maintenance schedule Acura MDX 2008 Owner's Manual

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You’ll f ind many saf ety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with airbags,
make sure you and your passengers
always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly (see page ). Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat, not the front seat. Infants and
smallchildrenshouldberestrained
in a child seat. Larger children
should use a booster seat and a lap/
shoulder belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat
(see pages ).
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Inf ants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to f ollow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical f ailure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition f requently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance (see page ).
Excessive speed is a major f actor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
f aster than is saf e f or current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don’t drink
and drive, and don’t let your f riends
drink and drive, either.
15 3757
415
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
Restrain All Children
K eep Your Vehicle in Saf e
Condition
Control Your Speed
Don’t Drink and Drive
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
Important Saf ety Precautions
6
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Select this button to
delete the current message.
Select this button to hear a
voice read the entire message. This
gives you more inf ormation than the
screen can display at one time. When
you select the Voice button, it
changes to a Stop Reading button.
Select the button again to stop the
voice.
Select this button to call a
phone number embedded in the
message. When you select , the
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink(HFL)
dials the number f or you. Select this
button to get more inf ormation about
the current diagnostic message. To
use this option, your cellphone must
be paired with the HFL. In addition,
the paired phone must have a
compatible data service and be set
up with the AcuraLink system to
make a data connection. Access the
handsf reelink.com website to f ind
out which data services are currently
compatible with AcuraLink.
To set your AcuraLink pref erences
(thetypesof messagesyouwantto
receive, if any), visit the Owner Link
website at
www.owners.acura.com,
and choose what you would like to
receive. If you do not have internet
access, call Acura Client Services at
(800) 382-2238; they can set your
message pref erences f or you.
Select this button to f ind the nearest
Acura dealer using the navigation
system.
Select
this button to call the Acura dealer
you purchased your vehicle f rom.
AcuraLink also directs you to this
dealer so you can schedule a
maintenance appointment or receive
inf ormation about a message. If your
assigned servicing dealer changes,
AcuraLink will reset to call that
dealer.
To make a call, your Bluetooth
compatible phone must be paired to
the vehicle’s HandsFreeLink system,
powered on, and located within the
vehicle(seepage ). 280
Delete
Voice
Call
Call Diagnostic Inf o
Message Pref erences
Find Nearest Acura Dealer
Call Your A cura Dealer
AcuraLink
Features
311
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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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To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions bef ore you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is of f .
To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.
To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all f uel-related parts. Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
with the battery or compressed air.
All service items not detailed in this
section should be perf ormed by a
certif ied technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.
Let the engine and exhaust system cool
down bef ore touching any parts.
Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.
Maintenance Saf ety
Important Saf ety Precautions Injury f rom moving parts.
Burns f rom hot parts.
Carbon Monoxide poison f rom
engine exhaust.
Potential Vehicle Hazards
382
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle, or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’s
manual. Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.
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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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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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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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Î
ÎThe burning of gasoline in your
vehicle’s engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating f rom the tank
also produces hydrocarbons. Con-
trolling the production of NOx, CO,
and HC is important to the environ-
ment. Under certain conditions of
sunlight and climate, NOx and HC
react to f orm photochemical ‘‘smog.’’
Carbon monoxide does not contri-
bute to smog creation, but it is a
poisonous gas. The United States Clean Air Act
sets standards f or automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
workandwhattodotomaintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
.
In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specif ied in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manuf actured.
Your vehicle has a positive
crankcase ventilation system. This
keeps gasses that build up in the
engine’s crankcase f rom going into
the atmosphere. The positive crankcase ventilation valve routes
them from the crankcase back to the
intake manif old. They are then
drawn into the engine and burned.
As gasoline evaporates in the f uel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister f illed with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is of f . Af ter
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
The onboard ref ueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the f uel vapors during ref ueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
f illed with activated carbon. While
driving, the f uel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned of f .
390
The Clean Air Act
Crankcase Emissions Control
System Evaporative Emissions Control
System
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
Recovery
Emissions Cont rols
460
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Locks.....
Anti-thef t Steering Column .129
............................
Fuel Fill Door .323
..................................
Glove Box .164
..................
Lockout Prevention .131
...............................
Power Door .130
..............................
Tailgate .131,132
........................
Low Coolant Level .326
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .71
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .65,436
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart .452
............
Luggage, Storing (cargo) .332
..................................
Maintenance .381
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .389
........................................
Minder .383
..........................................
Saf ety .382
....................................
Schedule .390
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .437
...........
Memory, Driving Position .157
.............................
Message Display .80
..........................
Message Indicator .69
...............................
Meters, Gauges .72 ........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .155
.................................
Modif ications .331
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle .331
.......................................
Moonroof .152
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display .73
...................
Neutral Gear Position .342
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .322
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .450
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline .322
.........................................
Odometer .75
...............................
Odometer, Trip .75
....................
Of f -Highway Driving .377
...................
Of f -Road Precautions .377
Oil
........................
Change, How to .394
......................
Change, When to .383
......................
Checking Engine .326
...............................
Lif e, Engine .383
..............
Pressure Indicator .65,436 Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart .393
.........
ON (Ignition Key Position) .129
............................
Outside Mirrors .154
.....................
Outside Temperature .76
....................
Overheating, Engine .434
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks .389
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .322
............
Panel Brightness Control .123
........................
Park Gear Position .342
...........................................
Parking .350
...............................
Parking Brake .153
Parking Brake and Brake
.................
System Indicator .65,438
...............................
Parking Lights .118
..
Parking Over Things that Burn .350
....
Passenger Airbag Of f Indicator .34
.............................
PGM-FI System .461
..............
Power Seat Adjustments .140
...............
Power Socket Locations .162
............................
Power Windows .149
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .18
Index
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