check engine Acura MDX 2007 Owner's Guide

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Replace the belt at 60,000 miles
(100,000 km) if you regularly 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).
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark. Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
The timing belt should be replaced
at the intervals shown in the
maintenance minder schedule.
If you f requently tow a trailer.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
If you are not sure how to add
f luid, contact your dealer.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spills immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment. Timing Belt
Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
396
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Turning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
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Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position: You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
Wh en you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all. Check
the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page . If
the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
from a booster battery (see page
).
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly(seepage ).
Check these things: Turn
the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. See
on page . 426
433 415
426
69
CONT INUED
If Your Engine Won’t Start
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly Jump Starting T he Starter Operates Normally
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
425
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Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
on page .
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the warning indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page ).
Ifyoufindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
on page . Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
You cannot start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it.
Put the transmission in neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake. Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, climate
control, audio system, lights, etc. Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
1.
2.
436
433331
Starting the
Engine
Emergency
Towing Jump Starting
If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
426
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
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´ ´ Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the vehicle until everything is
disconnected. Otherwise, you may
cause an electrical short.Once the vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable f rom
the engine hanger on your vehicle,
then from the booster battery.
Disconnect the positive cable f rom
your vehicle, then f rom the
booster battery. Start your vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the engine hanger as
shown. Do not connect this jumper
cable to any other part of the
engine.
The numbers in the illustration show
you the order to connect the jumper
cables.
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
vehicle’s battery. Connect the
other end to the positive ( )
terminal on the booster battery. 5.
7.
4. 6.
3.
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
427
BOOSTER BATTERY
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If the temperatu re gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
on page ). Start
the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum (climate control to
FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add
coolant to the radiator up to the
base of the filler neck. If you do
not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
refilled with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightl y. Run the engine, and check
the temperatu re gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
4.
5.
6.
7. 8.
10.
11.9.
433 433
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
429
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.
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Safely pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit for a minute.
Op en 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
dipsti ck (see page ). If
the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
wh en the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
This
indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a m echanical
problem that needs to be repaired
befo re you can continue driving
(see on page
). You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK
CHARGI NG SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
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.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK
ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on
the multi-information display when
this indicator comes on. 1.
2.
3.
4.
320
387
433 81
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Charging System Indicator
Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
430
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.
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To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will
come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks five times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle for a state
emissions test until the readiness
codes are set. Refer to
for more
info rmation (see page ).
If
this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may feel no difference in
your vehicle’s performance, it can
reduce your fuel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damag e.If
the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least once. Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator off
immediately; it can take several days
of norm al driving.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
You
will also see a ‘‘CHECK
EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ). If your vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It can take several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
81 456
Malf unction Indicator L amp
Malf unction Indicator L amp
State
Emissions T esting
Readiness Code
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
431
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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#
) This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
This manual complements the service manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
464
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
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below for a quotation.
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Customer Name Attention
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Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
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()
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days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
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CONT INUED
BatteryCharging System ...........................
Indicator . 65, 430
............................
Jump Starting .426
..............................
Maintenance .415
............................
Specif ications .447
..............................
Bef ore Driving .315
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,20
.........................
Beverage Holders .161
..................................
Booster Seats .55
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 349 .............
Break-in, New Linings . 316
...........................................
Fluid .395
....................
Bulb Replacement .400
.......................................
Parking .151
.................
System Indicator . 65, 432
........................
Wear Indicators .348
.............................
Braking System .348
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 316
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .123
......................
Brights, Headlights .118
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .401
..............................
Brake Lights .400
................
Front Parking Lights . 398
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 398
.................................
Headlights .397
.................................
Rear Bulbs .400
............................
Specif ications .447
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 398
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .397
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 322
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .....................................
Position) .129
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 164
...........................
AC Power Outlet .165
................
Active Damper System . 353
.....................................
Acura Link .303
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 388
...............................
Airbag (SRS) .9, 24
..............
Air Conditioning System . 168
.....................
Rear A/C Control .173
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) .175
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .410
......................................
Antif reeze .390
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ....................
Indicator Light . 66, 349
...................................
Operation .349
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 231
Anti-thef t Steering Column ............................................
Lock .129
................
Audio System . 178, 179, 198
Auto Control Mode, Starting ........................................
Engine .331
..........
Automatic Climate Control . 168.......................
Automatic Lighting .119
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 266
..............
Automatic Transmission . 333
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .446
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 393
.......................................
Shif ting .333
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .333
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 334
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 338
Index
A
B
INDEX
I
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CONT INUED
...................................
Fan, Interior .171
Features, Comfort and
..............................
Convenience .167
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .317
Filters
...............................................
Oil .388
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning .122
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .419
.....................................
Floor Mats .404
........................
Disc Changer . 188, 216
Disc Changer Error ...........................
Messages . 197, 226
............................
Disc Player . 188, 216
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .389
Doors
............
Locking and Unlocking .130
..................
Lockout Prevention .131
........................................
Monitor .11
....................
Power Door Locks .130
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .448
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .329
....................................
Economy .316
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .155
......
DVD Player Error Messages .261
...................................
DVD Player .236
..............................
Economy, Fuel .316
..................................
Emergencies .417
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .426
...........
Brake System Indicator .432
................
Changing a Flat Tire .419 .....
Charging System Indicator .430
..................
Checking the Fuses .437
...........
Driving with a Flat Tire .418
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers .122
............................
Jump Starting .426
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .430
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .431
..................
Overheated Engine .428
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
................................
Manually .433
.......................................
Towing .433
.........................
Emergency Brake .151
....................
Emergency Flashers .122
......................
Emergency Towing .433
.......................
Emissions Controls .453
Engine
............
Check Starting System .332
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .72
.........................
If it Won’t Start .425
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 65, 431
.......................................
Oil Lif e .375
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 65, 430
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .387
...............................
Overheating .428
............................
Specif ications .447 ............................
Speed Limiter .338
.......................................
Starting .331
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .453
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .58
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
........................................
System .454
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .18
Index
E F
INDEX
III
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