Owners Manual for 2001 Acura MDX

The 2001 Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV featuring a 3.5L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, VTM-4 all-wheel drive system, leather interior, power accessories, climate control, premium audio system, and advanced safety features including dual-stage airbags and ABS. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Instrument Panel 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Driving Your MDX 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Audio and Climate Systems 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 3.5L VTEC V6 engine, VTM-4 4-wheel drive system, 5-speed automatic transmission, leather-trimmed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, premium audio system.

Feature	Description
Engine	3.5L SOHC VTEC V6 with 240 hp
Transmission	5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain	VTM-4 electronic 4-wheel drive
Seating	7-passenger leather-trimmed interior
Audio System	AM/FM stereo with cassette and 6-disc CD changer
Climate Control	Dual-zone automatic temperature control
Power Features	Windows, door locks, mirrors, moonroof
Safety	Dual-stage airbags, ABS, side impact protection
Cargo	Split folding third-row seats
Exterior	Power tailgate, fog lights, alloy wheels

Safety Information

Always wear seat belts and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.

Airbag System: Dual-stage front airbags with occupant position detection.
Child Safety: Use rear seats for child restraints; deactivate passenger airbag when using rear-facing seat.
ABS Brakes: Maintain steering control during hard braking.
VTM-4 System: Provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions.

WARNING! Never place rear-facing child seats in front passenger seat with active airbag. Always check tire pressure and condition regularly.

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with all gauges, indicators, and controls before driving.

Speedometer and Tachometer: Center cluster display.
Warning Lights: Check engine, oil pressure, battery, ABS, airbag, brake.
Multi-Information Display: Outside temperature, trip computer, maintenance reminders.
Control Layout: Steering wheel controls, center stack audio/climate controls.

CAUTION! Do not operate controls while driving. Pull over safely to adjust settings.

Specifications

Engine: 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6, 240 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with SportShift
Drivetrain: VTM-4 4-wheel drive
Fuel Capacity: 19.2 gallons (Premium unleaded recommended)
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (with proper equipment)
Seating Capacity: 7 passengers
Curb Weight: 4,463 lbs
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette and 6-disc CD changer

Controls and Operation

Master control locations: Steering wheel, center console, instrument panel.

Steering Wheel: Audio controls, cruise control, telephone (if equipped).

Center Stack: Climate control, audio system, hazard lights, rear defogger.

Transmission: P-R-N-D-D3-2-1 gear selection; SportShift manual mode.

VTM-4: Automatic engagement; VTM-4 LOCK for extreme conditions.

Driving Your MDX

Starting procedure, shifting, VTM-4 operation, and driving tips.

Starting: Foot on brake, shift to Park or Neutral, turn key to START.
Shifting: Use SportShift for manual gear selection.
VTM-4: Automatically engages when wheel slip detected.
Cruise Control: Set speed above 25 mph using steering wheel controls.

Tip: Allow engine to warm up in cold weather before hard acceleration.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid: Replace every 60,000 miles
Timing Belt: Replace every 105,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Replace every 3 years
Coolant: Replace every 10 years or 120,000 miles

WARNING! Use only Acura-approved fluids and genuine parts. Maintenance Minder system will indicate service needs.

Audio and Climate Systems

Premium audio with AM/FM stereo, cassette, 6-disc CD changer. Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Care & Cleaning

Use mild soap and water for exterior; approved leather cleaner for seats.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners on interior surfaces. Protect leather from direct sunlight.

Warranty Information

4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty; 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. For warranty claims, contact authorized Acura dealership.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery/security system	Check battery connections; ensure key is recognized.
VTM-4 light on	System fault	Have system checked by dealer; avoid severe conditions.
Transmission shifting hard	Fluid level/temperature	Check fluid level; allow warm-up in cold weather.
Audio system no sound	Mute/connections	Check mute setting; verify amplifier connection.
Climate control not cooling	Refrigerant/compressor	Check refrigerant level; have system serviced.

Service: Contact authorized Acura dealer for all repairs and maintenance.

Roadside Assistance: 1-800-382-2238