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2001-2006 MDX FAQ Thread

334K views 262 replies 131 participants last post by  amites 
#1 ·
*LEAVE A COMMENT OR DIE*

Welcome to the unofficial resource center for Acura MDX enthusiasts!


Since we have alot of great info here on this forum, why not put it in a centralized location here in the FAQ section. This is specifically for the 1st generation MDX(2001-2006).


If you guys have any threads that are of great interest or information please post them and I'll add them. :cool:


***IF YOU FIND THIS THREAD USEFUL, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.***


Like what you see?
***PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.***

MAINTENANCE

PART NUMBERS
Maintenence Part Numbers

FILTERS
How to replace the pollen filter. Thread #1
How to replace the pollen filter. thread #2

FLUIDS
How to replace oil and oil filter.
How to change transmission fluid.
Trans fluid supplemental info
Trans fluid Fill Plug info
04 Trans Fill/Drain Bolt
How to change coolant.
How to change VTM fluid or rear differential. #1
How to change VTM fluid or rear differential. #2
How to change Power Steering Fluid

SUSPENSION
How to Replace Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint
How to replace tie rods
How to replace struts
How to replace front strut bar bushing endlink
Rattling/Clunking over bumps

BRAKES
How to Change Brake Pads
How to remove bolts that hold the rotor
How to change brake sensor


OTHER
How to change Spark Plugs #1
How to change Spark Plugs #2
EGR Port Cleaning
EGR Valve Replacement
PCV Valve Replacement #1
PCV Valve Replacement #2
Starter Replacement #1
Starter Replacement #2
Starter Replacement #3 (screeching noise)
Timing belt info
How to Change Motor Mounts
TSB about engine mounts
A/F sensor info

Reset Lights
How to reset Maintenence Required Light.
How to Reset SRS light.

Security Codes/Programming
How to Program Keyless Remote
How to Reset Bluetooth PIN and Settings
How to retrieve radio code
How to retrieve radio and navi codes
How to program homelink/garage door opener

Lighting
Headlight bulbs Lows 01-03 9006 04-06 H11 Highs are 9005.
04-06 headlights are projectors with no HID option.
How to change headlight bulbs and fog light bulbs.
How to adjust headlights.
How to Change Led in Seat Warmer Switch
How to Change Cruise control button light.
How to Fog button light.
How to Change Bulb in Gear Selector
How to replace HVAC Bulbs (PICS)
How to replace HVAC Bulbs
Trip Computer Light- Non Nav #1
Trip Computer Light- Non Nav #2
Gauge Leds (01-03)
Interior Leds (radio/trip)
Interior Leds
How to clear headlights.
Rewiring Foglights to stay on with parking lights only Version1
Rewiring Foglights to stay on with parking lights only Version 2
DRL issue
How to fix no tailights after pulling a trailer.


PROBLEMS

A/C
Rear AC fix #1
Rear AC fix #2
Front AC fix
A/C blower motor noise fix
A/C bubbling noise
A/C Clicking Noise
Front air vents blowing cold/rear hot #1
Front air vents blowing cold/rear hot #2
Front air vents blowing cold/rear hot #3
A/C blows warm air unless I turn the temp low.
How to remove rear A/C console trim
A/C suction and Discharge Hose Info
How to replace A/C compressor
Broken Vent Tabs
How-to Remove Air Vents
AC still blows, A/C off

SEATS
How to fix 2nd row seat recline.
How to fix 2nd row seat recline #2
Power Seat Problem 1
Power Seat Problem 2
Heated Seat Fix #1
Heated Seat Fix #2

STEERING WHEEL
How to fix haywire radio steering controls.
Horn Not Working #1
Horn Not Working #2
Steering Wheel Emblem Fading/Peeling 05-06
Cruise control doesnt work
Signal light stuck on

DOORS/ DOOR LOCKS
Auto Up/Down Window Switch Not Working
Hollow Door Sound Fix
How to remove door panels #1
How to remove door panels #2
Door Lock Actuator Replacement #1
Door Lock Actuator Replacement #2
Door Lock Actuator Replacement #3
How to Replace Front Door checker
How to : Ignition Controlled Door Locks
How to : Ignition Controlled Door Locks with a TWIST
How to Replace Mirror Motor(somewhat)
How to change driver side mirror.

***IF YOU FIND THIS THREAD USEFUL, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.***

ENGINE
Noise on Cold Start
Long Cranking in the Morning
Surging Idle (Cleaning Idle Control Valve)
Car shuts off when coming to a stop
Engine Knocking
Chirp from Idler Pulley
Water Passage Leak
P1740 DTC
Fuel fill problem
How to Replace Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
Missing hose near firewall

VTM4/VSA
VTM4 Light On
VTM4 Light - How To Read DTC with no CEL
VTM4 Light/VSA/BRake Light - DTC 54,52,44 Battery/terminal
VTM4 Light - DTC43 - VTM Temp Sensor
VSA kicks on around corners
Brakes pulse around 20mph.

Differential Whine
Stiff shifter Fix
Steering Wheel wobbles at 25mph and up
Blinking D5

AUDIO
Used Front Accesory Socket and now Radio/NAV dont work
CD Player wont eject cds.
Subwoofer Rattle
How to install BlitzSafe(AUX)/How to Remove radio Thread #1
How to install BlitzSafe(AUX)/How to Remove radio Thread #2
How to install BlitzSafe(AUX)(EASY METHOD)
How to remove radio
Using 3rd row AUX(RES)to hookup IPOD
How to install an amp.

