Acura MDX (2018 year). Manual - part 36

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Surround View Camera System

*

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When Parking Your Vehicle

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Driving

■

Checking from the front wide view at intersections

The front wide view screen is useful when you need to check for vehicles crossing 
from either direction at an intersection with poor visibility.

■

Checking the sides of your vehicle

The side view screens are convenient when you pull over at a curb or tollbooth, or 
slowly pass by oncoming vehicles on a narrow road.

1

Checking from the front wide view at intersections

The front wide view image is a wide-angled view. The 
displayed image will be largely distorted, and objects 
may appear closer or more distant than they actually 
are.

The angle 
provided by the 
front wide view 
screen is 180 
degrees.

Front Wide View Screen

When the vehicle 
speed is below 7 
mph (12 km/h), 
press the 
CAMERA button 
repeatedly until 
the front wide 
view comes on.

1

Checking the sides of your vehicle

When the door mirrors are folded, the side views 
cannot be displayed.

Side View Screen

12 inches 
(30 cm)

12 inches

(30 cm)

Press and hold the 
CAMERA button.

Approximate distance 
the projection lines 
indicate is 12 inches 
(30 cm) from the 
vehicle.

Side Views
The images 
from the side 
cameras.

12 inches 
(30 cm)

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Surround View Camera System

*

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When Parking Your Vehicle

Driving

The system may not work properly under the following conditions.

■

Surround View Camera System Limitations

Conditions

Solutions

The images may not 
appear clearly when:

●

You activate the system in bad weather (heavy rain, 
snow, fog, etc.) or in the dark.

●

Camera temperatures are high.

●

A sudden change between light and dark such as an 
entrance or exit of a tunnel.

●

You drive into the sunlight (e.g., at dawn or dusk.)

Do not use the surround view camera system but rely 
only on visual confirmation until the conditions allow 
the system to work properly.

●

A camera lens is covered with dirt, moisture, or 
debris.

●

A camera lens is scratched.

Clean camera lenses with a soft cloth moisturized with 
water, mild detergent or glass cleaner.

The information screen is dirty.

Wipe off the screen using a soft dry cloth.

A camera angle is 
altered.

A camera or the area around the camera has been 
severely impacted.

Do not use the surround view camera system and 
contact a dealer.

An error message is displayed while the surround view camera system is in use.

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Driving

Refueling

Fuel Information

■

Fuel recommendation

Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the 
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.

■

Top tier detergent gasoline

Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura 
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help 
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent 
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive 
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.

Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met 
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is 
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic 
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic 
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission 
control system.

For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on 
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit Acura Owners at owners.acura.com In 
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more 
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.

■

Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 US gal (73.8 liters)

Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher

1

Fuel Information

NOTICE

We recommend quality gasoline containing 
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and 
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain 
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions 
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline 
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based 
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is 
available.

Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely 
affect performance, and cause the malfunction 
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on. 
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some 
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as 
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on 
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol 
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol. 
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try 
another service station or switch to another brand of 
gasoline.

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Refueling

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How to Refuel

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Driving

How to Refuel

Your fuel tank is not equipped with a fuel filler cap. You can insert the filler nozzle 
directly into the filler neck. The tank seals itself again when you pull out the filler 
nozzle.

1. Stop your vehicle with the service station 

pump on the left side of the vehicle in the 
rear.

2. Turn off the engine.
3. Press the fuel fill door release button.

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The fuel fill door opens.

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How to Refuel

The fuel filler opening is designed to accept only 
service station filler nozzles for refueling. Use of 
smaller diameter tubes (e.g., those used to siphon 
fuel for other uses) or other non-service station 
devices can damage the area in and around the filler 
opening.

The filler nozzle automatically stops to leave space in 
the fuel tank so that fuel does not overflow as a result 
of changes in air temperature.

If the fuel filler nozzle keeps turning off when the 
tank is not full, there may be a problem with the 
pump’s fuel vapor recovery system. Try filling at 
another pump. If this does not fix the problem, 
consult a dealer.

3

WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. 
You can be burned or seriously injured 
when handling fuel.

• Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, 

and flame away.

• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.

Press

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Refueling

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How to Refuel

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Driving

4. Place the end of the filler nozzle on the 

lower part of filler opening, then insert it 
slowly and fully.

