Edmunds Answers questions

Where is the auto headlight sensor located on a 2008 Acura MDX?

barb36jack31 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:27:23 GMT

The sensor is usually on the dash near the windshield. There is a sensor on the dash of my 2007 Acura MDX, but it does not seem to control the automatic headlights. The Techs at my Acura dealership profess not to know where the sensor is located. Help!

I'm told I need 2 new rear control arms on a Acura MDX. Is $621 a reasonable repair cost?

jp28069 — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:22:46 GMT

2002 Acura MDX. Car exhibits alot of shake in control of vehicle. Thought it was an alignment issue, come to fine out I need to replace the 2 rear control arms. Is this the real reason? And, is $621 a reasonable repair cost?

Acura MDX DVD not working properly

patrick99 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:41:22 GMT

I have a six month old 2008 MDX that the DVD will not play sound through the wireless headphones. The Radio in all stations, (AM, FM & XFM), and the CD will play, but not the DVD. The only way that I can get sound from the DVD is only when I have it playing throughout the entire cabin of the vehicle. Any ideas. Thanks in advance.

My '08 Acura MDX loses tire pressure, especially in the winter. Is it normal?

hereal — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:06:17 GMT

Some air pressure is lost, that is shown by TPM monitoring system. When I had the same exact issue with '05 MDX, the dealer claimed that they could not fix it. I do not know if it makes any sense to take the '08 to the dealership.

I have a 2003 Acura MDX, and after I changed the brakes, it started making grinding noise when traveling above 45MPH.

redtiger200878 — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:22:01 GMT

I took to the Acura dealer a few time, and they checked everything and told me that everything is fine. Nothing they can do about the noise. That really get me mad at them.

The noise only come out after 15 min of driving above 45MPH, and it continues until I slow down.

I even tired to pin down the souce of the noise, by shift to N gear, and shut off the engine while my car it travle above 50mph, the sound still there.

And just yesterday, I hear the same noise from a exact model of MDX on the road, and maybe that means someone out there is having the same problem as me.

Please help

Thanks,

Can I tow my 2007 Acura MDX behind an RV utilizing a tow dolly?

kapharms — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:56:16 GMT

I would like to tow my 2007 Acura MDX using a tow dolly. I know that you could tow, pre 2006 MDX's all four wheels down as per the manufacturer.

Had tires on 2001 Acura MDX changed. Immediately afterward, ATM-4 keeps activating and engine revs. Won't turn off.

dlf146 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:17:31 GMT

Had my tires on 2001 MDX changed today. Immediately afterward ATM-4 turns on and engine revs. Only way to turn off is to shut engine off. Shortly after restarting engine, same things occurs. Car doesn't have to be moving. Tires are the same original size and specs. Any thoughts?

What can we do about our Acura MDX's poor radio reception? And don't say trade it in, cause I might!

dmortaz — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:01:41 GMT

Our 2005 Acura MDX has terrible radio reception. AM has constant static and FM stations have static, but we can't get more than 3 stations in Northern California!

Acura MDX lease question

ka2shaz — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:23:07 GMT

I am looking into leasing an Acura MDX for 36 mos. There a special on the Base model for $499 and $2999 due at lease signing. I am not looking for the base model, but I thought that the mothly payments wouldn't be much higher. The dealer is quoting $662 for the car with Tech package and $762 for Tech/Ent packages I don't see how that makes sense. The also quoted me a sale price of $42,399 with the Tech and Entertainment package, which I thought was a good price. How come it doesn't translate into the lease payments? I should probably mention that I have never leased a car before and I don't know too much about leasing. Thank you!

Bought Acura MDX on 4/31 at 4.9% and rate dropped to 2.9% - can I do anything?

jhogan41 — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:53:17 GMT

Bought a new MDX on Wednesday (4/31) at 4.9 for 60 months. Now I see that they dropped to 2.9. Is there anything I can do?? Am very frustrated - with dealer and myself... KNow I should have waited. Actually changed length of loan because payment was high - now could have got the shorter term I wanted for a similar price. Any ideas? Calls into the dealer and waiting to hear back...

The screen for the trip computer is blank after putting in a new battery. Acura MDX. Any ideas?

chewster — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:04:37 GMT

I put in a new battery in my 2002 Acura MDX. Everything works except the trip computer - no navigation system. The screen is blank. The radio works, the heater and air conditioner works. I checked the fuses and they seem OK. Any ideas?

Acura MDX 2004 - rear view camera stopped working.

hnikdel — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:16:59 GMT

The rear view camera on my 2004 stop working. When put the car in reverse, the screen goes blank. The nav system and other screen menu options work ok. Any idea how to trouble shoot this. My acura reference manual shows the location of the rear view camera control unit. How do I know that the control unit is bad?

