oil change Acura MDX 2009 Owner's Manual

Your vehicle's exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide should not enter the
vehicle in normal driving if you
maintain your vehicle properly and
follow the information on this page.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:●The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.●You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.●The vehicle was in an accident that
may have damaged the underside.
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
vehicle out of the garage. With the tailgate open, airflow can
pull exhaust gas into your vehicle's
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows,
and set the climate control system as
shown below.
If you must sit in your parked vehicle
with the engine running, even in an
unconfined area, adjust the climate
control system as follows:
1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the
mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard5808/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

When the main menu is blank,
SH-AWD or TIRE PRESSURE,
pressing the SEL/RESET button
changes the display to‘‘trip meter/
odometer ’’ ‘‘outside temperature/
odometer ’’and ‘‘engine oil life/
odometer ’’. Odometer
The odometer shows the total
distance your vehicle has been
driven. It measures miles in U.S.
models and kilometers in Canadian
models. It is illegal under U.S.
federal law and Canadian provincial
regulations to disconnect, reset, or
alter the odometer with the intent to
change the number of miles or
kilometers indicated. Trip Meter
This meter shows the number of
miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it. There
are two trip meters: Trip A and Trip
B. Each trip meter works
independently, so you can keep track
of two different distances.
To reset a trip meter, display it, and
then press and hold the SEL/RESET
button until the number resets to
‘‘
0.0. ’’
ODOMETER
TRIP METER
CONTINUED
Multi-Information Display
75
Inst rument s and Cont rols
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2009 MDX

Engine Oil LifeThis shows the remaining life of the
engine oil. It shows 100% after the
engine oil is replaced and the display
is reset. The engine oil life is
calculated based on engine operating
conditions and accumulated engine
revolutions. For more information,
see page383.SH-AWD Torque Distribution
Monitor
This monitor shows how much
torque is being delivered to each
wheel. For more information, see
page348.
Tire Pressure Monitor
When the tire pressure monitor is
shown on the multi-information
display, press the SEL/RESET
button. The display changes as
shown.
You can see the pressure of each tire
in this monitor. If one or more tires
are low, inflate them to the correct
pressure. For more information, see
page351.
ENGINE OIL LIFE
U.S.
Canada
CONTINUED
Multi-Information Display
77
Inst rument s and Cont rols
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2009 MDX

Break-in Period
Help assure your vehicle's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:●Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.●Avoid hard braking for the first 200
miles (300 km).●Do not change the oil until the
multi-information display indicates
it is needed.●Do not tow a trailer.
You should also follow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Fuel Recommendation
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with
a pump octane of 91 or higher. If this
octane grade is unavailable, regular
unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 87 or higher may be used
temporarily. The use of regular
unleaded gasoline can cause metallic
knocking noises in the engine and
will result in decreased engine
performance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead to
engine damage.
We recommend quality gasolines
containing detergent additives that
help prevent fuel system and engine
deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
performance, fuel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT.Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely affect performance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with
oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on oxygenated gasoline
containing up to 10% ethanol by
volume and up to 15% MTBE by
volume. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
For further important fuel-related
information, please refer to your
Quick Start Guide.Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation32208/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

When the remaining engine oil life is
15 to 6 percent, the multi-information
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. Refer to page390for a
complete list of the maintenance
main items and sub items.
When the remaining oil life 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 performed as soon as
possible.
Press the SEL/RESET button on the
steering wheel repeatedly to select
the engine oil life. The message
‘‘ SERVICE ’’, along with ‘‘5% ’’, and the
maintenance item code are displayed
on the lower part of the multi-
information display when the
calculated engine oil life is 1－ 5
percent (see page383).
MAINTENANCE
MAIN ITEM MAINTENANCE
SUB ITEMS
Maintenance Minder38408/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
1
B
●Replace engine oil
1and 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●Exhasut system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections
＃
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 page388.
NOTE:
●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. Symbol
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element
If you dirve in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf you dirve 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).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump 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).●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace rear differential fluid 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).
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
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2009 MDX

Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the multi-
information display.
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect the engine or transmission
performance and durability.Changing the Engine Oil and
Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the multi-
information display. The oil and filter
collect contaminants that can
damage your engine if they are not
removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood, and remove theengine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
WASHER DRAIN BOLT
Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Engine Oil and Filter39408/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

3. Remove the oil filter, and let theremaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Make sure the oil filter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it before installing a
new oil filter. 4. Install a new oil filter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean off any dirt and
dust on the connecting surface of a
new oil filter.
5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m, 4.0 kgf·m)
6. Refill the engine with the recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.5 US qt (4.3 L) 7. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn off the
engine, and check your work.
8. Let the engine run for several minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine and let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil
level on the dipstick. If necessary,
add more oil.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful 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.
OIL FILTER
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
395
Maint enance
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2009 MDX

Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed
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
another qualified technician.
Low Beam Headlight Bulb
Replacement
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 off
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.Replacing a High Beam Headlight
Bulb
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the front bulkhead cover
(see page392).
3. Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
4. Remove the bulb by turning it about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise.
BULB
CONNECTORCONTINUED
Lights
403
Maint enance
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2009 MDX

DimensionsLength 190.7 in (4,844 mm)
Width 78.5 in (1,995 mm)
Height 68.2 in (1,733 mm)
Wheelbase 108.3 in (2,750 mm)
Track Front 67.7 in (1,720 mm) Rear 67.5 in (1,715 mm)
Weights Gross vehicle weight rating See the tire information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
Gross combined weight
ꭧ 1
rating (GCWR) 10,053 lbs (4,560 kg)
ꭧ 1: The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge quantity 21.2－22.9 oz (600 －650 g)
Lubricant type ND-OIL 8
Seating Capacities Total 7
Front 2
Second 3
Third 2Capacities
Fuel tank Approx.
21.00 US gal (79.5 L)
Engine
coolant Change
ꭧ
1
1.93 US gal (7.3 L)
Total 2.43 US gal (9.2 L)
Engine oil Change
ꭧ 2
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
Including
filter
Without
filter 4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Total 5.3 US qt (5.0 L)
Automatic
transmission
fluid Change
3.0 US qt (2.8 L)
Total 8.3 US qt (7.9 L)
Rear
differential
fluid Change
2.6 US qt (2.5 L)
Total 2.9 US qt (2.7 L)
Transfer
assembly
fluid Change
0.4 US qt (0.4 L)
Total 0.4 US qt (0.4 L)
Windshield
washer
reservoir U.S. vehicles 4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Canadian
vehicles
6.1 US qt (5.8 L)
ꭧ 1: Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:
0.18 US gal (0.7 L)
ꭧ 2: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
Specifications45208/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX