................
Drive Belts .331
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .249
....................................
Economy .242
.........................
In Bad Weather .269
................
In Foreign Countries . 396
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .118 ..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 331
...................................
DVD Player .199
..............................
Economy, Fuel .242
............
Emergencies on the Road . 359
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 369
...........
Brake System Indicator . 377
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 361
.....
Charging System Indicator . 374
..................
Checking the Fuses . 380
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 373
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 375
..................
Overheated Engine . 371
.........................
Emergency Brake .117
......................
Emergency Flashers .87
......................
Emergency Towing .385
.......................
Emissions Controls .397
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 75
.................................
Drive Belts .331
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .68, 375
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 68,373
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 307...............................
Overheating .371
............................
Specif ications .391
............................
Speed Limiter .257
.......................................
Starting .252
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .395
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 397
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .62
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .398
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 354
Index
E
F
III

CONT INUED
..................................................
Keys .90
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 364
.......................................
Jack, Tire .361
................................
Jump Starting .369
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 388
Ignition ..............................................
Keys .90
...........................................
Switch .92
............
Timing Control System . 398
........................
Immobilizer System .91
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 67
..................
Individual Map Lights . 130
.........................
Inf ant Restraint .27, 31
................................
Inf ant Seats .27, 31
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 332
.................................
Inside Mirror .115
.............................
Inspection, Tire .334
........................
Instrument Panel .2 ,66
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 82
...........................
Interior Cleaning .354
...............................
Interior Lights .128
........................................
Introduction . i.......................
Label, Certif ication .388
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 83
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 15,46
....................
Light Control Switch .128
.............................................
Lights .339
....................
Bulb Replacement .341
.......................................
Indicator .61
.......................................
Interior .128
.........................................
Parking .79
..................................
Turn Signal .83
.....................................
Load Limit .246
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 92
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 92
............................
Fuel Fill Door .237
..................................
Glove Box .100
....................
Lockout Prevention . 94
.................................
Power Door .93
........................
Low Coolant Level .241
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .71 ...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 68,373
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 390
.........................................
Luggage .245
..................................
Maintenance .293
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 305
.................................
Record .303-304
......................
Required Indicator .76
..........................................
Saf ety .294
.............................
Schedule .296-302
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 68,375
............
Manual Seat Adjustments . 103
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 118
...............................
Meters, Gauges .74
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 395
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .116
.......................................
Moonroof .114
......................
Closing Manually .378
...................................
Operation .114
Index
J L K
M
V