Acura MDX (2018 year). Instruction — part 37

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Opening the Hood

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Opening the Hood

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set

the parking brake.

2. Pull the hood release handle under the

driver’s side lower corner of the dashboard.

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The hood will pop up slightly.

3. Push the hood latch lever (located under

the front edge of the hood to the center) to
the side and raise the hood.
Once you have raised the hood slightly, you
can release the lever.

4. Lift the hood up most of the way.

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The hydraulic supports will lift it up the
rest of the way and hold it up.

When closing, lower it to approximately 12
inches (30 cm), then press down firmly with
your hands.

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Opening the Hood

NOTICE

Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised: The hood will strike the wipers, resulting in
possible damage to the hood and/or the wipers.

Do not press the engine cover forcibly. This may
damage the engine cover and component parts.

When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.

If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.

Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.

Models with Auto Idle Stop

Hood Release Handle

Pull

Lever

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Engine Compartment Cover

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Engine Compartment Cover

The component 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 compartment cover carefully until all pins are removed from
their grommets.

Remove the Engine Compartment Cover

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Recommended Engine Oil

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Recommended Engine Oil

Oil is a major contributor to your engine’s
performance and longevity. If you drive the
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil,
the engine may fail or be damaged.

This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving
and that it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.

Use a Genuine Acura Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for
the ambient temperature as shown.

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Synthetic oil

You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is the specified viscosity grade.

• Genuine Acura Motor Oil
• Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the

container.

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Recommended Engine Oil

Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,
they may adversely affect the engine performance
and durability.

Ambient Temperature

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Oil Check

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Oil Check

We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.

1. Remove the dipstick (orange).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or

paper towel.

3. Insert the dipstick back all the way 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.

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Oil Check

If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil, being careful not to overfill.

Lower Mark

Upper Mark

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Adding Engine Oil

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Adding Engine 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.

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Adding Engine Oil

NOTICE

Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.

If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components.

Engine Oil Fill Cap

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.

Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display.

1. Run the engine until it reaches normal

operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.

2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil

fill cap.

3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from

the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

NOTICE

You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.

Drain Bolt

Washer

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the

remaining oil.

5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to

the engine contact surface.

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If it is stuck, you must detach it.

6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the

contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.

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Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the filter gasket.

7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then

reinstall the drain bolt.

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Tightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)

8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the

engine.

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Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
5.7 US qt (5.4 L)

9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and

start the engine.

10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and

then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.

11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,

and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.

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If necessary, add more engine oil.

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.

When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.

Oil Filter

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Engine Coolant

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Engine Coolant

This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.

We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.

1. Make sure the engine and radiator are

cool.

2. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve

tank.

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If the coolant level is below the MIN
mark, add the specified coolant until it
reaches the MAX mark.

2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 583

3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Specified coolant: Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2

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Reserve Tank

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Engine Coolant

NOTICE

Genuine Acura engine coolant is a 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at
temperatures as low as about −31°F (−35°C). If your
vehicle is consistently subjected to temperatures
below this, the concentration of antifreeze in the
coolant should be increased. Consult a dealer for
details.

If Acura antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand of non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Acura coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction
or fail. Have the cooling system flushed and refilled
with Acura antifreeze/coolant as soon as possible.

Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.

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WARNING

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.

MAX

MIN

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Engine Coolant

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1. Make sure the engine and radiator are

cool.

2. Remove the engine compartment cover.

2 Engine Compartment Cover P. 583

3. Turn the radiator cap 1/8 turn counter-

clockwise and relieve any pressure in the
cooling system.

4. Push down and turn the radiator cap

counterclockwise to 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.

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Radiator

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Radiator

NOTICE

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

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Maintenance Under the Hood

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Transmission Fluid

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Transmission Fluid

Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.

Do not attempt to check or change the automatic transmission fluid yourself.

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Automatic Transmission Fluid

Specified fluid: Acura Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF-TYPE 3.1 or higher

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Automatic Transmission Fluid

NOTICE

Do not mix Acura ATF-TYPE 3.1 (or higher) with
other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Acura ATF-TYPE
3.1 (or higher) may adversely affect the operation
and durability of your vehicle’s transmission, and
damage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Acura ATF-TYPE 3.1 (or higher) is
not covered by Acura’s new vehicle limited warranty.

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Brake Fluid

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Brake Fluid

The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reserve
tank.

Refilling Window Washer Fluid

If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the MID.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.

Specified fluid: Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3

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Checking the Brake Fluid

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Brake Fluid

NOTICE

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.

If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.

Using any non-Acura brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Acura Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.

If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn
brake pads as soon as possible.

Brake Reserve Tank

MIN

MAX

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Refilling Window Washer Fluid

NOTICE

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.

Use only commercially available windshield washer
fluid.
Avoid prolonged use of hard water to prevent lime
scale build up.

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Replacing Light Bulbs

Headlights

Headlights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.

Front Turn Signal/Parking, Daytime Running and
Front Side Marker Lights

Front turn signal/parking, daytime running and front side marker lights are LED type.
Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

Fog Lights

*

Fog lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.

Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Lights

Door mirror side turn lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect
and replace the light assembly.

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Headlights

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.

* Not available on all models

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Replacing Light Bulbs

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Brake Light and Rear Turn Signal Light Bulbs

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Brake Light and Rear Turn Signal Light Bulbs

When replacing, use the following bulbs.

1. Remove the cover.

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Starting at the bottom, carefully pull the
cover straight out, working upward until
all pins are removed from their
grommets.

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The grommets should remain in the
body.

2. Use a Phillip-head screwdriver to remove

the bolts.

3. Pull the light assembly out of the rear pillar.

Brake Light: 21 W
Rear Turn Signal Light: 21 W

Bolts

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Replacing Light Bulbs

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Taillights/Rear Side Marker Lights

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4. Turn the socket counter-clockwise and

remove it. Remove the old bulb.

5. Insert a new bulb.
6. Slide the light assembly onto the guide on

the body.

7. Align the pins with the body grommets,

then push in until they fully seat.

Taillights/Rear Side Marker Lights

Taillights/rear side marker lights are the LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer
inspect and replace the light assembly.

Bulb

Socket

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Replacing Light Bulbs

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Back-Up Light Bulbs

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Back-Up Light Bulbs

When replacing, use the following bulbs.

1. Remove the cover by prying on the edge

using a flat-tip screwdriver.

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Wrap the flat-tip screwdriver with a cloth
to prevent scratches.

2. Turn the socket counter-clockwise and

remove it. Remove the old bulb.

3. Insert a new bulb.

Taillights

Taillights are the LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.

Back-Up Light: 21 W

Bulb

Socket

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Replacing Light Bulbs

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Rear License Plate Lights

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Rear License Plate Lights

Rear license plate lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.

High-Mount Brake Light

High-mount brake light is LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and
replace the light assembly.

Puddle Lights

*

Puddle lights are LED type. Have an authorized Acura dealer inspect and replace the
light assembly.

* Not available on all models

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