Key Fob Battery Change

After a few years of daily use, the battery inside the key fob remote control for the keyless entry system of your first generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX (Base or Touring trim level) Acura MDX SUV can become weak or stop working entirely.

Check out my DIY tutorial for changing the dead battery by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left side of this paragraph.

Map Light Bulbs Change

If you need to change a burnt out map light bulb in the overhead console of your Acura MDX (or upgrade them both to brighter LED units), take a look at my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part number) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Vanity Mirror Light Bulbs

If you need to change a burnt out vanity mirror light bulb located in the sun visor of your Acura MDX, please take a look at my DIY directions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Rear A/C Filter Screen

If the rear air conditioning unit for the vents pointing at the back seat passengers in your Acura MDX has been sounding strange or making a rattling or screeching noise, you might need to clean the blower fan motor and/or the metal filter screen that covers it.

Check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left side of this paragraph.

Rear A/C Transistor

If the rear air conditioning system for the back seat passengers in your first generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006) Acura MDX (or Honda Pilot) has suddenly stopped working, you probably need to replace the blower motor's power transistor (also known as the "thermal resistor" unit).

To view my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) click on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Hood Lift Supports

If the original OEM hood lift supports (also known as the "struts" or "shocks") have become weak or won't hold up the hood at all, you should replace them to prevent from having the heavy metal hood fall and injure you or others.

Take a look at my DIY directions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

12 Volt Battery Change

If you've been having difficulty starting the 3.5L V6 VTEC engine in your Acura MDX on a cold morning and the original (OEM) 12 volt car battery is a few years old, you probably need to replace it. (You may also need to check for a battery drain from the bluetooth hands free cell phone link or "HFL".)

Check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the OEM group size and the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail on the left.

BlitzSafe AUX Input

If your Acura MDX doesn't have the "RES" (rear entertainment system) and you'd like to add an AUX (auxiliary) audio input, check out my DIY tutorial for installing the Blitz Safe HON/AUX DMX V.2X.

I also added a Bluetooth USB adapter for a clean wire free music and phone call streaming solution to the Bose stereo system.

Cabin Air Filter Change

If the air conditioning system in your first generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX base or Touring SUV hasn't been working very well recently or the air coming out of the vents smells musty or moldy, you probably need to clean or change the cabin air filter element in the HVAC blower motor housing.

To view my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers), click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Dome Light Bulbs Change

The 1st generation Acura MDX is equipped with two dome lights located above the second row of passenger seats. They are also known as the rear passenger courtesy reading lights.

Check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part number) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Engine Air Filter Change

The engine air filter element for the 3.5 liter V6 VTEC engine in a 1st generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX should be cleaned at every oil change and replaced every 15,000 miles or at least every 2 to 3 years.

Take a look at my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image to the left.

Electrical Fuse Change

The best place to start troubleshooting an electrical problem with your Acura MDX is to check for a blown electrical fuse or a faulty relay in the engine bay and interior passenger compartment fuse panels.

To view my DIY tutorial for the procedure, click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Tailgate Door Bulbs

The 1st generation Acura MDX is equipped with a cargo area light attached to the interior of the tailgate door panel which has two bulbs.

If you need to replace either bulb or upgrade them both to brighter LED units, click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Tail Light Bulbs Change

The tail light housings of a first generation Acura MDX contain two brake light bulbs, a rear turn signal bulb and the reverse or "back up" light bulb.

Check out my DIY directions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

3rd Brake Light Bulbs

The 1st generation Acura MDX is equipped with two high mount third brake light bulbs located in a housing at the top of the rear windshield window on the tailgate cargo area door.

Take a look at my DIY tutorial for changing a burnt out 3rd brake light bulb (with the compatible replacement part number) by clicking on the text link or thumbnail picture.

Headlight Bulbs Change

The headlight assemblies of a first generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX contain the low beam (also known as the "dip" or "dipped" beam), high beam, front turn signal indicator and front side marker light bulbs.

To view my DIY instructions for changing a burnt out headlight bulb, with the compatible replacement part numbers, click on the blue text link or the thumbnail image on the left.

Fog Light Bulbs Change

If you need to change a burnt out fog light in the housing attached to the front bumper cover of your Acura MDX, check out my DIY directions (with the compatible replacement part number) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

License Plate Light Bulbs

If you need to change a burnt out license plate light bulb in the tailgate cargo area door of your 1st generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX (or upgrade them both to brighter LED units), check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image to the left.