NAV
Used Front Accesory Socket and now Radio/NAV dont work
Hacking Navi button
Converting Non Nav to Nav.
Navigation drive issues #1
Navigation drive issues #2

DVD
DVD Stuck

MISC
Parrot Bluetooth Install
How to hardwire a Valentine 1


MORE INFORMATION, continued on my Next post!!! Scroll down.
 
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#3 ·
PART 2
CONTINUATION OF THE 2001-2006 MDX FAQ

TAILGATE
Tailgate Wont Lock
Tailgate Latch Stiff
Tailgate spoiler install. Thread #1
Tailgate spoiler install. Thread #2
How to replace trunk garnish
Replacing Rear Hatch Lever
How to Replace Hood Struts and Tailgate Struts

TEMP SENSOR
Adjusting Temp/Fuel Range on Non-Nav.
Adjusting Temp/Fuel Range on Nav models
Testing/Replacement of Temp Sensor
How to Replace Outside Temp Sensor / Test Procedure

WIPERS
How to replace front windshield wiper motor
How to replace rear wiper blade. (first 2 posts)
Rear Wiper and Washer Fluid dont work #1
Rear Wiper and Washer Fluid dont work #2

How to Replace Rearview Mirror
Water Leaking on Driver/Passenger side Floor

VSA button doesnt light up.
Steering wheel buttons do not light up.

REFERENCES
How to do a search on the forum
MDX Terms and Abbreviations
PDF Owners Manual
PDF Service Manual Scans
Acura Accessory Install Guides
Online Repair Database
Acura Service Publications
Fuse Locations
Name That Noise Handy Chart
How VTM-4 Works
2005-2006 Touring Specs
2004-2006 Trans/TC Failure Thread
2005-2006 PCM Update regarding Trans/TC Failure
Reading VTM4 Codes
How TPMS works
DTC Search
Info on where to send broken Nav screen/Dvd unit
2005+ Nav screen features
How to use VTM-4 Lock (VIDEO)

MISC
Transmission whine discussion
Motor mount discussion
Snow Chain FAQ
Discussion on Battery Life.
Discussion on Brake Pads
Discussion on Oil Filters
Will 04-06 headlights/taillights fit a 01-03?
Will 2nd gen (07+) wheels fit?


VIN Decoding
All MDX VINs start with 2HNYD18
2HNYD182 = Base
2HNYD184 = Base with Navi (2001-2002 only AFAIK)
2HNYD186 = Touring
2HNYD187 = Touring with RES
2HNYD188 = Touring with Navi
2HNYD189 = Touring with Nav+RES

GALLERY
Pics of custom intake.
Pics of clear headlights #1
Pics of clear headlights #2
Pics of clear headlights #3
MDX's on DUBS(20" rims)
RDX Wheels on MDX #1
RDX Wheels on MDX #2
Tinted Taillights
UHaul Hitch Installed


Everytime I find a good one, I try and add it. IF theres any good ones you want added, please let me know. The search feature hasnt been the best, so I am trying to keep things easy to find. :D
 
#4 ·
Brilliant post! Thanks
 
#10 ·
midnightMDX said:


Arent these TSBS for 07+??? This is a 1st gen 2001-2006 FAQ.

Maybe someone should start an 07+ FAQ. *cough* DJ *cough*
Sorry to confuse, the OP did post 06 on Page 2 of that thread.

Been meaning to compile something of that nature but my 07 has been so worry-free (knock on plood) that laziness has slipped in and this little M3 is taking over my car life. :cool:
 
#19 ·
I've been reading some of the forum messages in the past few days, but I'm kinda stumped when it comes to some of the terminology used. Would you mind adding some of it to the FAQ and define what they do? Some that come to mind are:

RES
BlitzSafe - I found their homepage and I'm guessing they're the company who makes the iPod attachment that comes as an option in some models.
Nav - I know what Nav is because mine comes with it, but others may not. /shrug

... there are more but I can't think of them now.
 
#20 ·
kraze said:
I've been reading some of the forum messages in the past few days, but I'm kinda stumped when it comes to some of the terminology used. Would you mind adding some of it to the FAQ and define what they do? Some that come to mind are:

RES
BlitzSafe - I found their homepage and I'm guessing they're the company who makes the iPod attachment that comes as an option in some models.
Nav - I know what Nav is because mine comes with it, but others may not. /shrug

... there are more but I can't think of them now.
You mean the abbreviations? All you got to do is ask in any of those threads if you are unsure. We're all here to help each other. FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions. These are not.

RES - Rear Entertainment System.
Nav - Navigation
Blitzsafe questions would need to be addressed in those threads if you are unsure as to what it does.
 
#25 ·
Hi there!

Ummm i have an 04 MDX and i got a lot of questions. Can you put in retros for an MDX has anyone atempted that? Also can you install the 05 MDX nav and stereo in the 04 or will the connectors be different? I want to do this because you have the bluetooth and the AUX jack. Lastly has anyone put in an upgraded exhaust in their 04 MDX. What sound would be good something like the FX35?

Thanks!
 
#26 ·
littleazn248 said:
Hi there!

Ummm i have an 04 MDX and i got a lot of questions. Can you put in retros for an MDX has anyone atempted that? Also can you install the 05 MDX nav and stereo in the 04 or will the connectors be different? I want to do this because you have the bluetooth and the AUX jack. Lastly has anyone put in an upgraded exhaust in their 04 MDX. What sound would be good something like the FX35?

Thanks!
This is not the right place for this. This thread is just a resource. Please post this in another thread in the 01-06 section.
Short answers are.. yes.. probably yes with lots of work... yes...
 
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