2003 Acura MDX Repair Manual PDF

The 2003 Acura MDX Repair Manual provides comprehensive technical information for servicing and maintaining the 2003 Acura MDX luxury SUV. This manual covers the 3.5L V6 VTEC engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive system, electrical systems, suspension, brakes, heating and air conditioning, body components, and troubleshooting procedures. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, repair procedures, specifications, and diagnostic information.

1. General Information 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Electrical Systems 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Brake Systems 8. Heating & AC 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting 11. Specifications

General Information

Overview of the 2003 Acura MDX model including VIN decoding, vehicle identification, and general service precautions.

Component	Description
Vehicle Type	Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
Model Years	2001-2006 (first generation)
Manufacturer	Honda for Acura division
Assembly Plant	Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Drive Configuration	Front-engine, four-wheel drive
VIN Location	Driver's side dashboard visible through windshield
Service Precautions	Always disconnect battery before electrical work
Safety Systems	SRS airbags, ABS, VSA
Lifting Points	Designated jack points under rocker panels
Fluid Capacities	Refer to specifications section

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Coolant replacement: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years
Spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Every 105,000 miles or 7 years

WARNING! Always use genuine Acura parts and recommended fluids for optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Engine Repair

Detailed procedures for servicing the J35A4 3.5L V6 VTEC engine including removal, installation, and component repair.

Engine removal: Disconnect battery, drain fluids, remove accessories
Cylinder head service: Valve adjustment, gasket replacement
Timing belt replacement: Align marks, proper tensioning
VTEC system: Solenoid testing, oil pressure verification
Fuel system: Injector service, fuel pressure testing
Ignition system: Spark plug replacement, coil testing
Cooling system: Thermostat, water pump replacement

CAUTION! Always support engine properly during removal. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Transfer Case: VTM-4 electronic 4WD system
Front Differential: Integrated with transmission
Rear Differential: Independent with clutch pack
Driveshaft: Two-piece with center support bearing
Axles: CV joint type front and rear
Fluid Type: Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent
Service Procedures: Fluid changes, solenoid testing, clutch pack replacement

Electrical Systems

Comprehensive electrical system diagnosis and repair including wiring diagrams, component locations, and testing procedures.

Battery: 12V 70Ah, located under front passenger seat

Charging System: 130-amp alternator, voltage regulator testing

Starting System: Starter motor removal, solenoid testing

Lighting Systems: Headlight adjustment, bulb replacement procedures

Power Accessories: Window motors, door locks, seat adjustments

ECU Locations: PCM under passenger dash, other modules throughout vehicle

Fuse Boxes: Underhood main fuse box, interior fuse panel driver's side

Suspension & Steering

Front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension systems with power steering diagnosis and repair.

Front strut replacement: Support vehicle, remove wheel, disconnect components
Rear suspension: Control arm, stabilizer bar, shock absorber service
Wheel alignment: Specifications and adjustment procedures
Power steering: Pump replacement, hose routing, bleeding procedure
Steering gear: Rack and pinion inspection and replacement
Ball joints: Inspection and replacement criteria
Bushings: Control arm and stabilizer bar bushing replacement

Tip: Always perform wheel alignment after suspension component replacement.

Brake Systems

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system service procedures.

Brake pad replacement: Front and rear procedures
Rotor service: Measurement specifications, machining limits
Caliper service: Piston retraction, seal replacement
ABS system: Sensor testing, modulator service
Brake bleeding: Manual and pressure bleeding procedures
Parking brake: Cable adjustment, rear brake service
VSA system: Component testing, system initialization

WARNING! Always test brake system thoroughly after service before road testing.

Heating & AC

Climate control system diagnosis and repair including compressor, evaporator, and heater core service.

Body & Interior

Body panel replacement, glass service, interior trim, and accessory installation procedures.

CAUTION! Follow proper procedures for SRS system components to avoid accidental deployment.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery voltage, listen for fuel pump, test starter circuit
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn clutches	Check fluid level and condition, perform pressure test
ABS light on	Wheel sensor, modulator	Scan for codes, test wheel sensors, check tone rings
Overheating	Thermostat, water pump	Check coolant level, test thermostat, inspect water pump
Electrical issues	Ground connections, fuses	Check main grounds, inspect fuse boxes, test battery connections

Diagnostic Tools: Acura diagnostic system or equivalent OBD-II scanner required for advanced diagnostics.

Specifications

Engine: 3.5L J35A4 V6 VTEC, 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 245 lb-ft torque @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain: VTM-4 4-wheel drive system
Brakes: Front 11.8" vented discs, rear 12.0" solid discs with ABS
Suspension: Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link
Fuel Capacity: 19.2 gallons
Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity: 8.7 quarts
Transmission Fluid: 3.2 quarts (drain and refill)