service indicator Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Manual

20Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P441)
Flat Tire
(P443)
● Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the tire repair kit.
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire
located under the cargo area.
Indicators Come On
(P470)
● Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Vehicles with tire repair kitVehicles with compact spare tire
Engine Won’t Start
(P462)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse
(P479)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P468)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing
(P480)
● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

387Driving
RefuelingFuel Information■Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.■Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit Acura Owners at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.■Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 US gal (74 liters)Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel InformationNOTICEWe recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try
another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.

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

396
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Maintenance
The system message indicator ( ) comes on along with the Maintenance Minder message.■
Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-Information
Display (MID)Maintenance Message
Oil Life Display
Explanation
Information
Maintenance Due Soon
15%
The remaining engine oil life is 15 to
6 percent. Once you switch the
display by rolling the multi-function
steering-wheel c ontrols, this
message will go off.
The engine oil is approaching the end
of its service life, and the maintenance
items should be inspected and serviced
soon.
Maintenance Due Now
5%
The remaining engine oil life is 5 to 1
percent. Roll the multi-function
steering-wheel controls to switch to
another display.
The engine oil has almost reached the
end of its service life, and the
maintenance items should be inspected
and serviced as soon as possible.
Maintenance Past Due
Negative Distance
The remaining engine oil life has
passed its service life, and a negative
distance appears after driving over
10 miles (U.S. models) or 10 km
(Canadian models). Roll the multi-
function steering wheel control to
switch to another display.
The engine oil life has passed.
The maintenance items must be
inspected and serviced immediately.
U.S.
Canada

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

426
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWear Indicators
Maintenance
Wear Indicators
The groove where the wear indicator is
located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than
elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn so
that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire.
Worn out tires have poor traction on wet
roads.
Tire Service LifeThe life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five
years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after 10
years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.
Example of a Wear
Indicator mark

496Index
BBack-Up Light............................................ 415
Battery ....................................................... 430
Charging System Indicator ................. 71, 470
Jump Starting .......................................... 465
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 430
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 31
Beverage Holders ...................................... 177
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System ........ 365
Indicator .................................................... 83
Bluetooth ® Audio ..................................... 238
Bluetooth ® HandsFreeLink ®..................... 269
Booster Seats (For Children) ....................... 65
Brake System ............................................. 371
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ................... 373
Brake Assist System ................................. 374
Brake System Indicator............................... 70
Fluid ........................................................ 410
Foot Brake ............................................... 372
Indicator ............................................ 70, 472
Parking Brake .......................................... 371
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 153
BSI (Blind Spot Information) System ........ 365
Bulb Replacement ..................................... 411
Back-Up Light .......................................... 415
Brake Light and Turn Signal Light............. 413
Daytime Running Light ............................ 148
Front Turn Signal/Front Side Marker/
Parking Light.......................................... 412
Headlights ............................................... 411
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 416 LED Puddle Light ..................................... 416
Rear License Plate Light ........................... 416
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Light...................................................... 412
Taillight and Rear Side Marker Light ........ 414
Bulb Specifications ................................... 484
CCarbon Monoxide Gas ............................... 66
Carrying Cargo ................................. 307, 309
CD Player ................................................... 225
Center Pocket ........................................... 176
Certification Label .................................... 486
Changing Bulbs ........................................ 411
Charging System Indicator ................. 71, 470
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 ............................... 438
Cleaning the Interior ................................ 436
Client Service Information ....................... 494Climate Control System
........................... 185
Changing the Mode................................ 188
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 192
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 435
Rear Climate Control System................... 193
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 190
Sensors ................................................... 197
Synchronized Mode ................................ 189
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 185
Clock ......................................................... 114
CMBS
TM (Collision Mitigation Braking
SystemTM) ................................................ 375
Coat Hook ................................................ 180
Collision Mitigation Braking System
TM
(CMBS
TM) ................................................. 375
Indicator ................................................... 83
Compact Spare Tire .......................... 443, 485
Compass .................................................... 302
Console Compartment ............................. 175
Controls .................................................... 113
Coolant (Engine) ...................................... 407
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 408
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 407
Overheating ............................................ 468
Creeping (Automatic Transmission) ........ 330
Cruise Control .......................................... 336
Indicator ................................................... 78
Cup Holders .............................................. 177
Customized Features ....................... 104, 249

500Index
MMaintenance............................................. 391
Battery..................................................... 430
Brake Fluid............................................... 410
Cleaning .................................................. 436
Climate Control System ........................... 435
Coolant ................................................... 407
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 395
Oil ........................................................... 403
Precautions .............................................. 392
Radiator................................................... 408
Remote Control ....................................... 433
Remote Transmitter ......................... 431, 432
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 411
Safety ...................................................... 393
Service Items............................................ 397
Tires ........................................................ 421
Transmission Fluid.................................... 409
Under the Hood....................................... 399
Wireless Headphone ................................ 434
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 71, 471
Map Lights ................................................ 173
Maximum Load Limit ................................ 309
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 97
MID (Multi-information Display) ............... 98
Mirrors ....................................................... 158
Adjusting ................................................. 158
Door ........................................................ 159
Exterior .................................................... 159
Interior Rearview...................................... 158
Modifications (and Accessories) ............... 390Moonroof
................................................. 140
MP3 ................................................... 225, 235
Multi-function Steering-wheel Controls ... 98
Multi-Information Display (MID) ............... 98
Multi-View Rear Camera .......................... 386
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 486OOdometer................................................... 99
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines ............. 322
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 402
Adding .................................................... 404
Checking................................................. 403
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 395
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 71, 470
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 402
Viscosity .................................................. 402
On Demand Multi-Use Display
TM............. 206
Opening/Closing
Hood....................................................... 400
Moonroof ............................................... 140
Power Windows ...................................... 138
Tailgate ................................................... 128
Outside Temperature Display .................. 100
Overheating .............................................. 468
PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode) ..................................................... 333
Pandora® .................................................. 233
Panic Mode ............................................... 137
Parking ..................................................... 381
Parking Brake ........................................... 371
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator ........................................... 70, 472
Parking Sensor System ............................. 382
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator ................. 52
Passing Indicators ..................................... 145
Power Tailgate ......................................... 130
Power Windows ....................................... 138
Precautions While Driving ....................... 329
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle .................................................. 329
Rain ........................................................ 329
Pregnant Women ....................................... 37
Puncture (Tire) ................................. 443, 450RRadiator.................................................... 408
Radio (AM/FM) ......................................... 218
Radio (SiriusXM ®)..................................... 222
Radio Data System (RDS) ......................... 220
Range ........................................................ 101
RDS (Radio Data System) ......................... 220
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing) ...... 489