lock Acura MDX 2008 Manual Online

Before you leave the pavement, be
sure to do all scheduled maintenance
and service, and inspect your vehicle
f or any problems. Pay special
attention to the condition of the tires,
and check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
caref ully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsaf e.
Recheck the condition of the tires
and the tire pressures.
The route presents limits (too steep
or bumpy roads). You have limits
(driving skill and comfort). And your
vehicle has limits (traction, stability,
and power).
Driving of f -highway can be
hazardous if you f ail to recognize
limits and take the proper
precautions.Forbettertractiononallsurfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway, and you may dig
yourself a hole. Starting with the
shif t lever in D position will help you
have a smoother start on snow or ice.
Keep in mind that you will usually
need more time and distance to
brake to a stop on unpaved surf aces.
Avoid hard braking. Do not ‘‘pump’’
the brakes; let the anti-lock braking
system pump them f or you.
Debris in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Because your vehicle has a high
center of gravity, driving over a large
obstacle, or allowing a wheel to drop
into a deep hole can cause your
vehicle to tip or roll over.If you can’t clearly see all conditions
or obstacles on a slope, walk the
slope bef ore you drive on it. If you
have any doubt whether or not you
can saf ely drive on the slope, don’t
do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and f ind
that you cannot continue,
. Your vehicle could roll
over. Slowly back down the hill,
f ollowing the same route you took up
the hill.
Bef ore driving through water, stop,
get out if necessary, and make sure
that: The water is not deep enough to
cover your wheel hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe. You could stall and
not be able to restart your engine.
The water can also damage
important vehicle components.
do not try to
turn around
Check Out Your Vehicle
Remember Accelerating and Braking
Avoiding ObstaclesDriving on Slopes
Crossing a Stream
Of f -Highway Driving Guidelines
378
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2008 MDX

Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Turn of f the engine and let it sit
f or several minutes, then check
the oil level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add more oil.
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter. Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
9.
8.
7.
6.
4.
5.
3.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
395
OIL FILTER
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m)
4.5 US qt (4.3
) Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmf ul to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container, and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
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2008 MDX

Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pour the coolant slowly and
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap cover. Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
3. 4.
1.
2. 5.
CONT INUED
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
397
RADIATOR CAP COVER
RADIATOR CAP
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µµ
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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2008 MDX

CONT INUED
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it
about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
Remove the f ront bulkhead cover
(see page ).
Open the hood.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be done by your dealer or
other qualif ied technician.
1.
2.3.
4.
392
MDX and Technology Packages models
Headlight A iming Replacing a High Beam Headlight Bulb
L ow Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
Lights
Maint enance
403
BULB
CONNECTOR
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
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2008 MDX

Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Open the hood.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the f ront bulkhead cover
(see page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
5.
6.
7.
6.
7.
392
Replacing Front Turn Signal/
Parking and Side Marker Light
Bulbs
Lights
404
BULB
BULB
SOCKET
FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT
PARKING LIGHT
SOCKET
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2008 MDX

Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb f rom the f og
light assembly by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise.Remove the two bolts, and remove
the rear light assembly f rom the
rear pillar.
Open the tailgate. Use a flat-tip
screwdriver protected with a cloth
to pry open the two covers.
Determine which of the two bulbs
is burned out: turn signal/hazard
lights or side marker light.
1. 2.
3.
3.
4.
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in Rear Pillar)
406
CONNECTOR
INNER FENDER COVER
BOLT
BOLT
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2008 MDX

CONT INUED
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Put the socket back into the light
assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
Install the rear light assembly in
the rear pillar. Tighten the two
bolts. Snap the bolt covers into
position.
Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the light assembly
cover. Remove the cover by
caref ully prying in the notch on its
middle edge with a f lat-tip
screwdriver.
1.
4.
5. 6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
Replacing a Back-up L ight Bulb
Maint enance
407
COVER
BULB SOCKET
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2008 MDX

Each outside mirror has side turn
signal lights. The lights should be
replaced by your dealer.
The license plate has two lights
above it. The bulbs should be
replaced by your dealer.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working. Place the cover back into the light
assembly. Push it up until it locks
in place.
Put the socket back into the light
assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
4.
5. 6.
2.
3. 7.
Lights
Side T urn Signal L ight
Rear L icense Plate Bulb
408
BULB
SOCKET
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2008 MDX

Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every 6 months.
Replace them if you f ind signs of
cracking in the rubber, and areas
that are getting hard or if they leave
streaks and unwiped areas when
used.To replace the f ront wiper blades:Raise each wiper arm of f the
windshield, lif ting the driver’s side
first, then the passenger’s side. Disconnect the blade assembly
from the wiper arm:
Press and hold the lock tab.
Slide the blade assembly toward
the lock tab until it releases
from the wiper arm.
When replacing a wiper blade, make
sure not to drop the wiper blade or
wiper arm down on the windshield.
2.
1.
CONT INUED
Wiper Blades
Maint enance
411
WIPER ARMS
LOCK TAB
Do not open the hood when the wiper
arms are raised, or you will damage the
hood and the wiper arms.
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2008 MDX