2002 Acura MDX Owners Manual PDF

The 2002 Acura MDX is a luxury mid-size SUV featuring V6 engine, all-wheel drive system, advanced safety features, premium audio system, climate control, and comprehensive onboard computer systems. This manual covers vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, safety precautions, troubleshooting, and technical specifications for optimal performance and longevity.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Driving Controls 4. Safety Systems 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Technical Specifications 7. Audio & Navigation 8. Climate Control 9. Emergency Procedures 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 3.5L V6 engine, VTM-4 all-wheel drive system, 5-speed automatic transmission, power windows/locks, leather interior, moonroof, and premium sound system.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.5L SOHC V6 with VTEC
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain	VTM-4 electronic all-wheel drive
Seating Capacity	7 passengers with third-row seating
Cargo Capacity	Up to 81.5 cubic feet with seats folded
Fuel Capacity	19.2 gallons (premium recommended)
Towing Capacity	Up to 4,500 lbs with proper equipment
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic temperature control
Safety Features	Dual front airbags, side airbags, ABS brakes

Instrument Panel

Dashboard layout includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights, and multi-information display.

Speedometer: Shows vehicle speed in mph and km/h
Tachometer: Engine RPM indicator with redline at 6,500 RPM
Fuel Gauge: Fuel level indicator with low fuel warning light
Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature monitor
Warning Lights: Check engine, ABS, airbag, oil pressure, battery
Multi-Information Display: Trip computer, outside temperature, maintenance reminders

WARNING! Never ignore warning lights; stop vehicle immediately if red warning lights appear.

Driving Controls

Familiarize yourself with all vehicle controls before driving.

Ignition: Insert key and turn to start position
Transmission: Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), Drive (D), Drive Sport (D3), Second (2), First (1)
Steering Wheel: Tilt and telescopic adjustment lever
Cruise Control: Set, resume, cancel buttons on steering wheel
Wipers/Washers: Multi-function stalk on steering column
Headlights: Rotary switch with auto-off feature

CAUTION! Always come to complete stop before shifting between Park and Reverse.

Safety Systems

Airbags: Dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags
ABS Brakes: Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution
VSA: Vehicle Stability Assist for enhanced control
Seat Belts: 3-point belts for all seating positions with pretensioners
Child Safety: LATCH system for child seats, rear door child locks
Security: Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
Visibility: Automatic headlights, fog lights, rear wiper/washer

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Every 7,500 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, fluid checks

Every 15,000 miles: Air filter replacement, brake inspection

Every 30,000 miles: Transmission fluid change, coolant replacement

Every 60,000 miles: Spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection

Every 100,000 miles: Timing belt replacement, major service

Technical Specifications

Access OSD via TV MENU or SETUP (DVD). Front Panel: POWER, OPEN/CLOSE, AUTO/DPMS, MUTE.

Engine: 3.5L SOHC V6, 240 hp @ 5,300 RPM, 245 lb-ft torque @ 3,000-5,000 RPM

Dimensions: Length 188.5 in, Width 76.3 in, Height 71.6 in, Wheelbase 106.3 in. Weight: 4,463 lbs. Performance: 0-60 mph 8.5 seconds, Top speed 112 mph. Fuel Economy: 17 city/23 highway mpg. Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS. Suspension: Independent front and rear with stabilizer bars.

Audio & Navigation

Premium audio system with optional navigation. Audio: AM/FM stereo, cassette player, 6-disc CD changer. Navigation: GPS-based system with voice guidance (if equipped).

Turn ignition to ON position to operate audio system
Use power/volume knob to turn system on/off and adjust volume
Press AM/FM button to select radio band
Load CDs into magazine for 6-disc changer operation
Navigation system requires vehicle in Park for address entry

Tip: Update navigation DVD periodically for current map data.

Climate Control

Dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear ventilation.

Press AUTO for automatic temperature control
Adjust driver and passenger temperature separately
Use mode button to select vent, floor, or defrost settings
Rear passengers can adjust fan speed and direction
Use A/C button for air conditioning operation
Defrost settings automatically engage A/C for faster clearing
Recirculation mode for quick cooling or odor exclusion
Rear window defogger timer operates for approximately 15 minutes

WARNING! Never leave children or pets in vehicle with climate system running unattended.

Emergency Procedures

Flat Tire: Use jack and spare tire located under cargo floor. Jump Starting: Connect cables properly to avoid electrical damage. Towing: Use proper equipment; front wheels must be off ground for AWD models.

Warranty Information

Basic warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles. Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited miles. Roadside Assistance: 4 years/50,000 miles.

CAUTION! Warranty may be voided by improper modifications or lack of scheduled maintenance.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/security system	Check battery connections; ensure key is recognized by immobilizer system.
Check engine light	Emissions/system fault	Have system scanned for diagnostic trouble codes at authorized dealer.
Transmission shifting hard	Fluid level/software	Check transmission fluid level; may require software update.
VSA light on	System fault	Check for faulty wheel speed sensor; system may require reset.
Navigation not working	Disc/mapping data	Ensure navigation DVD is properly loaded and not scratched.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset computer systems.

Service: Contact Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 or visit www.acura.com