check oil Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Manual

19Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P391 )
Under the Hood
(P399)
● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
● Check brake fluid.
● Check the battery condition monthly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P411)
● Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P417)
● Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P421)
● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
● Check tire pressures regularly.
● Install snow tires for winter
driving.

71
uuIndicators u
Continued
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the engine starts.●Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.
●Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place.
2 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On P. 470
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
●Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off either
when the engine starts or after
several seconds if the engine did
not start. If “readiness codes” have
not been set, it blinks five times
before it goes off.●Comes on if there is a problem with
the emissions control systems.●Blinks when a misfire in the
engine’s cylinders is detected.
●Readiness codes are part of the on board
diagnostics for the emissions control
systems.
2Testing of Readiness Codes P. 489
●Comes on while driving - Have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.●Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe place
where there are no flammable objects.
Stop the engine for 10 minutes or more,
and wait for it to cool down. Then, take
your vehicle to a dealer.
2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Comes On or Blinks P. 471
Charging System
Indicator
●Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the engine starts.●Comes on when the battery is not
charging.
●Comes on while driving - Turn off the
climate control system and rear defogger in
order to reduce electricity consumption.
2 If the Charging System Indicator
Comes On P. 470

Continued
327
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
■To stop the engine
Press and hold the button
for one second.
Go within the range,
and try again.
Amber LED: Blinks when any
button is pressed. Red LED:
●Comes on for one second to let you
know that the engine has stopped.●Blinks when the remote is out of
the keyless access system range.
The engine will not stop.
1
Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback
*
•The engine oil pressure is low.•The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.•The telematics unit malfunctions.•The security system alarm is not set.
Before starting the engine, make sure to check the
door lock status using the remote. When you press
the button, wait for the green LED to blink. If
the red LED turns on, the doors and tailgate did not
lock, and the engine does not start.
While the engine is running, the vehicle will
automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:•The air conditioning is activated in recirculation
mode.•The seat ventilation is activated
*.
When it is cold outside:
•The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.•The rear defogger and door mirror heaters are
activated.•The seat and heated steering wheel are activated
*.
2 Heated Steering Wheel
* P. 181
2 Front Seat Heaters and Seat
Ventilation
* P. 182, 183
* Not available on all models

391
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 392
Safety When Performing Maintenance ..393
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 394
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 395
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 399
Opening the Hood ........................... 400
Engine Compartment Cover ............. 401
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 402
Oil Check ......................................... 403
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 404 Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter... 405
Engine Coolant ................................ 407
Transmission Fluid ............................ 409
Brake Fluid ....................................... 410
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 410
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 411
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
... 417
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 421
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 422
Tire Labeling .................................... 422DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 424Wear Indicators................................ 426 Tire Service Life ................................ 426
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 427
Tire Rotation .................................... 428
Winter Tires ..................................... 429
Battery ............................................... 430
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 431
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care
*........................... 433
Climate Control System Maintenance
.. 435
Cleaning Interior Care .................................... 436
Exterior Care.................................... 438
* Not available on all models

392Maintenance
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.2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 410
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 421
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 411
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 417
■
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).
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 397
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require mor e skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 493
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessa ry tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models

397
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

403
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Lower MarkUpper Mark

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

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

441
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 442
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 443
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*..... 450
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 462
If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak ............................................. 463
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 464
Jump Starting .................................... 465
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 467Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 468
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 470If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 470
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 471If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................... 472
If the Speed-Sensitive Electric Power Steering
(EPS) System Indicator Comes On ........... 472If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks ....................... 473
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 474
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 479
Emergency Towing ........................... 480
When You Cannot Unlock the Fuel Fill Door ................................................. 481When You Cannot Open the Tailgate
.. 482
* Not available on all models