engine oil Acura MDX 2004 User Guide

Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.Honda Motor Oil is the pref erred
5W-20 lubricant f or your vehicle. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection. Make
sure the API Certif ication Seal says
‘‘For Gasoline Engines’’.
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container’s label.
5W-20 oil is f ormulated f or year-
round protection of your Acura to
improve cold weather starting and
f uel economy.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover.
Pour in the oil slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Install the engine oil
f ill cap and tighten it securely. Wait a
f ew minutes and recheck the oil level
(see page ). Do not f ill above the
upper mark on the dipstick; you
could damage the engine. 161 Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
Maint enance205
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given f or a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certif ication Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
f ollow the oil and f ilter change
intervals given in the maintenance
schedule.
Your Acura does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
af f ect your engine’s or transmission’s
perf ormance and durability.Open the hood and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. The oil
and f ilter collect contaminants that
can damage your engine if they are
not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
1. 2.
A dding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter
Maint enance
Synthetic Oil
Engine Oil A dditivesChanging the Oil and Filter
206
WASHER
DRAIN BOLT

Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available f rom your Acura
dealer) is required.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
9. 8. 7. 6.
4.
5. 3.
Maint enance
Changing the Oil and Filter
207
NOTICE:OIL FILTER
4.5 US qt (4.3)
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m) Improper disposal of engine
oil can be harmf ul to the environment.
If you change your own oil, please
dispose of used oil properly. Put it in a
sealed container, and take it to a
recycling center. Do not discard used
oilinatrashbinordumpitonthe
ground.

If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
If you store your vehicle f or 12
months or longer, have your Acura
dealer perf orm the inspections called
f or in the 24 months/30,000 miles
(48,000 km) maintenance schedule
(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page ).
The replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage. 199
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance227

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .230
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .231
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 237
................................
Jump Starting .238
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 240
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 242
..........
Charging System Indicator . 242
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 243
...............
Brake System Indicator . 244
......................
Emergency Towing .244
..............................................
Fuses .245
..............................
Fuse Locations .248
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed229

Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within ten seconds, turn of f
the engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon page
). If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
GotoanAcuradealeroraservice
station where you can get technical
assistance.
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible and you should
take immediate action. 1.
2.
3.
4.161
205
244
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owingCharging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
242
NOTICE:
Running the engine with low
oil pressure can cause serious
mechanical damage almost immediately.
Turn of f the engine as soon as you can
saf ely get the vehicle stopped.

µµÎ
Î
Î
Î
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Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation254
Dimensions
Weights
Air ConditioningCapacities
1.88 US gal (7.1
)
2.38 US gal (9.0)
4.5 US qt (4.3
)
4.2 US qt (4.0
)
5.3 US qt (5.0
)
2.9 US qt (2.7)
7.7 US qt (7.3)
19.21 US gal (72.7
)
188.7 in (4,793 mm)
77.0 in (1,955 mm)
68.7 in (1,744 mm)
71.3 in (1,811 mm)
106.3 in (2,700 mm)
66.3 in (1,685 mm)
66.5 in (1,690 mm)
9,835 lbs (4,461 kg)
HFC-134a (R-134a)
24.7 26.5 oz (700 750 g) ND-OIL8 2.9 US qt (2.7
)
3.0 US qt (2.8)
0.45 US qt (0.43
)
0.48 US qt (0.45)
0.16 US gal (0.6
) 4.8 US qt (4.5
)
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
Equipped with transmission fluid cooler and power steering fluid
cooler.
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross combined weight
rating (GCWR)
See the tire information label atta-
ched to the driver’s doorjamb.
Refrigerant type
Charge quantity
Lubricant type Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil
Automatic
transmission
fluid
Rear
differential
fluid
Transfer
assembly
fluid
Windshield
washer
reservoir
The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation. Approx.
Front
Rear
1:
2:
Standard
Premium
1:
2: Change
Total
Change
Including
filter
Without
filter
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
Change
Total
2 1 1
2

