engine coolant Acura MDX 2005 Owner's Manual

This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it.This shows the temperature of the
engine’s coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise to
about the middle of the gauge. In
severe driving conditions, the pointer
mayrisetotheupperwhitemark.If
it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull
safely to the side of the road. Turn to
page f or instructions and
precautions on checking the engine’s
cooling system.
To reset a trip meter, display it, and
then press and hold the Reset button
until the number resets to ‘‘0.0’’.
Both trip meters will reset if the
vehicle’s battery goes dead or is
disconnected. There are two trip meters: Trip A
and Trip B. Switch between these
displays by pressing the Select
button repeatedly. Each trip meter
works independently, so you can
keep track of two dif f erent distances.
When you turn the ignition switch to
ON (II), what you last selected is
displayed.
270
Gauges
Trip Meter Temperature Gauge
Inst rument s and Cont rols
69
SELECT BUTTON
RESET BUTTON

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The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes bef ore you
f eel warm air coming f rom the
system.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reads normally.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
A/CbuttonortouchingtheA/C
icon on the models with navigation
system. A/C ON will be displayed
on the screen.
Make sure the temperature is set
to maximum heat.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control buttons.
Press the A/C-INFO button to
show the inf ormation screen.
Select the desired mode by
touching the MODE icon, and set
the f an to the desired speed by
touching the or icon.
Adjustthewarmthwiththe
temperature control buttons ( or
).
Air f lows f rom the def roster
vents at the base of the windshield.
When you select , the system
automatically switches to Fresh Air
mode and turns on the A/C.
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear side
panels.
Set the temperature to maximum.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and Fresh Air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed. 1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3. 69
Vehicles without Navigation System
Vehicles without Navigation System
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Using the A /C
Using the Heater
Ventilation
108

Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period .186
...............................
Gasoline Type .186
.........
Service Station Procedures . 187
....................................
Ref ueling .187
Opening and Closing the ........................................
hood .188
...................................
Oil Check .189
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 190
...............................
Fuel Economy .190
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 191
.............................
Carrying Cargo .193
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
185

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
schedule. See
(see page
). Try to maintain a constant speed.
Everytimeyouslowdownand
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
fuel.Usethecruisecontrolwhen
appropriate.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Usethefresh-air
ventilation when possible.
The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
mileage and reduces the chance of
corrosion.
Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering and
hard braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear
possible. an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses more f uel.
Refer to on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle. 240
230 230
For example,
Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy
Engine Coolant Check
A dding
Engine Coolant Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks
Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
190
RESERVE TANK
MAX MIN

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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Your authorized Acura dealer knows
your vehicle best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Acura
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page .
U.S. Vehicles:
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed at the recommended time
or mileage period to ensure long-
term reliability. 189
190
242 243
253
245
Maintenance Schedule
Servicing Your Vehicle
Owner’s Maintenance ChecksMaintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards.
230

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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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120
192 135
216150
240
90
144
75
120
60
96
45
72
30
48
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

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232
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 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
7.5
12 15
2430
4845
7260
9675
120 90
144 105
168 135
216150
240
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Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions)
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At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
At every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) up to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 6 months, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 1 year.
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Follow this schedule for rear differential fluid replacement if you use your vehicle for off-highway driving, trailer towing, mainly in stop-and-go driving. Otherwise, use
the fluid replacement schedule in the Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, middle column, page . Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
120
192
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 254)
Check front and rear brake wear
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace transfer fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
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:
3: : 244
230
1, 2
,3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

Fluid Locations
236
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)COOLANT
RESERVOIR
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap) RADIATOR CAP ENGINE OIL FILL CAPAUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to between the
MIN and MAX lines. Inspect the
cooling system f or leaks.Always use Honda All Season
Antif reeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or
plain water.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Engine Coolant
A dding Engine Coolant
240
RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.