oil temperature Acura MDX 2012 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 a crash 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 Hazard
61
Driver and Passenger Safety

ᤳ: If equipped
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.
MESSAGE INDICATOR (P. 73)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P. 74)
SH-AWD INDICATOR (P. 73)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 70)
FOG LIGHT INDICATOR (P. 74) DOOR/TAILGATE OPEN
INDICATOR (P. 76)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 74)
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 69)
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 71)
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 77)
ACTIVE DAMPER SYSTEM INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 77) PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 69)LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P. 77) SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P. 68) COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING
SYSTEM™(CMBS™) INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 75)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 36, 70)
CRUISE MAIN INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 75)/
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 75) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (P. 69)
VSA OFF INDICATOR
(P. 71)
A/T TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR (P. 72)
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM INDICATOR
ᤳ(P. 76) CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATORᤳ(P. 75) MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (P. 79)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR (P. 72)
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR (P. 69)LIGHT ON INDICATOR (P. 74)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P. 70)
Instrument Panel
67
Instruments and Controls

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/
territorial 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
81
Instruments and Controls

Symbol Maintenance 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/VSA)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust 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 page 512.
NOTE:
●Independent of the Maintenance Midner information, 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 drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filter
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).●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
TM
Maintenance Minder
514

Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour
in the oil slowly and carefully so you
do not spill. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a few
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not fill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.Recommended Engine Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade 5W-20
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute's latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Acura motor oil in your vehicle.
Make sure the API Certification Seal
says‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’
The oil viscosity or weight is
provided on the container's label.
5W-20 oil is formulated for year-
round protection of your vehicle to
improve cold weather starting and
fuel economy.
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
Ambient Temperature
CONTINUED
Adding Engine Oil
517
Maintenance

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 the
engine 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 Filter518

Coolant
Adding
....................................
520
Checking
................................
427
Proper Solution
.......................
520
Temperature Gauge
.................
78
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
...................................
587
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
75
Cruise Control Operation
...........
345
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
75
Cup Holders
...............................
174
Customize Settings
......................
90
D
DANGER, Explanation of
..............
iv
Dashboard
...............................
3, 66
Daytime Running Lights
............
130
Dead Battery
..............................
558
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
132
Defrosting the Windows
............
186
Dimensions
................................
578
Dimming the Headlights
............
128
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission
.........
523Engine Oil
...............................
427
Directional Signals
...............
71, 128
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
461
Disc Care
...................................
247
Disc Changer
.............................
203
Disc Changer Error
Messages
...............................
211
Disc Player
..........................
203, 235
Disc Player Error Messages......
246
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
519
Doors
Childproof Door Locks
............
141
Indicator
...................................
12
Locking and Unlocking
...........
140
Lockout Prevention
.................
141
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles)
................................
581
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
439
Economy
.................................
428
Driving Guidelines
.....................
440
Driving Position Memory
System
...................................
168
Driving with the Paddle
Shifters
...................................
447
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
534DVD Player
................................
313
DVD Player Error Messages
......
337
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
428
Emergencies on the Road
..........
549
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
558
Brake System Indicator
.....
69, 564
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
551
Charging System
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Checking the Fuses
................
566
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
551
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
132
Jump Starting
..........................
558
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
69, 563
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
572
Overheated Engine
.................
560
Towing
....................................
572
Emergency Brake
......................
164
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX

Emergency Flashers
..................
132
Emergency Towing
....................
572
Emissions Controls
....................
587
Emissions Testing
......................
590
Engine
Adding Engine Coolant
...........
520
Check Starting System
............
443
Coolant Temperature Gauge
....
78
If it Won't Start
........................
557
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
69, 563
Oil Life Indicator
.....................
507
Oil Pressure Indicator
.......
69, 562
Oil, What Kind to Use
.............
517
Overheating
............................
560
Specifications
..........................
579
Speed Limiter
..........................
446
Starting
...................................
442
Engine Coolant
..........................
520
Ethanol in Gasoline
....................
422
Evaporative Emissions
Controls
..................................
587
Exhaust Fumes
............................
61
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
System
...................................
588Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by
....................................
19
F
Fan, Interior
...............................
185
Features
.....................................
181
Filters
Dust and Pollen
.......................
534
Oil
...........................................
518
Flashers, Hazard Warning
.........
132
Flat Tire, Changing a
.................
551
Floor Mats
.................................
535
Fluids
Automatic Transmission
.........
523
Brake
......................................
525
Location
..................................
515
Power Steering
........................
526
Windshield Washer
.................
522
FM Stereo Radio
Reception
................................
303
Fog Lights
..................................
130
Folding the Second Seat
.............
153
Folding the Third Seat
...............
154
Four-way Flashers
......................
132Front Airbags
.........................
10, 30
Front Seat
..................................
149
Adjusting
.................................
149
Air Ventilation
.........................
158
Heaters
...................................
157
Fuel
............................................
422
Economy
.................................
428
Fill Door and Cap
....................
424
Gauge
......................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
77
Octane Requirement
...............
422
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
572
Reserve Indicator
.....................
77
Tank, Filling the
......................
424
Tighten Fuel Cap
....................
425
Fuel Economy
............................
428
Fuses, Checking the
..................
566
G
Gas Mileage, Improving
.............
429
Gasoline
.....................................
422
Gauge
......................................
78
Low Fuel Indicator
...................
77
IndexIV

