engine Acura MDX 2012 Owners Manual

Dimensions
Length 191.6 in (4,867 mm)
Width 78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height 68.2 in (1,733 mm)
Wheelbase 108.3 in (2,750 mm)
Track Front 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
Rear 67.5 in (1,715 mm)
Weights
Gross vehicle weight rating See the tire information label
attached to the driver's doorjamb.
Gross combined weight
ᤳ1
rating (GCWR)10,053 lbs (4,560 kg)
ᤳ1: The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation.
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge quantity 21.2－22.9 oz (600－650 g)
Lubricant type ND-OIL 8
Seating Capacities
Total 7
Front 2
Second 3
Third 2Capacities
Fuel tank Approx.
21.00 US gal (79.5 L)
Engine
coolantChange
ᤳ1
1.93 US gal (7.3 L)
Total 2.43 US gal (9.2 L)
Engine oil Change
ᤳ2
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
Including
filter
Without
filter4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Total 5.3 US qt (5.0 L)
Automatic
transmission
fluidChange 3.3 US qt (3.1 L)
Total 8.5 US qt (8.0 L)
Rear
differential
fluidChange 2.6 US qt (2.5 L)
Total 3.0 US qt (2.8 L)
Transfer
assembly
fluidChange 0.4 US qt (0.4 L)
Total 0.4 US qt (0.4 L)
Windshield
washer
reservoirU.S. vehicles 4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Canadian
vehicles6.1 US qt (5.8 L)
ᤳ1: Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine
Reserve tank capacity:
0.18 US gal (0.7 L)
ᤳ2: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
Specifications578

Lights
Headlights High 60 W (HB3)
Low
ᤳ1
35 W (D2S)
Daytime running lights 60 W (HB3)
Front side marker lights 3 CP
Front turn signal lights 21 W (Amber)
Parking lights 3 CP
Stop/Tail lights LED
ᤳ2
Side turn signal lights LED
ᤳ2
Fog lights 55 W (H11)
Rear turn signal lights 21 W
Rear side marker lights 3 CP
Backup lights 18 W
High-mount brake light LED
ᤳ2
License plate lights 3 CP
Tailgate lights 5 W
Vanity mirror lights 2 W
Door lights 3.4 W
Glove box light 1.4 W
Foot light 3.4 W
ᤳ1: The low beam headlights are high voltage discharged type.
Replacement of a low beam headlight bulb should be performed by
your dealer.
ᤳ2: Replacement of a light bulb should be done by your dealer.Battery
Capacity 12 V－65AH/5 HR
12 V－76AH/20 HR
Fuses
Interior See page 571 or the fuse label attached
to the inside of the fuse box lid.
Rear See page 570 or the fuse label attached
to the inside of the fuse box lid.
Under-hood See page 569 and 570 or the fuse box
cover.
Engine
Type Water-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC VTEC V6
gasoline engine
Bore x Stroke 3.54 x 3.78 in (90.0 x 96.0 mm)
Displacement 223.5 cu-in (3,664 cm
3)
Compression ratio 11.2 : 1
Spark plugs DENSO:
NGK:SXU22HCR11S
ILZKR7B11S
Alignment
Toe-in Front 0.00 in (0.0 mm)
Rear 0.08 in (2.0 mm)
Camber Front－0°30’
Rear－0°30’
Caster Front 4 ° 12’
Specifications
579
Technical Information

The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle's engine produces several
byproducts. Some of these are
carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons
(HC). Gasoline evaporating from the
tank also produces hydrocarbons.
Controlling the production of NOx,
CO, and HC is important to the
environment. Under certain
conditions of sunlight and climate,
NOx and HC react to form
photochemical‘‘smog.’’Carbon
monoxide does not contribute to
smog creation, but it is a poisonous
gas.The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act
ᤳ
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
514.ᤳ
In Canada, Acura vehicles comply
with the Canadian emission
requirements, as specified in an
agreement with Environment
Canada, at the time they are
manufactured.Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your vehicle has a positive crankcase
ventilation system. This keeps
gasses that build up in the engine's
crankcase from going into the
atmosphere. The positive crankcase
ventilation valve routes them from
the crankcase back to the intake
manifold. They are then drawn into
the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
CONTINUED
Emissions Controls
587
Technical Information

Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
The onboard refueling vapor
recovery (ORVR) system captures
the fuel vapors during refueling. The
vapors are adsorbed in a canister
filled with activated carbon. While
driving, the fuel vapors are drawn
into the engine and burned off.
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include four systems: PGM-FI,
ignition timing control, exhaust gas
recirculation, and three way catalytic
converter. These four systems work
together to control the engine's
combustion and minimize the
amount of HC, CO, and NOx that
come out the tailpipe. The exhaust
emissions control systems are
separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI SystemThe PGM-FI system uses sequential
multiport fuel injection. It has three
subsystems: air intake, engine
control, and fuel control. The
powertrain control module (PCM)
uses various sensors to determine
how much air is going into the
engine. It then controls how much
fuel to inject under all operating
conditions.Ignition Timing Control SystemThis system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO, and NOx produced.Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
SystemThe exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
system takes some of the exhaust
gas and routes it back into the intake
manifold. Adding exhaust gas to the
air/fuel mixture reduces the amount
of NOx produced when the fuel is
burned.
Three Way Catalytic ConverterThe three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2), nitrogen
(N
2), and water vapor.
Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work
together in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
Acura replacement parts or their
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more
information.
Emissions Controls588

The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is referred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Acura part or
its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any
combustible materials that come
near it. Park your vehicle away from
high grass, dry leaves, or other
flammables.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine's
performance. Follow these
guidelines to protect your vehicle's
three way catalytic converter.●
Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.
●
Keep the engine well maintained.
●
Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring,
backfiring, stalling, or otherwise
not running properly.
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
WARM UP THREE WAY CATALYTIC
CONVERTERS
Three Way Catalytic Converter
589
Technical Information

Testing of Readiness Codes
If you take your vehicle for an
emissions test shortly after the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not pass the test.
This is because of certain‘‘readiness
codes’’that must be set in the on-
board diagnostics for the emissions
systems. These codes are erased
when the battery is disconnected,
and set again only after several days
of driving under a variety of
conditions.If the testing facility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle retested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle for retesting by
doing the following.
1. Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, full (around
3/4).
2. Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine off for 6
hours or more.
3. Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 40° and
95°F (4° and 35°C).4. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine, and let it
idle for 20 seconds.
5. Keep the vehicle in Park. Increase
the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and
hold it there until the temperature
gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the
scale (about 3 minutes).
6. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, let the engine idle for 20
seconds.Emissions Testing590

7. Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D. Do not use the cruise control.
When traffic allows, drive for 90
seconds without moving the
accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed
may vary slightly; this is okay.) If
you cannot do this for a continuous
90 seconds because of traffic
conditions, drive for at least 30
seconds, then repeat it two more
times (for a total of 90 seconds).8. Then drive in city/suburban traffic
for at least 10 minutes. When
traffic conditions allow, let the
vehicle coast for several seconds
without using the accelerator pedal
or the brake pedal.9. Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine off for 30
minutes.
If the testing facility determines the
readiness codes are still not set, see
your dealer.
Emissions Testing
591
Technical Information

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)The publications shown below can be purchased from Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:●
Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
●
Go online atwww. helminc. com
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.Publication
Form NumberForm Description
61STX05 2010-2012 Acura MDX Service Manual
61STX03EL 2010-2011 Acura MDX
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61STX30 2008 Acura MDX Body Repair Manual
31STX650 2012 Acura MDX Owner's Manual
31STX850 2012 Acura MDX
Navigation System Owner's Manual
31STXM50 2012 Acura MDX Maintenance Journal
31STXQ50 2012 Acura MDX Advance Technology Guide
ACU-R Order Form for Previous Years
Indicate Year and Model Desired
Service Manual:
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures for
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
for the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
for most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in
your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
597
Warranty and Client Relations

