Acura MDX Maintenance and Repair

tidester

You may be interested in the Extended Warranties discussion.

tidester, host

sisu1996

I went to the local dealer today to complain about all the problems I have after 2 months/1500miles with the car. The result was very disappointing. The service rep seemed to have a rehearsed answer to all my concerns, and said all problems I found are normal. If any of them causes problem in driving, then go to the dealer again. I was being very nice and not confrontational at all. However, given the apparent preparedness of the service rep, I could not do much. Do you think it an appropriate time now to escalate the case to Acura service line? Has anyone had a similar experience recently, and, if yes, what was the result?

My problems:
Gas tank sloshing (thread #393)
Humming noise @ low RPM (#394)
Gas pedal click (#814)
Brake clunk (#779)
Seat depression (#1164. This one is unique to my car only. But the service rep just said it is normal.)

None of the problem will kill me on the road, but it does not feel right to live with them for a car valued $35K+.

Thanks.

gerry914

I have a new silver 2006 MDX with paint flaw about three feet long on center portion of roof. The defect appears to have occurred at the manufacturing facility as no discontinuity is noticed when rubbing the hand over the defect. The defect is an irregular cloudiness or whiteness in the silver paint running parallel to the roof. Has anyone else experience this condition?

scottm123

Not really the same thing, but I take meticulous care of my 06 MDX. (Sage Brush Pearl)
When it's spotless clean and in the sun, there is a small pea-sized spot just off the center of the hood.
This spot looks like a dent, but it's not a dent at all, just some weird flaw in the paint itself.

It has not been seen by anyone else, but I know it's there and it drive's me nuts. :confuse:

scottm123

sisu1996... Did you take my advice and look for a dealer demo 06 MDX so they could compare your seat to theirs?
The option to do this is coming to an end, as the 06's are almost gone, but the seat depression issue is not normal.

I have not had any of your other issues, but just this week, I began to get the rear window rattle that others have talked about.
It only happens when the rear windows are partially open, but I love the roof open with the rear windows open about 2 inches. Nice smooth breeze without the noise.... but now the windows rattle.
I also have an issue with the rear passenger door handle squeaking when it is used to open the door.
I never noticed it before as that is my daughter's seat and I always open it from the outside.
Acura plans on correcting the problem though.

No matter how small the issue, my service manager is very nice, understanding, and eager to help.
I ask if I'm being nit-picky, and he says, "No, not for the money you pay for these cars"

He may complain to the others in his shop once I'm gone, but he's 100% helpful and understanding while I'm there.

Sounds like you need to shop around for another Acura dealer's service shop.

Get in your MDX, hit the Navi voice command button, and say "Find Nearest Acura Dealer"

Best of luck!

upstatedoc

There was a TSB on the "humming noise" on my '04. Turned out to be the rubber muffler hanger near the center of the vehicle. They removed it and the humming disappeared.

rumman

I have acura MDX 2004 autmatic transmission. While driving " D5" started to flash. I stopped the car and towed it to the nearest dealer. Does any body know why it happened and is it somethign serious?? Really wanna know asap.

scottm123

2006 MDX

Bought it in May, and since that time, there has been 6 occasions where I have started the car and the Navigation has asked for me to enter the security code.
There was also one occasion while driving where the system shut down and immediately restarted, rebooted, and then I had to enter the code and re-enter my destination.

Normally, this should only occur if there is a power loss to the Nav system.
I don't believe the issue to be on the battery connection side, as the stereo has never requested the security code.

I suspect a loose power connection in the back of the navi and plan on having the service guys check it out during my next service visit.

Anyone else experiencing anything like this?

pda96

My 06 is 3 months old with 1200 miles. Yesterday, I tried to start it and nothing happened. I turned the key and not a beep came out. I then realized that all the interior lights, and I mean EVERYTHING was off. Tried to turn on the headlights......NADA !! The vehicle is completely DEAD !!!

So I popped the hood and looked at the battery indicator "hole", it looked green, which according to the sticker on the battery, means that the battery is "sufficiently charged".

I'm thinking it has to be the battery. I believe it's totally dead. Doing a quick search on this forum, I realized that this is not uncommon for this vehicle.

I will call road side assistance to give me a boost and take it to the dealer to have it checked out. Does any one here on this forum have the similar problem ? I mean, this is practically a brand spanking new vehicle. If Acura knew about these "bad" battery problems, would there be a recall or service bulletin released ?

scottm123

Sorry... I've never had a power issue, but my Navi issue above has me a little concerned.

mecheng1

In the 5+ years of using the Nav in my '01MDX, I never needed to enter the code until, I purchased and inserted an updated DVD last July.[Never replaced the battery - which is definitely a new record for me.] And, I assume I have never had any service which has required disconnecting the battery. Anyway, MDX Navs were rather new to the dealers at that time and my dealer forgot to record the code --- turns out the default was 0000. Never had to enter it since....these Alpine units have been rather robust....the shutdown and reboot sounds unusual as well.... :confuse:

scottm123

Interesting...