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 163
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .79
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 101
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 206
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 22
..............
Air Conditioning System . 104
.....................
Rear A/C Control .109
.........................................
Usage .105
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .106
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .221
......................................
Antif reeze .208
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light .59, 181
...................................
Operation .181
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 129
.
Anti-thef t Steering Column Lock . 79
................
Audio System . 110,115,125
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.........................
Automatic Lighting .73
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 144
..............
Automatic Transmission . 172
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .254
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 210.......................................
Shif ting .172
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 172
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 172
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 175
...........................
Automatic Wipers .70
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .58, 242
............................
Jump Starting .238
..............................
Maintenance .226
............................
Specif ications .255
..............................
Bef ore Driving .157
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,19
...........................
Beverage Holders .99
..................................
Booster Seats .48
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 181
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 158
...........................................
Fluid .212
....................
Bulb Replacement .216
.........................................
Parking .92
.................
System Indicator . 59,244
........................
Wear Indicators .180 .............................
Braking System .180
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 158
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 74
........................
Brights, Headlights .72
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .216
..............................
Brake Lights .216
................
Front Parking Lights . 215
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 215
.................................
Headlights .214
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 217
.................................
Rear Bulbs .216
............................
Specif ications .255
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 215
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .214
Index
A
B
I

Î
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .2, 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 74
.................................
Dead Battery .238
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 268
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 75
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 107
..........................
Dif f erential Fluid .211
....................................
Dimensions .254
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 72
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 210
..................................
Engine Oil .161
..........................
Directional Signals .72
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 180
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .207
Doors ..............
Locking and Unlocking . 80
....................
Lockout Prevention . 80
......................
Power Door Locks .80
................................
Cancel Button .144
............................
Capacities Chart .254
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 51
.............................
Carrying Cargo .165
Cassette Player ............................................
Care .127
...................................
Operation .125
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care .119
..........................
CD Changer .116, 117
.....
CD Changer Error Messages . 122
.......................................
CD Player .116
.........
CD Player Error Messages . 120
........................
Certif ication Label .252
...................................
Chains, .225
Change Oil ........................................
How to .206
......................................
When to .197
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .231
...
Charging System Indicator . 58,242
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 170
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 80
.....................................
Child Saf ety .33
..............................
Booster Seats .48 .............................
Child Seats .40, 41
.....
Important Saf ety Reminders . 36
..........................................
Inf ants .38
..........................
Larger Children .47
.........................................
LATCH .42
......................
Risks with Airbags .34
.............................
Small Children .39
..........................................
Tether .45
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 34
.......................................
Child Seats .40
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 45
...............
Climate Control System . 104
..............................................
Clock .130
.....................
Code, Audio System .129
........................
CO in the Exhaust .259
......................
Compact Spare Tire .230
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 266
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant ........................................
Adding .208
....................................
Checking .162
.........................
Proper Solution .208
...................
Temperature Gauge . 67
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .259
................
Cruise Control Indicator . 61............
Cruise Control Operation . 144
.....................................
Cup Holders .99
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 266
tires
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .105
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience .103
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 159Filters
...............................................
Oil .206
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 231
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 210
..........................................
Brake .212
......................
Dif f erential Fluid .211
..........................
Power Steering .213
...................
Transf er Assembly . 211
..................
Windshield Washer . 209
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .113
........................................
Fog Lights .75
................
Folding the Second Seat . 87
...................
Folding the Third Seat . 88
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
........................................
Front Seat .84
......................................
Adjusting .84
.........................................
Airbags .23
.........................................
Heaters .89
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 256
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .169
....................................
Economy .162
Driving Position Memory ..........................................
System .94
..................
DVD Error Messages . 140
...................................
DVD Player .133
..............................
Economy, Fuel .162
..................................
Emergencies .229
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 238
...........
Brake System Indicator . 244
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 231
.....
Charging System Indicator . 242
..................
Checking the Fuses . 246
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 74
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 242
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 243
..................
Overheated Engine . 240
.......................................
Towing .244
...........................
Emergency Brake .92
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .244 .......................
Emissions Controls .259
Engine ....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 67
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .58, 243
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 58,242
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 205
...............................
Overheating .240
............................
Specif ications .255
............................
Speed Limiter .174
.......................................
Starting .171
...................
Engine, .237
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 259
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .51
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .260
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .17
if it won’t start
Index
E
F
III