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Make sure that the end of the filler 
nozzle goes down along with the filler 
pipe.

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Keep the filler nozzle level.

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When the tank is full, the filler nozzle will 
click off automatically.

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After filling, wait about five seconds 
before removing the filler nozzle.

5. Shut the fuel fill door by hand.

1

How to Refuel

Do not continue to add fuel after the filler nozzle has 
automatically stopped. Additional fuel can exceed 
the full tank capacity.

If you have to refuel your vehicle from a portable 
container, use the funnel provided with your vehicle.

2 Refueling From a Portable Fuel Container 

P. 669

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Driving

Fuel Economy and CO

2

 Emissions

Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO

2

 

Emissions

Achieving fuel economy and reducing CO

2

 emissions is dependent on several 

factors, including driving conditions, load weight, idling time, driving habits, and 
vehicle condition. Depending on these and other factors, you may not achieve the 
rated fuel economy of this vehicle.

You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle. 
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the 
MID.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside 

adds weight and increases wind resistance.

■

Maintenance and Fuel Economy

1

Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO

2

 Emissions

Direct calculation is the recommended method to 
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.

In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are 
established following a simulated test. For more 
information on how this test is performed, please visit 
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/

Miles driven

Gallons of 

fuel

Miles per 

Gallon

100

Liter

Kilometers

L per 100 km

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Maintenance

This chapter discusses basic maintenance.

Before Performing Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance ............ 574
Safety When Performing Maintenance..575
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service...576

Maintenance Minder

TM

..................... 577

Maintenance Under the Hood

Maintenance Items Under the Hood.. 581
Opening the Hood ........................... 582
Engine Compartment Cover............. 583
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 584
Oil Check ......................................... 585
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 586
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter...587

Engine Coolant ................................ 589
Transmission Fluid............................ 591
Brake Fluid....................................... 592
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 592

Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 593
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades... 598
Checking and Maintaining Tires

Checking Tires ................................. 602
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 603
Tire Labeling .................................... 603
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 605
Wear Indicators................................ 607
Tire Service Life ................................ 607

Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 608
Tire Rotation.................................... 609
Winter Tires ..................................... 610

Battery............................................... 611
Remote Transmitter Care

Replacing the Button Battery ........... 613

Remote Control and Wireless 

Headphone Care

*

........................... 615

Climate Control System Maintenance ..617
Cleaning

Interior Care .................................... 618
Exterior Care.................................... 620

Accessories and Modifications ........ 623

* Not available on all models

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Before Performing Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance

For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle 
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient 
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. 
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in 
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and 
inspection information.

■

Daily inspections

Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when 
refueling.

■

Periodic inspections

• Check the brake fluid level monthly.

2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 592

• Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.

2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 602

• Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.

2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 593

• Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.

2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 598

■

Types of Inspection and Maintenance

1

Inspection and Maintenance

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 (MID).

2 Maintenance Service Items P. 579

If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks 
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a 
subscription to the Service Express website at 
www.techinfo.honda.com.

2 Authorized Manuals P. 682

If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make 
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in 
the separate maintenance booklet.

U.S. models

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Before Performing Maintenance

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Safety When Performing Maintenance

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Safety When Performing Maintenance

Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in 
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether you should perform a given 
task.

• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames 

away from the battery and all fuel related parts.

• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.

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Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them, causing a fire.

• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not 

gasoline.

• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or 

compressed air.

• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.

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Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.

• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.

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Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and 
the engine is off.

• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.

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Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before 
touching vehicle parts.

• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.

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Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away 
from moving parts.

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Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop function

*

 is activated.

■

Maintenance Safety

■

Vehicle Safety

1

Safety When Performing Maintenance

3

WARNING

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 owner’s manual.

3

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 owner’s manual.

* Not available on all models

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Before Performing Maintenance

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Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

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Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

The use of Acura genuine parts and fluids is recommended when maintaining and 
servicing your vehicle. Acura genuine parts are manufactured according to the same 
high quality standards used in Acura vehicles.

1

Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

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

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Maintenance Minder

TM

If the engine oil life is less than 15%, you will see the Maintenance Minder messages 
appear on the multi-information display (MID) every time you set the power mode 
to ON. The messages notify you when to change the engine oil, or when to bring 
your vehicle to a dealer for indicated maintenance services.