If I bought mine in May and if your update was purchased in July, we're running the same version.

I wonder if that has anything to do with it. :confuse:

mformdx

During a test drive at a dealership they had to jump start the battery. After that the nav/radio wouldn't work. The dealer entered the code (stuck to the glove box) but it still wouldn't work. The previous week when I drove the same vehicle (2003 Touring) everything was fine. Later I was told they had to replace the battery and the same code worked. Yep, its beyond me.

mecheng1

I am sure the NAV unit asked me for the code because I was replacing the database DVD and it was going through a "re-boot". Hasn't asked me for the code since. Browsing thru the Acura TSBs at this site:

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/index.html

shows what information the dealers have about the 4 generations of NAV units that have been on Acuras since 1996. [See TSBs 05-018 and 06-039] I didn't see anything that would directly address your experience.

sisu1996

It has been a while since I reported my progress. I went to speak to the service manager today.

1. Seat problem - he said the seat depression is more a problem with the padding than the leather. He suggested I wait a while and promised me to fix it six months/one year down the line. I will probably do that next spring/summer.

2. Gas pedal click sound when starting - he said it is related to all-wheel-drive, when I mentioned I didn't have the problem with my Camry (100K+ miles/10 years). Sedan has one driveshaft while MDX, being all-wheel-drive, has two. Some differential in the drivetrain causes this click.

3. Humming noise @40kmh/1500rpm - he said when I do coasting on local roads, the speed/rpm is the range when the transmission is caught between D5 and D4, not enough to downshift completely.

I don't know a lot about car mechanics so there is no other way to refute him on point 2/3. I haven't heard the brake clunk lately. The weather is pretty cold and dry lately, and I hear clunk on wet days. I decided not to raise it, as I cannot replicate the problem.

scottm123

I have never noticed the clicking sound when starting out and have not consciously noticed the buzzing sound either... but I will say that I came into the MDX from a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which made all types of sounds.

I bought that as my first SUV, and was in for service all the time, asking about sounds, clicks, buzzes, etc.
All were chalked up to being a full time 4WD vehicle.
Who knows :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
All I know is the MDX is SILENT in comparison to my Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited.

I do hear the brake clunk... once in a while... usually when backing into the garage.
I'm not concerned with it, I've heard it on past vehicles as well.
Has to do with the brake pad seating or something like that... nothing major.

As for your seats, it's great that he offered to repair or replace them in a year or so, but do get that in writing.
I'm not doubting his word, but what happens if he doesn't work there in a year... you're out of luck.

Tell him to fix/replace the seats now, or get the repair promise in writing.

Keep us posted!

alv77

I own a 2002 MDX and I have noticed a similar problem with the D5 light flashing this week. I listened to the car when the light was flashing and it seemed to be making a click-click-click sound from the center shift unit while it was flashing. It only does it sometimes? Did they figure out what the problem was with your vehicle?

dave210

If your D5 light is flashing, I believe that's the car telling you there might be a problem with your transmission. Considering the '01-'02 MDX's have been known for less than stellar transmission reliability, you might want to get that checked out.

We're on our 2nd MDX ('03 and now '06), but a month ago my wife's best friend's 2002 had to go in for a new trans.

alv77

Thanks! That is what I was going to do but I know it will not act up when I take it into the dealer. It is a good thing I got the extended warranty too......

scbr

Hello all. We have had our new 2007 MDX base model for a few weeks now, and overall we love it. We have one issue though. The lights on the dash for the climate control do not light up at night. We have to turn the interior lights on to see the temperature controls, both front and back. The dealership insists that this is how it should be...they look at us like we are nuts for wanting to see these controls at night. So far, we have just taken their word for it and dealt with the problem. Last night, my wife said the climate control lights suddenly came on for about 3 miles, then went back off. So it would seem that these lights really should illuminate at night. We have looked through the manual a few times now to see if there is a setting somewhere, but we have yet to find a solution. Does anyone else with an 07 MDX have illuminated climate controls at night?
thanks

sixsb

We purchased a 2006 MDX with the touring package in July. Since then the car has not started at least 5 times. We
've had the battery replaced once. Anytime the car sits for longer than two days, the car will not start.

