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You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine’s starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.


You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter motor sounds like it is spinning faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.


Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound, a series of clicks, or nothing at all.


Check these things:


Check the transmission interlock. The transmission must be in Park or neutral or the starter will not operate.


Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. Turn on the headlights, and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or do not come on at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting


on page


432


Turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position. If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. See Emergency Towing


on page


446


If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connec- tions (see page then try jump starting the vehicle from a booster battery (see page 432


). You can


421


).


The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor’s speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, but the engine does not run.


Are you using a properly coded key? An improperly coded key will cause the immobilizer system indicator in the instrument panel to blink rapidly (see page ).


70


CONTINUED


431


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:20:54 31STX610 0437 


If the Engine Won(cid:146)t Start, Jump Starting


Jump Starting Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.


A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.


Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.


You cannot start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it.


ToJumpStartYourVehicle: 1.


Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.


If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.


2.


Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, climate control, audio system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in neutral or Park, and set the parking brake.


Are you using the proper starting Starting the procedure? Refer to Engine 339


on page


Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the warning indicator may not be working.


There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page


440


).


If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page


Emergency 446


432


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:21:02 31STX610 0438 


Jump Starting


5.


6.


7.


If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.


Start your vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.


Once the vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, and then from the booster battery.


Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.


433


4.



Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.


BOOSTER BATTERY


The numbers in the illustration show you the order to connect the jumper cables.


3.



Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( ) terminal on your vehicle’s battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( terminal on the booster battery.



2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:21:09 31STX610 0439 


If the Engine Overheats


The pointer of your vehicle’s temperature gauge should stay in the midrange under most conditions. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).


If the vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.


Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to the engine.


434


Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.


Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.


1.


2.


3.


Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off the all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning indicators.


If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.


If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:21:18 31STX610 0440 


4.


If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.


5.


6.


7.


Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you Emergency continue driving (see Towing ). 446


on page


If you do not find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark.


If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera- ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator.


Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.


Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.


8.


Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.


If the Engine Overheats


9.


Start the engine and set the climate control to AUTO at ‘‘Hi.’’ Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.


10.


Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see Towing on page


Emergency 446


).


11.


If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.


435


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:21:28 31STX610 0441 


Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator


1.


2.


3.


4.


Low Oil Pressure Indicator


This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible, and you should take immediate action.


You will also see a ‘‘CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on the multi-information display when this indicator comes on.


Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.


436


Safely pull off the road, and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.


Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.


326


If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page


393


).


Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go out within 10 seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving (see 446


Emergency Towing ).


on page


Charging System Indicator


If the charging system indicator comes on brightly when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged.


You will also see a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information display (see page


81


).


Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.


Go to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:21:36 31STX610 0442 


If this indicator comes on while driving, it means one


of the engine’s emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.


If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least once. Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it can take several days of normal driving.


If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may turn off as you continue driving, have your vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as possible.


If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties.


You will also see a ‘‘CHECK EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-information display (see page


81


).


Readiness Code Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure


Malfunction Indicator Lamp


these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.


If the battery in your vehicle has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes may be erased. It takes several days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.


To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, without starting the engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for an emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Emissions Testing Refer to more information (see page


for 463


).


437


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:21:44 31STX610 0443 


Brake System Indicator


If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.


However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system’s dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.


You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’ message on the multi- information display (see page 81


).


Slow down by shifting to a lower gear, and pull to the side of the road when it is safe. Because of the long distance needed to stop, it is hazardous to drive the vehicle. You should have it towed, and repaired as soon as possible (see Towing 446


Emergency ).


on page


If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.


If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator come on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.


U.S.


Canada


The brake system indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, and as a reminder to check the parking brake. It will stay on if you do not fully release the parking brake.


If the brake system indicator comes on while driving, the brake fluid level is probably low. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page


401


).


You will also see a ‘‘LOW BRAKE FLUID’’ message on the multi- information display (see page


81


).


438


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:21:53 31STX610 0444 


INTERIOR


LID


REAR


LID


UNDER-HOOD (PRIMARY)


TAB


Fuses


The vehicle’s fuses are located in four fuse boxes.


