brake Acura MDX 2014 Repair Manual

Continued
375
uuBrakinguCollision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
Driving
Press this button for about one second to turn
on and off the system.
When the CMBS
TM is off:
•The beeper sounds.
•The CMBS
TM indicator in the instrument
panel comes on.
•A message on the MID reminds you that the
system is off.
The CMBS
TM is in the previously selected ON or
OFF setting each time you start the engine.
■CMBS
TM On and Off
1Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM (CMBS
TM)*
The CMBS
TM may automatically shut off, and the
CMBS
TM indicator will come and stay on when:
•You drive off-road or on a mountain road for an
extended period.•You drive with the parking brake applied.•You drive in bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)•The radar sensor cover is blocked by dirt, mud, dry
leaves, wet snow, etc.•An abnormal tire condition is detected (wrong tire
size, flat tire, etc.)
Once the conditions that caused the CMBS
TM to shut
off improve, the system comes back on.
* Not available on all models

377Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1.Depress the brake pedal firmly with the shift lever in
(D.
2.Firmly apply the parking brake.
3.Move the shift lever from
(D to
(P.
4.Turn off the engine.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in particular if you are parked on an incline.
1Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.1When StoppedNOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P before the vehicle
stops completely.

387
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 388
Safety When Performing Maintenance ..389
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 390
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 391
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 395
Opening the Hood ........................... 396
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 397
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 398
Oil Check ......................................... 399
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 400Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter... 401
Engine Coolant ................................ 403
Transmission Fluid ............................ 405
Brake Fluid ....................................... 406
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 406
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 407
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
... 413
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 417
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 418
Tire Labeling .................................... 418DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 420Wear Indicators................................ 422Tire Service Life ................................ 422
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 423
Tire Rotation .................................... 424
Winter Tires ..................................... 425
Battery............................................... 426
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 427
Remote Control and Wireless
Headphone Care
*........................... 429
Climate Control System Maintenance
.. 431
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 432
Exterior Care.................................... 434
* Not available on all models

388Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.■Periodic inspections
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.2Checking the Brake Fluid P. 406
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 417
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 407
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 413
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display (MID).
2Maintenance Service Items P. 393
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 489
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models

389
uuBefore Performing MaintenanceuSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
•To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
•Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
uHeat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
•To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
uOnly operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
•The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
uMake sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
•Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
uMake sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
•Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
uDo not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.■Maintenance Safety■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
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 according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3
WARNING
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.

393
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
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.
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
(12,000km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Maintenance Minder Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items Main
Item
*1: If the message SERVICE 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.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes, service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°C), in very low temperatures (under
-20°F, -29°C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer fluid
*
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6
●Replace rear differential fluid
*
* Not available on all models

395Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Radiator Cap Engine Coolant
Reservoir Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop) Engine Oil Fill Cap
Battery

396
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2.Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
uThe hood will pop up slightly.
3.Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4.Lift the hood up most of the way.
uThe hydraulic supports will lift it up the
rest of the way and hold it up.
When closing, lower it to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then press down firmly with
your hands.
1Opening the HoodNOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever

406
uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Refilling Window Washer FluidIf the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the MID.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.Specified fluid: Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake FluidNOTICEBrake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Acura brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Acura Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MINMAX
1Refilling Window Washer FluidNOTICEDo not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.

407Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsHeadlight bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace
the light assembly.Daytime Running Light BulbsDaytime running light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.
1Headlight Bulbs
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The exterior lights’ inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a car wash or
while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.