2014 Acura MDX Maintenance Manual

The 2014 Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV featuring a 3.5L V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive system, and advanced maintenance monitoring system. This manual covers essential maintenance procedures, service intervals, fluid specifications, and troubleshooting guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle. Below are key sections for maintenance schedules, fluid specifications, common procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. Maintenance Schedule 2. Fluid Specifications 3. Engine Maintenance 4. Brake System 5. Tire Maintenance 6. Electrical System 7. Filter Replacements 8. Warning Lights 9. Service Reset Procedures 10. Technical Specifications 11. Troubleshooting

Maintenance Schedule

Follow the Maintenance Minder system for service intervals based on driving conditions.

Service Code	Description	Interval
A	Oil and filter change	When indicator appears
B	Oil and filter change + inspections	When indicator appears
1	Tire rotation	7,500-10,000 miles
2	Air cleaner element replacement	30,000 miles
3	Transmission fluid replacement	30,000-60,000 miles
4	Spark plug replacement	105,000 miles
5	Coolant replacement	120,000 miles

Fluid Specifications

Use only recommended fluids for optimal performance and warranty protection.

Engine Oil: 5W-20 premium-grade motor oil (4.5 quarts with filter)
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (3.5 quarts)
Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Coolant: Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
Power Steering Fluid: Honda Power Steering Fluid
Transfer Assembly Fluid: Honda VTM-4 Fluid
Rear Differential Fluid: Honda Dual Pump Fluid II

WARNING! Using incorrect fluids may cause damage to vehicle systems.

Engine Maintenance

Regular engine maintenance ensures optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Oil Change: Drain old oil, replace filter, refill with 5W-20 oil
Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace when dirty
Spark Plugs: Replace at 105,000 miles with IFR6F11 plugs
Timing Belt: Inspect at 60,000 miles, replace at 105,000 miles
Coolant System: Check level monthly, replace at 120,000 miles

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before performing maintenance.

Brake System

Brake Pads: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace when worn to 3mm
Brake Rotors: Resurface or replace when below minimum thickness
Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage
Parking Brake: Adjust cable tension as needed
ABS System: Professional diagnosis required for warning lights

Tire Maintenance

Proper tire maintenance ensures safety and optimal handling.

Rotation: Rotate tires every 7,500 miles using cross pattern. Pressure: Maintain 32 PSI (front) and 32 PSI (rear). Alignment: Check alignment annually or when uneven wear appears. Balance: Balance tires when vibration occurs or during rotation.

Electrical System

Battery: 12V, 70Ah. Replace every 3-5 years. Alternator: 150A output. Fuses: Located in interior and engine compartment fuse boxes.

Battery maintenance: Clean terminals, check voltage (12.6V minimum)
Alternator testing: Output should be 13.5-14.5V at idle
Light bulb replacement: Use correct wattage for all exterior/interior lights
Fuse replacement: Always use same amperage rating

Tip: Disconnect negative battery terminal before electrical work.

Filter Replacements

Regular filter replacements maintain engine performance and cabin air quality.

Engine Air Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles or when dirty
Cabin Air Filter: Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles
Oil Filter: Replace with every oil change
Fuel Filter: Built into fuel pump, replace as needed

WARNING! Do not operate vehicle with clogged air filters.

Warning Lights

Understanding warning lights helps prevent serious damage.

Light	Description	Action Required
Check Engine	Engine system issue	Diagnose with OBD-II scanner
ABS	Anti-lock brake system	Professional service required
TPMS	Tire pressure monitoring	Check and adjust tire pressure
Battery	Charging system	Check alternator and battery
Oil Pressure	Low oil pressure	Stop engine immediately

Service Reset Procedures

Reset maintenance indicators after completing service.

Oil Life Reset: Turn ignition ON, press SELECT/RESET until maintenance menu appears, press SELECT/RESET for 10 seconds
Tire Pressure Reset: Press and hold TPMS button until light blinks twice
Maintenance Minder Reset: Navigate through multi-information display settings

CAUTION! Reset only after completing required maintenance.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC
Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 267 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain: Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity: 21.0 gallons
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (with towing package)
Curb Weight: 4,331 lbs

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/ignition/fuel	Check battery charge, ignition switch, fuel pump
Rough idle	Spark plugs/vacuum leak	Replace spark plugs, check for vacuum leaks
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace brake rotors
Transmission slipping	Low fluid/worn clutch	Check fluid level, service transmission
Overheating	Coolant/thermostat	Check coolant level, replace thermostat

Diagnostic: Use OBD-II port for engine code reading.

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