Acura MDX (2018 year). Manual - 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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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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