Rear Wiper Blade Change

If you've been having difficulty seeing out of the back windshield of your Acura MDX during a rain or snow storm, you probably need to change the rubber insert in the rear wiper blade assembly.

To view my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the OEM blade size in inches and the compatible replacement part numbers), click on the text link or thumbnail image.

Rear Wiper Arm Change

If the rear wiper arm and blade assembly on your Acura MDX is broken or the metal spring is too weak to keep the rubber blade against the window, you should replace the entire assembly.

Check out my DIY tutorial for removing the wiper arm assembly from the tailgate door (with the replacement part number) by clicking on the text link or thumbnail image.

Windshield Wiper Blades

If you've been having difficulty seeing out of the front windshield window of your Acura MDX during a rain or snow storm, you probably need to change the front wiper blades.

Take a look at my do-it-yourself steps for the procedure (with the OEM blade sizes in inches and the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Headliner Cargo Light

The Acura MDX is equipped with a cargo area light in the housing attached to the headliner near the tailgate door.

Check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part number) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

PCV Valve Change

If you've been noticing a decrease in engine performance, lower fuel economy (MPG) and/or increased oil consumption by the VTEC 3.5L V6 motor in your Acura MDX, you should check and clean or possibly change the positive crankcase ventilation or "PCV" valve.

To view my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) click on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Front Door Panel Removal

If you would like to add some soundproofing material or replace a broken power window motor or regulator in your Acura MDX, you'll first have to take off the plastic interior door panels.

Check out my DIY tutorial for taking off the front plastic interior door panels by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Rear Door Panel Removal

If you would like to also add soundproofing material (such as Dynamat) to the rear doors or fix a rear power window motor, you'll need to take off the rear plastic interior door panels.

Click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left to view the DIY guide.

Courtesy Step Light Bulb

If you need to change a burnt out courtesy step light bulb located in the housing at the bottom of the plastic interior door panel, check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part number) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Footwell Light Bulb

If you need to change a burnt out light bulb in either the driver footwell or the front passenger footwell, check out my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part number) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

MAP Sensor Change

If your Acura MDX has been exhibiting strange behaviors such as a rough idle, loss of power, lower fuel economy (MPG), stalling, surging, detonation (pinging / knocking), hesitation, fouled spark plugs or has failed an emissions (smog) test you may need to replace the MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor.

To view my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on  the left.

Add-A-Circuit Install

If you would like to hard wire (or "hardwire") an automotive accessory such as a dashcam (dash camera), radar detector, a gauge, a GPS unit or a USB 5V power socket for your cell phone, you'll need to install an "Add-A-Circuit" electrical fuse hold (also known as a "Piggyback" fuseholder).

Check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Front Door Speaker

If you would like to upgrade the OEM front door speakers in your 1st generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX, take a look at my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible aftermarket speaker sizes) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Rear Door Speaker

If you would like to change a blown rear door speaker or upgrade the OEM speaker to a better aftermarket unit, check out my DIY directions for the procedure by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Subwoofer Speaker

If you need to change a blown Bose subwoofer speaker in the cargo area panel of your Acura MDX or upgrade it to a better aftermarket unit, check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Twiddler Speaker Change

The 1st generation Acura MDX with the Bose stereo system is equipped with an overhead speaker above the 3rd row of passenger seats in the cargo area. Some people mistakenly believe that this is a "tweeter" speaker when in fact it is a 2.5" full range speaker that is named the Bose "Twiddler".

If you need to change a blown Twiddler, check out my DIY tutorial by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Spark Plugs Change

The iridium tipped OEM spark plugs in a first generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX with the VTEC 3.5 liter V6 engine can last up to 100,000 miles but they should be checked and possibly changed well before that mileage.

Take a look at my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link or thumbnail image.

Rear Diff VTM-4 Change

The Honda VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management) fluid for the rear differential in an Acura MDX with the SH-AWD (Super Handling Automatic All Wheel Drive) system should be changed every 30,000 miles or every 15,000 miles for the "severe" maintenance schedule (frequent towing or off road driving).

Check out my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

EGR Valve Change

Some of the symptoms of a dirty or malfunctioning EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve include poor fuel economy (MPG), loss of power, rough idling, misfires, detonation (knocking / pinging), stalling and hard starting. You may also see a CEL (check engine light) with an error code of P1491 or P0401.