Anyone else experience this problem? Thanks.

dogwhistle

Your dealer is wrong, and pretty ingorant! They should light up just as well as every other button on the dash. I just went out and checked mine in my dark garage just to be sure! Sounds like you've got a loose wire, or even a loose bulb.

proger

I have '04 MDX and would like to know if anyone had issues on CD players? This is the second time it happened to me. I can't play my CD's nor can I take or load my CDs. It just register ER... everytime, I play it. It was just replaced last year and this time, I am taking it back for them to check it. Possibly another replacement. I hardly even use it.:mad:

kiddingyou

I purchased my 06 at the end of Oct and have put almost 3500 miles on it. I have parked the car for a week or so and I didn't have problem starting it. Just FYI.

seattlemdx

We have an '07 MDX and are going through the same thing...our battery died three days after picking the car up and died about four times since! We've had the battery replaced once. I am frankly sick of visiting the Acura service center.

In our case, if the car sits longer than 24 hours, the car will not start. I told them to keep the car until they figure out the problem because I do not want to keep coming in.

enthusiast4

I have a 2007 MDX with 500 miles on it so far. It has the sports package (& hence the tech package). .
I usually drive very calmly & sedately.
Today, on the highway, I had to accelerate in the entry lane to get out of the way of a rig. The car downshifted, in auto mode, and the RPMs
went over 4000 RPM. Should not be a biggie right?

Well, the SHAWD light came on. I stopped the vehicle as soon as I
could, turned it off, then on again. The awd light was off, but the
emissions light came on.

When driving home, I switched ot manual shift mode, and again the AWD
light came on as soon as I hit over 4000 RPM. The messages center reads
two codes: code 77 for the AWD and some P type code for the emissions.
I talked to the dealer, and am taking it in Monday. He says the P code
is some kind of evap code. He thinks the 077 code is some kind of low voltage code.

Since this afternoon, I have discovered the following:
Everytime I run the engine over 4000 RPM, when driving, the SHAWD light comes on. Everytime i turn the engine off, the SHAWD sensor resets itself. It happens almost exactly as soon a sit crosses 4000 RPM. What happens at RPM? My guess is the VTEC kicks in, and this switch to the other camshaft, or whatever VTEC does, causes it.

Anyone else had these problems with their brand new MDXs?

sixsb

We tooks or MDX to the shop, this time they say there is no problem. We asked them to keep the car for three days and still no problem. They changed the bluetooth and feel this may be the cause, but we won't know until it doesn't start. Have you dealer check the bluetooth, supposedly this has been the cause for some other owners.

autoboy16

I'm no pro when it comes to cars but i do have knowledge. Ok so far lets analyze the facts. Acura uses honda's vtec and ,most powerful engine. SH-AWD stands for Super handling AWD and only engine when wheel spin is detected.

With Vtec, there is a lot of power in the upper (after 3k rpm)range. So I'm guessing that since you had so much power being sent through the front wheels, SH-AWD came on and routed some more torque to the rear wheels and was notifying you about it. Remember, the MDX is now a "sports car" with almost 300hp at 4000 rpm.

Is this making since to you? To sum it up, your truck was letting you know it was sending more power to the rear. 4k rpm is where hondas vtec stars building power.

Hope this helps!
-Cj

dogwhistle

Good guess, but this is straight from the owners manual about SH-AWD annuciator: "If the indicator comes on, there is a problem with the SH-AWD system. You will also see a 'check SH-AWD SYSTEM' message on the MID. Take your vehicle to a dealer to have it checked. If the indicator blinks while driving, it indicates the differential temperature is too high. You will also see a "SH-AWD DIFF TEMP. HIGH" message on the MID. Pull to the side of the road when it is safe, shift to park, and let the engine idle until the indicator goes out. NOTICE Continuing to drive with the SH-AWD indicator blinking may cause serious damage to the system."

Bottom line - it shouldn't come on, ever. If it does, you've got a problem that the dealer needs to look at ASAP.

ebby

I doubt if the SH-AWD should behave differently simply because you cross certain engine. Yes, the i-vtec in most Honda/Acura engines "switches mode" at a certain rpm but it has nothing to do with SH-AWD. SH-AWD senses differentials in tire speeds and combines that info with steering, yaw angle, etc. to re-distribite torque. It should have nothing to do with a certain rpm. Please contact Acura regarding the prolem.

lmcmali

I am planning to purchase a used 2001 MDX that has only 19 500 miles on it and before I do I would like to know if there are any major problems that I should be aware of before purchase.

I am aware of the recalls on the coils and the power train -automatic transmission problems.

Is there anything else?

enthusiast4

HI everyone,
thanks for your resposnes. Yes, the SHAWD light coming on means there is a problem.
basically, I took it to the dealer today & they found & fixed the problem.
An Intake manifold valve was not "plugged in" so it was not opening when the VTEC kicked in. IT was a simple fix apparently...just an assembly defect.

I drove it after that (also got the oil changed at 675 miles, since I always do that with a new engine) and it drove beautifully, esp in the 3000-5000 RPM range. Awesome car.

thanks, hope this helps others.

ebby

I am glad you got the problem fixed. Although I am still wondering why an intake manifold valve problem should flag a SH-AWD error code....??

