belt Acura MDX 2005 Service Manual

The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
inf ormation about your vehicle.
If you turn the ignition switch to ON
(II) bef ore f astening your seat belt,
the beeper sounds and the indicator
f lashes. If you do not f asten your
seat belt bef ore the beeper stops, the
indicator stops f lashing but remains
on.
If you continue driving without
f astening your seat belt, the beeper
sounds and the indicator f lashes
again at regular intervals.See page .
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator f lashes or stays on
when the engine is running. For
more inf ormation, see page .
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more inf ormation,
see page .
This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch to ON (II). It
reminds you and your passengers to
f asten your seat belts. A beeper also
sounds if you have not f astened your
seat belt.
This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II), see page f or
more inf ormation. If it comes on at
any other time, it indicates a
potential problem with your f rontairbags or automatic seat belt
tensioners. This indicator will also
alert you to a potential problem with
your side airbags, passenger’s side
airbag automatic cutoff system,
driver’s seat position sensor, f ront
passenger’s weight sensors, or side
curtain airbags. For complete
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator comes on f or a f ew
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to ON (II). If it comes on at
any other time, it indicates that the
passenger’s side airbag has
automatically shut off. For more
inf ormation, see page .
273
272
272 32 32
32
Instrument Panel Indicators
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator Side A irbag Of f
Indicator
60
U.S.
Canada

See page f or important saf etyinf ormation and a warning about how toproperly position the head restraints. 15
Theyaremosteffectivewhenyou
adjust them so the back of the
occupant’s head rests against the
center of the restraint. Your vehicle is equipped with head
restraints in all seating positions to
help protect you and your
passengers f rom whiplash and other
injuries. To unlatch the detachable anchor,
insert a key into the slot on the side
of the small buckle. Line up the
triangle marks on the plate and
buckle when reattaching the belt and
buckle.
The head restraints adjust f or height.
You need both hands to adjust the
restraint. Do not attempt to adjust it
while driving. To raise it, pull upward.
To lower the restraint, push the
release button sideways and push
the restraint down.
Head Restraints
Detachable Seat Belt Anchors
Seats
88
RELEASE BUTTON SMALL LATCH PLATE
TRIANGULAR MARKS
Using a seat belt with the
detachable anchor unlatched
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Before using the seat belt,
make sure the detachable
anchor is correctly latched.

The left and right halves can be
f olded up separately.If you are f olding the lef t half of
the seat, use the ignition key to
release the center seat belt from
the detachable anchor. Allow the
seat belt to retract into the roof.
Insert the latch plate into the roof
holder.
Lower the head restraint to its
lowest position.
Pull up the handle on the outside
of the seat-back.
Fold the seat-back forward.
Reverse this procedure to return the
seat to the upright position. Make
sure the seat is locked securely
bef ore driving.
To change the seat-back angle of the
seats in the second row, pull up on
thehandleontheoutsideof theseat-
back.
2.
3. 1.
4.
Seats
Folding the Second Seat
A djusting the Second Seat
Inst rument s and Cont rols
89
HANDLE
Using a seat belt with the
detachable anchor unlatched
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Before using the seat belt,
make sure the detachable
anchor is correctly latched.

Store the head restraints in the
storage compartment. Make sure
the head restraints are f ace up
(storing them face down can
damage the compartment or the
headrests), then insert the shaf ts
into the holes in the sides of the
storage compartment.
Use the ignition key to release the
seat belt from the detachable
anchor.
Pull on the handle on the back of the
seat-back, move the seat-back to the
desired position, and release the
handle. Let the seat-back latch in the
new position.
Remove the head restraints by
pushing the release buttons and
pulling the restraints out.
To get into the third row seats, pull
uptheleveronthesideof the
passenger’s side second row seat-
back. The seat-back will tilt f orward,
and the seat will slide f orward.
After you return the seat-back to the
upright position, push the whole seat
backwards until it latches. Make
sure the seat is f ully latched bef ore
sitting in it.
1.2.
3.
Seats
Folding the T hird Row Seat A djusting the T hird Row Seat
T hird Row A ccess
90
HANDLE
THIRD
SEAT
RELEASE LEVER

