transmission fluid Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Manual

85
uuIndicators uMulti-Information Display (MID) Warning and Information Messages
Continued
Instrument Panel
Message
Condition
Explanation
●Appears when the washer fluid is low.
●Refill washer fluid.
2 Refilling Window Washer Fluid P. 410
●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.
2 Checking the Battery P. 430
●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. 470
Canadian models

318
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer’s instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.■Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.■Sway control
This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.■Automatic transmission cooler
Install an additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler to help prevent the
transmission from overheating, and damaging. You can get the additional ATF
cooler at a dealer.An additional ATF cooler is required to keep the transmission from overheating when
towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.4WD models

329
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions 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.
Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Acura accessory).
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 th e 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
1 Precautions 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.

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

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.

472
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf 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 if 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.
1 If 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

485
uuSpecifications u
Information
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
■ Rear Differential Fluid
*
■Transfer Assembly Fluid
*
Specified
Acura Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF DW-1
Capacity Change 3.3 US qt (3.1 ℓ)
Specified
Acura All Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF)
Capacity Change 2.7 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
Specified
Acura Hypoid Gear Oil HGO-1
Capacity Change 0.45 US qt (0.43 ℓ)
■ Engine Oil
■ Engine CoolantRecommended
·Genuine Acura Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 5.4 US qt (5.1 ℓ)
Change
including
filter
5.7 US qt (5.4 ℓ)
Specified
Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity
1.93 US gal (7.3 ℓ)
(change including the remaining 0.19 US gal
(0.72 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■ Tire*1: BASE models
*2: Except BASE modelsRegular
Size
245/60R18 105H
*1
245/55R19 103H
*2
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2])
35 (240 [2.4])
Compact
Spare
*
Size T165/80D17 104M
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel Size
Regular
18 x 8J
*1
19 x 8J
*2
Compact Spare
*
17 x 4T
* Not available on all models

Index
495Index
Index
AAAC................................................... 225, 235
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .................. 373
AC Power Outlet ...................................... 179
Accessories and Modifications ................ 390
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 178
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF) ................................. 339
Indicator ................................................... 82
Additives Coolant .................................................. 407
Engine Oil ............................................... 402
Washer ................................................... 410
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 402
Adjusting Armrest .................................................. 171
Front Seats.............................................. 161
Head Restraints ....................... 164, 165, 166
Headlights .............................................. 411
Mirrors.................................................... 158
Rear Seats ............................................... 168
Second Row Seat .................................... 162
Steering Wheel ....................................... 157
Temperature ........................................... 100
Agile Handling Assist System .................. 364
Aha
TM Menu ............................................. 234
AhaTM Radio .............................................. 244
Air Conditioning System (Climate 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
Air Pressure ....................................... 422, 485
Airbags ........................................................ 39
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 45
After a Collision ......................................... 43
Airbag Care ............................................... 53
Driver’s Knee Airbag .................................. 46
Event Data Recorder .................................... 0
Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 42
Indicator .............................................. 51, 74
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 52
Sensors ...................................................... 39
Side Airbags .............................................. 48
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 50
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 218
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 373
Indicator .................................................... 74
Armrest ..................................................... 171
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 204
Audio System ............................................ 200
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 216
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 202
Error Messages ........................................ 240
General Information ................................ 245 Internet Radio ......................................... 232
iPod ........................................................ 228
MP3/WMA/AAC .............................. 225, 235
Reactivating ............................................ 203
Recommended CDs ................................. 246
Recommended Devices............................ 248
Remote Controls ..................................... 204
Security Code .......................................... 203
Shortcuts................................................. 207
Theft Protection ...................................... 203
USB Flash Drives .............................. 235, 248
USB Port.................................................. 201
Authorized Manuals ................................ 493
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 127
Customize ....................................... 109, 260
Automatic Intermittent Wipers ............... 150
Automatic Lighting .................................. 146
Automatic Transmission ........................... 330
Creeping ................................................. 330
Fluid ........................................................ 409
Kickdown ................................................ 330
Operating the Shift Lever................... 17, 332
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 333
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 467
Shifting ................................................... 331
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 202
Average Fuel Economy ............................ 100
Average Speed ......................................... 101
AWD .......................................................... 367

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