check transmission fluid Acura MDX 2014 Owner's Manual

85
uuIndicatorsuMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages
Continued
Instrument Panel
Message
Condition
Explanation
●Appears when the washer fluid is low.
●Refill washer fluid.
2Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 406
●Appears while you are customizing the settings and the
shift lever is moved out of
(P.
2Customized Features P. 104
●Appears when the transmission fluid temperature is too
high.
●Stop in a safe place in
(P. Let the engine idle until the
message disappears.
●Appears when there is a problem with the sensor on the
battery.
●Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Checking the Battery P. 426
●Appears along with the battery charging system
indicator when the battery is not charging.
●Turn off the climate control system and rear defogger to
reduce electricity consumption.
2If the Charging System Indicator Comes On P. 465
Canadian models

327
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingUtility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
•Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
•Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
•Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle■In Rain■Other Precautions
1Precautions While DrivingNOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.
If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE
OFF (LOCK) while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.

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

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

405
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidHave a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.■Automatic Transmission FluidSpecified fluid: Acura ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission FluidNOTICEDo not mix Acura ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF DW-
1 may adversely affect the operation and durability of
your vehicle’s transmission, and damage the
transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acura ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Acura’s new vehicle warranty.

467
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
•The brake fluid is low.
•There is a malfunction in the brake system.■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
•If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
•If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
•Comes on when there is a problem with the EPS system.
•If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.■What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada

492Index
BBack-Up Light............................................ 411
Battery....................................................... 426
Charging System Indicator ................. 71, 465
Jump Starting .......................................... 460
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 426
Belts (Seat).................................................. 31
Beverage Holders...................................... 177
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System........ 361
Indicator .................................................... 83
Bluetooth® Audio..................................... 237
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 268
Booster Seats (For Children)....................... 65
Brake System............................................. 367
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 369
Brake Assist System ................................. 370
Brake System Indicator............................... 70
Fluid ........................................................ 406
Foot Brake ............................................... 368
Indicator ............................................ 70, 467
Parking Brake .......................................... 367
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 153
BSI (Blind Spot Information) System........ 361
Bulb Replacement..................................... 407
Back-Up Light .......................................... 411
Brake Light and Turn Signal Light............. 409
Daytime Running Light ............................ 148
Front Turn Signal/Front Side Marker/
Parking Light.......................................... 408
Headlights ............................................... 407
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 412LED Puddle Light ..................................... 412
Rear License Plate Light ........................... 412
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Light...................................................... 408
Taillight and Rear Side Marker Light ........ 410
Bulb Specifications................................... 480
CCarbon Monoxide Gas............................... 66
Carrying Cargo................................. 305, 307
CD Player................................................... 224
Center Pocket........................................... 176
Certification Label.................................... 482
Changing Bulbs........................................ 407
Charging System Indicator................. 71, 465
Child Safety................................................. 54
Childproof Door Locks............................. 126
Child Seat.................................................... 54
Booster Seats ............................................ 65
Child Seat for Infants................................. 56
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 57
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 61
Larger Children ......................................... 64
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 56
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 58
Childproof Door Locks............................. 126
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 434
Cleaning the Interior................................ 432
Client Service Information....................... 490Climate Control System........................... 185
Changing the Mode................................ 188
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 191
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 431
Rear Climate Control System................... 192
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 190
Sensors ................................................... 196
Synchronized Mode ................................ 189
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 185
Clock......................................................... 114
CMBS
TM (Collision Mitigation Braking
SystemTM)................................................ 371
Coat Hook................................................ 180
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBS
TM)................................................. 371
Indicator ................................................... 83
Compact Spare Tire.......................... 439, 481
Compass.................................................... 301
Console Compartment............................. 175
Controls.................................................... 113
Coolant (Engine)...................................... 403
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 404
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 403
Overheating ............................................ 463
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 328
Cruise Control.......................................... 334
Indicator ................................................... 78
Cup Holders.............................................. 177
Customized Features....................... 104, 248

493Index
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 148
Dead Battery............................................ 460
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 191
Detachable Anchor.................................... 36
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 483
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 145
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 158
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................ 399
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............. 144
Door Mirrors............................................. 159
Doors........................................................ 115
Auto Door Locking.................................. 127
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 127
Door Open Message ................................. 30
Keys........................................................ 115
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside .............................................. 10, 124
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................. 117
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 121
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 420
Driver’s Knee Airbag.................................. 46
Driving...................................................... 303
Automatic Transmission .......................... 328
Braking ................................................... 367
Cruise Control ........................................ 334
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines .............. 320
Shifting Gear .......................................... 329Starting the Engine .................................. 322
Driving Position Memory System............. 155
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 431
EElapsed Time............................................. 101
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............. 358
Emergency................................................ 475
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)....... 485
Engine....................................................... 482
Coolant ................................................... 403
Jump Starting .......................................... 460
Oil ........................................................... 398
Remote Engine Start ................................ 324
Starting ................................................... 322
Engine Compartment Cover.................... 397
Engine Coolant......................................... 403
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 404
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 403
Overheating ............................................ 463
Temperature Gauge .................................. 97
Engine Oil................................................. 398
Adding .................................................... 400
Checking ................................................. 399
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 391
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.................. 71, 465
Recommended Engine Oil........................ 398
ENGINE START/STOP Button.................... 141
e-pretensioners........................................... 33EPS (Electric Power Steering)
System............................................... 76, 467
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide).. 66
Exterior Care (Cleaning)........................... 434
Exterior Mirrors........................................ 159
FFCW (Forward Collision Warning)........... 346
Features.................................................... 197
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 431
Oil ........................................................... 401
Flat Tire............................................. 439, 446
Floor Mats................................................. 433
Fluids
Automatic Transmission .......................... 405
Brake ...................................................... 406
Engine Coolant ....................................... 403
Windshield Washer ................................. 406
Folding Down the Second Row Seat....... 169
Folding Down the Third Row Seat.......... 170
Foot Brake................................................ 368
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)........... 346
Indicator.................................................... 80
Front Airbags (SRS)..................................... 42
Front Seats................................................ 161
Adjusting ................................................ 161