Load Limit
...........................
434, 487
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....
139
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column
......
139
Childproof Door
......................
141
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
424
Glove Box
...............................
175
Lockout Prevention
.................
141
Tailgate
...........................
141, 142
Low Coolant Level
......................
427
Lower Anchors
.............................
50
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
77
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
...........................
69, 562
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
578
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
433
M
Maintenance
..............................
505
Main Items and Sub Items
......
511
Minder
....................................
507
Owner's Maintenance
Checks
................................
513
Safety
......................................
506Schedule
.................................
514
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
................................
69, 563
Memory, Driving Position
..........
168
Message Display
..........................
86
Message Indicator
.......................
73
Meters, Gauges
............................
78
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
422
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
166
Modifications
.............................
432
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
432
Moonroof
...................................
163
Multi-Information Display
............
79
N
Neutral Gear Position
.................
445
New Vehicle Break-in
.................
422
NOTICE, Explanation of
................
i
Numbers, Identification
.............
576
O
Octane Requirement,
Gasoline
.................................
422Odometer
.....................................
81
Odometer, Trip
............................
81
Off-Highway Driving
Guidelines
..............................
500
Oil
Change, How to
......................
518
Change, When to
....................
507
Checking Engine
....................
427
Life, Engine
.............................
507
Pressure Indicator
.............
69, 562
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart
...................................
517
ON (Ignition Key Position)
........
139
Outside Mirrors
.........................
166
Outside Temperature
...................
82
Overheating, Engine
..................
560
Owner's Maintenance Checks
....
513
Oxygenated Fuels
......................
422
P
Panel Brightness Control
...........
133
Park Gear Position
.....................
444
Parking
......................................
454
Parking Brake
............................
164
CONTINUED
Index
VII
INDEX

Spare Tire
..................................
550
Inflating
...........................
540, 550
Specifications
..........................
580
Spark Plugs
................................
579
Specifications
.............................
578
Speed Control
............................
345
Speed Limiter
.............................
446
Speedometer
................................
78
SRS, Additional Information
.........
27
Additional Safety Precautions
...
39
Airbag Service
..........................
38
Airbag System Components
.....
27
How the Side Airbag Off
Indicator Works
...................
36
How the SRS Indicator Works
..
36
How Your Front Airbags
Work
....................................
30
How Your Side Airbags Work
..
33
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
Work
....................................
35
SRS Indicator
.........................
36, 70
START (Ignition Key
Position)
.................................
139
Starting the Engine
....................
442
Auto Control Mode
.................
442In Cold Weather at High
Altitude
................................
442
With a Dead Battery
................
558
State Emissions Testing
.............
590
Steam Coming from Engine
.......
560
Steering Wheel
Adjustments
............................
134
Anti-theft Column Lock
...........
139
Buttons
...........................
305, 345
Position Memory
....................
168
Stereo Sound System
..........
192, 212
Storage Compartment
................
175
Storing Your Vehicle
..................
548
Sunglasses Holder
.....................
176
Sun Visor
...................................
176
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™
(SH-AWD
®) System
................
452
Supplemental Restraint
System
............................
10, 27
Servicing
..................................
38
SRS Indicator
......................
36, 70
System Components
................
27
Synthetic Oil
..............................
518T
Tachometer
..................................
78
Tailgate
......................................
141
Open Indicator
.........................
76
Opening the
............................
141
Power
......................................
142
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in
.....
531
Taking Care of the
Unexpected
............................
549
Technical Descriptions
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles)
.............................
581
Emissions Control Systems
.....
587
Three Way Catalytic
Converter
............................
589
Tire Labeling
...........................
583
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)－Required Federal
Explanation
......................
585
Temperature Gauge
.....................
78
Temperature, Inside Sensor
.......
191
Temperature, Outside
..................
82
Tensioners, Seat Belts
..................
23
Tether Anchorage Points
.............
54
IndexX