maintenance Acura MDX 2011 Workshop Manual

The sensor on the negative terminal
monitors your vehicles battery
condition.
If there is a problem with the sensor,
you will see a‘‘CHECK BATTERY
SENSOR’’ message on the multi-
information display. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer. Check the terminals for corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it off with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a cloth
or paper towel. Coat the terminals
with grease to help prevent further
corrosion.
If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualified technician.
WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle's
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative (－ ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt
you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
technician do the battery
maintenance.
If the radio fuse is removed, the
audio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see ‘‘ENTER CODE ’’in the
frequency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the digit code (see
page 305).
Checking the Battery
541
Maintenance
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale
when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure.Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
－Required Federal Explanation57810/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle's engine produces several
byproducts. Some of these are
carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons
(HC). Gasoline evaporating from the
tank also produces hydrocarbons.
Controlling the production of NOx,
CO, and HC is important to the
environment. Under certain
conditions of sunlight and climate,
NOx and HC react to form
photochemical‘‘smog. ’’Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas. The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act
ꭧ
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
508.ꭧIn Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specified in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manufactured. Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your vehicle has a positive crankcase
ventilation system. This keeps
gasses that build up in the engine's
crankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The positive crankcase
ventilation valve routes them from
the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
Emissions Controls58010/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)The publications shown below can be purchased from Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:●
Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
●
Go online atwww. helminc. com
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Publication
Form Number Form Description
61STX04 2007-2011 Acura MDX Service Manual
61STX04EL 2011 Acura MDX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61STX30 2008 Acura MDX Body Repair Manual
31STX640 2011 Acura MDX Owner's Manual
31STX840 2011 Acura MDX
Navigation System Owner's Manual
31STXM40 2011 Acura MDX Maintenance Journal 31STXQ40 2011 Acura MDX Advance Technology Guide
ACU-R Order Form for Previous Years
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Service Manual:
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures for
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
for the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
for most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in
your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
589
Warranty and Client Relations

A
Accessories andModifications
..........................
426
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)
.................................
138
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
175
AC Power Outlet
........................
176
Active Damper System
...............
478
Active Head Restraints
...............
151
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
398
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.....................................
345
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
512
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....
133
Advanced Airbags
........................
30
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 26
Air Conditioning System
............
180
Rear A/C Control
....................
185
Air Outlets (Vents)
.....................
187
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
534, 535
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
418
Antifreeze
...................................
514 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator
............................
68, 456
Operation
................................
455
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
305
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock
.......................................
138
Audio System
......................
190, 209
Automatic Climate Control.........
181
Automatic Lighting Off Feature
...................................
130
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
23
Automatic Speed Control
...........
342
Automatic Transmission
............
437
Capacity, Fluid
........................
572
Checking Fluid Level
..............
517
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
................................
441
Shifting
...................................
438
Shift Lever Position Indicators
............................
437
Shift Lever Positions
...............
438
Shift Lock Release
...................
440
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
304 B
Battery
Charge Low
..............................
82
Charging System Indicator
........................
67, 556
Jump Starting
..........................
552
Maintenance
...........................
541
Specifications
..........................
573
Before Driving
...........................
417
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 21
Beverage Holders
......................
172
Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
......................................
470
Bluetooth
®Audio
.......................
295
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
......
362
Booster Seats
...............................
57
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Indicators, Instrument Panel
........
65
ABS (Anti-lock Brake)
.......
68, 456
Active Damper System
......
75, 478
Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)
...................................
73
A/T Temp
................................
70
Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
....................................
74
Brake (Parking and Brake System)
.........................
67, 558
Charging System
..............
67, 556
Collision Mitigation Braking
System ™
...............................
73
Cruise Control
..........................
73
Cruise Main
.............................
73
Door and Tailgate Open
...........
74
Fog Lights
................................
72
High Beam
...............................
72
Key (Immobilizer System)
.......
72
Lights On
.................................
72
Low Fuel
..................................
75
Low Oil Pressure
..............
67, 556
Low Tire Pressure
....................
70
Maintenance Minder
TM
...........
501
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.............................
67, 557 Passenger Airbag Off
...............
36
Seat Belt Reminder
.............
21, 66
Security System
.......................
75
SH-AWD
®.................................
71
Side Airbag Off
....................
35, 68
SRS
.....................................
35, 68
System Message
.................
71, 85
Tire Pressure Monitor
..............
70
Turn Signal and Hazard Warning
...............................
69
VSA OFF
..................................
69
VSA System
.............................
69
Individual Map Lights
................
169
Infant Restraint
............................
44
Infant Seats
..................................
44
Tether Anchorage Point
...........
53
Inflation, Proper Tire
..................
534
Inside Mirror
.............................
163
Inspection, Tire
..........................
536
Installing a Child Seat
..................
48
Instrument Panel
..........................
65
Instrument Panel Brightness
.....
132
Instruments and Controls
.............
63
Interface Dial
.............................
209
Interior Lights
............................
168
Introduction
...................................
i iPod
®..........................................
275
iPod
®Error Messages
................
283
J
Jacking up the Vehicle
...............
545
Jack, Tire
...................................
545
Jump Starting
.............................
552
K
Keys
...........................................
135
L
Label, Certification
.....................
570
Lane Change, Signaling
.............
127
Lap/Shoulder Belt
.................
16, 22
LATCH Anchorage System
..........
49
Lights Bulb Replacement
...................
521
Indicator
...................................
65
Interior
....................................
168
Parking
...................................
127
IndexVI10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Turn Signal
.............................
127
Load Limit
...........................
429, 481
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....
138
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column
......
138
Childproof Door
......................
140
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
419
Glove Box
...............................
173
Lockout Prevention
.................
140
Power Door
.............................
139
Tailgate
...........................
140, 141
Low Coolant Level
......................
422
Lower Anchors
.............................
49
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
75
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
...........................
67, 556
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
572
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
428
M
Maintenance
..............................
499
Main Items and Sub Items
......
505
Minder
....................................
501 Owner's Maintenance
Checks
................................
507
Safety
......................................
500
Schedule
.................................
508
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................
67, 557
Memory, Driving Position
..........
166
Message Display
..........................
85
Message Indicator
.......................
71
Meters, Gauges
............................
76
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
418
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
164
Modifications
.............................
427
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
427
Moonroof
...................................
161
Multi-Information Display
............
77
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
439
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
418
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
570 O
Octane Requirement,
Gasoline
.................................
418
Odometer
.....................................
79
Odometer, Trip
............................
79
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
..............................
494
Oil Change, How to
......................
512
Change, When to
....................
501
Checking Engine
....................
422
Life, Engine
.............................
501
Pressure Indicator
.............
67, 556
Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart
...................................
511
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
138
Outside Mirrors
.........................
163
Outside Temperature
...................
80
Overheating, Engine
..................
554
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
507
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
418
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Light Bulbs
.............................
521
Schedule
.................................
508
Spark Plugs
.............................
573
Timing Belt
.............................
520
Tires
.......................................
538
Wiper Blades
..........................
530
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash
........................................
25
Reporting Safety Defects
............
588
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant
............................
422, 514
Restraint, Child
............................
39
Reverse Gear Position
................
439
Rotation, Tire
.............................
538
S
Safety Belts
..............................
9, 21
Safety Defects, Reporting
...........
588
Safety Features
..............................
8
Airbags
...............................
10, 26
Door Locks
..............................
12
Head Restraints
........................
15
Seat Belts
........................
9, 16, 21
Seats & Seat-Backs
..............
14, 15 Safety Labels, Location of
.............
61
Safety Messages
..........................
iii
Seat Belt e-pretensioners
..............
24
Seat Belts
.................................
9, 21
Additional Information
.............
21
Advice for Pregnant Women
....
19
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
...........................
23
Cleaning
..................................
528
e-pretensioner
..........................
24
Lap/Shoulder Belt
..............
16, 22
Maintenance
............................
25
Reminder Indicator and Beeper
.............................
21, 66
System Components
................
21
Use During Pregnancy
.............
19
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt
..................................
16, 22
Seat Heaters and Seat Ventilation
..............................
157
Seats
..........................................
148
Adjusting the Second Seat
.......
152
Air Ventilation
.........................
157
Folding the Second Seat
..........
152
Folding the Third Seat
............
153
Head Restraints
.......................
149 Heaters
...................................
156
Position Memory
....................
166
Third Row Access
...................
153
Seats, Adjusting the
...................
148
Security System
.........................
337
Security System Indicator
............
75
Sensors Driver's Seat Position Sensor
...
30
Front Passenger's Weight Sensors
................................
30
Impact Sensors
........................
26
Serial Number
............................
570
Service Intervals
.........................
501
Service Manual (U.S. only)
........
589
Service Station Procedures
........
419
SH-AWD
®...................................
446
Indicator
...................................
71
Shifting the Automatic Transmission
..........................
438
Shift Lever Position Indicators
...
437
Shift Lock Release
......................
440
Side Airbags
.................................
32
How the Side Airbag Off Indicator Works
...................
35
How Your Side Airbags Work
..
32
CONTINUED
Index
IX
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu

Tire Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS) －Required Federal
Explanation
......................
578
Temperature Gauge
.....................
76
Temperature, Inside Sensor
.......
189
Temperature, Outside
..................
80
Tensioners, Seat Belts
..................
23
Tether Anchorage Points
.............
53
Theft Protection, Radio
..............
305
Three Way Catalytic Converter
...............................
582
Tilt/Telescopic Steering
Wheel
.....................................
133
Timing Belt
................................
520
Tire Chains
................................
540
Tire, How to Change a Flat
........
545
Tire Information
.........................
576
Tire Labeling
..............................
576
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
.......................
449, 578
Low Tire Pressure
Indicator
........................
70, 449
Tire Pressure Monitor
.......
81, 450
Tires
..........................................
534
Air Pressure
............................
535
Checking Wear
.......................
536 Compact Spare
........................
544
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
574
Inflation
...................................
534
Inspection
...............................
536
Labeling
..................................
576
Maintenance
...........................
538
Pressure Monitoring System
...
449
Replacing
................................
538
Rotating
..................................
538
Snow
.......................................
540
Specifications
..........................
573
Tire Chains
.............................
540
Tools, Tire Changing
.................
545
Towing A Trailer
..................................
481
Emergency Wrecker
...............
566
Equipment and Accessories
....
486
Trailer Loading
.......................
482
Trailer Towing Tips
.................
490
Weight Limit
...........................
481
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
..............................
449
Required Federal Explanation
.........................
578
Trailer Stability Assist
................
492 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level
..............
517
Fluid Selection
........................
517
Identification Number
.............
570
Shifting the Automatic
.............
438
Treadwear
..................................
536
Trip Computer
.............................
83
Trip Meter
...................................
79
Turn Signals
.................................
69
U
Unexpected, Taking Care of the
..........................................
543
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
....
574
Unleaded Gasoline
.....................
418
USB Flash Memory Device Error Messages
...............................
294
Used Oil, How to Dispose of
......
513
Using the Paddle Shifters in the D position (D-Paddle ShiftMode)
.................................
441
Using the Paddle Shifters in the S
position (Sequential ShiftMode)
.................................
443
CONTINUED
Index
XI
INDEX
10/06/29 11:59:04 11 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX640 enu