Acura MDX

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

Roll the right selector wheel to change displays.

  • 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.
  • *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 soot in the air from industry and diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Maintenance Main Items

CODE Maintenance Main Items
A Replace engine oil *1
B Replace engine oil *1 and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check expiration date for TRK bottle*
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 #

Maintenance Sub Items

CODE Maintenance Sub Items
1 Rotate tires
2 Replace air cleaner element *2
Replace dust and pollen filter *3
Inspect drive belt
3 Replace transfer-case fluid and transmission fluid *4
4 Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump *5
Inspect valve clearance
5 Replace engine coolant
6 Replace rear differential fluid *6

Under the Hood

Brake Fluid | Washer Fluid | Radiator Cap | Engine Coolant Reserve Tank | Battery | Engine Oil Dipstick (Orange) | Engine Oil Fill Cap

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.

Engine Compartment Cover

Certain 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

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. Remove 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. Remove 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 detergent 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.

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

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%.

Adding Coolant

  1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
  2. Remove the engine compartment cover (see page 140).
  3. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and relieve 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 reserve 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.

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 Tank MAX | 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

`