2011 Acura MDX Maintenance Manual

The 2011 Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV featuring a 3.7L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), and advanced safety systems. This maintenance manual covers routine service intervals, fluid specifications, component inspections, and troubleshooting procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

1. Maintenance Schedule 2. Engine Maintenance 3. Transmission Service 4. Brake System 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Electrical System 7. Tire & Wheel Care 8. Fluid Specifications 9. Warning Lights 10. Troubleshooting

Maintenance Schedule

Follow these service intervals for optimal vehicle performance and warranty compliance.

Service Interval	Required Maintenance
7,500 miles/12 months	Oil and filter change, tire rotation, multi-point inspection
15,000 miles/12 months	Replace air filter, inspect brake system, check all fluids
30,000 miles/24 months	Replace cabin air filter, inspect drive belts, check suspension
60,000 miles/48 months	Replace spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant replacement
90,000 miles/72 months	Replace timing belt, water pump, comprehensive system check

Engine Maintenance

Proper engine care ensures longevity and performance.

Oil Change: Use 5W-20 premium synthetic oil; replace filter every change.
Air Filter: Inspect every 15K miles; replace if dirty or clogged.
Spark Plugs: Replace with OEM iridium plugs at 60K miles.
Cooling System: Check coolant level monthly; replace at 60K miles.
Fuel System: Use fuel injector cleaner every 15K miles.

WARNING! Always allow engine to cool before performing maintenance. Use proper safety equipment.

Transmission Service

Automatic transmission with SH-AWD requires regular maintenance.

Fluid Change: Replace ATF every 60K miles using Honda ATF-Z1.
Filter Replacement: Replace transmission filter with fluid change.
Shift Mechanism: Inspect for smooth operation during service.
Differential Fluid: Replace rear differential fluid every 30K miles.

CAUTION! Use only specified transmission fluid to prevent damage.

Brake System

Brake Pads: Inspect every 15K miles; replace when worn to 3mm.
Brake Rotors: Resurface or replace when scoring exceeds specifications.
Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years or 45K miles with DOT 3 fluid.
Parking Brake: Adjust cable tension annually.
ABS System: Diagnostic scan required for ABS warning light.

Suspension & Steering

Regular inspection maintains handling and ride quality.

Front Suspension: MacPherson struts, lower control arms, stabilizer bar. Rear Suspension: Multi-link setup with stabilizer bar. Steering: Power rack-and-pinion with variable assist.

Inspect: Struts/shocks every 30K miles, ball joints and tie rods every 15K miles, alignment check annually. Replace worn components immediately to prevent tire wear and handling issues.

Electrical System

Battery, charging, and lighting system maintenance.

Battery: Test annually; clean terminals; replace every 4-5 years.
Alternator: Output test during routine service.
Lighting: Check all exterior lights monthly; replace bulbs as needed.
Fuses: Locate fuse boxes in engine compartment and driver's side dashboard.

Tip: Disconnect battery negative terminal before electrical work.

Tire & Wheel Care

Proper tire maintenance ensures safety and fuel efficiency.

Rotation: Rotate tires every 7,500 miles using cross pattern.
Pressure: Check monthly; maintain 32 PSI (front), 32 PSI (rear).
Alignment: Check annually or after hitting curbs/potholes.
Balance: Balance wheels when vibration occurs or during tire rotation.
Tread Depth: Replace tires when tread wears to 2/32 inch.

WARNING! Never mix tire types or sizes on AWD system.

Fluid Specifications

Use only recommended fluids for optimal performance.

Fluid Type	Specification	Capacity
Engine Oil	5W-20 Synthetic	4.5 quarts
Transmission	Honda ATF-Z1	3.2 quarts
Coolant	Honda Type 2	8.5 quarts
Brake Fluid	DOT 3	As needed
Power Steering	Honda PSF	2.8 quarts
Rear Differential	Honda Dual Pump Fluid	1.2 quarts

Warning Lights

Understanding dashboard warning indicators.

Check Engine: Emissions or engine control issue - diagnostic required. ABS: Anti-lock brake system fault. VSA: Vehicle Stability Assist disabled or faulty. TPMS: Tire pressure monitoring system alert. Oil Pressure: Stop engine immediately. Battery: Charging system malfunction.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, starter, fuel pump	Check battery, listen for fuel pump, test starter
Rough idle	Dirty injectors, spark plugs, vacuum leak	Replace plugs, clean injectors, check vacuum lines
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn clutch packs	Check fluid level, service transmission
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, stuck calipers	Resurface/replace rotors, inspect calipers
Steering pull	Alignment, tire pressure, worn components	Check alignment, tire pressure, suspension

Reset Maintenance Light: Turn ignition to ON, press and hold SELECT/RESET until maintenance light blinks.

Service: Contact Acura dealer or certified technician for complex issues.