To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

Maintenance items, which should be serviced at the same time that you replace the 
engine oil, appear on the MID.
You can view them on the engine oil life screen at any time.
1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Roll the multi-function steering-wheel controls until the engine oil life appears on 

the MID.

■

Displaying the Maintenance Minder Information

1

Displaying the Maintenance Minder Information

Based on the engine operating conditions, the 
remaining engine oil life is calculated and displayed 
as a percentage.

There is a list of maintenance main and sub items you 
can view on the MID.

2 Maintenance Service Items P. 579

Displayed Engine Oil 

Life (%)

Calculated Engine Oil 

Life (%)

100

100 to 91

90

90 to 81

80

80 to 71

70

70 to 61

60

60 to 51

50

50 to 41

40

40 to 31

30

30 to 21

20

20 to 16

15

15 to 11

10

10 to 6

5

5 to 1

0

0

Remaining Engine Oil Life

Maintenance Service Items

Multi-function 
Steering-wheel 
Controls

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Maintenance Minder

TM

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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The system message indicator (

) comes on along with the Maintenance Minder message.

■

Maintenance Minder Messages on the Multi-Information 
Display (MID)

Maintenance Message

Oil Life Display

Explanation

Information

Maintenance Due Soon

15%

The remaining engine oil life is 15 to 
6 percent. Once you switch the 
display by rolling the multi-function 
steering-wheel controls, this 
message will go off.

The engine oil is approaching the end 
of its service life, and the maintenance 
items should be inspected and serviced 
soon.

Maintenance Due Now

5%

The remaining engine oil life is 5 to 1 
percent. Roll the multi-function 
steering-wheel controls to switch to 
another display.

The engine oil has almost reached the 
end of its service life, and the 
maintenance items should be inspected 
and serviced as soon as possible.

Maintenance Past Due

Negative Distance

The remaining engine oil life has 
passed its service life, and a negative 
distance appears after driving over 
10 miles (U.S. models) or 10 km 
(Canadian models). Roll the multi-
function steering wheel control to 
switch to another display.

The engine oil life has passed.
The maintenance items must be 
inspected and serviced immediately.

U.S.

Canada

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Maintenance Minder

TM

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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■

Maintenance Service Items

1

Maintenance Service Items

•

Independent of the Maintenance Minder 
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.

•

Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if 
they are noisy.

Maintenance Minder Message

System Message 
Indicator

Sub Items

Main 
Item

*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 

from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

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 tire repair kit 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

#

*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission 

temperature. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the 
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission 
fluid changed at 30,000 miles (48,000 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 towing results in higher level of 

mechanical (Shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than 
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, 
have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

CODE

Maintenance Sub Items

1

●

Rotate tires

2

●

Replace air cleaner element

*2

●

Replace dust and pollen filter

*3

●

Inspect drive belt

3

●

Replace transmission and transfer

*

 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

* Not available on all models

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Maintenance Minder

TM

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To Use Maintenance Minder

TM

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Reset the engine oil life display if you have performed the maintenance service.

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Go to the Maintenance Info. group.

2 Customized Features P. 126

3. Push the multi-function steering-wheel controls.

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The oil life reset mode is displayed on the MID.

4. Select Reset with the multi-function steering-wheel controls, then push the 

multi-function steering wheel control.

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The displayed maintenance items disappear, and the engine oil life display 
returns to 100%.

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To cancel the oil life reset mode, select Cancel, then push the multi-function 
steering-wheel controls.

■

Resetting the Display

1

Resetting the Display

NOTICE

Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance 
service results in the system showing incorrect 
maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious 
mechanical problems.

The dealer will reset the engine oil life display after 
completing the required maintenance service. If 
someone other than a dealer performs maintenance 
service, reset the engine oil life display yourself.

You can reset the engine oil life display using the 
audio/information screen.

2 Customized Features P. 358

Remaining Engine Oil Life

Maintenance Service Items

Multi-function 
Steering-wheel 
Controls

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Maintenance Items Under the Hood

Brake Fluid 
(Black Cap)

Washer Fluid

Radiator Cap

Engine Coolant 
Reserve Tank

Engine Oil Dipstick 
(Orange)

Engine Oil Fill Cap

Battery

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