2003 Acura MDX Service Manual Download

The 2003 Acura MDX Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintenance, repair, and service procedures for the 2003 Acura MDX luxury SUV. This manual covers engine systems, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, body components, and troubleshooting guides. Below are key sections for technical specifications, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Brake Systems 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical Systems 8. Heating & A/C 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Technical Service Bulletins

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 2003 Acura MDX including engine, transmission, dimensions, and capacities.

Specification	Description
Engine Type	3.5L V6 SOHC VTEC
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque	250 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain	VTM-4 all-wheel drive system
Fuel Capacity	19.2 gallons
Curb Weight	4,463 lbs
Wheelbase	106.3 inches
Overall Length	188.5 inches
Towing Capacity	4,500 lbs with proper equipment

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures for optimal vehicle performance.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Spark plug replacement: Every 105,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Every 3 years regardless of mileage
Timing belt: Every 105,000 miles or 7 years

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

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for the 3.5L V6 engine and related systems.

Engine Removal: Step-by-step procedure for engine removal and installation
Cylinder Head: Service and repair procedures for cylinder head components
Timing Belt: Replacement procedure and tension adjustment
Fuel System: Fuel pump, injectors, and pressure regulator service
Cooling System: Radiator, thermostat, and water pump service
Exhaust System: Manifold, catalytic converter, and muffler service
Emission Controls: PCV, EGR, and evaporative emission systems

Transmission & Drivetrain

Service procedures for automatic transmission and VTM-4 all-wheel drive system.

Transmission Service: Fluid change, filter replacement, shift solenoid testing.

VTM-4 System: Transfer case service, rear differential maintenance, drive shaft inspection.

Transmission fluid level check and adjustment procedure
Shift cable adjustment and calibration
Transfer case fluid replacement intervals
Rear differential service and fluid specifications
Drive shaft universal joint inspection and replacement

Brake Systems

Complete brake system service including ABS and VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist).

Component	Service Procedure
Front Brakes	Pad replacement, rotor service, caliper maintenance
Rear Brakes	Pad/shoe replacement, drum/rotor service
ABS System	Wheel speed sensor testing, modulator service
Brake Fluid	Bleeding procedure, fluid specification
Parking Brake	Cable adjustment, mechanism service

CAUTION! Always bleed brake system after any service to remove air bubbles.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension service, steering system maintenance.

Front strut replacement and alignment procedure
Rear suspension component inspection and service
Power steering system service and fluid specification
Wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures
Stabilizer bar and bushing replacement

Tip: Always perform wheel alignment after suspension component replacement.

Electrical Systems

Wiring diagrams, component locations, and electrical system troubleshooting.

Battery & Charging: Battery testing, alternator service, voltage regulator
Starting System: Starter motor testing and replacement
Lighting Systems: Headlight, taillight, and interior lighting service
Instrument Panel: Gauge cluster service and warning light diagnosis
Power Accessories: Window, lock, and seat motor service
Audio System: Radio, amplifier, and speaker service procedures

Heating & A/C

Climate control system service including heater core and A/C compressor.

A/C system evacuation and recharge procedure
Compressor clutch testing and replacement
Heater core removal and installation
Blower motor and resistor service
Climate control panel diagnosis and repair

WARNING! A/C system contains high-pressure refrigerant - use proper safety equipment.

Body & Interior

Body panel service, interior component repair, and trim procedures.

Exterior: Door panel removal, bumper service, glass replacement.

Interior: Dashboard components, seat removal, trim panel service.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems and diagnostic procedures for the 2003 Acura MDX.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery voltage, test starter, verify fuel pressure
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn clutches	Check fluid level and condition, pressure test
ABS light on	Wheel sensor, modulator	Scan for codes, test wheel speed sensors
A/C not cooling	Refrigerant low, compressor	Check refrigerant pressure, test compressor clutch
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Load test battery, check charging system, inspect grounds

Technical Service Bulletins

Factory-issued service bulletins addressing common issues and updates.

TSB 03-010: Transmission shift quality improvement
TSB 04-015: A/C compressor clutch replacement procedure
TSB 05-022: Updated brake pad specifications
TSB 06-018: VTM-4 system software update
TSB 07-025: Power steering pump noise diagnosis

Service Support: Contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238 or visit acura.com