Thanks

Acura MDX 2006. Scheduled dealer maintenance vs. Jiffy Lube or other non-dealer shops?

seif — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:38:36 GMT

I have a 2006 MDX. It is exactly 2 years old and has 13.5K miles on it. I have never done the Acura 7500 mile maintenance and now I am coming up on the 15K. I have done oil changes at Jiffy Lube-type places every 3-5K miles. A friend has a 2005 MDX. He says he NEVER brought the car into the dealer for the 7500, 15K etc. services and only did oil changes at non-dealer shops.

I live in NYC so the 15K service is something like $350. I can leave the city and get it done for about $200+. So...my question is: are these 7500, 15K expensive services necessary or will my car (which has not had a single problem) run fine on regular oil changes?

Thanks re Acura MDX 2006 scheduled dealer maintenance.

seif — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:20:20 GMT

you responded to my mdx service question.
thanks for the quick and thorough answer.
much appreciated. sounds like the 15k service
at the cheapest place i can find is the best bet.
any idea if honda does that same service, maybe at a cheaper rate?
i will call around.

On my 2004 Acura MDX, standard fuel used is premium and is it required?

carfactsjcd — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:37:21 GMT

is premium that required fuel for 2004 MDX Acura?

2001 Acura MDX has torque converter problem. I have service history back to 05 stating problem, but Acura could not find. What are my options?

klyons — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:59:20 GMT

Original owner of 2001 MDX. As far back as 04 started asking dealer to fix rumbling noise at low speed approx 35-40mph. Dealer could not find prob. My honda service centr just informed me the torque converter needs to be replaced. Do I have recourse with Acura to fix problem?
Thank you,
KL

The windshield washer on my 2001 Acura MDX just spits a little, no spray. Is this something I can repair myself?

penj — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:26:20 GMT

I removed the hoses from the nozzles and the hoses seem open. I'm thinking that there is not enough pressure or the nozzles are plugged.

Don't know why I am getting only 9 mpg on my '04 Acura MDX. Before this I was getting 16 mpg.

minh06t — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:44:12 GMT

thought that my air filter was bad so i changed that and is still no good

Can you negotiate a closed end lease?

Jeff_dean — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 01:55:13 GMT

my lease on a 2006 Acura MDX is due next month. I am told dealers don't want SUV's on the lot and may bargain on the buyout. Any truth to that? Anyone turn their lease in lately?

2006 Acura MDX lease end negotiation results?

220221 — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:38:25 GMT

Where you able to negotiate with Honda Finance? How did you do?

How do I replace the rear wiper blade on my '05 Acura MDX? No local parts stores sell a replacement. Thanks!

paydaddy — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:50:21 GMT

The rubber blade is worn out; the arm and motor are fine. Local auto parts store says this is a dealer - only issue.

Is it normal for a 2008 Acura MDX with 13K miles to burn 1 quart of oil every 1,900 miles?

mdxdriver2 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:28:09 GMT

My new 2008 MDX with 13K miles has been burning 1 quart of oil every 1,900 miles and this has been confirmed twice by Acura. Acura says, per the owner's manual, burning up to 1qt of oil every 1K miles is acceptable. I say BS! When's the last time you saw someone at a gas station putting oil into a brand new luxery vehicle in between oil changes? Correct me if I'm wrong but I find this completely unacceptable and if Acura does not resolve the issue they've lost a customer who's purchased 3 other Acuras.

03 Acura MDX navigation system restarting itself and freezes at times. Is it the DVD software or the unit? Thanks.

tydowney — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:18:38 GMT

MDX Navigation system restarting itself and freezing.

In how many places does the transmission number appear on the 2002 Acura MDX?

jumpoutkirk — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:44:34 GMT

I recently took my MDX to a dealer with 75000 miles on odometer. They ripped the tag with the tranny # off and placed a sticker at the spot and told me that they replaced my tranny. I had two wheel locks on each wheels and they could not explain to me how they got the wheels off to replace my tranny. I took it in because it wasn't changing properly. They did some repairs but I am sure they did not replace my tranny.

The tranny was as dirty as I bought it there and the locks was at my house as I forget to hand them in when I dropped the truck off and they are not Acura brand wheel locks.

'05 Acura MDX with squeaking brakes due to rust on rear wheel (where the brake pads press against). is this common

5bcooper — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:58:21 GMT

I don't know what the part of the wheel is called but the brake pads obviously press down on it - the two rear are completely rusted. Mechanic says this is why they are squeaking and had no suggestion as to how to prevent the rusting. Any ideas?

2002 Acura MDX transmission replacement.

johningeorgia — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:47:14 GMT

We are the owners of a well maintained Acura MDX with 115,000 miles. In the last six months we have invested approximately 3,500 in maintenance, including the 100,000 check up. We had a regular check up a week ago and started noticing transmission problems after it was returned. Today our dealer has told us that we have to replace the transmission for $4,500!

We went on-line to research transmission issues and discovered that there was a recall of the transmission of this model in 2004. We never received this notice. Do we have any recourse? This amount seems extremely high. Any advice for navigating this issue is appreciated.

I have a 2003 Acura MDX. All of a sudden, I can lock the doors with the remote(s), but I can't unlock them.

mimi17 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:30:34 GMT

The remote will lock the doors, but not unlock them.

The 2005 Acura MDX I want to buy has covered over 138,000 miles. Is this a good or bad sign?

jk05mdx — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:36:22 GMT

I found a 2005 Acura MDX and I was hoping to buy it but my concern is the high mileage of over 138,000 miles. I will like to know if it is advisable to buy such a vehicle. Also I will like to know the potential problem areas I will like experience with such a high mileage vehicle. Thanks.

08 Acadia SLE AWD or 06 MDX Base? What is better - what is real selling price?

mom_in_hdg — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:43:40 GMT

Have found an 08 Acadia SLE AWD with preferred and convenience package for $31,000 including a GM supplier discount. Also found 06 MDX with 18K for 29,999. I am trying to select between the 2. I drive about 37 miles each way to work daily - but have 2 kids in car seats and have my parents visit monthly. Need to haul people and cargo en masse about once a month. Need true price for each vehicle, too so I can negotiate wisely.

I just bought a used 2001 Acura MDX. I'm using gear 5. I'm not sure is that the right one. I need more info on this car. thanks

lizette1 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:44:54 GMT

is gear 5 on mdx right one to drive on city limit

HELP: fully loaded 2004 Acura MDX with 30k mileage. How much should I pay for a private party sale?

oraclesamy — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:45:06 GMT

2004 MDX with RES & Navigation , side steps , touring pkg , spoiler

2005 Acura MDX - too good to be true?

wilsongk — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:21:49 GMT

Hello All:

Found a 2005 MDX touring with nav & RES w/ 38K miles. Dealer (toyota dealer) asking $23,900. Looks and drives great, but missing the nav disc. Is there anything else I should look at before making offer?

Thanks
KW

2005 Acura MDX key and remote entry unit.

wilsongk — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 13:07:51 GMT

Just bought a 2005 MDX and it only had one key and remote entry unit. Obviously Acura charges an arm and leg to buy and program. Does anyone have ideas on where to buy and how to program remote entry unit???

Thanks for the help.

2008 Acura MDX Electric folding mirrors?

hemorse — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:27:18 GMT

Does anyone know of a source where I can have my side mirrors replaced or made to fold in electrinically for a 2008 MDX? I live in Florida. Thanks?

Hi all. Just leased an Acura MDX with Tech package tonight. $2500.00 down, 42 month lease, $555.00 a month for 12K. Good?

quinn05 — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:57:02 GMT

Hi:

Just wondering if I got a decent deal. Just leased an 08 MDX,Tech Pack, Roof Rails. Put $2500 out of pocket, paying $555.00 a month. 12K miles a year. Good Deal? I guess it really doesn't matter since I signed on the dotted line already, but want to know.

Thanks!!!

2008 Acura MDX vibration in the middle row center seat

patrick99 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:36:47 GMT

I have a six month old 2008 Acura MDX Elite (Canadian top end model) that is getting a strong vibration in the middle row center seat. It is so bad that when you a talking while sitting in this seat, you sound like Elmer Fudd. The dealer tried "Road Force" balancing, it just made the vibration much more obvious. The vibration can be felt in the outside seats as well, but due to the padding it is much less. I tried a couple of other 2008 MDXs and there was no vibration. Has anyone heard of this problem. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Acura MDX safety

mcy — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:12:43 GMT

Does the Acura MDX have steel cross members in the doors? None of their literature (print and web) show them??

I have a 2007 Acura MX5 6 speed automatic. How many miles should I be getting on a full tank of gas? Highway? City?

destry — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:35:19 GMT

How many miles per gallon is everyone getting with the 6 speed automatic? Highway? City? Combined? I think I should be getting better gas mileage?

Thanks!

