Owners of other Acura or Honda vehicles such as the RDX, ILX, TLX, RLX, TL, CL, RSX, RL, TSX, ZDX, NSX, Integra, Pilot, Accord, Civic, Fit, Clarity, CR-V, CR-Z, HR-V, Odyssey, Element  and Ridgeline may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The OEM transistor in this 2006 Acura MDX Touring was part number Denso 077800-0870.

A few other compatible replacement transistor assemblies with their part numbers are as follows: Acura 79330-S3V-A51, Honda 79330S3VA51, YXGood 79330-S3V-A51, American Horsepower Presto AHP-79330S3VA51 and ECCPP 79330-S3V-A51.

The only tool needed to remove and replace the rear HVAC system's power transistor is a flathead screwdriver.

Gently pull off the carpeted kick panel located at the bottom of the center console.

There are several metal and plastic retaining clips that need to be released.

Set the access cover aside in a safe place.

Check out my 2001-2006 Acura MDX Rear A/C Blower Motor & Filter Screen Cleaning Guide.

The round brown plastic rear A/C power transistor is located behind the metal filter screen.

It can be accessed through an opening in the silver metal center console frame.

If you look closely, you'll notice that the old transistor is held in place by a grey plastic locking tab.

(Do not turn the transistor in the counterclockwise direction. Many automotive parts and light bulb sockets are removed in the counterclockwise direction and then installed in the clockwise direction, so this procedure is the opposite of the usual automotive DIY steps.)

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part number in this 2006 Acura MDX Touring was a Denso 077800-0870.

(Some MDX or Pilot owners have had luck opening the old transistor, checking it with a multimeter and replacing a thermal fuse inside the unit. It seems like new generic transistors are relatively inexpensive, so I won't be exploring that option.)

I recommend buying the XA 79330-S3V-A51 blower motor transistor since it has excellent reviews on Amazon.

Slide the new transistor straight into the housing with the brown plastic arm pointing down towards the ground.

Rotate the new transistor approximately 1/4 turn in the COUNTERCLOCKWISE direction to secure it in place.

Double check that the new unit is securely in place with the brown plastic arm locked between the two black plastic tabs.

Double check that the power plug is secure.

Line up the metal and plastic retaining clips on the back side of the panel with their slots.

Push on the kick panel to secure it in place.

Replace the floor mat and push the two hooks through their holes near the rear edge to make sure the mat doesn't slide forward, bunch up under the brake and/or accelerator pedal and inhibit your driving.

Be sure to record the transistor change in your SUV's service records.

For more, please check out all of my 2001-2006 Acura MDX DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.