2012 Acura MDX Service Manual PDF

The 2012 Acura MDX Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintenance, repair, and service procedures for the 2012 Acura MDX luxury SUV. This manual covers engine systems, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, HVAC, body components, and diagnostic procedures. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, technical specifications, repair procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. General Information 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. HVAC 9. Body & Interior 10. Diagnostic Procedures 11. Troubleshooting

General Information

Overview of 2012 Acura MDX specifications and service requirements.

Component	Specification
Model Year	2012
Vehicle Type	Luxury Mid-size SUV
Engine Type	3.7L V6 VTEC
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic with Sequential SportShift
Drivetrain	Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
Fuel System	Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brake System	4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Suspension	Independent front and rear
Electrical System	12-volt with 100-amp alternator
Service Intervals	See maintenance schedule section

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended service intervals and maintenance procedures.

Oil and filter change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid replacement: Every 3 years
Transmission fluid: Every 60,000 miles
Spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles
Timing belt: Every 105,000 miles

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

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for the 3.7L V6 VTEC engine.

Engine Code: J37A1
Displacement: 3,664 cc
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Valve Train: SOHC VTEC, 24-valve
Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity: 8.4 quarts

Transmission

Service procedures for the 6-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system.

Fluid type: Acura ATF DW-1
Fluid capacity: 3.1 quarts (drain and refill)
Transmission filter replacement procedure
SH-AWD rear differential service
Transfer assembly maintenance

CAUTION! Use only specified transmission fluid to prevent damage.

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension components and steering system service.

Component	Service Procedure
Front Struts	Replacement and alignment specifications
Rear Shocks	Removal and installation steps
Stabilizer Bars	Bushing replacement and torque specs
Control Arms	Ball joint inspection and replacement
Power Steering	Fluid service and pump replacement
Wheel Alignment	Specifications and adjustment procedures

Brake Systems

Complete brake system service and maintenance procedures.

Brake pad replacement: Front and rear specifications
Rotor service: Machining limits and replacement
Brake fluid bleeding: Proper procedure and sequence
ABS system: Diagnostic and service information
Parking brake: Adjustment and cable replacement

WARNING! Always replace brake components in axle sets for optimal braking performance.

Electrical Systems

Wiring diagrams, component locations, and electrical system service.

Battery: Specification and testing procedures
Charging System: Alternator testing and replacement
Starting System: Starter motor service
Lighting Systems: Headlight, taillight, and interior light service
Power Accessories: Window, lock, and mirror systems
Audio/Navigation: System troubleshooting and component replacement

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service.

AC refrigerant: Type and capacity specifications
Compressor: Replacement and oil charge procedures
Heater core: Removal and installation steps
Blower motor: Service and replacement
Climate control: Diagnostic trouble codes and sensor locations

CAUTION! AC system service requires proper certification and equipment.

Body & Interior

Body components, interior trim, and accessory service procedures.

Component	Service Information
Doors	Panel removal and window regulator service
Seats	Power seat motor replacement and adjustment
Dashboard	Component access and removal procedures
Exterior Trim	Molding and emblem replacement
Glass	Windshield and window replacement

Diagnostic Procedures

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes and system testing procedures.

Engine Codes: P0xxx, P1xxx series code definitions
Transmission Codes: P07xx series diagnostic procedures
ABS Codes: C1xxx series troubleshooting
SRS Codes: Airbag system diagnostic procedures
Scan Tool: Proper connection and data interpretation

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, starter, fuel system	Check battery voltage, fuel pressure, starter operation
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn components	Check fluid level and condition, scan for codes
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, worn pads	Inspect rotors and pads, replace as needed
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Test charging system, check ground connections
AC not cooling	Refrigerant leak, compressor	Check refrigerant pressure, compressor operation

Technical Support: Contact Acura dealer service department

Parts Information: Use genuine Acura parts for all repairs