But at least the problem is gone. Enjoy your ride !

koho955

I also have the new 07 MDX base model with a similar problem. The lights on my radio work most of the time but every once in awhile I will reach down to change the sation and it's black. The lights always seems to come back on within a minuite or two. This has happened 3 or 4 times now and I have only had the car 2 weeks. My climate control lights do stay on?????

lmcmali

I would like to find out if anyone has any experience regarding the user manuals' suggested use of premium fuel versus using regular or mid grade fuel on the MDX's. With the fluctuating gas prices, this is always a debate...

dogwhistle

The owner's manual specifically says 91 octane or higher is required (not just recommended.) Yes there is always a debate which I will not restart here, but saving 20 cents a gallon just doesn't seem worth it to me. If that was a big deal, I would've bought another Pilot. (Oops, I just debated, sorry!)

mecheng1

AMEN !

15,000 Miles/Year at 15mpg = 1000 gallons
$.20 per gallon delta = $200 per year, or

$3.84 PER WEEK!!!!!

If this is a significant amount of money,..... :confuse:, the Honda dealer will take your trade-in for a new Fit.

varmint

"Although I am still wondering why an intake manifold valve problem should flag a SH-AWD error code....??"

Best guess... One of the operations that is tracked by the SH-AWD ECU is throttle position. Keep in mind, the MDX uses a "drive by wire" system, so throttle position is sort of a goofy concept. Anyway, if VTEC isn't engaged because of problems with an intake valve, the sensor for throttle position would return a big question mark to the SH-AWD ECU. (I think.)

Mind you, I would have expected a check engine light, a VSA warning, or some other warning, but the SH-AWD in addition to those kinda makes sense.

enthusiast4

thanks. No idea. My impression is the shawd light will come on if it detects any issues at all, in other words it's a general code. But who knows? It's an assembling defect. They did not plug in the valve or something...the thing that switches camshafts at 4000 RPM. Atl east i know the VTEC switches for sure at 4000 rpm in the MDX 2007!
-akhilesh

"I am glad you got the problem fixed. Although I am still wondering why an intake manifold valve problem should flag a SH-AWD error code....??

But at least the problem is gone. Enjoy your ride !"

iplanet

Hi all,

I have a 2006 MDX w/ Touring package and have only 1300 miles on it. Since day 1, I have noticed that my MDX was very bumpy on every road conditions. Brought it back to the Acura service and told me that one of my tire has too much pressure and adjusted it - for new one? And still feeling the bumps. During the time, I had a loaner as 2006 MDX Premium and noticed that it was very smooth ride, which was very nice.

Does Touring has different suspension? Or something wrong with my MDX? I am even thinking about bringing my MDX to other mechanic to inspect if the car was ever been in an accident or something.

Thanks ...

varmint

No, the suspension was tweaked in 2004. You might feel a slight difference between the early and later models. But there should be no difference between a Premium (base) and the Touring.

selborne

There are different tires on the premium and touring, no?

iplanet

Thanks for the reply.

But, for brand new car, thought it was too bumpy. A mechanic at Acura told me it's fine, but doesn't feel right ... :lemon:

iplanet

Yes, they are different. But does it make car bumpy? :confuse:

scottm123

I have an 06 Touring and although I find it slightly stiffer than my 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, I find the ride far from "bumpy", even on less than perfect road conditions.

koho955

The 07 MDX is a very rough and bumpy ride overall. They call it sporty but I call it "bumpy"

scottm123

"Dropped the MDX off last Thursday and picked up Friday evening.
The subwoofer no longer causes vibrations on the interior or exterior panels.

They removed the interior panel, installed an audio pad designed for these issues and wrapped the wiring harness as well.
Stereo now sounds better than ever.
Problem solved."

***UPDATE***

Problem Not Solved!!!
(Reminder - 06 MDX Touring)

The sub is rattling again and now, there is also something lose in that panel back there.
I hear it sliding and thumping around when braking and going around corners.
It's driving me nuts! :sick:

I called and talked to Acura again.
They have since had other MDXs come in with this same sub woofer rattle complaint.

They have found some vent near/in the rear bumper causing the noise and now know of a solution.
I'll believe that when I see it. (or should I say, hear it)

As for the new noise, most likely their last solution coming loose... ugh.

Dropping it off on Jan 8, will keep ya's posted!

varmint

Honestly, I've never checked. Both packages list the tires as P235/65R17 with all-season rubber. Both use the same alloy rims.

Same size tire + same rims = probably same tires.

The only tires mentioned in the press kit are supposed to be "specifically designed" for the MDX.

scottm123

They're not the same tires

The Touring comes with Michelins, the Base model does not.
Other than that, I believe the are the same.

BobsGT235

MDX a sportscar? Now that's funny.