maintenance Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Guide

404
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine compartment components.NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil Fill Cap

405
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Continued
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil FilterYou must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display.
1.Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap.
3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil FilterNOTICEYou may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Drain Bolt
Washer

uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
406Maintenance
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the oil filter base, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.7 US qt (5.4 ℓ)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

407
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.Specified coolant: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■
Reserve Tank
1Engine CoolantNOTICEIf temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are
expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to
a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for more
information.
If Acura antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Acura coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction
or fail. Have the cooling system flushed and refilled
with Acura antifreeze/coolant as soon as possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
MAX
MIN

uuMaintenance Under the Hood uEngine Coolant
408Maintenance
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
2. Remove the engine compartment cover.
2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 401
3.Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not push the cap down when turning.
4. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
5. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
6. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it
fully.
7. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
■
Radiator
1 RadiatorNOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
3
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
Radiator Cap

409
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidHave a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.■
Automatic Transmission FluidSpecified fluid: Acura Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF DW-1
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.

410
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uBrake 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
1 Refilling 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.

411Maintenance
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.
1 Headlight 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.

412
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFront Turn Signal/Front Side Marker/Parking Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Front Turn Signal/Front Side Marker/Parking Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the holding clips, and pull the inner
fender back.
2. Turn the socket to the left and remove it.
3. Remove the old bulb a nd insert a new bulb.Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light BulbsDoor mirrors have the side turn lights. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.Front Turn Signal/Side Marker/Parking Light: 28/8 W
1Front Turn Signal/Front Side Marker/Parking Light Bulbs
Insert a flat-tip screwdriver, lift and remove the center
pin to remove the clip.
Insert the clip with the center pin raised, and push
until it is flat.
Push until the
pin is flat.
Clip
Inner Fender
Bulb
Socket

413
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uBrake Light and Turn Signal Light BulbsContinued
Maintenance
Brake Light and Turn Signal Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the cover.
u Starting at the bottom, carefully pull the
cover straight out, working upward until
all pins are removed from their the
grommets.
u The grommets should remain in the
body.
2. Use a Phillip-head screwdriver to remove
the bolts.
3. Pull the light assembly out of the rear pillar.Brake Light: 21 W
Rear Turn Signal Light: 21 W Bolts