Take a look at my DIY tutorial for cleaning or replacing the EGR valve by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

IAT Sensor Change

Some of the symptoms of a failing or faulty IAT (intake air temperature or "air charge temp") sensor include rough idling, detonation (knocking / pinging), slow starting, lower fuel economy (reduced MPG), lack of power, stalling, surging and a check engine light (CEL) with DTC (error codes) of P0111, P0112, P0113 (Honda error code 10).

Check out my DIY instructions for removing and replacing the IAT by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Throttle Body Cleaning

If the accelerator (gas) pedal in your Acura MDX hasn't been feeling as responsive lately or the car has been idling rough, surging or stalling, you may need to clean the throttle body and plate in the VTEC 3.5L V6 engine.

Take a look at my DIY instructions for the procedure by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Inflate Spare Tire

The "donut" spare tire under the cargo area of your Acura MDX should be checked at least once a year to make it is properly inflated and hasn't suffered any damage from road debris.

The tire may also need to be replaced after about six to ten years, depending on your climate, to ensure that it can safely used in an emergency situation.

Power Steering Fluid

To help alleviate a problem with my power steering pulsating with a subtle "On / Off" feeling in slow speed turns and a slow power steering rack leak, I flushed out the old P/S fluid and refilled with some "Stop Leak" fluid and Honda PS fluid.

Check out my DIY power steering fluid change guide by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

V6 Engine Oil Change

The best way to keep your 1st generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX running reliably for many years is to regularly change the motor oil and replace the oil filter on the Honda 3.5 liter V6 VTEC (J35A3 or J35A5) engine.

To view my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement filter part numbers, oil capacity specification and torque values), click on the text link or picture.

Transfer Case Gear Oil

The gear oil in the transfer case for the SH-AWD (super handling all wheel drive) transmission should be changed at 45,000 miles the first time and then every 30,000 miles from then on.

Take a look at my DIY instructions for the procedure (with the compatible gear oil and replacement washer part numbers) by clicking on the text link or thumbnail picture.

Serpentine Belt Change

If you've been hearing a chirping or squealing sound coming from the engine bay of your Acura MDX, you may need to replace the serpentine accessory belt, a pulley or the belt tensioner assembly.

Check out my DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement belt part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Alternator Change

If the battery warning light has lit up on your gauge cluster and the 12V battery is relatively new, the chances are very good that your alternator (also known as the "generator") in your Acura MDX is failing.

Check out my DIY directions for testing the alternator and replacing it (with the replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link or thumbnail image.

Front Brake Pads Change

If you've been hearing a grinding, scraping, squealing or screeching sound coming from the front of your 3rd generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006) Acura MDX when you step on the brake pedal, you probably need to change the front brake pads.

To view my DIY steps for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Brake Line Bleeding

If the brake pedal in your MDX has been feeling spongy or soft, you probably need to flush out the old brake fluid from the system to remove any moisture or air bubbles.

Take a look at my easy one-person brake line bleeding tutorial by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Rear Brake Pads Change

The rear disc brake pads on an Acura MDX tend to last twice as long as the front pads or anywhere from 60,000 to over 100,000 miles depending on your unique driving conditions.

Check out my DIY directions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link above or the thumbnail picture on the left.

Coolant Drain & Refill

The service interval specification in the owner's manual for the engine coolant is to change it at 120,000 miles (or 10 years) and then every 60,000 miles (or 5 years) after that.

To view the DIY instructions for draining the coolant from the radiator and engine block before re-filling it, click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Transmission Fluid

The maintenance schedule in the owner's manual specifies that the automatic transmission fluid or "ATF" should be first changed at 45,000 miles and then every 30,000 miles after that.

Our 2006 MDX has 182,793 miles on the odometer and the transmission fluid was last changed at an Acura dealership for the previous owner at 140,489 miles. Check out the DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the drain bolt and fill plug washer part numbers) by clicking on the text link or thumbnail image.

Tensioner Change

If you've been hearing a jingling, chirping, grinding, tapping or rattling sound coming from the engine bay of your MDX, you might need to replace the auto tensioner unit for the serpentine accessory belt. It could also just be a worn out bearing in the idler pulley or the tensioner pulley. To view the DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the part numbers), click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.

Front Pads & Rotors

If you've been feeling shaking, shuddering or vibrating from the front end of your MDX when you step on the brake pedal, the old rotors are probably warped and should be replaced.

To view the DIY directions for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers), click on the text link above or the thumbnail image on the left.