The rear fuse box is located at the left side of cargo area.


UNDER-HOOD (SECONDARY)


The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side.


To remove the fuse box lid, put your finger in the notch on the lid, pull it toward you, and take it out of its hinges.


The primary under-hood fuse box is located next to the battery. The secondary fuse box is on the passenger’s side.


To open it, push the tabs as shown.


TAB


439


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:00 31STX610 0445 


Fuses


FUSE


BLOWN


BLOWN


444


Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on pages , or the diagram 443
on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that device. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is the cause. Replace any blown fuses, and check if the device works.


, and


445


1.


Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.


2.


Remove the cover from the fuse box.


3.


Check each of the large fuses in the under-hood fuse boxes by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screwdriver.


440


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:07 31STX610 0446 


BLOWN


FUSE PULLER


4.


Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse boxes and rear fuse box, and all the fuses in the interior and rear fuse boxes by pulling out each one with the fuse puller provided in the primary under-hood fuse box.


5.


Look for a burned wire inside the fuse. If it is burned out, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.


Fuses


If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the accessory power socket or radio).


If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.


CONTINUED


441


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:11 31STX610 0447 


If the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the digit code (see page


235


).


Fuses


Replacing a f use with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement f use with the proper rating f or the circuit, install one with a lower rating.


6.


If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem with your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit, and have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.


442


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:18 31STX610 0448 


PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


Fuse Locations


− − − − − −


120 A − − − 30 A 40 A 40 A 40 A



40 A


− −


− 60 A



40 A



60 A


Main fuse Not Used Not Used Not Used Rear Blower Motor ABS VSA Trailer Main Power Seats, Driver’s Position Memory System, Subwoofer Front Heated Seat, TPMS, Moonroof, Driver’s Lumber Support Not Used Fog Lights, Front Blower Motor Headlights, Daytime Running Lights Cooling Fan, Condenser Fan, MG Clutch, Headlight Washer Ignition Switch Main



50 A


− : Canadian model *


− −


50 A 60 A


− −


10
11
12
13
14
15


30 A − 40 A


− − 30 A 30 A 7.5 A 15 A 15 A 20 A 20 A 20 A 20 A


Power Window SH-AWD®, Power Tailgate Open/Closer, Rear ACC Socket, Cargo Area Light, Rear Defroster ECU (PCM) Not Used Audio, Door Lock, Interior Lights Not Used Not Used Active Damper Control Unit Audio Amplifier Rear Entertainment System Hazard Horn, Stop ABS VSA Trailer (Brake) Rear Heated Seat A/C Inverter


443


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:27 31STX610 0449 


Fuse Locations


SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


REAR FUSE BOX


7.5 A 30 A 7.5 A 15 A 15 A 15 A 15 A 40 A 20 A 30 A 30 A 30 A 7.5 A 15 A 15 A 7.5 A


10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
22
: Canadian model


Small Lights (Exterior) Headlight Low Main Cooling Fan Timer IGP IG Coil DBW AFHT Front Blower Motor Fog lights Headlight Washer Condenser Fan Cooling Fan MG Clutch Left Headlight Low Right Headlight Low Small Lights (Interior)




No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


10
11


− − − − 10 A 20 A − 10 A 30 A 30 A 40 A


Not Used Not Used Not Used Not Used Rear ACC Socket Power Tailgate Not Used Cargo Area Light SH-AWD® Rear Defroster Power Tailgate


No. Amps.


Circuits Protected


10 A 10 A


10 A 10 A


Left Daytime Running Light Right Daytime Running Light Left Headlight High Right Headlight High


444


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:38 31STX610 0450 


INTERIOR FUSE BOX


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


No. Amps.