496Index
MMaintenance............................................. 387
Battery..................................................... 426
Brake Fluid............................................... 406
Cleaning .................................................. 432
Climate Control System ........................... 431
Coolant ................................................... 403
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 391
Oil ........................................................... 399
Precautions .............................................. 388
Radiator................................................... 404
Remote Control ....................................... 429
Remote Transmitter ......................... 427, 428
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 407
Safety ...................................................... 389
Service Items............................................ 393
Tires ........................................................ 417
Transmission Fluid.................................... 405
Under the Hood....................................... 395
Wireless Headphone ................................ 430
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............. 71, 466
Map Lights................................................ 173
Maximum Load Limit................................ 307
Meters, Gauges........................................... 97
MID (Multi-information Display)............... 98
Mirrors....................................................... 158
Adjusting ................................................. 158
Door ........................................................ 159
Exterior .................................................... 159
Interior Rearview...................................... 158
Modifications (and Accessories)............... 386Moonroof................................................. 140
MP3................................................... 224, 234
Multi-function Steering-wheel Controls... 98
Multi-Information Display (MID)............... 98
Multi-View Rear Camera.......................... 382
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 482OOdometer................................................... 99
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines............. 320
Oil (Engine)............................................... 398
Adding .................................................... 400
Checking................................................. 399
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 391
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 71, 465
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 398
Viscosity .................................................. 398
On Demand Multi-Use Display
TM............. 204
Opening/Closing
Hood....................................................... 396
Moonroof ............................................... 140
Power Windows ...................................... 138
Tailgate ................................................... 128
Outside Temperature Display.................. 100
Overheating.............................................. 463
PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)..................................................... 331
Pandora®.................................................. 232
Panic Mode............................................... 137
Parking..................................................... 377
Parking Brake........................................... 367
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator........................................... 70, 467
Parking Sensor System............................. 378
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator................. 52
Passing Indicators..................................... 145
Power Tailgate......................................... 130
Power Windows....................................... 138
Precautions While Driving....................... 327
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility
Vehicle .................................................. 327
Rain ........................................................ 327
Pregnant Women....................................... 37
Puncture (Tire)................................. 439, 446RRadiator.................................................... 404
Radio (AM/FM)......................................... 217
Radio (XM®).............................................. 221
Radio Data System (RDS)......................... 219
Range........................................................ 101
RDS (Radio Data System)......................... 219
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing)...... 485

498Index
Steering Wheel......................................... 157
Adjusting ................................................. 157
Heater ..................................................... 181
Stopping.................................................... 377
Summer Tires............................................ 425
Sunglasses Holder..................................... 181
Super Handling-All Wheel Drive
TM
(SH-AWD®)............................................... 363
Indicator .................................................... 79
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........ 42
Switches (Around the Steering
Wheel)............................................. 2, 3, 141
Synchronized Mode.................................. 189
System Message Indicator.......................... 78
TTachometer................................................. 97
Tailgate..................................................... 128
Unable to Open ....................................... 477
Temperature
Gauge ....................................................... 97
Outside Temperature Display ................... 100
Temperature Gauge................................... 97
Temperature Sensor......................... 100, 196
Temporary Tire Repair Kit........................ 446
Third Row Seat (Folding Down)............... 170
Third Row Seat Access.............................. 168
Tie-down Anchors..................................... 180
Time (Setting)........................................... 114Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)..................................................... 363
Indicator............................................ 76, 468
Tire Repair Kit........................................... 446
Tires........................................................... 417
Air Pressure ..................................... 418, 481
Checking and Maintaining ...................... 417
Inspection ............................................... 417
Labeling .................................................. 418
Puncture (Flat Tire) .......................... 439, 446
Regulations ............................................. 420
Rotation .................................................. 424
Spare Tire ........................................ 439, 481
Summer .................................................. 425
Temporary Tire Repair Kit ........................ 446
Tire Chains .............................................. 425
Tire Repair Kit.......................................... 446
Wear Indicators ....................................... 422
Winter..................................................... 425
Tools.......................................................... 438
Towing a Trailer....................................... 309
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 313
Load Limits .............................................. 309
Towing Your Vehicle................................ 319
Emergency .............................................. 475
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System).................................................... 363
Indicator............................................ 76, 468
Trailer Stability Assist............................... 317
Transmission............................................. 329
Automatic ............................................... 329Fluid ....................................................... 405
Number .................................................. 482
Sequential Shift Mode............................. 331
Shift Lever Position Indicator ............. 72, 330
TRIP Button................................................ 98
Trip Meter................................................ 100
Troubleshooting...................................... 437
Blown Fuse ..................... 469, 471, 472, 473
Brake Pedal Vibrates ................................. 19
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door ......... 20
Emergency Towing ................................. 475
Engine Won’t Start ................................. 457
Noise When Braking ................................. 21
Overheating ............................................ 463
Puncture/Flat Tire ............................ 439, 446
Rear Door Won’t Open ..................... 20, 126
Select Lever Won’t Move ........................ 462
Warning Indicators.................................... 70
Turn Signals.............................................. 144
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 76
Turn-by-Turn Directions.......................... 102
Two-way Keyless Access Remote............ 115
UUnder-floor Storage Area....................... 176
Unlocking the Doors................................ 117
Unlocking the Front Doors from the
Inside................................................. 10, 124
USB Flash Drives....................................... 247
USB Port.................................................... 199