A
Accessories and
Modifications
..........................
431
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)
.................................
139
Accessory Power Sockets
..........
177
AC Power Outlet
........................
178
Active Damper System
...............
484
Active Head Restraints
...............
152
AcuraLink
®(U.S. models
only)
.......................................
402
Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)
.....................................
348
Additives, Engine Oil
.................
518
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
....
134
Advanced Airbags
........................
31
Airbag (SRS)
..........................
10, 27
Air Conditioning System
............
182
Rear A/C Control
....................
187
Air Outlets (Vents)
.....................
189
Air Pressure, Tires
..............
540, 541
Alcohol in Gasoline
....................
422
Antifreeze
...................................
520Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator
............................
70, 462
Operation
................................
461
Anti-theft, Audio System
.............
308
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock
.......................................
139
Audio System
......................
192, 212
Automatic Climate Control
.........
183
Automatic Lighting Off
Feature
...................................
131
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners...
23
Automatic Speed Control
...........
345
Automatic Transmission
............
443
Capacity, Fluid
........................
578
Checking Fluid Level
..............
523
Driving with the Paddle
Shifters
................................
447
Shifting
...................................
444
Shift Lever Position
Indicators
............................
443
Shift Lever Positions
...............
444
Shift Lock Release
...................
446
Auxiliary Input Jack
...................
307B
Battery
Charging System
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Jump Starting
..........................
558
Maintenance
...........................
547
Specifications
..........................
579
Before Driving
...........................
421
Belts, Seat
................................
9, 21
Beverage Holders
......................
174
Blind Spot Information System
(BSI)
......................................
476
Bluetooth
®Audio
.......................
298
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models with navigation
system)
...............................
383
Bluetooth
®HandsFreeLink
®
(Models without navigation
system)
...............................
365
Booster Seats
...............................
58
CONTINUED
Index
I
INDEX

Coolant
Adding
....................................
520
Checking
................................
427
Proper Solution
.......................
520
Temperature Gauge
.................
78
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
...................................
587
Cruise Control Indicator
...............
75
Cruise Control Operation
...........
345
Cruise Main Indicator
..................
75
Cup Holders
...............................
174
Customize Settings
......................
90
D
DANGER, Explanation of
..............
iv
Dashboard
...............................
3, 66
Daytime Running Lights
............
130
Dead Battery
..............................
558
Defogger, Rear Window
.............
132
Defrosting the Windows
............
186
Dimensions
................................
578
Dimming the Headlights
............
128
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission
.........
523Engine Oil
...............................
427
Directional Signals
...............
71, 128
Disc Brake Wear Indicators.......
461
Disc Care
...................................
247
Disc Changer
.............................
203
Disc Changer Error
Messages
...............................
211
Disc Player
..........................
203, 235
Disc Player Error Messages......
246
Disposal of Used Oil
...................
519
Doors
Childproof Door Locks
............
141
Indicator
...................................
12
Locking and Unlocking
...........
140
Lockout Prevention
.................
141
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S.
Vehicles)
................................
581
Driver and Passenger Safety
..........
5
Driving
.......................................
439
Economy
.................................
428
Driving Guidelines
.....................
440
Driving Position Memory
System
...................................
168
Driving with the Paddle
Shifters
...................................
447
Dust and Pollen Filter
................
534DVD Player
................................
313
DVD Player Error Messages
......
337
E
Economy, Fuel
...........................
428
Emergencies on the Road
..........
549
Battery, Jump Starting
.............
558
Brake System Indicator
.....
69, 564
Changing a Flat Tire
...............
551
Charging System
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Checking the Fuses
................
566
Driving with a Flat Tire
...........
551
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......
132
Jump Starting
..........................
558
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
........................
69, 562
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
.............................
69, 563
Opening the Fuel Fill Door
Manually
.............................
572
Overheated Engine
.................
560
Towing
....................................
572
Emergency Brake
......................
164
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX