warning Acura MDX 2017 Service Manual

122 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If you see the multi-information display (MID) message “Stop Driving When Safe.
Engine Temperature Too Hot,” your engine is overheating. You may also notice the
temperature gauge is at the H mark, the engine suddenly loses power, or steam or
spray comes out from under the hood.
1.
Immediately park the

vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If no steam or spray is present: Keep the engine

running and open the hood (see page 139).
If steam or spray is present

: Turn off the engine
and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3.
Check that the cooling

fan is operating. If it is not, immediately stop the engine.
Otherwise, idle the engine until the MID message goes off.

4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect

the coolant level and check the
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on. Then, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature
gauge. If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
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.
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage
the engine.
NOTICE
MAX MIN
Reserve tank

126 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Handling a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact spare tire.
Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tire repaired or replaced.
Changing a Flat Tire*
Before Changing the Tire
1.
Park the
vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
2.
Change the gear to P

ark (P), and apply the parking brake.
3.
Turn on the hazard

warning lights and turn the vehicle off.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire1.
Open the tailgate. Turn on the car
go lights
located on the inside of the tailgate, if necessary
(see page 40). Push the rear edge of the
handle on the floor lid and open the lid.
2.
Take out the

cargo floor box.
3.
Take

the jack, wheel nut wrench, and jack handle
bar out of the tool case.
4.
Remov

e the cover on the cargo area lining to
access the shaft for the spare tire hoist.
Handl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
Handl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
*if equipped
HandleHandl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
Tool case
Handl e
Cargo Floor Box
Tool Case
Cove r
Wheel Nut Wrench
Jack Handle Bar
Bracket
Cover

128 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Setting Up the Jack
1.
Place the jack under the jacking point closest
to
the tire to be changed.
2.
Turn the end bracket clockwise (as shown in
the

image) until the top of the jack contacts the
jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point
tab is resting in the jack notch.
3.
Assemble the jack, jack handle bar, and jack
handle as shown. Raise

the vehicle until the tire
is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•
Do not use the jack with people

or luggage in the vehicle.
•
Use the jack pro

vided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the weight
(load) or fit the jacking point.
•
Do not use while the engine is running.
•
Use only

where the ground is firm and level.
•
Use only at

the jacking points.
•
Do not get in the v

ehicle while using the jack.
•
Do not put

anything on top of or underneath the jack.
Jacking PointsJacking PointsJacking Points
Jack handle
barWheel nut wrench
as jack handle
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
WARNING
Do not use the jack if it doesn’t work properly. Call your dealer or a professional
towing service.
NOTICE

| 129
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Replacing the Flat Tire
1.
Remov
e the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2.
Mount the compact spar

e tire. Replace the wheel
nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3.
Lower the v

ehicle and remove the jack. Tighten
the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not over tighten the
wheel nuts.
If you drive with the spare tire installed, the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator
appears. The indicator stays on until a regular tire is installed.
Storing the Flat Tire
1.
Remov
e the center cap and place the flat tire
face up under the hoist.
2.
Insert the hoist bracket into

the center hole of
the flat tire.
3.
Turn the wheel nut

wrench clockwise (using the
jack handle bar) until the flat tire rests against
the underbody of the vehicle and you hear the
hoist click.
4.
Securely stor

e the jack and wheel nut wrench
back in the tool case. Store the case in the cargo
area.

Wheel Nut Wrench
Ja ck Handle Bar
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Center cap

130 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Handle
Cargo
Floor Box
Tire Repair Kit*
If a tire has a small puncture, you can use the tire repair kit to temporarily repair it.
The puncture must be smaller than 3/16-inch (4 mm) and not in the tire sidewall.
Go to a dealer to have the full-size tire permanently repaired or replaced.
Before Repairing the Tire
1.
Park the
vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface.
2.
Change the gear to P

ark (P), and apply the parking brake.
3.
Turn on the hazard

warning lights and turn the vehicle off.
Getting Ready to Repair the Tire1.
Pull the handle on
the cargo area floor lid and
open the lid.
2.
Remov

e the cargo floor box.
3.
Remov

e the kit from the case.
4.
Place the kit face up

on flat ground near the
punctured tire and away from traffic. Do not
place the kit on its side.
5.
Follow the instructions

in the kit to repair the
tire.
Handle
Cargo Floor Box
Handle
Cargo Floor Box
Tire repair kit
Case
*if equipped
Do not use an unapproved puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire, as it can damage
the tire pressure sensor.
NOTICE

136 |
MAINTENANCE
Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourself, as
well as information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however,
we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing
maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety
•
To reduce
the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
•
Never leav

e rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood. Heat
from the engine and exhause can ignite them, causing a fire.
•
To clean parts, use a commerciall

y available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•
Wear eye pr

otection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•
Do not run the engine in confined spaces wher

e carbon monoxide gas can
accumulate.
Vehicle Safety
•
The vehicle must be stationary
, and parked on level ground with the parking
brake set and the engine off.
•
Be aware that hot parts can burn

you.
•
Be aware that mo

ving parts can injure you.
MAINTENANCE
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before
driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this guide.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can
cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WARNING

142 |
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

| 143
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.

| 147
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

148 |
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