engine Acura MDX 2017 Owner's 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

| 125
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Refueling from a Portable Fuel Container
When you refuel from a portable fuel container, use the funnel provided with your
vehicle. 1.
Turn off the engine.
2.
Press the fuel fill

door release button. The fuel
fill door opens.
3.
Take

the funnel out of its clip in the cargo area
(see page 126).
4.
Remov

e the funnel from the case.
5.
Place the end of the funnel on the

lower part
of filler opening, then insert it slowly and
completely. Make sure that the end of the funnel
goes down along with the filler pipe.
6.
Fill the tank

with fuel from the portable fuel
container. Pour fuel carefully so you do not spill
any.
7.
Remov

e the funnel from the filler neck. Wipe up
any fuel from the funnel before storing it.
8.
Shut the fuel fill door

by hand.
Do not insert the nozzle of a portable fuel container or any funnel other than the
one provided with your vehicle. Doing so can damage the fuel system.
Do not try to pry open or push open the sealed fuel tank with foreign objects.
This can damage the fuel system and its seal.
NOTICE
Funnel

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

| 133
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Engine Compartment Fuse Boxes
Located near the brake fluid reservoir. Push the tabs to open the box.
*if equipped
Circuit ProtectedAmps1STRLD*27.5 A23ACG FR15 A
4W asher15 A56E CU FR 7.5A
7VBSOL*1(10 A)
8F I Su
b15A9DBW15 A
10 FI Main 15 A
11IG Coil15 A
12 DRL R10 A
13 DRL L 10 A
14 Injector2 0A
15
*1: Models without auto idle stop
*2: Models with auto idle stop
16
Back Up 10A
17 MG Clutch (7.5A )
18 FR Fog
*7.5 A
19
20 H/L HI R7.5 A
21
22
23 Gear Selector 15 A
24 H/L HI L7.5 A
25 SBW 15 A
26 H/L LO R1 0A
27 H/L LO L 10A
28 Oil LVL 7.5A
29 Main Fan 30A
30 Sub Fan3 0A
31 Wiper Main 30A
Circuit Protecte
d Amps
Starter*27.5 A

IG1 OP*1(7.5 A)
Radio*120 A
Small
*110 A
Circuit Protected Amps
1 STRLD*27.5 A
2
3 ACG FR 15 A
4W asher1 5 A
5
6E CU FR 7.5A
7 VBSOL
*1(10 A)
8F I Sub1 5A
9 DBW 15 A
10 FI Main 15 A
11 IG Coil 15 A
12 DRL R1 0 A
13DRL L10 A
14 Injector20A15
*1: Models without auto idle stop
*2: Models with auto idle stop
16
Back Up 10A
17MG Clutch(7.5A )
18 FR Fog*7.5 A19
20 H/L HI R7.5 A21
22
23 Gear Selector 15 A
24 H/L HI L7.5 A25SBW15 A
26 H/L LO R10A27H/L LO L10A
28 Oil LVL 7.5A
29Main Fa n30A
30 Sub Fan30A31Wiper Main30A
Circuit Protecte dAmps
Starter*27.5 A

IG1 OP
*1(7.5 A)
Radio*120
A
Small
*110 A
Located near the (+) battery terminal. Pull up to remove the cover.
This contains only the 60-amp fan fuse. Have your dealer replace this fuse.
Fuse
Positive Battery
Terminal Cover

| 135
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1.
Turn off the
vehicle, including headlights and all
accessories.
2.
Remov

e the fuse box cover.
3.
Check the large

fuse inside the engine
compartment. If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-
head screwdriver to remove the screws and
replace the fuse with a new one. Reinstall the
screws.
4.
Inspect the small fuses in

the engine
compartment and the vehicle interior. If there is
a blown fuse, remove it with the fuse puller and
replace it with a new one.
Blown fuse
Combined
fuse Fuse puller
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances
of damaging the electrical system.
NOTICE
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the
front tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is
an acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can
damage the transmission.
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

| 137
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder™
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and the
Maintenance Minder appears on the multi-information display every time you turn
the vehicle on. Roll the right selector wheel to change displays.
U.S. models
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems
may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using
parts that are certified to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions warranties.
However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display.
Engine oil life Service codesRoll the right
selector wheel to
change displays
• Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, r eplace 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.

138 |
MAINTENANCE
*if equipped
Maintenance Minder
Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If the message Maintenance Due Now 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 s\
oot in the air from industry and diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
Replace engine oi l*1
BReplace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakesCheck expiration date for TRK bottle*
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension component s
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission temperature. This requires transmission uid changes mor\
e frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehic\
le under these
conditions, have the transmission uid changed at 30,000 miles (48,0\
00 km).
*5:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°\
C), in very low temperatures
(under -20°F, -29°C), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
*6:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towin\
g results in higher level
of mechanical (Shear) stress to uid. This requires differential \
uid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your \
vehicle under these
conditions, have the differential uid changed at 7,500 miles (12,00\
0 km), then every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lter*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transfer-case uid and transmission ui d*4
4Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pum p*5
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
6Replace rear differential uid*, *6
*

| 139
MAINTENANCE
Under the Hood
Brake Fluid

Washer Fluid
Radiator Cap
Engine Coolant
Reserve Tan
k Batter
y
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange) Engine Oil Fill Ca
p
Opening the Hood
1.
Park the
vehicle on a level surface, and set the
parking brake.
2.
Pull the hood release handle under

the lower left
corner of the dashboard.
3.
Push up the hood latch lever in

the center of the
hood to release the lock mechanism, and open
the hood.
4.
Lift the hood up about halfway.

The hydraulic
supports will continue to lift and hold it up.
When closing, lower the hood to approximately
12 inches (30 cm), then press down firmly with
your hands.
Lever
Hood release handle
Pull
Lever
Engine Compartment CoverCertain parts in the engine compartment are
protected by a cover. You may need to remove the
cover when you perform certain maintenance work.
Pull up on the engine cover, and remove it from the
pins.
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised. The hood will strike the
wipers, and may damage either the hood or the wipers. Do not open the hood
during auto idle stop operation.*
NOTICE
*if equipped

140 |
MAINTENANCE
Engine Oil
Park the vehicle on level ground, and wait approximately three minutes after
turning the engine off before you check the oil.
Checking the Oil
1.
Remov
e the dipstick (orange loop).
2.
Wipe the dipstick

with a clean cloth or paper
towel.
3.
Insert the dipstick all

the way back into its hole.
4.
Remov

e the dipstick again, and check the level. It
should be between the upper and lower marks.
Add oil if necessary.
Upper mark
Lower mark
Recommended Engine Oil
•
Genuine Acura Motor
Oil
•
Premium-grade 0W-20 deter

gent oil with an API Certification Seal on the
container
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving and
that it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s
latest requirements.
Use Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for the
ambient temperature as shown.
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is of the specified viscosity grade.
Ambient temperature