Maintenance Acura MDX 2017 User Guide

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MAINTENANCE
Adding 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.
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. Overfilling the engine oil can result
in leaks and engine damage.
NOTICE
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance service results in the system
showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious mechanical
problems.
NOTICE
Resetting the Engine Oil Life If you change or replace the vehicle’s engine oil yourself, you must reset the
engine oil life. Use the right selector wheel on the steering wheel to make
selections in the MID.
1.
Scroll to Maintenance Info and select it to
display the oil life reset mode.
2.
Select Reset. The service code disappears and
the oil life returns to 100%.
Engine Oil Fill Cap

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MAINTENANCE
Adding Coolant
1.
Make sure
the engine and radiator are cool.
2.
Remov

e the engine compartment cover (see
page 139).
3.
Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
r

elieve any pressure in the coolant system. Do
not push the cap down when turning.
4.
Continue turning

the cap counterclockwise until
you can 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 r

eserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the
reserve tank.
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.
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
Radiator cap
WARNING
Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant level in the
radiator. We recommend Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the Reserve Tank
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.
Reserve TankMAX MIN
MIN
For vehicles used in temperatures below -31°F (-35°C), change the coolant from
the standard 50:50 antifreeze:water mix to one with added antifreeze. Consult a
dealer for more information.
NOTICE
NOTICE

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MAINTENANCE
Window Washer Fluid
Add washer fluid as necessary (see page 139). Pour it carefully, and do not
overflow the reservoir.
For Jump starting, see page 120.
Checking the Battery
The battery condition is monitored by the sensor on the negative terminal. If there
is a problem with the sensor, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Check the
battery terminals monthly for corrosion.
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery maintenance, wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled technician do it.
WARNING
If the washer fluid is low,
a message appears on the
multi-information display.Wa sher Fluid Lo w
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
If there is a problem with
the battery sensor, a
message appears on the
multi-information display.Charging
System Problem
Do 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.
NOTICE
If your battery is labeled AGM, consult your dealer before you connect a battery
charger. AGM batteries require compatible chargers.

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MAINTENANCE
Changing Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades leave streaks across the windshield, try cleaning them first
with a paper towel or soft cloth and wiper fluid. If the wiper blade rubber has
deteriorated, you should change the wiper blades.
Front Wiper Blades
1.
Lift the driver side
wiper arm first, then the
passenger side.
2.
Place a cloth on the

edge of the lock tab. Push
the lock tab up with a flat-tip screwdriver.
3.
Slide the blade fr

om the wiper arm.
4.
Slide the wiper blade

out from its holder by
pulling the tabbed end out.
5.
Remov

e the retainers from the rubber blade that
has been removed, and mount to a new rubber
blade. Correctly align the rubber protrusion and
the retainer grooves.
6.
Slide the new wiper

blade onto the holder from
the bottom end. The tab on the holder should fit
in the indent of the wiper blade.
7.
Slide the wiper blade onto the

wiper arm, then
push down the lock tab.
8.
Lower the passenger side wiper arm

first, then
the driver side.
Lock tab
Blade
Retainer
Blade
Avoid dropping the wiper arm, as it may damage the windshield.
NOTICE

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MAINTENANCE
Rear Wiper Blade
1.
Raise the wiper arm off the
window.
2.
Slide the wiper blade out

from the end with the
indent.
3.
Remov

e the retainers from the wiper blade and
mount to a new rubber blade.
4.
Slide the wiper blade

onto the holder. Make sure
it is engaged correctly, then install the wiper
blade assembly onto the wiper arm.
Blade
Retainer
Rubber

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MAINTENANCE
Tire Information
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
Inflation Guidelines
•
Properly inflated
tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the specifications (see page
153) for the specified pressure.
•
Underinflated tires

wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from overheating.
•
Overinflated tir

es make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
•
Every day befor

e you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
•
Measure the air pr

essure when tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If necessary, add
or release air until the specified pressure is reached. If checked when hot, tire
pressure can be as much as 4-6 psi (30-40 kPa, 0.3-0.5 kgf/cm
2) higher than
checked when cold.
•
At least once a month

or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure
in all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1-2 psi
(10-20 kPa, 0.1-0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection Guidelines
Every time you inflate the tires, check for the following:
•
Any damage

to tires, including bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
or tread. Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. Replace tires if
you see fabric or cord.
•
Uneven or ex

cessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•
Cracks or other damage around the

valve stems.
Wear IndicatorsThe 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 low that the indicator
is exposed, replace the tire. Worn out tires have
poor traction on wet roads.
Example of a wear indicator mark

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MAINTENANCE
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and
loading information.
Original
tire sizes Number of
people your
vehicle can
carry Proper
cold tire
pressure
Total weight
your vehicle
can carry (do
not exceed)
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using
tires of a different size or construction can cause certain vehicle systems to
work incorrectly. It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t
possible, replace the front or rear tires in pairs.
If you change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels. Only use TPMS-specified wheels approved for your
vehicle.
Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s guide regarding tire inflation
and maintenance.
WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability.
This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires recommended in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING

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MAINTENANCE

Tire Service Life
The 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.
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire Chains
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains: Cable type: SCC
Cable Chain ZT735. Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they
do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage the
brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of tire
chains.
WARNING
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your
vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting
any part of the vehicle.
NOTICE

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MAINTENANCE
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you
should be aware of are described below.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number (TIN) is a
group of numbers and letters that look
like the example shown. TIN is located
on the sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
Cold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the tire
can hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure
recommended by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal grooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.
DO T B97R FW6X 2209
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufacturer’s identication mark.
FW6X: Tire type code.
22 09: Date of manufacture.
Year
Week
Here is an example of what each
marking means:
215/70R16 100S
•
215: tire

width in millimeters
•
70: aspect ratio (tire section height as a
per

centage of its width)
•
R: tire construction code (radial)
•
16: rim diameter in inches
•
100: load index (code indicating
maximum load tire can carry)
•
S: speed symbol (code indicating
maximum speed rating)
Tire size Tire
Identication
Number (TIN)
Maximum
tire load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire size

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MAINTENANCE
DOT Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are
also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to
Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.