Circuits Protected


Fuse Locations


Auxiliary


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


7.5 A 10 A


10 A 20 A 10 A


TPMS Driver’s Lumber Support Motor Moonroof Front Heated Seats Audio


10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20


21


7.5 A 10 A 20 A 15 A 15 A 30 A 10 A 20 A 20 A 20 A 20 A 20 A 10 A 20 A 7.5 A


7.5 A


Interior Light Interior Light, Moonroof Door Lock ACC Socket IG Coil Windshield Wiper Subwoofer Passenger’s Power Recline Driver’s Power Slide Telescope Steering Wheel Driver’s Power Recline Passenger’s Power Slide Alternator Fuel Pump SH-AWD® , Active Damper Control Unit Gauges


SRS Not Used Left Rear Power Window Right Rear Power Window Passenger’s Power Window Driver’s Power Window Tilt Steering Wheel ABS VSA A/C Headlight Auto Leveling, Rear Wiper, Windshield/ Rear Washer ACC Not Used


22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30


31


32
33


10 A − 20 A 20 A 30 A 30 A 20 A 10 A 10 A


15 A


10 A −


Auxiliary


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


7.5 A 7.5 A


Starter DIAG STS


445


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:46 31STX610 0451 


Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually, Emergency Towing


Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually


LID


If the fuel fill door release button does not work, use the release lever inside the rear fuse box lid in the cargo area.


RELEASE LEVER


To open the fuel fill door, pull the release lever rearward.


446


Emergency Towing If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.


The only way you can safely tow your vehicle is with flat-bed equipment. The operator will load your vehicle on the back of a truck. Any other method of towing will damage the drive system. When you contact the towing agency, inform them a flat-bed is required.


Towing with only two tires on the ground will damage parts of the all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle should be transported on a f lat-bed truck or trailer.


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:52 31STX610 0452 


If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck


Front


COVER


Rear


COVER


If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, or snow, call a towing service to pull it out (see the previous page).


For very short distances, such as freeing the vehicle, you can use the detachable towing hook that mounts on the anchors in the front and rear bumpers.


1.


Remove the cover, put cloth on the edge of the cover and carefully pry with a small flat-tip screwdriver or a metal fingernail file.


The cover is attached to the bumper with a tether.


447


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:22:58 31STX610 0453 


If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck


WHEEL NUT WRENCH


WHEEL NUT WRENCH


Front


TOWING HOOK


Rear


TOWING HOOK


2.


3.


Remove the towing hook and wheel nut wrench placed behind a cover under the cargo area.


Screw the towing hook into the hole, and tighten it with the wheel nut wrench.


448


To avoid damage to your vehicle, use the towing hook f or straight, f lat ground towing only. Do not tow at an angle. The tow hook should not be used to tow the vehicle onto a f lat bed. Do not use it as a tie down.


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:23:02 31STX610 0454 


Technical Information


The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your vehicle and the locations of the identification numbers. It also includes information you should know about your vehicle’s tires and emissions control systems.


Identification Numbers Specifications DOT Tire Quality Grading


................ ................................


(U.S. Vehicles)


.......................... Tire Labeling ................................. Tire Pressure Monitoring System


. 450
. 452


. 454
. 456



(TPMS)


Explanation


Required Federal . 458
............................ Emissions Controls ....................... . 460
.. Three Way Catalytic Converter . 462
........................ . 463
Emissions Testing


449


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:23:06 31STX610 0455 


Identification Numbers


Your vehicle has several identifying numbers located in various places.


The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver’s side. It is also on the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb, and is stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the certification label.


450


VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER


CERTIFICATION LABEL


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:23:10 31STX610 0456 


The engine number is stamped into the engine block. It is on the front.


The transmission number is on a label on top of the transmission.


ENGINE NUMBER


Identification Numbers


AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER


451


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:23:28 31STX610 0457 


Specifications


Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Track


Front Rear


Weights Gross vehicle weight rating


Gross combined weight * rating (GCWR)


190.7 in (4,844 mm) 77.0 in (1,955 mm) 68.2 in (1,733 mm) 108.3 in (2,750 mm) 67.7 in (1,720 mm) 67.5 in (1,715 mm)


See the tire information label atta- ched to the driver’s doorjamb.


10,053 lbs (4,560 kg)



1 :


The GCWR must be reduced 2 percent for every 1,000 feet (305
meters) of elevation.