Can you solve this shaking problem with my 2002 Acura MDX?

beeman3 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:19:29 GMT

After driving a hour or so in city traffic,and then stopping, like at a light, and then proceeding on a upgrade, slowly between 15mph and 20mph, the Acura starts to shake like it can't make it but then when I give it more gas, it stops.
I took it in for repair, since they could make this happen, they changed the Transmisson fluid and filter, and said that should fix it, but it didn't
Have any ideas what it might be,
Ron

Can you please compare the cargo space between the 2006 Acura MDX and the 2009 MDX?

atully — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:22:48 GMT

i currently lease a 2006 acura mdx and absolutely love it and the cargo space. it is great to load the car and travel with all the necessities neede to bring my kids back and forth to college and there is a lot! i am concerned with the new design of the 2009 mdx if i will have difficulty fitting everything in the cargo area? i definitely will have the seats folded down but wonder if there is as much room?

What does Tier 1 financing mean? Buying Acura MDX.

thekigga — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:08:12 GMT

Im trying to buy this certified acura mdx and they have a special financing offer for tier one only. what does that actually mean? what does my credit score and such need to be?

My 2008 Acura MDX pulls to the left under acceleration. I am told this is normal (uneven front axle). Is this normal?

75convert — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:01:10 GMT

I purchased the MDX in August having had a 470gx Lexus. While on a trip I found the car pulling to the left on the highway when accelerating. The dealer is telling me this is normal with this vehicle because it had an axel that is uneven. One of the reasons that I but all wheal drive cars is because they do not have torch steer. Is it true that the MDX drives like this? If it is true how come it never comes up in a road test? I have has all wheal drive cars and trucks since 1991 and never had this problem. My other current cars are and Audi 3.2 A4 and a Mercedes-Benz E350 Fourmatic.

2004 Acura MDX with nav. Audio system not working with radio, cd, or nav. Frequency is displayed. Not asking for a code. Any idea?

palooka — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:49:21 GMT

2004 MDX w/nav - audio system just stopped working no matter how high the volume is set. The nav system works fine, the voice volume is set to medium in the set-up screen, but it has no voice, the radio frequency is displayed in AM & FM mode, but there is no sound. The CD track and disc are displayed, but there is no sound.
The radio is not asking for a code and the power has not been removed from the system.

Looking for some direction - any thoughts?

palooka

Looking to buy 02 Acura MDX. What are the common issues with the 02 model?

H_L — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:33:23 GMT

I am planning on buying an 02 MDX, it is priced very reasonably, and is in prime condition for its age. I know that Acura engines are reliable and will run pretty much forever. I just need to know what are the most common issues with the 2002 model and on average what it costs to fix them. I will appreciate any comments/suggestions.

Good price? Best place to buy accessories? Acura MDX.

cooper62 — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:28:45 GMT

I just negotiated on my first new car - base model 2009 MDX - and have a deal at 35330. I'm still not sure if this is a good price or not. Also does anyone know where to get the sharpest pricing on MDX accessories - the dealer would budge on pricing.

I want to lease a Acura MDX. I'd prefer to do a 2 year lease. What is the typical price range for this?

Daeno — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:33:21 GMT

I live in Northern VA. We have a GMC Denali and want to sell it because we don't need the capacity any longer. Winter is a good time to sell - gas prices, and 4WD. I am interested in the Acura MDX, but we want to do a lease option. I am not familiar with this type of plan, but would like to pay cash. What would the price range be for a 24 month lease?

Is it worth purchasing the leased 2006 Acura MDX base line lease coming up in a month. Buyout price is $24k.

suv128 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:05:26 GMT

The value has dropped about $5k. Is it worth purchasing since we do like the car and now shopping for a comparable one in size to lease. Would you recommend purchasing? Seems that most reputable and reliable vehicles are well over $30k. Any recs on other lines...Toyota, Hondas, Kia, Hyundais, etc. We are on a tighter budget now than before. Buy vs. lease again in this economy?

Thanks so much!

Acura MDX to Integra engine swap?

brn17 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:11:12 GMT

Can an Acura MDX 3.5 v-tec engine fit in my Integra and is it worth putting in?

I just purchased a 2005 Acura MDX with 93000 miles on it. The car is running great but any advice from 2005 owners?

skipchaser — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:48:45 GMT

I know you say what, 93000 miles, but funds are an issue, 97 RL went out and needed a car I could afford.

Niello dealer showed me the Car fax report which showed car history. Showed, car had 1 owner, was kept in great shape, was a repossession. Car is running great.

I bought "as is" because of mileage not certified. So any advice from 2005 owners? Should I purchase a warranty or you think if I keep car in good maintenance I will be ok.

Can I buy an Acura MDX at Invoice or less?

jonescharlie — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:14:03 GMT

I want to buy an Acura MDX, can I buy it at Invoice or less?