Both f ront seats are equipped with
seat heaters. The passenger seat is
only heated in the seat bottom
because of the side airbag of f system.
The ignition switch must be in the
ON (II) position to use them. Push
the front of the switch, HI, to rapidly
heat up the seat. After the seat
reaches a comf ortable temperature,
select LO by pushing the back of the
switch. This will keep the seat warm.
To f old the third row seat,
the second row must be f olded down
or completely up right.
Unlock the seat-back by pulling
the handle. Push the seat-back
forward.
Make sure the outer shoulder belts
are positioned on each hook
whenever the third seat is f olded.
Reverse this procedure to return the
seat to the upright position. Make
sure the seat is locked securely
bef ore driving. Reinstall the head
restraints. Reconnect the seat belts
to the detachable anchors.
Make sure all items in the cargo area
are secured. Loose items can f ly
f orward and cause injury if you have
to brake hard. See
on page . In HI, the heater turns of f when the
seat gets warm, and turns back on
after the seat’s temperature drops.
In LO, the heater runs continuously.
It does not cycle with temperature
changes.
Follow these precautions when using
the seat heaters:
Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly, because it draws
large amounts of current f rom the
battery.
If the engine is lef t idling f or an
extended period, do not use the
seat heaters, even on the LO
setting. It can weaken the battery,
causing hard starting.
4.
193 Seat Heaters
Carrying Cargo
Seats, Seat Heaters
Inst rument s and Cont rols
91
NOTE:
SEAT HEATERS

Your vehicle is equipped with a f lip-
over center console lid that provides
a tray and a beverage holder f or the
second row passengers. To open the
beverage holders, pull up the center
lever on the center console and lif t
the lid.
Be caref ul when you are using the
beverage holders. A spilled liquid
that is very hot can scald you or your
passengers. Spilled liquids can
damage the upholstery, carpeting,
and electrical components in the
interior.
Open the glove box by squeezing the
handle. Close it with a f irm push.
Lock or unlock the glove box with
the master key.
Open the f ront beverage holder by
pushing on the lid. Beverage Holders Console Compartment Glove Box
Interior Convenience Items
102
LEVER
An open glove box can cause
serious injury to your passenger
inacrash,evenifthe
passenger is wearing the seat
belt.
Always keep the glove box
closed while driving.

Your vehicle has higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.
Because your vehicle rides higher
of f the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible. Do not modif y your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof .
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle. Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice. Make sure the doors and tailgate
are securely closed and locked. Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ). Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ). Check the seat adjustment (see
page ). Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
95
1659
86
78
See page f or additional guidelinesf or driving of f -highway. 223
Driving Guidelines, Preparing to Drive
Driving Guidelines
Preparing to Drive
198

To avoid loss of control or rollover,
be sure to f ollow all precautions and
recommendations.Be sure to store cargo properly
and do not exceed your cargo load
limits (see page and ).
Your vehicle has been designed
primarily f or use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance and f our-
wheel drive VTM-4 system allow you
to occasionally travel on unpaved
roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites,
and similar locations. It is not
designed f or trailblazing, mountain
climbing, or other challenging of f -
road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will f ind that it requires
somewhat dif f erent driving skills.
Your vehicle will also handle
somewhat dif f erently than it does on
pavement. Be sure to pay extra
attention to the precautions and tips
in this section, and get acquainted
with your vehicle bef ore leaving the
pavement. Whenever you drive, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear seat belts.
Keep your speed low, and never
go faster than the conditions allow.
It’s up to you to continually assess
the situation and drive within the
limits.
194 213
Important Saf ety Precautions
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
Driving
223
Improperly operating this
vehicle on or off-pavement can
cause an accident or rollover in
which you and your passengers
could be seriously injured or
killed.
Follow all instructions and
guidelines in the owner’s
manual.
Keep your speed low and
don’t drive faster than
conditions permit.

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how 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 vehicle, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .228
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 229
....................
Maintenance Record .233
..............................
Fluid Locations .236
........................
Adding Engine Oil .237
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 238
..............................
Engine Coolant .240
....................
Windshield Washers .241
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 242
....................................
Brake Fluid .243
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 244
....................................
Timing Belt .244
.............................................
Lights .245
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 249
.....................................
Floor Mats .249
.................................
Wiper Blades .250
...............................................
Tires .252
...................
Checking the Battery . 257
.............................
Vehicle Storage .258
299
Maintenance
Maint enance
227

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231
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
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Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
At every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) up to 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 1 year, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. At 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page .
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192 135
216150
240
90
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75
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60
96
45
72
30
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15
24 105
168
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 223)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brake wear
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace transfer fluid
Replace VTM-4 rear differential fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
1:
2:: 230
1
1 2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions