steering Acura MDX 2008 Service Manual

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf 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.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .382
....................
Maintenance Minder .383
..............................
Fluid Locations .391
.......
Engine Compartment Cover .392
........................
Adding Engine Oil .393
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .394
..............................
Engine Coolant .396
....................
Windshield Washers .398
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .399
....................................
Brake Fluid .401
....................
Power Steering Fluid .402
....................................
Timing Belt .402
.............................................
Lights .403
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .409
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .409
.....................................
Floor Mats .410
.................................
Wiper Blades .411
...............................................
Tires .415
...................
Checking the Battery .421
.............................
Vehicle Storage .422
469
Maintenance
Maint enance
381
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One of the most convenient and
important f eatures of the multi-
inf ormation display on your vehicle
is the maintenance minder.
Based on engine operating
conditions and accumulated engine
revolutions, the onboard computer in
your vehicle calculates the remaining
engine oil lif e.
The system also displays the code
f or other scheduled maintenance
items needing service.
The remaining engine oil lif e is
displayed according to the table
shown below.
Calculated Engine Oil Lif e (%)
100% 91% 90% 81%
80% 71%
70% 61%
60% 51%
50% 41%
40% 31%
30% 21%
20% 16%
15% 11%
10% 6% 5% 1% 0% Displayed
Engine Oil Lif e (%)
100% 90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
To see the remaining engine oil lif e
displayed on the multi-inf ormation
display as a percentage, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. Make sure the display
pressure, and then press the SEL/
RESETbuttononthesteeringwheel
repeatedly until the engine oil lif e
appears (see page ).
73
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Engine Oil L if e
Maint enance
383
REMAINING ENGINE OIL LIFE
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Press the SEL/RESET button on the
steering wheel repeatedly to select
the engine oil lif e. The message
‘‘SERVICE’’, along with ‘‘5%’’, and the
maintenance item code are displayed
on the lower part of the multi-
inf ormation display when the
calculated engine oil lif e is 1 5
percent (see page ).
When the remaining oil lif e is 1 to 5
percent, the multi-information
display shows a ‘‘SERVICE DUE
NOW’’ message with the same
maintenance items ‘‘SERVICE DUE
SOON’’ was displayed with. When
you see this message have the
indicated maintenance perf ormed as
soon as possible.
When the remaining engine oil lif e is
15 to 6 percent, the multi-inf ormation
display shows a ‘‘SERVICE DUE
SOON’’ message along with the
maintenance schedule code
indicating the main and sub items
required at the time of the oil change.
Ref er to page f or a complete list
of the maintenance main items and
sub items.
390
383
Maintenance Minder
384
MAINTENANCE
SUB ITEMS
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEM
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If the indicated maintenance service
is not done and the remaining engine
oil lif e reaches 0%, the multi-
inf ormation display will show the
message ‘‘SERVICE PAST DUE’’
and the maintenance item code(s).
This message is displayed when the
total mileage is less than 10 miles
(f or U.S. models) or 10 km (f or
Canadian models) af ter the engine
oillifebecame0%. These messages will come on every
time you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position.
Immediately have the service
perf ormed, and make sure to reset
the oil lif e minder as previously
described.
The message will be canceled if the
or buttononthesteeringwheel
is pressed. Press the or button
to see the message again.
Press the SEL/RESET button on the
steering wheel repeatedly to select
the engine oil lif e. The message
‘‘SERVICE’’, along with ‘‘0 %’’, and
the maintenance item code are
displayed on the lower part of the
multi-inf ormation display when the
calculated engine oil lif e is 0 1 %.
CONT INUED
Maintenance Minder
Maint enance
385
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If the indicated required service is
not done and the remaining engine
oil lif e becomes 0%, the multi-
inf ormation display will show a
‘‘SERVICE PAST DUE’’ message,
thetotalmileageaftertheremaining
oillifebecame0%,andthe
maintenance item code(s). This message is displayed when you
drive over 10 miles (f or U.S. models)
or 10 km (f or Canadian models)
af ter seeing the 0% message.
Immediately have the service
perf ormed, and make sure to reset
the display as previously described.
The message will be canceled if the
or buttononthesteeringwheel
is pressed. Press the or button
to see the message again.
When you press the SEL/RESET
button to select the engine oil lif e,
the message ‘‘SERVICE’’, along with
the maintenance item code and the
total negative mileage af ter the oil
lif e became 0 %, will be displayed on
the lower part of the multi-
inf ormation display.
Maintenance Minder
386
MAINTENANCE CODE
CANADA U.S.
TOTAL PAST DUE MILEAGE
TOTAL PAST DUE MILEAGE
U.S.
CANADA
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All the maintenance items displayed
in the multi-information display are
in code.
For an explanation of the
maintenance codes, see page . Your dealer will reset the display
af ter completing the required
maintenance service. You will see
‘‘OIL LIFE 100%’’ on the display the
next time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position.
If maintenance service is done by
someone other than your dealer,
reset the maintenance minder as
f ollows:
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position.
If the engine oil lif e is not
displayed, press the SEL/RESET
buttononthesteeringwheel
repeatedly the multi-information
tire pressure. Select ‘‘RESET’’ by pressing the
INFO ( / ) button, then press
the SEL/RESET button to reset
the engine oil lif e display. The
maintenance item code(s) will
disappear, and the engine oil lif e
will reset to ‘‘100.’’ If you want to
cancel the oil lif e reset mode,
select ‘‘CANCEL.’’
Press and hold the SEL/RESET
button on the steering wheel f or more than 10 seconds. The
remaining engine oil lif e reset
mode will be shown on the multi-
inf ormation display.
1.
2.
3. 4.
390
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Main Items and Sub
Items Resetting the Engine Oil Lif e
Display
Maint enance
387
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEM
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEM MAINTENANCE
SUB ITEMS
MAINTENANCE
SUB ITEMS
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Maintenance Minder
390
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, 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 Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
Replace dust and pollen filter
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission and transfer fluid
Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
Replace rear differential fluid
Symbol
Symbol
A B 1
2
3
4
5
61
1
If the message ‘‘SERVICE DUE NOW’’ does not appear more than 12
months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first
column on page .
Independent of the maintenance messages in the multi-information
display, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy. 389
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
If you drive regularly in very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every
60,000 miles (U.S.)/100,000 km (Canada).
Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of
mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires
differential fluid changes more frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you
regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions,
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles
(12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
:
1:
NOTE :
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance
391
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
POWER STEERING FLUID
(Red cap)
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
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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.
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. Replace the timing belt every 60,000
miles (U.S.) or every 100,000 km
(Canada) if you regularly drive your
vehicle in any of the f ollowing
conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F, 43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under 20°F, 29°C).
Frequently tow a trailer.
Timing Belt
Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid, Timing Belt
402
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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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.
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.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).
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.
To help increase tire lif e and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back. TheABSworksbycomparingthe
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the vehicle. Tire size
and construction can affect wheel
speed and may cause the system to
activate.
When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.
Tires
T ire Maintenance Replacing T ires and Wheels
Tire Rotation
418
Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)Front
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle’s aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights f or balancing.
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