engine coolant 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.

86
uuIndicators uMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages
Instrument Panel
Message
Condition
Explanation
●Appears when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.●Consequently, Maintenance Due Now and
Maintenance Past Due follow.
2Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-
Information Display (MID) P. 396
●Appears when the engine coolant temperature gets
abnormally high.
2Overheating P. 468
●Appears when there is a problem with the power
tailgate system.
●Manually open or close the power tailgate.●Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
U.S.Canada

97Instrument Panel
Gauges and Multi-Information Display (MID)GaugesGauges include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and related indicators.
They are displayed when the power mode is in ON.
Displays your driving speed in mph (U.S.) or km/h (Canada).
Shows the number of engine revolutions per minute.
Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
Displays the temperature of the engine coolant.■
Speedometer
■
Tachometer
■
Fuel Gauge
■
Temperature Gauge
1Fuel GaugeNOTICEYou should refuel when the reading approaches .
Running out of fuel can cause the engine to misfire,
damaging the catalytic converter.
The actual amount of remaining fuel may differ from
the fuel gauge reading.
E
1Temperature GaugeNOTICEDriving with the temperature gauge pointer in the
upper zone can cause serious engine damage. Pull
safely to the side of the road and allow engine
temperature to return to normal.
2 Overheating P. 468

324Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
The engine will crank until it starts.
1 Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control
system, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Bring the keyless access remote close to the ENGINE
START/STOP button if the battery in the keyless
access remote is weak. 2 If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is
Weak P. 463
The engine may not start if the keyless access remote
is subjected to strong radio waves.
Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 10 seconds
before trying again.
Brake Pedal

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

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

399Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Radiator Cap
Engine Coolant
Reserve Tank Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange) Engine Oil Fill Cap
Battery

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