Air Conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity Lubricant type


Seating Capacities Total Front Second Third


452


HFC-134a (R-134a) −


21.2 22.9 oz (600 650 g)



ND-OIL8


Capacities Fuel tank


Engine coolant Engine oil


Automatic transmission fluid Rear differential fluid Transfer assembly fluid Windshield washer reservoir


Change * Total Change *


Including filter Without filter


Total Change Total


Change Total


Change Total


U.S. vehicles Canadian vehicles


Approx. 21.00 US gal (79.5 ) 1.93 US gal (7.3 ) 2.43 US gal (9.2 )


4.5 US qt (4.3 )


4.2 US qt (4.0 )


5.3 US qt (5.0 ) 3.0 US qt (2.8 ) 8.3 US qt (7.9 )


2.6 US qt (2.5 ) 2.9 US qt (2.7 )


0.4 US qt (0.4 ) 0.4 US qt (0.4 )


4.2 US qt (4.0 ) 6.1 US qt (5.8 )



1 :



2 :


Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity: 0.18 US gal (0.7 ) Excluding the oil remaining in the engine


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:23:56 31STX610 0458 


Lights Headlights


Daytime running light Front side marker lights Front turn signal lights Parking lights Fog light Front foot lights Rear turn signal lights Rear side marker light Backup lights License plate lights Individual map lights


Cargo area light Tailgate light Vanity mirror light Door light


High Low *


Front Rear


12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V


− − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −


(HB3) (D2S) (HB3)


(H11)


60 W 35 W 60 W 3 CP 21 W 3 CP 55 W 3.4 W 21 W 3 CP 18 W 3 CP 5 W 5 W 8 W 5 W 2 W 3.4 W



The low beam headlights are high voltage discharged type. Replacement of a low beam headlight bulb should be performed by your dealer.


Battery Capacity


12 V 12 V


− −


65 AH/5 HR 76 AH/20 HR


Fuses Interior


Rear


Under-hood


Engine Type


Bore x Stroke Displacement Compression ratio Spark plugs


Specifications


See page 445 or the fuse label attached to the inside of the fuse box lid. See page 444 or the fuse label attached to the inside of the fuse box lid. See page 443 and 444 or the fuse box cover.


Water cooled 4-stroke SOHC


VTEC V6 gasoline engine


3.54 x 3.78 in (90.0 x 96.0 mm)


223.5 cu-in (3,664 cm )


11.0 : 1


DENSO: NGK:


SKJ20DR-M11
IZFR6K11


Alignment Toe-in


Camber


Caster


Tires Size


Pressure


Front Rear Front Rear Front


0.00 in (0.0 mm) 0.08 in (2.0 mm)


0°30’ − 0°30’ − 4°12’


Front/Rear Spare Front/Rear Spare


P255/55R18 104H T165/80D17 104M


32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )


453


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:24:05 31STX610 0459 


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)


Treadwear The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one- half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi- tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.


Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.


Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.


The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.


Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:


Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A


All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.


454


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:24:09 31STX610 0460 


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)


Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.


Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.


455


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:24:22 31STX610 0461 


Tire Labeling


The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below.


TIRE LABELING EXAMPLE


(1)


TireSize Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. The following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.


104



Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).



Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).


P255/55R18 104H



Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle).


255



Tire width in millimeters.


55



Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a percentage of its width).



Tire construction code (R indicates radial).


18



Rim diameter in inches.


TireIdentificationNumber(TIN) The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.


DOT B97R FW6X 2202


DOT



This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.


B97R



Manufacturer’s identification mark.


(1)


(4)


(3)


(2)


(1) (2) (3) (4)


Tire Size Tire Identification Number (TIN) Maximum Tire Pressure Maximum Tire Load


456


2008 MDX 07/07/09 10:24:30 31STX610 0462 


FW6X


− Tire type code.


2202



Date of manufacture. Year Week


MaximumTirePressure Max Press



The maximum air pressure the tire can hold.


MaximumTireLoad Max Load



The maximum load the tire can carry at maximum air pressure.


Tire Labeling


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