tires Acura MDX 2005 Owner's Guide

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.Keeping the tires properly inf lated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread lif e, and riding
comf ort.
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)willwarnyouwhenatire
pressure is low. See page f or
inf ormation on the TPMS.
The f ollowing pages give more
detailed inf ormation on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
Underinf lated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.
Overinf lated tires can make your
vehicleridemoreharshly,are
more prone to damage f rom 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. Thecompactsparetirepressureis:
For convenience, the recommended
tire sizes and cold air pressures are
on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Tire pressure f or high speed driving
is the same as f or normal driving.
For additional technical information
about your tires, see page .
Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure at least once a month. Even
tires that are in good condition may
lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1
to 0.2 kgf /cm ) per month.
Remember to check the spare tire at
thesametime.
205
288Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
Tire SizeInf lation Guidelines
Tires
252
P235/65R17 103T 32 psi (220 kPa ,
2.2 kgf/cm
)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
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.

Every time you check inf lation, you
should also examine the tires for
damage, f oreign objects, and wear.
Youshouldlookfor:Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
youfindeitherof theseconditions.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see f abric or cord.
Excessive tread wear.
Tubeless tires have some ability to
self -seal if they are punctured. You
should look closely f or punctures if a
tire starts losing pressure.
Youshouldgetyourowntire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier f or you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
Check the pressure in the tires when
they are cold. This means the vehicle
has been parked f or at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km).
If you check the pressure when the
tires are hot [driven f or several miles
(kilometers)], you will see readings 4
to6psi(30to40kPa,0.3to0.4
kgf /cm ) higher than the cold
reading. This is normal; do not
release air to match the cold
pressure. Tire Inspection
Tires
Maint enance
253

Your vehicle’s tires have wear
indicators molded into the tread.
When the tread wears down to that
point, you will see a 1/2 inch (12.7
mm) wide band running across the
tread. This shows there is less than
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread lef t on
the tire. A tire that is this worn gives
very little traction on wet roads. You
should replace the tire if you can see
the tread wear indicator in three or
more places around the tire.In addition to proper inf lation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you f ind a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000
km). Move the tires to the positions
showninthecharteachtimethey
are rotated. If you purchase
directional tires, rotate only f ront-to-
back.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you f eel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed f rom the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comf ort and tire lif e. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance. T ire Maintenance
T ire Rotation
Tires
254
Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) Front
(For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights f or balancing.

It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specif ications
match those of the original wheels.
Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specif ic wheels. If you do not, your
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
will not work on that tire.
Replacement wheels are available at
your Acura dealer.Wheel:
Tires:
See page f or DOT tire quality
grading inf ormation, and page
f or tire size explanation.
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
286
288
Wheel and T ire Specif ications
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tires
Maint enance
255
17x61/2JJ
P235/65R17 103T Installing improper tires on your
vehicle can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner’s manual.

´
Tires marked ‘‘M S’’ or ‘‘All
Season’’ on the sidewall have an all-
weather tread design suitable for
most winter driving conditions.
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.
If you mount snow tires on your
vehicle, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as original tires. Mount snow tires on
all f our wheels. The traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
maybelowerthanyouroriginaltires.
Check with the tire dealer f or
maximum speed recommendations. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’
cable-type traction devices, with
rubber chain tensioners on the f ront
tires. Do not use any chains on rear
wheels. Use traction devices only
when required by driving conditions
or local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size f or your tires. Metal link-
type ‘‘chains’’ should not be used.
When installing cables, f ollow the
manuf acturer’s instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.
Winter Driving
Snow T ires
Tire Chains
Tires
256
Traction devices that are the wrong
size or improperly installed can
damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of
the vehicle.

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 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. 231
Vehicle Storage
258

Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or replaced,
and put it back on your vehicle as
soon as you can.
Check the inf lation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inf lated to:
Follow these precautions:Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
under any circumstances.
This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road sur-
f aces. Use greater caution while
driving. Do not mount snow chains on a
compact spare.
Do not use the compact spare tire
if you are towing a trailer.
Do not use your compact spare
tire on another vehicle unless it is
thesamemakeandmodel.
Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement should be the same size
and design tire, mounted on the
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed f or mounting a regular tire.
Compact Spare Tire
260
INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)

The brake system indicator
normally comes on when
you turn the ignition switch
to ON (II), and as a
reminder to check the
parking brake. It will stay
on if you do not f ully
release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ).
If the f luid level is low, take the
vehicle to your dealer and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible.
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully. Refer toon page
for non-emergency towing
inf ormation. The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required.
243
222
Brake System Indicator
Emergency Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Behind a Motorhome The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
Brake System Indicator, Emergency Towing
274
Canada U.S.
Towing your vehicle with two tires on
the ground will damage parts of the
4WD system. It should be transported
on a f lat-bed truck or trailer.

Thediagramsinthissectiongive
you the dimensions and capacities of
your vehicle, and the locations of the
identif ication numbers. It also
includes inf ormation you should
know about your vehicle’s tires and
emissions control systems.................
Identif ication Numbers . 282
................................
Specif ications .284
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 286
Unif orm Tire Quality ..................................
Grading .286
.................................
Treadwear .286
......................................
Traction .286
.............................
Temperature .287
.................................
Tire Labeling .288 .......................
Emissions Controls .289
.....................
The Clean Air Act .289
Crankcase Emissions Control ....................................
System .289
Evaporative Emissions Control ....................................
System .289
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ................................
Recovery .289
...
Exhaust Emissions Controls . 290
....................
PGM-FI System .290
Ignition Timing Control ................................
System .290
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ...................
(EGR) System . 290
Three Way Catalytic ...........................
Converter .290
....................
Replacement Parts . 290
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 291
..............
State Emissions Testing . 292
T echnical Inf ormat ion
T echnical Inf ormation
281

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µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
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µ
µ
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µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation
285
Battery
Fuses
Engine
Alignment
Tires
Lights
60 W (HB3)
12 V
10.0 : 1
211.8 cu-in (3,471 cm
)
3.50 x 3.66 in (89.0 x 93.0 mm)
12 V 55 W (H11)
3CP
12 V 28/8 W
12 V 51 W (HB4)
12 V 5 W
12 V 21 W
12 V 21 W/5 W
12 V 21 CP (18 W)
12 V 3 CP
12 V 21 W
12 V 5 W
12 V 5 W 5W
5W
1.1 W
3.8 W
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V
12 V 52 AH/5 HR
Capacity Interior
Under-hood
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs
IZFR5K-11
SKJ16DR-M11
Water cooled 4-stroke SOHC,
V6 gasoline engine
Toe-in
Camber
Caster
Size
Pressure 0.00 in (0.0 mm)
0.00 in (0.0 mm)
0°50’
0°50’
1°53’
P235/65R17 103T
T155/90D16 110M
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
)
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm)
Headlights
Front side marker lights
Front turn signal lights/
Parking lights
Fog light
Front foot lights
Rear turn signal/hazard lights
Brake/Taillights
Backup lights
License plate lights
High-mount brake light
Individual map lights
Cargo area light
Tailgate light
Vanity mirror light
Door light
See page
279or the fuse label
attached to the dashboard.
See page 279or the fuse label
attached to the inside of the fuse
box door under the dashboard.
See page 278or the fuse box
cover.
12 V 65 AH/20 HR Front/Rear
Spare
Front/Rear
Spare Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Front
Rear Driver’s side
Passenger’s side
High
Low
NGK:
DENSO: